And we’re on the clock!

Tonight, we begin the qualifiers for this year’s Iron Survivor Challenge! Who looks to push their limits against the very best in NXT today?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Giulia & Stephanie Vaquer VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson; Giulia & Vaquer win.
• 2024 Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Cora Jade VS Sol Ruca; Sol wins and advances to WWE Deadline.
• 2024 Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Wes Lee VS Cedric Alexander; Wes wins and advances to WWE Deadline.
• Adriana Rizzo VS Nikkita Lyons; Lyons wins.
• 2024 Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Je’Von Evans VS Lexis King; Je’Von wins and advances to WWE Deadline.
• NXT Women’s North American Championship: Fallon Henley w/ The Fatal Influence VS Kelani Jordan; Fallon wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Giulia & Stephanie Vaquer VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson!

The Beautiful Madness & Dark Angle were still on the winning side last week, though not for lack of trying from Meta Four’s leading ladies. Will the Bougie Bully & Miss Jackson do better now that it’s 2v2? Or will Giulia & Vaquer be the ones putting on the brakes?

The teams sort out and Lash starts against Giulia. The fans rally up as the two step up and talk some trash. Giulia calls for the Test of Strength, but Lash taunts Giulia over her height advantage. So Giulia throws a body shot! Giulia headlocks, Lash powers up and goes to a corner. Giulia goes up and around, but Lash fights off the flying takeover. Lash powers out but Giulia BOOTS her! Lash BOOTS back! The fans fire up, Jakara tags in, and Meta Four gets Giulia up. They double whip, drop toehold, and ELBOW DROP! Jakara runs to basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Giulia is tougher than that but Jakara waistlocks.

Giulia fights up, wrenches and switches, but Jakara victory rolls! Cover, TWO! Jakara hits an arm-drag to a lateral press, TWO! Ghost pin from Giulia, TWO! The two reset and the fans cheer. Giulia then kicks low, whips Jakara to a corner, but runs into a BOOT! Jakara goes up, up and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans rally up and Jakara hurries to cover, TWO! Giulia is still tougher than that, but Jakara fireman’s carries. Giulia fights into an IRON OCTOPUS! The fans fire up, Jakara heads for ropes, but Vaquer tags in. The Stardom duo double whip, drop, bypasses, hurdle, drop toehold, and 619! Then SHOTGUN!

The fans fire up as Vaquer & Giulia shake hands to DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Jakara shows she’s tough, too, but Vaquer brings her around. Vaquer whips, Jakara sunset flips, but Vaquer stays up to scrape Jakara’s face! Then she drops a leg, brother! And fans fire up as the headscissors are on! Vaquer DRILLS Jakara into the mat again and again! The fans fire up while Jakara sputters. Vaquer brings Jakara up but Jakara wrenches to JAWBREAKER! Tag to Lash and she CHOPS Vaquer down! Then DECKS her! Giulia is in, IRON- NO, Lash stays up! So Vaquer SUPERKICKS! Lash is still up?!

Vaquer jumps on, but Lash has them both! DOUBLE DRIBBLE in the ropes! Lash drops Vaquer, then swings Giulia away. Tag to Jakara and she hops up onto Lash. META TOWER CROSSBODY! Jakara wipes out Giulia & Vaquer and the fans are thunderous as NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Lash holds Vaquer up in a suplex! And then she SLAMS Vaquer at the count of ten! Then Lash kips up, tags Jakara, and sits Vaquer up. Jakara clamps on the chinlock, then shifts to a straitjacket stretch. Jakara thrashes Vaquer but Vaquer endures. The fans rally, Vaquer fights up, and Vaquer powers up to spin things around, only for Jakara to spin it right back around! Jakara then ripcords and whips Vaquer to the corner. Vaquer BOOTS Jakara, HEADBUTTS Lash, then goes up and over Jakara! Roll and hot tag to Giulia! The fans fire up as Giulia SHOTGUNS Jakara! Gijuila fires off hands!

Giulia dodges Jakara, HEABUTTS her, but here comes Lash! Giulia dodges Lash to tilt-o-whirl, and DEJA VU SUNSET BOMB! Jakara storms up to fire hands! Jakara suplexes, but Giulia counters with a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Giulia drags Jakara right up bumps her off buckles, and she tags Vaquer. Vaquer KICKS Jakara in the face, then Giulia runs to BOOT WASH! Giulia feeds Jakara to Vaquer’s SOBAT! Giulia BOOTS, and then they wrench, crisscross, and DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Cover, Lash breaks it! Lash talks trash, but Giulia hops on for a SLEEPER! Lash flails, Giulia shifts around, Vaquer SUPERKICKS Lash!

Vaquer hits a CODE BREAKEAR and Lash tumbles out of the ring! Giulia goes to the apron, and she MISSILE DROPKISK! Lash hits steel steps on the way down! But Jakara O’Conner Rolls deep! TWO!! Vaquer runs up, Jakara gets around, but Vaquer switches! Snapmare into buckles, and Giulia tags in. Giulia climbs up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Jakara flounders but Giulia feeds her to the PRIMERA BACKBREAKER! Then Giulia & Vaquer give Jakara a GOLDEN TRIGGER! Cover, Giulia & Vaquer win!

Winners: Giulia & Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall

Jakara was ready for action but no one could stare down that double barrel and survive! Will Giulia & Vaquer prove together or apart, they are going to run NXT? Blake Howard interviews them in the ring and says they’ve been a great team. But for the next few weeks, they’ll each be in an Iron Survivor Challenge qualifier. The question is: If they both make it to Deadline, what can we expect to see? Giulia says she knew this day would come. Vaquer says, “See you at Deadline.” The amigas area ready to fight it out for the gold, will either of them win that 25 minute marathon?

2024 Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Cora Jade VS Sol Ruca!

Speaking of that grueling golden opportunity, #GenerationJade and the Sol Surfer want that first spot! Will Cora prove she’s back and better than ever? Or will Sol finally catch that wave and ride it to the top?

NXT returns and Cora makes her entrance. The bell rings and Cora hops up on a corner as a defense. The fans rally for Sol while Cora pouts. Cora hops down, storms up on Sol, but Sol gets around, tripos Cora, but Cora narrowly avoids the superkick. Sol hops up on a corner to taunt Cora now. The fans fire up, and Cora says clever. Get down! Sol says make her. Cora storms up but sol gets around her again, for a BIG lift and FACEBUSTER! Sol then stands on Cora to surf! The fans cheer as Sol pops ‘n’ locks then hops off, to SUPERKICK! Cora flounders, Sol whips her to ropes, but Cora reverses. Sol holds ropes but Cora SHINING WIZARDS!

The fans boo Cora but she runs to DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Sol stays in this and goes to ropes, but Cora storms up. Cora bumps Sol off buckles, then again, then she stomps a mudhole in. The ref counts, Cora lets off, but then she comes back to put Sol on ropes. The fans rally but Cora CHOKES Sol! Cora runs side to side to ELBOW Sol in the back! Cover, TWO! Cora is growing frustrated already but the fans sing for Sol. Cora drags Sol up, but Sol JAWBREAKERS back! Cora wobbles, Sol waistlocks, but Cora bucks the O’Conner. So Sol ROCKS her first! Cora ROCKS back, but Sol ROCKS Cora again!

Cora storms up, but Sol slips around to CLOBBER Cora! Sol springboards to CROSSBODY! Cora flounders to a corner. Sol runs in but Cora puts her on the apron. Sol ROUNDHOUSES Cora, then springboards, but Cora trips her up! Sol flops, Cora underhooks, FUTURE- NO, Sol powers out! Sol baits Cora into a corner and Cora hits her knee! SOL SNATCHER!! Cover, Sol wins!

Winner: Sol Ruca, by pinfall (advances to the Iron Survivor Challenge)

Cora was talking a big game, but it all caught up to her! Sol punches her ticket, will she be the one going for gold in 2025?

Je’Von Evans & Cedric Alexander talk backstage.

They just saw as we all did, Sol is the first woman to qualify for Deadline. If Je’Von beats Lexis King, he’s locked in. If Cedric beats Wes Lee, Cedric’s locked in. It’ll be tough, but they’ll LOCK IN~! They head out, and we see Karmen Petrovic talking with Dion Lennox. Karmen shares that her favorite color is yellow, but who doesn’t like yellow? It’s such a nice color. That is, until Ashante THEE Adonis and his yellow beanie had to go and distract her during her match. Uh-huh… Oh, wait, what was the question again? Color. Right, right. Red’s her new favorite color. Cool. Because of that beanie? Yeah.

Brinley Reece walks in and hopes Karmen is not talking about Adonis. No! No no no. Karmen is getting to know Dion. Dion, what else do you wanna know? Uh… Adonis storms in and asks Karmen, “Really?” This is what they’re doing now? With his best friend of all people! Dion says hold on, when were they best friends? Bruh, since last week, remember? Dion says this is just about them getting involved in each other’s matches. Brin says truth. Dion suggests they should try to be a tag team so they can learn to work together. What? Brin likes that idea! Is Dion free next week? Cuz Brin is. Dion says sure, but-

Karmen asks what Brin’s up to. Brin says Karmen knows she wants to. Adonis says Karmen knows she wants to. Karmen tells him not to tell her what to do. Dion is worried already. But the mixed tag challenge is set! Will Adonis & Karmen be a modern Beauty & The Beast? Or is this going to be a more tragic love story?

Ava Raine holds an NXT Tag Team Division meeting.

We have OTM, Hank ‘n’ Tank, Tyson & Tyriek, Myles & Heights, The D’Angelo Family, and even Gallus, all in the boardroom. Ava says she has invited them all here to discuss the state of the tag division. Recently, Fraxiom has been retaining their titles, but she is looking for the next team to step up. Everyone speaks up, but what is Josh Briggs doing here? Ava wants every man in here to show the world what this division is about. They all have the background to succeed. Gallus are former NXT UK & NXT Tag Team Champions. Hank ‘n’ Tank are each D1 NCAA Football standouts. Myles Borne is a D1 NCAA Wrestler and Tavion Heights is an Olympian.

Ty & Ty could shotput cars over the building any day they want. And The D’Angelos… make people disappear. Whoa, whoa, Ava. Allegedly. But Tank says let’s get after it. HONK HONK. Tavion says they’re just teacher’s pets. Lucien Price says he & Bronco Nima will make them think twice about putting two singles guys against the champs. Ty & Ty say don’t talk about what you can’t back up. The teams all bicker but Ava says yes, this is the energy she wants. But don’t tell her, show her! Meeting adjourned. The teams head out, but who heads up the ladder towards the Undeniable Truth & Jersery Island Rocket?

2024 Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Wes Lee VS Cedric Alexander!

The corrupted Cardiac Kid couldn’t crush Je’Von’s hopes, but maybe he can get some payback taking out “Uncle Ceddy.” Will Wes make Deadline must-see? Or will PRIMED Alexander be locked in?

NXT returns and Cedric makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up as fans rally, and Cedric shoves Wes down. Wes gets up and Cedric eggs him on. The two reset, tie up, and Cedric again shoves Wes back. Wes is annoyed but Cedric steps right to him. Wes uses ropes as defense so Cedric backs off. The two reset, tie up, but Wes waistlocks, headlocks, and grinds the hold. Cedric powers up but can’t power out. Cedric slips out the back to wrangle Wes with a headlock of his own. Cedric thrashes the hold and Wes flails. The fans rally, Wes fights around, and rolls to a cover. ONE, and Cedric holds on.

Wes fights up to his feet, powers up and puts Cedric on ropes. The ref counts, Wes lets off slowly, and he swings! Cedric dodges to headlock. Cedric hits a takeover, and he grinds Wes down again. Wes endures, fights up, and powers Cedric down. Wes fires a body shot, then cartwheels to have an armlock. Wes wrenches, wristlocks, but Cedric rolls, rolls, and handsprings. Cedric trips Wes, then speeds up. Wes drops, bypasses, and slides under. Wes rolls back to RANA! Cedric gest up but Wes trips him! SENTON! The fans fire up while Wes shakes it off. Cedric goes to a corner, Wes runs up, but Cedric puts him on the apron!

Cedric UPPERCUTS Wes, ROCKS him, then blocks both shots. Wes tries a shoulder but he gets kick after kick after kick! Wes blocks a kick, tells Cedric to stop kicking him, but Cedric CHOPS him! Cedric then FLIES! Not the cleanest hit but both men are down. The ref checks Cedric but he seems okay, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Wes wrangles Cedric with an armlock. The fans rally up as Cedric fires hands! Cedric ROCKS Wes, but Wes WRINGS the arm out! Cedric writhes, Wes runs and handsprings, but Cedric DROPKICKS Wes upside-down! The fans are thunderous while both men are down! Cedric rises, shakes out the bad arm, and he winds up to CHOP! Wes staggers but Cedric CHOPS him down! Wes gets up, Cedric CHOPS him again! Cedric brings Wes up to CHOP and whip, to then kitchen sink knee! And basement DROPKICK! Cedric kips up and fires up, and the fans are with him! Wes flounders to the apron, so Cedric goes out to join him!

Cedric catches Wes to an APRON URENAGE! Wes flounders back in, the fans duel, and Cedric lines up the shot. GET OVER HERE! Cover, TWO!! Wes survives the tornado flatliner but the fans know “This is Awesome!” Cedric brings Wes up, suplexes, but Wes blocks! Wes wrenches free, but ducks a lariat! Ripcord and SUPERKICK! And then mule kick! Wes handsprings for the CARDIAC KICK!! Cover, TWO?!? Wes is as shocked as anyone that Cedric survives! Wes seethes as he drags Cedric to a drop zone. Wes climbs, aims, and 450- NO, Wes bails out as Cedric moves! Wes turns around into a LARIAT!

The fans are thunderous and Cedric rises again. Cedric storms over to Wes, waistlocks, but Wes grabs a buckle pad! The pad comes lose, Cedric back suplexes, but Wes lands out! Wes throws the pad at Cedric but it’s just a pillow. Cedric scoops, MICHINOKU DRIVER! The ref’s busy with the buckle pad! Late count on the cover, TWO!! Wes survives and Cedric cannot believe it! The fans boo the ref but Cedric just goes to a corner. Cedric focuses, runs up, but Wes drop toeholds him into the bare buckle! The fans boo but Wes takes advantage of the situation! METEORA!! Cover, Wes wins!

Winner: Wes Lee, by pinfall (advances to the Iron Survivor Challenge)

The Cardiac Kid is crafty, turning opportunity into victory! Will he do it all over again at Deadline?

Tony D’Angelo enjoys a nice dinner.

He asks if that thing at the docks was handled. All done, boss. Good. But in steps Shawn Spears & Brooks Jensen. The Don sighs and says he doesn’t like this new obsession Spears has. The Chair Man says it is called being persistent. Yeah, persistently annoying. Well, get used to it, Tony. Spears doesn’t care if he’s The Don, it’s Tony’s other title Spears wants. Tony dismisses his men, and Spears says he’s seen all sorts of guys come in here, sit in Tony’s chair, attack Tony, turn the place upside-down. Spears has let Tony’s disrespect slide twice. There will not be a third. Oh, Spears let Tony slide?

Tony will cut to the chase. Spears wants the North American Championship, right? Spears says Tony’s built one hell of a family, especially after winning the title. The family has been motivated to grow, but Spears feels that title will do the same for him. Tony reminds Spears it took him three YEARS and slaying a monster in Oba Femi to get this title. Yes, Tony played Oba. Good for him. Tony’s stronger than ever. Which is why Brooks Jensen is the one to challenge for the belt. Tony says Spears is a weird guy. He wants a title shot for someone else? Why not think for yourself, kid? Why’s Jensen always following someone else?

Jensen gets heated but Spears has him stand down. Spears doesn’t question how The Don does things, so The Don should not question The Chair Man. Tony says it is smart, having the kid fight Spears’ battles. Spears says intelligence only gets us so far. The difference between Spears and everyone else is that he is starving. The most successful people are hungry to be more, to do more, to have more. And the only thing in NXT that will satisfy Spears’ appettite is the North American Championship. Now… thank you for your time. Spears & Jensen head out, but when and where will they get their shot at The Don?

In the parking lot, Spears tells Jensen that is how you deal with the boss. Isn’t that right, Nico? Yes, it is. Wait, who is this now on Spears’ side? Is The Chair Man’s influence growing in the shadows of NXT?

Backstage interview with Kelani Jordan.

Byron Saxton is with The Standout and notes tonight is her rematch for the Women’s North American Championship against Fallon Henley. Her thoughts? Kelani has been waiting for this since Halloween Havoc. The moment that bell rings, Kelani’s right on Fallon. It doesn’t matter if Jacy’s there, if Jazmyn’s there, if they hop on the apron, they can all get it! All she knows is, she’s getting her title back! But speaking of Jacy & Jazmyn, they step in and Jazmyn mockingly asks, “Will you?” Because Kelani is a great athlete and all, but she is not beating Fallon. And if for whatever reason Fallon can’t get it done, Jacy & Jazmyn will make sure she does.

The Fatal Influence heads out, but Kelani says it’s on sight! Will the inaugural Women’s North American Champion become the TWO-TIME champion tonight? Or will she and NXT all be found under the influence?

Trick Williams is here!

The fans fire up as Tricky Two-Time Two-Time is back, and he grabs the mic to echo Booker T. But Trick knows we already know, Philly was crazy last week. With Deadline around the corner, just a reminder, that was when Trick had the Iron Survivor Challenge and things looked real good for Trick Willy. The fans cheer that. But that’s not what Trick is here to talk about. Last week, Trick & Bubba put Ethan Page through a table, but no, that’s not what he is here to talk about, either. Trick is here to talk about Ridge Holland. Ridge pinned Trick and thinks he got one over on him. Newsflash, Ridge: Trick Williams ain’t going out like that!

That is it say, get your punk- Chase U? Andre Chase comes down from the student section to apologize to Trick. Chase has no beef with Trick, but he still has beef with Ridge. Chase ain’t done with Ridge, not by a long shot. The fans cheer that and Trick knows that. After everything Ridge has done to Chase and Chase U, that’s clear. But as Trick thinks about it, even after everything Ridge did to Mr. Chase, Chase is still back on his feet. The fans cheer that. Trick says he hasn’t really known Chase well, but let’s all take a moment to recognize Mr. Chase for everything he’s done. The fans cheer that, and even chant, “Mr. Chase! Mr. Chase!”

Trick says Mr. Chase is a staple here in NXT. He’s done just about everything here. Well, okay, not everything. Trick hates to say it, but Chase ain’t had a shot at this title. So how about this? For one moment only, let’s forget what Ridge has done to Chase, and- Wait, here comes Yorkshire Grit. Ridge will not let this happen! Chase getting an NXT Championship title shot!? And Trick calls himself a champion?! Ridge steps into the ring while fans boo, but Ridge says Trick is just ducking Ridge to face a guy Ridge put in an ambulance! “Professor” needs to learn that Ridge has moved on. And Trick, Ridge made the famous ECW Arena fall dead silent when he pinned Trick!

We all know that Ridge is the biggest threat to the title! Chase says hold on, wait one second! After everything Ridge put Chase U through, Chase wants one more match! The fans cheer that! Ridge says nope. Chase says he’ll put the university on the line! If Ridge wins, it’ll be his! What!? Ridge says he doesn’t care about Chase’s little school. Chase gambled it away, won it back, and then some. The only thing Ridge cares about is the NXT Championship. Trick says hold on, he gets it. Ridge wants a chance at the title, and Chase wants his chance to whoop Ridge’s ass. Trick says here’s an idea: Let’s talk to Ava, and set up Ridge VS Chase! Winner goes on to Deadline!

The fans like the sound of that! Trick says he won’t lie, he’s pulling for Chase. After everything he’s been through and all the hard work, everything he’s overcome, with Chase U STILL here for him, with NXT here for him, that is a connection! A relationship! One with the people, with Duke Hudson, Riley Osborne & Thea Hail! Ridge says fine, he’ll take that. Wait, take what? All that Trick just said. If Ridge beats Chase, Chase’s friendships with Riley, Duke and Thea, it’s ALL GONE. Chase U will be gone, and Ridge will walk right into Deadline to challenge for the title while Chase has NOTHING.

For a man that could never win the big one, that’s quite the gamble, Mr. Chase. What’s he gonna do? The fans boo Ridge’s cruel stakes, and Chase is torn. But Chase says Ridge is on! Next week, Ridge gets an Andre Chase University sized ass whooping! Ridge DECKS Chase! Then he goes for Trick! Trick hits Ridge with a BOOKEND! The fans fire up and spell it out! “C! H! A! S! E! U!” Trick and Chase both stomp it out, and Ridge runs away! But will Ridge do far more than just win a title opportunity next week?

Jaida Parker speaks.

“Okay, Sol, I see you. Congrats, baby, you qualified. But best believe that’s the closest you get to being called the Iron Survivor. Because I know whoever they put in front of me, I will qualify, and I will have my hand raised, just like last week when I smashed that brick on Lola’s skull. So to Sol and whatever three other little ladies end up in that ring with me, it don’t matter if I start, if I come in the middle of the match, or if I’m in last, Jaida Parker is gonna finish it and leave Deadline as THE Iron Survivor. Clock it.”

Josh Briggs speaks with Ava Raine.

Briggs says that during his time in Japan for Pro-Wrestling Noah, Yoshiki Inamura really impressed him. Inamura thanks Josh-san, and says that it is his honor to be part of an NXT show. But wait, Eddie Thorpe barges in. He’s sick of being blown off! First was the stuff with Rhea Ripley, then with last week’s Deadline announcement. He just needs five minutes, please. Ava apologizes to Briggs & Inamura, they leave, and Ava wants Eddie to understand. Eddie says she doesn’t understand. He needs something! Yes, she does understand, which is why he’s in an Iron Survivor Challenge qualifier.

Eddie thanks Ava for this, heads out, but who will the Alpha Wolf have to make it through if he wants that golden ticket?

Adriana Rizzo VS Nikkita Lyons!

The Don has a target on his back, but Big Rizz is dealing with the one put on hers by the Lyoness. Will Rizzo win big for The Family? Or will Lyons’ roar be deafening?

NXT returns and Rizzo makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two run up to tie up. Lyons puts Rizzo on ropes, Rizzo slips away, and Rizzo SLAPS Lyons! The fans fire up but Lyons is pissed! Lyons KICKS Rizzo, puts her on the apron, but Rizzo RAMS in! Rizzo slingshots up and over, but Lyons stays up. Lyons drags Rizzo right up, they fire forearms back and forth, but Rizzo gets the edge! Rizzo rabbit punches, then she shoves Lyons into a corner! Rizzo DROPKCISK Lyons, runs in, but is put back on the apron. Lyons stops the shoulder tackle this time to CLUB Rizzo! Rizzo Rizzo stays up to hit back!

Rizzo climbs, leaps, but Lyons sidesteps! FULL NELSON! Rizzo flails, so Lyons thrashes her against the ropes! The ref reprimands, but Lyons drags Rizzo to center. Rizzo endures as Lyons throws her around more. The fans rally up but Lyons SLAMS Rizzo down! Lyons stalks Rizzo to a corner, taunts her, then RIPCORD SUPLEXES her! Cover, TWO! Rizzo stays in this but Lyons drags her up again. Lyons whips, but Rizzo manages to reverse! Lyions botty bumps in return! Lyons has Rizzo in ropes, then HIP ATTACKS again and again! The fans are torn as Rizzo flops back. Lyons storms back in to cover, TWO!

Lyons stays on Rizzo with a seated full nelson. The fans rally for Rizzo as she endures, but Lyons thrashes her around. Rizzo fights up, the fans rally, but Lyons wrangles her back down. Rizzo keeps fighting, even as Lyons leans on her. Lyons taunts Rizzo but Rizzo is up again! Rizzo powers up to arm-drag free! The fans fire up but Lyons hurries after Rizzo. Rizzo UP KICKS! And then ELBOWS Lyons! Rizzo runs to throw forearm after forearm! Lyons staggers around, Rizzo knocks her over! Rizzo goes to suplex, but that’s too much Lyons to lift! Rizzo dodges a haymaker to springboard CROSSBODY!

The fans fire up as Rizzo kips up! Rizzo roars, runs, and THESZ PRESS! Fast hands rain down, then Rizzo covers, TWO! Lyons stays in this but Rizzo covers again, TWO! Rizzo whips, Lyons reverses. Lyons runs up but into a BOOT! Rizzo goes up, up and leaps, FLYING THESZ PRESS! But Lyons rolls through! HEEL KICK! Rizzo flounders and Lyons goes to the corner. Lyons climbs, roars, and then hits the LYONS ROAR! Cover, Lyons wins!

Winner: Nikkita Lyons, by pinfall

Rizzo put up a fight, but her lionheart could not stop Nikkita’s lion strength! Wait, Rizzo gets the trust crowbar! CLONK! Down goes Lyons! That’s how they do it in the D’Angelo neighborhoods! Rizzo says now they’re even! Will Rizzo let Lyons have this win if it means parting ways?

Andre Chase returns backstage.

And Chase U runs up to ask what the hell! Putting the school on the line? What’s that about? Chase tells Riley & Thea that high risk means high reward. Duke asks how that worked out last time. They’ve had his back through it all, but this is too much! Chase says he appreciates and values their opinions, but Chase U was built on taking risks. Like taking a risk on a smug Aussie when no one else would trust him, and that man became MVP. Or how about a young lady who became a grown-ass woman? Or even a prospect from the UK that now soars with the highest of fliers? Bring it in.

Chase U huddles up, and Mr. Chase says they’ve been through it all, and together. He won’t let anyone or anything break them up. As far as Chase personally, he’s never had an NXT Championship match. Next week, Chase gets that opportunity. And then Chase U will ride the highest of highs, just trust him. Mr. Chase heads out, and Duke says this could end up the lowest of lows. Riley says Chase is gambling with their future, again. Thea is speechless as she shakes her head. But will the gamble pay off? Or will Ridge ruin what little Andre Chase has left?

Zaria speaks.

“Some say I’m a mystery. From where I’m standing, there is no mystery. I’m a fearless warrior, a destructive force, that has come to NXT to rip and tear. Iron Survivor Challenger. Five superstars entrenched in combat to see who is left standing when the clock runs out. My kind of fun. I enjoy inciting chaos. I thrive in carnage! And after Deadline, there will be no more mystery to who is Zaria.” The Agent of Change is ready to earn a spot, will she go all the way to earn a title shot against Roxanne Perez?

2024 Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Je’Von Evans VS Lexis King!

The Young OG was hoping Unc was gonna make it through, but Wes Lee had different plans. Will Je’Von get even with Wes by also qualifying? Or will the Drama King finally head for the throne of NXT?

NXT returns and Lexis makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two tie up. Lexis rolls Je’Von, ONE, but Je’Von sunset flips! TWO, and Lexis goes for an arm. Lexis wrenches, wristlocks, but Je’Von rolls, kips up, cartwheels, handsprings, and wrenches back to wristlock. Lexis fights up, rolls, cartwheels, then rolls, and KICKS Je’Von! The fans cheer, then things speed up. Lexis drops down, hurdles, but Je’Von leaps over. Then Je’Von springboards to roll Lexis up. TWO, and Lexis dodges. Lexis drops onto the drop down, O’Conner! TWO, and Je’Von trips Lexis! Cover, ONE! Lexis sweeps and covers, ONE!

The two reset and the fans cheer this technical exchange. They tie up. Je’Von headlocks, but Lexis pulls hair a bit. Lexis powers up and out, but Je’Von runs him over. Cover, TWO! Je’Von keeps moving, he handsprings over but Lexis RAMS low. Lexis waistlocks, Je’Von slips around to facelock, then he goes and BOUNCY RANAS! Lexis staggers up into a DROPKICK! Lexis bails out, the fans fire up, and Je’Von builds speed! Je’Von DIVES! Down goes Lexis at the ramp and the fans fire up more! Je’Von puts Lexis in, then springboards, but Lexis ducks under! Lexis wrenches, whips, but Je’Von reverses.

Lexis goes up and over, keeps moving, but Je’Von jumps, just not enough! Lexis accidently gets Je’Von in the OGs. Lexis wants to cover off the mishap, but the good guy in him says no, that’s not fair. Lexis lets Je’Von catch his breath while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Lexis has Je’Von in a HALF CRAB! The fans rally for Je’Von as he endures, and he fights to turn over. Je’Von kicks at Lexis with his free leg, and Lexis staggers back. Je”von swings, Lexis gets around to back supelx. Je’Von lands out to CHOP! And CHOP! And whip! Lexis reverses, Je’Von LARIATS! The fans fir eup as Je’Von rallies with elbows, then goe sMatrix to STUNNER! Je’Von holnds on to then turn and suplex! Kip up and the fans fire up! Je’Von goes to the corner, to the apron, and he springboards back in, FLYING CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Lexis survives but Je’Von stays focused.

Je’Von goes up a corner, takes aim, and he MOON- NO, he has to roll through as Lexis moves! Lexis SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!! Je’Von survives that shot and Lexis taunts him, “Who’s the best now?!” Lexis SLAPS Je’Von, so Je’Von SLAPS back! The fans rally as they fire forearms back and forth. Lexis CHOPS, Je’Von SUPER PUNCHES! Lexis BOOTS Je’Von, but Je’Von REBOUND ENZIGIRIS! The fans fire up as Je’Von goes up and up and FIVE STAR FROG SPLASHES!! Cover, TWO!! Je’Von hurries to bring Lexis up! Leixs wrenches, hops on, BACKSTABBER! Then Lexis half nelsons, fisherman, BUSTER!! Cover, TWO!!!

The fans fire up as Je’Von survives! Lexis grows frustrated but the fans love “NXT! NXT!” making this the match. Lexis runs up, into a SUPERKICK from Je’Von! Je’Von goes up, up and SKY TWISTER! Cover, Je’Von wins!

Winner: Je’Von Evans, by pinfall (advances to the Iron Survivor Challenge)

A standing ovation for The Young OG and Drama King, but better than this match is Je’Von showing Lexis respect. Lexis shows it back and the two hug it out. Will Je’Von make sure to bounce his way right to the top of NXT with Deadline?

Nathan Frazer & Axiom are watching backstage.

The NXT Tag Team Champions have to admit, that was good. Wes Lee and Je’Von Evans are the first two into the Iron Survivor Challenge, that match is shaping up. Plus, Ava had her talk with the tag division so- Frazer says that is down the line. Maybe now is a good a time as any to say… Frazer talked with Ava, he’s got a qualifier! Pretty cool, right? Axiom asks, “What?!” Uh, what does he mean, “What?” Frazer’s gonna win his way into the Iron Survivor, win the Iron Survivor, then win the NXT Championship. Axiom can’t believe this is happening again! Every team in NXT is breathing down their neck and Frazer wants to be in the Iron Survivor!?

Frazer wants Axiom to calm down. It’s not like they won’t be working out together. Plus, Axiom has been in that match before, so maybe he could give Frazer some tips. Axiom has a headache. Well, take a deep breath and think about it. Frazer leaves before Axiom can say more, and OTM steps in. His tag partner’s after singles gold now? Is everything good? That doesn’t sit right with Price & Nima. But Stacks & Luca step in to say OTM should mind their own business. Worry about yourselves! Refs hurry in before this goes from arguing to fighting, but will OTM and The Family be first to fight for a title shot?

Adonis and Dion talk backstage.

This Mixed Tag thing… Did Dion tell Karmen about Megan, Kesha and Samantha, did he? No! See? That’s why he’s Adonis’ boy. Oh, so now they’re boys again? Adonis says don’t even worry about that, let’s go. Dion follows Adonis, and Lexis storms in with some frustration. Another loss… But Hank ‘n’ Tank walk over to say Lexis did good out there. Dante Chen walks in, too, and says that was indeed honorable. Lexis chose honor over glory, and that’s what matters. Just keep your head up. Lexis thanks the guys for saying that, but Gallus walks in. Wolfgang says they’re handing out pats on the back for losses now, eh? Pathetic.

With that attitude, Gallus has one less team to worry about. Oh, one less? No, Hank ‘n’ Tank are the team to worry about. They stepped up to The Good Brothers, they can step up to this. Lexis has everyone settle down, but the tag division is at a boiling point. Who gets burned while the other ones head for gold?

NXT Women’s North American Championship: Fallon Henley w/ The Fatal Influence VS Kelani Jordan!

It literally took all three of them to take this title at Halloween Havoc, and it seems Jacy & Jazmyn are more than happy to make it all three of them again to keep it. Will Kelani be able to stand out and take back what was taken from her? Or is there no stopping the Fatal Influence?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see whose influence is stronger!

The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, end up on ropes, and then end up in a corner. Fallon powers up but Kelani throws her down. They stay tied up, stand again, and now Fallon throws Kelani. The collar ‘n’ elbow is in there tight, and Kelani puts Fallon back on ropes. The ref counts, both women let go, but then they tie up again! Kelani arm-drags, leg sweeps, covers, ONE! Fallon arm-drags, but Kelani avoids a sweep! Fallon CHOPS, but that just pisses Kelani off! The fans rally up while the two argue. Fallon shoves, then dodges to headlock, Kelani powers up and out, CLOBBERS Fallon, and fans fire up again!

Kelani runs up, slingshot arm-drags, then DROP- NO, Fallon dodges! Fallon stands Kelani up to RAM her into the corner! And RAM her again! And again! The ref counts, Fallon stops, and then Fallon whips corner to corner. Kelani goes up but Fallon catches her, only for Kelani to swing and RANA! Fallon staggers up, into a DROPKICK! Fallon bails out, the fans rally for Kelani, and Kelani storms right up to ropes. Fallon moves as Kelani slingshots, so Kelani lands safe on the apron. But Fallon YANKS Kelani down, and SMACKS her off the desk! The fans boo but Kelani blocks the next bump to BACK HAND Fallon!

Kelani hops up onto the desk, to QUEBRADA Fallon down! The fans fire up and Kelani rises again. Kelani vows to get that belt back, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Kelani fights a headlock. Kelani fires body shots, then arm-drags free. Fallon runs up, Kelani dodges and comes back, DOUBLE FACEBUSTERS bring them both down! The fans fire up while both women rise. Fallon ROCKS Kelani, Kelani ROCKS Fallon! Wait, a quick picture in picture shows Ty & Ty are now brawling with Myles & Heights! Forearms and haymakers everywhere, and back in the ring, Kelani has the edge! Kelani whips, then LARIATS! And LARIATS again! Cartwheel and BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up while both women are down, and then Kelani kips up! Jacy is mad but Kelani gets moving!

Kelani hits some ROLLING THUNDER SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Jacy is furious that Kelani hit that at all, but Kelani puts Fallon in a drop zone. But Fallon YANKS Kelani off the corner! Then Fallon goes up, up, and BLOCKBUSTERS! Fallon keeps moving, FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Kelani toughs it out but Fallon drags her up. Fallon goes to suplex but Kelani RAMS her into a corner! Kelani puts Fallon up top, then she climbs to fire forearms! The fans fire up but Fallon shoves Kelani back. Kelani hurries to GAMANGIRI! Fallon wobbles, Kelani climbs! Kelani has Fallon up top for a SUPER SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!!

Fallon survives and Jacy can breathe again. Kelani shrugs it off, goes back up, and she 450- NO, Kelani rolls through as Fallon moves! Fallon then body scissor cradles! TWO!! Kelani escapes, Fallon hurries to her feet. Kelani wrenches Fallon around and around, ANGLE SLAM! Fallon is in a drop zone, Kelani hits the ONE OF A KIND SAULT! Cover, Jacy gives Fallon the ROPEBREAK!! The fans boo, only the ref missed that one! Kelani knows it, too! So she WRECKS Jacy with a dropkick! Jazmyn gets up, Kelani DUMPS her down! And SUPERKICKS! Fallon runs up, Kelani waistlocks! O’Conner Roll, TWO!

Kelani runs into Jacy’s ROLLING ELBOW!! Another cheat! FALLON FAMOUSER!! Cover, Fallon wins!

Winner: Fallon Henley, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s North American Champion)

They warned Kelani and then followed through, ALL THREE Influencers got involved to keep this title from Kelani! And if that’s how they operate, then- Wait, OTM snatch the mics. They tell Frazer, go ahead and try the Iron Survivor, because Price & Nima are gonna take those tag titles! A warning to the rest of this division: They’re not easy to find. Speaking of, Luca & Stacks go right after them! The fans fire up as this brawl happens right by the desk, and Price SLAMS Luca on the desk! But Luca’s right up to throw more hands! Cameramen get knocked over as GALLUS now joins in, incensed by OTM’s words! And here come Hank ‘n’ Tank!

The fans are fired up as the tag division brawls all over the desk and ringside area! Refs and security rush out here but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” And fight is what they’re all doing! Who rises up from the chaos to go for gold?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT to start towards Deadline, all thriller, no filler. Giulia & Vaquer VS Lash & Jakara was a great opening tag match, but naturally it was Giulia & Vaquer winning. They’re both getting Iron Survivor Challenge qualifiers, so I’m pretty sure they’re both getting in on that match. Great match from Sol and Cora, and it’s actually a little surprising Cora lost. At the same time, Sol’s been the go-to for big matches, she’ll make a solid part of this match. Good promo from Jaida to call Sol and pretty much everyone else out, and it feels like she’s also a shoe-in for entering the match. Then Zaria and her promo, she’s a shoe-in for the fifth, and this is going to be the best Iron Survivor match period.

The men’s match is still shaping up, though, with Wes and Je’Von bringing their grudge into the match. Great matches from Wes VS Cedric and Je’Von VS Lexis, especially with Lexis adding to his Face turn. Refusing to jump on an accidental low blow was a great touch, and I appreciated other superstars, such as past rival, Dante Chen, seeing the change Lexis is trying to make. Briggs bringing in Yoshiki Inamura from NOAH is cool, I’m sure we’ll see great things from Inamura. Eddy Thorpe getting an Iron Survivor qualifier, sadly feels like he might just be putting someone else over but I guess we’ll wait and see.

The D’Angelo Family was really busy tonight. Not only the tag division stuff, but Tony was properly confronted by Spears & Jensen tonight. That was definitely an interesting move for Spears to say Jensen gets the title shot, but obviously that’s because Spears still wants to be THE NXT Champion. And now with this “Nico” guy, Spears’ group could grow into a full faction with even a tag team and a female member to spread across the divisions. Rizzo VS Lyons was a really good match, but of course Lyons won the match for being that much bigger and stronger. Rizzo getting Lyons with the crowbar after was a great touch, though.

Great stuff in the tag division. Fraxiom has dysfunction again as Frazer still wants to try and grab singles gold. This has to be the time that costs them the gold and their friendship, they’ve dragged this out long enough. That tag brawl to end the show was awesome, I wonder if this leads to a gauntlet to win the title match. Or maybe a tournament? We did see teams kinda pair off and pick on each other, so those are easy first round match-ups right there. This can go the three weeks we have left so that it goes from 8 to 4 to 2, the finals being on the go-home and the winners immediately turning around to face Fraxiom on Saturday, December 7th.

Speaking of the closing, very good main event from Kelani and Fallon, but of course Jacy & Jazmyn influence the outcome. This is kind of textbook for any group Jacy’s ever been in, and unless we’re talking Zaria or another powerhouse, I don’t see someone taking this title from the Influence for some time. Well, either that or we get the Face flipside and have women who stick together to counter the Fatal Influence. Maybe Karmen and Brinley can try that, provided this story with Adonis doesn’t tear everyone apart. The Mixed Tag will be a good match, but I feel like Karmen and Adonis will be very dysfunctional and Dion & Brin win.

And really good stuff in this NXT Championship story. Trick wanting to give Chase a match is noble of him, but Ridge does have a point that Chase hasn’t exactly earned it when he always loses “the big one.” Chase putting the university, aka the faction, on the line is definitely big stuff. I can’t believe this could be the end of the honestly most entertaining group in NXT probably ever, a real silver-lining during NXT 2.0 and the nonsense Vince shoved into it. But maybe there will be a new silver lining that, should Chase lose, the members can break out and go for titles on their own, such as Duke for the NXT North American should Spears actually get that title off Tony.

My Score: 8.9/10