Joe Hendry, he’s so prestigious!

For the second time ever in NXT history, Joe Hendry holds a live concert! What will he have to say, in song, about “All Ego” Ethan Page?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Fallon Henley & Jacy Jayne w/ Jazmyn Nyx VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson; Fallon & Jacy win.
• Karmen Petrovic VS Izzi Dame; Karmen wins.
• Mixed Six Tag: The D’Angelo Family VS No Quarter Catch Crew; The D’Angelo Family wins.
• Kelani Jordan VS Rosemary; Kelani wins.
• Malik Blade VS Brooks Jensen; Jensen wins.
• Je’Von Evans VS Joe Coffey w/ Gallus; Coffey wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Fatal Influence walk ‘n’ talk.

Jazmyn Nyx says tonight, Fallon & Jacy are going to show the whole world what they’re all about. Jacy says that Lash & Jakara may be impressive athletes, but this is their world. Fallon says, “Let’s do this, girls.”

Meta Four responds.

Lash says Fatal Influence has already made a fatal mistake. They’re gonna find out they’re messing with the wrong ones. Jakara says it doesn’t matter how they got here, The Bougie Bully & Miss Jackson ARE NXT. Let’s go. It is time to put up or shut up, will Meta Four’s top two be on top? Or will Fallon & Jacy make them put respect on their names?

Fallon Henley & Jacy Jayne w/ Jazmyn Nyx VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson!

The teams sort out and Jakara starts against Jacy. They egg each other on, then tie up. Jakara arm-drags, then taunts Jacy. Lash taunts Jacy, too, but Jacy KNEES Jakara low. Jacy CLUBS Jakara, ROCKS her, then whips. Jakara reverses, dodges, and CLOBBERS Jacy! Then she DROPKICKS Jacy down! Jacy flounders, Jakara tags Lash, and Meta Four mugs Jacy with a round of boxing, and a CHOP! Lash then SLAMS Jacy down, drops a BIG elbow, then covers. ONE, but Lash drags Jacy up. Lash scoops, Jacy slips free and shoves! Tag to Fallon, but Lash catches the Cowgirl! Fallon goes for a facelock but Lash powers up and out to suplex!

Fallon slips around, she has a SLEEPER! But Lash RAMS her into the buckles! Tag to Jakara, then Lash snapmares for Jakara to drop a knee! And another! Jakara drags Fallon up but Fallon ROCKS her! Fallon whips, ROCKS, and runs, but Jakara UPPERCUTS her down! And DROPKICKS her! The fans rally, Jakara fireman’s carries, but Fallon fights free. Fallon and Jakara both ROCK each other! They stagger back, tags to Jacy and Lash! Jacy dodges a boot, Lash blocks a boot, and Lash whips Jacy. Jacy tags Fallon then RANAS! Fallon runs up, tilt-o-whirls into the crucifix, but Lash stays up! Jacy runs up, but Lash catches her!

The fans fire up as Lash DRIBBLES them both in the ropes! Lash DUMPS Jacy, then swings around to SMACK her with Fallon! Lash then TOSSES Fallon away, and tag to Jakara. BOOSTED DROPKICK for Jacy, BOOSTED DROPKICK for Jacy! The Influence bails out, Lash holds the way open! Jakara DIVES! Direct hit on both Jacy & Fallon, and the fans fire up as NXT goes picture in picture.

Meta Four regroups to taunt the Influence, then Jakara fetches Fallon. The ref has Jakara hold on so he can check Fallon. That tope might’ve knocked her for a loop. Jakara steps back into the ring so Meta Four can wait on The Influence. Seems Fallon is okay to continue after all, so Jakara drags her into the ring. Jakara goes for legs but Fallon kicks her away! Hot tag to Jacy, but Jakara fires forearms first! Jakara DECKS Jacy, talks trash, then brings her back up. Jacy JAWBREAKERS free! Jakara staggers, Jacy ROCKS her then reels her in. Jakara fights the suplex to a cradle, TWO! Jakara stands, Jacy LARIATS!

Jacy snarls as she ELBOWS away on Jakara, then clamps on a chinlock. Jakara endures, fights up, but Jacy throws her into an open corner. Jacy runs up, but into an ELBOW! Jakara runs up, fires more forearms, and a kick> jacy blocks that, but then DOUBLE LARIATS take them both down! NXT returns to single picture, and teh fans rally as both women crawl. Hot tags to Lash and Fallon! The fans rally as Lash raliles on Fallon! Lash whips, Fallon tilt-o-whrils, but Lash blocks! Lash fires knees into Fallon, Jacy runs in, but agian Fallon is literally used against her! Lash then hits a FALL AWAY SLAM!

Lash kips up, scoops Jacy, and hits a SWINGING BACKBREAKER! Fallon is up, Lash choke grips to SLAM DUNK! Cover, TWO!! Fallon survives and the fans rally again! Lash tags Jakara, she climbs, and Lash pops Fallon up! LARIAT SPINEBUSTER COMBO!! Jakara hurries to cover, Lash plays defense but Jacy barrels through her to break the pin! The fans rally up while all four women are down! Lash drags Jacy out, Jakara and Fallon trade forearms! The fans rally as Jakara gets the edge, but Fallon YANKS her into ropes! Jakara sputters, Jacy tags in. Fallon hits a FACEBUSTER, and Jacy adds the NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!

Jakara survives and Jacy is shocked! The fans continue to rally as Jacy throws hands on Jakara. ‘Who do you think you are!? This is OUR ring!” Jacy pie faces Jakara, whips, but Jakara gets around to EDGE-O-MATIC! Hot tag to Lash! Jazmyn distracts on the apron while Lash wheelbarrows Jacy. Jakara runs but Fallon DUMPS her out! Jacy victory rolls, now the ref sees it, TWO!! SUPERKICK! Lash tumbles out of the ring! Jazmyn saunters over, but Lash blocks the Penalty Kick! Lash spins and BOOTS Jazmyn down! The fans fire up, but Jacy is there to ROLLING ELBOW!! Tag to Fallon and the Influence takes aim!

Fallon & Jacy run, SHINING WIZARD CALF KICK COMBO!! Cover, Fatal Influence wins!

Winners: Fallon Henley & Jacy Jayne, by pinfall

For once, it’s Meta Four losing the numbers game! Jazmyn was a difference maker, will she and her influencers be the leaders of NXT?

NXT looks back at the friendship of Wes Lee & Zachary Wentz.

It was back in 2021 that the Cardiac Kid said, “Chasing this dream put me down a very dark path, but when you align yourself with the right people, keep your mind right, you will not be denied.” That was when MSK made their impact in NXT. But then, just as they had it all, it all fell apart. Wes lost the tag titles, lost a friend, and lost his identity. He learned to rely on himself, and made waves. He became perhaps THE greatest North American Champion. But he gave so much of himself that he needed surgery, time, and healing. He became obsessed, but fell short. And just when it looked like he was giving up completely, his friends came back for him.

The Rascalz reunited, and it felt so good for everyone. But when MSK fell short of returning to the top, Wes snapped. Zach let him down all over again. It was WES and Wes alone that achieved greatness. He wished Zach all the best in his future endeavors, but Zach just went after him in return! And now, these two will be showing each other No Mercy. They will have one last face-to-face conversation, but will there be anything left to say?

Eddy Thorpe DJ’d another gig.

The Alpha Wolf has the crowd jumping to the beat, and cut to reality, the ladies admiring his work. That was a great night. Ashante THEE Adonis walks in and says that beat’s dope. Is that Eddy? Yep. Didn’t Ashante know? Eddy DJ’d the Orlando live event. Oh, so the ladies were there? Then he’ll have to start going to these. The ladies say bye, and Ashante asks which one is Eddy’s girl. Ashante doesn’t wanna step on his territory or nothing. Eddy says none of them, they’re just friends. Oh, for real? Like, a plutonic relationship with beautiful women? Yeah, man, it’s possible. Wow, didn’t think those types of DJs existed.

What? He didn’t think a DJ could be all about the music and nothing more? Meanwhile, we see Edris Enofe going by while on his phone, and he steps into a back room. But then so does Brooks Jensen, with Shawn Spears’ white chair!! JENSEN ATTACKS EDRIS!! Eddy hurries over to stop that, but the damage is done! Jensen avenged Spears for last week, but what will Malik Blade have as a response? Is Jensen truly a lost cause?

Karmen Petrovic VS Izzi Dame!

“Sword Girl” was lucky enough to be chosen by lottery to enter the Gauntlet Eliminator, and yet that only made her a target for those that weren’t chosen. Izzi attacked Karmen in the infamous NXT parking lot, took her out of the gauntlet but was given this match instead. Will Izzi spike Karmen like a volleyball? Or will she be the one targeted by the real-life Beatrix Kiddo?

NXT returns as Izzi makes her entrance. The bell rings and they both rush in! Karmen dodges to then KICK, KICK and KICKS at Izzi’s legs! Izzi grabs Karmen by the neck, but Karmen KICKS free! Karmen runs, but Izzi scoops. Karmen slips free, headlocks, but Izzi powers up to lift. Karmen thrashes the hold to hold on, even as Izzi tries again. Izzi powers up to power out, and then she RUNS Karmen over. Things keep moving, Karmen drops to drop toehold, but Izzi’s too tall for that! Izzi stands Karmen up, swings, but Karmen dodges. Karmen returns, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! The fans boo while Izzi watches Karmen go to a corner.

Izzi runs up, RAMS Karmen, and digs her shoulder in. The ref counts, Izzi lets off, but she scoops Karmen for another BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Izzi stalks Karmen, drags her up, and whips her to a corner. Izzi LARIATS, whips again, then runs up, but into a BOOT! Karmen goes up to ENZIGIRI! Karmen goes up again, to LEAP, but into Izzi’s arms! SKY HIGH! Cover, TWO!! Karmen survives and Izzi grows frustrated. Izzi drags Karmen up, torture racks and thrashes Karmen around! Karmen endures, the fans rally, and Karmen fires knees! Karmen knees free, staggers, but Izzi is up! Izzi whips, Karmen ducks ‘n’ dodges, tilt-o-whirl CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!

Karmen hurries up, slides under Izzi, then KICKS her low! Karmen whips but Izzi blocks to reverse. Karmen goes up to BOOT Izzi! Then WHEEL KICK! Karmen fires up and the fans are with her! Karmen aims from a corner, runs and ROCKS Izzi! And ROCKS her again! And DISCUS LARIAT! Shoutout to The Boat! Cover, TWO! Izzi stays in this but Karmen refocuses. Karmen runs up but Izzi LARIATS! Izzi then BOOTS Karmen, stands on her, TWO! The cocky cover was not enough and Izzi is furious! Izzi drags Karmen up but Karmen KICKS her! Karmen fires forearms and CHOPS, Izzi shoves and BOOTS her again!

Izzi drags Karmen up, scoops her, and swings her, but Karmen sunset flips it! KARMEN WINS!!

Winner: Karmen Petrovic, by pinfall

It iz what it is, right? Karmen used technique to defeat the volleyball ace, will Izzi just have to settle for earning opportunities rather than taking them?

No Quarter Catch Crew warms up backstage.

Charlie Dempsey and Myles Borne grapple, and Wren Sinclair wants to cut in. Dempsey says enough, Wren! Stop! What? She wants to get warmed up! Wren says they should follow her lead. Uh, no, Dempsey is Heritage Cup Champion, she’s not. So they follow HIS lead. Fine. But let’s not forget, Charles, if not for her, he wouldn’t even be champion. But go ahead, lead on. Dempsey does, will the #WrenQCC be able to hold it together?

The D’Angelo Family also warms up backstage.

Channing Lorenzo holds his hands out, Adrianna Rizzo is throwing fire with those hands. The Don says they look good. But in step the cousins, they need a minute. Tony says not now. Tony tells Stacks, Rizzo & Luca that the NQCC needs to pay for what they did. Let’s go. The cousins say they gotta talk, but Tony says no, wait until after the match. Tony follows his team out, but the cousins are stressing out. Could this urgent news be very, very bad for The Don?

Sarah Schreiber interviews Jaida Parker.

They sit down, and Sarah says Miss Parker made her NXT debut less than a year ago via the Women’s Breakout Tournament. Then last week, she outlasted five other women in the Gauntlet Eliminator to earn her first ever NXT Women’s Championship match. How has this journey been for her? It has been fast, that’s for sure. It was two years ago that she signed with WWE, and before that, she was a D1 soccer player at LSU. The transition from field to ring made her nervous, but it all fell into place. She got on TV with the tournament, she had her first PLE match alongside OTM, and then her first solo move was Battleground and the Women’s North American title ladder match.

Plus, she had her wild feud with Michin, and then last week, winning the Gauntlet Eliminator. Now, Sunday, it’s her chance to win THE NXT Women’s title. Then Sarah has to ask. That gauntlet was a battle, and she took a solid hit form Sol Ruca. How is she feeling after that? Is she going to be 100% by Sunday? She won’t lie, she is still sore. Nothing is broken or cracked, though, so she’s making it there. No denying the confidence, but is Roxanne Perez underestimating Jaida? Oh absolutely! She will give Roxie her flowers as one of the greatest of all time. But Roxie fails to understand, Jaida ain’t scared of the spotlight.

Jaida has been in the spotlight since she was a teenager. She had D1 colleges recruiting her since middle school! She played at LSU in front of thousands and thousands of fans! She played on the US Under-17 National Women’s Team. So no, Jaida isn’t a soccer player who became a WWE superstar, she is a star who used to play soccer. We’ve seen her, she is confident, cocky, speaks her mind, and when money is in the middle, Jaida is on point. Her actions speak for themselves, and this Sunday, they’ll speak even louder. Roxie barges in and tells Sarah to leave. Did she stutter? LEAVE! Sarah does as told and Roxie sits with Jaida.

Roxie says congrats. A little less than a year since her debut and now she has a big title match. A confident challenger, ready as ever. Jaida thanks Roxie and says keep going. Oh, no, Roxie wasn’t talking about Jaida. She was talking about Lola Vice, because that was her story. And, it was also Thea Hail’s story, and everyone just has a story when it comes to challenging for this title. But those stories always end the same way: disappointment. And don’t get Roxie wrong, Jaida Parker is a future champion! Just look at her! She has it all! Except for one thing. She isn’t a Prodigy. And on Sunday, Jaida finds out what everyone already knows: NO ONE is better than Roxie.

Jaida tells Roxie that she’s gonna slap the taste out of her mouth. Roxie dares her to try, and SLAP!! It happens now! Jaida smiles, then looks over. What’s she doing her? Oh, yeah, Jaida heard about her. She can get some, too. Wait, who? Roxie also sees this person, but WHO IS IT!? Who has secretly arrived in NXT in the background of this big title match?

Mixed Six Tag: The D’Angelo Family VS No Quarter Catch Crew!

The Don has Stacks, Rizzo & The Consigliere ready to handle business, but Wren Sinclair is just as determined to make sure her team stands tall once again. But will Wren have to learn it’s not her team? Or will The D’Angelos teach her that the hard way?

The trios sort out, and while Charlie argues with Wren, Stacks SHOTGUNS Dempsey down! The fans fire up as Stacks then trips Charlie and rains down fists! Dempsey gets loose to SLAP Stacks, then wrench and SWINGING BACKBREAKER! Cover, ONE, but Dempsey UPPERCUTS Stacks! And UPPERCUTS! Stacks blocks to ROCK Dempsey again and again! Tag to Luca, Stacks whips Dempsey into the ropes for Luca to KICK! Luca covers, ONE!! Luca hurries to cravat and neck wrench, but Dempsey powers his way to the corner. Myles tags in, Dempsey snapmares free and Myles UPPERCUTS!

Luca kicks and UPPERCUTS in return, but Myles does the same! Luca hooks Myles, backslides, TWO! Luca headlocks, grinds the hold, and Stacks tags in. Myles powers up but Luca whips him into KNEES from Stacks! Stacks back suplexes but Myles fights free! Myles hits a BIG back suplex, and then he has Stacks in a corner. Myles fires uppercuts, stomps a mudhole, and Wren tags in!? Wren incidentally saves Luca and she eggs Rizzo on. Rizzo runs in, dodges, and ROCKS Wren! Wren CHOPS Rizzo, Rizzo ROCKS her, but Wren CHOPS back! And LARIATS! Wren runs, and BULLDOGS Rizzo! Cover, ONE!!

Wren kicks Rizzo, whips, but Rizzo reverses to DROPKICK! Rizzo kips up then DECKS Wren! The fans fire up while the NQCC regroups, but wait, the cousins hurry out. They tell Tony this can’t wait any longer! Tony says fine, and he follows them to the back. The D’Angelos have control, for now, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns, Stacks has Myles by the legs! Dempsey runs in, Luca intercepts with an atomic drop! Then Luca trips Dempsey, and then Wren runs up! Rizzo atomic drops Wren, trips her, and now we get a TRIPLE BADA BOOM! NQCC is writhing from the leg splitting leg drops, and Stacks TOSSES Dempsey. He runs up to UPPERCUT Myles, then short arm LARIATS! Stacks runs, but Myles puts him on the apron! Stacks ROCKS Myles, BOOTS Dempsey, then BOOTS- NO, Myles blocks to DRAGON SCREW the leg! Stacks falls back, Myles goes out and drags him up. Myles pushes Stacks in, gator rolls him, and drags him over.

Myles turns Stacks over, tags Dempsey, and Dempsey KNEE DROPS on the bad leg! Dempsey stomps the leg, covers, TWO! Stacks toughs it out but Dempsey covers again, TWO! Dempsey drags Stacks by his leg to ANKLE LOCK! Stacks endures but his shoulders are down! TWO as Stacks sits up, but Dempsey twists that ankle! Dempsey turns Stacks over, hooks the leg, and bridges into a modified MUTA LOCK! Stacks endures, reaches out, and the fans rally up! Dempsey lets off to STOMP Stacks down! Dempsey puts Stacks in the corner, tags Myles, and they stomp away on the leg! The ref counts, NQCC lets off.

Myles drags Stacks, Stacks has the ropes, so Myles lets go at 4. Myles argues with the ref, but then tags Dempsey. Dempsey stomps Stacks’ leg, twists him around, and ties up the legs. Dempsey works to undo the knee brace! The ref reprimands, Dempsey CLUBS the leg, but Stacks hits back! The fans fire up as Stacks stands, but Dempsey waistlocks! Stacks fights the lift to victory roll, TWO!! Dempsey escapes, blocks a kick, and spins Stacks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Stacks tumbles into the corner, Dempsey storms up to tag Myles. They bring Stacks around, but Stacks slips free and the CHOP hits Myles!

Stacks hurries, hot tag to Luca! Luca rallies on Dempsey and Myles! The fans fire up, Luca ducks ‘n’ dodges to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Luca LARIATS Dempsey up and out, then he dodges Myles for a QUICK DRAW! Cover, Wren breaks it! The fans fire up as Wren taunts Luca, but Luca gets mad. But then Myles CLOBBERS Luca for her! Myles and Luca brawl on the outside, and Luca blocks a slap from Wren! Rizzo DIVES into Wren! Dempsey runs up, Rizzo TOSSES him! Luca pushes Myles in, he and Stacks hit SHATTER MACHINE!! Cover, D’Angelos win!

Winners: The D’Angelo Family, by pinfall

The Underboss & The Consigliere lay down the law, and that was a big win over NQCC! But will the news The Don has received cancel out all the good feelings from this victory?

Backstage interview with Pete Dunne.

Kelly Kincaid is with The Bruiserweight, and she brings up how Trick Williams interfered in last week’s Triple Threat. Dunne says that cost him a shot at the NXT Championship. But is he gonna bitch ‘n’ moan like Trick? No! He’ll figure it out! The NXT Championship is still the goal. But Dunne will first teach Trick another lesson: When you mess with The Bruiserweight, he beats you within an inch of your life. See you next week, Trick! Dunne storms off, will he tear Trick apart? Or will Trick be the one to #FigureItOut this time?

Ethan Page meets with Ava Raine in her office.

All Ego tells the NXT General Manager, “Here I am again in the principal’s office.” Ava says what Ethan did last week was unacceptable. He can’t go manhandling referees like that. What was he thinking? Oh, what was he thinking. She’s right, she has every right to fine him. No, better yet! It’d be a great way to show her authority around here: Suspend him! That way, he won’t even have to defend his title at No Mercy! Yeah, he’d love that. But no, he is absolutely defending his title on Sunday against Joe Hendry. She just has to figure out some things first. Oh, okay. Then as the GM, Ethan can only assume she doesn’t want a singing Scotsman as her NXT Champion.

Well, let’s not assume. What she wants is him out of her office. But he’ll be first to know when she’s done. Ethan sarcastically grumbles that this was a productive meeting. He leaves, but what exactly is Ava working on just days before the PLE?

Zachary Wentz is here!

The fans cheer as this lone Rascal makes his way to the ring, mic in hand. There is already security waiting around the ring just in case, because here comes Wes Lee! The fans boo the callous Cardiac Kid, and Zach is pacing like a hungry lion in a cage. Wes joins Zach in the ring, but refs make sure nothing happens. Wes grabs himself a mic, and tells Zach to say whatever he needs to say. Zach asks, “Why did I think that we would be different? Every team, every family in professional wrestling, they break up. But not The Rascalz! Not MSK!”

Wes stops Zach there. His yelling and screaming, it just shows how naive Zach really is. Zach says nine YEARS! Wes is pissing away nine years because he thinks he’s some huge star? THINK!? Wes KNOWS he is a huge star! Matter of fact, he’s a bigger star than Zach! And let’s be honest here. We all know Zach is jealous of Wes. Why’d Zach even come back? Clearly for that NXT rub. Now look, Wes wants Zach to get this through his head: Wes and Zach are on different levels. The fans boo, and Zach says hey, nobody was prouder of what Wes accomplished than Zach. And Zach admits, he messed up, okay?

MSK was one of the greatest tag teams in NXT history! And Zach ruined it. He can own up to that. And through it all, Wes became the main event superstar he always wanted to be. Zach got to grow up, to become a man, and for two YEARS, Zach had the picture of Wes, alone, in this ring, crying, wondering what was going to happen next. But that motivated Zach to pick himself up, to dig himself out of the hole, and to come back here to be reunited with his BROTHER! Wes has Zach stop again. Wes is glad he motivated Zach, but if they’d won the tag titles, the nostalgia high would’ve been great for like… Uh, a couple weeks.

But then Wes would’ve realized, he and Zach are just NOT on the same level. This isn’t 2022 anymore. Oh, now Wes wants to be cold? Wes is one of the most sensitive people on the planet! But what happened when Trey & Zach were ready to enter the arena a month ago? Wes was ready to quit for the THIRD TIME! Wes holds back his anger and Zach says if Wes wants to go there, then let’s go there. What happened when Wes went through surgery? Who was bringing Wes food when his wife was at work? Who was helping Wes in rehab? Who texted with Wes when Wes was having doubts? When Wes thought he was never coming back!?

Wes wants to counter but Zach says no no no! In front of the cameras, Zach couldn’t be Wes’ tag partner. But behind the scenes, Zach was ALWAYS Wes’ brother!! The fans cheer that! Wes says Zach can say whatever he has to so he can sleep at night. But on Sunday, Wes will show Zach, as he has said so many times before, they are just on different levels! Zach says Wes has always underestimated Zach their entire lives. Zach used to wish for Wes’ success, but now, he will make sure Wes fails, starting on Sunday! While Wes was smashing records in NXT, Trey & Zach were doing stuff in TNA that MSK could never do: becoming tag team champions!

Wes gets mad now, and he tells Zach that Sunday, forget everything! Forget their friendship, forget their accomplishments. On Sunday, No Mercy, Wes shows everyone why Wes is the WWE Superstar, and Zach is just a TNA wrestler. Zach says at No Mercy, this TNA wrestler beats the ass of this WWE Superstar! They’re both ready to tear each other apart, but the refs and security stay between them. What happens when no one can stop these two from showing each other no mercy?

Joe Hendry finds Trick Williams backstage.

Hendry wants to express his gratitude to Trick for the assist. If not for Trick, Hendry probably wouldn’t be facing Ethan Page this Sunday. Trick says hey, all he has to say is, he believes in Joe Hendry. Hendry appreciates that. And Hendry knows Trick has Dunne next week, but if Hendry beats Ethan- Wait, wait. Trick says when Hendry beats Ethan Page. Okay, when he beats Ethan, Hendry wants Trick to know he doesn’t have to figure this out. He gets the next shot. Trick says he’ll hold Hendry to that. Whoop dat trick, and good luck with the concert. Hendry thanks Trick, but will Ethan make sure Hendry hits a few sour notes?

Kelani Jordan VS ???

The walls are closing in on the NXT Women’s North American Champion, and Wendy Choo says she’s set up a little surprise for her. Who has Wendy aimed at the Gym Princess’ head? And will they be able to do it like Lani?

As Kelani makes her entrance, she grabs a mic and tells Wendy to stop making her wait! Who is it? Bring her out! Which one of her creepy, demonic little friends is it gonna be? Kelani’s courage trails off as Wendy gets on the tron. Wendy just tilts her head, and the camera zooms out. Wendy points this person in the direction of gorilla, and it’s ROSEMARY?!? TNA’s Demon Assassin is doing Wendy’s dirty work, but will she also earn her own shot at the gold?

The bell rings and the fans fire up for Rosemary. Rosemary and Kelani circle, tie up, and Rosemary powers Kelani to a corner. The ref counts, Kelani gets away, and the two go again. Kelani gets around to waistlock but Rosemary wrenches and whips. Kelani reverses, does the splits, then slingshot arm-drags! Kelani DROPKICKS Rosemary to a corner, runs up and SPLASHES! Then Kelani snapmares, runs, and SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Rosemary goes to a corner, Kelani runs up, but into an ELBOW! Rosemary goes up to reel Kelani into a HANGING HEADSCISSORS! The ref counts, Rosemary lets go, and she has a wild smile as she slithers back in.

Rosemary aims, runs corner to corner, and she CLOBBERS Kelani! Rosemary reels Kelani in for a T-BONE PLEX! Cover, TWO! Rosemary keeps on Kelani with ground ‘n’ pound! Kelani kicks free but Rosemary is having fun now. Rosemary stalks Kelani, and clamps on with a REAR NAKED CHOKE! Kelani fights, pries at the hold, and the fans rally up. Kelani fires elbows, but Rosemary CLUBS her in return. Rosemary rises, brings Kelani around but Kelani ROCKS her first! Rosemary ROCKS Kelani back! Kelani and Rosemary trade shots, but then Kelani blocks a kick, steps over, and WHEEL KICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up!

Kelani and Rosemary rise, and Kelani gets mad! Kelani runs up to CLOBBER Rosemary! And CLOBBER her again! Handspring and BACK ELBOW! Then a kip up! The fans fire up and Kelani kicks Rosemary low. Kelani hooks her up, but Rosemary slips free! Kelani catches Rosemary, COPMLETE SHOT! Basement DROPKCI! But Rosemary sits right up! Kelani is a bit stunned, she hurries to handspring, but Rosemary SPEARS her! Cover, TWO!! Kelani survives and is gasping for air. Rosemary drags Kelani up, underhooks, but Kelani wrenches out! Rosemary HEADBUTTS first! Kelani goes to a corner, Rosemary blocks a boot, but Kelani STOMPS her down!

Kelani hurries, ONE OF A KIND SAULT! Cover, Kelani wins!

Winner: Kelani Jordan, by pinfall

Emotions were running wild, but Kelani finds the way to win. But now Wendy is laughing from the shadows as her face appears all around the ring. And then Wendy slips in, NIGHT NIGHT CLUTCH!! Rosemary laughs as Wendy squeezes tight, and puts Kelani out like a light! Will Wendy show no mercy when it comes time to fight for the title?

Meta Four regroups backstage.

Oro Mensah is just as upset over what happened out there. But he says hey, he’s here for them. He’ll say what his dad always used to tell him: You only need to be 1% better than last time. And at the end of the day, no one’s betta than Meta! They join hands, but Lexis King has to walk in and say no one wants to hear stuff like that. No one wants sob stories! And these ladies don’t care about Oro’s dad. Oro gets heated but Lexis says calm down. We all know Noam Dar is the daddy of Meta Four anyway. He was quite the father figure to Oro, right? Oro was so upset when Ethan took him out. Oro says how funny, Lexis has a dad bod and dad jokes.

Oro tells Lexis that he is one to talk for someone without a father figure. Lexis SLAPS Oro! The fight is on, but refs rush in! Lash & Jakara say it for the fans, “Let ’em fight!” The two are separated, but has The Drama King once again stuck his foot in his mouth?

Chase U is in session.

Andre Chase says they’re the MOTHER EFFIN’ NXT Tag Team Champions~! The students all cheer, and one guy is even strangling his friend! But Duke Hudson apologizes, he and Riley Osborne didn’t get the job done. Riley says yeah, Axiom & Frazer are just something else. Ridge Holland tells the boys that they fought with honor. Ridge swore he’d never be in another group again, but then Chase U made him feel at home. And he is honored to call them his friends. These titles mean the world to him, he’s never letting these go. No one will take these, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep them. As long as they have these titles, Ridge always has their backs.

Thea Hail says hell yeah! They’ll have the reign to end all reigns! The students cheer that! But in steps #Fraxiom. Frazer isn’t so sure about what Ridge said, but he knows Chase U does in fact welcome everyone. Frazer was once their honorary flagbearer, and he felt that school spirit first hand. But then, he met up with his amigo. They faced each other for title opportunities both here and abroad. And they realized that they made each other better, and that they were better together as a team. Their last run as champs proved that, but they have more running still to do. They #NeverSlowDown, but don’t get them wrong. There isn’t anyone in NXT that doesn’t like Chase U.

But… On Sunday, when Fraxiom takes the titles back, Chase U is going to come crumbling down. A rather ominous promise from the Undeniable Hard-Hitting Truths, but will it all become a reality? Or can Ridge & Mr. Chase keep the university golden?

Malik Blade VS Brooks Jensen!

The back and forth of Malik & Edris going after The Chair Man and then Jensen going after Edris with a chair, this match was bound to happen. Will Malik do his best to slap some sense into Jensen? Or will Jensen continue to follow Shawn Spears’ twisted path?

WHOA, Malik FLIES out onto Jensen! The fans fire up, and Malik RAMS Jensen right into steel steps! Malik throws Jensen into the ring, the ref calls for the bell, and this is finally a match! Malik fires off on Jensen with haymakers and CHOPS! Jensen ELBOWS back, but Malik DROPKICKS him! Jensen tumbles out, Malik runs in, but Jensen DUMPS Malik! Jensen fires hands on Malik, then shoves him at the post! Malik swings around the corner to land on the other side! Malik then ROCKS Jensen, climbs up, and he ROCKS Jensen again. But Jensen pulls the crossbar cover away, then kicks Malik’s legs out! Malik HOTSHOTS off the bare steel!

The ref checks Malik while Jensen tastes blood in his mouth. Jensen snarls, storms in, and he stomps away on Malik! The fans boo but Jensen drops a knee right on Malik’s face! Malik sputters, Jensen drags him up, but Malik fires body shots! Jensen CLUBS Malik, and SWINGING NECKBREAKERS! Cover, TWO! Jensen rains down elbows on Malik, then pie faces him around. Malik fires body shots, ROCKS Jensen, but Jensen throat chops back! Jensen DECKS Malik, then paces around.  Jensen clamps onto Malik with a chinlock and he squeezes tight. The fans rally, Malik fights up and fires body shots!

Malik lifts Jensen to slingshot BACKBREAKER! Jensen crawls away, but Malik runs up. Malik fires hands on Jensen, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then ROCKS Jensen again and again! Jensen shoves, swings, but Malik dodges to CLOBBER Jensen! And CLOBBER him again! Malik keeps going, BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up for Malik and he hurries up a corner. But Jensen UPPERCUTS first! Jensen climbs, but Malik fires hands! Then BLOCKBUSTER again! Cover, TWO! Jensen survives and Malik grows frustrated. Malik goes up, FROG SPLASH onto knees! Jensen brings Malik up, to DDT! Jensen isn’t done, he goes to a corner!

Jensen skins the cat to the top rope, then blows a kiss goodnight. MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, Jensen wins!

Winner: Brooks Jensen, by pinfall

It wasn’t pretty, but it was a clean win for Jensen. Are the teachings of The Chair Man actually paying off?

Backstage interview with Je’Von Evans.

He gets a bit startled by Sarah, but then remembers they were doing the interview now. Sarah says he has a big match tonight against Joe Coffey, how is he feeling about tonight? Well, he feels aight. But Gallus thinks he can’t wrestle, just because they don’t like his style? Well, little do they know, he can wrestle, and he can throw them hands, too! And they’re gonna find that out right now, mate! The Young OG heads out, but will he be able to get bouncy~? Or will The Iron King give him a Glasgow Sendoff to remember?

Hank ‘n’ Tank talk backstage.

They watch their latest video back, and feel it is their best one yet. And the chicken parmesan was the best. Whatever cutlet Uncle Rocko provided Stacks, it was off the charts! Fill Up The Tank with Hungry Hank is doing phenomenal! And now with this weekend, their No Mercy watch-along, that’s more content! And it is a stacked show, too! Does Tank believe in Joe Hendry? Oh, Hank, two words: CLAP CLAP! But anyway, just promise Tank now that they will never, ever end up like MSK. No, of course not! But wait, here comes OTM. Nima & Price say if we’re talking No Mercy, you gotta talk about how Jaida is taking that title.

Well, not that Hank ‘n’ Tank know anything about that. Oh, what’re they talking about? Last we saw, Hank ‘n’ Tank were able to HONK HONK their way to a win over The Good Brothers! Nima says they checked that box, too. These two ain’t hungry for the gold like OTM. Just hungry for BBQ. Hank ‘n’ Tank sarcastically laugh, but then Hank says what they’re hungry for is a hoss fight! And uh, OTM ain’t got no gold either! Nima promises that when OTM eliminates Hank ‘n’ Tank, they’ll get that shot. OTM heads out, Tank says sabes que, those guys suck. Who will win out next week in the wake of No Mercy?

Je’Von Evans VS Joe Coffey w/ Gallus!

The Young OG caught the attention of Gallus just because he was sitting near the Heritage Cup. Will he show them that style is style and they don’t have any? Or will Joe see how bouncy~ Je’Von is by dribbling him out of the ring?

The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, then tie up. Coffey cravats for a neck wrench, then snapmares, but Evans is right up. Coffey runs Evans over, wrenches his arm, then grinds him down. The fans boo but Coffey grinds and wrenches Evans again. Coffey wrangles Evans, Evans kips up, but Coffey wrangles him right back down! The fans rally, Evans endures the wristlock, and he kips up again! Evans then arm-drags free, storms up and headlocks. Coffey powers up and out, RUNS Evans over, then runs. Evans drops, hurdles, but Coffey catches him! Evans manages to sunset flip it! TWO!!

Evans runs up, Coffey blocks a kick and flips him! Evans lands on his feet, runs, RANAS, and the fans fire up! Evans runs and brings Coffey around, BOUNCY RANA off the ropes! The fans fire up, Gallus is upset, but Coffey runs in! Evans dodges, runs in, but is put on the apron. Evans ROCKS Coffey, then he FLYING LARIATS Wolfgang down! Mark runs up, Evans jumps into the ring to DROPKICK Joe! Mark has to keep Wolfgang from storming in there, and Evans taunts Gallus, while NXT goes picture in picture.

Evans goes for Joe Coffey, brings him up, but Coffey fires body shots! Coffey then brings Evans to ropes, but Evans stops the hotshot! Evans ELBOWS Coffey, runs up, but into a POP-UP UPPERCUT! Evans goes to a corner, Coffey is right on him with body shots and haymakers! The ref counts, Coffey stomps Evans then backs off to soak up heat. Evans CHOPS Coffey! And CHOPS again! Coffey kicks, UPPERCUTS, and then puts Evans in the corner. Coffey whips Evans back in again and again! Then he scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Coffey steps on Evans, then goes up and up to VADER BOMB! Cover, TWO!

Coffey drags Evans up, Evans fires body shots! But Coffey blocks to cording hold! Coffey grinds the arm, but Evans jumps up and over to headscissors! Coffey stays up to SLAM Evans down! Coffey keeps on the arm with a top wristlock, and he digs knuckles into the ribs! Evans endures, fights up and around, but Coffey wrangles him back down! Evans shakes his head as he fights up again, and NXT returns to single picture. Evans jumps up and RANAS Coffey away! Coffey staggers around, Evans runs up, but the HOTSHOT hits this time! Evans sputters, Coffey drags him up to fire hands. Coffey pie faces Evans, but Evans gets mad!

Evans LARIATS! Coffey stays up, so Evans LARIATS again! Coffey roars, Evans swings, but Coffey ducks to shove him, Evans dodges to LARIAT Coffey down! The fans fire up as Evans gest angry. Evans kicks, Coffey blocks, but Evans stands on Coffey’s foot to ROCK, CHOP and BOOT him! Evans runs to SUPERMAN PUNCH! The fans fire up and Evans runs to rebound and ROLLING KICK! Then Evans springboards for a CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Coffey stays in this but Evans stays focused. Evans runs at Coffey in a corner, but Coffey ROCKS him first! Coffey pushes Evans into the corner, then Electric Chair Lifts!

Coffey pops Evans into COYT’S WRATH!! Then the GLASGOW SENDOFF!! Cover, TWO!! Evans survives and the fans fire up! Gallus is frustrated, Coffey aims, and then he runs in, into a SUPERKICK! Evans turns things around, and he SUPERKICKS again! Coffey wobbles, roars, and UPPERCUTS!! Evans sputters, Coffey goes up and up and CROSSBODIES into a CUTTER!!! Evans goes up and up and now he OG CUTTERS!!! Cover, TWO!?! Coffey survives but Evans hurries to a corner! Gallus regroups outside, but Evans goes up top! SUPER DUPER CANNONBALL!! Evans wipes out the whole team and the fans are thunderous!

Evans puts Coffey in, but Coffey runs up! Evans RAMS into Coffey, slingshots up and over, then keeps moving! Coffey puts Evans back outside but Evans ROCKS him! Wolfgang distracts the ref, Mark slides in! Evans springboards, Mark takes the CUTTER!! Joe Coffey HEADBUTTS Evans, then ALL THE BEST!! Cover, Coffey wins!

Winner: Joe Coffey, by pinfall

They might as well say Gallus won this match because it was 3v1 by the end there! Will The Young OG ever get respect? Or will it always be Gallus Boys On Top?

Tony D’Angelo walks into the restaurant.

The manager apologizes to The Don but he asks what’s going on. He took Tony’s room! Wait, they said this was an emergency. Who took his room? Tony hurries over, and surprise! It’s the North American Champion, Oba Femi! The Don walks over to his table, and sits with The Ruler. Is this how Oba wants to handle things? He’s got balls. When you’re powerful and mean, you can walk in any place and make someone do something they don’t want. That’s Tony’s kind of guy. Oba sips his wine, and says he doesn’t need Tony’s compliments. Tony is The Don, he exists in this world where he is the most important and powerful man.

But Oba? He is the RULER of NXT, so he does not need acceptance. And he does not accept Tony’s disrespect. Well, that’s where they’re alike. Tony doesn’t take that, either. You don’t think Tony got the message when Oba interrupted him a couple times? You don’t think Tony’s getting the message of Oba coming into Tony’s place? But let’s get to the point: They can come in here, talk this out like men, or they can keep running around and- Oba stands up. Oba says he could lay waste to Tony and all his men. But he doesn’t need to. He can wait for Sunday. Tony stands, and tells Oba that this was inevitable: The Don VS The Ruler.

And Tony will give Oba his due. Oba’s had a hell of a run. But at No mercy, just like last week, Tony shows everyone that Oba is mortal. Oba says many have tried, none succeeded. And Tony will be no different. Oba takes his leave, but will he be leaving Denver still holding gold?

Joe Hendry heads to the ring!

The fans sing along with his song, and the mic and guitar are already waiting in the ring. The fans wave their hands from side to side, and Hendry picks up the guitar before taking a seat. Hendry says he just wants to thank the fans for choosing to spend their evening with him. As they know, he has a career defining opportunity when he challenges Ethan Page for THE NXT Championship this Sunday at No Mercy. And really, he just cannot thank them enough for the support he has given Joe Hendry. To show his appreciation, he has written another song. It is about our “beloved” champion, Ethan Page

So if you’ll indulge him, feel free to sing along. Hendry strums the guitar and says, “Ethan is the champ. And I’m afraid to say… I don’t want to show you how he stays in shape.” Chubby Ethan is put on the tron! “There’s costumes in his bedroom. There’s figures on the shelves. But he gets most excited when he’s playing with himself.” Karate Man!? “And now Joe wins the title, because we’ve had enough. Ethan likes to work out dressing up. Ethan Sucks! Believe in Joe! Ethan, put on some clothes. Ethan Sucks! Believe in Joe! Ethan, put on some clothes.” The fans sing along while we watch Bowser Ethan pump iron.

“Ethan Sucks! Believe in Joe! Ethan, put on some clothes. Ethan Sucks! Believe in Joe! Ethan, put on some clothes.” But then Ethan has to ruin the finale, and he tells refs to hold on, it is fine. Singalong time is done, okay? Ethan asks Hendry if he thinks he’s gonna put up a bunch of photos that are out of context and embarrass the champion? The fans still sing, “Ethan Sucks! Believe in Joe! Ethan, put on some clothes.” Ethan frowns as he steps into the ring, and he tells Hendry to ignore the fans to listen to him. Ethan IS NXT Champion, who the hell does Hendry think he is? He’s trying to embarrass Ethan just to entertain these people? Is that it!?

Ethan says no matter what the fans are singing or doing, Hendry is NOT an NXT Superstar. But Ethan is. He is the CHAMPION of this company! And he knows what is best for the people, even though they’re singing a really obnoxious song. But what is best for the people is keeping Hendry out of NXT, and away from the title. So this Sunday, Ethan promises- Wait, here comes Ava! She tells Ethan he should be flattered that Hendry wrote a special song about him. It was so kind. But in all seriousness, remember how she said she had some business to sort out? Well, it is all finaliezd.

Because of Ethan’s blatant disrespect to NXT officials, the title defense at No mercy will now have a special guest referee!! And guess what? He’s here right now! Ladies and gentlemen, Ava introduces the man himself: TRICK WILLIAMS! The fans love it, and they chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” Referee Trick Willy high-fives Ava while Ethan is losing his mind! Then Ethan takes a swing on Hendry! Hendry dodges, choke grips Ethan, STANDING OVATION CHOKE SLAM! Trick says go for it! Hendry pins Ethan, Trick counts it, and we get the 1-2-3!! The fans cheer as Hendry waves the belt from side to side! Will Trick have a hand in helping Hendry dethrone Ethan?

But while Hendry and Trick are standing tall, Dunne is watching from gorilla. He tells Trick through the camera to consider himself lucky. But Dunne doesn’t think Trick even makes it to next Tuesday. Is The Bruiserweight going to take advantage of Trick being distracted on Sunday? Or will Trick still #FigureItOut?

My Thoughts:

A great go-home NXT right here, and just as packed as any other episode. Nice walk ‘n’ talk promos to segue into the opening match. It was a little scary when Fallon was being checked offscreen, Jakara did come in hot with that tope, and I’m a little surprised Jakara didn’t rattle herself, she almost hit the ground face first. But Fallon finished out the match, Fatal Influence won out, and I definitely still think Jakara & Lash need to find a third lady to remove Jazmyn as a factor. Good segment later with Lexis starting things with Oro, all based on their relationships with their fathers being the opposites of each other. That’ll be a really good match that probably goes Lexis’ way cuz he’ll cheat.

Eddy is also moving on from Lexis as Ashante again starts a story based on getting with the ladies. But that was also a rly clever way to give us Jensen going after Edris with the infamous white chair. Very good match from Jensen and Malik to follow it up, and good win for Jensen without needing any cheats. I still think there should be a tag match to follow this, maybe give Briggs the opening to return and even bring in a wrestler from Pro-Wrestling Noah as a tag partner to help him fight Jensen & Spears.

Good match from Karmen and Izzi, great win for Karmen, but I have a feeling Izzi will demand a rematch, the winner building themselves up towards a title match. Great stuff with Wendy bringing in Rosemary to go after Kelani, but sadly that just means Rosemary was fed to Kelani. Wendy of course takes Kelani out, though, so that the go-home math for their title match still favors Kelani. Great promo with Roxie and Jaida, with a very clever burn from Roxie and a great slap across the face from Jaida. And while it was a rather cheesy tease, they’re clearly planting seeds for the debut of one of the big three signings we’ve heard about. So while go home math says Roxie retains, her moment is already ruined because she knows either Stephanie Vaquer, Giulia or Delta is waiting to pounce.

Great video package and then great face-to-face promo for Wes and Zach. Those were some very good counterpoints from Zach, showing it isn’t all his fault that the group fell apart. Their match will be a show stealer for sure, but hard to say who wins out. It’d be the more surprising result if Zach won, and then perhaps Wes was compelled to chase Zach and go after him in TNA to return the favor, winning on a big TNA PPV. Then they can make the tiebreaker be at a big crossover show, as there were rumors of Worlds Collide being about NXT & TNA this year. And of course, Trey Miguel should factor into it all at some point, and more than likely him choosing Zach over Wes.

Good promos before the Mixed Six Tag, and a great win for The D’Angelo Family. It certainly builds Stacks & Luca in the tag division and helps Rizzo get going in the women’s division, but I still can’t be sure who wins between Tony and Oba. They had a good promo segment together, though someone showing up at Tony’s favorite restaurant as a way to get on his nerves is feeling a bit overdone. Tony got that spinebuster on Oba last week, and he might get one in the match, but I’d be very surprised if Tony beats Oba without having to resort to his old tricks.

Good promo from Hank ‘n’ Tank to not just plug their social media show but to start beef (no pun intended) with OTM. That’ll be a solid tag match, and it does feel like the winner gets their story with the tag champs for the next stretch. Speaking of, great promo with Chase U and #Fraxiom, but with how Ridge worded his own part, you can bet that for one, he will try to cheat to win, and that won’t sit well with the others. Secondly, if even cheating fails to keep the titles, Ridge is definitely snapping and turning on Chase U. In fact, because of that, I think Fraxiom does win, they feud with Hank ‘n’ Tank, and Ridge feuds with everyone in Chase U.

Good promo from Evans before his match with Coffey, and that’s good stuff to have the de facto main event match. It was a really good match, but of course Coffey wins because he had Gallus with him. I’m sure Cedric Alexander will talk with Evans next week, maybe we get a tag match of them and Gallus, and they could even eventually get Ashante to take things seriously enough so that we get a Six Man Tag. Maybe. Really depends on where things go with him and Eddy Thorpe.

Really good blending of stories orbiting around the NXT Championship. Dunne warns Trick, Ethan tries to goad Ava into suspending him so he doesn’t have to face Hendry yet, and then very good concert from Hendry to poke fun at Ethan’s time in TNA. Good promo with Ethan confronting Hendry and Trick being named special guest ref. However, now that a guest referee is a thing, I have a feeling Ethan is guaranteed to win. Dunne will just take Trick out of the equation, Ethan cheats, a normal ref counts the cover, and as much as fans really like Joe Hendry, we’re definitely not seeing someone not signed to NXT winning the NXT Championship.

My Score: 8.8/10