Giulia finally steps into the NXT ring!

The long wait is over, and now, NXT finally welcomes Giulia! But will Chelsea Green make a hot mess of it all? Or will Giulia show everyone why she’s a star?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT Tag Team Championships: Nathan Frazer & Axiom VS The Street Profits; The Profits win by disqualification, Frazer & Axiom retain.
• Giulia VS Chelsea Green; Giulia wins.
• NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Charlie Dempsey w/ No Quarter Catch Crew VS Je’Von Evans w/ Cedric Alexander; Dempsey wins and retains the title.
• Oba Femi VS Hammerstone; Oba wins.
• Ridge Holland VS Duke Hudson w/ Chase U; Ridge wins.
• TNA Knockouts Championship Open Challenge: Jordynne Grace VS Sol Ruca; Jordynne wins, by disqualification, and retains the title.
• NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Last Man Standing Match: Trick Williams VS Pete Dunne; Trick wins and will challenge Ethan Page for the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

The first THIRTY MINUTES are commercial free!

BREAKING NEWS!

Due to unfortunate circumstances, The Rascalz are NOT cleared to compete here tonight! But stepping up to face Nathan Frazer & Axiom for the NXT Tag Team Championships are former Triple Crown Champions, The Street Profits! Will Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins bring these belts with them to this Friday’s season premiere of SmackDown on USA Network? Or will #Fraxiom #NeverSlowDown?

NXT Tag Team Championships: Nathan Frazer & Axiom VS The Street Profits!

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who wants the smoke!

The teams sort out, the fans chant “Welcome Back! Welcome Back!” and Axiom starts with Ford. Ford and Axiom circle as the fans sing “We~ Want the Smoke!” Ford and Axiom tie up, and Ford headlocks to grind Axiom. Axiom fights up and powers out, but Ford runs him over! The fans cheer, Ford lounges in a corner, then comes back as Axiom stands. They circle, Ford gets around to waistlock and SLAM! And then SLAM again! And then SLAM again! Axiom fights around, Ford headlocks, but Axiom powers out. Ford leaps over, Axiom ducks under, Axiom arm-drags but Ford counters right into a headlock!

The fans rally, Axiom fights up, but Ford wrenches to wristlock. Axiom rolls, handsprings and DROPKICKS! Ford tags Dawkins, Dawkins CLOBBERS Axiom! Frazer tags in but Dawkins runs him over, too! The fans fire up, Dawkins runs, but Frazer ducks, hurdles, only for Dawkins to handspring! Dawkins bypasses, but Frazer ducks ‘n’ dodges and DROPKICKS! Dawkins tumbles out of the ring, Frazer looks, and he builds speed, only for Dawkins to ROCK him! Dawkins gets moving, he hurdles and FLYING ELBOWS! The fans are thunderous already as Frazer staggers to a corner. Dawkins runs up, but into a BUCKLE SHOT!

Tag to Axiom, #Fraxiom hits the speed combo! Cover, TWO! Axiom keeps his eyes on Dawkins, then waistlocks to keep him down. Dawkins fights up, pries the hold, but Axiom shoves and LARIATS! Tag to Frazer, whip and GAMANGIRI! HALF ‘N’ HALF! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Frazer covers, TWO! Ford was right there, too. Tag to Axiom, and Axiom clamps on with a SLEEPER! Dawkins endures, the fans rally, and Dawkins arm-drags free! Axiom runs up but into a clinch! EXPLODER! Axiom flounders, Dawkins crawls, hot tags to Frazer and Ford! Ford blows past Frazer to DECK Axiom! Then Ford rallies with lariats!

Frazer dodges, but then Ford follows, and LARIATS again! The fans are thunderous as Ford mule kicks, front kicks, but Frazer ducks the enzigiri! Ford runs up but into a BOOT! Frazer goes out, springboards back in, but Ford catches him! BOOKEND! The fans fire up again and Ford flexes! Ford runs to People’s STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Frazer survives but Ford drags him up. Frazer JAWBREAKERS back, tag to Axiom and Dawkins! Ford DROPKICKS Frazer out, but he avoids Axiom! Dawkins POUNCES Axiom into the GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Axiom survives and the fans fire up!

Dawkins drags Axiom up, tags Ford, and Profits whip Axiom to POP-UP- RANA! Frazer MISSILE DROPKICKS Dawkins! Axiom SUPERKICKS Ford! Axiom goes up, tags Frazer, and FROG SPLASH! Frazer springboards to 450! Cover, TWO!! Ford survives and the fans are thunderous again! Tag back to Axiom and he climbs up. MISSILE DROPKICK HIGH-LOW! Dawkins POUNCES Frazer onto the cover! The fans are thunderous again while all four men are down! Frazer and Dawkins flop out while the fans cheer on “NXT! NXT!” for putting this together. Ford tags Dawkins, Dawkins drags Axiom around.

Dawkins points to the corner, the fans fire up as he climbs up! But Axiom gets up to GAMANGIRI! Tag to Frazer, and Axiom goes to the very top! SUPER SPANISH FLY! But Ford shoves Axiom to ropes and that trips Frazer up! DROPKICK for Axiom! Dawkins gets Frazer in the Electric Chair! Ford goes up, tags, and DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, BUT TAMA TANGA DRAGS FORD OUT!? Tama sends Ford into steel steps!!

Winners: The Street Profits, by disqualification; Frazer & Axiom retain the titles

Dawkins is furious, but then JACOB FATU CLOBBERS HIM! Tonga Loa CLOBBERS Axiom! Tama gator rolls Frazer up for a BRAINBUSTER! The fans boo but The Bloodline drags Dawkins into the ring! The Guerrillas hit Dawkins with the TONGAN TWIST!! Fatu hits a SWANTON BOMB!! The fans are losing their minds, but it seems The Bloodline is not letting any team on any brand think they can get one up on them! Will this be finalized when Solo Sikoa goes after Cody Rhodes and the Undisputed WWE Championship this Friday?

NXT Anonymous is watching.

Tony D’Angelo tells a certain someone that they have a reputation and is not afraid to get their hands dirty. Oba Femi is a wrecking machine, he disrespected Adriana, so Tony wants this guy to take Oba out. Tony pays the man handsomely, but will this mercenary be able to manhandle The Ruler?

Giulia speaks.

It was Stand & Deliver when she told the world, “The top organization in the world. The excitement can be felt from here! The excitement from the fans is flooring! I am SO excited!” And we saw her finally make NXT her home at No Mercy. She told Roxanne Perez she’d see her in Chicago for NXT’s CW debut, but she sees her first bit of action as an NXT star here tonight! Will she show all the doubters and the haters that she’s more than ready for this? Or will her opponent make a hot mess of it all?

Giulia VS Chelsea Green!

The bell rings and while Chelsea gets in Giulia’s face, the fans are thunderous for Giulia already. Chelsea SLAPS Giulia! Giulia just grins. Then she HEADBUTTS Chelsea down! Giulia drags Chelsea up, bumps her off buckles, then wrenches her hair to TOSS her across the way! The fans fire up and Giulia runs corner to corner to ELBOW! Giulia shoves Chelsea, goes up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up and Giulia covers, TWO! Giulia drags Chelsea up, suplexes, but Chelsea fights free! Chelsea swings, Giulia dodges, but Chelsea elbows her! Chelsea ripcords, ROCKS, and KNEE SMASHES Giulia!

Chelsea whips, Giulia reverses, but Chelsea ducks ‘n’ dodges to BOOT! Chelsea runs, but Giulia ROCKS her! Giulia runs, slips around and has the IRON OCTOPUS! Chelsea endures the #SpiderWeb as Giulia thrashes her around! Chelsea stomps her way to ropes, but Giulia sunset flips it! TWO, and Chelsea scrambles away to ropes. The fans boo but Chelsea says she wasn’t ready! Giulia storms up, avoids the shoulder and KICKS Chelsea! Giulia sets Chelsea up to ROCK her! But then Chelsea HOTSHOTS Giulia! Chelsea bumps Giulia off buckles, then goes up to have a HANGING SLEEPER! The erf counts, Chelsea lest go at 4, but then stands Giulia back up.

But Giulia Electric Chair Lifts Chelsea! Chelsea slips free, to GERMAN SUPLEX! Chelsea hauls Giulia up, for a FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Giulia survives and Chelsea is furious! She covers again, TWO! Chelsea is already losing her cool, but she clamps onto Giulia with a leg lock full nelson! Giulia endures, pushes to a cover, TWO! Chelsea still has the legs, but Giulia tries again. TWO, and Chelsea CLUBS away on Giulia. Giulia turns around to rain down shots on Chelsea! They scrap on the mat, and Giulia gets the edge! The fans fire up, Chelsea kicks and scrambles, but Giulia runs up to SHOTGUN BOOT!

The fans fire up as Giulia then SAIDOS! Chelsea flounders around, Giulia paces. The fans fire up as Giulia basement DROPKICKS! Chelsea flounders to the apron, Giulia goes out and wrenches the hair. Then she has Chelsea for a DRAPING NECKBREAKER to the floor! Giulia looks into the camera, perhaps hoping Roxie is watching. The ring count climbs, Giulia drags Chelsea up and into the ring, but Chelsea scrambles out the far side. The fans boo and Giulia is annoyed. Giulia goes out, but Chelsea sends her into the desk! Giulia falls back, Chelsea drags her up, to THROW her onto the desk!

The fans boo but Chelsea drags Giulia around, and THROWS her over the desk! The ref reprimands, but Chelsea goes after Giulia. Chelsea drags Giulia up and into the ring. Chelsea climbs a corner, goes to the top, and she MISSILE FLOPS as Giulia moves! KNEE! Giulia vows to end it here! She drags Chelsea up, reels her in, scoop and NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB! Cover, Giulia wins!

Winner: Giulia, by pinfall

The madness takes care of the mess, and she has a clear path to Chicago! Will NXT’s new era be emphasized with a new NXT Women’s Champion?

Backstage interview with Trick Williams.

Blake Howard says tonight is Trick’s shot to get back at the NXT Championship, but he has to make it through a Last Man Standing Match with Pete Dunne. Trick says he won’t lie, he has never had a match like this before. He knows Last Man Standing takes grit and determination, but he’s never done this before. Don’t get it twisted, that won’t stop him. CW, October 1st, Chicago, Ethan Page, Trick wants all that, and not even Dunne can stop him. The whole world needs to know, Dunne is without a doubt, a class one butch! Trick respects his game, how he breaks fingers, he’s a bad man, one of the best Trick’s ever seen. But tonight, Trick will be THE Last Man Standing.

Jordynne Grace speaks.

“For the past 15 years, this TNA Knockouts Championship has represented the best women’s wrestling outside of WWE. Legends and future Hall of Famers have held this, and now I carry it and its legacy proudly. So why an Open Challenge as part of WWE Week on USA? Well, the NXT Women’s Division is stacked from top to bottom, and the more formidable the opponents that I defeat, the more prestigious that this title becomes. So NXT, bring your best. Because I always bring mine.” That match is later tonight, who will step to the Juggernaut?

Lexis King gets spruced up.

His… “unique” beard is trimmed and faded, and he gets a notification. It seems his “loyal and creative IntelLexuals” put together a compilation of his greatest hits. That is to say, all the times he has cracked someone with his kingly cane in order to win a match. And that includes last week, the cheating of feet on ropes to get Oro. Lexis says, “Tough luck, Oro. Who’s your daddy now? That’s right, me! And everyone loves The King.” And speaking of, let’s talk the most talked about beard in WWE. But as Lexis turns to face the mirror, ORO JUMPS IN! The brawl is on, Lexis goes running, but will he have to answer to Oro some time?

The NXT Women’s Division is buzzing.

They all want that shot at Jordynne Grace, and Kelani checks in. Is Lola ready? Oh, yeah! Kelani says if she wasn’t champion, she’d be first in line, too. But she’s just as excited for Lola to try. But then The Fatal Influence steps in. Fallon Henley says yeah, Kelani is champ, for now. Jacy Jayne says it is so cute to see everyone warm up. Who’s gonna step to the plate against The Juggernaut? Lola says with all the complaining they do, this could’ve been their chance. Who better to face Jordynne Grace than the self-proclaimed leaders of the locker room? C’mon, tell us, who is stepping up for the group? Yeah, well, Lola doesn’t tell them what to do.

Lola knew it. If Fatal Influence did, they’d be making a fatal mistake. Jacy knew she never liked Lola. Lola steps up but everyone else stops her! Fatal Influence bails out, more bark than bite. But who will reach out for the golden opportunity and take it with both hands?

NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Charlie Dempsey w/ No Quarter Catch Crew VS Je’Von Evans w/ Cedric Alexander!

Wren Sinclair got ahead of herself, again, but it’s on the leader of the crew to see them through. Will Dempsey prove he is still the face of British Rounds? Or will the Young OG get real bouncy~?

NXT returns as the NQCC makes their entrance. The introductions are made, the cup is displayed, and we see

The bell rings on round one, and the two circle. They feel things out, tie up, and Dempsey hits a hip toss! The fans rally, the two go again, and Dempsey wrenches to get under and THROW Je’Von. Dempsey has the armlock, but Evans kips up. Dempsey wrenches, wristlocks, but Evans rolls, kips up, handsprings, and wrenches to WRING Dempsey! The fans fire up as Dempsey and Evans reset. They circle, tie up, and Evans goes for an arm now. Evans wrenches, wristlocks, but Dempsey bridges, rolls, and then arm-drags. But Evans holds on to wristlock! Dempsey fights up, fireman’s carries, but Evans still has the wristlock.

Dempsey fights up, wrenches, and then MONKEY FLIPS! Evans still holds on! Cedric coaches Evans while Dempsey stands, rolls, kips up and breaks free! Dempsey smapmares, chinlocks, but Evans wrenches out to another wristlock! The fans fire up but Dempsey fights up. Dempsey puts Evans in a corner, then ROCKS him! Dempsey WRINGS Evans, then MONKEY FLIPS again! Dempsey wrenches, UPPERCUTS, and wrenches again. Bridging arm-drag, knuckle lock cover, TWO as Evans gets an arm up! We’re under 30 seconds as the arm goes back down, TWO! Dempsey tries again, Evans bridges!

Dempsey goes to jump on Evans, but Evans turns that to a MONKEY FLIP! But Dempsey holds on, to MONKEY FLIP back! Time is running low, FLYING RANA! And that’s the round!

Dempsey: 0; Evans: 0

The fans cheer that great opening round, and both sides refresh. They go again, and Evans runs up! Dempsey sends him into buckles! Roll up, high stack, TWO and Evans stands. Dempsey waistlocks, Evans bucks the O’Conner to FLYING SUNSET FLIP! TWO!! Dempsey escapes, clinches then whips. Evan stops the hip toss but so does Dempsey. Evans body shots, gets a leg up, but Dempsey flips him! Evans lands out, ducks ‘n’ dodges, sunset flips again, but Dempsey stays up! Dempsey drags Evans up and the two fight for control! Dempsey goes to a corner to HOTSHOT Evans with the buckle! Then Dempsey full nelsons, DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, Dempsey scores!

Dempsey: 1; Evans: 0

Just a minute into the second and Dempsey has the crucial first point! Cedric helps Evans recover, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Evans refreshes with a drink of water, but he might need an icepack for his neck. Wren keeps fussing with Dempsey’s hair, that’s not what matters… But she still fires him up like she has Myles and Tavion, and the round begins with Dempsey running up on Evans! UPPERCUT! Evans staggers, Dempsey UPPERCUTS and ROCKS Evans again and again! Dempsey then GUT WRENCH SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Evans stays in this but Dempsey clamps on a cravat. Evans endures, but then Dempsey CRAVAT PLEXES! Dempsey cranks on the hold, drags Evans up and CRAVAT PLEXES again! Cover, TWO!

Dempsey keeps on Evans with the cravat, but Evans endures. Dempsey makes it a cover again, TWO! Evans fights up but Dempsey wrangles him back down to a cover. TWO, and Evans rises to arm-drag free! Evans swings, but Dempsey gets around. Dempsey lifts but Evans hits a flying mare! Dempsey stands, ducks an enzigiri, and covers, TWO! Dempsey looms over Evans, grabs the legs, and ties them up. Dempsey bridges back, MUTA LOCK! Evans endures, pries at the hold, but Dempsey thrashes him around! Dempsey lets go to then sit Evans up, cravat stretch! Evans endures as we’re under a minute in the third!

NXT returns to single picture as Evans pries free, flips up and over and cradles, TWO! Dempsey KNEES low! Dempsey HALF- NO, Evans fights the Half Hatch and LARIATS! And ELBOWS! Evans whips, Dempsey reverses, then he blocks a boot, but not the THRUST KICK! Evans goes up and up to SKY TWISTER! Cover, Evans ties it up!

Dempsey: 1; Evans: 1

NQCC hurries to get Dempsey to the corner and get him water. The fourth begins, Evans runs up to SMASH! Evans CHOPS and Dempsey sputters! Evans RAMS into Dempsey again and again, then lets off to whip. Evans kitchen sink knees Dempsey down, then DROPKICKS him out of the ring! Wren coaches Dempsey, and the fans fire up as Evans builds speed. But Dempsey UPPERCUTS first! And then HOTSHOTS Evans with ropes! Dempsey storms in, KICKS Evans in the side, and covers, TWO! Evans stays in this, Dempsey clamps on and drags him up. Dempsey turns Evans for a NECKBREAKER!

Dempsey drags Evans up, turns him again, another NECKBREAKER! Evans writhes, but Dempsey covers, TWO! Evans shouts in frustration but Dempsey HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS away! Evans sputters, Dempsey facelocks! GUILLOTINE! Evans endures, the fans rally, and we’re under a minute again! Evans fights up, but Dempsey adds body scissors! Evans stays standing, he powers up, and he suplexes free! The fans are thunderous while both men are down! Under 30 seconds but Evans is fired up! Dempsey UPPERCUTS, but Evans just eggs him on! The UPPERCUTS go back and forth, Evans gets the edge!

Ten seconds, Dempsey throat chops! HALF HATCH BRIDGE! TWO!! GUILLOTINE! Time’s up on the round!

Dempsey: 1; Evans: 1

Dempsey won’t let go! Cedric gets in to stop him, but Myles gets in to go after Cedric! The ref stops both men, and the teams settle down. Both men are up, the fifth round begins! Dempsey runs up, Evans leaps over to sunset flip, TWO! Evans ROCKS Dempsey, but Dempsey CHOPS back! Evans CHOPS back! Dempsey swings, Evans dodges, springboard, into an UPPERCUT! Full nelson, but Evan slips under! Victory roll, TWO!! Dempsey escapes, swings, but Evans dodges, rebounds, DREAMCAST KICK! Evans goes up and springboards, FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up and Evans crawls to a cover, ROPEBREAK from Myles!

The ref catches Myles red handed! And then Cedric FLIES onto Myles! Cedric takes care of bringing Myles away from ringside, and Evans goes for Dempsey. Dempsey swings around, GERMAN SUPLEX, but Evans lands out! Evans TOSSES Dempsey to the floor! Evans builds speed and FLIES over the corner!! Direct hit and the fans are going nuts! Evans drags Dempsey up and in with a minute to go. But Wren is distracting the ref, TAVION HEIGHTS RUNS IN! Tavion BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES Evans!! Tavion shoves Evans in, Dempsey covers, Dempsey wins!

Winner: Charlie Dempsey, by pinfall (still NXT Heritage Cup Champion)

We knew Tavion was returning from Japan, but to think he’d show up now! NQCC keeps the cup, will their numbers game always win?

Rosemary speaks.

“Once upon a time… The Hive cried out and demanded to know why their Demon Assassin and the Sleepy Psycho had united under the shadows. There are, of course, several reasons. One to be revealed tonight. Another to be saved until next week. And one serves as a warning to Lyra & Tatum. You’ve made your bed. But did you happen to take a look at what’s hiding beneath it? You never know what’s creeping behind that door. Perhaps it’s not just the glimmering moonlight lurking outside your bedroom window while your eyes are shut. A lot can go wrong when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed.

“But what’s scarier than all that? Not having anyone to play with.” Rosemary & Wendy Choo are tearing the toys apart, will they do the same to their opponents?

Backstage interview with Ethan Page.

Sarah Schreiber starts her introduction, but All Ego cuts her off by saying, “Welcome back to N-X-ME. Now, before Sarah here asks me about tonight’s Last Man Standing Match, I personally would like to ask everyone at home to take a good, hard look at the NXT Champion. The same man that should be thanked for the era that we are all currently living in, and will continue to live in after October 1st when we make our debut on the CW Network in Chicago. And the man to thank for the Era of Ego? It’s me, All Ego, Ethan Page.”

Sarah finally does ask who Ethan thinks wins tonight’s main event, Dunne or Trick. Ethan says everyone else in this locker room is definitely afraid of Dunne, but not Ethan. Ethan already “figured out” The Bruiserweight. Then he thinks it’ll be Trick? No, Trick is still chasing ghosts. Trick was lucky to capture lightning in a bottle, he had his Whoop Dat Era, but if you think Trick can do that twice, then you must be joking. Sarah isn’t confused. Who does he choose? Oh, uh, himself! He gets to watch both men demolish each other in a Last Man Standing Match, and all Ethan has to do on October 1st is pick up the scraps. You’re welcome.

Big things are happening for Chicago!

After a quick Twitter exchange between Shawn Michaels and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, HBK has decided that Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair can be part of the CW premiere! Will the StrongEST Duo make this the B E S T debut ever?

Oba Femi VS ???

Just as we all saw thanks to NXT Anonymous, The Ruler knows The Don has paid a mysterious mercenary to get even for The Family. Will this man be worth every penny he was paid? Or will this man, like everyone so far, fail to even bring Oba down?

Oba watches the stage, and it’s… HAMMERSTONE! Another star of TNA is here to make an impact, and it is time to see big meaty men slap meat! Even Oba is a bit stunned by this! The bell rings, the fans fire up, and the two men tie up. They are in a deadlock, but Oba finds a point of leverage to put Hammerstone on ropes. The ref counts, Oba backs off, and Hammerstone pushes Oba. So Oba ROCKS Hammerstone! Oba headlocks but Hammerstone fires body shots. Hammerstone powers up and out, ducks the lariat, but Oba stops the hip toss to KNEE low! Oba scoops, aims, but Hammerstone slips out to send Oba into buckles!

Oba staggers, Hammerstone hits the HIP TOSS! Hammerstone headlocks, the D’Angelos watch closely as Oba powers Hammerstone to a corner. Hammerstone BOOTS Oba, then climbs up! MISSILE DROPKICK! And a big one! Hammerstone LARIATS Oba up and out of the ring! Hammerstone goes to the apron, but Oba SWATS him! Oba snarls, storms into the ring, and he BLINDSLIDE LARIATS Hammerstone! Oba stomps Hammerstone, drops elbow after elbow on him, then scoops! FALL AWAY SLAM! Hammerstone flounders, Oba lets his hair down, and he runs up to UPPERCUT! Hammerstone flops and the fans fire up!

Oba sits Hammerstone up to clamp on the chinlock. Hammerstone endures, the fans rally up, but Oba wrangles him. The fans continue to rally, Hammerstone continues to fight, and Hammerstone fireman’s carries! But Oba elbows free! And he fireman’s carries, to TOSS Hammerstone down! Cover, TWO! Hammerstone is tougher than that, but Oba runs to STOMP- NO! Hammerstone blocks! Hammerstone avoids the elbow, then choke grips! But Oba grabs Hammerstone! They both roar, and Oba HEADBUTTS! Oba whips Hammerstone to a corner, runs in, but Hammerstone dodges and Oba POSTS himself!

Oba falls back, Hammerstone winds up and fires forearms and CHOPS! Hammerstone whips, Oba reverses but Hammerstone ducks ‘n’ dodges! LEAPING LARIAT! OVERHEAD SUPLEX! The fans fire up for another OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Hammerstone rises, he choke grips, and he CHOKE SLAMS!! Cover, TWO!! Oba survives and the fans fire up! Hammerstone drags Oba up, reels him in, but Oba TOSSES him away! Hammerstone staggers up, takes a swing, but gets the SHOTPUT! Oba fires up, to POP-UP POWERBOMB!! Cover, Oba wins!

Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall

Hammerstone pushed Oba, but the investment didn’t pay off. The Don storms off from the back room, what must he do if he wants to bring down The Ruler?

Hank ‘n’ Tank talk with Stone & Stevie.

The big boys don’t care how, they want to get their hands on The Good Brothers. They’re on the tracks, the train is comin’ through, and it sounds a little like HONK- Stevie has them stop there. Stone says he will talk with Ava about this. HONK HONK! They bearhug Stone and head off towards Ava’s office, when and where will Walker & Ledger get to fight Gallows & Anderson? Then Duke Hudson steps in, and he tells Ridge Holland, “You are nothing more to me than lowlife scum! Your words against our university, your actions against Andre Chase, inexcusable! Now before i get my revenge on you, I need to speak to one man, and that man is Andre Chase.

“Chase, I know you lay there uncomfortably in your hospital bed, but I need you to sit up. I need your eyes glued to the TV! Because I am about to give Ridge Holland one hell of an Andre Chase University sized ass-whooping!” Duke is fired up, Thea & Riley are also fired up, but will they all burn themselves out trying to bring down Yorkshire Grit?

The NXT Women’s Division continues to get hyped.

Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson say, “Jordynne Who? Let’s get it.” Wren walks in and says right to Kelani, “Knockouts title or your title, which one should I go for first?” Has Kelani ever thought about doing her own Open Challenge? Kelani admits, it is a good idea. But she’s not holding one tonight, so maybe Wren should focus on the girl who is. The rest head out, Kelani wishes Lola luck, and now Jaida Parker walks in, armed with a bat. Anyone seen Fatal Influence? That was earlier, sorry. But hey, Lola’s got beef with them, as does Miss Parker. Well, Parker isn’t looking for help, she’s just looking for them.

Lola tells “baby girl” Jaida, after last week, it looked like she needed help. Jaida says she’ll deal with Lola later. Kelani does see that someone needs to humble Fatal Influence, and a combo like Lola and Jaida would definitely do it. Yeah, but you heard Jaida, right? Yeah. Kelani & Lola leave Jaida be for now, but will Fallon, Jacy & Jazmyn soon find themselves surrounded by enemies?

Ridge Holland VS Duke Hudson w/ Chase U!

We heard Ridge’s selfish reasoning last time, and we heard the Chase U MVP call him out, so now it is time to back up those words with action! Will Ridge’s true colors wash away the red ‘n’ black? Or will Duke avenge Mr. Chase and the entire school in one go?

The bell rings and the hands fly! The fans fire up, but Ridge gets the edge! Ridge UPPERCUTS Duke in the corner, ROCKS him, then stomps away! Ridge CLUBS Duke, the ref reprimands, but Ridge whips Duke to a corner. Duke comes back to BOOT! The fans fire up while Ridge bails out. Duke pursues, and he SMACKS Ridge off the apron! And then off the desk! The fans fire up more, because now Duke clears the desk! But Ridge CLUBS Duke first! Ridge ROCKS Duke, whips him, but Duke reverses! Ridge hits steel steps and hobbles into the ring! Duke pursues again, but Ridge swings. Duke counter punches, RAMS into Ridge, and then slingshots to GERMAN SUPLEX!

The fans fire up as Ridge tumbles out. Duke storms out, drags Ridge up, and puts him in. But then Ridge bails out the side! Duke pursues, bringing the trophy with him! Thea says no, do this the right way. Duke hands the trophy over, but Ridge RAMS Duke into Riley! Riley hobbles away from the crash, and Ridge RAMS Duke into the apron! Ridge shows no mercy as Riley is helped away. Ridge storms in, runs up, LARIAT! Duke sputters, but Ridge drops big elbow after big elbow! Ridge rains down fists, then stalks Duke. The fans boo, but Ridge OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! Ridge stalks Duke and stomps him in a corner.

The ref counts, Ridge scoops Duke, and SLAMS him! Ridge eggs Duke on, drags him up, and KNEES him down! Ridge reels Duke in, hoists him up, but Duke fights the lift! Ridge CLUBS Duke, gets Duke up, but Duke slips out the back! Duke ELBOWS Ridge, then dodges him to roll up! TWO, but Duke stands Ridge up. Duke avoids the lariat, kicks low, and he reels Ridge in! But Ridge fights the lift! Duke SWATS the lariat, ELBOWS Ridge, then swings, into a HEADBUTT! Ridge runs to BODY CHECK Duke! Then he suplexes, to a POWERSLAM! The fans boo, but Ridge hauls Duke back up, REDEEMER DDT!! Cover, Ridge wins!

Winner: Ridge Holland, by pinfall

But the win isn’t enough! He beats down Duke, even as Thea shouts for him to stop! Ridge TOSSES Duke out, Thea hurries to Duke’s side, but Ridge storms out after him! Ridge whips Duke into barriers, and the barriers break! The fans lose their minds, Ridge picks up that piece of barrier, and he SLAMS it on Duke’s back!! Thea begs Ridge to show mercy but he does not hear her. Ridge hauls Duke up, brings him in, REDEEMER on the barrier!! The ref calls for help, more refs show up, and Thea shouts at Ridge to go away! Ridge leaves the MVP down and out, has he completely demolished Chase U?

Jordynne Grace crosses paths with Giulia backstage.

The top Knockout nods some respect to the best of Stardom, and then continues on. The Open Challenge is here, who reaches the ring first to face the Juggernaut?

Pete Dunne speaks.

“Trick, this all started when It old you to figure it out. But look at my face! This is the face of a man who’s been figuring it out his whole life. Last night, I took on three geezers, flew all night long, walked up here, ready for a scrap. And you can hide behind your diss tracks and you can hide behind those people out there that you think have your back. But when I walk outta here, head held high, while they pull you outta here on a stretcher, you can lay there, and you can just think to yourself, that no matter how hard you tried, you just couldn’t figure it out. And then watch me, I go on to Chicago, I beat Ethan Page, and I become NXT Champion.

“Cuz I’m not just the Last Man Standing tonight! I’m the Bruiserweight, and I’m NXT’s Last Man Standing!” Dunne shrugs, but will he

MORE news for NXT’s CW debut!

The Most Must-See WWE Talk Show makes its NXT debut as The Miz will be in Chicago! Who will be his special guest? What will happen when The Miz makes NXT awesome?

Wes Lee shows up?

He gets on commentary just to call out Zachary Wentz. They both know why Trey Miguel couldn’t compete tonight, and Wes is why. It started with MSK, it will end with MSK! Chicago, NXT CW, Wes ends this with a Street Fight! Will Chicago see the Cardiac Kid crush Zach once and for all?

TNA Knockouts Championship Open Challenge: Jordynne Grace VS ???

The Juggernaut has returned to NXT and time has come! She wants to fight one of the best, but who makes it out here first? SOL RUCA! The fans fire up, but will Sol be able to ride this wave? Or will Jordynne prove she’s the big kahuna around here?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is a real Knockout!

The bell rings the two circle. The fans rally up, the two tie up, and Jordynne headlocks for a takeover. Sol headscissors, Jordynne kips free but Sol BOOTS the lariat! Sol also ducks the backhand to then trip Jordynne, then handspring! Jordynne avoids the superkick and the fans cheer. The two reset, circle, and tie up. Sol headlocks, but Jordynne powers up to fire body shots. Jordynne back suplexes, Sol lands out then hurdles. Jordynne follows and CLOBBERS Sol! Sol stands but into the GUT WRENCH PLEX! Sol goes to a corner, Jordynne kips up and runs in to ELBOW! Jordynne whips Sol back in, then SPINEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO!

Sol stays in this but Jordynne stays cool. Jordynne fires forearms, then pump handles. Sol fights, moves around, and sends Jordynne to a corner. Sol runs up, but the monkey flip is stopped. Jordynne puts Sol up, SHOVES her, but Sol body scissors to FLING Jordynne out! Sol goes up and up and ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and down goes Jordynne! The fans fire up and Sol puts Jordynne in. Sol aims, springboards, and SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Jordynne stays in this, Sol stays cool, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Sol drags Jordynne up, whips, and then runs in to SPLASH at the corner! Sol snapmares and ghost pins, TWO! Jordynne stands, runs up, but Sol gets around. Jordynne bucks the O’Conner but Sol kips up, and she CLOBBERS Jordynne from behind! Sol stands Jordynne up, tries to fireman’s carry, but Jordynne’s too sturdy for that. Jordynne CLUBS Sol down, goes to a corner, but Sol runs up. Jordynne ELBOWS Sol, then PIGGYBACK THESZ PRESS! Jordynne rains down fast hands, and fires up as she rises. Jordynne drags Sol to a cover, TWO! Sol stays in this but Jordynne stays close. Jordynne pump handles, but Sol fights the lift!

Jordynne KNEES Sol low, KNEES her again, and again! Then she THROWS Sol to a corner. Jordynne then CHOPS Sol! Sol sputters, pushes Jordynne, but Jordynne fires forearms! The ref counts, Jordynne lets off, and she puts Sol in another corner. To CHOP! Jordynne brings Sol around, Sol elbows her, but Jordynne kicks low. Jordynne reels Sol in, suplexes, and holds Sol up! Jordynne waits until TEN before she GOURD BUSTES! Cover, TWO! Jordynne stalks Sol, kicks her, then drags her around to have a leg. Sol kicks Jordynne away, goes to ropes, and NXT returns to single picture. Jordynne RAMS Sol int the corner!

The fans duel as Jordynne puts Sol up top, and SLAPS her! Jordynne tucks Sol in, for a MUSCLE- NO, Sol slips free! Sol runs up, Jordynne dodges, Sol goes up, but Jordynne TRIPOS her! Jordynne hooks Sol up in an Inverse Gory Especial! Sol slips free again, fires hands, and she ROCKS Jordynne! Sol runs, springboard and CROSSBODY! Then she springboards to CROSSBODY again! The fans fire up with Sol and she runs in at the corner! But Jordynne puts Sol on the apron! Sol ROUNDHOUSES, climbs up, and CROSSBODIES gain, but Jordynne rolls through! The fans are thunderous as Jordynne swinging- DDT!! Cover, TWO!!

Sol can’t believe how close she was with that quick turnaround. Sol storms up in the corner, but Jordynne blocks the whip. Jordynne ROCKS Sol, runs up, and WRECKER ELBOWS! Then a scoop, and a POWERSLAM! Then she goes up and up, VADER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Sol survives #GraceUnderPressure and the fans fire up. Jordynne pump handles, but Sol cradle counters! TWO!! SUPERKICK! Sol runs up on Jordynne, goes up and up the ropes, but Jordynne trips her up! URAKEN! And then Jordynne tucks Sol in, MUSCLE BUSTER!! Cover, but the lights go out!! Who is behind this!? When the lights come up, it’s ROSEMARY!

Jordynne tells Rosemary to get outta here, but Wendy Choo is here, too! NIGHT-NIGHT CLUTCH!! The ref calls the bell!

Winner: Jordynne Grace, by disqualification; retains the title

The creepy combo just ruined the match! The fans boo as Rosemary runs the ref off, and Wendy puts Jordynne to bed! Will these two not be satisfied until they ruin everyone’s fun?

Lyra Valkyria & Tatum Paxley talk backstage.

Tatum has her dolls and dollhouse out, and she jabbers on about adding to her collection. She’s so happy Lyra is here, too! She shows off her cast: Roxanne Perez, the champion; Becky Lynch, Lyra’s fav; and… Shayna Baszler. Tatum is upset with Shayna over what she did to Lyra last week on Raw, but it’s okay given last night. Lyra says yeah, these are all very cute… coping mechanisms… But what they need to do is focus on the real-life Rosemary & Wendy, because they’re out of control. Yeah, they are not friends. Look what they just did to Jordynne Grace! Tatum thought Wendy was a friend, but then she was just using Tatum! Can you believe that?

Tatum yanks the head off her new one, and she’s spiraling. Lyra says it is all fine, so long as they are together. They will show those weirdos that there is nothing stopping Lyra & Tatum when they’re on the same page. Tatum says of course! #Tyra4Ever! And they will show Rosemary & Wendy what happens when you don’t play nice. Now, can they get the head back on the new doll? Lyra tries, but this is more about getting heads on straight. Which wacky combo will win out when “Tyra” collides with the assassin and the psycho?

Ava Raine meets with Giulia and Funaki!

The Japanese legend is here to help interpret between the two, and Ava says congrats on her debut victory, it was very impressive. Giulia says in English, “Thank you, Ava.” Ava knows there was a lot of hype, and now Giulia is here, it has not disappointed. Ava is ready to see how Giulia helps this Women’s Division grow stronger. But then in steps Roxanne Perez. She’s sarcastic as she says she’s surprised there’s no red carpet, given the new star has been handed everything she wants. Right to the NXT Women’s Championship for the CW debut!

Look, Giulia, Roxie doesn’t care what you’ve done in Japan. She doesn’t care what Giulia wants, what Ava wants, or what HBK wants. Giulia is NOT coming in here and just taking over Roxie’s NXT. Funaki translates but she got this. Giulia tells Roxie that she does understand. Roxie is scared! And she should be! Roxie says she’s not scared, but Ava says save it for Chicago. The Prodigy pouts, but will she have something to really be upset about when she succumbs to the Beautiful Madness?

Brooks Jensen is backstage.

And he confronts Dion Lennox. What was that about “gaslighting?” Dion says he just simply meant Shawn Spears is manipulating what Jensen thinks and knows so- The Chair Man steps in. He didn’t realize these two were friends. They’re not. Dion just wants Jensen to keep what he said in mind. Dion leaves, Spears asks what that meant, and Jensen says Dion thinks Spear is gaslighting Jensen. Wow… Another guy around here trying to tell Jensen what to think instead of letting him make his own decisions. Spears asked last week, and he asks again, what does Jensen believe? Because that is all that matters.

Jensen hesitates, so Spears says he understands. He really does. The difference between him and the others is that Spears lets Jensen decide for himself. Dion is just acting like the kind of friend that Briggs and Fallon were. Jensen frowns, Spears heads out, and now we look over at Eddy Thorpe, Karmen Petrovic, and a few other ladies, walking and talking together. Ashante THEE Adonis sees this and cannot believe it. DJ Plutonic is a hypocrite, acting like he ain’t interested in the ladies. He played Ashante! Man, no one played anyone. Eddy told him the truth, Ashante just has a one track mind.

Ashante says pause, rewind. Save it, Eddy, he sees right through you. Ashante leaves, the ladies shrug that off. Will he realize that doing things honestly is better than doing things Adonisly?

NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Last Man Standing Match: Trick Williams VS Pete Dunne!

No more talk, it is time to #FigureItOut! Will Trick add on to that shiner Dunne got last night on Raw? Or will The Bruiserweight redeem himself by ruining Trick’s road back to the title?

The introductions are made, the stakes are raised, and we see who heads for the Windy City!

The bell rings and the fans fire up as they star down. The hands start flying and the fans fire up more! Dunne shoves, Trick dodges him, then BODY SHOTS! UPPERCUTS! Run and LARIAT! The fans are thunderous as Trick fires back up, and he runs up on Dunne. Dunne DUMPS Trick out, then PLANCHAS! Down goes Trick but he stands up quick. Dunne hurries after Trick and ROCKS him! Trick leans against Barriers, but Dunne whips him hard into steel steps! Trick falls, the count starts, but Trick is up at 2. Dunne CHOPS him, but Trick CHOPS back! And CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans fire up with Trick as he drags Dunne up.

Trick pushes Dunne onto the apron, brings him  up, but Dunne fights! Truck tries again, Dunne still fights, and now he BACKDROPS Trick on the apron! Trick falls, the count is on both men, but NXT goes picture in picture.

Dunne stands at 4 of 10, Trick follows at 5, but Dunne POSTS him! Trick falls over, Dunne grabs a chair, and he brings Trick over. Dunne SMACKS Trick off the seat, then he confiscates the timekeeper’s table! Dunne brings Trick over, underhooks, but Trick pries free! Trick trips Dunne, then CATAPULTS him into the POST! Dunne checks his face, but Trick SMACKS him off the apron! Trick follows Dunne around the way, CHOPS him, then stalks him more. Dunne snatches a fan sign! Trick snatches that to SMACK Dunne with it! Then he CHOPS Dunne down! The fans fire up more as Trick THROWS Dunne into barriers!

The standing count starts, but Trick prepares something. He pulls the steel steps apart! Trick storms over but Dunne mule kicks! Trick drops the steps and falls back! Dunne takes the steps for his own, and he SMACKS Trick off them! And again! And again! And again! And again! Dunne fishhooks Trick’s face, twists his head around, then CLUBS him against the steps! Dunne drags Trick up, puts him in, and then paces. Trick slowly sits up, but Dunne stomps hi s hands! And BOOTS him down! Dunne paces, and then BUZZSAWS! NXT returns to single picture, Dunne kicks low, but Trick blocks! Trick rises up and he UPPERCUTS!

Dunne wobbles, into the LEG LARIAT! And LEG LAIRAT! Trick FLAPJACKS Dunne then kips up! The fans fire up with Trick, and he cartwheels to lift Dunne up, BOOKEND! Trick says count his ass! The count begins, and Dunne sputters at 3. Dunne rolls at 4 and gets out so he stands by default. Trick storms over but Dunne pulls Trick’s hair! Dunne ROCKS Trick, then goes to get a chair! Dunne brings the chair in to JAM Trick up! Dunne puts Trick’s hands on the chair, to FULL METAL STOMP! Trick shouts in pain, and Dunne BUZZ- NO, Trick ducks the kick! Trick JAMS Dunne with the chair! And then NECKBREAKER on the chair!

The fans count along, Dunne sits up at 4 and crawls at 6. But Trick is right on Dunne, to INVERTED- NO, Dunne slips free to GERMAN SUPLEX! Trick avoids the chair, but then Dunne CLOBBERS him! Trick swipes at Dunne but Dunne stomps away! Dunne grabs the chair, wedges it in the corner, then he drags Trick up. Dunne RAMS Trick into the chair! Trick falls, the count starts, but Dunne goes out to fetch the chair. Dunne puts the chair back in, but Trick bails out to stand at 7. But Dunne SMACKS Trick off the steel steps, then BOOTS him down! The count starts again, but now Dunne is pulling up floor mats!

Trick stands at 8 but Dunne is right on him! Dunne underhooks, but Trick fights the lift! Trick trips Dunne, has the legs, but Dunne sit sup to fire hands! Dunne reels Trick in! DDT on bare concrete!! Trick sputters and the count begins! Dunne stands at 6, Trick stirs at 7 and rises at 9!! Dunne CHOPS Trick! Trick flounders into the ring, but Dunne slithers after him. Trick rises, Dunne runs up, BOOT! Trick drops to his knees, then to the mat. But Dunne won’t wait, he stomps away on Trick! Dunne lets Trick flounder as the count starts again. Trick stirs at 7, drags himself up with ropes, and stands at 9.5!!

Dunne runs up, into a POP-UP UPPERCUT! Trick won’t wait for the count, he runs up, but Dunne sends him into buckles! Pump handle, BITTER END!! Dunne steps back, the count is climbing! Trick sputters, is still down at 7, but he pushes himself up at 8! And stands up at 9.9!! But now Dunne has a chair! Trick avoids the shot, avoids another, and then ROLLING BOOTS the chair into Dunne’s face!! The fans fire up as the count climbs! Dunne is dazed and down at 6! 7! 8! Dunne springs to life! TRICK SHOT!! Dunne is down again and the count restarts! Dunne’s down at 5! At 7! 8! 9, but Dunne springs to life again!!

Trick is furious, but he storms out to clear the desk! The fans are thunderous, as these two crashed through that last week to set this up! But then Dunne grabs Trick, to POWERBOMB him through the desk hood!! The fans lose their minds, the count begins again, and Trick flounders at 6! Trick drags himself up with the barriers, and he’s up at 9! Dunne whips Trick into barriers! And then he drags Trick up onto them! Trick falls into the front row! Fans have to move as Dunne drags Trick through the crowd and to the perch!! The fans are going nuts as Dunne CLOBBERS Trick with the stanchion! And again!

Dunne reels Trick in, but Trick fights the suplex! Trick pries free to ROCK Dunne! Dunne holds onto Trick but Trick fires more shots! Dunne hits back! Trick swings, but Dunne gets him! SUPER RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP off the perch and down through the tables!!! The fans really lose their minds this time! The ref checks both men, and the count begins! Ethan Page shows up!? He shouts at Trick to stay down and for Dunne to get up! But Trick stands at 7! Ethan runs up, but Trick BACKDROPS him through the desk!! That’s what Ethan gets! Trick is standing, Dunne is not, TRICK WINS!!

Winner: Trick Williams (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Championship)

The fans are thunderous, Trick IS the Last Man Standing! Trick did #FigureItOut, and now he just has to humble All Ego. Will the winds of change blow in the Windy City when NXT goes to the CW?

Ava, Stone & Stevie finish watching the match.

All agreed, it was an incredible main event. Ava also finishes up a phone call. It’s all set for next week, so just let her know if they need anything. Ava says bye, and Stevie asks who that was. It was CM Punk. He’s coming to NXT next week! Whoa, what about Chicago? Well he’ll still do that, of course, but he has something big planned for Chicago, so he wants to announce it next week. Wow, okay! The Best in the World is coming to Orlando, what will his big news be?

My Thoughts:

An awesome NXT here as not just part of WWE Week but also as the countdown to moving to CW. Great NXT Tag Team Championship match to open, and a shame The Rascalz could not compete. While Wes Lee logically takes credit in kayfabe, it was surely an undisclosed injury concern for Trey. But Wes VS Zach in a Chicago Street Fight will be awesome stuff for that CW debut, and I’m thinking Wes wins that to tie the series up, forcing a tiebreaker for a bigger event down the line. And then to the tag title match, it was awesome, but I did not think The Bloodline would show up to “ruin” it. I suppose with Profits jumping in, it was fitting that Bloodline would want to beat them down just because they can, and that adds fire to SmackDown.

Very good first match in NXT for Giulia, Chelsea was the right choice because for one, she’s great in the ring, and also because most fans love seeing her lose. Also good encounter between Giulia and Jordynne, and then good bit with Ava, Roxanne, and the returning Funaki! I knew Giulia was going to respond in English, she’s been working on that ever since she started working with NJPW and specifically NJPW Strong, the American branch. Giulia has got to be winning on the CW debut, it’s the convergence of everything: Giulia is legit great; NXT needs to shake things up with the channel change; and Roxie has done so much already, time to move on to RawDown.

Great stuff with the NXT Women’s Division in preparing for the Open Challenge. Fatal Influence talking down about non-WWE wrestlers is even more foolish than them disliking NIL talent and stuff, but that’s what makes them good Heels. Jaida wanting to take that bat to them was also a good detail, and while Jaida doesn’t want anyone’s help, I’m pretty sure the next 3v1 beatdown convinces her otherwise. Jaida, Lola, possibly Kelani as Fatal Influence seems to be pestering her most of all, that is a good three woman team for a Six Woman Tag that then gives us a Women’s North American Championship match at some point.

Great Knockouts title match from Jordynne and Sol. Sol was a great choice because for one, she wasn’t anywhere in the promos so she was a real surprise. Sol is also really solid, so she gave Jordynne just the match she needed. But then I was rather surprised Rosemary & Wendy Choo attacked during that match. I suppose that’s a way to keep Sol protected, she wasn’t gonna win the title anyway, and it also adds to the TNA side because I’m sure Rosemary will come after the title herself. Good promo video from Rosemary & Wendy and good response promo from Lyra & Tatum. Their tag match will be a lot of fun, but I would think Lyra & Tatum win.

Great Heritage Cup Championship match, especially with Je’Von Evans not having done Heritage Cup Round matches before. But there was a tiny Easter Egg that gave away, at least to me, that Tavion was going to be a deciding factor. Tavion was part of the NQCC graphic last week, but was then missing in the graphic for tonight. Therefore, they wanted us to not think Tavion was gonna be here, and then “surprise,” he was! NQCC probably has more matches with Je’Von & Cedric and maybe we circle back to the Cup, but it’s Cedric who challenge Dempsey. As great as Evans is already at just 20, it’d be even greater if Cedric got something more after waiting so long.

Great bit with NXT Anonymous giving the heads-up on the mystery man and Tony D, and then just a great match from Oba and Hammerstone. Oba of course wins to continue showing his dominance, and the ball is now in Tony’s court. Not sure what he’ll resort to, but depending on what he does, it could turn him back into Heel Don. Fans do still like Tony so I don’t know if they’d do that, but at the same time, the fans really like Oba. But Heel Tony would be a way to shake things up as NXT moves into a new phase.

We got good promo segues this week, with Hank ‘n’ Tank getting their match with The Good Brothers turning into Duke calling out Ridge before their match. That was a great match, and I figured Ridge would win, but they did a good job of Ridge basically wiping out all the Chase U men in one go here. Riley hobbled away “hurt” and Ridge puts Duke down with the piece of barrier, this is gonna come down to Mr. Chase making a heroic return and overcoming Ridge. In much the same way the feud of McIntyre and Punk has been about two people with very different views of each other, this could be a very powerful, character driven feud for Chase U and Ridge that ultimately leads someone to the next level, aka a singles championship opportunity.

Jensen, Dion and Spears had a good promo where Spears is basically doing just what Dion said, and it is sadly working. And then good segue to Ashante being all upset from misunderstanding how Eddy lives his life. They’ll of course have it out in the ring now, but I can’t be sure Ashante’s endgame. Will he end up finding a woman in NXT who digs his style and he can stop flirting with every female he sees? And good promo from Lexis, though his beard style continues to baffle me. Oro going after him was great, though, they are definitely moving into part two where they’ll have a much more competitive and aggressive match. Oro will surely win, forcing the tiebreaker, and that will have a stipulation. But hopefully they change the formula this time where Oro wins, not Lexis.

And of course, great stuff going into the Last Man Standing Match. Ethan had a good promo, but clearly after the match, we saw he did care about who he was facing, and he just didn’t want it being Trick. Good promos from Trick and Dunne, as well, and then an awesome match from them. It didn’t go quite as wild as the fans were expecting, it was really just the chair and the steps being used, but that’s because they saved it all for that fall off the perch. Great win for Trick, and Ethan VS Trick is definitely the way to go for the CW debut. That match probably could go either way, I could see them wanting Trick to be the Face of NXT on CW, and he’s a Face cuz he’s the good guy, but I could also see this being Ethan winning to send Trick to RawDown.

My Score: 8.9/10