Will All Ego be deflated?

Ethan Page does NOT believe in Joe Hendry! But will he once Hendry takes away the NXT Championship, with Trick Williams as special guest referee?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT Tag Team Championships: Andre Chase & Ridge Holland w/ Chase U VS Nathan Frazer & Axiom; Frazer & Axiom win and become the new NXT Tag Team Champions.
• Wes Lee VS Zachary Wentz; Wentz wins.
• NXT Women’s North American Championship: Kelani Jordan VS Wendy Choo; Kelani wins and retains the title.
• NXT North American Championship: Oba Femi VS Tony D’Angelo w/ The D’Angelo Family; Oba wins and retains the title.
• NXT Women’s Championship: Roxanne Perez VS Jaida Parker; Roxie wins and retains the title.
• NXT Championship, Special Guest Referee Trick Williams: Ethan Page VS Joe Hendry; Ethan wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the No Mercy Kickoff Show!

Join Megan Morant and Sam Roberts in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action about to go down in the Mile High City!

Sit-down interview with Kelani Jordan.

Sarah Schreiber sits with the NXT Women’s North American Champion ahead of her title defense against Wendy Choo. Kelani is still the inaugural champion, and every champion has a different mentality. What is Kelani’s? Kelani says mentality is everything. When she arrived in WWE, she was shy, timid, didn’t know where she was gonna fit in, just another athlete who did gymnastics. But something gymnastics taught her is there’s a difference between thinking you’re a champion and being a champion. She trained her mind as much as she did her body. Those who started in sports compared to pro-wrestlers have very different mindsets.

For example, Roxanne Perez is very confident, thinking no one is on her level. But Kelani is aware that there are many talented women on this roster, but she keeps leaving it out there int he ring. Speaking of the talent, Kelani has already defended against a great athlete like Sol Ruca, a veteran like Mia Yim, another peer in Tatum Paxley, so how does she feel about this new Wendy Choo? Kelani is very excited, but also just a little bit of a chip on her shoulder. Wendy choked Kelani out! Rude. But Kelani has had great opponents, great defenses. She didn’t know how she was going to hang with Mia, and Sol is a freak of nature athlete.

Even Tatum. People sleep on her, but she pushed Kelani. But Wendy… Wendy was Kelani’s first ever match on Level Up. And while this isn’t the same Wendy, this isn’t the same Kelani. Sarah agrees, Kelani has gone from kickoff show last year at No Mercy to the main show this year as a champion. How does she intend on staying the champion? Well, it is crazy how things can change in a year. From kickoff show to an inaugural Women’s North American Champion is surreal. But it is up to her to create the importance and legacy of this title. She is fully aware Wendy will pull out all the stops, and might even throw the pillow.

Wendy is ready because she has nothing to lose. But there’s nothing more dangerous than someone who has everything to lose. That someone is Kelani, and this title is hers! Will the Gym Princess prove that no one, not even the wily and wicked Wendy, does it like Lani?

Backstage interview with Oba Femi.

Sarah Schreiber is now with The Ruler, and brings up his many encounters with Tony D’Angelo, including Oba going to Tony’s restaurant. How is The Don different than all his other opponents? Oba says Tony is a man who loves to demonstrate his power. Whether it is numbers int he ring, in the streets, or even last week. Oba showed Tony a true demonstration of power. Everyone was afraid of Oba, no one could look him in the eyes, except for Tony. Tony put Oba down, and has now developed a false sense of confidence. His Yes Men tell him Oba has weaknesses that Tony can exploit, but no one is telling him the truth.

Tonight, Tony learns the truth. Tony learns he is only the Don of the Streets, and Oba is the Ruler of NXT! Oba has no weaknesses, he has no vulnerabilities, he is only inevitable! When it comes to this title, will Tony simply have to fogedaboutit?

Backstage interview with Nathan Frazer & Axiom.

Blake Howard thanks #Fraxiom for their time, and notes their NXT Tag Team Championship rematch with Chase U, but also wants to bring up their past as opponents. Well, that’s funny, because it all started here in this ring, 2022. The Best of 3 Series, then they went on to Deadline. Both men were rather new to NXT, they needed to prove themselves to the fans and to themselves. Frazer points out he came away with the final win, but Axiom is still a hell of a friend, tag partner and opponent. It reminds Frazer of an old friend in NXT UK, A-Kid. Wasn’t that guy always beating Frazer? Well, it was the Heritage Cup so it’s different.

But anyway, when #Fraxiom put it together in the Dusty Rhodes Cup, it just clicked. Lightning in a bottle! They somehow created magic from a rather random chaos. They became one of the best teams ever, a synergy you can’t throw away. Well, all teams have their ups and downs. For months, Fraxiom was winning, but something was off. Is that all in the past? Well, it was a bumpy road, and Frazer does take ownership of that. Axiom says it is both their fault on a level. But now they’re even closer together. They were at their best even! But now they’re ready to become even greater. It felt so weird to not have the titles, so now they need them back.

Anything can happen in NXT, and now Chase University scored a major upset. Did they ever consider going their separate ways? No, Axiom immediately felt that they had 126 days as champions, and knows they can do better. Frazer says yeah, they were right back to thinking how they can regain the titles. Amigos for life! Chase U will do anything and everything to retain, but Fraxiom will do the same to regain. So there’s no more slowing down! By the end of No Mercy, Fraxiom will be TWO TIME NXT Tag Team Champions! Will they have the winning formula for Mr. Chase & Ridge? Or will they be on the receiving end of a #TeachableMoment?

Ava Raine is on the phone.

They were where she left them! Robert Stone and Stevie Turner are driving her nuts, she tells them to figure it out! She hangs up, and Trick Williams walks up. Why does everyone keep saying that phrase? Oh, right, sorry. Well that’s fine, Trick has Dunne on Tuesday. Are they good? Yes. The main event is Ethan VS Hendry, Trick as the ref. But she really hopes that, even with his grudge against All Ego, Trick is a fair official. Trick says his momma raised him right, he will call it like it T I IS, right down the middle. But if Ethan tries Trick, Trick will check him. Ava accepts that. But she also brings up Hendry’s promise that if he wins, Trick gets next.

Yeah, Hendry did promise that, Trick believes in Joe Hendry, but if Hendry tries Trick, Trick will check him, too. Now, here’s a question for Ava. What’s she think of his referee shirt? She likes it. Yeah, he looks like money! Hit it with him now. Trick cranks it for #WhoopDatTrick, and while Ava resists at first, she joins in. Trick is ready, Ethan and Hendry are ready, but will this one still go sideways out there?

Sit-down interview with Ethan Page.

Vic Joseph is with All Ego, and brings up tonight’s historic title match with TNA star, Joe Hendry. How is Ethan handling the pressure of this moment? How about we rewind and repeat that part? Pressure? No, the historic thing. Oh, well, we’ve never seen a title match like this, it is the NXT Championship on the line between an NXT Superstar and a TNA wrestler. Ethan smirks. Ever since he debuted in NXT< he’s been making history. The show is on a roll, all thanks to him, Sunday will be no different. Well, someone who has been bruising Ethan’s ego is Hendry. Hendry had his song, “Ethan Sucks, Believe In Joe-”

Oh, really? Vic is gonna sing the song. Just ask the question. Then how is Hendry a threat to both the title reign and the Ego Era? Well Ethan has never lied. Ethan described all three contenders, and he said Hendry is arguably the greatest star in all of TNA. Ethan knows what he brings, and has felt what he brings. Ethan knows Hendry is dangerous, but so is everyone. That comes with the territory of bein ga champion. Hendry is no different. Vic says he isn’t doubting anything Ethan’s done, but he is also going up against something different. You usually never have to worry about the referee, but now, the man Ethan beat for the title, is special guest referee!

Isn’t that interesting? Trick colluded with the GM to make this happen. How is Ethan gonna manage? With one of his greatest rivals, the man he defeated, and has been promised a shot at this title if Hendry wins? That’s not gonna play into how Trick handles business tonight? Well, Vic is sure Trick will be a man of his word. Vic believes that? Does Ethan believe? Okay, don’t do that. No, he doesn’t mean Hendry. Does Ethan believe Trick will be fair? No! No one watching should not believe it, either! Trick has too much to gain. He can screw over the man who beat him, and he can get a title match.

Trick also has a lot on his plate with Pete Dunne saying Trick won’t even make it to Tuesday. Ethan doesn’t care about that, that’s Dunne’s business. Ethan hopes Trick can focus on being a fair referee, not on his opponent this Tuesday. Then there will be a portion of the crowd believing in Hendry, and another cheering for Trick. How will Ethan control his emotions? Ethan gets a headache. He has enough on his own plate. He has the entire weight of this title, of this company, all on his shoulders. We’re a month away from going to the CW, and Vic wants to ask about chants and what Ethan’s fans are doing?

Because yes, they’re HIS fans! Ethan ended the Whoop Dat Era and has started his own. Fans can sing, fine! And when Trick of Ethan’s match comes out, chant “Whoop Dat Trick” all you want. It is Ethan’s job to leave with this title so that NXT can thrive. Vic offers a handshake as he wishes Ethan luck, Ethan refuses. Will Ethan’s ego get the better of him when it comes time to back words up with actions?

Change is in the air, navigating through the mountainous terrain of NXT.

Ego stands at the top, but a new name echoes through the valleys. Will the ego reign supreme? Or will fans be singing along with a new champion? A Must-See Friendship is now in shambles. A Prodigy continues on, only to run into a meaner, tougher contender. Change is inevitable, and in the end, there will be No Mercy.

NXT Tag Team Championships: Andre Chase & Ridge Holland w/ Chase U VS Nathan Frazer & Axiom!

While the gold is in the hands of the University, the former champions have turned right around to stake their claim! Will this be another #TeachableMoment from the red ‘n’ black team? Or can #Fraxiom go so fast that they turn back time?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who learns from the past so as not to repeat it!

The teams sort out and Chase starts against Axiom. They circle, tie up, and Axiom waistlocks to spin and headlock takeover. Chase fights up, powers up and out, then drops down to kitchen sink knee! Chase covers, ONE! Chase brings Axiom up to wrench, wristlock, but Axiom rolls, bridges, then stands to DROPKICK! The fans fire up, Axiom brings Chase up, and he whips. Tag to Frazer while Chase reverses, but Axiom hooks on an IRON OCTOPUS! Frazer runs and runs and DROPKICKS! The fans fire up and Frazer brings Chase up to a corner. Frazer whips, Chase reverses, but Frazer goes up and over and handsprings, tot hen DROPKICK!

Ridge tags in and he FLAPJACKS Frazer! Ridge reels Frazer in, and FACELOCK SWINGS him! The fans fire up for that one, and then Ridge shifts to a BUTTERFLY stalling suplex! Cover, TWO! Tag to Chase, Ridge camel clutches and Chase basement dropkicks! Chase covers, TWO! Chase drags Frazer up, back suplexes, but Frazer lands out! Frazer BOOTS Chase, tags Axiom, and then Axiom ROCKS, Frazer ROCKS, Axiom LARIATS and Frazer basement DDTS! Cover, TWO! Chase survives that speed combo but Axiom waistlocks. Axiom keeps Chase from Ridge, the fans rally, and Chase fights up.

Axiom shoves Chase, ROCKS him, tags Frazer, then whips Chase into a ROUNDHOUSE! SNAP GERMAN! DOUBLE SUPERKICK!! Frazer SUPERKICKS Ridge then STANDING SHOOTING STARS Chase! Cover, TWO!! Chase survives again and Frazer is a bit stunned. Tag to Axiom, he brings Chase into a chinlock. Chase endures, fights up, and the fans rally up. Axiom is a backpack but Chase RAMS him into buckles. Chase is free, but Axiom grabs a leg! ANKLE LOCK! Chase hops around, rolls through, and he flings Axiom away! But Axiom comes back, DOUBLE LARIATS take them both down! The fans fire up again!

Riley & Duke coach Chase as he crawls, but so does Axiom. Hot tags to Frazer and Ridge! Ridge misses with the right but not the LEFT! Then an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! And another BELLY2BELLY! Ridge SPLASHES in the corner, Canadian Racks, AK47 DDT! Cover, TWO! Frazer stays in this but Ridge stays on him. Ridge scoops, fans rally, but Frazer slips free. Frazer BOOTS Ridge, tags Axiom, and Axiom goes up to CROSBODY! But Ridge catches him! Ridge pops Axiom up and around, POWERSLAM! Ridge hurries up a corner?! The fans fire up for the DIVING HEADBUTT! Cover, Frazer SPLASHES it apart!

The fans fire up as Frazer drags Axiom to safety. The fans rally up again, Axiom tags Frazer in. Axiom ENZIGIRIS Ridge, Frazer springboards to AX HANDLE! Axiom goes up and he MISSILE DROPKICK HIGH LOWS with Frazer! Cover, TWO!! Ridge survives and Chase U can breathe again. Frazer drags Ridge up, but Ridge HEADBUTTS! Frazer falls, hot tag to Chase! Chase runs up, Frazer puts him up top, and DROPKICKS! Axiom tags in to go up after Chase! Frazer sees Ridge, ducks ‘n ‘dodges, hits ropes, but then that trips Axiom up! Ridge BOOTS Frazer and Chase gets around! Chase goes up again, and he brings Axiom up, to SUPER SPANISH FLY!?!?

Chase isn’t done! TIGER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Axiom survives and no one can believe it! The fans rally and Chase tags Ridge. Feed to the lift, but Axiom slips free! Axiom ELBOWS Chase, Ridge KNEES Axiom! Ridge CHOPS Axiom, then hauls him up, to CHOP him again! And CHOP again! Axiom CHOPS in return! Axiom fires fast hands but Chase sneaks a tag! Axiom DECKS Chase, SUPERKICSK Ridge, and both men bail out! So Axiom DIVES onto Chase! Frazer hurries to DIVE at Ridge! Ridge catches him! Axiom FLIES, but Ridge catches him, too! Ridge RAMS them both into the apron, then SHOVES them both over barriers!

Denver fires up, but Fraxiom is right back! DOUBLE FLYING AX HANDLES! They take down Ridge, Chase runs in, DOUBLE GAMANGIRI! Axiom hurries up the corner, tag to Frazer, “This is Awesome!” as we get a FROG SPLASH! Axiom then goes up and out to GOLDEN RATIO Ridge! Frazer PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up again as Chase survives! Frazer goes back up a corner, springboards in, but Chase catches him! Frazer arm-drags free! Chase BOOTS,! Frazer ENZIGIRIS! Chase URAKENS! Tag to Ridge and Ridge goes up!? Chase Electric Chair Lifts, DOOMSDAY DEVICE!! Cover, TWO?!?!

Denver is in disbelief once again, but this is how badly Fraxiom wants the titles again! Chase tags in, Ridge hauls Frazer up! POWERBOMB ENZIGIRI COMBO!! Ridge scoops for YORKSHIRE GRIT!! Axiom DROPKICKS him to break the cover!! All four men are down and Denver is thunderous! Ridge hauls Axiom up to gut wrench, but Axiom slips free to PELE! Chase DECKS Axiom! Chase blocks Frazer’s kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Frazer puts Chase up top, climbs, but Chase fires body shots! Chase SHOVES Frazer, Frazer flips back and returns! Axiom tags in, SUPERPLEX and roll through! CHASING THE DRAGON!! Cover, TWO?!?!

The fans are thunderous, this  is how badly Chase U wants to keep the belts! Frazer drags Chase up, GOLDEN RATIO hits Frazer! Another miscommunication! Ridge tags in to CLOBBER Axiom! And then, POWERBOMB BACKSTABBER COMBO!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Is Axiom even human!? How did he survive that one?!? Ridge tags Chase back in, they haul Axiom up together, but Frazer DOUBLE MISSLE DROPKICKS! Ridge tumbles out, Frazer FLIES out onto him! Axiom cradles Chase, TWO!! Chase hits a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Chase goes up, but Axiom GAMANGIRIS! Frazer returns and he tags in!

Axiom goes up to get Chase in a SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Frazer is up, to PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, FRAXIOM WINS!!!

Winners: Nathan Frazer & Axiom, by pinfall (NEW NXT Tag Team Champions)

Denver is going wild! Frazer & Axiom put together a win, and they’re back on top of the world! Will they never slow down and never come down either? As for Chase U, they cannot believe this is happening! They had these titles, but then melt under the bright lights of a Premium Live Event! Ridge does his best to comfort Mr. Chase, but then he CLOBBERS Duke & Riley!? Thea is in shock, and Chase asks what’s going on! Ridge LARIATS Chase!! Ridge did say on Tuesday that so long as they were champions, he’d have their backs. Now he TOSSES Duke into barriers, and THROWS Riley into steel steps!

The fans boo but Ridge’s rampage goes back for Mr. Chase! Gorilla press, and he TOSSES Chase out to the floor!! Thea is almost in tears, because now Ridge is tearing up the desk! Thea begs he not do this, but his glare scares her away. Ridge drags Chase onto the desk, climbs up to bring him up, IMPALER DDT on the desk!! Thea is in tears, but Ridge seems to have had a catharsis. Is this Ridge showing his true colors? Or was this just the last straw? Medics are needed to help Mr. Chase, with both a neck brace and a stretcher. Did Ridge just end Chase U for good?

Wes Lee VS Zachary Wentz!

From Rascalz to Must-See Kids to Dusty Cup winners to NXT Tag Team Champions, then to a team broken up but still bonded, then reunited, only for selfishness to get in the way. The Cardiac Kid seems to have thrown away his heart and the 10 year friendship he had with The Rascalz. But in quite the plot twist, Zach is back from TNA Emergence as the NEW X Division Champion! Will Wes have a meltdown now that the tables have turned? Or will he still prove that NXT is greater than TNA?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. Wes taunts Zach, then swings on him! Zach ducks, shoves, but Wes ELBOWS back. Wes runs, handsprings, but handsprings over Zach’s sweep! Zach comes back, Wes denies the flying arm-drag, but Zach rolls through. Now Zach taunts Wes and Wes says okay. Things speed up, Zach stops the up kick but Wes dodges the Penalty Kick. Roll up, ONE! Zach sweeps to cover, ONE! Wes tries but Zach avoids the sweep! Wes blocks the buzzsaw, drags Zach down, but Zach avoids the stomps! Both men block and dodge shots, and the fans fire up for the standoff! Zach and Wes reset while fans rally up.

Wes body shots Zach, UPPERCUTS, then whips. Zach reverses, drops, then hurdles. Zach follows Wes, trips him up, then runs to basement dropkick! The fans cheer as Zach kips up! Zach and Wes reset, Zach runs up, but Wes goes up and over. Zach BOOTS Wes, then goes up and up and TORNILLO! Cover, TWO! Wes almost doesn’t get out of that, but then he dodges a superkick and bails out! Zach sighs, builds speed, but has to bail out as Wes moves! Zach dodges Wes, Wes avoids the kick to CHOP BLOCK and POST Zach! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Wes lets Zach flop to the floor. Wes then refreshes the count.

Wes KICKS Zach against the apron! And KCIKS! Zach blocks a kick to ROCK Wes! And ROCK him again! Wes ducks the third to APRON BACK SUPLEX! Wes pushes Zach in, covers, TWO! The fans rally but Wes is annoyed. Wes eggs Zach on, shoves him around, then drags him up. Wes hammerlocks an arm, throws knees into that shoulder, then lets Zach fall again. Wes sits Zach up, Zach blocks a shot to fire haymakers! Wes blocks, clinches, KNEES, and POSTS Zach again! Zach sputters, Wes SMACKS him off the buckles again and again! The ref counts, Wes lets off, and fans boo. Wes runs side to side to BLINDSIDE DROPKICK!

Zach hits buckles and falls back, and Wes grins. The fans boo but Wes covers, TWO! Wes is annoyed again, but he drags Zach around. Wes stomps Zach around, clamps onto a top wristlock, and he grinds Zach down. Zach endures, the fans rally, and Zach fights up. Zach arm-drags free, but Wes holds on! Zach ROCKS Wes, Wes ROCKS Zach, and the fans rally! They boo Wes but cheer Zach, and Zach gets the edge! Wes SOBATS Zach, then whips. Zach handsprings to JUMP KNEE! The fans fire up and Zach is feeling it now! Wes flounders, Zach goes corner to corner and CLOBBERS Wes! And CLOBBERS him again!

Zach CHOPS, whips, but Wes reverses. Zach stops the hurdle to FLAPJACK, and deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Zach runs up to KNEE Wes in the corner! Snapmare roll and PENALTY KICK! Wes bails out, Zach goes up and out, to PENALTY KICK again! Wes goes flipping, but Zach isn’t done! Zach watches Wes rise, then he goes up, to PHOENIX CANNONBALL! The fans fire up as Zach stands tall! Zach puts Wes in the ring, then hurries up a corner. SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Wes survives and Zach is frustrated. Zach drags Wes up but Wes fights the nelson with elbows. So Zach HOOK KICKS! Half nelson, but Wes switches and O’Conner Rolls! TWO!

Wes runs, METEORA, but Zach rolls through! BOSTON CRAB! Wes endures, but Zach pulls him away from ropes! Zach sits deep on that hold, but Wes powers up and out! Then he UP KICKS! Zach staggers, but comes back to SUPERKICK! Wes staggers, Zach runs in, but Wes puts him on the apron. Zach GAMANGIRIS! The fans fire up as Zach climbs, but Wes JUMP KNEES! Wes goes up to SUPER STEINER! Then Wes is right back up, PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Zach survives, but Wes handsprings to CARDIAC KICK!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Zach survives Wes’s best shot and Wes is furious!

The fans chant “WES LEE SUCKS!” but he drags Zach up. Wes SLAPS Zach, but Zach shakes his head. Wes SLAPS Zach again! Zach still shakes his head! Wes winds up, but Zach ducks the kick to shove and run! Zach goes around Wes, BLOCKBUSTER DDT?! Wes staggers, but he comes back to METEORA!! Down goes Zach but Wes tumbles out of the ring! A ring count starts, “This is Awesome!” and Zach drags Wes up. But Wes YANKS Zach to the floor! Wes goes to the desk, he clears it off, and the fans go nuts! Hasn’t the desk seen enough already? Zach ROCKS Wes first! Wes KNEES Zach, then whips him into steel steps!

Wes snarls, storms around, and the ring count climbs. Wes then has an evil grin, and he runs in at Zach! Zach moves, Wes’s knees hit the steel!! Wes tumbles up and over, fans lose their minds, and Zach hurries to get back up. The count is 7 of 10! Wes rolls in but Wes grabs his feet! Wes drags Zach back out, the count restarts, and Wes ROCKS Zach! Then HEEL KICKS! Zach falls onto the desk, but it falls apart already! See? Ridge did so much damage earlier, it couldn’t take anymore! Wes doesn’t care, he still goes up, to SUPER DUPER METEORA to the floor!! Denver loses its mind and the ref checks Zach!

Wes says no, this isn’t ending until he says! Wes POSTS Zach again! Then Wes goes to the timekeeper’s area. He grabs Zach’s title, throws it down, then gets a chair! But then TREY MIGUEL snatches the chair away! Wes is pissed, but Zach CANADIAN DESTROYERS to the floor!!! Zach puts Wes in and the fans are thunderous! Zach runs up on Wes, U F O CUTTER!!! Cover, ZACH WINS!!

Winner: Zachary Wentz, by pinfall

Wes forgot that when he betrayed The Rascalz, he turned his back on two men! Trey gets his payback, too, and from tonight on, Wes must accept that he lost to a “simple TNA wrestler.” But will this only be the beginning of the war rather than the end?

Hank Walker checks in with Tank Ledger.

They both agree, absolute banger of an NXT Tag team Championship. But the drama! Ridge annihilated Chase, poor Thea, but uh… Frazer & Axiom got the job done. Frazer is nauseatingly good, he never slows down. But new champs need new contenders. And while those boys are used to driving on the other side of the road, they still know how to HONK HONK, right? If they don’t, they’re about to learn! Will Hank ‘n’ Tank keep on truckin’ their way to those tag titles? Or will they fail to get out the mud this Tuesday?

Trick Williams checks in with Joe Hendry.

Referee Trick Willy wants Hendry to know he will call it like it T I IS! And Hendry likes that. But he also stands by the promise that if Hendry wins, Trick gets his title shot. Trick reaffirms, he believes in Joe Hendry. But will All Ego have something to say about that?

NXT Women’s North American Championship: Kelani Jordan VS Wendy Choo!

From gymnastics to Level Up to becoming the inaugural champion in Las Vegas, the Standout has always kept a champion’s mindset. However, this newer, scarier Wendy has gotten in Kelani’s head by being somewhere between sleepwalking and the walking dead. Will Wendy end Kelani’s dream come true? Or will no one do it like Lani?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who has a good night’s sleep!

The bell rings and Kelani is wary of Wendy as they stare down. They tie up, Wendy KNEES low, but Kelani wrenches to WRING Wendy. Wendy sweeps but Lani jumps it to DROPKICK! Kelani whips, Wendy reverses then follows. Kelani drops down, somersaults, and slingshots to then roll-up! ONE, and Wendy wrenches to then put the hand down, and stomp it! Wendy wrenches, knuckle locks, and tortures Kelani’s wrists. Wendy MONKEY FILPS, rolls back, cover, ONE as Kelani gets an arm up. Wendy puts that arm down, ONE as Kelani gets the other arm up. Wendy stands to drag Kelani up and rolls back to put on the pressure!

Kelani endures, but Wendy flips her over. Kelani lands out, breaks free, and RANAS! The fans fire up and Kelani shakes out her hands. Kelani runs up to DROPKICK Wendy out of the ring! Then Kelani aims to TORNILLO PLANCHA! The fans fire up and Kelani puts Wendy back in. Kelani hurries to a corner, ONE OF- NO, Wendy rolls all the way away. Kelani frowns, runs up, but is sent into the other corner! NIGHT NIGHT CLUTCH! Kelani rolls back, makes it a cover, TWO! Wendy waistlocks, Kelani headlocks to counter. Wendy back suplexes, Kelani lands out and DROPKICKS again! Kelani runs up to ROUNDHOUSE!

Wendy falls, Kelani handsprings over, MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally, Kelani hurries up a corner again. She goes right up top, but Wendy trips her up! Wendy climbs, Kelani hits her, but Wendy just growls! Wendy HEADBUTTS Kelani, then LARIATS her into a Tree of Woe! Wendy goes to the apron, takes aim, and she runs in to DROPKICK Kelani against the post! The fans are torn as Kelani falls to the floor! Wendy drags Kelani up, SMACKS her off the apron, and SMACKS her off it again. Wendy puts Kelani in, drags her up, and snapmares to then NECK TWIST! Kelani writhes more and the fans rally more.

Wendy drags Kelani up, ROCKS her, then goes side to side to YAKUZA KICK! Kelani sputters, Wendy pushes her to a cover, TWO! Wendy grabs a leg, she drags Kelani around, and she grins as she CATAPULTS Kelani into buckles! Roll-up and basement FLATLINER! Wendy smiles then scowls before going back for Kelani at the ropes. Wendy has the legs, she YANKS Kelani up, but Kelani lands out! Kelani fires forearms, dodges a shot, O’Conner Roll, TWO!! Wendy escapes, runs up, and she throat chops Kelani down! The ref reprimands but the fans rally up. Wendy AX KICKS Kelani in the back! Wendy then whips Kelani to a corner hard!

Wendy runs in, handsprings and LARIATS! Wendy whips corner to corner, runs in again, but Kelani ELBOWS her! Kelani cartwheels to a sunset flip, TWO! Wendy escapes, Kelani runs up, but Wendy blocks a boto! Wendy FLIPS Kelani and Kelani flops! Wendy then BOOTS Kelani down! SLEEPY ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Wendy is annoyed, and she drags Kelani up. Wendy scoops and puts Kelani back in a Tree of Woe! The fans rally, Wendy goes corner to corner and comes back, but Kelani KICKS while upside-down! Then she sits up, Wendy hits buckles! Kelani rolls out of the Tree, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide!

The fans fire up while the ref checks both women. They’re both okay to continue, and the two of them slowly crawl to opposite ends. The fans rally, both women rise, and Kelani is the one that rallies! She cartwheels, but into Wendy’s GERMAN SUPLEX! Kelani ends up in a corner, Wendy runs in, but into a BOOT! Kelani cartwheels again, BACK ELBOW! Both women are back down but Kelani kips right up! The fans fire up with Kelani, she runs up, dodges Wendy, to WHEEL KICK! Kelani rolls back, brings Wendy in, fireman’s carry! But Wendy slips free, whips, but Kelani reverses! TORNADO DDT! Roll through, for a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!!

Wendy survives that double whammy and Kelani isn’t sure what to do! Kelani basement dropkicks, but Wendy just sits up! So Kelani SPLASHES! Wendy rises again!! So Kelani BOOTS her! Wendy wobbles, Kelani stomps away! Kelani shows that aggressive side, and she hurries up a corner. Kelani aims to FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Wendy survives, Kelani isn’t quite One of a Kind after all! Wendy bails out, Kelani storms over and slingshots, only for Wendy to YANK her down! Wendy then snap suplexes Kelani to the floor! Wendy drags Kelani up, puts her back in, and the fans rally again.

Wendy hauls Kelani into the full nelson, but Kelani arm-drags free! Wendy is in a corner, Kelani storms up, but Wendy stops her before she starts! POWERBOMB! Roll through and full nelson, for the BUBBA BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!? Wendy is stunned that Kelani survives! Wendy stalks Kelani, brings her in, NIGHT NIGHT- NO, Kelani climbs the ropes! Then she HOTSHOTS Wendy away! Kelani grits her teeth, clutches her back, and climbs a corner. Wendy rises to CHOP! Wendy climbs up after Kelani now, and she brings Kelani up! Kelani fights with body shots! Kelani shoves Wendy down, but Wendy rises right back up!

Kelani fights Wendy off, but both women fall from the top! They stagger to their feet, and Wendy clamps on! NIGHT NIGHT CLUTCH!! Kelani flails, reaches out for ropes, but Wendy keeps her at the center!! Wendy THRASHES Kelani around as she squeezes with body scissors! The ref checks, and Kelani gets a second wind! The fans are thunderous as Kelani RAMS Wendy into buckles! Wendy throws Kelani into buckles, but then Kelani STOMPS her down! The fans fire up, Kelani runs up and fires forearms on Wendy! The fans rally as she throws hands, handsprings, then clinches, FLATLINER!

Kelani rolls back to her feet, goes up a corner, and she tries this again! 450 SPLASH!! But she can’t make the cover! She drags Wendy to the drop zone, because she’s ONE OF A KIND!! Cover off the moonsault, Kelani wins!

Winner: Kelani Jordan, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s North American Champion)

Wendy gave Kelani her first match in NXT, and she just gave her her toughest match in NXT! The physical and mental battle were both insane, but Kelani found a way. Will no one ever end her inaugural reign?

Wait, Tatum snatches Wendy into the DRAGON SLEEPER! Payback for when Wendy turned on Tatum! Tatum leaves Wendy with her own custom doll, are these two going to have the most twisted playdate ever?

Backstage interview with Ridge Holland.

Sarah catches Ridge as he’s on his way out, and she wants an explanation for what he did. Ridge just chuckles and leaves.

NXT North American Championship: Oba Femi VS Tony D’Angelo w/ The D’Angelo Family!

The Ruler and The Don both wield great power in NXT, but while one uses physical strength, the other uses authority. However, Tony still proved he could throw Oba down like he’s just another guy on the block. Will Tony come to regret defying the man backed by destiny? Or will this be the day The Don finally stands atop the mountain?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who really has “power!”

The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, break, and Oba is amused. The two go again, the fans are behind Oba, and he headlocks. Tony endures the grind, pries at the hold, but Oba holds on. Tony powers up and out, but Oba RUNS Tony over! The fans fire up, and Oba pie faces Tony! Tony frowns, then double leg takedowns! Oba gets free but Tony LARIATS Oba and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up, Oba KNEES Tony, then SMACKS him off the apron! Oba puts Tony in, the fans rally up, and Oba headlocks again. Tony powers up and out, dodges Oba, and then CLOBBERS him! Tony GERMAN SUPLEXES Oba!

Tony runs up, and he LARIATS Oba out! The fans are torn as Tony stays in the ring this time and paces around. Oba runs up, Tony gets around, but Oba fights the suplex. Oba trips Tony, but Tony BOOTS Oba away. Tony runs up, but Oba catches him to RAM him into a corner! Oba clinches, UPPERCUTS, then scoops Tony. Tony slips free, waistlocks, but Oba breaks the grip! Oba ELBOWS Tony, Tony shoves him, then dodges again. But Oba clinches, and something about the collision knocks Tony down! Oba grins, again amused, and he stomps away on Tony at the ropes! The ref backs Oba off so Tony can get up.

Oba brings Tony around, suplexes high and hard, then he covers, TWO! Tony toughs it out but Oba clamps on with a facelock. Tony endures the grind, fights up, but Oba squeezes! Tony pries at the hold, then RAMS Oba into a corner! Oba CLUBS Tony, Tony RAMS Oba, repeat! The ref counts, Tony RAMS and RAMS and RAMS Oba, but Oba CLUBS and CLUBS and CLUBS Tony! Oba reels Tony back in, but Tony NORTHERN LIGHTS! Tony flounders to ropes, Oba goes to a corner. Tony runs in but Oba catches him! Oba carries Tony all the way to center, so he can OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Tony flounders again, and Oba powers up.

The fans fire up and Oba runs corner to corner, to UPPERCUT! Tony falls, Oba covers, TWO! Tony stays in this, but Oba is not bothered by it. Oba drags Tony up, whips him, and CLOBBERS him! Tony falls, Oba talks smack, and he drags Tony up again. Oba whips and CLOBBERS Tony again! The family is worried but the fans fire up. Oba kicks Tony around, drags him up, and then scoops to SLAM! Tony writhes, but then Oba stands on his neck! The ref reprimands, Oba steps away, but then he steps on Tony again! The ref counts, Oba stops, but then Tony avoids the stomp! Oba runs up on Tony, Tony dodges to roll Oba up! TWO!

Tony kicks Oba, reels him in, but Oba suplexes to hit a SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Tony survives that Papa Shango type move, but Oba drags him right up. The fans rally for Oba but Tony BACKDROPS free! Tony staggers, the family cheers him on, and Tony fires hands! Tony clinches, but Oba BELL CLAPS free! Oba whips Tony to a corner, runs up, but into a BOOT! Tony goes up, leaps, but Oba catches him! Tony fights the choke grip, then facelocks! But Oba DUMPS Tony out! Tony lands on the apron, and avoids the boot! Tony fires hands on Oba, but Oba hits out! They brawl on the edge!

The fans rally for Oba as he reels Tony back in. Tony powers out to APRON DDT!! The fans fire up, the family fire up, and Tony runs in, into a KICK! Oba whips Tony, but Tony ducks the lariat! OVERHEAD SUPLEX on Oba?!? The fans fire up again as Tony flounders. Tony rises, runs up, and he fires hands on Oba! Oba hits back! They go back and forth, the fans are torn, but Tony gets the edge! Tony DECKS Oba! And DECKS him again! Tony hits a BELLY2BELLY, then a HAYMAKER! Then the FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Not quite perfect, but Tony hurries to get Oba back up.

Tony reels Oba back in, underhooks, but Oba powers free! Oba wrenches, choke grips, and CHOKE- NO, Tony slips free to fire hands! Oba ROCKS Tony! Tony rebounds to ROCK Oba! Oba rebounds, into a POWERSLAM!? Tony fires up, Denver is torn, and Tony hurries over to Oba. Tony uses the corner to help in an Electric Chair Lift! The fans fire up for the CHAIR SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Oba survives and the family cannot believe it! Oba bails out, Tony pursues, but then Oba UPPERCUTS Tony! Tony flops off the apron, Oba grabs Luca Crusifino! Oba SHOVES Luca, and he has the crowbar Oba knew Luca had on him!!

Stacks hurries to snatch the crowbar, but Oba TOSSES Stacks! And he BOOTS Luca! Oba runs at Tony, but Tony sends him into steel steps! Tony puts Oba in, runs and SPEARS!! Cover, TWO?!? Oba survives and Tony is beside himself! Tony drags Oba up, fireman’s carries, but Oba grabs ropes! The ref counts, Oba slips free, and then he SHOTPUTS Tony!! The fans are thunderous for The Ruler! Oba hauls Tony up and reels him in, for a- NO, Tony slips free! Oba LARIATS Tony and himself out of the ring! Tony gets up first, but Oba CHOPS him down! Oba pushes Tony in, POP-UP POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?!

Now Oba is shocked that Tony survives! Oba gets mad, and he rains down fists on Tony! “This is Awesome!” as Oba drags Tony back up, reels him back in, and POWER- NO, Tony slips free, to SPINEBUSTER!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Tony crawls his way to one corner, Oba goes to the other. The family rallies for Tony, Oba runs in to UPPERCUT!! Oba reels Tony in, and POWERBOMBS again! And then POWERBOMBS again!! Cover, Oba wins!

Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall (still NXT North American Champion)

Tony surely has the heart of a champion, that’s why he lasted so long. But Oba has the heart, the strength, and the size of a beast, and that is why he IS champion! Will Oba be The Ruler then, now and forever?

Trick Williams meets with Ethan Page.

Ethan asks what Trick wants, but Trick tells him he’ll call this one right down the middle. Ethan mocks that, and says that’s a bigger joke than Trick being NXT Champion. Trick says no, Ethan’s the joke. And tonight, Ethan abides by Trick’s rules. Then lets’ cut through the crap. Ethan knows how this is gonna go: Ethan has something Trick wants, and Trick can’t beat him for it, so he’ll do everything in his power to make sure Joe Hendry walks out with the title. Oh, really? Trick can’t beat Ethan? C’mon, it isn’t about that tonight. This is about Ethan abiding by Trick’s rules. And if he doesn’t, Trick will whoop dat trick tonight!

Trick leaves and Ethan scowls, but will All Ego have no choice but to behave himself?

Backstage interview with The Rascalz.

Sarah is with Zach & Trey, and she congratulates Zach on his win tonight. Surely, he has a bit of redemption beating Wes tonight. Zach says he is so excited to win on a big night. And yes, he won this match, but he lost a brother in the process. But time to put that former friend in the rearview, and to appreciate the friend he still has. Trey always shows up. Trey says he just did what Zach would’ve done for him. Now, to the future. One thing they do best is keep on moving. And with new tag champs, well, Rascalz lost last time, but they never faced this combo. So Fraxiom, what do you say? They’ll be waiting.

NXT Women’s Championship: Roxanne Perez VS Jaida Parker!

The Prodigy has been a top level wrestler for a long time, but now she runs into an opponent who has been a top level athlete for even longer! Plus, Miss Parker has a bad attitude that rivals Roxie’s. This might come down to who’s the meanest, so who will do their worst to prove they’re the best?

Jaida does a walk ‘n’ talk. “Y’all all saw what I already know. Roxanne is a decorated champion, no doubt. But after tonight, baby girl, you can keep your little nickname, because your title is coming home with me! Because tonight, Jaida Parker is on point, and I am ready to become the next NXT Women’s Champion! Now let’s go!” Jaida makes her entrance, Denver fires up, and for a moment, she can’t help but smile through the mean mugging. But then Roxie makes her entrance, and it’s a lot easier to frown. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time to see what happens when natural talent clashes with hard work!

The bell rings and the fans rally up. Roxie gets around Jaida to waistlock, but Jaida pries free. Roxie headlocks, shifts, hammerlocks, but she avoids the elbow. The fans rally and Roxie taunts Jaida over her sore sides. Roxie runs up but Jaida throws her down! Cover, TWO, and Roxie hammerlocks again. Jaida stands up, but Roxie shifts ot hit a headlock takeover. Jaida headscissors and she holds on tight! Roxie kicks around, moves around, and headstands to then bridge and pop free! The fans cheer, Roxie takes a bow, but Jaida trips her! Cover, ONE! Roxie KNEES low and she puts Jaida in a corner. Roxie whips, Jaida reverses and arm-drags!

Jaida takes a bow and Roxie is not amused. Roxie SLAPS Jaida! Jaida smiles, and then grabs Roxie by the hair! Jaida throws Roxie down, then wrenches to RAM her! And another wrench for another RAM! Jaida storms up, whips Roxie to ropes, but Roxie ducks ‘n’ dodges. Roxie leaps, but Jaida catches her! The sides are still bothering her, but Jaida puts Roxie in the ropes. Jaida CHOPS Roxie, runs side to side, but Roxie bails out! Jaida pursues, it’s a cat ‘n’ moues game, but then Jaida drops down. Roxie ducks the lariat but Jaida RUNS her over! Jaida brings Roxie around to GUT WRENCH PLEX!

Roxie flounder out, Jaida gets annoyed, and she storms up. Roxie RAMS into Jaida! Then she drags Jaida out, builds speed, and Roxie DIVES, into a fireman’s carry! Jaida smiles, she carries Roxie up the steps, but Roxie fires elbows! Roxie slips free, TRIPS Jaida, and Jaida hits off the steel steps! Roxie hurries to RAM Jaida back into the steps! Jaida writhes and cries in pain while Roxie refreshes the count. Roxie drags Jaida up, puts her on the steps, then digs her knee into Jaida’s back! It’s a motorcycle stretch, and STOMP!! Jaida sputters and coughs, Roxie leaves her behind, and she lets the ring count handle this.

The fans rally, we’re at 7 of 10, then 8! Jaida powers up to slide in at 9.5! Roxie is mad and she HIP DROPS Jaida! Roxie drags Jaida around, stomps away on Jaida’s chest and stomach, then dig her heel in! Jaida endures, Roxie lets off and DOUBLE STOMPS! Jaida writhes, Roxie covers, TWO! The fans are dueling as hard as they can while Roxie stalks Jaida. Roxie shoves Jaida, stomps her, stands on her, and takes another bow. Roxie then gets the legs, but Jaida BOOTS her away! Roxie comes back, Jaida fires body shots! Jaida ROCKS Roxie, ROCKS her again, then rolls her up! TWO! Roxie SHOTGUNS Jaida down!

The fans fire up while Jaida goes to the apron. Jaida RAMS into Roxie, but Roxie hits her back! Roxie POSTS Jaida, and Jaida is stuck on the crossbar! Roxie pulls Jaida into the corner, the ref counts, but then Roxie YANKS Jaida in! The fans are torn but Roxie grins. Roxie drags Jaida in, TWO! Jaida is toughing it out but Roxie is just pissed. Roxie clamps onto Jaida for a COBRA TWIST! Jaida endures being stretched and twisted, so Roxie SLAPS her in the side! And again! And again! Jaida endures, pries at the hold, but Roxie fires elbows into those ribs! The fans duel, Jaida reaches out, and she fights up to HIP- NO, Roxie BODY BLOCKS!

Roxie runs, but Jaida ROCKS her! Roxie ROCKS Jaida! Jaida ROCKS Roxie! They keep going, the fans rally harder, but Roxie RAMS into Jaida! Roxie runs up, blocks boots, and now Jaida is in ropes! Roxie UPPERCUTS, and then she gives back that CHOP! Jaida is stuck, Roxie grins as she runs up, to steal TEARDROP! Roxie mocks Jaida’s high step! Jaida rises, Roxie runs up, and Roxie KICKS Jaida in the side! Roxie goes again, but Jaida blocks the kick! Roxie apologizes, but too little too late! SITOUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO! Roxie survives, both women are down, and the fans rally up again. “This is Awesome!”

Both women stand, Jaida fires KNEE after KNEE into Roxie! Roxie staggers away, comes back, and Jaida CLOBBERS her! And CLOBBERS her! And scoop SLAMS her! Jaida fires up, brings Roxie around, and whips her. Roxie KNEES back! Roxie runs, into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Roxie is still in this and Jaida is frustrated. Jaida drags Roxie up, reels her in, suplexes, but Roxie silps free! They both stagger, Roxie ELBOWS Jaida! Roxie goes up, leaps, but into Jaida’s arms! Jaida pops Roxie around, and RAMS her into the corner! Jaida puts Roxie in the ropes, and CHOPSS! CHOPS! CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS!

The fans fire up, the ref counts, and Jaida lets off. Jaida goes up the corner?! The fans fire up for the SUPER TEAR DROP!! Roxie flounders, Jaida covers, TWO!! Jaida is in disbelief again! Jaida hurries to drag Roxie up, but her ribs won’t let her suplex! Jaida tries again but Roxie wrenches the arm! Jaida stops the wrangle so Roxie clinches! Jaida elbows free, dragon sleepers, and INVERTED SUPLEXES! Roxie flounders, Jaida runs, for the HIP- NO, Roxie rolls Jaida up! TWO!! CROSSFACE!! RINGS OF SATURN!! Roxie ELBOWS away on Jaida, Jaida still fights! Jaida fights up to a fireman’s carry! The fans are going nuts for the SAMOAN DROP!

Roxie flounders away, Jaida hurries, to go up and up and- NO, Roxie moves and the Vader Bomb flops! Jaida flounders, Roxie steps through, LA MAGISTROL! TWO!! Jaida escapes, but Roxie SOBATS! Roxie hops on, but Jaida pops free! Roxie hits ropes, Jaida hits the HIP-NOTIC!! But she sends Roxie tumbling out of the ring! Jaida is frustrated with herself, but the fans know “This is Awesome!” Jaida goes out, runs up, but Roxie moves! Jaida hip attacks through the barriers!! The fans lose their minds, and Roxie hops on, POP ROX on the fallen barrier!! Roxie scrambles away, the fans count along with the ref!

The count is 5 of 10! Then 7! Both women stand and stagger in, at 9.99!! The fans are thunderous, and then Roxie hops on, POP ROX!!! Cover, Roxie wins!

Winner: Roxanne Perez, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)

Jaida Parker put everything she had into this match, but Roxie went above and beyond that to stay on top! Will no one ever end The Prodigy’s reign? Wait, what’s going on with the lights? Roxie looks around as music plays, and then we all look to the stage. From out of the smoke, a figure appears! IT’S GIULIA~! One of the biggest names in Stardom and Japanese wrestling in general is finally here in NXT! And she clearly wants the gold. Will Roxie see she isn’t the best in the world now that the world has come to her?

Backstage interview with Ava Raine.

Sarah is now with the NXT General Manager, and while this has been an incredible night, she must ask for a medical update on Andre Chase. Ava wishes she had something, but she was just as blindsided as the rest of us. Chase will stay in the hospital overnight, and she’ll give us an update on social media when she hears from them. Then moving on to the new NXT Tag Team Champions, we have already heard from teams who want that first match. Yes, Ava has seen the videos, the tweets, the posts, so she has decided this Tuesday, a Tag Team Triple Threat of Gallus VS Rascalz VS Hank ‘n’ Tank, winners facing Fraxiom on September 10th, the run-up to SmackDown’s USA Network debut!

A big week is coming, and then speaking of the future for NXT, Ava has decided that whoever comes out of tonight’s main event THE NXT Champion, they will defend said title on the CW premiere in Chicago! Big moves all over NXT, who will we see wearing gold for the Fall season?

NXT Championship, Special Guest Referee Trick Williams: Ethan Page VS Joe Hendry!

The interweaving of stories is thick in this main event. All Ego stormed into NXT, failed against Trick 1v1 but won the Heatwave Fatal 4 Way. However, a name from his past has come to make an impact, and that’s by now taking this title from Ethan Page. Will the whole world soon believe in Joe Hendry? Or will Ethan make sure this stays the Era of Ego?

Trick makes his entrance, blowing his referee whistle, though that’s not really regulation for wrestling. Hendry makes his entrance, and Denver all waves their hands from side to side. Ethan is at gorilla and says enough with the silly song and stupid chants. The face of this brand, YOUR NXT Champion, Ethan Page will do what he does best: win! Now hit his music! The fans boo All Ego as he makes his entrance and has his own obnoxious smile. The introductions are made, the belt is raised by Trick, and we see which way this goes with Trick calling it down the middle!

The bell rings, the fans chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” Ethan points that out, but Trick tells him to focus on Hendry. Hendry and Ethan circle, tie up, and they go around. They end up in a corner, Trick counts, but neither man lets off. Trick gets in to break it up, and he reprimands them. Ethan says don’t put your hands on him! Trick says he’s the ref, they gotta listen to him. The two go again, and Ethan powers Hendry back, but Hendry puts Ethan in the corner. Trick counts, he still has to get in there, and the fans chant “ETHAN SUCKS! ETHAN SUCKS!” Ethan is mad but Trick’s being fair here. Hendry headlocks, then hits a takeover.

Ethan headscissors, Hendry kips free and the fans cheer. Ethan frowns, but he resets with Hendry to tie up again. Hendry wrenches, wristlocks, but Ethan wrenches and wristlocks back. Hendry rolls and rolls and rolls free, and the fans cheer. Ethan is upset but Trick says that was all fair. The two go again, Hendry wrenches to fireman’s carry and takeover! Hendry keeps the wristlock, but Ethan fights up to wrench and wristlock back. Hendry rolls, kips up, and WRINGS Ethan out! The fans cheer but Ethan is upset. Ethan and Hendry reset, tie up, and Ethan headlocks. Hendry pries the hold but Ethan holds on.

Ethan grinds the headlock but Hendry powers out. Ethan RAMS Hendry, but Hendry just wags his finger. Ethan gets in Hendry’s face, then runs, to RAM him again! Hendry still stays up! The fans fire up, Ethan kicks low! Ethan pie faces Hendry, runs, but Hendry dodges to CLOBBER Ethan! The fans are thunderous already as Hendry suplexes Ethan, holds him up, and then marches around! Hendry shows all sides of the crowd, then he BRAINBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! A fair count, and Hendry stays cool. But Ethan fires a forearm! And a kick! And a haymaker! Ethan huffs and puffs, whips, but Hendry sunset flips! Cover, TWO!

Ethan is up, Hendry arm-drags into a cradle, TWO! Ethan BOOTS Hendry! Ethan hammers away on Hendry, the fans boo, but Ethan storms around. Ethan stomps Hendry, drags him up, and Ethan bumps Hendry off buckles. Ethan fires hands, Trick counts, but Ethan soaks up heat from Denver. Ethan drags Hendry up, whips him corner to corner, but Hendry comes back to LARIAT! The fans fire up, but Ethan RAMS Hendry into a corner! Ethan RAMS in again and again, Trick reprimands, but Ethan drags Hendry up. Ethan whips, ELBOWS Hendry down, then takes a breather by the ropes. Ethan then clamps on a facelock to grind Hendry down.

Hendry endures, fights up, and fans rally again. Hendry stands but Ethan jumps on, GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! Trick checks on Hendry and Hendry powers up! Hendry suplexes Ethan up and over! The fans are thunderous as Hendry brings Ethan up! Fireman’s carry, but Ethan slips free to ROUNDHOUSE! Ethan then POSTS Hendry, and he brings Hendry around to suplex! Cover, TWO! Hendry survives and Ethan is upset. Trick says that was a fair count, he had to check the shoulders. Ethan ROCKS Hendry, the fans taunt him with “PUT SOME CLOTHES ON!” Ethan fires more hands, then he puts Hendry up top.

Ethan HEADBUTTS Hendry, climbs, and brings Hendry up. Hendry fights the suplex! Hendry choke grips! But Ethan fights with elbows! The fans boo as Ethan adjusts position, and he drags Hendry onto his shoulder! SUPER POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Hendry survives and Ethan is frustrated again. Ethan drags Hendry to a drop zone, the fans chant “Whoop Dat Trick!” but then they boo as Ethan climbs a corner. Hendry UPPERCUTS first! Hendry climbs, clinches, and SUPER FALL AWAY SLAMS! Ethan tumbles all the way out of the ring! Hendry just fires up, and the fans are with him! “WE BELIEVE! WE BELIEVE!”

Hendry runs and HIGH JUMPS onto Ethan! Denver is thunderous as Hendry stands tall! Hendry hauls Ethan up, but Ethan RAMS him into steel steps! Ethan drags Hendry up, reels him in, and APRON EGO’S EDGE!! Ethan leaves Hendry behind, he wants the ring count! Trick starts, Ethan wants it faster! Trick says he is doing it right! Hendry stirs at 5, flounders at 7, Ethan is freaking out! Trick is at 9! Hendry slides in at 9.9!! Ethan is furious, so he rains down punches! The fans boo, Ethan lets off, and then he argues with Trick. Trick says focus on Hendry. Ethan hauls Hendry up, EGO’S- NO, Hendry slips free!

Hendry kicks low, reels Ethan in, and has him up! Hendry steals EGO’S EDGE!! Cover, TWO!! Ethan survives Hendry’s take on his move! The fans rally up again, “WE BELIEVE! WE BELIEVE!” Ethan goes to ropes, Hendry storms up and UPPERCUTS! Ethan ROCKS Hendry with a haymaker! Hendry UPPERCUTS again! Ethan HAYMAKERS again! UPPERCUT! CHOP! Hendry CHOPS back! They go back and forth, shot for shot, and Hendry gets the edge! Hendry whips, to LARIAT Ethan down! And LARIAT again! Hendry scoops for a FALL AWAY SLAM! And a kip up! Denver is thunderous again as Hendry… turns to face the camera!

Hendry gets the stomp-stomp-clap rhythm going, and he choke grips! STANDING OVATION SLAM!! Cover, Trick sees a foot under the rope! Hendry argues with Trick now, but fair is fair! Ethan’s leg did get under the bottom rope, so- ETHAN SHOVES HENDRY INTO TRICK! Ethan steals STANDING OVATION!! A second ref is here already!? TWO!!! Ethan is stunned, he just can’t catch a break! Ethan decides to hell with it, and he grabs his belt! The ref says no, stop that! Hendry rolls Ethan up! TWO!! Ethan escapes, Hendry sees the belt and goes for it! DDT onto the belt!!! Cover, TRICK STOPS THE NEW REF!!

The fans are thunderous, because Trick is laying down the law! Ethan says no, he was no longer the official! Ethan takes a swing, Trick ducks and the new ref goes down! Trick is distracted, Hendry choke grips Ethan, but Ethan LOW BLOWS Hendry!! The fans boo, we all saw what happened! But Ethan hits EGO’S EDGE!!! Cover, Trick reluctantly counts, Ethan wins!

Winner: Ethan Page, by pinfall (still NXT Champion)

Ethan grins at Trick because he just pulled one over on him! Ethan tells Trick to raise his hand, so Trick does so, just as reluctantly. Ethan gives a sarcastic thumbs up, and then Dunne drags Trick out of the ring! Dunne CLUBS Trick, pump handles him, BITTER END to the floor!! The fans boo, Dunne shrugs, and Ethan laughs! This is truly a bitter end to tonight, but Ethan promises everyone that no one is taking this title from him! Will that be the case even as NXT moves to the CW? Or will the winds of change blow in the Windy City?

My Thoughts:

An awesome night for NXT here, and I am personally proud for predicting the match order. Also, I like that the kickoff show was basically able to do the same amount of interview promos in one hour as Bash In Berlin did in two. Anyway, NXT again returns to Black ‘n’ Gold levels of action for these events, and I appreciate that they open with the tag match. I sensed it on Tuesday that Ridge would turn with how Ridge worded his promise to Chase U, and here we are! In all fairness, I feel like they should’ve had one successful defense before this, then the CW premiere could’ve had this moment to really juice up the episode. But we’re giving other teams great opportunities now, except OTM because now Nima & Price aren’t facing Hank ‘n’ Tank…

Great match of Wes and Zach, and while Zach is now X Division Champion, I don’t think that was a deciding factor in the finish. Trey was of course going to get back in this story, so it was great for it to be here. And while Rascalz want the tag titles, I bet Wes comes back for revenge. He can screw Rascalz out of the tag title opportunity, then Wes and Zach run it back on a TNA show. Wes wins that, and we get a big NXTNA crossover show where they settle things once and for all. So then, if not Rascalz VS Fraxiom, maybe it’ll be Gallus? I feel like OTM might also go after Hank ‘n’ Tank to set up their own match.

Kelani retaining against Wendy Choo was a bit of a given, because she’s on the inaugural champion run. Tatum going after Wendy after the match was a bit “weekly TV” of a move, but I suppose we’ll get some great stuff from them. Kelani can face just about anyone next, and they’re probably taking their time to build someone up. I’m actually a little surprised Oba won out, but I’m very glad he won. No offense to Tony D, but when he wasn’t winning Heritage Cup matches with knockouts, I started getting annoyed and confused by the booking choices. At least here, Oba’s size and strength is used as a way to show Tony that his “moxie” wasn’t enough to see him through this time. Tony will surely have his crisis of confidence type story from here while Oba takes on more challengers.

Awesome showing from Jaida, as well as storytelling with the bad ribs. But in the end, it wasn’t skill but viciousness that wins out, as has been Roxie’s story. And then, as many fans were hoping for, it is Giulia that arrives to confront Roxie and set up a big title story going into the CW move. I would think that Giulia is the one that finally defeats Roxie and then Roxie moves on to RawDown. Still wondering how Stephanie Vaquer and Delta factor into things, but I’m sure they’ll also storm right up to the title scene when they arrive.

And then great stuff in the NXT Championship story. Good promos to help hype things up, and a great match overall. I figured there’d be shenanigans to protect Hendry’s loss, as he was not going to win here. Trick taking a “ref bump” and stopping the other ref was great, but then there was also the other ref taking a bump, and really good stuff to finish. Dunne going after Trick after the match was good, though I kinda thought it’d happen during. But anyway, that’s a decent play at the NXT trope of something happening right as the show is wrapping, and with Raw in Denver, maybe Trick calls out Dunne ahead of their match on NXT?

As for Ethan, he also has a number of people he can face now that we know he will defend the title for the CW premiere. I feel like the next month should be used to build contenders, maybe a mini-tournament, or maybe Trick VS Dunne is upgraded to a contender’s match. Though, Trick fighting his way through a tournament would be pretty cool, too.

My Score: 9/10