Will the Scumbag go Double or Nothing?

Darby Allin told MJF to choose: A Title VS Hair match, or no title match EVER! Will MJF be vain or greedy as we head for Double or Nothing?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• 10 Man Tag: Orange Cassidy, Adam Copeland, Christian Cage & The Young Bucks VS Tommaso Ciampa, David Finlay, Clark Connors & FTR w/ Stokely Hathaway; Cassidy, Cope, Christian & The Bucks win.
• “Speedball” Mike Bailey w/ Kevin Knight VS Westbrook; Bailey wins.
• AEW TNT Championship Open Challenge: Kevin Knight VS Brian Cage; wins and
• Will Ospreay VS Ace Austin; wins.
• Six Woman Tag: Hikaru Shida & The Brawling Birds VS The Triangle of Madness; win.
• AEW World Championship: Darby Allin VS Konosuke Takeshita; wins and

PLAY BY PLAY

MJF arrives backstage.

Renee Paquette is there to bring up tonight’s main event is Darby Allin VS Konosuke Takeshita for the AEW World Championship. If Darby Allin wins, MJF will then have to sign a contract for Title VS Hair at Double or Nothing. Darby has made it clear that if MJF doesn’t sign said contract, Darby will never allow MJF to face him for the title again. We all know how important the title is for MJF, but is MJF willing to put his hair on the line for it? MJF just chuckles and moves on, but he notices the very bald Rick Knox, Bryce Remsburg, and the head of security, David Aponte. And then various bald members of the production staff…

And then even Christopher Daniels & Sonjay Dutt are there! Daniels and Sonjay chuckle before moving on, and then MJF sees John Silver flexing. Brandon Culter, some arena staff, and even Tommaso Ciampa, all bald. Then last but certainly not least, Ricochet! He tells MJF that don’t worry, he’ll look great. Just not as good as Ricochet. AHA~! MJF storms off, will he have no choice but to choose between gold belt and chrome dome?

10 Man Tag: Orange Cassidy, Adam Copeland, Christian Cage & The Young Bucks VS Tommaso Ciampa, David Finlay, Clark Connors & FTR w/ Stokely Hathaway!

While we know the AEW World Tag Team Championship match will be a conglomeration of I Quit Match and New York Street Fight, THE Conglomeration will be waiting on the other side for their own tag title match. And let’s not forget that Matt & Nick Jackson want their own shot at those titles again. With that, can Freshly Squeezed work together with C&C and The Bucks? Or will the Psycho Killer, the Dogs, and the Top Guys all stand tall on the road to Double or Nothing?

The teams sort out and the teams just brawl it out! The fans cheer as The Bucks have The Dogs, Cope is after Ciampa, Christian is after Cash, and Dax brawls with Cassidy! Dax bumps Cassidy off buckles but Cassidy ducks the haymaker to waistlock. The Bucks, Cope & Christian clear everyone else out, then take the brawl outside! Dax ROCKS Cassidy to send him out, and  the fans fire up as Matt fires hands on 100 Proof right by commentary! Ciampa whips Cope but Cope reverses, sending Ciampa into barriers! Cash sends Christian into railing, then CLOBBERS Cassidy! Nick fires hands on Finlay, Cassidy sends Cash into railing!

Cassidy and Dax meet in the ring, Dax ROCKS and CHOPS Cassidy, but Nick sends Finlay into railing! Dax DECKS Cassidy, throws hands on Cope, but Cope fires back! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands! Cope DECKS Dax, and wait, Christian and Cash are brawling in the crowd! Same for Matt and Connors! Finlay CLAWS Nick’s face, Cassidy ROCKS Dax, and Cassidy whips. Dax reverses, Cassidy goes up and out to then SMACK Dax off buckles! Cassidy goes up, Ciampa BOOTS Nick, and Dax trips Cassidy. Dax CHOPS Cassidy, climbs up after him, and goes to the very top! The fans boo but Dax stands Cassidy up, SUPER DUPER PLEX!

Dax then rolls through to suplex again, but Cassidy STUN-DOG MILLIONAIRES! Cassidy runs, tilt-o-whirls, and DDTS! Cassidy kips up, the fans fire up, but Finlay sends Nick into steel steps! #BigStoke grabs Cassidy’s foot, Cash CLOBBERS Cassidy! The fans boo but Dax puts Cassidy in the corner to tag Ciampa. FTR and the Psycho Killer mug Cassidy! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Ciampa stands Cassidy up. Cassidy blocks the chop! And he blocks another chop! The fans cheer but Ciampa kicks low and CHOPS again! The fans boo but Ciampa soaks up that heat. Ciampa drags Cassidy by a leg, turns him over, but Cassidy fights around!

Cassidy kicks and kicks but Ciampa drags him back! Cassidy turns to BOOT Ciampa away! Dax tags in and he CLOBBERS Cassidy! The fans boo but Dax flips them off. Dax whips Cassidy, runs up, but Cassidy dodges! Dax POSTS himself! Both men are down, hot tags to Cash and Nick! Nick rallies on FTR with haymakers, BLASTS Ciampa, but Cash kicks low! FTR whips, DOUBLE HIP- NO, Nick lands out, MEETING OF TEH MINDS! Then DOUBLE WHEEL KICK! The fans fire up as Nick then DROPKICKS Dax out! The Dogs run up, but Nick knuckle locks and CHOPS Finlay! Then Nick jumps over Connors, SUPERKICKS, and he goes for the corner!

Nick goes up, up, and “LUCHA LIBRE~!” FLYING ARM-DRAG RANA COMBO! The fans are thunderous and Nick tags Matt. Nick whips Finlay, Finlay reverses, but Nick goes up and over. Matt SUPERKICKS Finlay! Nick SHINING WIZARDS Connors, adds a GAMANGIRI, then The Bucks DOUBLE BULLDOG with the high-five! The fans fire up again as Matt winds up. Matt WRECKS FTR with a dropkick, then holds the way open, Nick FLIES onto FTR & Ciampa! But Connors back suplexes! Matt lands out, and NORTHERN LIGHTS! Roll through, NORTHERN LIGHTS! The Polar Express is getting going, and Finlay joins the ride! DOUBLE NORTHERN LIGHTS!

The fans are electric and it’s not just the volt green! Time for a SUPERKICK PARTAY~! Wait, Stokely grabs a foot each! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Stoke can’t even trip The Bucks up. The Bucks drag Stoke in! Stoke pleads for mercy, but FTR runs up! The Bucks dodge, mule kick, then SUPERKICK for Dax! SUPERKICK for Cash! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS on The Dogs! Then FTR is sent into The Dogs before DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Ciampa runs up to waistlock but Nick switches. Ciampa BOOTS Matt away, ELBOWS Nick, but Matt dodges, PSYCHO KNEE into Cash! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS for Ciampa!

The fans fire up again, and The Bucks see C&C. They point to Christian, and the fans cheer! Christian steps in, the ref reprimands but Cope argues with the ref. This distraction lets Christian LOW BLOW Cash! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS for Cash! Christian covers, TWO! Cash survives, the fans boo, but Christian rains down fists while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Christian puts Cash in the corner to CHPO, CHOP, and then rain down fists! Christian goes past TEN, maybe to fifteen, then stops. Cash sputters, Stoke talks trash, but Christian grabs Stoke! Cash CLUBS Christian, Ciampa HOTSHOTS the bad arm, and Ciampa hurries to tag in. Ciampa drags Christian around, SLAMS the bad arm off the mat, then SLAMS the arm again! Ciampa POSTS Christian, and Christian falls to the apron. The ref keeps his eyes on the rest of the team so they stay back. Ciampa goes out, and he SWINGS the bad arm into the post! Christian scrambles away, clutching the arm, but Ciampa taunts Cope with a wave.

Ciampa tags Connors, Connors tags Finlay, and The Dogs stomp away on Christian. Finlay clamps onto the bad hand, bends the fingers, then JAMS them into the mat! The ref reprimands but Finlay anchors Christian while he tags in Dax. Dax CHOPS Christian, DECKS him, then taunts Cope and The Bucks. The Bucks rally the fans, Cope coaches Christian up, but Dax brings Christian around. Christian blocks a shot to hit back, but then Dax kicks low! Dynamite returns to single picture as Dax UPPERCUTS Christian back to the corner. Stoke is on commentary suddenly to say Christian tried to steal Stoke’s watch, aka the watch Stoke stole from Christian.

But Christian fires back on Dax and the whole corner! Then he and Dax DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Christian crawls, but we can see Cash and The Dogs sneaking over! They and Ciampa YANK down Cope, Cassidy and The Bucks! The fans boo but Dax drags Christian back to center. Dax kicks and scuffs Christian, then talks trash. But Christian slips around to chicken wing the arms! Dax shoves Christian away, but Christian turns around, NOGGIN KNOCKER! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Cope snarls as he rises up, hot tags to Cope and Connors!

The fans fire up as The Rated R Superstar rallies on everyone! LARIAT for Cash! ELBOW for Dax! Cope TOSSES Finlay out onto Ciampa and Cash! BOOT for Connors! The fans fire up again and Cope goes to a corner. Cope is feeling it, and he aims at Connors. But then Finlay grabs a leg! The fans boo, but Nick SUPERKICKS Finlay! Connors runs up, Nick RAMS him low! Then slingshot FACEBUSTER! And cartwheel ASAI MOONSAULT! COPE-O-SETIC for Connors, TWO! The fans rally as Cope keeps focus on Connors. Cope drags Connors up, whips him to the corner, then Nick runs up! Connors puts Nick out, then he puts Matt out!

But Christian is back, and he coordinates with The Bucks, LARIAT DOUBLE ENZIGIRI on Connors! Then Cassidy somersaults for a “powerful” back elbow! Finlay runs up, Cassidy kicks the legs out! Finlay hits buckles but Ciampa runs up! Christian sends him into Cash, then dragon sleepers Ciampa. Christian sees Dax run up, kicks him low, and gets him in the same hold, DOUBLE REVERSE DDTS! The fans fire up as FTR, Ciampa and Finlay are all in drop zones! “This is Awesome!” as Cassidy, Christian and The Bucks climb the corners. Connors runs up on Cope, but Cope snatches him into a facelock!

Cope acts as air traffic control as he coordinates everyone, QUADRUPLE MACHO ELBOWS before an IMPALER!! Cover, TWO!! Connors survives and the fans can’t believe it! Ciampa and Finlay get up, The Bucks BLAST them, then DIVE! Down they go at ramp side, then Christian and Cassidy bump into each other. The fans cheer “A E DUB! A E DUB!” for making this the opener! Cassidy puts his hands up, but Christian stops him. Christian shakes his head, but then Cassidy makes Christian put his hands in his pockets! The fans fire up as Christian just THROWS Cassidy out onto FTR! Christian then goes up, up, and SUPER CROSSBODIES The Dogs!

Cope calls out a shot, runs, but into a SHATTER MACHINE!! FTR snatches Cope outta nowhere, Connors makes the cover, but Cassidy breaks it! The fans fire up as now FTR has Cassidy surrounded. But Cassidy “unleashes” his kicks! The fans go nuts with every shot, but FTR shoves Cassidy! SHATTER- DOUBLE SUPERKICKS on Cash! Cassidy fights free of Dax, but Dax blocks Nick’s Superkick! Dax sends it into Matt! Nick SUPERKICKS through after all! Finlay clinches, IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER on Nick! Matt feints the kick to DDT! But then Ciampa KNEES Matt down! Christian chicken wings Ciampa, turns him around, KILLSWITCH!

Connors JEEP FLIPS Christian! Connors then stalks Cope while the fans boo. Connors lines up a shot, Cope rises to his feet, Connors runs in! But Cope jumps over Connors’ spear, sending it into Dax! The fans fire up, Stoke freaks out, and The Bucks join Cope in the ring. They TRIPLE SUPERKICK Connors! Cassidy is in, ORANGE PUNCH! SPEAR from Cope!! Cover, C&C Conglomeration Bucks win!

Winners: Orange Cassidy, Adam Copeland, Christian Cage & The Young Bucks, by pinfall

Another star-studded 10 Man Tag, and it was a huge win for all the hungry contenders. Christian doesn’t wanna celebrate, but he does signal that he and Cope will be champions. Will putting their tag team legacy on the line be enough to take the gold? Or will Double or Nothing be the last night that team reeks of awesomeness?

Will Ospreay continues to train with The Death Riders.

They’re outside this time, Claudio Castagnoli playing some wall ball with Marina Shafir and Pac. Daniel Garcia says, “Tonight is the night that we’ve all been waiting for: The Aerial Assassin, Will Ospreay, is cleared and back on Dynamite. And rumor has it, the kid’s been working real hard and he’s got some new tricks up his sleeves. So Young Boy Billy, tonight you gotta show me something, c’mon.” Garcia gets a quick turn in on wall ball while cameras move over. Ospreay is maintaining a neck bridge while Jon Moxley uses Wheeler Yuta as a living dummy to show just how to push and pull and bend and twist on the various chinlocks and headlocks.

Use the right arm to push against the head, then snake in the left arm for the sleeper. Pry and shoot. Moxley asks how Ospreay feels. Ospreay lets off the bridge and says honestly, the best he’s felt in forever. Moxley asks if Ospreay remembers the night he won the Best of the Super Juniors. Yeah, 2019. AKA a lifetime ago. Ospreay was carefree, flew like a bird, for no other reason than that’s just what birds do. So simple back then, chasing that feeling, like no other feeling in the world. Can’t really grab it in your hands for more than a few seconds. The joy of doing it. Then everybody comes in and tries to make it so overcomplicated.

Years pass, life happens, a family starts, responsibilities show up, bad things happen, bad choices catch up to you, and it’s all weight on your shoulders. You feel like you can’t fly. But Moxley will tell you something: Nothing is different. Nothing has changed. All those things are still gonna be there, but you can still fly. You’re just more dangerous now. You’re a bird of prey. So tonight, when you got out there, don’t go out there to protect anything. Not your neck, your image, your reputation, or what you’ve built in your career. Go out there to give something. Moxley checks on Yuta and says dammit, if you’re gonna snap a headlock, snap the headlock!

Moxley storms off to instruct his pupil, but will Ospreay use everything he has been taught to great effect? Or will he have to fold against Ace Austin?

Chris Jericho speaks.

“You wanna face Jericho in a match of my own design, Ricochet? A spectacle so innovative, so imaginative, it cannot be contained, it can only be witnessed. Well, be careful what you demand, because you’ve made a few enemies yourself, Ricochet. And now a match designed specifically to settle scores without any, and I mean AAANY~, limitations has gotten even bigger.” Chris Jericho & The Hurt Syndicate were just looking for two more, but “Jungle” Jack Perry said he can bring four: himself, The Young Bucks, and KENNY OMEGA! Jericho tells Ricochet that this is no longer what he designed, but it is a devil’s dance of destruction! Ricochet’s destruction!

Ricochet got what he wanted, now can he handle it? Bald. The first-ever SEVEN VS SEVEN Stadium Stampede, who will even survive?

Ricochet & The Demand respond.

They stand with Mark Davis of the Don Callis Family and Ricochet says we all know Jericho does a lot of talking out of his ass while The Demand gets things done. Just like Davis did when he defeated Jack for the AEW National Championship at Fairway to Hell. Hold it with pride, Davis, Ricochet knows you’ll do it well. Davis says he’s got this. Ricochet says Davis has joined the dream team, but he’s not the only one. Because compliments to Ricochet’s golfing buddy, Don Callis, look who else he’s sending: Andrade El Idolo! Gracias, amigo. But it doesn’t stop there, the train keeps rolling. Ricochet was just approached by two guys who have an ax to grind with the superkick sidekicks.

These two wanna fill out the last two spots, so who is Ricochet to say no to The Dogs? Finlay & Connors storm in, and Finlay says to put it simple, they will fight The Bucks in the streets, in the ring, but guess it’s fighting at Double or Nothing! If they want violence, if they want carnage, if they want chaos, who better than The Dogs?! The Dogs bark and Liona roars, but will these seven stand tall in the Big Apple?

“Speedball” Mike Bailey w/ Kevin Knight VS BK Westbrook!

JetSpeed has a lot of momentum on their side, and as stated last week at Fairway to Hell, they’re looking to grab up all the gold they can. Will Speedball keep on rolling towards his own golden opportunity? Or will #Supastud prove his own worth?

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two step up. Bailey bows in respect, offers a handshake, but Westbrook goes to roll Bailey up! Bailey stays on his feet, then steps over to sit down on a cover, TWO! Westbrook ducks a Penalty Kick, avoids the moonsault, and the sweep! Bailey dodges, Westbrook tiger feints through the ropes, but Bailey handsprings up and over! The fans fire up as Bailey ducks an elbow to whip. Westbrook goes up, around, but kinda fumbles his tumble. The fans cheer and jeer him for his attempt, but Westbrook blocks the boot! Westbrook FLIPS Bailey, springboards in, but Bailey dodges! TIME ADVENTURE!

Bailey pushes Westbrook down, goes up the corner, and the fans fire up for the ULTIMATE WEAPON! Cover, Bailey wins!

Winner: Mike Bailey, by pinfall

Another fast ‘n’ furious finish, and Bailey’s on a hot streak! But now, the other side of JetSpeed looks to keep it up! But just who is Kevin Knight defending the TNT Championship against? It’s… BRIAN CAGE!? The Machine finally returns to action, and he has the Don Callis Family with him! Will Cage be able to ground Knight and take this title back to the family?

AEW TNT Championship Open Challenge: Kevin Knight w/ “Speedball” Mike Bailey VS Brian Cage w/ The Don Callis Family!

Is NXT ready for war?

Evil has come to NXT, and declared war on Tony D! But will Naraku prove himself worthy of such opportunities with his in-ring debut tonight?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Tatum Paxley & Lizzy Rain VS Zaria & Nikkita Lyons; Tatum & Lizzy win.
• NARAKU VS Lince Dorado; Naraku wins.
• Six Man Tag: Birthright VS Sean Legacy, EK Prosper & Tate Wilder; Birthright wins.
• Noam Dar VS Jackson Drake w/ The Vanity Project; Drake wins.
• Kelani Jordan VS Kendal Grey w/ Wren Sinclair; Lani wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Tatum Paxley & Lizzy Rain VS Zaria & Nikkita Lyons!

#TuesdayAddams knows all three other women, including her own tag partner, want their shot at her NXT Women’s North American Championship, but this fight is about the fight that broke out last week. Will Tatum & Lizzy create some badass music together? Or will the Agent of Change & #BigKatKita prove they’re the queens of the jungle now?

The teams sort out and Zaria insists she start against Lizzy. The fans rally as the two tie up, and Zaria SHOVES Lizzy down. Lizzy is a bit stunned by that strength, but she rushes up to slip around and waistlock. Zaria wrenches to wristlocks, then she double knuckle locks. Zaria RUNS Lizzy over, pushes her to a cover, ONE as Lizzy kips up! Lizzy sticks out her tongue rocker style, but Zaria gives that back. Zaria also HEADBUTTS Lizzy, then whips her to ropes. Lizzy blocks the hip toss to HEADBUTT back, and then step-up RANA! Zaria tumbles, the fans fire up, and Lizzy reels Zaria in. Zaria backdrops but Lizzy sunset flips through, only for Zaria to stay up!

Zaria YANKS Lizzy up, LARIATS her down, then stares Tatum down. Zaria drags Lizzy up, Lyons insists she get a turn, but Zaria says no! But Lizzy ENZIGIRIS Zaria! Hot tag to Tatum! The fans fire up as Tatum JUMP KNEE SMASHES! Cover, TWO! Tatum hurries to facelock but Zaria powers up. Zaria lifts Tatum, THROWS her away, but Tatum dodges! Lyons tags in! The fans rally for “Tatum Tuesdays!” while Zaria snarls at Lyons. Lyons says thanks, now step aside. But Tatum runs up! Lyons puts Tatum on the apron, but Tatum avoids the ram to step-up ENZIGIRI! Tatum hurries in, swings and ghost pins, TWO!

Lyons ROCKS Tatum, reels her in and scoops for a SLAM! Lyons is annoyed by the fans singing the Addams Family theme and tells them to shut up! Lyons steps on Tatum, taunts Lizzy from afar, then HIP- NO, Tatum avoids the drop! Tatum goes around the outside, Zaria tags in, but so does Lizzy! Lyons and Zaria are too busy arguing to know, and Zaria takes DOUBLE DROPKICKKS from Lizzy & Tatum! They dodge Lyons to DOUBLE LARIAT her up and out! The fans fire up for this goth rock duo as they build speed, DOUBLE WRECKING BALL DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Lizzy & Tatum headbang together, and NXT goes picture in picture.

The ref checks on Lyons after that tumble but she’s alright. Lizzy fetches Zaria, but Zaria RAMS her into the apron! Zaria then runs up but Lizzy ROCKS her first! Lizzy kicks, Zaria blocks, and Zaria ROCKS Lizzy! Zaria then fireman’s carries for a SNAKE EYES off the apron! Zaria pushes Lizzy in, then drags her up. Lizzy fires forearms in return! Zaria mule kicks Lizzy, then runs the ropes. Lizzy dodges, tag to Tatum before the springboard and back elbow! Zaria falls, Tatum runs up, ROLLING AX KICK! Zaria flounders to a corner but Tatum runs in, only for Zaria to catch her! Zaria guzels for the CHOKE- NO, Tatum victory rolls! TWO!

Zaria and Tatum hurry to their feet, they clinch, but Zaria DECKS Tatum! Zaria whips Tatum to ropes, but Lyons is there! Tatum stops short, then dodges Zaria, wheelbarrow and- BACKBREAKER from Zaria! Zaria turns the tables on Tatum, then fires KNEE after KNEE into her ribs. Zaria whips Tatum to a corner, ELBOWS, and LARIATS! Then short arm LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Tatum toughs it out but Zaria drags her up. Lyons insists on a tag, Zaria obliges, and Lyons AX KICKS Tatum down! Lyons clamps onto Tatum with a chinlock and grinds her down. Tatum endures, fires body shots, but Lyons THROWS her down!

Lyons clamps onto Tatum again, and NXT returns to single picture as Tatum fights up. The fans rally but Lyons ripcords Tatum to whip her to a corner. Lyons run sin but Tatum dodges! Lyons hits buckles, staggers, and Tatum ROCKS her! And CHOPS her! And mule kicks! Then she ducks a roundhouse, but not the low kick! Lyons reels Tatum in and underhooks, TIGER DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Tatum survives and the fans fire up! Lyons is frustrated, but she RIPCORD PLEXES Tatum! Tag to Zaria and she runs up, but Tatum BOOTS her! Tatum ELBOWS Lyons, then runs up on Zaria! Zaria catches the crossbody and powers Tatum to a fireman’s carry!

Zaria winds up, F- NO! Tatum lands out! Then she DUMPS Zaria out! The fans fire up as Tatum crawls her way over! Zaria hurries back in, hot tags to Lizzy and Lyons! The fans fire up as Lizzy LARIATS! AND LARIATS! Then she ducks a kick to pump handle and FALL AWAY SLAM! The fans fire up and Lizzy CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! “MAKE IT RAIN!  MAKE IT RAIN!” Lizzy runs to CHOP! Then she goes Matrix to dodge Zaria! CUTTER! The fans fire up with Lizzy and she runs up on Lyons, JUMPING HEADBUTT! Lyons staggers from that headbanger, and Lizzy runs in again! Lyons dodges to ROCK Lizzy! Tatum tags in!

Tatum goes up, up, and MOLLY- NO, Lyons dodges! Tatum dodges back, SUPERKICK! And then CEME- NO, Lyons powers out to SPINNING ROUNDHOUSE!! Both women are down and the fans fire up again! Lyons crawls her way over, but Zaria leaves her hanging! The fans boo as Zaria again only cares about Zaria. And Tatum ROLLING LIGER KICKS Lyons! Tag to Lizzy, and she runs up, THUNDERSTRUCK!! Cover, Lizzy & Tatum win!

Winners: Tatum Paxley & Lizzy Rain, by pinfall

Now that was rock ‘n’ roll! Will Lizzy turn up the volume and climb the charts here in NXT?

Kendal Grey talks with Wren Sinclair backstage.

The Ice Woman isn’t sure why Kelani Jordan went and hurt Wren so badly, but Kendal’s gonna get her back for Wren. Wren says this will also help Kendal get one step closer to THE NXT Women’s Champion. Kendal adds that Wren will be there by her side when she does. Wren thanks Kendal for that, but feels she shouldn’t be out there ringside. Why? Because she doesn’t want to end up a distraction, the #WrenQCC can’t end up like #ZaRuca. Kendal says they won’t, Wren isn’t a distraction. Wren’s why Kendal got here in the first place. Pinkie promise! Lola Vice steps in and says hola to WrenQCC. They say hola, Lola.

Lola heard what Kendal said last week, and thinking about a rematch of the two best crossover athletes in the Women’s Division today, that’s an idea she can get behind. Kendal agrees, and says she can finally show Lola that pure wrestling is better than MMA. After all, their finish at MSG was a bit… open ended. Lola reminds Kendal that she still tapped out. Yes, but Lola was pinned! Wren has them calm down, and wants Kendal to focus on Lani. Right, right. And after Kendal beats the woman who tapped Lola out, Kendal will be seeing Lola for that title. Then bring it, mama. Lola will be watching.

The WrenQCC heads out, but will the former Evolve Women’s Champion make herself the #1 contender? Or will the Standout stand tall in tonight’s main event?

NARAKU VS Lince Dorado!

It was quite the shock when the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion arrived in NXT, and now the King of Darkness looks to dethrone the man who was once The Don. But will the Golden Lynx end up a lamb to the slaughter? Or will he be able to overcome the forces of evil?

The bell rings, the two circle, but Naraku kicks and CLUBS and CLUBS Lince! Naraku wrenches, wristlocks, but Lince rolls, handsprings, only for Naraku to headlock. Lince powers up and out, but Naraku RUNS him over! The fans cheer as Naraku looms over Lince. Naraku stomps Lince, CLUBS away on him, then CLUBS him again! Naraku CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Lince slumps against ropes but Naraku whips. Lince handsprings up and over, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! But Lince goes for the ARMBAR! Naraku hurries to his feet to stack but Lince keeps his shoulders up!

Naraku scrapes his boot off Lince’s masked face again and again and again! Lince finally lets go, and Naraku snarls as he drags Lince up. Naraku snap suplexes Lince into buckles! The fans rally as Naraku stomps Lince around. Naraku CHOPS Lince, CHOPS again, but Lince mule kicks. Naraku CLUBS Lince, whips him, then FLAPJACKS! Lince sputters, but Naraku stands him up, short arm LARIAT! Naraku steps on Lince, toys with him, then CHOPS! Naraku  kicks and scuffs Lince, but Lince CHOPS! Naraku DOUBLE CHOPS in return! Lince flops against ropes but Naraku bumps him off buckles. Naraku scoops Lince to SLAM him down!

Naraku clamps onto Lince for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS, then steps over to trap the arm in a hammerlock, then clamps on a chinlock. Lince endures, fights up, and the fans rally again. Lince fires body shots but Naraku knees low. Naraku scoops, Lince slips free, ENZIGIRI! The fans rally as Lince goes to a corner, then runs up, FLAPJACK DROPKICK! Lince has Naraku floundering and the fans rally up again. Naraku runs up, Lince BOOTS him! Lince fires forearm after forearm, then CHOPS! Lince whips, Naraku reverses. but Lince handsprings! GOLDEN REWIND STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men wobble.

Lince runs up, Naraku BOOTS him, then CLOBBERS him! Naraku hurries to lift and RAM Lince into a corner, then FISHERMAN BUSTER! Naraku hurries to FISHERMAN BUSTER again! The fans rally up as Naraku vows to end it! Naraku clinches, ENTER THE ABYSS! Cover, Naraku wins!

Winner: Naraku, by pinfall

A powerful victory for Naraku, and he talks right to the camera that he is not an honorable man. He is PURE EVIL! Then will darkness fall on NXT as Naraku hunts down Tony D?

Sean Legacy, EK Prosper & Tate Wilder talk backstage.

EK tells them he appreciates them for helping him out with Birthright, putting boots to asses! Sean says it felt so great to be back, and he congratulates Tate on his NXT debut. The Cowboy says thanks, and Sean says if he has one piece of advice from his short time here, it’s that you gotta pick your spot. Oh? Well, that’s what he did last time. Tate’s always a man to jump headfirst into chaos, even if he can’t see where he’s gonna land. And tonight, Birthright better get ready, Tate’s bringing out the wild side! The team is fired up, especially as Dorian Van Dux steps in. DVD welcomes Tate, and says he can’t wait to get back in the ring alongside them.

Sean says he knows how tough it is to come back from injury, both physically and mentally. But does DVD remember that match they had in Belgium a few years ago? DVD says of course he does. Sean says DVD is a beast, he knows he’ll be back stronger than ever. DVD shakes Sean’s hand, and tells them to go kick Birthright’s asses. The team fist bumps and heads out, will the former WWE ID talent’s legacy prosper as things get wilder? Or will Birthright have some tricks up their sleeve to make their fathers proud?

Natalya sits down for her LFG interview.

The Queen of Harts checks if she’s talking to the interviewer or directly to camera. Camera? Okay. The interviewer asks what her favorite part of LFG has been, and she says there have been so many! She’s had a great time on the show. But seeing someone start from the ground up, where they know nothing but then they grow, get reps, get confidence- Wait, Jaida Parker steps in and says they need to talk. Nattie says not while she’s in the middle of something. Miss Parker says she don’t care if it’s her damn birthday, they need to talk. Nattie is calling Jaida soft, right here in her home of NXT, but it is Jaida’s time.

Nattie says she’s trying to film something for a show about rookies. Maybe Jaida should go down to LFG to talk to her. The argument gets tense, security and production step in, and Jaida says that’s fine. She just wanted to talk. Nattie is saying someone is having a bad hair day. Nattie says let’s just start from scratch. Miss Parker don’t play, but will the Queen of Harts make her regret getting on her bad side?

Six Man Tag: Birthright VS Sean Legacy, EK Prosper & Tate Wilder!

NXT returns as the WWE ID graduates make their entrances. The trios sort out and Tate starts against Stacks. They tie up, Tate powers Stacks back but Stacks turns things around in the corner. Stacks shoves Tate, Tate shoves back, then Tate wrenches to hammerlock Stacks. Tate whips, Stacks reverses, but Tate hammerlocks again. Stacks switches the hold onto Tate but Tate jumps up to FLYING MARE! Tate runs, whips Stacks, then dodges to DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Tate covers, TWO! Tate stays on Stacks but Stacks throat chops! Tag to Charlie Dempsey, then Stacks slides under Tate to UPPERCUT! Charlie clamps on a SLEEPER!

Tate snapmares free, kicks and UPPERCUTS, then he brings Charlie around. Tag to Sean, Sean CLUBS Charlie’s arm, then wrenches. Charlie wrenches back, Sean wrenches again, repeat. Sean wristlocks but Charlie rolls, bridges, and slips through to CLUB, CHOP, and UPPERCUT! Charlie wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER, then whips. Sean reverses, drops down and trips Charlie up! Then Sean runs to DOUBLE STOMP! The fans rally as Sean runs to DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Sean brings Charlie around and tags in EK. EK goes up, up, and DOUBLE STOMPS Charlie on the back!

The fans cheer as EK wrenches, but Dempsey UPPERCUTS! Charlie whips EK to a corner, but EK goes up and over, then handsprings away! EK comes back, blocks a kick, and DROPKICKS Charlie! EK then scoops, SLAMS, and TIGER WALL MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! EK hurries to headlock Charlie, but Charlie reaches out with a foot. Uriah Connors tags the foot, but the ref says that doesn’t count! Uriah argues with the ref, but this lets Charlie pull EK’s hair! Charlie KNEES EK down, then properly tags Uriah. Uriah headlocks, EK powers up and out, then drops down to hurdle over. Uriah leaps over EK, dodges, then drops down. Uriah DROPKICKS EK down!

The fans boo but Uriah storms up on EK. EK puts Uriah on the apron but Uriah RAMS low, then trips EK! Slingshot SENTON, and Uriah runs, EK dodges and comes back to RANA! Then DROPKICK! The fans cheer while Uriah flounders out! Birthright regroups while Team ID says bring the fight! The fans are with Team ID, but NXT goes picture in picture.

Uriah slides in, but he hot tags Stacks. EK fires hands on Stacks first, then headlocks. Stacks powers up and out, tag back to Uriah, and they DUMP EK out! Stacks trips EK, Uriah CANNONBALLS him down! Birthright soaks up some heat before they get EK back in the ring. Uriah tags Charlie, Charlie drags EK up and UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! EK fires body shots in return, but Charlie ducks the haymaker to swing and BACKBREAKER! Then a HALF CRAB before the tag to Stacks! KNEE DROP on EK’s head! Stacks taunts EK’s team, then CHOPS EK to the corner. Tag to Uriah, Uriah whips Stacks in, but Stacks blocks a boot!

Stacks talks trash but EK KNEES him away! EK then dodges Uriah, CLOBBERS Stacks, and hot tag to Sean! Sean rallies on Uriah, GOURD BUSTERS, then DROPKICKS Uriah out! Sean builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Uriah at the corner! Sean puts Uriah in, stalks him to ropes, but Uriah ELBOWS back! Tag to Charlie, he runs up, but Sean slips around to shove and LARIAT Charlie up and out! Sean DIVES again! Another direct hit at the ramp and Sean puts Charlie back in now. Charlie tags Stacks, Sean ROCKS Stacks with fast hands! Sean CHOPS, Charlie sneaks a tag, and Stacks BOOTS back!

Sean DROPKICKS Stacks out, builds speed, but Stacks moves! And Charlie BOOTS Sean down! Charlie talks trash before he KNEES Sean in the side! Charlie UPPERCUTS Sean, puts him back in the ring, covers, TWO! Charlie snapmares Sean, tags Stacks, and they DOUBLE SMASH the knees on the mat! Stacks keeps Sean from his corner, UPPERCUTS, and he tags Uriah in. NXT returns to single picture as Uriah whips stacks in for the ELBOW! Then Uriah runs up to ELBOW! Stacks runs up, but Sean DUMPS him up and out! But Uriah GAMANGIRIS! Tag back to Stacks and Stacks climbs the ropes while Uriah hands Sean out to dry.

Stacks lines up the shot, DOUBLE STOMPS fling Sean off the ropes! Stacks covers, TWO! The fans cheer as Sean survives, but Uriah sucker punches EK and Tate! But Sean PELES! And STANDING SPANISH FLY! The fans fire up while both men crawl, hot tags to Charlie and Tate! Tate DECKS Charlie, and DECKS him again! Tate ducks ‘n’ dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as Tate ducks ‘n’ dodges to then DOUBLE LARIAT Stacks & Uriah! Tate keeps going, LARIAT for Uriah in one corner, LARIAT for Stacks in the other! Tate goes back to Uriah but Uriah slips around to waistlock. Tate switches, and he sends Uriah into Stacks!

Tate then runs up, NECKBREAKER DROP DDT COMBO! The fans fire up with Tate, and he catches Charlie to a wrench, facelock, and ANARCHY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Charlie survives but the fans stay fired up for Tate. Tate drags Charlie up, fireman’s carries, but Uriah is back for the save! Tate dodges Uriah, EK ROCKS Uriah! Uriah CHOPS, but EK returns to TORANDO DDT! Stacks FLYING ELBOWS EK! Sean CHOPS Stacks on the run! Stacks BOOTS, but Legacy BOOTS! Stacks blocks a kick, fireman’s carries, T K O, then ENZIGIRI! But Tate hits a SLINGBLADE on Stacks! The fans fire up but Charlie ROCKS Tate!

Charlie UPPERCUTS Tate, Tate ROCKS Charlie, then kicks low! Tate hits a big snap suplex! The fans fire up as Tate goes up the corner! Uriah runs up, Tate BOOTS him, but Charlie ROCKS Tate! Charlie climbs up, underhooks, and SUPER BUTTERFLY SUPLEXES! Cover, EK FLIES IN OUTTA NOWHERE! The fans are cheering “NXT! NXT!” for making this match possible! Uriah whips EK but EK reverses to put Uriah back on the apron. EK BOOTS Uriah, then goes out to join him! Only for Uriah to fireman’s carry! APRON DEATH VALLEY!! “This is Awesome!” as Uriah tags in and brings his kneepad down.

Uriah runs up, but Tate dodges the knee! Tate fireman’s carries Uriah for a T K O! Cover, STACKS BREAKS IT! The fans rally as Tate looks between Stacks and Sean. Tate LARIATS Stacks out, TOSSES Uriah, then builds speed! Tate FLIES! Down go Uriah & Stacks at the desk! Tate is feeling it, then he runs in on Charlie! BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Tate goes up, Sean wants in, but Tate FROG SPLASHES instead! Cover, TWO!! Charlie survives and Sean says NOW! Tate says he’s got this! Tate goes up, and he MOONSAULTS but misses! Charlie hot tags Stacks, Stacks tags Uriah! They line up the shot, DOUBLE TAP on Tate!! Cover, Birthright wins!

Winners: Birthright, by pinfall

The Cowboy got wild, but maybe too wild, as he could’ve given them a shot at finishing this off. But will this be a lesson learned for Tate before he thinks to get wilder?

Tatum and Lizzy regroup backstage.

Tatum says she had so much fun out there! Lizzy says she’s still buzzing! Tatum was thinking that she wants to get back to the kind of champion she was trying to be before the whole Culling thing. She wants to give opportunities to those who are deserving, so… Tatum wants to face the Maiden of Metal next week! Lizzy is so stunned, so honored, but then Shiloh Hill literally jumps in. He asks what’s going on, and says congrats on the tag win. And also, he was doing research on Tristan Angels. Lizzy says ugh, she cannot escape that guy! Oh, she knows him from back home, huh? Yeah, as much as she had to…

Then she must know that Tristan’s family owns more sheep per acre than any farm in the whole UK! C’mon, haven’t they ever heard of pigs? Tatum adds they could have chickens. Them, too! But surely, Lizzy also knows about Tristan’s male beauty pageant thing, right? Yes, it’s all he talks about! He’s Mr. England~! As if anyone would ever really call him that. Tatum wonders who would be Mr. NXT if they had one. Shiloh says it’d be… HIM! Hah! But then Tristan steps in and says, “Are you out of your mind? Mr. NXT? You are literally missing a tooth.” Shiloh says sure, but some say his smile lights up a room. Tatum agrees with that.

Tristan says perhaps Mommy Tatum says that, but to think you can outclass Tristan is utterly absurd. Back to reality, he makes his NXT in-ring debut, and he’ll show the entire WWE Universe, and especially Shiloh, that Tristan is in a class of his own. Tristan then says hey to Lizzy before moving on. Will Mr. England make himself “Mr. NXT” with a win? Or will he learn that #ToothlessAggression is more than just a pretty face?

The Culling meets.

Izzi Dame tells Niko Vance that their Mixed Tag win was everything they needed, and she wouldn’t have wanted anyone else in there but him. Niko says Izzi pinned the Women’s Champion, which sets her up pretty nicely for a title match. She says all in due time. Shawn Spears says Niko was an animal in the ring, and that is what he has been talking about: The Culling is stronger together. Niko says ever since Izzi joined, she gave them a clear and concise path. They eliminate the weak and promote the strong. While everyone else is figuring out their next move, Izzi always knew what steps to take. The scheming, the strategizing. No one has that attention to detail but her.

Izzi says nothing happens by chance. They’re always two steps ahead. Spears smiles and nods as he and Niko are about to head out, but Izzi has Niko hang back. Spears is curious but says he’ll leave them to it. Izzi says about tonight… If Lola is watching the main event, then Izzi is watching Lola. Niko nods, and it seems the queen of The Culling is already planning her next move. When and where will she strike? And will she put Lola Vice in checkmate?

Robert Stone is in the ring.

The NXT General Manager says the landscape of NXT has changed. but no matter how chaotic it gets here, he is proud to say that talent from all over the world still want to make NXT their home! The fans cheer that, and Stone says we’re gonna bring someone out to sign with NXT! Let’s make this official! Please welcome Mason Rook! The fans cheer as the big man from Progress and Pro-Wrestling Noah makes his entrance. There’s extra security, too, because of how Rook already made an impact by going after Tony D’Angelo. The fans sing, “He’s Big! He’s Bad! He’ll Body Slam Your Dad!” Rook takes the mic from Stone to ask, “Who is Mason Rook?”

Rook has traveled all over Europe, to Japan, and all around the world. And everywhere he goes, he turns heads. Even the greatest of all time, JOHN CENA, sees Rook! It’s pretty hard to not notice a flying human tank. And he knows what they’re thinking: “Mason, are you satisfied?” Is he satisfied with everyone back home talking about him int he pubs? Is he satisfied with going viral multiple times being the name in everyone’s mouth? Mason Rook in every sentence. Let him tell ya, no he’s not! He wants MORE! That’s why he’s arrived in NXT. Because he is not just the best superheavyweight, he is the best ANY weight!

And it doesn’t matter who steps in this ring, they’re gonna find out that if you try and stop a tank, you get crushed! But wait, here comes Tony D! Stone asks Tony slow his roll, but Tony says relax, he just wants to talk. Now, Mason, look, you wanted to get the attention of the WWE Universe, you wanted Tony’s attention… Well, you got it. And what better way than to start at the top? That’s a page right outta Tony’s book. Attacking once, that’s fine, that’s seizing the moment. Twice? Nah. And if Rook thinks he’s making a name for himself at Tony’s expense, he doesn’t care if you’re big and- KAM HENDRIX RUNS UP ON TONY!

Tony ROCKS Kam first, security hurries to stop the brawl, but then wait! Rook is up top!! SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT MOONSAULT!! The tank crushed everyone, just like he said! Rook then storms into the ring, takes the contract from Stone, and Stone says that’s not how they do things here! Rook doesn’t care, he signs on the dotted line, and he’s officially an NXT Superstar! He’s big, he’s bad, but will he body slam Tony and take the title back to his pad? Or can Tony find a way to survive?

Noam Dar warms up.

Romeo Moreno is there watching something. Noam asks what it is, and Romeo asks if Noam remembers. NXT Battleground 2023, Dar VS Dragon Lee. So damn smooth! Romeo loved watching Noam! Him and Tyler Bate, Nathan Frazer, A-Kid, all while becoming a FOUR-TIME NXT Heritage Cup Champion! Plus, he dated Alicia Foooox~! Noam has Romeo calm down, and says it has been a full YEAR since he’s been in the ring. Noam isn’t sure if he’s that guy anymore. He just wants to focus on finding out. Romeo says Noam’s got it! Vamos! Si se puedes! Noam nods and heads out. Can the Scottish Supernova still turn it up to 11?

Emily Agard is on the scene.

For her second assignment ever, she is with OTM, Bronco Nima & Lucien Price, as they have a poolside barbeque. The food is ready, grab ‘n’ go. She thanks them for this, and can’t wait to eat. She wants to know more about OTM, though. Well, hold on, there’s one more guest. Nima’s little brother, JJ. They shake hands, and Emily says the WWE Universe might know the origin story of OTM, growing up on the streets, playing football, but she wants to dive deeper. It’s not just a concept, Out The Mud is these two men. So Lucien, could you share something about Bronco Nima that might surprise people?

Price says well, his brother, he’s one of the toughest people he knows. Nima had to grow up and be a man at a young age, be a provider after he lost his mom, and he had to take care of JJ here. Not a lot of people make it through that. Nima used to keep that to himself, so thanks for the exposure. Their mom, she taught Bronco real early that manhood isn’t about age, but about responsibility. So when life got hard, he had no other option but to answer. His little brother, he ain’t never had to worry about anybody being by his side. That’s what Bronco had to deal with. That is where responsibility meets opportunity.

Emily says she had no idea, and thanks them for sharing that with her. She asks JJ what OTM means to him. JJ says OTM is the embodiment of overcoming adversity that builds your character. Emily says Bronco raised JJ well, and Bronco jokingly says he isn’t paying JJ to say that. So they spilled the tea on Bronco, time to spill some beans on Price. Bronco says this man right here, the first things you see: the size; the violence; the intensity. People choose not to see his mind. Price is quiet, studies everything, and the moment he opens his mouth, everybody listens. That’s what makes Price dangerous.

And something Price probably doesn’t want you to know is that he’s an artist. Don’t be mad, Price! He’s a good one, too! Price says yeah, okay. Emily says they balance each other out very well, and they both say, “Yeah, yeah!” They dap it up and Emily says clearly the goal is the NXT Tag Team Championships. Nima says hell yeah. And to make their loved ones proud. JJ says that’s right. And after they beat Vanity Project, Emily can come back around with some championship questions. Emily says she will. JJ says maybe bring snacks, too. She can do that. Now, let’s eat up! OTM is hungry for hot dogs and gold, will they soon be enjoying both poolside?

Noam Dar VS Jackson Drake w/ The Vanity Project!

The Scottish Supernova is finally back in action, but he hopes he’s still got the stuff that made him that four-time Heritage Cup Champion. Will Noam find it’s as easy as riding a bike? Or will the Carolina Reaper take advantage of all that ring rust?

The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, Dar blocks a kick to kick back! Then he blocks another kick to trip Drake, cover, ONE! Dar wrenches, Drake puts Dar on ropes, but the ref counts. Drake lets off, but Dar ducks a shot! Dar eggs Drake on, then dodge shim to wrench and headlock. Drake fires body shots, powers up and out, but Dar RUNS Darke over! Dar taunts Drake before he runs the ropes. Drake drops down, hurdles, but Dar turns it into a FLAPJACK! ANKLE LOCK! Drake flails, rolls, but Dar rolls through! Dar comes back, Drake slips around to waistlock, but Dar arm-drags free.

Drake runs up, ducks a kick, but not the BACKHAND nor the ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Drake sputters but Dar is right on him. Drake powers Dar to the ropes, backs off, but then sucker punches Dar! The fans boo as Drake HAMMERS away on Dar at the ropes! The ref backs Drake off, but then Dar DUMPS him out! Drake blocks a shot, Dar ducks one, and Dar sweeps the legs! Dar runs to BOOT Drake down! The fans fire up as Dar says pinkies up, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns as Dar is up top, only for Drake to trip him up! The fans boo as Drake climbs up to SUPERPLEX! Vanity Project cheers as Drake crawls to the cover, TWO! The fans rally for Dar, but Drake handsprings, LETHAL IN-JACKSON! Cover, TWO!! Dar survives and shocks Drake! The fans rally for Dar but Vanity Project coaches Drake. Drake rains down fists but Dar pushes him away. Dar ROCKS Drake, Drake ROCKS Dar, but Dar shakes his head. Drake pie faces Dar, Dar pushes Drake, but Drake fires fast hands! Dar bobs ‘n’ waves, STEP PUNCH! Dar goes to ropes, Drake runs up, but Dar dodges to SNAP GERMAN!

The fans fire up with Dar as he rises again! Dar runs up on Drake to CLOBBER him! And CLOBBER him again! And ROUNDHOUSE! Dar fires up and GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Drake stumbles to a corner but Dar runs in, JUMP ELBOW! NORTHERN LIGHTS! The fans fire up again while Dar takes aim! Drake slowly rises up, Dar runs in, but Drake ducks the feint elbow! ENZIGIRI! Drake fireman’s carries Dar for a GUT BUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO! Dar survives and Drake argues with the ref! The ref defends the count and the fans rally up again. Drake snarls, but he drags Dar up. Dar pushes Drake away but Drake comes back.

Drake goes to gut wrench but Dar flips to victory roll! TWO, Drake has it now, TWO as Dar then steps into the EURO CLUTCH! TWO!!! Drake escapes by nanoseconds and both men hurry to their feet! Kick meets kick, both men hobble, but Dar KICKS again! And GERMAN DROP into the ARMBAR!! The fans fire up but Drake stacks Dar, TWO! Dar lets go, but Drake ROUNDHOUSES! Dar ROCKS Drake! Drake and Dar go forearm for forearm, then Dar gets the edge! Dar KICKS, KICKS, and- NO, Drake kicks the bad leg! Then SUPERKICKS! The fans boo as Drake handsprings, but Dar PENALTY KICKS him out of it!

The fans fire up again as Drake flops to the apron, then the floor. Dar goes out after Drake, “This is Awesome!” as Dar stalks #DrThirst. But then Mighty Myka Lockwood steps in the way! The fans boo but then here comes Swipe Right! Dar DECKS Brad, then swipes left on Smokes to send him into Drake! The fans cheer as Dar puts Drake in the ring. Drake distracts the ref so Myka can anchor Dar! Then UNALIVING KNEE in the ropes!! Drake puts Dar in a drop zone, goes up the corner, 450 SPLASH!! Cover, Drake wins!

Winner: Jackson Drake, by pinfall

The asterisk on this is the same as always for Jackson Drake: his wingmen and bae do the hard work for him! The entire Vanity Project gets a win over Dar, but will this lead the power couple of Drake & Myka to- WAIT! DARKSTATE IS HERE! And when DarkState strikes, ain’t NOBODY safe! NXT is going to break, will the Vanity Project still be standing when we come back?

Myles Borne talks with Tavion Heights.

Tavion finishes checking his phone while Myles apologizes for his meeting with Robert Stone going long. There’s something about a tag match against Kam Hendrix and Mason Rook. Tavion says aight! Now they can finish what Kam started and get payback on Mason! The dynamic duo’s back together! Tavion goes for the high-five, but Myles apologizes again, because it’s not Myles & Heights. What? He just said it was a tag match. Yes, for Myles… and Tony D. Oh, wow. Tony, huh? Is this for real? Myles says he tried to vouch for Tavion, and Tavion brings up that Tavion just took Tony to the limit last week. Now it doesn’t even matter?

Myles says it isn’t like that, Tavion. Tavion says no, this must be one of those champion things, right? It was cool when Myles tagged with Tavion because he had to, but now that he has gold, he thinks he’s better than Tavion. Myles asks why Tavion’s acting like Myles calls the shots. Tavion asks why Myles couldn’t have said something. Myles says he DID say, but Tavion continues to accuse Myles of abandoning his “day ones.” Tavion “wishes” Myles good luck, and “hopes” Tony is there for him like Tavion was. Tavion storms off, but does he just need to cool off? And as for the champions, Myles & Tony, will they be able to thwart off two hungry challengers in that tag match?

DarkState takes the ring.

Vanity Project has sheepishly retreated for now, and the fans cheer “DAAARK~ STAAATE~!” Dion Lennox has a mic to tell Brad & Ricky that they’re way too comfortable walking around with those titles like DarkState ain’t here. The title run is over, DarkState is here to collect, and they’re gonna show NXT who is in control! The fans cheer, and Shugars says he is with that! That’s the name of the game: control! But unfortunately for the “inbetweeners” over here, DarkState ain’t got no control over Big Cut and Osiris Griffin, bruh! Now, do you see what they did to Hank ‘n’ Tank? We about to see a crime on live television!

And if you think y’all ain’t gonna go the same way, then they’re trippin’ in big shoes, bruh. Brad mocks the “Bruh…! Bruh…!” Smokes pretends to be shocked as he asks, “W-W-W-What?! You goofballs think that beating the guys who call themselves ‘The Belly Boys’ warrants you for a tag title match? HUH!? Brad, talk to these guys, I can’t even look at ’em.” Brad tells Smokes, “Literally no shot, okay? Hey, I don’t know if you boys remember clearly or not, but uh, we’re the ones that took these NXT Tag titles right from you.” DarkState is annoyed as Brad says yeah, they’re also the reason why Saquon and Dion have been at each other’s throats the past few weeks!

Oh, oh, but DarkState is pressing Swipe Right? You ain’t got anything better to do? Maybe they don’t understand, but Vanity Project doesn’t give handouts. Cutler says they ain’t looking for one, but they never got their rematch for the titles. Now, they’re cashing in! The fans like the sound of that! And before Swipe Right goes crying to “Big Momma Lockwood,” just know that Mr. Stone already approved the match. Next week, DarkState brings those titles home! But it won’t be Cutler & Osiris. Oh? Because as Dion & Saquon both know, DarkState’s gotta get back on top. But this right here, this isn’t working. They gotta be united.

Last week, Cutler & Osiris handled Hank ‘n’ Tank. But Swipe Right is on them. They’ve got this. They can’t control this brand if they don’t stand united. When they’re all on the same page, ain’t nobody can touch them! Y’all know this! So Saquon & Dion need to figure out this thing, or… DarkState will have to change. The fans chant “Hug It Out!” but then Swipe Right rushes in! Dion & Saquon get Osiris & Cutler clear so they can throw hands first! The fans cheer as Dion TOSSES Smokes and Saquon DUMPS Brad! Drake runs up, Dion gets Saquon outta the way to DECK Drake first! Myka carries Drake away in her arms, but will DarkState leave with gold around their waists?

Robert Stone talks with Naraku backstage.

The GM congratulates the King of Darkness on his first win here, and just wants to say, when they have some time, they can talk about his future. Naraku shakes Stone’s hand rather menacingly as he says thank you. Naraku lets out quite an evil laugh, then he lets go of Stone. Stone is rather shaken up as he goes to his office, where Kam and Mason are already waiting. Kam asks what this is about the tag match, Tony & Myles VS Kam & Mason. They’re not a tag team. Stone says he’s not happy with how things went earlier, that’s not how they do business here. Kam says he can’t speak for both of them, and Mason says, “Then don’t.”

Mason says sometimes, you gotta make noise to stand out. Stone says they’ll be making plenty of noise, alright. Next week’s tag match is still happening. Kam and Rook still aren’t pleased, but could this be a golden opportunity for the both of them? Tate then steps in and asks to talk. Stone says okay, and Tate thanks Stone for the match tonight. What a rush! Tate feels great, even though he lost. But hey, live and learn. That said, he’s ready to go again! Next week, no rest, just action. He doesn’t wanna cool down? No! Keanu Carver steps in and complains about Stone making him talk to people. And then he asks what Tate is looking at.

Keanu says he’s done telling Stone that he’s not talking to people for interviews. Stone understands, but last week’s interview went really well. And y’know what? If Tate wants a match, then how about Tate VS Keanu? Tate is hesitant, but then convinces himself. He’s down for anything. See you next week, big man. Say less. But does Tate have a death wish? Stone thinks it’s possible. Will the Cowboy manage to wrangle that first W here on NXT? Or is Keanu just going to carve him up?

Backstage interview with Kali Armstrong.

Blake Howard is with the Pride of Inglewood, and congratulates her on the big win over Jaida Parker last week. He’s seen her dominance on Evolve firsthand, but is she willing to share her plans for NXT? Kali says she wants to keep the momentum going, but she’s also scoping the scene before he makes her next move. Tatum Paxley and Lola Vice both have chicks lining up to fight ’em, then there’s Kendal and Kelani about to go at it to get that much closer to the NXT Women’s Championship. And Lola ain’t the only one watching tonight. Yeah, Kali’s comin’ for it all! She’s about to run through this locker room, just like Evolve.

But then Kendal walks over with a bit of a sarcastic clap. She points out that Kali didn’t run over everyone… Kendal leaves, simply reminding Kali who took that Evolve title off her. But will NXT soon enter the Grey Area?

Kelani Jordan VS Kendal Grey w/ Wren Sinclair!

The former NXT Women’s North American Champion and the former WWE Evolve Women’s Champion both want to be the next NXT Women’s Champion, and this match could go a long way to naming one as a contender. Will the Standout stand tall at the gates of Vice City? Or will the Ice Woman remind us why she’s the Women’s Iron Survivor?

The bell rings, the two tie up, and they go around already. They end up on the ropes, the ref counts, and Lani lets off. Lani shoves, Kendal shoves back, then Kendal TACKLES Lani! Kendal headlocks, Lani fights around to a cover, ONE! Kendal holds on but Lani powers up, out, and pulls hair to reel Kendal in! Lani back suplexes, but Kendal lands out and pulls Lani’s hair! Kendal reels Lani in for a big mat return SLAM! The fans rally as Kendal moves, ARMBAR, but Lani has the ROPEBREAK! Kendal lets go, but stays close as Lani gets up. Lani goes for a leg but Kendal spins that around into a backslide! TWO, and Lani KNEES low!

Lani CLUBS Kendal, stomps her in a corner, then CHOPS! Kendal is stinging as she goes to another corner, but Lani storms up and CHOPS again! We get picture in picture of Lola indeed watching, and Kendal dodges a chop to CHOP back! Kendal CHOPS again, whips Lani to ropes but Lani reverses. Lani does the splits but Kendal leaps over. Things speed up again as Kendal sidesteps then blows past Lani. Kendal counters hip toss with hip toss, but Lani handsprings through to DROPKICK back! The fans fire up as Lani stomps away in the corner. Lani stands Kendal up just to stomp again, then she goes corner to corner, only for Kendal to ELBOW her away!

Kendal goes up, over, out, then under! Kendal runs and redirects Lani to then sweep the legs, only for Lani to handspring through! Lani wags her finger, but Kendal blocks the kick! Kendal THROWS Lani down, DROPKICKS, and kips up! The fans cheer as Kendal shows she can move. Lani goes to the apron, but she avoids the shoulder to BOOT Kendal! Lani reels Kendal in, but Kendal fights the lift! Kendal DUMPS Lani back into the ring, then DROPKICKS a leg! Kendal trips Lani up to then slingshot STOMP! Cover, TWO! Lani survives but Kendal waistlocks. Lani goes to ropes, Kendal O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Lani has the O’Conner, TWO!

Kendal has it again, TWO, but Kendal rebounds to rolling jackknife, and ANKLE LOCK! Lani rolls to fling Kendal out! The fans rally as Lani aims, ASAI MOONSAULT! Down goes Kendal, Lani shouts no one does it like her! Then she mocks Wren’s bad leg while she drags Kendal up. Lani puts Kendal in the ring, but Kendal tiger feint KICKS Lani down! The fans fire up as Kendal then goes up a corner! Lani stands up, into Kendal’s SUPER CROSSBODY! The fans fire up for Kendal again as she daps it up with Wren, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Kendal goes to Lani, drags her up, and puts her in the ring. Kendal hurries up to the apron, RAMS Lani, but then Lani SWEEPS the legs! Kendal falls to apron then floor, and Lani goes out to whip her hard into the apron! Lani RAMS Kendal, RAMS her again, then THROWS her into steel steps! Lani talks trash while Kendal writhes, then she talks trash on Wren, too. Lani drags Kendal up and into the ring, stalks her, then HIP DROPS her down. Lani soaks up heat, but Kendal fires body shots! Kendal rolls Lani up, TWO! Lani KNEES Kendal down! Then she KNEES Kendal in the side! Lani whips Kendal corner to corner, then scoops for a BACKBREAKER!

Kendal crawls to ropes but Lani stalks her. Lani CLUBS Kendal, CHOKES her on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Lani stalks Kendal to a corner and RAMS into her! And RAMS her again! And again! Lani stops as the ref counts again, and she stalks Kendal to another corner. Lani drags Kendal out too center for a suplex, but Kendal cradle counters! TWO, and Lani storms up, into a BODY SHOT! Kendal has Lani in a corner now for a stomp and a whip. Lani reverses and Kendal hits buckles hard! Lani hurries to cover, TWO! Lani snarls as she clamps onto Kendal with a chinlock, and she digs her knee into Kendal’s back.

Kendal endures the stretch, fights up to her feet, and JAWBREAKERS free! NXT returns to single picture as Lani stumbles. Lani returns, but Kendal ducks the roundhouse! Lani ducks the roundhouse in return, then they both ROCK each other with forearms! Then they both run up, DOUBLE FACEBUSTERS! The fans fire up again while Wren coaches Kendal. “This is Awesome!” as both women rise up. Lani runs up on Kendal but Kendal ELBOWS her away! Lani returns, but Kendal TOSSES her out! The fans are cheering for “Both These Women!” as Kendal eggs Lani on. Lani is back, Kendal ELBOWS her down! And ELBOWS her again!

Kendal dodges Lani this time, to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up for Kendal, and the straps come down! Kendal roars, then she slips around to GERMAN SUPLEX Lani! And then another shoot in, EXPLODER! And another, EXPLODER! Kendal runs up and jumps up, but Lani catches her! Kendal fires fists and RANAS, then covers, TWO! Lani escapes in time but Wren coaches Kendal. Kendal drags Lani up, but Lani ELBOWS free of the German Suplex! Lani kicks low, CLUBS hard, then whips again. Kendal reverses, Lani goes up, around, and FLYING FOREARMS! Then Lani lifts Kendal, LIGER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Kendal survives, but Lani is beside herself! Lani hurries to drag Kendal to a drop zone, then she goes up the corner. ONE OF A KIND- NO, Kendal grabs a leg! ANKLE LOCK!! Lani clings to the ropes, does the splits even, and climbs up to SWING, but Kendal holds onto the ANKLE LOCK!! Lani hurries to reel Kendal in for a cradle, ONE, and ANKLE LOCK!! Kendal cranks the ankle, and she drags Lani to center! Lani flails, reaches out, claws at the mat, then rolls again! Kendal avoids hitting buckles, and Lani runs up. Kendal dodges, Lani hits buckle, ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! Lani clasps hands and stacks Kendal, ONE!

Kendal holds on but Lani KNEES away on Kendal’s face! Kendal lets Lani go, Lani runs up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both women rise as the fans fire up again. Lani KICKS, KICKS, and MULE KICKS! The fans cheer “Women’s Wrestling!” as Lani runs, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Lani survives but Kendal stays focused. But then IZZI ATTACKS LOLA! Well, that should’ve been an obvious tactic, really, and now the brawl is on! Lola and Izzi fight around backstage while Kendal climbs a corner. Lani hurries up to GAMANGIRI! Then Lani climbs the corner. Kendal and Lani brawl, clinch, and SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!!

Lani is stunned as Kendal survives again! Lani pushes past frustration to go up the corner, but Kendal CLUBS her! Lani falls onto the post, Kendal climbs up after her, but now Izzi and Lola are brawling onto the stage! Security and refs try to stop them, but the brawl BULLDOZES Wren!! Kendal THROWS Lani, but she spots the chaos happening just below her! And that lets Lani get up and KICK the legs out! Then ONE OF A KIND MOONSAULT!! Cover, LANI WINS!!

Winner: Kelani Jordan, by pinfall

Wren was right all along, she should’ve just stayed in the back. But now, the Standout and her bad attitude are free and clear to go after the gold! Speaking of, the champ comes back to check on poor Wren, and Kendal is upset with LOLA for bringing that brawl out here! Kendal shoves Lola, Lola gets heated, and IZZI BOOTS LOLA DOWN!! The It Girl takes advantage of opening after opening, but will that make her the next NXT Women’s Champion?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT as this newest chapter is coming into its own. Great opening tag match, and I could just tell Zaria was gonna do the tag ditch on Lyons. Good promo with Tatum, Lizzy, Shiloh and Tristan to have Lizzy help with establishing Tristan on NXT a bit before his match next week. There’s some irony to how Tristan’s gonna get to do more on NXT before he even gets going on Evolve, and that’s even with Tristan being in the #1 contender’s Fatal 4 Way on tomorrow’s episode. Tristan likely cheats to win against Shiloh, and they can make this a feud to go into the summer. I would think Tatum beats Lizzy in a strong, competitive match, and perhaps Zaria goes after Tatum afterwards.

Good promo from The Culling, though not entirely sure it was needed when duh, Izzi just cut to the chase and attacked Lola during the main event. Great main event match, and of course Lani takes advantage of distraction. While Lola VS Izzi is clearly happening first, Lani is certainly poised for her own title shot. Good interaction from Kendal and Kali, too, they might run it back from Evolve real quick while both women wait on their own opportunities. Very good bit with Natalya and Jaida to build their feud, and I wonder if they follow up with a kayfabe’d moment where Jaida does crash an LFG filming (I say that cuz I think most of the new season is taped already).

Very good debut match for Naraku going up against Lince, and I’m sure he’ll have a few more matches to build himself up while Mason Rook goes after Tony D and the title. I figured from the moment Myles was talking to Tavion that we were getting a champions VS (potential) challengers tag match. Tavion might snap and go Heel, costing Myles his part of the match. Mason Rook had a very good promo as he signed his NXT contract, and he’s gonna give Tony a great match, win, lose or draw.

Very good promo from Dar with Romeo, another guy who is already doing more on NXT than he has in Evolve. But I think that pep talk did kayfabe motivate Dar, he had a great match with Drake. Naturally, Vanity Project helped Drake win that, but you gotta appreciate Myka being positioned as the Chyna in this Gen Z version of Degeneration X or what have you. Great promo from DarkState to establish the tag title match, and I could also tell they were going to put Dion and Saquon forward. The dysfunction could be used to protect the team in the loss, or it could give DarkState a great “breakthrough” moment where they overcome that and win out.

Very good promo from the other Evolve graduates, great Six Man Tag, but I thought this was going to be a loss from Sean overstepping. He has been talking like he’s the veteran in NXT already, so I expected him to snipe a tag and take the win instead of letting Tate have his moment. Tate going all out and failing for it is a bit of a hard shift in his character given what we’ve seen on Evolve, but hey, Tate VS Keanu is going to be great stuff. Emily Agard continues to do great work already, this new on-location interview with OTM was great. The local fans already like OTM, but this could help OTM with the larger audience, and maybe they can finally get to the top of the tag division.

My Score: 8.8/10