Who do you believe in?

No Mercy approaches, and a Triple Threat of Pete Dunne, Wes Lee and Joe Hendry determines the new #1 contender to the NXT Championship!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• High Stakes Tag: Nathan Frazer & Axiom VS Duke Hudson & Riley Osborne w/ Chase U; Frazer & Axiom win and will challenge Chase & Ridge for the titles at No Mercy.
• Lola Vice VS Wendy Choo; Wendy wins.
• NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Gauntlet Eliminator: Jaida Parker wins and will challenge Roxanne Perez for the title at No Mercy.
• Hank Walker & Tank Ledger VS The Good Brothers; Hank ‘n’ Tank win.
• Ashante THEE Adonis VS Dion Lennox; Adonis wins.
• NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Pete Dunne VS Wes Lee VS Joe Hendry; Hendry wins and will challenge Ethan Page for the title at No Mercy.

PLAY BY PLAY

Karmen Petrovic gets attacked Izzi Dame!!

Just as the real-life Beatrix Kiddo is arriving, the selfish volleyball ace knocks her into a car hood and beats her down! Did Izzi just take Karmen out of the gauntlet match? Will that mean someone new gets in on the golden opportunity? Or will it only make things easier for the other five?

Chase U is here!

And everyone, from the student section to the regular fans, are all fired up for the NEW NXT Tag Team Champions! Andre Chase stands with Ridge Holland, Duke Hudson, Riley Osborne & Thea Hail as the fans cheer them on. Chase thanks them for that, and says it is a new year at Chase University. new students, new classrooms, and NEW NXT Tag Team Champions! The fans cheer that, and Thea says to Mr. Chase & “Ridgy,” that she is so proud! They proved they really are red ‘n’ black through and through. Duke congratulates Ridge, and says from the rugby fields to Chase University, his passion and desire and intensity, it was just what Chase U needed to bring home the gold!

Riley says he did give Ridge some flack, but he’s made a believer out of him! And Ridge has his first title in NXT! Chase couldn’t agree more with all that. Without Ridge, Chase wouldn’t be a tag team champion. So on behalf of the entirety of Chase U, Chase says thank you to Ridge. They group hug! But wait, here come the former champs! Nathan Frazer says hey, hey, hey…! Congrats, really. Fair play. It was a tremendous win, and sorry to break up the party. but he and amigo Axiom have something to say. Axiom says that Chase U was the better team last week, but they’re not the best team every week.

Because that is #Fraxiom! They are THE best tag team in NXT! The fans are torn but Frazer says admittedly, they ran themselves into the ground. Rascalz, Speed on Twitter, then another tag title match right after. So Ridge picked the perfect time to challenge them! So this is the perfect time to- Ridge says hold on. Sorry to cut you off, and he appreciates the kind words. What he doesn’t appreciate is them interrupting Chase U’s moment. Chase U, the little engine that could, the underdogs that never give up. That is what Chase U taught him. Ridge came to NXT to find himself, and the more he looked, the more he was lost.

Ridge couldn’t take the pressure, the whispers, and everyone turned their backs on him. But Chase U stood by his side! Mr. Chase said take it one day at a time. Thea rebuilt Ridge’s confidence. And Ridge saw that he could mix it up with the best in NXT! Duke & Riley showed Ridge that his heart was pure and that he cared about the school they represent every day on their chests. Ridge busted his arse for six YEARS to become a champion, and last week, he did it! But last week was bigger than Ridge. It was about gold for Chase U! Ridge begged, pleaded, cashed in all his favors, and the mission statement is: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

The fans cheer, but Axiom says that’s all lovely. They still want a rematch. Riley says if they want that, they need to go through the heart of Chase U. Duke says if #Fraxiom can beat the MVP and the Daredevil, then maybe, just maybe, they get their rematch at No Mercy. Frazer and Axiom nod, and CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! See you later tonight. Oh but hold on! That’s the thing about Chase U: they’re always ready! TEARAWAY PANTS?! Duke & Riley are ready NOW, will they check off #Fraxiom from the contender’s list already? Or will things #NeverSlowDown in NXT?

High Stakes Tag Match: Nathan Frazer & Axiom VS Duke Hudson & Riley Osborne w/ Chase U!

The teams sort out, Riley and Axiom start, and they tie up. Axiom wrangles Riley with a wristlock, but Riley reaches back to headscissor. Axiom kips free, the two reset, and the fans cheer. They tie up, Axiom wrenches, and Axiom whips. Riley goes up and over, keeps moving to roll off Axiom’s back, then he DROPKICKS Axiom down! Riley headlocks, Axiom powers up and out, then drops down to hip toss hard! Cover, ONE, but Axiom has the ARMBAR! Riley hurries to stack, TWO! Axiom ducks ‘n’ dodges, then SHOTGUNS Riley up and out of the ring! Axiom keeps moving, but Duke stands in his way!

Frazer SPRINGBOARD MISSILE DROPKICKS Duke! Duke tumbles out, Chase U regroups, and Axiom PLANCHAS, into a ROUNDHOUSE from Riley! Frazer builds speed to DIVE, but into Duke’s hands! Duke THROWS Frazer into the apron! Riley builds speed now, and he FLIES onto Axiom! Chase U is all fired up as NXT goes to break!

NXT returns and Riley ROCKS Axiom! Axiom ROCKS Riley back! Axiom and Riley go back and forth, but then Axiom catches Riley to a SLEEPER! Riley fires body shots, but Axiom shoves to LARIAT at the ropes! Axiom runs, but Riley BOOTS him! Riley runs, into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO, into an ANKLE LOCK!! Axiom twists the foot and keeps Riley back! The fans rally up, Riley fights forward, but Axiom drags him back again! Riley still endures, still fights forward, hot tag to Duke! Axiom still holds on, Riley rolls and sends Axiom into buckles! Duke then slingshots to GERMAN SUPLEX Axiom away!

The fans are thunderous, Axiom scrambles to tag Frazer! Frazer BOOTS Duke, skins the cat to the top, but Duke rolls! STRATUSFACTION! And then a scoop and SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Frazer survives that extra spicy Boss Man Slam, but Duke drags Frazer up. Crucifix rack, but Frazer flips through the River to RANA! Cover, TWO!! Duke escapes, goes to a corner, and Frazer runs up, into a U- NO! Frazer arm-drags free! Frazer runs up again, but no satellite DDT as Duke tosses Frazer! Frazer runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, wheelbarrows and- NO, Duke stops that to tag Riley! Riley goes up, WHEELBARROW DIAMOND DUST!! Cover, Axiom breaks it!!

The fans are thunderous, and Duke TOSSES Axiom! Riley goes up to aim at Frazer! SHOOTING- NO, he has to roll through as Frazer moves! Frazer blocks a kick, flips Riley, and Riley dodges to go up! But Frazer catches him, INVERTED SPANISH FLY! Cover, Duke breaks it! Axiom SUPERKICKS Duke! Frazer goes up, to PHOENIX SPLSAH- NO, he has to roll through! Riley ROUNDHOUSES Frazer, ROCKS Axiom, then goes up! Frazer goes up after him! Riley fights, shoves Frazer, but Frazer flips back! Frazer goes up, tag to Axiom! SUPERPLEX and roll through, CHASING THE DRAGON!!  Frazer FLIES onto Duke!! Axiom covers Riley! FRAXIOM WINS!

Winners: Nathan Frazer & Axiom, by pinfall (EARN the tag title opportunity for No Mercy)

The confidence of Duke & Riley was high, but they could not hold back these hot rods! Will #Fraxiom show Chase U No Mercy when it comes to taking these titles back?

Stevie Turner talks with Robert Stone backstage.

They are discussing the attack by Izzi earlier, and Ava steps in. Doc says Karmen is OUT of the Gauntlet Eliminator. Stevie asks if they should replace her, but Stone has an idea. Stevie has one, too! How does she have an idea after just asking Ava what to do? But before that, Izzi asks if Karmen really is out. Aw, well, it iz what it iz. Time to fix the mistake they made by putting the woman who should’ve been in that match all along, aka Izzi Dame. Ava says yeah, no. Izzi is not getting rewarded for bad behavior. Karmen will be replaced by another deserving superstar, Brinley Reece. Izzi storms off, learning that no crime goes unpunished.

Stevie wants to go tell Brin the good news but Stone’s already halfway there! Ava frowns, but we also see Kelani Jordan looking around upset. Just what is she looking for? Will she find it before the night’s over?

Kendal Grey & Carlee Bright talk backstage.

Kendal is so ready for this big opportunity, and then they’re excited to hear Brin is in it, too! Brin explains how Izzi attacked Karmen, took her out, and that is awful for Karmen, but you gotta take every opportunity that comes your way, right? Brin and Kendal fist bump, and Kendal promises to give everything she’s got. Only one can win, and Kendal wants that shot at Roxie. Wren Sinclair shoots in, humble bragging about working on her grapple game with the boys. And since “Charles” won their Heritage Cup back, Wren’s totally winning the gauntlet to bring even more gold to the #WrenQCC. Wait, the what?

Well, confidence is running high tonight, but who wins the biggest opportunity in their young careers?

Lola Vice VS Wendy Choo!

Both ladies said night-night last week when A) Miami Vice knocked Tatum Paxley for a loop with her spinning backfist and when B) this new spooky scary Wendy surprised Kelani with a sleeper hold. Who will be tucking who in for a good night sleep tonight?

NXT returns and Lola makes her entrance. The bell rings, and Wendy runs right up! THESZ PRESS and fast hands! Lola turns that around to fire hands, but Wendy kicks free. Wendy gets up, gets around, and she wants the Night-Night! Lola RAMS Wendy into a corner and gets free. Lola then kicks, but Wendy blocks to trip and stomp Lola! The fans rally, Wendy storms up on Lola to SMACK her off buckles. Wendy bumps Lola off more buckles, but then Lola blocks to body shot. Lola whips, KICKS, and then wrenches. Lola whips again, but Wendy rolls her, wrenches her, and NIGHT-NIGHT! Lola is caught and fans fire up!

Lola pushes around for a cover, TWO! Wendy lets go of Lola, to CLOBBER her! Lola goes to a corner,. Wendy runs up to ROCK her! Wendy RAMS into Lola, lets off but Lola clinches! Lola fires knee after knee, then KNEES Wendy down! Lola runs up to AX KICK! Wendy writhes, Lola drags her back up and whisp again. Lola scoops for a POWERSLAM! Wendy bails out while Lola gives some Latina Heat, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Wendy CHOKES Lola on ropes! The ref counts, Wendy lets off at 4, and Lola grits her teeth. Wendy snapmares Lola, pushes her down, and NECK TWISTS! Lola writhes more and the fans are torn. Wendy stalks Lola, drags her up, and HEADBUTTS her back down. Lola flounders, Wendy stalks her, and the fans duel. Wendy fires body shots from all sides, then CLUBS Lola. Lola ROCKS Wendy back! And ROCKS her again! Wendy kicks low, reels Lola in, and snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Lola is getting frustrated but Wendy is scary stoic. Wendy storms up but Lola kicks! And KICKS!

Wendy kicks Lola in return, then wrenches and CLUBS her. Wendy reels Lola in, but Lola cradle counters! TWO, and Wendy BOOTS Lola down! Wendy snarls, stalks Lola to ropes, and CLUBS her again. Wendy SMACKS Lola off the mat, then puts her in a corner. Wendy digs her boot in, the ref counts, and Wendy lets off. Wendy glares at the ref, then brings Lola around. Wendy reels Lola in but Lola body shots again and again! Wendy kicks, reels Lola in and turns for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Lola shows that toughness and now Wendy is upset. Wendy drags Lola up to whip her to a corner.

Wendy handsprings in to forearm SMASH! Wendy then puts Lola up top, and CLUBS her into a Tree of Woe! Wendy goes corner to corner and back again, to HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Lola survives and flounders but Wendy pounds the mat. Wendy clamps on with a neck wrench, and she traps an arm. Lola endures, the fans rally up, but Wendy twists Lola in all directions! Wendy pulls hair, the ref reprimands, but Lola fights up. Wendy CLUBS Lola, whips her to a corner, but Lola dodges to roll Wendy up! TWO, and Lola is up again! Lola ducks a shot to SPIN KCIK! KICK! SPIN KCIK again! And again!

Wendy falls, the fans fire up, and Lola gives her LIGHTNING KICKS! Then a BUZZSAW! Wendy flounders to a corner, the fans fire up with Lola, because “I’M A LATINA~!” HIP ATTACK! Lola drags Wendy to a cover, TWO!! Wendy survives and the fans fire up again! Lola stands, reels Wendy in, but Wendy sunset flips! TWO, into the NIGHT-NIGHT! Wendy is a backpack and she thrashes around, only for Lola to BACKPACK STUNNER! Both women are down and the fans rally up! But here comes Kelani! She is still mad from last week, and she storms up on Wendy! Wendy ducks as Lola spins, URAKEN hits Kelani!!

Lola apologizes but Wendy gets her pillow! Wendy CLOBBERS Lola with it, covers, and Wendy wins!

Winner: Wendy Choo, by pinfall

What is in that pillow to do that kinda damage?! But one way or another, Wendy is standing tall, and she’s staring down Kelani. Kelani gets a mic to say Wendy literally stole her championship! Wendy needs to earn it! Kelani VS Wendy, at No Mercy! Wendy smiles and nods, and Kelani says she’s getting the belt back! Kelani rushes in to DECK Wendy, and she CLOBBERS Wendy with her own pillow! Because surprise, the belt’s been in the pillow all along! Kelani knows Wendy’s tricks, will Kelani have herself a treat two whole months before Halloween?

Backstage interview with Wes Lee.

Kelly Kincaid is with the Cardiac Kid and notes he wanted to move on to bigger and better things. Is there anything bigger than this Triple Threat tonight? Wes says no, not really. Pete Dunne, chef’s kiss, brilliant technician. But that won’t matter because Wes sends Dunne back to Raw more bitter than before. And then there’s Joe Hendry. A social media sensation who’s only here for the NXT Rub to boost his followers. All good, though, because he’s going back to Thursdays emptyhanded, where he can wave his hands side to side with the rest of the clowns over there. This is Wes’s time in NXT, HE will be the one seeing Ethan Page at No Mercy.

Kelly thanks Wes for his time, and now throws things over to Sarah Schreiber, who is standing by with Joe Hendry. Say his name and he appears… And Hendry hopes Wes can hear this interview. Sarah confirms yes, everyone can. Hendry wants to thank Wes for the extra motivation tonight, calling all of TNA “clowns.” Hendry’s gotten to know Zachary Wentz & Trey Miguel, so what Wes did to them was disgusting! Especially when they came back to lift Wes up when he was at his lowest! Wes tells Hendry to stop there. The pinnacle of Hendry’s career won’t even be the bottom of Wes’s. See you later tonight!

Wes heads out but Hendry says we’ll just see about that. Tonight is the biggest match of Hendry’s life! Two months ago, no one in their wildest dreams could’ve thought it was possible for Hendry to challenge for THE NXT Championship. And now, all that stands between Hendry and that match are two world-class athletes. This ten year odyssey that is Hendry’s career has been all about chasing dreams, making believers out of the world, but tonight, he makes a believer in himself when he becomes #1 contender! Will Wes and Dunne have no choice but to believe in Joe Hendry? Or will they show him no mercy to have their own moment?

NXT hears from this new toxic element.

Fallon Henley says, “Imagine dreaming your entire life of becoming a WWE superstar, finding a dusty, dirty wrestling school to learn to craft and train, go on the independent scene and borrow your parent’s car to go 400 miles to wrestle in front of 40 people for $40, dedicating your entire life for the slight chance that you just might make it to the WWE.” Jacy Jayne adds, “And then you finally make it. You strive to win championships, compete on Premium Live Events, and then you come back to a locker room full of D1, 2, 3 athletes, and the only reason that they’re even in NXT is not because of their love for the business, but because they have a big social media following.”

Fallon asks, “And they think we should respect them?” They don’t care if you’re a national champion, an Olympian, where is the respect for the veterans!? Fallon & Jacy are the real leaders of this division, and only one woman listens to them. Jazmyn Nyx says she came in with these NILs, and she realized these two very decorated women are the real influencers. That makes Jazmyn the smartest woman here. But what people don’t know is that Jacy and Fallon came up in this business together. They were on any show they could get booked while those athletes were just handed tryout spots!

Fallon & Jacy have done great individually, so just imagine what they can do together, with Jazmyn by their side? Now, they’ll make everyone look up to them. They are the example, they are the leaders, and they are the… Fatal Influence.

NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Gauntlet Eliminator!

A match like this is already hard to prepare for because anyone can be sent out and things can get very chaotic. And on top of that, Izzi took out Karmen so preparations for her went out the window. Will Brinley Reece’s second chance at this golden opportunity be just what she needs? Or will another defy the odds to head for Roxanne Perez and No Mercy?

First out is Wren Sinclair, ready to get her grapple on for the No Quarter Catch Crew. Second out is Sol Ruca! The Sol Surfer came close to becoming the NXT North American Women’s Champion, will she finally capitalize on a golden ticket?

The bell rings and we have three minutes until another superstar is added. These two circle, tie up, and Wren rolls Sol up! ONE, and Sol swings around to sunset flip! ONE, and Wren has a standoff with Sol. The fans rally, the two reset and tie up. Sol arm-drags and holds on, but Wren kips up. Wren arm-drags, holds on, but Sol kips up. They go around, Wren wrenches, then wristlocks, but sol rolls. Wren wrenches again, but Sol rolls. Wren rolls with her! Sol cartwheels, steps over, and she waistlocks. Wren fights the full nelson, uses a leg for leverage, then she trips Sol! Wren runs, Sol drops then hurdles, then trips Wren up!

Sol floats to go for the headlock but Wren fights it. Roxie is watching this backstage, not impressed. Wren has Sol’s leg, pulls back, and it’s a HALF CRAB! The fans rally, Sol powers up, but Wren HIP DROPS the legs! Then Wren goes for an arm. Sol resists so Wren goes back to a leg. Wren cording holds, and she has a modified BOW ‘N’ ARROW! The fans rally as Sol endures, and she powers her way up! But Wren stomps Sol down! now for the traditional BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Wren thrashes Sol, but sol pops free to cover, TWO! Wren gets up, swings, but Sol handsprings! Wren keeps moving, both women RUNNING FACEBUSTER!

The countdown is here, and third out is… Adriana Rizzo! Rizzo goes up the corner fast, to DOUBLE CROSSBODY! Down go both Sol and Wren, and Rizzo rallies with haymakers! EXPLODER for sol, EXPLODER for Wren! Rizzo fires up and the fans are with her! Off come the earrings, and she forearm SMASHES Sol! Then she forearm SMASHES Wren! Sol dodges the next one, and she SUPERKICKS Rizzo! Wren gets around, SLEEPER BACKPACK! Sol stays up, has the ropes, but Rizzo jumps onto Wren! DOUBLE SLEEPERS! Sol RAMS both Wren and Rizzo into buckles but only Rizzo lets go. So Sol BACKPACK SENTONS!

Sol goes for Rizzo but Rizzo BOOTS, then wrenches to a fireman’s carry THROW! Rizzo kips up, the fans fire up, and Rizzo runs to WHOOPIE CUSHION SENTON! Cover, but Wren drags Rizzo up! Rizzo THROWS Wren out, but Sol rolls Rizzo! TWO!! Rizzo escapes, wrenches Sol, and NECKBREAKERS! But Wren is back and she trips Rizzo up! Rizzo BOOTS Wren, Sol CODE BREAKERS Rizzo! Sol fireman’s carries Rizzo for a SWINGING POWERBOMB!? High stack, Sol ELIMINATES Rizzo! That was tubular for Sol, and Wren mocks Rizzo, while NXT goes picture in picture.

Sol sees Wren on the apron and storms up, but Wren RAMS into Sol, then slingshot sunset flips! TWO, and Wren whips. Sol reverses and runs up but Wren BOOTS her! Wren then reels Sol in for a HANGING HEADSCISSOR! Wren trashes around, then lets go to trip Sol up. Wren spins Sol, drags her out, and tucks her under the apron skirt to CLUB away! Wren lets off for Sol to flounder away. Wren storms in, blocks Sol’s takedown, and works to turn things into arm-hooks! Sol fights the backslide, the countdown is done, and here comes Brinley Rece! Brin pushes them both over for a double cover! TWO!!

Brin rolls Wren, TWO! Brin rolls Sol! TWO! Wren rolls Brin! TWO, and Sol rolls Wren! TWO, and Brin rolls Sol! TWO!! All three women stand, Sol trips both Wren & Brin! DOUBLE JACKKNIFE BRDIGE! TWO!! Brin LARIATS Sol up and out! Wren O’Conner Rolls but Brin bucks that! Brin RUNS Wren over, then runs, but has to handspring over the dropdown. Brin then scoops Wren to SLAM her! Brin is all fired up, and she runs in at the corner to RAM Wren! And RAM her again! Sol runs up, Brin sends her into Wren, and RAMS them both! Brin snapmares Sol, then standing SPLASHES! Cover, TWO!

Sol scrambles up, gets around Brin, and O’Conner- NO, Brin bucks that too! But Sol kips up to ROCK Brin! Sol fireman’s carries, but Brin slips free to shove Sol to a corner. Brin runs up but Sol POSTS her! Sol handsprings over Wren’s sweep to then PENALTY KICK her! But Brin ROCKS Sol! And ROCKS her again! Brin throws her shoulder in but Sol goes up to TARANTULA! Brin endures, but Wren gets in to STOMP Sol! NXT returns to single picture as Wren rolls up Brin, TWO! Brin fights the suplex, Sol actually helps Wren! Brin still fights them both!? Brin adjusts to DOUBLE EXPLODER! The fans are thunderous as Brin runs, dodges, and handsprings to DOUBL ELARIAT!

The fans fire up with Brin, and she hauls Sol up! T K O! But then fireman’s carry for Wren, T K O! The countdown is done, next out is… Kendal Grey! She dodges Brin, runs up, and tilt-o-whirls through a scoop! Kendal reels Brin in for a NECKBREAKER! Wren runs up, into a fireman’s carry takeover! Sol runs up, fireman’s carry takeover! Kendal whips, Sol reverses, but Kendal goes up to FLYING RANA! The fans fire up and Wren runs up, into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Brin staggers up, into a BELLY2BELLY! Brin gets up again, into another BELLY2BELLY! Cover, Kendal ELIMINATES Brin! Sol runs up, into a drop toehold!

Kendal cravats to a cover, TWO! Wren runs up, into a trip and GEDO CLUTCH! TWO! Kendal whips, Wren reverses but Kendal flips up and over! Kendal headlocks Wren, gets Sol, SNAPMARE RANA COMBO! The fans fire up and Kendal runs to go up, and springboard CROSSBODY! Cover on Sol, ONE!! Wren swings but into a waistlock, then crucifix takedown! TWO!! Wren staggers up, Kendal DROPKICKS her down! Sol runs up, Kendal slips around, and SLEEPER! NO, Sol pops Kendal up for an Electric Chair and SLAM! Sol then stands on Kendal’s legs, CLUBS Kendal, and has the arms! ROMERO SPECIAL SURFBOARD!

The fans fire up as Kendal endures being thrashed around! Kenda frees her arms, but Wren runs up to BULLDOG Kendal! Cover, TWO!! Kendal survives, so Wren hurries to get Sol. Wren whips, but Sol flips through the hip toss to X-FACTOR! Kendal runs up, into a fireman’s carry! Sol TOSSES Kendal out onto Wren! The fans fire up again, and Sol climbs as the countdown is back! Sol ARIHARA MOONSAULTS Kendal & Wren!! And now here comes Jaida Parker! Miss Parker is last in, and she TOSSES Sol over barriers! She THRWOS Wren into barriers, then she shoves Kendal into the ring! The fans fire up as Jaida dragon sleepers to INVERTED-

NO, Kendal slips free to O’Conner Roll, TWO!! Jaida keeps after Kendal but Kandal CROSSBODIES! But Jaida rolls through! Jaida pops Kendal around to RAM her into the corner! Jaida puts Kendal in ropes, CHOPS her, and then runs up for the TEARDROP! Jaida high steps it, then suplexes, GOURD BUSTER! Cover, Jaida ELIMINATES Kendal! Jaida talks smack but she forgets there are others! Wren runs up to O’Conner Roll Jaida, but then Sol gets in! SOL SNATCHER on Wren!! Cover, Sol ELIMINATES Wren! The fans fire up as now it’s just Sol and Jaida. And the fists start flying! Jaida ducks to back suplex, Sol lands out!

Sol runs up, Jaida bypasses her but Sol goes up and out! Sol ROUNDHOUSES Jaida, then springboards, but Jaida catches her! FALCON ARROW!! Cover, TWO!! Sol survives and the fans duel! Jaida GOURD- NO, Sol cradle counters, TWO!! Jaida kicks low, reels Sol in, but Sol turns lift into a seated senton! Cover, with the ropes! The ref says no, and Sol lets off. Sol goes to a corner, watches Jaida rise, and she CARTWHEEL- NO, Jaida avoids the DDT! Jaida swings, Sol catches that to STRAITJACKET GERMAN! Jaida is down, Sol goes up, springboard for the BELLY FLOP! Jaida avoids disaster to DRIVE BY!! Cover, Jaida wins!!

Winner: Jaida Parker, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Women’s Championship)

Miss Parker cleaned up the entire field, and now she has her shot at the title! OTM joins her to celebrate, and Sarah Schreiber is here to congratulate her. Jaida is going to No mercy, how does she feel? She is hyped! She’s going to No Mercy! Y’all saw that Jaida is a difference maker! “Roxanne Perez, you might be a great champion, but when it comes to that title, Jaida Parker got next!” Is Miss Parker about to bring that title #OutTheMud?

Roxanne Perez seethes backstage, but then simply shrugs this off. Will The Prodigy have just the answer for everything Jaida Parker brings?

Backstage interview with Ethan Page.

Kelly Kincaid is with All Ego and asks if he believes- No no no no, we are not going to entertain a single thought about that man, because Ethan is insulted that someone who is not even ON the NXT roster believes that they deserve a shot at Ethan’s NXT Championship. What is best for this brand is All Ego still NXT Champion. Pete Dunne walks in and says that’s funny coming from “a geezer” who has only been here a few months. Ethan says he is still champion, and that is still on Dunne’s to-do list. That’s because every NXT Champion has been afraid of Dunne. And Dunne looks in Ethan’s eyes, and he sees no different.

Dunne was NXT UK Champion for 685 DAYS, and when he gets a title on his shoulder, it tends to stay there. Well, first, he has to make it to No Mercy. Dunne says when he makes it, Dunne will break Ethan’s fingers, then he breaks Ethan’s ego. Will The Bruiserweight be the one to #FigureItOut in tonight’s main event?

Hank Walker & Tank Ledger VS The Good Brothers!

No more jokes, no more partying, no more being disrespected, Hank ‘n’ Tank are looking to HONK HONK and run through The OC like a couple Mack trucks! But will it really be that easy for these blue collar boys? Or will Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson remind everyone why they’re #JustTooSweet?

NXT returns as Gallows & Anderson make their entrance. The teams sort out, Hank and Anderson start. Hank kicks low, puts Anderson in a corner and fires hands! Hank bumps Anderson off buckles, tags Tank, and then Tank runs up to SPLASH! Tank snapmares Anderson, covers, TWO! Tank keeps on Anderson, wrenches but Anderson ROCKS him! The fans rally for Hank ‘n’ Tank but Anderson CHOPS! Anderson says, “Hank ‘n’ Tank SUCKS!” Anderson whips while fans boo, but Tank goes up and over to SPLASH! Tank goes side to side, tags Hank, then SPLASHES again! Then Tank gives Hank a boost to SEATED SENTON!

The fans fire up with Hank ‘n’ Tank as they say “HONK HONK!” DOUBLE SPLASH SANDWICH for the Machine Gun! Cover, TWO! Hank stalks Anderson to a corner, and he fires body shots! Hank goes corner to corner, but into BOOTS !Anderson runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Hank hurdles! Anderson ELBOWS Hank and Hank falls out of the ring! Tag to Big LG and he runs up on Hank to BOOT him! The fans boo but Gallows hammers away on Hank. Gallows puts Hank in, and Gallows stomps Hank around. Gallows throws down hands, then bumps him off buckles. Gallows fires more hands on Hank, then he ROUNDHOUSES!

Gallows tags Anderson and he covers Hank, TWO! Hank shows grit but Anderson keeps him down with a cording hold. Anderson then shifts around to a top wristlock! The fans rally, Hank fights up, and he reaches out for Tank! Hank fires body shots, but Anderson CLUBS him and facelocks! Hank keeps reaching for Tank and the fans rally up! Anderson kicks at Tank, but then Hank BACK DROPS free! Hot tags to Gallows and Tank! The fans fire up as Tank CLBOBERS Anderson, SPLASHES Gallows, then repeat! Gallows swings, Tank goes up and around, but inot a YAKUZA KICK! Tag to Anderson!

Anderson brings Tank around, but Hank trips Gallows up! Hank POSTS Gallows, but Anderson whips Tank. Tank goes up and up to FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Off comes the jersey and Tank tags in Hank! Hank brings Anderson up, scoop and “HONK HONK!” TACKLE POWERSLAM COMBO!! Cover, HANK ‘N’ TANK WIN!!!

Winners: Hank Walker & Tank Ledger, by pinfall

A massive upset as the blue collar boys get one over on the former tag team champions! Their celebration gets Vic Joseph involved, and then security rushes up! TO CELEBRATE~! But Gallows & Anderson storm up, only for security to stand in their way! Hank ‘n’ Tank are their boys, so no one’s gonna lay a finger on ’em! Will Hank ‘n’ Tank start storming up the ranks until they’re NXT Tag Team Champions?

NXT Media catches up with Shawn Spears.

The reporter asks The Chair Man about his mentoring of Brooks Jensen. Spears stops the guy right there. Jensen spoke from the heart. There was no pressuring him into doing anything. Jensen was- Edris Enofe & Malik Blade step in to say no you don’t! Jensen was in a vulnerable state, and Spears swooped in like a vulture to poison his mind! Jensen may not see it, but they do. Well this is what Spears sees: two more men lost here in NXT, which is a real shame. Talent and talent put together, both very gifted, and yet… It wasn’t Spears that approached them, was it? They came here to find him.

Edris says they’re protecting a friend. Oh, like the friends that they were to Brinley Reece? Now Edris is mad! Don’t ever talk about Brin like that! Malik tries to cool Edris down but Spears sucker punches them both! But that’s 2v1, and they throw Spears around! Edris asks if Spears wants to play! They tell him to never mess with Jensen again! They SMASH Spears against chair racks! But Spears is laughing!? Jensen storms in and is pissed! Are they all just playing into the Chair Man’s twisted game?

The No Quarter Catch Crew is in the ring.

Wren stands alongside Myles Borne and the NEW Heritage Cup Champion, Charlie Dempsey, as Charlie quotes Lou Thesz. “The only gimmick he ever had to wrestle was wrestling itself. Billy Robinson said that wrestling is life. This Heritage Cup is the oxygen that the NQCC needs to live. Now it’s been three long grueling months, but order has finally been restored to this great-” Wren jumps in to say, “The Cup has finally returned home! Now, I don’t know who Lou Robinson or Billy Thesz is, but if Charles says they’re great people, I believe him.” Charlie asks why Wren interrupted. She apologizes, she’s just upset she lost the eliminator. Please, continue.

Charlie says anyway, as he was saying… Wait, where was he? Oh, right! “The D’Angelo Family’s reign of terror is finally over! And the NQCC is going to take this Heritage Cup, we’re going to make it the most prestigious, the most coveted title in ALL of NXT!” The fans applaud, and Charlie says- Wren says that Charles will defend THEIR Heritage Cup against anyone who is brave enough to face him. Any man, any time! And Charles doesn’t care who it is, it- OBA FEMI!? Wren apologizes again. The Ruler tells “Mr. Dempsey, congratulations on reclaiming your Heritage Cup.

“But I just want you and your group to now, that when it comes to prestige, the most prestigious title on THIS brand… is the North American Championship! And it is held by the most dominant champion that NXT has ever seen! THE RULER, Oba Femi!” And he has defended his title against so many strong contenders, former champions and main roster stars, he will not hesitate to add a Heritage Cup champion to the list. But speaking of, here comes the former Heritage Cup Champion, Tony D’Angelo! Charlie says sorry, but Tony’s gone and interrupted him again. And Charlie was totally expecting this appearance.

Surely The Don wants to rematch Charlie for the Cup, right? No, Mini-Don, because Tony now has his eyes on something else. Tony stares Oba down! Tony does not forget, and neither does The Family. They’ll handle business. Tony snaps his fingers, and now Stacks, Luca & Rizzo brawl with Charlie, Myles & Wren! The fans fire up as that all spills out of the ring, leaving Tony and Oba to stare down. Then Oba kicks first! And he reels Tony in, but Ton slips free! Tony SPINEBUSTERS Oba?!? The fans go nuts as The Don stands over The Ruler, and he holds up the North American Championship!

The fans are torn, but are we about to see Tony become The Don of North America? Or is Oba about to add this former champion to his list?

Ashante THEE Adonis walks ‘n’ talks with some ladies.

He would love to handle that “bookworm” Dion Lennox in the ring. The ladies say yeah, Dion is fine~! Hey, not as fine as him! But then look, there’s Dion! Alright, fine, we’ll see who’s fine after this match! Ashante heads out, and the ladies tell Dion they’re so excited to see his match. Dion thanks them. He is pretty nervous but also excited. Wish him luck? They all wish him luck, and Dion heads out. Je’Von Evans sees that and says wow, D! Who knew he had game? Wren stumbles in with the Heritage Cup, and asks Je’Von to watch it for her while she gets water. Je’Von says that’s a bit of a responsibility, but okay.

Then Gallus walks in and asks what’s going on here. No, you saw Wren- Joe Coffey brings up Mark Coffey once having that. Mark says yeah, his name’s right here on the side. Yeah, that’s cool. Mark says this Cup represents proper wrestling. Yeah, what’re they trying to say? Just that it’s a style Je’Von knows nothing about. Not this flipping and bouncing stuff he does. But if Je’Von takes ’em out for a pint, maybe Gallus will teach him how to be a “real wrestler.” Bruh, Je’Von’s only 20 years old, he can’t go to a bar. And then in steps Cedric Alexander. Ease up on the kid, okay? Aw, does Je’Von need Daddy Cedric to fight his battles?

Whoa, now, first off, it’s “Uncle Ceddy.” Second, Je’Von can fight his own battles, okay? Joe says we’ll see about that. Gallus heads out and a lot sure happened in just a few minutes. But will Ashante be able to show up the humble Dion? Will Gallus be sure their style is on top? Or will they see just how bouncy the Young OG can get?

Ashante THEE Adonis VS Dion Lennox!

While Ashante tries to get the ladies to pay attention to him, the ladies are ironically paying attention to Dion because he’s not trying. Will Dion also win this match just as effortlessly? Or will Ashante Adonisly get the attention he craves with a win?

The bell rings and Ashante runs up to fire hands! Ashante fires off in a corner, keeps Dion from getting away, then he fires body shots and stomps away! The ref counts, Ashante lets off, and he argues with the ref. Dion then TOSSES Ashante! The fans fire up, and Dion DROPKICKS Ashante! Dion fires off hands, ROCKS Ashante, then ROCKS him again! Dion whips, ELBOWS and then scoops Ashante for a SLAM! Dion storms around, then runs up to LARIAT in a corner! Dion then hits an EXPLODER, and Ashante tumbles away. Dion sees Ashante bail out, so he goes out after him. Ashante drop toeholds Dion then gest in the ring.

Ashante BOOTS Dion from the apron, then goes up and up to SUPER SKY TWISTER! Down goes Dion and Ashante hurries to put him back in the ring. The fans rally but Ashante covers, TWO! Dion is still in this but Ashante drags him up by an ear. Ashante says he’s the one they want, not Dion! Ashante SLAPS Dion! Dion just gets mad! Ashante shoves Dion around, but then Dion ROCKS Ashante again and again! Dion ducks ‘n’ dodges to DECK Ashante! And DECKS him again! Dion whips Ashante, but Ashante holds ropes to KICK back! Ashante storms up but Dion SLAPS him! Dion then SPINEBUSTERS and covers, TWO!!

Ashante survives but Dion snarls. Dion storms around, tells Ashante to get up, and the fans fire up! Ashante flounders, Dion brings him up for a suplex, and a stall! But Ashante CLAWS Dion’s eyes! Dion BOOTS back, goes up, but Ashante YANKS him down! Dion hotshots off ropes, and Ashante takes aim! Ashante tunes up, for some LONG KISS GOODNIGHT!! Cover, Ashante wins!

Winner: Ashante THEE Adonis, by pinfall

Dion was like Bruce Banner turning into The Hulk, but Ashante blinded him and took him down! Will there be no denying Adonis now?

Lexis King has someone shine his throne.

The Drama King is particular about the details. It has to be gleaming! Meta Four pass by and both Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson say Fallon & Jacy just had to mouth off again. Yes, they’re athletes from outside wrestling. Yes, Lash was WNBA, and yes, Jakara was in world games. But guess what? They made the jump and are doing their thing. Fallon & Jacy are bitter. Don’t get bitter, get better! And Jazmyn is just along for the ride. But next week, they’ll do the thing in the ring and whoop on those little girls! Lexis says ladies, ladies! The King guarantees Meta Four will show… What was it again? Fatal Influence? Okay, pretty cool name, actually.

BUT, all that matters is that The Meta Two go- SKIRRR~! What was that? Meta Two? Well, he sees one two here. Noam Dar is on the injured list, and Oro Mensah lost the biggest match of his career! They don’t want that baggage holding them down, okaaay? SKIRRR~! Oh no he didn’t. King heads out, and Oro walks in. What was that? Don’t even worry. But Oro says he fought so hard, but he couldn’t get the job done. Things haven’t been the same since Noam went down. Jakara says that’s okay, because Meta is betta. That’s true. Then will the Bougie Bully & Miss Jackson humble the toxic twosome?

NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Pete Dunne VS Wes Lee VS Joe Hendry!

Each man has said their piece tonight, so now it is time to back it all up! Will the Bruiserweight #FigureItOut and have his match with All Ego? Will the Cardiac Kid show that he still has the heart of a champion? Or will we all soon believe in The Prestigious Joe Hendry?

NXT returns as Ethan Page is on commentary. Dunne makes his entrance, then of course, “Say his name and he appears…!” Joe Hendry makes his entrance. Hendry poses in the ring, but Dunne and Wes CLOBBER him from behind! Ethan loves that! Wes wants a fist bump, but Dunne just fires hands! Wes hits back, the bell rings, and Hendry stands. Dunne CHOPS Wes, then runs up on Hendry, but Hendry DUMPS Dunne out! Hendry KNEES Wes down, then runs in at a corner. Wes BOOTS Hendry, goes up, and CROSSBODIES, but Hendry catches him! Hendry pops Wes up, to then TOSS him down!

The fans fire up as Dunne returns, and Hendry dodges to KNEE! Hendry suplexes, and he holds Dunne up! Then the SLAM! The fans cheer and Hendry stands tall, but Wes fires body shots and fast hands! Wes kicks, snapmares, and basement DROPKICKS Hendry in the back! The fans are torn but Dunne CLOBBERS Wes! Dunne basement DROPKICKS Hendry, then drags him up. Dunne wrangles Hendry by an arm to STOMP the hand! The fans boo Dunne and rally for Hendry. Dunne brings Hendry up, CHOPS him, but Hendry CHOPS back! Dunne CHOPs, Hendry CHOPS, repeat! Dunne CLAWS Hendry’s face!

Dunne stomps Hendry in a corner, then turns around, into a kick from Wes! Wes fires forearms, but Dunne CHOPS! Dunne ROCKS Wes, Wes flounders away, but Dunne stands him up. Dunne fireman’s carries but Wes fights around to sunset flip! Dunne stays up, so Hendry has Wes’s legs! CATAPULT into Dunne’s Big Ben! The fans fire up and Hendry smiles, and Ethan isn’t sure who got the worst of that. Hendry hauls Wes up to back suplex but Wes lands out! Wes ducks ‘n’ dodges to ROLLING KICK! Hendry falls, Wes DIVES but Dunne dodges! Dunne goes up, Wes avoids the moonsault and SUPERKICKS!

Wes brings Dunne up to fire hands, but Hendry runs in to PLANCHA! Down goes both Dunne & Wes, and Hendry poses for the camera! The fans rally with “WE BELIEVE!” as NXT goes picture in picture.

Hendry feeds off the energy and brings Dunne up and into the ring. Hendry stomps Wes for good measure before going in the ring. Hendry UPPERCUTS Dunne, bumps him off buckles, then UPPERCUTS again. Hendry stalks Dunne, brings him around to UPPERCUT again, but Dunne CHOPS! Dunne waistlocks but Hendry switches. They go to ropes, Wes RAMS them both! Wes slingshots up and over, SUNSET FLIP GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO! Cover on Hendry, TWO! Wes is frustrated but he has his pick. Wes goes for Dunne, and he punches away on the legs! Wes rains down hands, then runs to PENALTY KICK!

Wes soaks up the cheers and cheers, to STANDING MOONSAULT, but into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Dunne has Wes caught but Hendry stomps Dunne! Hendry puts Dunne in a corner, then goes back for Wes. Hendry wrenches and whips Wes to another corner. Wes flumps down, Dunne stands to CHOP Hendry! And CHOP, and CHOP, and CHOP! Hendry CHOPS back! Dunne DECKS Hendry! Dunne storms over to Wes and TOSSES him out of the ring! Dunne then goes after Hendry with kicks and jabs. NXT returns to single picture as Dunne wristlocks Hendry while firing mocking kicks. Dunne talks smack but the fans chant “WE BELIEVE!”

Hendry fires up and he ROCKS Dunne again and again! Dunne staggers but comes back, into a LARIAT! And LARIAT! Wes returns, Hendry dodges to DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up and Hendry scoops Dunne for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Hendry kips up, then scoops Wes, for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Hendry kips up again, then he scoops Dunne again! And then he adds Wes!? Hendry shows his secret strength as he DOUBLE FALL AWAY SLAMS! The fans are thunderous for Hendry as he stands tall again! Hendry gets the fans to stomp stomp clap, and then he choke grips Dunne. He also choke grips Wes, but Dunne ROCKS Hendry!

Wes SUPERKICKS Dunne! Hendry CHOPS Wes! Hendry blocks Dunne’s kick then ducks, the ENZIGIRI hits Wes! Hendry choke grips Dunne, but Dunne JUMP KNEES free! Dunne ROCKS Hendry, Wes DOUBLE QUEBRADAS! All three men are down and the fans love “NXT! NXT!” for making this match! Dunne BUZZSAWS Wes, then goes for Hendry’s arm! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Dunne bends the fingers! Wes runs up, Dunne wrangles him onto Hendry, DOUBLE FUJIWARAS!! Dunne bends all the fingers! Wes rolls free, but Dunne reels him back in! X-PLEX onto Hendry! Cover on Hendry, TWO!!

Dunne is frustrated, but he watches Wes crawl to ropes. Dunne reels Wes in, GERMAN SUPLEX, but WEs lands out! Wes dodges Dunne to DIVE onto Hendry! Wes keeps going, he BOOTS Dunne, SUPERKICKS, then goes up and up to ENZIGIRI! Then Wes goes up, QUEBRADA TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!! “This is Awesome!” and even Ethan is enjoying this. Wes goes to a corner, climbs up, but Dunne trips him up! Dunne goes out to climb up, and he has Wes out to dry. But Hendry runs up to UPPERCUT Dunne! Wes flops down while Hendry climbs up, and Hendry scoops Dunne! But Wes CHOP BLOCKS Hendry, the Fall Away Slam is more a drop!

Wes goes up and up, and he FROG SPLASHES Hendry! Cover, TWO!! Hendry survives and Wes seethes. Dunne bails out and the fans rally, “WE BELIEVE! WE BELIEVE!” Wes runs, handsprings, but Dunne trips him! Dunne pulls the arm, and SNAPS the fingers!! Wes writhes, Hendry choke grips Dunne! HENDRY CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, but ETHAN yanks the ref out!! The fans boo but All Ego just shrugs. Hendry runs Ethan off, but Wes runs up! Hendry blocks the kick to trip and SPIKE Wes! The fans tell All Ego he’s all something else, but Hendry choke grips Wes! CHOKE SLAM on the desk!!

Hendry is prestigious, but he also has a righteous fury inside! He storms into the ring, dodges Dunne’s kick, and CHOKE SLAMS again!! Cover, but Ethan blocks the new ref from getting in! Hendry is pissed, but Dunne LOW BLOWS! And then pump handle, BITTER END!!! But Ethan doesn’t realize it, he could let the ref go! But then TRICK SHOT from Trick Williams!! He won’t let bitter Pete get his moment! Trick puts the first ref in, Hendry covers, AND HENDRY WINS!!

Winner: Joe Hendry, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Championship)

Ethan is in disbelief, because even with his interference, “the outsider” wins! Joe Hendry is going to be representing TNA on an NXT event, in a main event match for THE NXT Championship!! And wait! ZACHARY WENTZ is here, and he CLOBBERS Wes Lee!! Wes’s betrayal is not going unpunished! Zach TACKLES Wes in the ring, security rushes in here, but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Will Zach give Wes that No Mercy grudge match he was talking about? Or will these two look to make an impact on a TNA stage?

My Thoughts:

An awesome NXT here with a lot of great stuff heading into No Mercy, as well as set up for the next couple weeks. I was a little surprised Izzi attacked Karmen, but hey, NXT parking lot is the most dangerous place in wrestling, it was bound to happen. But I appreciate Ava defied the cliche trope by NOT putting Izzi in Karmen’s place. Izzi VS Karmen is definitely happening on the side, and I like that it was Brinley put in the gauntlet. Awesome Gauntlet Eliminator match all the same, Kendal really got to show some stuff even though it was clear she wasn’t winning. It fittingly came down to Jaida and Sol, and fans love both, but they really love Jaida. Roxie VS Jaida is going to be great stuff, but I feel like Roxie finds a way to win, even if she has to cheat it.

Great stuff with Chase U, though a little surprising Frazer & Axiom rained on the parade so quickly. Great tag match of Frazer & Axiom VS Duke & Riley, and of course Frazer & Axiom were going to win that match, I’m just surprised they went and gave them the tag title rematch. But now that they have, I cannot be sure who wins. Frazer & Axiom can’t just get these belts right back, can they? I mean, unless Ridge tries to cheat to hold onto the belt, I don’t see why Chase U would be transitional champions for the guys they just beat. If Ridge was going to turn on Chase U, why not just do that last week? But I suppose this at least pads Ridge’s stats so he finally has a title reign.

Great match from Lola and Wendy, and Kelani getting involved was a good way to have Lola lose while protecting her. Very clever use of the “Easter egg in the background” promo style to also set up the title belt being in the pillow. Kelani VS Wendy will be great stuff, too, and honestly, hard to say who wins that. Wendy’s always been solid, but Kelani is building her reign, so I’m 60-40 in favor of Kelani. Good promo from NQCC, Oba and The D’Angelo Family, and I like that Wren was “unaware” of who Lou Thesz and Billy Robinson were. And I also liked that Charlie just assumed Tony wanted the Cup back. But no, Tony VS Oba for the North American Championship is happening while we also set up a Mixed Six on the side.

Tony stands tall here, so depending on what happens next week on the go-home, I would think, nay I would hope, Oba beats Tony to retain. No offense to Tony, but Oba Femi is HUGE. It felt a bit much for Tony to even hit that spinebuster. Now, on the flipside, Hank ‘n’ Tank beating The Good Brothers is an amazing upset, I did not think that’d happen. And I loved them keeping the continuity that Hank being a former security guard, the security guards were totally on their side after. Depending on how the tag title match for No Mercy goes, I’d love to see Hank ‘n’ Tank get in on the title scene.

We got a really good string of segues from promo. The ladies are going for Dion because he isn’t trying to just score with them, and Dion has a great showing against Ashante even in losing. Wren leaving the Cup with Je’Von, and then Gallus getting attitude with him just because, that definitely sets up a tag match with Je’Von and Cedric, and maybe Gallus finds a roundabout way back to the Heritage Cup Division because of it. Great promo from Spears, Malik and Edris, and how surprising that Malik & Edris went so hard on Spears. But yes, this is playing into Spears’ plan, because now Jensen will hold this against Malik & Edris, and we’ll get a very good tag match out of them.

Good promo from the now Fatal Influence, as well as a response from Meta Four. As team names go, Fatal Influence is an odd phrase in and of itself. But when you consider there’s a sort of flipside from “Toxic Attraction,” it’s clever. Usually you hear “fatal attraction” and something akin to “toxic influence,” so they kinda traded words. But as I said last week, pretty sure it’ll be thanks to Jazmyn that Fatal Influence wins next week, motivating Meta Four to get a friend. And per Lexis King’s part of the promo, maybe the group dynamic does change while Noam is recovering. At the very least, they’ll have a loose alliance with someone who also dislikes Fatal Influence that also counts as an NIL athlete recruit. Fatal Influence’s vignette did give us a glimpse of some possibilities…

And great stuff going into the Triple Threat tonight. Everyone had a good promo to hype things up, and Ethan getting involved was a natural move given his Heelish ways. But then it all backfiring because Trick gets his shot in on Dunne was great stuff. As I figured last week, Hendry wins because Trick and Dunne have their grudge match, then Zach showing up to go after Wes, that’s great set up for their grudge match, and even without those stories, how is Hendry not going to be the one challenging Ethan? Hendry is super popular, it feeds Ethan’s hypocritical “No outsiders!” attitude, and it’ll be a great match. Now, I would say Ethan retains because depending on how Trick’s story goes, maybe Trick gets a rematch around the time NXT moves to CW.

My Score: 8.9/10