NXT is about to turn the page!

As NXT prepares for their CW debut, a press conference is held! But that means combustible elements are in close proximity, will someone pop off tonight?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT Women’s North American Championship: Kelani Jordan VS Wren Sinclair w/ No Quarter Catch Crew; Kelani wins and retains the title.
• Hank Walker & Tank Ledger VS The Good Brothers; Hank & Tank win.
• Lexis King VS Oro Mensah w/ Meta Four; Oro wins.
• Ridge Holland VS Riley Osborne w/ Thea Hail; Ridge wins.
• Wendy Choo & Rosemary VS Karmen Petrovic & Brinley Reece; Wendy & Rosemary win.
• Je’Von Evans & Cedric Alexander VS A-Town Down Under; ATDU wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

NXT Women’s North American Championship: Kelani Jordan VS Wren Sinclair w/ No Quarter Catch Crew!

The Standout wanted to make this an Open Challenge, but then the impulsive and ambitious Wren Sinclair went and SLAPPED her! Challenge accepted, but will Wren learn that what goes around comes around? Or will she prove there is someone who can do it like Lani?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who steps up and stands out!

The bell rings and the fans rally for “WREN X T!” Kelani hits a headlock, a takeover, but Wren headscissors. Kelani kips free, the two stare down, but then Kelani dodges a shot to SLAP Wren! That’s the payback for last week! Wren headlocks, Kelani powers out, but Wren runs her over! Things keep moving, Kelani rolls to slingshot, but Wren blocks the arm-drag. Kelani rolls Wren, hooks an arm, but Wren rolls through. Kelani wrenches and headlocks while fans dule. Wren pushes Kelani to a corner but Kelani kicks off the corner to hit a flying takeover! Kelani grinds the hold, but Wren fights, bridges, and moves around.

Wren stands, powers Kelani into a corner, but the ref counts. Wren whips, Kelani reverses, then Kelani runs in. Wren goes up and over, keeps moving, and she runs Kelani over again! Then she BASEMENT BULLDOGS! Cover, TWO! Kelani toughs it out but NQCC says Wren was close. Wren clamps on a top wristlock and the fans duel as Kelani endures. Wren thrashes Kelani around, but Kelani fights up. The fans continue to rally as the two go around. Kelani grabs ropes to flip through the hold! Kelani then wrenches and drop toeholds! Step over, LA MA- NO, Wren smothers the cover! TWO, and Kelani has the roll-up, TWO!

Wren hurries to waistlock and bridge! TWHO! Kelani ghost pins, TWO! Both women stand, Wren wobbles, and Kelani runs up! Slingshot arm-drag! Then a DROPKICK! Wren tumbles out, the fans fire up, and Kelani aims. TORNILLO PLANCHA! Down goes Wren and the fans fire up as NXT goes picture in picture.

Kelani looks at her belt on the pedestal, and she nods. Kelani puts Wren in the ring, stalks her, and dragon sleepers. LEG DROP DDT! Cover, TWO! Wren is tough but Kelani stays on her with a facelock. Wren wrenches out, whips, but Wren stops the nightshade to SLAM Kelani down! Then Wren HIP DROPS! And HIP DROPS again! Kelani flounders, Wren HIP DROPS again! Kelani goes to ropes, Wren drags her up and whips. Wren kitchen sink knees Kelani down! Cover, TWO! NQCC coaches Wren up as she clamps onto Kelani with a bearhug. Kelani endures the squeeze, fights around, and stands up, only for Wren to wrangle her! Cover, TWO!

Wren stays on the bearhug and leans on the hold. Roll into a bridging cover, TWO! Wren holds on and tries again, TWO! Kelani stays in this but Wren stays wrapped around her. Kelani fights up, throws elbows, but Wren duck sone! Wren fires body shots, then she ROCKS Kelani. Wren ROCKS Kelani in the back! Kelani goes to ropes, but she catches the hip drop into a sunset flip! TWO, and Wren whisp Kelani, only for Kelani to roll her up! TWO, and both women hurry to their feet. Wren fires body shots, CLUBS Kelani, then hammerlocks an arm. Kelani fights what Wren’s working on, and backdrops free!

Kelani storms over to Wren, drags her up, hooks her up, but Wren slips out to fireman’s carry! ROLLING SENTON! Cover, TWO! Wren keeps Kelani down with body scissors, then shifts into a GROUND OCTOPUS! Kelani endures as NXT returns to single picture. The fans duel, NQCC coaches Wren, and Wren thrashes Kelani in the hold! Kelani endures, fights around, pries at the legs, and she slips free to jackknife bridge! TWO, and both women stand! Wren catches Kelani but they dosido, until Wren has the COBRA TWIST! But Kelani HIP TOSSES free! Kelani dodges Wren, bypasses her, then CLOBBERS her!

Kelani rallies with shots, then cartwheel ELBOWS Wren! Kelani kips up, the fans fire up, and Kelani ducks ‘n’ dodges again. Tilt-o-whirl, into a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Wren is showing her toughness, and NQCC is relieved. Kelani grows frustrated, and she runs up in the corner. Wren puts her on the apron, but Kelani ROCKS Wren first! Then she slingshot BOOTS Wren down! But Wren hurries to anchor Kelani! Kelani BOOTS Wren away, jumps right up, and she FIVE STAR- NO, Wren moves! Kelani rolls through, but Wren RAMS into her! And UPPERCUTS! Wren grabs Kelani, GUT WRENCH PLEX!

NQCC is all fired up, as are the fans! Wren underhooks, to BUTTERFLY PLEX! Myles and Tavion are loving this! Wren full nelsons, but Kelani breaks free, switches, and O’Conner Rolls! TWO! Kelani tumbles out right in front of NQCC! Tavion and Myles coach Wren up, but Kelani glares at them. They back off, Wren CROSSBODIES! Kelani moves, Wren takes out the boys! Kelani drags Wren up and in! Kelani blocks a kick, steps over, and WHEEL KICKS! Wren is down, Kelani goes up! ONE OF A KIND SAULT! Cover, Kelani wins!

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

NQCC can’t believe it, but that crash and burn a moment ago was the difference maker! Kelani continues to stand out as the inaugural Women’s North American Champion, but who will step to her next?

The NXT Press Conference begins.

Sarah Schreiber welcomes everyone, and says they appreciate everyone for being here. First question for Ethan Page: Is he feeling any pressure going into the NXT CW launch while champion? Ethan says pressure comes with the territory holding the most prestigious prize in NXT. He has always dreamed of being a main eventer, the face of a company, and to completely carry a brand on his back. He is doing it now, and doing it very, very well. But what separates him from the rest is how he handles the pressure. This is one of the most stacked rosters in pro-wrestling, yet here he is, a cut above. Next?

What would Ethan say is something his opponent, Trick Williams, does well in the ring? Well, Trick is a former NXT Champion, so kudos to that. And to accomplish that feat in three years, that shows Trick is resilient. But that resiliency won’t capture back Ethan’s NXT Championship. Okay, he has time for one more, who has it? How big of a factor will CM Punk as special guest referee be in that match? Ethan chuckles, and says it won’t be a factor at all. Ethan will personally guarantee that. Okay, that’s the end of their time with him, he’s going to give “a smidge” of his time to CM Punk to make sure he is a non-factor. You’re welcome.

Ethan steps away, Sarah thanks him for his time, and throws it back to Vic Joseph & Booker T. Just what will All Ego say to CM Punk to make sure he doesn’t affect the outcome?

CM Punk talks with Je’Von Evans.

But then Trick Williams steps in. Je’Von lets Punk and Trick talk, and Trick thanks Punk for stepping in as special guest ref. And know it or not, things have been going crazy. Ethan will do everything in his power, every underhanded move, to try and keep that title, and Trick won’t stand for that. Punk knows. He watched Trick’s rise from the bottom to the top, win the title, and even lose the title. But Trick is still in the mix, so Punk is proud of him, and Trick should be proud of himself. Coming from Punk, Trick appreciates that.

Punk says he knows Ethan’s gonna try and cheat, that’s why he made himself the referee. He won’t let Ethan cheat this. He won’t let Trick cheat it, not that Trick would. But Punk is there to make sure the best man leads NXT into the future. Now, that could be Trick, he’s done it before, and Punk is personally hoping for it. But Punk promises that he won’t lean that way, he’ll keep it even. In the end, if Trick isn’t that night and Ethan wins, then Punk’s gonna raise Ethan’s hand. No favorites here. May the best man win. They shake hands and Trick says he appreciates that. Punk has given his word, but will something force his hand?

Grayson Waller & Austin Theory are in the ring.

A-Town Down Under returns to NXT, and they’ve already got everything set up. Waller welcomes us back to a special edition Grayson Waller Effect. Some fans actually chant “Welcome Back!” but Waller says that is so cringe. He couldn’t care less about the fans here, he can’t wait to leave. But this is where it all started! The last night for NXT on USA Network, and they brought out the big guns! Theory says hey, cut that booing! All of you here are looking at the greatest graduates in NXT history! Keep booing if you’re trash. Oh, well, there you go.

But see, Theory is a TWO-TIME United States Champion, Mr. Money in the Bank, the man that beat John Cena at WrestleMania! And ATDU are the two men that took down the SmackDown Tag Team Championships at the biggest WrestleMania of all time! The two men WWE built an entire PLE around in Australia! And they could keep going, but let’s get to their opponents in two weeks. They are the NXT Tag Team Champions, two great competitors, and two men who are very fast. One is a bootleg Kurt Cobain, the other is a Power Ranger, it’s Nathan Frazer & Axiom, aka FRAXIOM!

The fans cheer as the tag champs make their way to the ring, and they take their seats. Waller welcomes them and mockingly says thanks for dressing for the occasion. But hey, hopefully they haven’t taken any offense at the jokes they’ve made. Waller can’t speak for Theory, but Theory says go ahead. Waller says they’ve been on SmackDown awhile, and they feel Fraxiom would be great on that roster. Imagine these two on Friday nights, as individual competitors. Because this tag thing, lad? It ain’t lasting. Frazer asks if Waller’s talking to them, or about himself. Because he can assure Waller, Fraxiom is fine! More than fine!

Ironically, that’s more than can be said for ATDU. Axiom & Frazer watch SmackDown every week, and they can’t wait to see who in Waller & Theory betrays the other first. Yeah, c’mon, guys. Theory says no, there’s no need to be hearing unnecessary stuff from them. Because the thing is, he and Waller are solid. They run things, they put it down. But Theory can’t believe how vile all that talk coming out of their mouths is. Waller says it is disrespectful. The standards have dropped around here. Thanks a lot, Shawn Michaels. But the truth is, no one wants ATDU to break up. But when they beat Fraxiom, Fraxiom is done, lads! Everyone knows it!

But boys, that’s a good thing. They’re better as singles guys. Theory agrees. Think about it. When Frazer climbs to the top, he can do his flippidy dooda! Yeah, that’s so sick! And Axiom, he does that springboard 630 Spanish Pretzel or whatever! Axiom tells ATDU to callete! Stop making up crap and get back to reality. They like history, right? So how about this. Wolf Dogs! MSK! Chase U! Fraxiom didn’t plan this, but somehow, someway, they have become the Grim Reapers of the NXT Tag Division! Damn right! And on that note, in two weeks, St. Louis, Fraxiom sends A-Town Down six feet under!

Oh, that sounded nice, real smooth. But Theory will remind them who ATDU is! Each and every Friday, it doesn’t matter if it is a Hall of Famer, a living legend or a world champion, bring ’em on! Because they’ve put ’em down! They aren’t saying Fraxiom aren’t impressive, because they are. But just remember, there are levels to the game. Waller agrees. And Waller knows these two move a million miles an hour, putting on banger after banger. But ATDU have been under the brightest lights, on the biggest stages, and not only do they hang, they show that they belong. So in two weeks, Fraxiom gets that rub, but they lose the titles, too.

And then everyone finds out that that is the Grayson Waller Effect. Frazer has one question, though. What just is the Grayson Waller Effect? Shouldn’t it be the Grayson Waller AND Austin Theory Effect? Waller laughs that off, but Theory says that’d be a good idea. No, wait, what? The show was this before they started teaming, so it’s an issue of trademarks and graphics. Theory says it could be edited in, it’s not that hard. Waller is stuck, so he just DECKS Frazer! Axiom goes after Waller but Theory hits him! ATDU beat down the champs, the fans boo, but ATDU hold up the belts. Will this be how it goes in St. Louis? Or have they just lit a fire in Fraxiom?

Meta Four talks backstage.

Oro Mensah tells Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson that he’ll have to be on the lookout, because loony Lexis King likes to walk around- OH SNAP he’s here! Lexis says he could’ve attacked just now, but no. He sits down to talk. Oro blindsided him, and Lexis could do the same, but they’re just going down the same road again and again. So Lexis thought long and hard on this, and agonized over Oro’s situation. Lexis realized it is a lot more than just anger for Oro. It is a deep-seated trauma over his father. Oro says watch it. Lexis says hey, take it from him. He knows what it is to go through life having no one to lean on for guidance.

That is why Oro always goes to violence. Oro says trust him, he doesn’t know what violence is. Lexis says he’s not doing this to upset Oro. And he knows it is tough to hear, but Oro did not have a good relationship with his father. Now, Lexis’ father wasn’t around at all, but if he was still here, he’d say to be the better man. So tonight, may the best man win. Lexis offers a handshake, Oro takes it, but tells him that Lexis better do this fair and square. Lexis nods and heads out. Will The King be a man of his word? Or should Oro only take him at face value?

Hank ‘n’ Tank walk ‘n’ talk.

They used to look up to Gallows & Anderson! Two-time WWE Tag Team Champions, three-time IWGP and TNA Tag Team Champions! But all that respect went out the window when they cost Hank ‘n’ Tank their NXT Tag Team Championship opportunity! Not so sweet! But time for some sugar, some spice, and everything NOT so nice! Because tonight, revenge is on the mind! In this world, there are two truths: “We hit first, and we hit last!” HONK HONK! Hank ‘n’ Tank head for gorilla, will they bring down the Good Brothers? Or will they learn why Gallows & Anderson were champions everywhere they went?

Karmen Petrovic & Brinley Reece prepare.

They’ve got the energy flowing as they prepare for Rosemary & Wendy Choo. But they are curious about last week, Eddy Thorpe VS Ashante THEE Adonis. Who was that girl in the front row? No one knows, but Ashante walks in with a new rose. Who will accept it tonight? Carlee Bright says no thanks, and same for Kendal Grey. Brin says he’s still on this rose thing? Well what’s it to her? Considering it cost him his match last week… Karmen says that’s a bit harsh. Ashante says he wasn’t even going to offer her one anyway. Okay… Ashante then notices Tatum Paxley. He likes to get freaky, too. She doesn’t scare him, she excites him.

Tatum says her heart belongs to someone else. Oh, well, okay. But Adonisly, miracles don’t happen twice. What’s that supposed to mean? Brin & Karmen refocus, will they be ready to make an impact against the Shadow Assassin & Sleepy Psycho?

Hank Walker & Tank Ledger VS The Good Brothers!

The blue collar boys are ready to go, but Gallows & Anderson are always ready for a fight. Time to see who if NXT is just Too Sweet!

The teams sort out, Gallows and Hank start, and they just throw hands! Anderson and Tank get in, they throw hands, too! The fans fire up as Tank DECKS Anderson, but Gallows ROCKS Hank! Gallows whips Hank to a corner, runs up to back body block, then he LARIATS! Hank flounders, Anderson takes care of Tank, and then Anderson tags in. The Good Brothers stomp a mudhole on Hank, then Anderson soaks up heat. Anderson tags Gallows back in, they mug Hank, and they double whip. Gallows sends Anderson in, but into a BOOT! Hank dodges Gallows, and tags in Tank! SPALSH after SPLASH, and then “HONK! HONK!” DOUBLE BELLY SANDWICH!

The fans fire up, Tank covers, TWO! Tank clamps onto Gallows, rains down fists, then storms around. Gallows stands, Tank knees low, and Tank suplexes. Gallows fights that, Anderson runs in, but Tank DECKS Anderson! Gallows YAKUZA KICKS Tank down! Tag back to Anderson and he BLASTS Hank! The Good Brothers mug Tank, then Anderson bumps Tank off buckles. Anderson whips Tank to a corner hard and Tank falls back just as hard! Tank sputters, Anderson soaks up heat, and then Anderson drags Tank up. Tank fires hands, but Anderson ROCKS Tank! Anderson bumps Tank off buckles then tags Gallows.

The fans duel, “TOO SWEET!” “HONK HONK!” Gallows BOOTS Tank, clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Tank down. Tank endures, fights around, and fights up. But Gallows knees low! Gallows whips Tank to a corner, LARIATS, then whips corner to corner. Hank takes the bump, Tank CLOBBERS Gallows! The fans fire up and Hank is chompin’ at the bit! Tank and Gallows crawl, hot tags to Anderson and Hank! Hank rallies on Anderson with big elbows and haymakers! Hank TOSSES Anderson to a corner, fires body shots, then whips corner to corner. Hank BOOTS Gallows for good measure before he SPLASHES Anderson!

Hank reels Anderson in, BOSS MAN SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Anderson survives and Hank snarls. The fans rally up, Hank goes to a corner! Hank climbs, but Gallows storms up! Hank ROCKS Gallows first! Anderson ROCKET KICKS Hank! Anderson goes up top, SUPER DUPER PLEX! Both men are down but Tank runs in! Anderson SPINEBUSTERS Tank onto Hank! Cover on Hank, TWO!! Hank survives! Anderson tags Gallows, then they drag Hank up. Anderson runs, but Tank trips him up! Hank slips free of Gallows while Gallows yells at Tank! Hank dodges Gallows, tags Tank, and scoop! TACKLE POWERSLAM COMBO!!

Tank covers while Hank intercepts Anderson, HANK ‘N’ TANK WIN!!

Winners: Hank Walker & Tank Ledger, by pinfall

That’s 2-0 against the Good Brothers! Is this a sign that Hank ‘n’ Tank are headed for greatness?

Je’Von Evans talks with Cedric Alexander.

The Young OG is all fired up about Randy Orton, The Apex Predator. He still can’t believe Orton called him out! Orton is one of Je’Von’s favorite wrestlers of all time! And in two weeks, ya boi faces off with him in literally the biggest match of his life. Cedric says that given that, if he needs help preparing, Uncle Cedric’s got him! But then in step ATDU to mockingly fanboy over Je’Von, “the fastest rising star in NXT.” But wait, that reminds Theory of… himself! And what has Theory down? So much. But Je’Von has this roadblock in the way, and it’s Cedric. Uncle Ceddy ain’t gonna help beat Randy Orton!

Je’Von is only 20 years old, but he won’t even be ready at 40! At least Je’Von can say he once got destroyed by Randy Orton, check it off the bucket list. Cedric says that’s cute. Je’Von has a way better chance of beating Orton than ATDU does of becoming NXT Tag Team Champions. Oh, you mean the champs that they just dropped out there? How about not listening to Cedric? Je’Von says he appreciates all this, but Cedric is his guy. And if ATDU wants to throw down, he can show them who’s ready for what. But then Je’Von & Cedric get hyped, and Je’Von says, “Yo, Kevin Owens! What’s up, my boy!?”

ATDU freak out, but they see it was all a trick. What’re they scared for? Oh, haha, they’re not afraid of anyone! But will Waller & Theory be able to take the gold in Chicago? Will The Young OG be able to avoid an RKO in St. Louis?

Lexis King VS Oro Mensah w/ Meta Four!

Two men with very different family lives clash again, having promised to make this a fair fight. But will emotions boil to the surface and make this anything but civil?

NXT returns and Meta Four makes their entrance. The bell rings, Oro and Lexis again shake hands, and they circle. they tie up, go around, Lexis cravats, then Lexis snapmares. Lexis runs to run Oro over, covers, ONE! Lexis clamps onto an arm and wrenches. Oro rolls to UP KICK! Then he CHOPS! And CHOPS! Lexis kicks low, to CHOP back! Lexis whips, Oro flips through the hip toss to RANA! The fans fire up and Lexis runs up again, but into a clinch and EXPLODER POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Lexis goes to ropes. Oro storms up, CHOPS, and then whips. Lexis reverses but Oro holds ropes.

Lexis blocks a boot to CHOP again! Lexis whips, Oro blocks, and then SOBATS! We go picture in picture to see Ava Raine preparing the next part of the press conference. Oro runs up on Lexis, goes past him to go up the ropes, but Lexis SHOVES him out to the floor! Lexis cools off, is a bit regretful that he did that, but it was just mean, not illegal. Lexis goes out, puts Oro in, but Oro snatches him for a cradle! TWO, and Lexis scoops to SLAM! The fans duel, Lexis KICKS Oro in the back. Lexis eggs Oro on, stomps him, but Oro fires body shots. Lexis ROCKS Oro, whips him corner to corner, then he scoops to BACKBREAKER!

Oro writhes, Lexis looms over Oro, and Lexis eggs Oro on more. Oro rises up, but Lexis gets a leg. Oro KICKS Lexis away, but Lexis ROCKS Oro! Lexis whips, Oro blocks, and Oro SOBATS! Lexis SUPERKICKS! Oro falls, Lexis covers, TWO! The fans rally while Lexis works to stay cool. Lexis brings Oro up, for a BACKBREAKER! Lexis bends Oro against his knee, but the fans rally up. Oro pries the hold, throws elbows, then CLUBS Lexis! Lexis CHOPS! Oro CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans fire up as Oro OROCKS Lexis, runs, and QUEBRADA! Oro dribbles Lexis off buckles, and fans count all the way to eight before the snapmare.

ROLLING KICK! Lexis falls, Oro covers, TWO! Lexis stays in this but Oro storms up. Oro whips, Lexis breaks and trips Oro, to high stack! Feet on ropes! But then Lexis stops himself!? Lexis says no, he’s not gonna win it like that! Lexis is keeping to his word and fans appreciate it. Oro trips Lexis, stacks, and Oro puts his feet on ropes!! Oro wins!!

Winner: Oro Mensah, by pinfall

Lexis is stunned, but as far as Oro’s concerned, this is payback for last time! This makes them 1-1, will we get quite the tiebreaker in the near future?

The D’Angelo Family begins The Don’s special training.

Tony is dead set on having his rematch with Oba Femi, so it is time to get old school with it. Oba isn’t a monster, he’s a man, so Tony just has to be more of a man than Oba. Tony gets going, from chin ups to rope climbing, to overcoming his fear of being thrown down by incredible heights. Tony remembers the pep talk Rizzo gave him, and he fights harder. He climbs higher, pumps harder, and smashes cinderblocks to bits! he runs longer, hits harder, takes hits, and even pushes a truck with the family sitting in the bed! But there’s one more thing to do before Chicago: spar with a big, BIG man!

Inside the boxing ring, Tony takes a pounding, gets a big shaken up, but he’s motivated by how that defeat to Oba felt. Tony comes back to give as good as he got, and he’s the one standing at the end. The Family is proud of The Don, now to go get that contract signed! The title is on the line in St. Louis, will the Gateway to the West be Tony’s path to the gold?

Ridge Holland VS Riley Osborne w/ Thea Hail!

Yorkshire Grit has already broken the hearts of Chase University, and he’s gone through the list trying to break the bodies of Chase U. Andre Chase is still recovering at home from what happened at No Mercy, and Duke Hudson hasn’t been here since Ridge clobbered him with part of the ringside barriers. Will Turbo Terry only end up the same way? Or can he bring down Ridge to avenge the university?

Ridge makes his entrance, and Riley FLIES out onto him! The fans fire up as Riley fires off forearms! Riley puts Ridge in, Thea cheers him on, as does the whole crowd, and the bell rings! Riley POSTS Ridge, fires off UPPERCUTS, then whips corner to corner, Ridge reverses, but Riley goes up and up to FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Ridge still has a lot of grit, but Riley goes up and over, ducks under, only for that SOUTHPAW to hit him! Ridge gets free of his coat, to then clinch the arms, and DEADBOLT PLEX! Ridge RIPS Riley’s Chase U shirt off, then throws knees! Ridge snarls, brings Riley up, but Riley SLAPS Ridge!

Ridge ROCKS Riley, gut wrenches, but Riley slips free to SUPERKICK! Ridge wobbles, Riley SHOTGUNS him into a POST! Roll-up, TWO! Riley dodges Ridge, runs up and A-LIST LARIATS! Riley keeps hold of Ridge to SLING-DOG! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Riley rains down fists to keep Ridge down, then he runs up. Ridge clinches to OVERHEAD SUPLEX Riley outta the ring! Thea panics, coaches Riley up, but Ridge storms out after him. Ridge hauls Riley up, tells him to just have gone along, but Riley RAMS Ridge through barriers! Riley does to Ridge what Ridge did to Duke, and the fans are thunderous!

The ref checks both men, and Ridge is already rising! Riley follows, pushes Ridge into the ring, and ROUNDHOUSES! Riley goes up a corner, aims, and “U~” SHOOTING STARS! But he sees the boots! Riley blocks those, stands Ridge up, only to run into the REDEEMER!! Cover, Ridge wins!

Winner: Ridge Holland, by pinfall

Riley put up a Chase U sized fight, but it wasn’t enough to topple Ridge. And now Ridge beats down on Riley! Thea shouts to stop it, but Ridge scrapes Riley out of the ring. Ridge stands Riley up, but Riley fires haymakers! The fans fire up but Ridge KNEES Riley, then THROWS him into steel steps! Ridge grabs the barrier piece! He wants to do what he did to Duke! But Riley SUPERKICKS! Thea shouts at Ridge, Ridge shouts at her, but Riley LEAPS off the steps! Down goes Ridge! The brawling continues, the refs rush out here, but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Security gets involved, Thea is still shouting, and Ridge backs down!

Things are far from through between Ridge and Chase  U, what will it take to put this to rest?

The Miz speaks.

“Tony D’Angelo. I saw your training montage, pretty impressive. Now you and Oba, you can sign your contract in Ava’s office at any time. But how about next week, live on the debut of NXT on the CW, it’s Oba Femi and Tony D’Angelo on Miz TV? Yeah, now that sounds… AWESOME!” The Hollywood A-Lister has invited The Ruler and The Don to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show, but will that only ensure things get out of control in Chicago?

Oba Femi is at the press conference.

The Ruler is asked about his appearing on Miz TV alongside Tony D’Angelo, and his reaction is… He doesn’t have one. So next question: What does he think of Tony’s training video? Oba chuckles, and says that Tony can fool his family, he can fool the fans, and even fool himself. But Tony can’t fool Oba. Tony is broken, you can see it in his eyes. And Oba is done with questions now. He leaves, Sarah thanks him for his time, and says Oba is closing in on the record of longest reigning NXT North American Champion ever. Will The Ruler blast through that record? Or will he regret not taking The Don seriously?

Wes Lee and Zachary Wentz are interviewed via video chat.

Obviously, these two need to be kept in separate locations, but then Wes asked if Zach can hear him. Zach says he can definitely hear that POS. Why’d he ask? Wants to get away with more talking ish? No, Wes honestly doesn’t wanna think about Zach at all. But Wes is wondering how Trey’s doing. Zach says Wes flew to Ohio just to jump Trey from behind because he’s a b*tch! BUT, Trey’s about to watch Zach beat the F outta Wes next week! But what’s with these separate rooms? Is Wes afraid of Zach? No, this is for Zach’s protection. It is so Wes doesn’t end Zach even before Chicago.

Oh, sorry, if memory serves, Zach beat the F out of Wes at No Mercy. Yeah, well, this time he won’t have Trey! It’ll be just like Detroit, when Wes put Zach through drywall for trying to buck up to him. Nah nah nah, they both know that’s not what happened. Wes says this is the last bit of brother advice he will ever give Zach so STFU for a second. “Next week, just make sure that Gigi doesn’t watch.” W-What did Wes just say? WTF man?! Keep her name out of your mouth!! Wes keeps saying, “Gigi, Gigi, Gigi~!” Wes tells Zach come and find him! Zach leaves his set, Wes thinks he won’t, but then he hears Zach did leave.

Wes says say less! He gets off his set, and goes to meet Zach halfway! They brawl in the prep area! Security hurries but they’re already after each other! The two are separated, but there’s nothing to stop them in their Chicago Street Fight! Who will be the one to walk away from this fight to end all fights?

Wendy Choo & Rosemary VS Karmen Petrovic & Brinley Reece!

While Lyra Valkyria & Tatum Paxley handled them last week, it seems the Sleepy Psycho & Shadow Assassin aren’t done “playing” with the NXT Women’s Division. Will they rebound from last week’s defeat? Or can the Karate Kid and #Brinergy be a bright light in the darkness?

NXT returns as Karmen & Brin make their entrance. The teams sort out, Brin starts against Wendy, and the two tie up. Wendy waistlocks, shoves Brin to a corner, then crawls up on her! Brin goes up and over, arm-drags, then clamps on with an armlock. Wendy fights up, Brin tags Karmen and they double wrench to KICK! Kamren whips, Wendy reverses but Karmen SOBATS! Karmen then DISCUS LARIATS a la Natty! Cover, TWO! Karmen clamps onto Wendy’s arm, grinds the shoulder, but Wendy fights up. Wendy pulls hair to put Karmen in the corner, then she tags Rosemary. They mug Karmen, then bring her out.

Rosemary & Wendy double suplex, but Karmen slips free! Karmen ROUNDHOUSES Rosemary, CHOPS Wendy, then CHOPS Rosemary and ROUNDHOUSES Wendy! The fans rally, Karmen tags Brin, and Karmen feeds Brin to a BODY CHECK! Picture in picture shows us Kelani having her turn at the press conference, Brin covers Rosemary, TWO! Rosemary snarls, Brin is scared, but Rosemary grabs her by the face! Wendy tags in, Rosemary whips and Wendy KCIKS Brin! Brin falls, Rosemary SLIDING LARIATS! Wendy covers, TWO! Wendy drags Brin up to HEADBUTT her down. Brin flounders to the corner while fans rally.

Wendy handspring SPLASHES, then she goes side to side to BOOT! Tag to Rosemary, she climbs up, for a HANGING HEADSCISSOR! The ref counts, Rosemary lets off, and she pushes Brin from ropes. Rosemary facelocks, but Brin powers up! Brin reaches out but Rosemary KNEES her down! Rosemary swings on Karmen, Karmen dodges, and Brin fires body shots! Rosemary CLUBS Brin, tags Wendy, and they DOUBLE SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Brin stays in this but Wendy stays on her. Wendy whips Brin to the corner, runs up, but into a BOOT! Brin EBLOWS Rosemary, and fires off on Wendy!

The fans fire up as Brin backs Wendy down, but Wendy shoves her. Brin DECKS Rosemary, then HANDSPRING LARIATS! The fans fire up as Brin crawls for her corner! But wait, is that Ashante and his rose? He finds a lady in the front row, but Karmen gets mad that he’s even out here! Wendy tags Rosemary! Brin is alone! Underhooks, SO BELOW!! Cover, Rosemary & Wendy win!

Winners: Rosemary & Wendy Choo, by pinfall

Karmen can’t believe it! She let herself get distracted over nothing, and now she and Brin have nothing to show for this match! But will Rosemary & Wendy continue to haunt the NXT Women’s Division, even in the new CW era?

Sol Ruca talks with CM Punk.

But Ethan Page walks in to say he and Punk need to talk. Sol says he can’t stand this guy so she’ll catch Punk later. Sol leaves, and Ethan says he is not too thrilled with Punk injecting himself as special guest referee. Punk says he isn’t shocked, but he appreciates the honesty. Ethan says he has seen how Punk has handled himself as “pretend referee” in the past, and Ethan has been where Punk’s been. Ethan has worked way too hard for this, and is not in the mood for any of Punk’s drama. Oh, Punk’s drama? Is this about last week when he let Ethan and Trick fight?

Listen, Punk took a redeye from Portland and thought it was funny at the time. But in Chicago, he is not letting any of that go on. He will call it down the middle, neither guy is gonna cheat, and speaking of drama, he won’t let Ethan “desperately low blow” Trick behind the back of the referee, aka Punk. And he isn’t sure about drama, but Punk brings up when Ethan fell on top of a guy, unconscious, to win that belt. But that won’t happen, either. If Ethan is the man he says he is, great! He gets the chance to prove it next Tuesday. Punk will raise Ethan’s hand, even put the belt around his waist. But if Ethan’s not the guy, then Punk won’t.

Punk leaves, will All Ego be able to keep it civil when all these elements are in the ring next week?

NXT returns to the press conference.

Sarah Schreiber introduces The Fatal Influence. First question: Next week, any two of them are set to face Lola Vice & Jaida Parker in a tag team match. Have they decided on which two it’ll be? Fallon Henley says yes, and leaves it at that. Oh, sorry, did he want to know which to? Of course he would, just like Jaida & Lola. But you all find out when they do, next week in Chicago. Next question: The Influence sound extremely confident heading into next week, so- Jazmyn Nyx cuts the reporter off and says yeah, they are. Why not? You don’t believe them? Don’t answer that, it was rhetorical.

And so third question: After they win, what is next for the Fatal Influence? Jacy Jayne says NXT has the strongest Women’s Division in all of wrestling, and they will be at the top of this division. How? Simple: Win championships. Quote her, tweet her, listen to her, and remember that Jacy said it. Kelani Jordan does not deserve to be NXT Women’s North American Champion, and Fatal Influence has no problem taking- OH NO! Here comes Lola & Jaida! Security has to stop The Mayor of Vice City and Miss Parker from storming the stage, but The Influencers all taunt them. But which toxic twosome steps up to put their money where their mouths are?

And this just in: Roxanne Perez is not going to just address the press backstage. She wants HER part of the press conference live in the middle of the ring! What will The Prodigy have to say before she puts her NXT Women’s Championship on the line against Giulia?

Je’Von Evans & Cedric Alexander VS A-Town Down Under!

The Young OG and “Uncle Ceddy” are ready to prove why Randy Orton wanted a match with Je’Von and no one else in St. Louis. But at the same time, Grayson Waller & Austin Theory want to remind everyone in NXT why they graduated from NXT and had gold on SmackDown. Who wins major momentum going into the CW’s next era?

NXT returns and ATDU makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Je’Von starts against Waller, but then Waller sucker punches Cedric! Theory CLOBBERS Je’Von from behind while Waller sends Cedric into barriers on the outside! Theory bumps Je’Von off buckles, then RAMS him in the corner! And again! And again! Waller tags in, ATDU mugs Je’Von, and then Waller taunts the fans. “Ya boi BOUNCY~!” He SMACKS Je’Von off buckles! Waller RAMS Je’Von back in, tags Theory, and Theory says hush. He winds up to whiff as Je’Von dodges! Je’Von then CHOPS Theory! And he swings on Waller!

Waller gets away, Theory rolls Je’Von up, TWO! Je’Von gets moving, and he RANAS Theory! The fans fire up, Waller tags in, but Je’Von dodges him to tilt-o-whirl and RANA! Then he DROPKICKS Waller down! The fans fire up, but Waller ROCKS Je’Von! Tag to Theory, ATDU soak up heat, then Theory runs in at Je’Von. Je’Von BOOTS Theory, goes up and over Waller, and Cedric drags Waller out! Cedric gets payback as he sends Waller into barriers! Je’Von ROCKS Theory, but Theory picks Je’Von up! Je’Von sunset flips it, TWO! Theory runs up, kicks Je’Von and CLUBS him. Theory snapmares, then he stomps Je’Von down!

The fans boo but Theory clamps on a chinlock. Je’Von endures the squeeze and fans rally up. Je’Von fights up, fires body shots, but Theory KNEES low! Theory taunts the fans, they boo, but Theory drags Je’Von up. Je’Von fights the suplex, cradle counters, TWO! Theory escapes to KICK Je’Von low! Theory talks smack, ROCKS Je’Von, but Je’Von fights back. Theory CLUBS Je’Von, whips him, but Je’Von reverses! Je’Von SPLASHES, tag to Cedric! Then they coordinate, ASSISTED SLICED BREAD! PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Cedric wrenches Theory, but Theory kicks low. And then throat chops!

The ref reprimands but Theory tags Waller. ATDU mugs Cedric while fans boo. Cedric hits back, blocks a kick, and DRAGON SCREWS! Waller bails out, Theory runs up, but Je’Von DUMPS Theory out! ATDU regroups, Cedric helps Je’Von get moving, and he FLIES! Theory goes down but Waller picks Je’Von up! So Cedric FLIES and he takes them all down! The fans fire up as Cedric & Je’Von taunt ATDU from the apron, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Cedric drags Waller into the ring, trips him, and steps through to tie up the legs, into a TRAILER HITCH! Waller endures, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Cedric lets go, and Waller hobbles. Cedric CHOPS Waller in a corner, then swings again. Waller dodges, but then Cedric dodges, to CHOP! Cedric then hits a ROLLING ELBOW! Waller sputters, Cedric CHOPS him again, and then Cedric goes corner to corner. Waller puts Cedric on the apron, but Cedric ROCKS Waller first! Theory runs up, into a BOOT! Cedric steps in, but Waller JUMP KNEES! Cedric flops out of the ring, Je’Von hurries to check on him, but Waller storms out after them.

Waller SMACKS Cedric off the desk, talks smack on Je’Von, then puts Cedric back in. Tag to Theory, and ATDU mugs Cedric. Theory clamps onto Cedric with a chinlock stretch, but Cedric endures as the fans rally up. Cedric fights up, fires body shots, but Theory SLAMS him down! Cover, ONE!! Theory clamps onto Cedric with a chinlock, NXT returns to single picture, and Cedric fires body shots. Cedric fires hands, whips but Theory reverses. Theory then scoops to BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Theory taunts Je’Von by holding out Cedric’s hand, to then wrench, ELBOW BREAKER, and kick low!

Tag to Waller, ATDU mugs Cedric again, and Waller cravats. Waller grinds Cedric but Cedric fires body shots. The fans rally but Waller fires knees! Waller knocks Cedric down then he taunts Je’Von. Cover, TWO! Waller drags Cedric up, brings him around, but Cedric blocks the suplex! Waller fires shots, but Cedric still fights! Cradle counter! TWO!! Waller escapes, and LEG LARIATS! The fans boo but Waller soaks up the heat. Waller goes up the ropes, talks trash, and then BALLER ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Waller is annoyed, but he drags Cedric around. The fans rally, Waller has a SLEEPER, but then Cedric ducks the rolling elbow!

Cedric hurries, hot tag to Je’Von! ATDU runs up, Je’Von hurdles to then ROCK, CHOP, and DECK them again and again! Theory blocks a kick, but sends it into Waller by accident! Je’Von then SUPERKICKS Theory! Je’Von DIVES onto Waller and they hit the desk! Je’Von keeps going, he FLIES onto Theory at the ramp! Je’Von puts Theory in, then he springboards to FLYING LARIAT! Cover, Waller breaks it! The fans boo but ATDU is still in this. Waller drags Theory to their corner, tags in, and then storms up on Je’Von. SLEEPER, ripcord, Theory joins in, DOUBLE ELBOW SANDWICH! Cover, Cedric breaks it!

The fans fire up but Theory runs up! Cedric puts Theory outside, then goes out to APRON SIDE EFFECT! Waller slides out to LARIAT Cedric! Waller drags Cedric up to RAM him into the steel steps! Je’Von runs up but Waller ROCKS him first! But then Fraxiom is here! They’re getting in Waller’s face, but then Waller shoves Axiom into Frazer! Waller somersaults into the ring, but Je’Von dodges! Rebound and SCREW KICK! The fans fire up as Je’Von goes up and up and takes aim! But Frazer runs up to the apron! Axiom drags Frazer back down, but that trips Je’Von up! Waller grins, he runs up to ROLLING UNPRETTIER!!

Tag to Theory, he says it’s time! A-TOWN DOWN!! Cover, ATDU wins!!

Winners: A-Town Down Under, by pinfall

Fraxiom runs into the ring but ATDU bails out! ATDU taunts everyone from the desk while Fraxiom argues over what went wrong here. Will they be able to sort things out before meeting Waller & Theory in St. Louis?

Trick Williams takes his turn at the press conference.

The first question is that we are seven days away from perhaps the biggest match in his career. What would winning mean to him? “A win means everything. When you take a look back at all the NXT greats, hundreds of ’em, maybe 20 to 25 of ’em were able to hold the NXT Title. Less than that, maybe 5 to 6 of ’em, were able to hold that thing twice. I wanna be part of that group. I’ve had that title once, and I want it back. Bad. Putting all the history to the side, NXT is reaching new heights. I gotta be in the lead of it. It can’t be Ethan Page. It has to be me. And I’m gonna do everything in my power to make sure that happens next week.”

Then does Trick think CM Punk will be a factor in the match? Trick says he already talked with Punk, they’re good. Trick will focus on Ethan. He may not like Ethan, but he has to respect the fact Ethan always finds a way to get the job done. Trick’s just gotta do what he’s gotta do. He’ll lean on what he learned from Pete Dunne. He has to be confident, has to control his emotions, and just be Trick Williams. If he does all those things, best believe we will have a NEW NXT Champion in the Allstate Arena, he promises us that. Trick thanks them for the time, and heads out.

Sarah thanks the media for being here, and says they’re to head over to the arena, as Roxanne Perez and Giulia will hold their conference there. Everyone moves on from here, what will The Prodigy and the Beautiful Madness have to say to close out the night?

Byron Saxton is in the ring.

He welcomes Roxanne Perez and Giulia as they each sit at their own tables in the ring. They are one week away from NXT’s launch on the CW! Now, as they all know, we have questions from social media, organized under #AskGiulia and #AskRoxanne. In addition, there are the reporters here to ask, but no more wasting time. First question is for Giulia. Is she more impressed or intimidated with Roxie’s reign? And is it a reign she thinks she can uphold? Roxie speaks up, asking if they’re just assuming Giulia is taking the title. The fans chant “YES! YES!” Byron asks Roxie to please let Giulia answer that question.

Giulia smiles and speaks in Japanese. Roxie gets annoyed with how long Giulia goes. The legendary Funaki is there to translate, saying that Roxie has shown she is a “Prodigy,” but her time is up! Giulia knows Roxie came in at 20 years old, and she carried the brand. But Giulia is here to become champion! Giulia became The Beautiful Madness by creating her opportunities, and in Chicago, she shows Roxie not only is it a new era, but that it’s time Roxie passes the torch to Giulia. The fans cheer that. Byron thanks Giulia & Funaki, and we go to the next question.

This is for Roxie. She’s never faced anyone with the hype of Giulia. Not only is the hype real, but Giulia can back it up. How is this going to be different from any other match? Roxie says what she thinks people don’t realize is that she was a Giulia fan before anyone here. Yeah! She studied Giulia, watched every single match she had in Japan. Giulia’s name would pop up on social, and Roxie would wonder if they’d ever cross paths. And look! This is a dream match… for Giulia. Because she’s so excited, having never stepped into the ring with someone that has the equity Roxie has. Everyone forgets Roxie is the reason Giulia is here in the WWE!

Yeah, that’s right! Roxie didn’t go looking for Giulia, Giulia came looking for Roxie! Roxie doesn’t care what titles Giulia has held around the world, THIS NXT Women’s Championship is the only one that matters, and Giulia knows it. That is why Giulia came all the way to NXT. “NXT is entering a whole new realm, and the only person who deserves to be at the forefront of it is the person that built this brand from the ground up! ME!” Giulia smirks and retorts. “Did you ever ask yourself what happens when I beat you?” Roxie says, “No I haven’t, because that’s not gonna happen!” Byron tries to keep the peace and moves on.

Third question: Giulia, your arrival to WWE was one of the most talked about things on social media. Does she feel the hype around that and the NXT Women’s Championship match is making her overconfident? Giulia says no, she feels good. Moving to America has been incredible! The fans cheer that. Giulia says everything is new, but do you know what’s not new? That she is still the most feared wrestler in the world! NXT gets to feel the Beautiful Madness! Giulia then thinks, responds in Japanese, but wait! Who is that also speaking? Byron says whoever that is, please wait until he’s called on you.

BUT WAIT! IT IS STEPHANIE VAQUER!! La Primera is on NXT via the tron! And she has a question for them both: What are either of them going to do when they have HER waiting on the other side of that match? Roxie and Giulia are a bit stunned for a moment, but then they glare back at each other. Roxie holds up her belt, but will she be without that belt after next Tuesday? Or will she make it through one international star just to run into another?

My Thoughts:

Overall, a really good episode, not as epic as you’d think for leaving USA Network, but that was a strong closing moment there. I did not think they’d have Stephanie Vaquer show up on this episode at all, that she would be left for after Roxie VS Giulia happened next week, but I suppose if that wasn’t going to be the closing moment, it works out better here. And while Roxie has a good argument of how someone who has been here longer and helped build NXT through 2.0 and into the White ‘n’ Gold Era should still lead things into the CW Era, this has to be as good a time as any to have a new champion and for Roxie to move on to RawDown.

I’m also a little surprised we got the “press conference” segments all throughout the night rather than all at once, but to be fair, that would’ve been really boring. But each of the segments were all still very well done anyway. Ethan and Trick had very good promos tonight, including with CM Punk. While Punk says he wants things clean and will call it down the middle, you know this is going to go sideways. The chaos and “controversy” can be what protects whoever loses. But as I’ve been saying, this could also be Trick’s moment to move to RawDown.

Good press conference promo from The Fatal Influence, as well as Lola & Jaida, to set up the tag match between them. A little surprised we didn’t get a promo of Lola and Jaida talking out that they need to work together, but maybe we get that before the match. And really, it doesn’t matter which two Influencers step up, the third one will be the distraction on the outside. But since they keep calling Kelani out, maybe she helps tip the scales back in favor of Lola & Jaida. Kelani VS Wren was a great match, maybe a little shaky at times, but a great win for Kelani, and I’m betting she faces the odd Influencer out for the title.

Speaking of titles, good Grayson Waller Effect with Fraxiom, but the timing was a bit off in the trash talk. And even then, not sure Fraxiom’s point about making the talk show “The Grayson Waller & Austin Theory Effect” was all that strong. Seemed like a lame thing to give Waller & Theory to argue over, though I suppose they could’ve argued over what to change the show name to so it incorporates them both. The promo with Je’Von & Cedric was a touch better, and we got a very good tag match out of them, but that timing also felt off. Fraxiom being why ATDU wins was clever. And that doubles down on the go-home math, meaning Fraxiom will of course retain.

A good training montage from Tony D here. Not quite as strong as any of the Rocky movies, even though that’s what they’re referencing with all this. But Oba’s reaction to it was perfect, in that he just doesn’t care, it doesn’t change anything in his mind. They’ll have a good Miz TV segment, and a great match, and as I said last week, Oba losing isn’t the worst thing. Oba can go up to the top title after this to really pump up the CW Era. Then maybe Stacks & Luca get going in the tag division. Hank ‘n’ Tank clearly are, they got a really good win off The Good Brothers. A little surprising, actually, but I suppose that just speeds things up towards new contenders in the Fall season.

Good promo from Lexis and Oro to lead into their rematch, and I’m honestly surprised Lexis followed through on doing things the right way. Also surprising that Oro still gave him the receipt through a cheating pin of his own, but this can motivate another promo and another match. I almost feel like this is a case where enemies can become allies. I have not heard anything about Noam Dar’s return, so Meta Four could make Lexis turn Face and that gives the faction tag teams in both divisions. And then, whenever Noam Dar returns, there can be tension over what that means for Lexis and the group as a whole.

Very interesting story going on between Ashante THEE Adonis and Karmen Petrovic. Is she secretly interested in Ashante? She was the one to bring up Ashante giving the rose to the lady in the crowd, and was bothered by him trying to give it away to others tonight. The distraction was a way to keep Karmen’s team protected in the loss to Rosemary & Wendy, but the only logical move now is that Karmen is interested and she has to work up the courage to admit that. Very good stuff with the Chase U story. While I figured Ridge was winning, I like that Riley got to give him a real fight even after the match. Maybe they do a rematch to bide more time before Mr. Chase’s return.

And great stuff with Wes and Zach tonight. For one, using the video interview set-up to then not do the interview was clever. They just talked major trash to each other and then got into a physical fight. The math is pretty even now, as neither stood tall. Plus, Zach won at No Mercy but he’s also trying to avenge Trey, so I can’t be sure who wins it. It’ll be an awesome match either way, maybe even a show stealer, and if it’s Wes winning, this could propel him to the NXT Championship as well.

My Score: 8.8/10