Tonight, Roxanne Perez’s next opponent is revealed!

The NXT Women’s Championship will be on the line at NXT Battleground: Las Vegas, and Ava Raine is set to tell us all just who it is! Who will The Prodigy face in Sin City?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Mia Yim VS Tatum Paxley; Mia wins and advances to NXT Battleground: Las Vegas.
• Ridge Holland VS Riley Osborne w/ Chase U; Ridge wins.
• The Good Brothers VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe w/ Brinley Reece; The Good Brothers win.
• Lola Vice VS Arianna Grace; Lola wins.
• Dante Chen VS Lexis King; Dante wins.
• NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Kelani Jordan VS Wren Sinclair; Kelani wins and advances to NXT Battleground: Las Vegas.
• Trick Williams & Je’Von Evans VS Gallus; Trick & Je’Von win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Ava Raine is in the ring!

The NXT General Manager opens the show by welcoming us here to NXT, where they have the best Women’s Division in the game. They are constantly pushing the envelope, breaking barriers,, and making history. And speaking of, in just two short weeks, we find out who climbs to the top of a ladder, grabs the belt, and becomes the FIRST-EVER NXT Women’s North American Champion! Four spots have already been secured, the last two are decided tonight. And speaking of tonight, as many already know, we have a very special guest. So at this time, Ava would like to welcome the hip-dropping, show-stopping, chain wearing, hottest hood princess, Sexyy Red!

The fans cheer as Red makes her way out to the ring. Red is star-spangled as she struts her way to the ring. Red twerks real quick before she gets the mic. Ava welcomes and thanks Red for being here. Red thanks Ava, and Ava says Red has been looking forward to this, as have they. Now, Ava is understanding there is a special announcement for Battlegrounds in Las Vegas. Yes, and part one of that is Sexyy Red will be hosting Battleground! Stay tuned! Ava confirms, that’s breaking news right here. But also, as their special guest, Ava would like Red to help with this. Red helps unveil the Women’s North American Championship belt!

The fans cheer for the white strap and red backing. But Tatum Paxley slithers right into the ring! She and Red tug-o-war over the belt! But here comes Michin! The Head Baddie gets Tatum off the belt and fires off forearms! Mia Yim TOSSES Tatum out, Red & Ava get the belt outta the ring, and Mia sends Tatum into barriers! The fans fire up for the HBIC, and she digs her boots into Tatum! Mia then puts Tatum in the ring, and we get this first of the night’s qualifiers going!

NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Mia Yim VS Tatum Paxley!

Mia keeps on Tatum with a TACKLE and fast hands! The fans rally, Tatum kicks Mia away, but Mia runs up to CHOP! Mia whips corner to corner hard, then she storms up to stomp Tatum down. The ref counts, Mia lets off to whip corner to corner again. Tatum sits down in the corner, Mia grins and runs up, but Tatum RAMS into her! Mia grabs at Tatum but Tatum throws body shots. Tatum CLUBS Mia, Mia throws body shots in return. Mia whips Tatum again, runs, but Tatum dodges! Mia gets stuck, Tatum ROCKS her! Tatum stomps a mudhole now but the ref counts. Tatum lets off as fans duel, and she drags Mia up.

Tatum bumps Mia off buckles, then digs her boots in. The ref counts, Tatum lets off, and now Jaida Parker comes out here? Tatum bumps Mia off buckles but fans fire up for Miss Parker. Tatum CLUBS Mia, bumps her off buckles, then grins as she whips corner to corner. Tatum runs up but Mia puts her on the apron. Mia trips Tatum, runs side to side and WRECKS her with a dropkick! Jaida likes that one, too, and Mia builds speed. Mia DIVES and takes out Tatum! The fans fire up and Mia sees Jaida. Mia dares Jaida to do something but Jaida keeps her distance while NXT goes picture in picture.

Mia goes back for Tatum and drags her up. Mia puts Tatum in the ring again, covers, TWO! Mia stays cool as she stays on Tatum with a KICK! Tatum grits her teeth as she stands, but Mia brings her in. Mia drags Tatum down in a facelock, has a cover, TWO as Tatum manages to sit up. Tatum powers her way to her feet but Mia throws knees. Mia keeps on the guillotine but Tatum RAMS her into buckles! And again! Tatum gets free, then hops on to SUSNET BOMB into buckles! Mia writhes and goes to the apron, but Tatum drags her up. Tatum pulls Mia through ropes to then dig her knee into Mia’s back!

The ref counts, Tatum lets go, but then she puts a SLEEPER on! Tatum CLUBS Mia, drags her in and throws her down! Cover, TWO! Mia toughs it out but Tatum clamps on with a chinlock. Tatum makes that a stretch, but Mia endures as she fights up. Tatum HIP DROPS Mia down, then digs her knee in for the chinlock stretch! Mia rises up, spins around and sunset flips! TWO, Tatum runs up but Mia gets under! Mia fires forearms but Tatum DECKS her! Tatum drags Mia up, whips her to a corner, then she runs in to CROSSBODY! Tatum pushes Mia down, slithers over, then covers, TWO! Tatum stays on Mia with a body scissors!

Mia endures the squeeze and pries at the feet. Tatum rolls her to a cover, TWO! Tatum still has the squeeze, rolls Mia the other way, TWO! Mia powers back to cover, TWO! Tatum still holds Mia in the scissors, theN CLUBS her! And CLUBS her again! Mia still endures, NXT returns to single picture, and Mia pushes Tatum back again. TWO as Tatum lets her go. Mia ELBOWS Tatum away! Then BOOTS her! Then BOOTS, but Tatum blocks to ROCK Mia! Tatum whips, Mia ducks ‘n’ dodges then redirects to POUNCE! Both women are down, Jaida is on commentary and is still moderately impressed.

Tatum and Mia both rise, and Mia blocks a shot to give a shot! And again! Mia fires off a flurry, then HEEL KICKS! Tatum wobbles, into the GERMAN SUPLEX! Tatum flounders back up, and Mia fires up! The fans cheer as Mia CHOPS! And HEADBUTTS, HEADBUTTS, and HEADBUTTS! Mia HEADBUTTS until Tatum sits down, then keeps going! The ref counts, Mia goes corner to corner and says Too Sweet! CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO! Tatum is still in this but Mia drags her back up. Mia wrenches, but no Sole Food! Pump handle, LIGHTNING SPIRAL! Cover, TWO!! Mia survives but Tatum drags her right up!

Tatum waistlocks, Mia fights the lift, then Mia fires elbows. Tatum gets under one for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Mia survives, the fans rally up and duel. Jaida says it really doesn’t matter who wins this, she’s still gonna be the history maker. Tatum scuffs Mia, runs, but Mia follows! Tatum goes Matrix, but Mia goes Spider-Woman in the ropes! The fans fire up as the two stare down. Mia and Tatum slither to each other, both with wild grins. Jaida is a little spooked, but Mia says Too Sweet. The two go forehead to forehead, then Tatum pie faces Mia! Mia blocks the kick, but Tatum ducks Mia’s! Pump handle, but Mia rolls Tatum! TWO!!

Tatum gest up, BOOTS the lariat, then SAIDO- NO, Mia slips free! Mia wrenches, and serves up SOLE FOOD! Cover, Mia wins!!

Winner: Mia Yim, by pinfall (advances to NXT Battleground)

Jaida says okay, and now we have five out of six. Will the Head Baddie In Charge make sure Miss Parker and all the women of NXT know who runs this?

Gallus talks backstage.

Joe Coffey tells Markus that he spoke with Ava. Ava is being “difficult,” but she slapped them on the wrist. But now there can only be two of them allowed ringside for tonight’s tag match. Where even is Wolfgang? Markus isn’t sure, but then in walks Meta Four. Lash says here we go. Oro says from Gallus Boys to the Main Man, he needs to know: Why’d they jump Oro’s guy, Noam Dar? What? Oro says he gets why they jumped Ivar, Briggs and Wes Lee, but- But that’s it. Ivar, Briggs and Wes, but also Je’Von and Trick. If Gallus went after them, everyone would know about it. So wait, they’re thinking Gallus went after Dar? That’s a stupid question. They thought better of Meta Four.

The Coffey Brothers head out, and Meta Four is confused. But then if it wasn’t Gallus, it still has to be Trick. Lash says excuse you, Oro. She already said it wasn’t Trick. Oro says there’s no time for this. He’s gonna go find Trick. Lash is the only one standing by Trick on this, is she going to be the only one right about this?

Lola Vice trains backstage.

But Arianna Grace walks in and says as locker room leader, and a leader of women in general, she must ask Lola this. Does she seriously intend on going through another barbaric NXT Underground match? Lola says absolutely. Oh, Lola… Arianna understands in the heat of the moment, after losing to Natty & Karmen, that Latina Heat was red hot. But Shayna is extremely dangerous! A #1 contender tot he tag titles, and a true cage- So is Lola! Little princess, find out how dangerous she is first hand. Arianna lets out an “Oh s*it!” and then hopes no one heard that. Will Arianna learn that Lola’s shirt tells the truth about how her fists don’t lie?

Ridge Holland VS Riley Osborne w/ Chase U!

Yorkshire Grit has been trying to earn Turbo Terry’s trust, but some things might just be impossible. Will Ridge at least earn Riley’s respect in the ring? Or will this end up a #TeachableMoment for everyone?

NXT returns and Ridge makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. Riley and Ridge feel things out, tie up, and Ridge powers Riley to the ropes. The ref counts, Ridge lets off but they stay tied up. Ridge THROWS Riley down, but Riley gets up again! They tie up, Ridge puts Riley on ropes, and Ridge pushes Riley. Riley ROCKS Ridge with a right! Ridge snarls, swings, but Riley dodges to body shot and haymaker! Riley UPPERCUTS, Ridge KNEES low! Riley sputters, Ridge KNEES him again! Thea coaches Riley but Ridge UPPERCUTS Riley down! Riley checks his chin but Ridge hauls him up for a BIG headlock takeover!

Ridge grinds Riley, Riley keeps his shoulders up, and the fans rally. Riley fights to his feet, throws body shots, but Ridge ROCKS him! Ridge CHOPS Riley against ropes, then CHOPS him again! Riley sputters, but he CHOPS back! Ridge CHOPS Riley to a corner, RAMS into him again and again, then hits another takeover. Ridge clamps a chinlock on and he grinds Riley down. Riley endures, fights up, but Ridge wrangles him back down. Riley endures more, fights back up, and he throws body shots and forearms. Ridge swings, Riley dodges, and Riley DROPKICKS! Riley facelocks to grind Ridge down.

Ridge fights up, wrenches out, and short arm LARIATS Riley inside-out! All of Chase U felt that one, but Ridge hauls Riley back up. Ridge whips hard and Riley bounces off buckles. Ridge storms over to Riley, but he does tell Mr. Chase he isn’t sure if he wants to keep going. Chase says they gotta work these issues out, so Ridge gets Riley up,. Ridge fires UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT, then whips hard! Riley bounces off buckles, the fans boo, but Riley kicks from below. Ridge stomps Riley, hauls him up and whips again. Riley goes up and up and WHISPER IN THE WIND! The fans fire up as Riley ENZIGIRIS Ridge!

Ridge falls, Riley runs, and Riley SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Ridge is still in this, and he TACKLES Riley outta the ring! Both men have a rough landing, Chase U checks them both, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Ridge grinds Riley with a chinlock. Riley endures, fights up, but Ridge cranks the hold! Duke coaches Riley, Riley fights up and JAWBREAKERS free! Riley runs up, but into a SLEEPER! Riley gets around, but Ridge CLUBS him down! Ridge drags Riley back up, suplexes, but Riley slips free! Riley rolls Ridge up, TWO! Ridge gets up but Riley DROPKICKS! Riley goes to a corner, climbs up, but Ridge gets to him first! ROCKET LAUNCHER! Ridge runs to SPLASH! And then clinch, OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Riley flounders, Ridge snarls and hurries to cover, TWO! Riley is proving that toughness!

Chase coaches Riley to keep fighting, but Ridge hauls Riley up. Ridge TOSSES Riley out hard, but Riley lands on the apron. Chase coaches Riley but Ridge eggs Riley on. Ridge drags Riley in, pops him up, and runs around, but Riley slips free! SUPERKICK! Ridge goes up and out! The fans fire up as Riley hurries to triangle jump DROPKICK! Ridge is down again, and Riley DIVES into a forearm! Riley tumbles to the floor, Ridge goes for steel steps!? Thea stops him, pleading for him to do this the right way. Fans boo, they want Ridge to unleash his rage! Ridge puts Riley in, but Riley snatches him to a cradle! TWO!!

Ridge runs up, swings, but Riley bobs ‘n’ weaves and fires off shots! Riley whips, Ridge reverses, but Riley LEPAING LARIATS! And UPPERCUTS! And then CALF KICKS! Ridge staggers about, goes to a corner, and Riley runs to UPERCUT! Riley CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! The fans ‘WOO~!” each time, but Ridge DECKS Riley! Riley comes back, runs up, goes up, but Ridge sweeps the legs! REDEEMER DDT!! Cover, Ridge wins!

Winner: Ridge Holland, by pinfall

Chase U gets in to check Riley, even though this was Mr. Chase’s idea for them to fight it out. But Ridge did prove he can do this without crossing the line. Ridge helps Riley up to show him respect, and he even offers a handshake. Riley doesn’t take it? The fans boo, Thea and Chase are surprised by this but Duke seems to stand with Riley. What will it take to squash the beef?

Backstage interview with The Good Brothers.

Kelly Kincaid is with Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows, and notes they are moments away from taking on Edris Enofe & Malik Blade, but she wants to talk the NXT Tag Team Champions, Nathan Frazer & Axiom. The Machine Gun says good, let’s talk about it. Because when it comes to The Good Brothers, they are only getting the silent treatment. Big LG says he and Machine Gun are sick of being ducked, dodged and overlooked by a team that’ve been together for what? Six months? The Good Brothers have a couple title reigns worldwide longer than that. Last week’s beatdown is what you get when you treat The Good Brothers like a couple of Outsiders.

So fair warning to the maxed mook and the quick brother: Until Gallows & Anderson get their title shot, the beatdowns will continue whenever these two want. Anderson calls out Axiom & Frazer, “Do we have your attention now?!” Keep running, or man up. You know where to find them. The Good Brothers head out, will they make their case later tonight? Kelly then hears word of something happening! Cut to the other cameras!

We do cut, and we find ORO is down! Lash & Jakara hurry over, want help, and refs call for medical. Jakara assumes this is Trick, too! Lash knows that’s not the case, but then who IS attacking Meta Four?

The Good Brothers VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe w/ Brinley Reece!

We just heard from The OC, but surely Malik & Edris won’t take being overlooked lightly either. Can Malik & Edris break their run of bad luck by taking down one of the best tag teams in history? Or will one of the best tag teams in history prove they’re worthy of the NXT Tag Team Championships?

The teams sort out and Edris starts against Anderson. Edris is a little busy reassuring Brin he’s okay, but then Anderson kicks him low! Anderson headlocks, Edris powers up and out, then he jukes! Malik tags, Edris RAMS Anderson, then he and Malik hit a DROPKICK BULLDOG COMBO! Cover, TWO! Malik has Anderson in a corner, fires off hands, then Malik whips. Anderson reverses, Malik goes up and over and keeps moving! Tag to Edris, body shot and FLYING AX HANDLE! Edris covers, TWO! Edris keeps close on Anderson with the facelock, tag back to Malik. They wrench and whip, then DOUBLE DROP TOEHOLD!

Malik & Edris somersault and DOUBLE DROPKICK Anderson! Gallows runs up, Malik DROPKICKS him! Edris & Malik high-five, and then Malik gets Anderson up. Brin checks in on Edris and Edris says he’s good, really! But then Anderson shoves Malik into Edris, AND EDRIS FALLS ON BRIN! Edris freaks out, he calls to the refs, but Malik has to fight off Anderson now! The refs hurry to help Brin, Malik fires off on Anderson, but is this only going to mess with Edris’ head worse? We’ll have to wait and see as NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Gallows grinds Malik down with a headlock. Malik endures, the fans rally, but Gallows thrashes him around. Edris is stressed but Malik fights up to his feet. Malik throws body shots, Gallows kicks low! Gallows ROCKS Malik, puts him in the corner, then fires off haymakers! The ref counts, Gallows lets off, and he UPPERCUTS Malik! Tag to Anderson and he brings Malik around to whip back into the corner hard! Anderson drags Malik from the corner, stands him up, and whips him to another corner hard! Malik drops to his knees while Anderson soaks up cheers and jeers. Anderson storms up on Malik, bumps him off buckles, then turns him around for UPPERCUTS!

Anderson tags Gallows, he storms up to stomp Malik, then he reels Malik in for a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Malik is still in this but Gallows clamps on to fishhook the mouth! Gallows makes Malik smile, then drags him up. The fans rally as Malik throws hands, but Gallows HEADBUTTS! Malik JAWBREAKERS! Gallows wobbles, but Anderson distracts Edris with trash talk! Edris misses the chance to tag! Gallows brings Malik around to DECK him! Edris is even more upset, but he coaches Malik. Gallows back suplexes, Malik lands out! Malik dodges Gallows, hot tag to Edris! Edris dodges to rally on the Good Brothers!

The fans rally, Edris DROPKICK FOREARM COMBOS! Edris DROPKICKS Anderson! And he DROPKCIKS Gallows! Edris keeps moving, he SLING-DOGS Gallows! Edris DECKS Anderson, hurries up top, and he MACHO ELBOW FLOPS as Gallows moves! Gallows gets Edris up for the CHOKE SLAM! Tag to Anderson, he BLASTS Malik, and now time for MAGIC KILLER!! Cover, Good Brothers win!

Winners: The Good Brothers, by pinfall

Bad luck or just being in his own head, Edris couldn’t turn this one around. But speaking of, the Good Brothers turn around and get DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICKS! Axiom & Frazer have turned the tables as they fire off on The Good Brothers! They send Anderson out, then they DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE Gallows! The fans fire up with the champs, and Axiom says it doesn’t take a genius to know what the Good Brothers want! Frazer tells the “fraudulent clowns” to listen up! As long as Frazer & Axiom are tag team champions, Gallows & Anderson ain’t getting anywhere near these belts! Yes, Good Brothers are among the greats, but they’re also two of the biggest AS-

Axiom stops Frazer there, and says what he means is that they will see Gallows & Anderson at Battleground! The Good Brothers get their shot, but will they make it count? Or will Frazer & Axiom win big in Las Vegas?

Dante Chen speaks.

“Last week was the greatest night of my life. For over two years, I’ve waited for my opportunity. I’ve watched other superstars get their chance. But instead of being jealous or envious, I’ve always been happy for them and their success. I kept telling myself, ‘Dante, stay ready. One day, it will be you. Your chance.’ A chance to represent my family, my culture, as the first Singaporean WWE Superstar! And the response I received when I walked out, I will remember forever. It’s those members of the NXT Universe who watched me week in and week out on Level Up, give my heart and soul to them.

“But I’m all about discipline and my work ethic. And as much as I’d love to bask in this victory forever, I’m hungry for another, and another, and another. Dante Chen is ready for whatever and whomever is next.”

The locker room cheers Dante on.

Hank ‘n’ Tank are among those who tell Dante to embrace it. He thanks them for the kind words, but Lexis King says this means nothing! Having a party after his fluke win? How pathetic is that?! Even for Dante. But the others tell Lexis shouldn’t wreck Dante’s moment. Lexis says they’re right, Dante should enjoy the moment, because it’s never happening again. Dante will take that bet. And he’ll prove it wasn’t a fluke! Oh, acting all tough in front of his friends, huh? Got balls now? When does Dante want it? Dante says… tonight! The others like that! Lexis says Dante’s 15 minutes of fame are over!

Lexis leaves, but will Dante leave Lexis speechless when it’s 2-0 in favor of the Singapore Warrior?

Trick Williams & Je’Von Evans warm up backstage.

The NXT Champ says check it, Young OG. Trick appreciates Je’Von having his back last week, and Je’Von says c’mon, Trick knows he’s got him. He’s lucky to be standing here. But they’ve got Gallus tonight. Those guys will be on their P’s & Q’s, so Trick & Je’Von better be on their A Game, too. But then in steps Sexyy Red! They say get it, Sexyy! She twerks then shakes hands. That new album dropping, too, “In Sexyy We Trust.” But how is she liking NXT? She loves it. Sweaty bodies and muscles, but hey, she just wants to wish them luck. But Je’Von says hold on. Since they’re all going to Battleground, why not come out with the NXT Champion tonight?

Well, why not? Red says talk about it. Follow her! They all head out, is tonight’s main event gonna get sexy?

Roxanne Perez is here!

The Prodigy brings her NXT Women’s Championship to the ring, and she gets a mic to say, “Can we all just acknowledge the fact that I’m the only woman in the WWE that has actually appreciated this championship from the very beginning? I mean, seriously. From the moment that I won this NXT Women’s Championship in 2.0 to when I finally regained it at the biggest Stand & Deliver of all time, I’ve seen this title jump from waist to waist to waist, and it has been continuously held by women who use it as some sort of vehicle or stepping stone to get to something bigger and better.

“I am the only one who has shown true commitment to this championship.” The fans do cheer that, and Roxie says that if you don’t believe her, she began training at 13, all for this title! No one else can say they’ve been working towards this title for nine YEARS! Roxie never cared about Raw or SmackDown really. All she ever cared about the NXT Women’s Championship! Because to everyone else, this title just represents the future greatness rather than present. And trust her when she says, you’re in the presence of true greatness right now.

“Which is why I find it really, really, really disrespectful that I have to come out here and find out who my Battleground opponent is like this. I mean, c’mon, Ava, where the hell is the respect for the NXT Women’s Championship? As the face of the NXT Women’s Division, the best Women’s Division in all of wrestling, the only thing that me and Ava can actually agree on, I deserve to be treated better. But okay, Ava. You don’t wanna give me the respect I deserve? That’s okay, because I can play that game, too. So who the hell is it gonna be, Ava?!”

Ava makes her entrance back out here to tell Roxie she doesn’t know why Roxie’s made this “Woe is Me” thing when Ava’s never said Roxie is a bad champion. Ava thinks Roxie is great. But it isn’t about being good or bad, but if she’s still even gonna be champ after Battleground. Roxie, you will be defending your NXT Women’s Championship at Battleground against… JORDYNNE GRACE?!? The fans go wild as the Impact- er, TNA Knockouts Champion is here!! The fans fire up and lose their minds as Grace gets in the ring with Roxie! Grace smiles while Roxie scowls, and Grace finally says, “Some of you may remember me from the Rumble earlier this year.”

But if you don’t, let her officially introduce herself. She is THE TNT Knockouts Champion, Jordynne Grace. Now, Roxanne, you’re a great champion. A two-time NXT Women’s Champion, and she’s built her name here in NXT the same as Grace did in TNA. But Grace is curious: whose foundation is stronger? Time to find out. Battleground: Las Vegas, Grace challenges Roxie for the title! And she’s fully prepared to leave Las Vegas a double champion! Roxie is seething, but will she have to learn to lose with Grace?

Eddy Thorpe speaks.

“To most people, fire is a destructive force. Items and memories consumed by the flames, turned to ashes, carried by the wind to oblivion. But to me and my people, the sacred fire is much more. It is a doorway to the spirit world, to connect and communicate with our ancestors. Fire is used for healing. As I sit and I stare into the sacred flames over these past months, asking for guidance and healing, I can finally feel it. In my heart and my spirit, my Buha. The vision is strong, my body is healed, the path is illuminated. I now lead the way, not only for me and my family, but for all indigenous people with a dream.

“Through the cleansing of the fire, Eddie Thorpe has been reborn.” When and where will The Alpha Wolf return to finally go for gold?

Chase U regroups backstage.

Andre Chase says they got it out of their systems, it’s over now. It was a hard fought match, nothing to be ashamed of, but Ridge won fair and square. Is Riley okay? NO! Riley’s been saying it for weeks, Ridge cannot be trusted! Thea asks what the hell he’s talking about. Riley’s the one who didn’t shake Ridge’s hand! Duke speaks up, Chase lets Duke go from here. Duke doesn’t wanna be the bearer of bad news, but… Duke sees what Riley sees. What?! Duke and Riley go off to talk, Thea is freaking out! She has her match with Jazmyn next week, she’s gotta go prepare for that.

Chase finds himself alone as Ridge walks over. Ridge says that was a hell of a scrap. Chase agrees, and Ridge thanks Chase for putting that together. But is everything okay? Chase says yes, it’s fine. One day at a time. Is everything A-OK with Chase U?

Lola Vice VS Arianna Grace!

While she’s going to bring the Underground to NXT Battleground with Shayna Baszler, Lola is in a fighting mood even now. Will the Mayor of Vice City shut the Pageant Queen up? Or will Arianna find a way to survive the Latina Heat?

The bell rings and the two circle. Arianna wants Lola to calm down, and then avoids a haymaker! Arianna hooks Lola for a backslide, ONE! Lola fumes but Arianna wants her to calm down. Then Arianna rolls Lola up! TWO, and Arianna again wants Lola to take this down a notch. She blocks a kick, trips Lola, then jackknifes, TWO! Lola fumes more but Arianna says chill! But then Arianna drops just seeing Lola show punch! Lola then smirks and AX KICKS Arianna on the back! Lola drags Arianna up, UPPERCUTS her, then stalks her to a corner. Arianna elbows back, goes up, but Lola blocks a kick. Ariana KICKS back!

Arianna runs up but into a SOBAT! Lola drags Arianna up, whips her to a corner, then ROCKS her! Lola fires off body shots from all sides, then throws her into buckles! The ref reprimands but Lola soaks up the cheers and jeers. “I’m a Latina~!” HIP ATTACK! Arianna sputters, coughs, and Lola drags her away from ropes! Arianna scrambles, KICKS Lola away, then hurries up to CHOP! Arianna whips, ELBOWS in the corner, then reels Lola in for a snap suplex! Arianna drops an elbow but misses as Lola moves! Arianna hurries to ELBOW Lola at ropes, then whips. Lola reverses to URAKEN!! Cover, Lola wins!

Winner: Lola Vice, by pinfall

It was buenas noches on the 305, and Lola gets a mic. “Shayna Baszler, next Sunday in the Underground, you have one of two options: Either I tap you out, or I knock you out! You choose, B*TCH!!” But wait! The Queen of Spades is here, and she’s rushing the ring! Security intercepts her, the fans are losing their minds! Shayna says she was BORN in the underground! Security also has to stop Lola, but there won’t be any stopping them when it’s finally time to fight! Who will survive going no ropes and no rules in Sin City?

Carlee Bright speaks.

“My entire life has always been ‘Ready~! 5-6-7-8!’ But now all I wanna hear is 1-2-3.” Carlee dedicated herself to the sport of cheerleading, all the way to a Division I scholarship at the University of Minnesota. Flying through the air in front of 70, 80, even 90 THOUSAND people in front of the Golden Gophers was great, but she knew when she graduated that it was her chance to take her skills to another level. From the moment she stepped into the ring, wrestling was her new love. And she is going to bring that same dedication and athleticism to NXT! So WWE Universe, your Ray of Sunshine has officially arrived.

Carlee talks with Natalya, Karmen Petrovic and others backstage.

Natty says Carlee’s first match two weeks ago was so good. Carlee thanks Natty for the huge compliment, and pressure. But Izzi Dame says to stop giving the kids a false sense of hope. They’ll never last in this division. Natty says Izzi has “incredible” manners. Karmen says she’ll handle this. First, Izzi can’t talk to a living legend like that. And second, Karmen will be damned if Izzi comes in with that big negative energy. Oh, Izzi sees what’s going on here. Sword Girl got her first win and now she’s feeling herself. Did she thank Natty for that? Yes, and here’s this! Karmen fires off on Izzi!!

The other ladies rush in to stop this, but clearly tensions are riding high the closer we get to Battleground! Will “Sword Girl” cut down the Leaning Tower of Izzi?

No Quarter Catch Crew works out.

They’re all pumping iron, and Damon Kemp finishes his set to check on Charlie. Is he alright? No, not really. Ever since losing the Heritage Cup, it feels like he lost a piece of himself. He isn’t sure what it is, but Charlie needs to win it back. Demon says it’s alright. He knows how it feels. Does he? Does he? Because Charlie doesn’t wanna have to say this, but he feels the NQCC needs to take a closer look at Tony D and how he runs the family. They need structure, discipline, a chain of command. That is the only way they end up on top! Myles says he wants to face Tony, but Charlie says no. Damon will get The Don. Capiche? Yeah, he’s got this.

No, Charlie wants Damon to say it. Capiche. Capiche? Yes, capiche! Okay, capiche, capiche! Charlie says good, and he heads out. Damon and Myles are confused, mostly because what does “capiche” mean? Is Charlie going a little far obsessing over The D’Angelo Family? Or will he regain the cup before he loses his mind?

The Meta Four is in the medical room.

Oro is checked out, and Jakara is nervous. Lash says she isn’t happy about this either. First Dar, now Oro. Maybe one of the ladies is next. Meta Four is family, so if Trick is behind this- Lash stops Jakara there, but says she will talk with Trick about it. She knows he won’t lie to her, especially after everything they’ve been through. Trick will tell the truth. Good. Jakara leaves it to Lash, will we get to the bottom of NXT’s latest whodunnit?

Dante Chen VS Lexis King!

The Singapore Warrior told The Drama King that they can run it back tonight, and so here we are! Will Dante prove he didn’t just get lucky last week? Or will this be royal redemption for Lexis?

NXT returns as Dante makes his entrance and the fans fire up! The bell rings and King runs in! Dante dodges, fires off haymakers and CHOPS! The fans fire up, King shoves Dante away, but Dante runs to STINGER SPLASH! And then he runs to BOOT! Lexis flounders, the fans fire up, and Dante whips. Lexis reverses, Dante goes up and over, but Lexis SUPERKICKS! Lexis throws down forearms, then stomps Dante. Lexis says he’s not playing, and he KICKS Dante down! Lexis sits Dante up to KICK him in the back! Lexis says Dante doesn’t deserve his fame! He SLAPS Dante, drags him up, and suplexes, but Dante fights it to a cradle! TWO!!

Lexis escapes, but Dante elbows, UPPERCUTS and ROCKS Lexis! Dante fires off more shots, then whips, but Lexis reverses to short arm LARIAT! The fans boo but Lexis gets Dante up to suplex and JACKHAMMER! Cover, TWO! Dante survives and Lexis is upset with the ref! GHOST PIN! DANTE WINS AGAIN!!

Winner: Dante Chen, by pinfall

Not a fluke, just Lexis’ ego! But then he CLOBBERS Dante because he’s a sore loser! The fans boo as Lexis drags Dante to the apron! Lexis CLUBS away on Dante’s chest, then dumps Dante to the floor. Lexis runs to CROWN him! Dante sputters from the blindside shining wizard, but now Lexis pulls up floor mats! Lexis is a MAD king as he drags Dante up, reels him in, and CORONATION on the bare concrete!! The fans boo but Lexis says HE’s the guy! You don’t mess with The King! Did Lexis just make sure Dante’s right back on the shelf? What consequences will there be for what Lexis just did?

Josh Briggs speaks.

While watching footage of his early days in Evolve Wrestling, he asks, “Who is Josh Briggs? Signed to NXT in 2020 and had big dreams of becoming a superstar and breaking out on my own. But my goals were a little too big too early, so I got myself a ‘little brother’ (Brooks Jensen) and then a ‘little sister’ (Fallon Henley). It wasn’t about me, it was about us. And there’s no ‘I’ in team, but there is in ‘win,’ and that’s exactly what we did. We found success, and I thought I found who I was. And then it was time to break away, and find success on my own.

“I got my hand raised a few times. I was betting on myself but when I think about it, what am I betting on? Am I a Man of Mayhem in the ring or in my damn mind? I may not know who Josh Briggs is right now, but best believe, I’m gonna find out.”

Shawn Spears watches and smiles.

But then Kelly Kincaid walks over to talk with him. The Chair Man says it is a shame to see another lost soul in search of himself. Yes, um, but it’s been a few weeks- Spears says he is very troubled by the youth here in NXT. They’re so talented, so impressionable, so… misguided. There are those wandering down a path of uncertainty, and one in particular with great potential, they just don’t have it yet. Spears has been down that path. It can be daunting. So he will help them. He’ll guide these youth to reach that potential! All their concerns, their worries, their problems, and he will be the answer.

The Chair Man heads out, just what is going on in that twisted mind?

The D’Angelo Family talks backstage.

They know the NQCC is still looking for trouble, and they messed with the wrong family. Rizzo says that’s right, and Luca says they can litigate this. But Tony D wants things to settle down. They don’t need to worry about that tag title fiasco, they gotta think big picture on No Quarter Catch Crew. Nothing else gets done until they put this one to bed, because clearly, NQCC will keep coming after them, all over the cup. At first, Tony thought this was a decent cup, but it’s kinda growing on him. For the NQCC, this is like part of them, like a liver or heart. Luca, did you look up the Catch Clause? Yes, he sent in the paperwork, he’ll have it done tonight.

Good, because Tony needs to know everything about it so the Family can use it for their advantage. Rizzo asks if he’s expecting a surprise. Charlie said it’s Damon, but Tony only trusts them as far as he can throw ’em. Stacks says throwing ’em ain’t easy with how sturdy Damon’s belt. They need to take someone for a ride? Tony says nah. They’ll just beat ’em at their own game. Does that mean there’s going to be a D’Angelo Clause to counter the Catch Clause?

NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Kelani Jordan VS Wren Sinclair!

There’s only one spot left, and there’s nothing to it but to do it! Will the Gym Princess or the new kid on the block be the one joining Lash Legend, Sol Ruca, Fallon Henley, Jaida Parker & Mia Yim in Sin City’s six pack challenge?

Fallon is on commentary and says it’s just like how Jaida was just on commentary earlier. If Jaida can, why not her? The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, Wren headlocks for the takeover, but Kelani headscissors. The fans duel as Wren kips free, but then Kelani arm-drags! Wren headscissors, Kelani kips free, and the two reset. The fans cheer, they tie up, and Kelani wrenches to a wristlock. Wren rolls, wrenches, and wristlocks, but Kelani rolls, rolls, handsprings and wrenches back. Kelani wristlocks, Wren rolls, spins, and kicks Kelani down. Wren clamps on with a cording hold and the fans applaud.

Kelani fights up, rolls, spins, and trips Wren to then float for a facelock. Wren fights, rolls free, and has the arm again. Kelani fights up, Wren wristlocks, but Kelani uses the corner to go up and up and ARABIAN PRESS ARM-DRAG! Wren flounders away, but comes back, only for Kelani to DROPKICK! And DROPKICK again! Kelani swings in the ropes, but Wren blocks the arm-drag! Wren drags Kelani up, and hits a FACEBUSTER! Kelani goes to corner, Wren runs up, but Kelani ELBOWS her away! Wren flops out of the ring, and Kelani TORNILLO PLANCHAS! Direct hit and the fans fire up with Kelani!

Kelani puts Wren in the ring, hurries after her, and then runs to SPLASH! But Wren rolls it through! Cover, TWO! Wren drags Kelani up, whips, but Kelani reverses. Wren sunset flips, Kelani bridges to stay up! Kelani then drags Wren into a sunset flip of her own, TWO! Prawn hold from Wren, TWO! Kelani has the sunset again, TWO! Wren stacks, TWO and Kelani has another sunset! TWO! Wren jackknife bridges, TWO but barely! Kelani bridges, spins Wren around and around, but Wren fights the backslide! Wren slips free, swings, but into a spin and hook, OLYMPIC SLAM! Kelani hurries up the corner to SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, Kelani wins!

Winner: Kelani Jordan, by pinfall

Fallon says, “Well, well, well.” But Kelani proved she’s one of a kind with that finish! Will she be the one, the only, the inaugural NXT Women’s North American Champion? Or is that easier said than done given this star-studded field?

Stevie Turner meets with Ava Raine & Robert Stone.

The 4D Superstar would just like to know, what has Jordynne Grace ever done to earn her shot at the NXT Women’s Championship? Because Stevie’s been busting her ass on Level Up just to get noticed, and uh, her “invite” for the combine apparently got lost in the mail. Mr. Stone, Stevie saw he got Dante that opportunity with Lexis King. What about one for Stevie Turner? Stone says relax, and Ava understands the frustrations. Oh, no, Stevie doesn’t think Ava does. See, Stevie still doesn’t know what Jordynne has done to earn- Oh, someone else is here. It’s JORDYNNE! Stevie, right? Nice to meet you.

But she couldn’t help but overhear Stevie asking questions. And to be honest, Jordynne absolutely agrees. Stevie wants a chance to prove herself, and Jordynne wants to show the WWE Universe why she’s TNA Knockout Women’s Champion. So how’s this? Next week, they both get what they want. Stevie shows up, and Jordynne shows everyone what we have to look forward to at Battleground. Ava says great! Everyone’s happy, right? Stevie’s smiling but no, she’s not happy. Will Stevie go from 4D to 2D after running into The Juggernaut?

Backstage interview with Wes Lee.

Kelly Kincaid is with the Cardiac Kid, noting he is on his way to Battleground and the NXT North American Championship. It isn’t how he expected, and Wes says she is right about that. It felt great to get a win last week, but he is very, very upset that he had to share it with Joe Coffey. Completely upset. Kelly asks how he feels about Joe & Gallus not just going after the North American Championship but also THE NXT Championship? Wes says the thing about Gallus, those are three angry Scots making threats all across the roster. Wes saw that fire burning in Joe’s eyes, and he means what he says.

Step one for Gallus is the North American title. The only issue is, they won’t make it to step two, because Wes needs to have the North American title back. Wes would love to make it 1v1, but he’s been in Triple Threats before and still walked out with the title. The only big difference is… Speaking of, Oba Femi walks in. Oba tells Wes that he commends Wes’s bravery. But level of focus aside, the number of men facing Oba doesn’t matter as the outcome remains the same: this title staying with Oba. Wes tells Oba that he has made a career of proving people just like Oba wrong. Wes heads out, but will he survive the odds in Sin City?

Trick Williams & Je’Von Evans w/ Sexyy Red VS Gallus!

There have been a lot of accusations about whodunnit in the case of Noam Dar, but both the NXT Champion and the Gallus Boys made it clear: they take credit for their work! And as we now, Joe & Mark Coffey want it all! Will they get started on step two right here against THE NXT Champion? Or will Trick and the Young OG get so bouncy, they bounce Gallus right out of the title scene?

The teams sort out and Trick starts against Markus. And then Trick CLOBBERS Mark at the bell! Trick stares Joe down, Mark staggers to a corner, and Trick whips. Trick ELBOWS Mark down, storms up on him, and headlocks. Mark powers up to throw body shots, then powers out. But Trick sends Mark away, follows, and runs Mark over! The fans cheer for Trick as he scoops and SLAMS Mark! Trick makes sure Joe sees this, and he tags in Evans. Evans circles, but Joe storms in! But Evans is ready, he gets the assist from Trick to FLYING RANA! Joe tumbles away, then Trick & Evans DOUBLE DROPKICK the Coffey Brothers!

The Coffey Brothers bail out, Trick & Evans join Red on the outside to shake out the dreadlocks! The fans fire up for the Young OG and Red says to get ’em! Evans headlocks Mark, but Mark powers out and tags Joe in. They DUMP Evans out hard, then Joe says bye with a GLASGOW SENDOFF into steel steps! Evans bounces off steel but not in a good way, and the Coffey Brothers are all fired up as NXT goes picture in picture.

Joe storms after Evans, telling Booker T and Vic Joseph something. Joe puts Evans in, but Evans throws body shots. Joe fires hands on Evans, whips him to a corner hard, then whisp him back in even harder! Evans staggers into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Joe then goes up, VADER ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Evans toughs it out, but Joe drags him up. Evans throws more body shots, but Joe RAMS into him! Evans rebounds, sunset flips, TWO! Evans and Joe get up, Joe CROSSBODIES! Tag to Mark, and the Coffey Brothers double wrench to pop-up and DOUBLE CHOP! Cover, TWO! Mark stays between Evans and Trick, then DECKS Evans!

Mark stalks Evans, KNEES him down, then drags him back around. Mark scoops to SLAM Evans, covers, TWO! Evans grits his teeth as he crawls, but Mark stomps him down. Mark drags Evans around, SMASHES him off a knee, then drags him back around for a COBRA CLUTCH! Evans endures, reaches out, and Trick coaches him up. Evans fights to his feet, throws body shots, but Mark wrangles him as NXT returns to single picture. The fans boo but Mark grinds Evans in the hold. Evans still endures and fights back up. Mark throws some headbutts, but Evans still raeches out. Evans thrwos body shots but Mark ripcords. Evans ROCKS Mark first!

Evans fire smore shots, but Mark scoops to SLAM! Tag to Joe, he ELBOW DROPS Evans on the back! Then ELBOW DROP on the ribs! Cover, TWO! Joe keeps Evans away from Trick and cravats. Evans endures, throws more body shots, but Joe gives hime knees! But Evans back drops Joe away! The fans fir eup as Evans reaches out, but Joe waistlocks! Joe back supeles, but Evans lands out! Evans LEAPS to hot tag Trick! The fans fire up as Trick rallies on the Coffey Brother! LEG LARIAT! LEG LARIAT! Trick whips, Joe reverses but Trick jumps over Joe to take out Mark! Then Trick FLAPJACKS Joe!

Trick kips up, the fans fire up, and Trick lets the hair down again! Trick has Joe’s arm, cartwheel and clinch, but Mark runs up! So Trick adds him to a DOUBLE BOOKEND! Cover, TWO!! The Coffey Brothers tough it out but Trick stays focused on Joe. Trick fires boxing elbows, then whips. Joe blocks, Trick ROCKS him again! Joe reverses the whip to HEADBUTT! Tag to Mark, the Coffey Brothers DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Markus covers, TWO! Trick survives but Joe is right on him! The ref reprimands but Trick BOOTS Joe! Mark tries, Evans springboards in! Mark dodges but the FLYING CUTTER gets Joe!!

The fans go nuts as Evans gets up, but Mark DECKS him! Trick JUMP NECKBREAKERS Mark! The fans fire up as all four men are down! Red coaches her guys up, Trick rises, and he ROCKS Mark! Mark ROCKS Trick, they go back and forth! The fans rally for Trick but Mark DOUBLE CHOPS! Trick comes back with a EDDY GORDO KICK! Mark dodges the spin kick, but Trick bucks the O’Conner! But then Mark GAMANGIRIS! Cover, TWO! Mark calls to Joe, but Red sees that! Joe goes for the belt, but Red says nope! She and Joe fight over the belt, and she snatches it from Joe! Evans then FLIES over Mark to take out Joe!!

The fans lose their minds and even Red is shocked! TRICK SHOT for Mark! Cover, Trick & Evans win!

Winners: Trick Williams & Je’Von Evans, by pinfall

Huge teamwork from Trick, Evans and Sexyy Red, and the Gallus Boys are not on top! But wait, here comes Lash Legend! Lash goes to the ring with a mic, and Evans gives her space. Red high-fives her girl, and Lash has Trick to herself now. Lash wants Trick to be honest here. Lash needs to know: Was Trick the one who attacked Dar & Oro? Trick takes the mic and says hey, look. Wait, the lights go out!? Who’s doing this!? And then the lights go up, and ETHAN PAGE shoves Trick into Lash?!? ALL EGO IS NOW IN NXT?!?! But wasn’t he only just in All El- Wait, wait, Ethan talks! “Trick. I took out Noam! I took out Oro!”

The fans boo but also lose their minds, because Ethan says, “Whoop that Trick? Yeah, I’m about to!” BOOT WASH in the corner!! The fans are torn between being mad and being excited as Ethan Page picks up the title. Is he going to take over NXT?

My Thoughts:

An awesome NXT to further build Battleground. It seems Sexyy Red is the new NXT music celebrity, and I long for the days of Poppy being awkwardly inserted into the #InDex story. But she got to honor of showing off the NXT Women’s North American Championship belt, and will now have the honor of hosting Battleground. Good segue in that opening segment, though, with Tatum grabbing at the belt and jinxing herself so that now Mia is going on to the ladder match. And a really good match from Kelani VS Wren, and I figured Kelani would win. Clearly Jaida’s aiming for Mia, Fallon is aiming for Kelani, that surely leaves Sol Ruca or Lash Legend to win the title.

Speaking of Lash and Red, good throughline tonight of Oro asking around for who attacked Dar, and then he gets attacked. Seems it wasn’t as much of a fake out as we thought, as Ethan Page is no longer All Elite, he is NXT! Great tag match from Trick & Evans VS Coffey Bros, great win for Trick & Evans, and great way for Ethan to debut. Maybe Dar really wasn’t ready to face Trick, maybe he has a real injury he needs to let heal and this was them writing him off and calling an audible. Trick VS Ethan will be great stuff, but at the same time, I can’t be sure it’ll be for the title because Ethan can’t lose in his debut but it doesn’t feel like the right time for Trick to lose his title.

Good promo from Wes and Oba, with Wes being confident that at the very least, Joe isn’t winning the North American title. I’m inclined to agree, as Joe probably just takes the pin for whoever. Meanwhile, good promos from both NQCC and The D’Angelos. I find it rather interesting that both sides are trying to copy the other, and it’s certainly cornier for Dempsey to think being like a mafia is what NQCC needs. Catch Clause/Freebird Rule is definitely more beneficial to The D’Angelos at this point. I kinda wish Dempsey’s talk of bringing structure to his group means bringing in his dad, William Regal, but it feels like they would’ve already done that the first time Regal returned on screen.

Good promo from Eddy Thorpe to hype his return, I hope he gets in on either of the midcard stories. Very good promos from Dante, and a really good match from Dante VS Lexis. Dante getting the win but Lexis doing serious damage is also good stuff, I look forward to where this goes. Very good promo from Lola and Arianna before their match, and Arianna actually looked good in the match before she lost. Good appearance by Shayna, too, to hype up things more. But them saying “next Sunday/this Sunday” instead of just saying “at Battleground” made me wonder if they prerecorded that segment, not knowing when they were really airing it.

Really good stuff with this Ridge Holland story tonight. Really good match from Ridge VS Riley, and I figured Ridge would win, but I did like the detail that Thea got Ridge to refrain from using weapons. Riley being upset and now Duke siding with Riley is good stuff, too, can’t wait to see how this goes. Briggs had a good promo, Spears also had a good promo to attach himself to that story, we could be getting some really interesting build towards Heatwave in July. And great promo from Good Brothers before a very good match with Malik & Edris. Another loss for Malik & Edris, they might be just one moment away from breaking up. And of course we get Good Brothers VS Axiom & Frazer for the tag titles, that is going to be awesome stuff.

And awesome stuff with the NXT Women’s Championship. Clearly, WWE and TNA are working closer together now, and Jordynne Grace coming in to challenge Roxie is wild. And welcome back, Stevie Turner, was wondering what happened. Of course, now Stevie’s gonna get demolished by Jordynne in the go-home episode. Roxie VS Jordynne will be awesome stuff, and while a double champion Jordynne Grace would be wild, I feel like Roxie uses shenanigans to retain. Maybe Roxie gets to return the favor and goes to TNA to go after the Knockout title, maybe other NXT stars show up there, but either way, this is going to be really cool stuff.

My Score: 8.9/10