Will Eddy Thorpe continue to game the system?

Eddy Thorpe cried wolf, but he still got his shot at the NXT Championship. Will Trick Williams make Eddy regret tricking everyone into feeling sorry for him?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Axiom w/ Nathan Frazer VS Oba Femi; Oba wins.
• Sol Ruca & Zaria VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson; Lash & Jakara win.
• Jaida Parker w/ OTM VS Wren Sinclair w/ No Quarter Catch Crew; Jaida wins.
• NXT Tag Team Championships: Nathan Frazer & Axiom VS Gallus; Frazer & Axiom win and retain the titles.
• NXT Championship: Trick Williams VS Eddy Thorpe; Double Pinfall Draw, Trick retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Axiom w/ Nathan Frazer VS Oba Femi!

The Undeniable Truth oddly thought he could teach The Ruler a lesson for brutalizing Nathan Frazer and the rest of the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge field, which is why he asked for this match. The irony is that Frazer asked for the NXT Tag Team Championship match we’ll be seeing later tonight! Will Axiom even survive the start of the show to join Frazer in that defense? Or will Oba be unstoppable on his way to New Year’s Evil?

The bell rings and Axiom stares Oba down. They feel things out, Axiom kicks at Oba, but Oba shrugs that off. The fans sing, “Oba’s gonna kill~ you!” Oba grabs at Axiom, Axiom kicks and scurries away, but Oba keeps after him. Axiom slips around to waistlock but Oba throws Axiom right off! Oba storms up on Axiom, knuckle locks with him, and powers Axiom into the corner. The ref counts, Oba lets off, and Axiom resets. The fans rally, the two circle, and Axiom kicks! And KICKS! Oba blocks a kick and he RAMS Axiom into a corner! The ref counts, Oba lets off slowly, but then Axiom CHOPS! Axiom dodges and CHOPS again!

Axiom eggs Oba on, the two circle again, and they knuckle lock. Oba blocks a kick, he trips Axiom, but Axiom kicks free. Axiom goes to ropes, Oba runs up, and Axiom holds the ropes down! But Oba stops from being dumped out! Oba stomps Axiom, then whips him to ropes. Axiom ducks ‘n’ dodges, goes up, but Oba CHOPS him on the back! Axiom flops to the outside while fans fire up and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Oba throws hands with Axiom. Oba CLUBS Axiom, then CLUBS him down! Axiom crawls but Oba CLUBS him again! Oba brings Axiom up, but Axiom blocks the shot! Axiom fights up, but Oba knees low! Axiom goes to a corner, Oba runs up, and Axiom BOOTS Oba away! Axiom tries again but Oba blocks, and Oba CHOPS! Oba puts Axiom up top, but Axiom fires hands! Axiom kicks Oba away, adjusts position, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Oba stumbles and falls back, but he gets to his feet. Axiom KICKS Oba’s leg again and again, then runs, to KICK it again! Axiom keeps moving, but Oba LARIATS Axiom inside-out! Cover, TWO!

Oba is annoyed but the fans rally up. Oba drags Axiom to his feet, just to YANK the bad arm! Oba YANKS the arm again, then CHOPS Axiom off his feet! Frazer is wincing as Axiom sits up in a daze. Oba brings Axiom up, wrenches, but Axiom SLAPS him! Oba swings, but into an ARMBAR- NO, Oba stays up! Oba deadlifts Axiom, puts him in a corner, and CHOPS again and again and again! Axiom flops down, the fans are torn, but Oba smiles all the same. Oba dares Axiom to get up, and Axiom stands to CHOP! And KICK! But Oba CHOPS Axiom down! Axiom rises, the fans rally, and Axiom fires fast hands!

Axiom KICKS but Oba CHOPS him down again! Axiom gets up and he roars! Axiom fires more shots, then dodges Oba’s to DROPKICK! Oba staggers, Axiom runs, and Axiom dropkicks the legs out! The fans fire up and Axiom runs up to BUZZSAW! Oba flops over, Axiom covers, ONE!! Oba is seething as he rises, but Axiom BUZZSAWS, SUPERKICKS, and covers, TWO! Oba rolls to get Axiom right up! But Axiom RANAS in return! Cover, TWO!! Oba escapes but Axiom CALF KICKS Oba down! The fans fire up as Axiom rolls to ropes. Axiom rises, goes to the apron and then up the corner. Axiom aims again, MISSILE DROPKICK!

Axiom kips up and the fans fire up! Axiom aims from a corner, runs up, GOLDEN- SHOTPUT!! Oba turns things right around, and he storms right up on Axiom! FALL FROM GRACE!! Cover, Oba wins!

Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall

A valiant effort from Axiom, but the Iron Survivor is rolling on towards his golden opportunity. Will Oba do the same to whoever is NXT Champion come New Year’s Evil? Will Fraxiom be able to make it out of Lowell, Massachusetts still the NXT Tag Team Champions?

Backstage interview with Eddy Thorpe.

Sarah Schreiber is with the Alpha Wolf and says Eddy shocked the world when he admitted to staging an attack to take himself out of the Iron Survivor Challenge, only to get an NXT Championship match tonight against Trick Williams. What does he have to say for himself? Eddy says he is BRILLIANT. For all the know-it-alls out there, Eddy fooled everyone! And they want to say, “Eddy, how could you do that?!” Save it. If it was anyone else, they’d be called a mastermind or a genius. But Eddy does it, he’s a cheater?

Ava Raine storms in and she tells Eddy that he can spin it however he wants, but we all know Eddy took a shortcut. Unfortunately, the contract is signed, it is binding, and this match is happening. Eddy says it must hurt to take the blame for something you didn’t do. Do you know how many times Eddy was told, “Work smarter, not harder.” That’s all he did. Eddy would’ve gotten screwed in the Iron Survivor anyways. So call him whatever you want, but by the end of the night, you will call him the NEW NXT Champion! Eddy heads out, will he get what he wants? Or only what he deserves?

Karmen Petrovic talked with Dion Lennox.

She isn’t sure what to do about Ashante THEE Adonis. Dion says they’re friends, yeah? So as friends, he will say that her match with Nikkita Lyons, that was Adonis genuinely trying to help. He literally brought her flowers before the match and… Maybe she should apologize. Karmen says that’s true. She doesn’t know what it is, but she just gets so defensive around him. She will go apologize. She thanks him and they hug it out, but then Adonis walks over. Adonis misunderstands now and both Karmen and Dion defend it isn’t what it looks like. Adonis says why does he even try! Was that “just a hug?” Should he go hug all the other girls?

Robert Stone and Stevie Turner both see this, and they both get an idea, so they both head out. Adonis says the crazy thing is, he cut Nikkita off. But he might just text her now. And don’t even try to explain, Dion. Adonis storms off, Dion realizes he is stuck in the middle of this drama, and he has had it! He will just go back to reading books and minding his own business. But just how will this love story of Adonis and Karmen sort out?

Sol Ruca & Zaria VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson!

Speaking of the Iron Survivor Challenge, two women who were in it but didn’t win it are having to face a couple haters who think they would’ve done better. Will Ruca and the Agent of Change snatch some souls? Or will the Meta Girls make them slam on the brakes?

NXT returns and the Meta Girls make their entrance. The teams sort out and Jakara starts against Sol, and SHOTGUNS her right down! Jakara rains down fists, then brings Sol up. Jakara ROCKS Sol, whips her, then runs in, but Sol catches her! Sol spins around with Miss Jackson before the FACEBUSTER! Sol stands on Jakara, and she uses her to surf! Then she hops off to SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Sol brings Jakara up and around, but Jakara fires body shots! Jakara backs Sol down, tags Lash, and they whip to drop toehold and ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Lash clamps onto Sol with a waistlock and she thrashes her around!

Lash SLAMS Sol, brings her back up, but Sol switches. They go to ropes, Lash bucks the O’Conner but Sol kips up to ROCK Lash! Lash goes to a corner, Sol runs up, but Lash dumps her to the apron! Sol slingshots back in to CODE BREAKER! Lash staggers, Sol runs up again, but Lash picks Sol up! Lash TOSSES Sol, but Sol is closer to her corner! The fans fire up as Sol tags in Zaria! Lash and Zaria stare down and circle. Lash pushes first, then they tie up. Zaria whips Lash away but Lash RAMS her! Zaria comes back to RAM Lash! Lash rebounds to RAM Zaria, but Zaria dodges the boot! Zaria fireman’s carries, but Lash fights free!

Lash clamps onto Zaria’s neck, CHOKE- NO, Zaria slips free and kicks low! Zaria reels Lash in, but Lash fights the suplex! Zaria fires hands, but Lash still fights! Lash wrenches and scoops, and the fans fire up as Lash spins and SLAMS! Lash runs, but Zaria avoids the splash! Tag to Sol, and Zaria sends her in, Sol RANAS Lash out! Jakara runs up, Sol SUPERKICKS her! Sol goes up a corner while Zaria fireman’s carries Jakara! Sol & Zaria work together for Sol to STAND on Jakara, HIGH TIDE CROSSBODY onto Lash! The fans go nuts, but then Zaria adds on by THROWING Jakara onto Lash! Sol & Zaria stand tall while NXT goes to break!

NXT returns again and Lash has SOl up with both hands! The fans fire up as Lash then lets Sol down, but Sol dodges the lariat to sunset flip! Lash waves and leans back, then stands back up! Lash drags Sol up and throws her to the corner! Sol dodges Lash to roll her, TWO! Lash ROCKS Sol and Sol flops against ropes! Lash brings Sol around, tags Jakara, and the Meta Girls mug Sol! Jakara CHOPS Sol, then Lash feeds her to Jakara’s underhooks! BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Jakara swaggers, taunts Zaria, then handspring ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Jakara is annoyed but she clamps onto Sol with a straitjacket stretch!

The fans rally up while Sol endures, and Sol fights up. Jakara kicks the legs out to then trap them, and Jakara bends Sol back against the knees! Sol endures, gets her feet free, and she rolls back to have a cover! TWO as Jakara lets go, and then Jakara fires hands! Jakara whips Sol but Sol BLASTS Lash! Sol goes up and over Jakara but Jakara waistlocks. Sol switches, O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Sol hurries but Jakara has her foot! Sol hops up, ENZIGIRI but Jakara ducks! Jakara talks smack on Zaria, but Sol wrenches Jakara for a ROUNDHOUSE! Jakara staggers, Sol crawls, hot tag to Zaria!

The fans fire up as Zaria LARIATS Jakara! And BOOTS her! And then waistlocks for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Jakara flounders around while the fans fire up, and Zaria runs to SPEAR! Cover, Lash breaks it! The fans boo but Lash and Zaria stare down. The ref stops them from fighting, but Jakara CHOP BLOCKS Zaria! Lash tags in, and she hauls Zaria up. But Zaria fights the suplex to try a suplex! Lash fights that, and the fans rally as Lash and Zaria fight for control! Zaria powers through and she suplexes Lash up and over! Tag to Sol, SPRINGBOARD SPLASH! cover, Jakara breaks it and DROPKICKS Zaria at the same time!

But Sol gets Jakara with an X-FACTRO! Lash DECKS Sol! Zaria runs in but Lash dodges! Zaria stops short of hitting Sol! They both understand, and Sol pushes Zaria aside to take the BOOT! Zaria fireman’s carries, but Jakara saves Lash! Lash LARIATS Zaria up and out! Lash opens the way for Jakara to DIVE! Down goes Zaria! Lash brings Sol around, bow ‘n’ arrow rack, LASH EXTENSION!! Cover, META GIRLS WIN!

Winners: Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson

The tag team comes through against two big singles stars, and you can bet The Meta Four’s ego is only going to grow. Will the Bougie Bully & Miss Jackson find their way back to some championship opportunities?

NXT shares footage from after last week’s show.

After their loss to Hank ‘n’ Tank, Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont regrouped backstage. Tyriek is getting sick of losing. Tyson says they’ll get ’em next time. What Tyson wants to know is, what was that about? What was what about? They lost! Yeah, but Tyriek blew off Hank ‘n’ Tank. So!? Tyriek doesn’t care about them! He is tired of being buddy buddy when that’s gotten them nowhere! They want to make it to the top! Or did Tyson forget that? Tyson didn’t forget. Tyriek says it is about checks ‘n’ championships, wins ‘n’ losses. Tyson says yeah, he gets that, but there’s a way to do that without coming off disrespectful or like a sore loser.

Tyson says they need to change the mindset. Wes Lee is hearing all this, and he asks, “Does he, though?” Wes doesn’t see what’s wrong with Tyriek’s thinking. Maybe it’s Tyson who needs to reevaluate. Wes says this place is cutthroat, and friends are overrated. Keep that same energy, it’ll take you places you wanna go. Wes and Tyriek fist bump, but who is in the wrong about how to deal with losses?

Jaida Parker w/ OTM VS Wren Sinclair w/ No Quarter Catch Crew!

Miss Parker may have lost in the Underground, but she’s taking it out on the woman who won that Last Chance Fatal 4 instead of her. Will Wren pay for simply being in the right place at the right time?

NXT returns and Wren makes her entrance. The bell rings, Wren tries to reason with Jaida, but Jaida pushes her! And pushes her again! Wren goes for a leg, Jaida CLUBS her down! Jaida whips Wren to a corner, runs up, but Wren ELBOWS her away! Wren BOOTS Jaida, then rams her into the ropes. Jaida uses the ropes to HOTSHOT Wren away, then she throws Wren into ropes! Jaida CHOPS away on Wren, then goes side to side, for the TEARDROP! Jaida is high stepping already, then she brings Wren up. Jaida suplexes for the FALCON ARROW! Cover, ONE!! Wren shows some grit but Jaida is right on her.

Jaida whips Wren, then Jaida RAMS her! Jaida backs off, runs in again, but Wren dodges! Wren waistlocks but Jaida fights the lift. Wren shifts to a full nelson! Jaida endures as Wren thrashes, and Jaida powers her way to switch the full nelson onto Wren! The fans are torn but Jaida spins Wren around to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Jaida clamps onto Wren with chicken wings, and the fans rally as Jaida shifts to a motorcycle stretch. Jaida steps over and sits on Wren! Wren endures being folded up, and the fans rally as Wren fights up! Wren grabs Jaida’s leg, but Jada CLUBS her down! Jaida brings Wren up and thrashes her around with a facelock!

Wren endures, wrenches out, and she ROCKS Jaida! Jaida ROCKS Wren! The forearms go back and forth, then Jaida CHOPS! Jaida SLAPS Wren, talks trash, but NQCC says fight back! Wren CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Wren LARIATS! And CLOBBERS Jaida, and then BASEMENT BULLDOGS her! Wren tells Jaida to get up, and she RAMS into her! Wren underhooks for a BUTTERFLY PLEX! Jaida writhes and flops out of the ring. OTM and NQCC jaw at each other, but Jaida trips Wren! It busts off for the boys and the fans fire up! OTM and NQCC brawl up the ramp and to the back!

Jaida fireman’s carries, Wren slips free and RAMS Jaida into the apron! Wren puts Jaida in, Jaida runs up, HIP- NO! ROLL-UP! TWO!! Jaida staggers up, but Wren has the GUILLOTINE FACELOCK!! Jaida powers out before the body scissors are on, BACK ELBOW! And then HIPNOTIC! Cover, Jaida wins!

Winner: Jaida Parker, by pinfall

Miss Parker gets her win back, but she still has to keep fighting if she wants to be a contender. How long must Jaida wait to get what she wants?

Tatum Paxley, Gigi Dolin & Shotzi Blackheart talk.

Tatum says they’re outcasts. Gigi says they’re loners. Shotzi says they’re badasses! Shotzi sees so much of herself in these two, especially because people stamp labels on them the moment they meet them. Tatum says Gigi & Shotzi saved her! They were the two friends she didn’t know she needed most. And now, Tatum doesn’t have to play alone anymore! Gigi says yes, but first, they take care of Fatal Influence. Jacy Jayne was Gigi’s best friend, until she wasn’t. And as much as Gigi despises Jacy, she knows everything about her. Jacy is stronger when she has someone by her side. Right now, that’s the champion, Fallon Henley, and her “new bestie,” Jazmyn Nyx.

Shotzi laughs at the irony, and Gigi says no one loves Jacy more than Jacy. Tatum says just like Fatal Influence did to her dolls, she’s gonna rip their heads off! Shotzi says “Dolls out, balls out!” And they won’t even see it coming. Except…

The Fatal Influence finishes watching this.

Jacy Jayne mockingly says, “Aw, how cute. The freaks of NXT all found each other. Too bad they don’t have what we have.” Fallon and Jazmyn agree. Those three don’t have the Influence’s style, aura, or unity as a team. Not to mention the Women’s North American Championship. But then in step Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn! The wicked witches say, “New name, same old Jacy Jayne.” And look, she managed to round up Fallon, and she even added a new little friend. Fallon asks what they’re even doing here. Jacy says they just seem to attract the freaks. Alba tells her to watch what she says. But what Isla thinks is there’s a lack of unity in Fatal Influence.

Jazmyn says she doesn’t know what Isla’s talking about. Well, when Alba & Isla look at Tatum, Gigi & Shotzi, that’s harmony. But these three? It is giving… turmoil. Jazmyn is confused, Jacy sarcastically laughs and says the witches see nothing. Fatal Influence leaves the “freaks” behind, but Isla & Alba say it’s so cute to see someone in denial. Will Fatal Influence fall apart under their own arrogance? Or can they last long enough to survive this nightmare before Christmas?

NXT Tag Team Championships: Nathan Frazer & Axiom VS Gallus!

Much like the Jersey Island Rocket pulled double duty at Deadline, the Undeniable Truth must now power through and fight to keep the titles. But can the best team in NXT today survive when neither of them is 100%? Or are Mark Coffey & Wolfgang about to put the Gallus Boys back on top?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see how much Fraxiom has left in the tank!

The teams sort out, Axiom starts against Mark but Frazer is worried already. Frazer tags in, he ties up with Mark, and Mark puts Frazer in a corner. The ref counts, Mark backs off, but then Frazer avoids the cheap shot! Frazer CHOPS, whips, but Mark reverses. Frazer goes up and over and handsprings away! The fans fire up, Mark runs up, but Frazer rolls him up! TWO, and Frazer arm-drags Mark to a wristlock! Mark fights up, Frazer wrenches, and Frazer ELBOW BREAKERS! Frazer reaches out but now Axiom is hesitant. That hesitation costs them as Mark RAMS Frazer! Mark whips and ELBOWS Frazer!

Tag to Wolfgang but Frazer fires hands! But Mark hooks Frazer, backslide, and Wolfgang drops a KNEE on Frazer’s face! Frazer has that face brace but it doesn’t do much in the way of protection! Wolfgang stomps away on Frazer, then has him in the ropes. The ref counts as Wolfgang thrashes Frazer, and then we get a glimpse of Luca Crusifino & Stacks watching backstage. Wolfgang YANKS Frazer up but Frazer lands on his feet! Frazer PELES Wolfgang, then DROPKICKS Mark! Hot tag to Axiom! The champs rally on Wolfgang with forearm after forearm! then a BASEMENT DDT! Mark runs up but into a SOBAT, KICK, and tilt-o-whirl RANA!

Mark tumbles out, Frazer regroups with Axiom, and they get moving! Frazer DIVES and down goes Mark! Axiom DIVES but Joe Coffey takes the hit for Wolfgang! Frazer DIVES to hit Mark again! Axiom gets moving, but his body gives out! Axiom flounders back up, Wolfgang runs in with a RAMPAGE SPEAR! Wolfgang runs up on Frazer, Frazer gets back, but Mark is there to APRON BACK SUPLEX! The fans boo but Joe Coffey is all fire dup while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Mark whips Axiom to the Gallus corner. Mark throws a body shot, but then Axiom fires forearm sin return! Axiom reaches out for Frazer but Mark whips him away. Axiom goes up, but Mark kicks the legs out! Axiom falls in a heap, Mark stomps him, then Mark tags Wolfgang. Gallus mugs Axiom, then CATAPULTS him into the BACKDROP! Axiom goes flying, Wolfgang hurries to cover, TWO! Wolfgang stays between Axiom and Frazer, then he kneels on Axiom while throwing down hands! The fans rally for Axiom but Wolfgang tortures the bad arm. Axiom fights up but Wolfgang whips him to the corner,

Tag to Mark and Mark ROCKS Axiom. Mark whips Wolfgang in but Axiom dodges! Wolfgang hits buckles, Axiom leaps over Mark, hot tag to Frazer! Frazer springboards to AX HANDLE Mark! Frazer BLASTS Wolfgang, then CHOPS Mark! Frazer whips, Mark reverses but Frazer ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Mark! Frazer dodges again, QUEBRADA DDT! Wolfgang is back but Frazer TOSSES him back out! RUNNING SHOOTING STAR onto Mark! Cover, TWO! Joe is relieved but Frazer hurries to a corner. Frazer drags himself up to springboard, but Mark moves! Frazer handsprings through, comes back, SLINGBLADE!

Frazer goes right up top this time, FROG SPLASH! Cover, Wolfgang breaks it! The fans rally up while Frazer brings Mark up. Mark wrenches out, ROCKS Frazer, and tags Wolfgang! Wolfgang scoops Frazer, ENZIGIRI POWERSLAM COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Frazer survives but Wolfgang tags Mark. Mark tags Wolfgang back in, and they haul Frazer up. HALF NELSON BACKBREAKER from Mark, and Wolfgang adds the HOWLING SWANTON! Cover, AXIOM BREAKS IT! The fans fire up again and Joe is beside himself! The fans cheer for “NXT! NXT!” but Wolfgang fireman’s carries Frazer. Mark runs, into a GOLDEN RATIO!

Frazer fights to sunset flip Wolfgang, TWO!! Wolfgang is free but Frazer jumps on for a SLEEPER! Wolfgang stays on his feet, Axiom takes aim! Wolfgang ducks in time, GOLDEN RATIO hits Frazer!! Axiom panics, Wolfgang drags him into a CATAPULT, DESTROYER for Mark!! Wolfgang KNEES Axiom out of the ring! Frazer hops on, POISON-RANA!! The fans are thunderous as all four men are down, and Joe has no idea what to make of this! Joe shouts to Wolfie to get up, but Frazer has him first. Wolfgang and Frazer fire hands, but then Wolfgang blocks a kick! But not the DRAGON WHIP! Frazer runs up, but Wolfgang FLAPJACKS him off buckles!

Wolfgang LARIATS Frazer down, then goes up the corner! Wolfgang reaches the top, but Frazer is right after him! Axiom tags in! Wolfgang shoves Frazer away, but Frazer backflips through! GAMANGIRI! Axiom goes up now, and he brings Wolfgang to the very top! SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Frazer tags back in before both men climb! Axiom aims, to SWANTON onto the Coffey Brothers! Frazer PHOENIX SPLASHES!! Cover, FRAXIOM WINS!!

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

At less than 100% total, against the THREE members of Gallus, Nathan Frazer & Axiom survive another title defense! But how can these two keep going when the rest of the NXT Tag Division is closing in?

Je’Von Evans talks with Hank ‘n’ Tank.

The Young OG tells the Blue Collar Belly Boys that they got a huge win over Tyriek & Tyson last week. Hank says same for Je’Von over Wes. Je’Von says hear him out. For 2025, Hank ‘n’ Tank: NXT Tag Team Champions! They love the sound of that! But they’re just trying to keep up with Je’Von. Well, thinking about it, Je’Von debuted in April, got respect from the Mad Dragon, won a battle royal, and his first PLE match was Heatwave in the main event. He took on Randy Orton, got to wrestle in the ECW Arena, met X-Pac, and… ALMOST won Iron Survivor. Yeah, that is a great year! Je’Von is on fire!

But then Ethan Page, disheveled and depressed, pushes right past them all. They’re not sure what to make of All Ego’s zero energy, but what is Ethan to do if he’s still going to be NXT?

Lexis King trains with Charlie Dempsey.

The Drama King says he’s ready to earn that Heritage Cup match. Dempsey says okay, and he brings out a deck of cards. King asks why, are they gonna play poker? No, this is called a Deck of Cards Workout. They keep going until there are no cards left. Just try and keep up. Five of clubs, that means you double it, ten reverse Hindu pushups. Ready? They get to work, go through the deck, and we get a montage of the pushups, the jumping squats, the mace swings, the walking neck bridge, and repeat. Dempsey is actually impressed. King says no shortcuts, no cheating, just old fashioned hard work.

Dempsey says he’ll keep the promise. They’re gonna have that Heritage Cup Championship match. They shake on it, but will the real work begin when the bell rings?

Ethan Page walks out to the ring.

He has a mic and is already apologizing as he interrupts the show. He just needs to get this off his chest. Ethan says everyone has every right to boo him, which they’re doing. Honestly, this is the same energy he’s been getting at home the last couple weeks, he deserves it. Ethan doesn’t think anyone understands the journey he’s been through to get to NXT. They don’t know the promises he made to his family. He promised his daughter that he would “win the big one.” And he did. He did it in NXT, he became NXT Champion. Not only did he become champion, he did it in record time. Faster than Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Sami Zayn. Ethan made history!

Ethan went through 18 YEARS of Hell to keep that promise, and he did it. The fans do applaud that. Ethan says he did it for her, for his son, for his wife, and fine, if the fans wanna boo, if the fans wanna cheer, that’s fine, they paid for their ticket. But right now, Ethan just wants to talk to his wife. Ethan says, “Without you, Viviana, there is no Ethan Page. I wouldn’t be standing in this ring. These lights would not be on me. These cameras would not be on me. These people would not be having the time of their lives what-ing me without you! Let them do what they want, I got to live my dream because of you.

“And that’s the part that rips me apart. I did it. But now every time I lose, you lose. My daughter loses, my son loses, the people that blindly supported me, they lose! When I come home and my daughter looks through my gear bag, and she’s looking for that NXT Championship and she’s empty handed… When I’m on the road and my wife sends me videos of my son crying because I can’t win… And the worst part is when I come home and I see the look in my wife’s eyes of disappointment. That’s the part that’s eating me alive. I don’t know if I love this anymore. And to be honest with everybody… I’ve just lost my smile.”

Lowell boos Ethan using that line in particular, but Ethan says they can mock him for being emotional. But this job- Je’Von makes his way out here? Je’Von says he just wanted to come out here and apologize for what he’s said back there. Je’Von saw how Ethan was, and it doesn’t feel good hearing about other people’s accomplishments. Because see, that’s all we’ve heard from Ethan since he got here. All Ego did this, All Ego did that. He walked in here all cocky. But Ethan, that isn’t really you, is it? Je’Von knows the real Ethan Page. Hear him out, really. Je’Von saw the real Ethan at Heatwave. It wasn’t what he did in the match, it’s what he did after.

Ethan won the NXT Championship, and he looked at his wife and kids and said, “I love you.” Je’Von wants to be real with Ethan. Not everyone can do that. The joy Ethan had when he saw his family after that, saw his wife and kids, the SMILE that he had wasn’t just some regular smile. That was a proud dad smile. That was a proud husband smile. That was a smile from someone that has been busting his ass for 18 LONG YEARS to get where they deserve to be. That smile came from Ethan. The fans cheer that! Je’Von says Ethan deserves to be here. The FANS know Ethan deserves to be here! The fans cheer that, too!

From now on, drop All Ego, let’s see the real Ethan Page! The proud dad, the proud husband, the REAL Ethan. And if no one else will say it, Je’Von will say it: he’s proud of Ethan. NXT is proud of Ethan! Look at him, man. They’re all proud of Ethan, and Je’Von means that from the heart. The fans cheer and Ethan isn’t sure what to say. Ethan thanks Je’Von, and says yeah, Je’Von is right. That made it all so clear to Ethan. Ethan shouldn’t be so worried about losing his smile. He should worry about taking Je’Von’s! ETHAN DECKS JE’VON!! The fans boo as Ethan rains down fists on Je’Von! Ethan storms out of the ring, grabs a chair, and storms back in!

The fans boo while Ethan scares off refs! Ethan puts the chair around Je’Von’s head!! Ethan says if Je’Von wants the real Ethan, here it is! Ethan STOMPS the chair!! Je’Von is immediately spitting up blood!! The fans boo, but Ethan took everyone’s kindness and threw it away in the trash! Will All Ego do whatever he has to in order to take over NXT?

Backstage interview with Trick Williams.

Sarah Schreiber is with the NXT Champion and says that moments before his main event match, he is really charged up. Trick says first thing’s first, nothing but well wishes and prayers for Je’Von after what Ethan just did to him. But to Eddy Thorpe, we saw how he lied his way into this match. Eddy gets what he wants, but so does Trick. The first time Trick won this title, he was happy just to win it. This time is different. He’ll prove all the doubters wrong and prove himself right by showing he IS the man around here! Tonight, we are in Lowell, Massachusetts, the home of hard work and getting the job done.

So while Trick may not have a Boston accent, he has the fighting spirit of Mickey Rourke! But Oba Femi walks over to say good luck. Whoever wins faces Oba next. And for what it is worth, Oba hopes it is Trick that wins. Because in three weeks, New Year’s Evil in LA, Oba will take this title from someone. And he hopes it is Trick. Trick tells Oba that he’s also looking forward to it. The Ruler awaits, will Trick whoop Eddy as an example of what happens when you doubt him?

Stephanie Vaquer speaks.

“Cora, you think I’m just another threat that you can get rid of. But you don’t know me. I didn’t become the best luchadora in the world overnight. La Primera (the first/the best) worked tirelessly to get here after years of hard work. But Cora arrived here first. She signed in 2021 and became the representation of the new era of NXT. Meanwhile, I went out into the world to face great challenges that made me stronger. Now, I am here. I got where I wanted. I found my way. And I will be everything Cora wants to be. Next week, Cora, I will take you to Hell.” Vaquer and Cora battle on Christmas Eve, will it be not so merry and bright for the Generation of Jade?

BREAKING NEWS for Christmas Eve NXT!

With Fraxiom once again surviving, that means we need new challengers! It will be OTM, NQCC, Hank ‘n’ Tank AND The D’Angelo Family in a Christmas Chaos Fatal 4 Way #1 Contenders match! Who wins themselves some golden tickets for Christmas?

NXT Championship: Trick Williams VS Eddy Thorpe!

As it has been said, everyone got tricked by the fake whodunnit mystery. Trick wants to shut up the doubters, but will he also dole out some justice? Or will the Alpha Wolf weasel his way to success yet again?

NXT returns once again and the fans fire up as Trick makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and with as much NXT history that’s been made here, time to make a little more!

The bell rings and the fans rally up. Eddy runs up, Trick dodge and headlocks. Tricky hits a takeover but Eddy fights around. Trick denies the headscissor but Eddy fights up. Eddy throws body shots, whips, but Trick comes back to whip Eddy. Trick then redirects and CLOBBERS Eddy! And CLOBBERS him away! Trick whips, Eddy grabs ropes and he bails out! The fans boo but Trick goes to the ropes. Eddy trips Trick, but Trick BOOTS Eddy into the desk! Trick CLUBS Eddy, CHOPS him against railing, then CHOPS him again! The fans fire up while Eddy sputters. Trick puts Eddy in, runs up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Eddy hurdles!

Eddy CROSSBODIES Trick down, then runs up to kitchen sink knee! Eddy KICKS Trick in a corner, then bumps him off buckles. Eddy KICKS, whips, but Trick reverses. POP-UP HAYMAKER! Eddy staggers up, into the LEG LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Eddy stays in this but Trick stays on him, DROPKICK! Eddy flounders to ropes, Trick runs up, but Eddy ducks! Leg lariat turns into a bad landing on Trick’s willy! Eddy SHOVES Trick to the floor, the fans boo, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns once more and Eddy hurries to kick Trick down. Eddy snapmares Trick, KICKS him in the back, then covers, TWO! Trick stays in this but Eddy snarls. Eddy drags Trick up, cravats for a neck wrench, but Trick endures. The fans rally as Trick fights up, only for Eddy to wrangle him back down. Trick fights up again, turns, but Eddy fires knees! Trick still powers out! Eddy knees low to suplex and BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Trick stays in this but he clutches that bad neck. Eddy frowns and he sits Trick up for another cravat. The fans rally, Trick fights up again, and Trick fires body shots. Trick ROCKS Eddy, then whips.

Eddy reverses, drops down, then hurdles. CROSS- FACEBUSTER! Trick turns things around in midair and both men are down! The fans rally up while Trick and Eddy stir. Eddy goes to ropes, Trick rises and he ROCKS Eddy! And he ROCKS Eddy again! Eddy staggers up but into a wrench, body shot, UPPERCUT, and then Trick runs to LEAPING LARIAT! The fans fire up as Trick then FLAPJACKS Eddy! Trick kips up and the fans fire up! Trick storms up on Eddy, has the arm, and cartwheels to ripcord BOOKEND! Cover, TWO! Eddy survives but Trick brushes that off. Trick aims at Eddy as Eddy rises and the fans rally up.

Trick fireman’s carries, Eddy slips free, and Eddy KICKS, KICKS, and SOBATS! Eddy GERMAN SUPLEXES Trick away, and the fans boo as Eddy storms back up. Eddy runs to TOMAHAWK ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Trick is still in this and Eddy grows frustrated. They go forehead to forehead as they rise up, and the fans rally up as they start throwing hands! The forearms go back and forth, faster and faster, and Trick gets the edge! Eddy wobbles, but he SOBATS! Eddy runs, but into Trick’s BOOT! Eddy PELES! Both men stagger, and Trick uses an EDDY GORDO KICK! Eddy Thorpe wobbles, into the turn, but he slips through!

Eddy uses a BACK2BACKBREAKER! Trick writhes but Eddy hauls him up! Trick RAMS Eddy into the corner! Trick swings, but Eddy ducks under! Eddy brings Trick out but Trick fights the German Suplex! Trick switches, fireman’s carries, and hits a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! The hair comes down and Trick brings Eddy up! Whip and pop-up, but Eddy catches Trick! Facelock, IMPALER DDT but the ref gets taken out by the swing! The fans fire up, Eddy covers, there’s no one to count! The fans count, Eddy would’ve had this three times over! Eddy shouts at the ref to get up, another ref hurries out here! Trick rolls Eddy, TWO!!!

Eddy escapes in time, he shoots around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Trick ends up in a corner, BOOT from Eddy! Eddy keeps moving, ANOTHER BOOT! Eddy keeps moving, but into a TRICK SHOT!! Trick falls on Eddy, but Eddy’s got an arm on Trick! Both refs count a cover, THREE! But who wins?! Each ref saw one guy pinning the other, so who really had this fall? Ava comes out here to try and reason this out, each ref has a guy they’re saying won! Is it Trick? Eddy? Both? Neither? What a conundrum for Christmas! But as NXT goes off the air, social media catches Ava declaring this is a DRAW, Trick RETAINS the title!

Double Pinfall Draw; Trick is still NXT Champion

Lowell cheers but Eddy is pissed! A double pinfall draw and there’s no overtime for Eddy!? HBK hurries out here to try and cool Eddy off, but Eddy SHOVES HBK! Trick storms over and SMACKS Eddy! They fight into the ring, Trick dodges Eddy and hits the TRICK KICK! Eddy flops back out of the ring, has justice been served?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT here, but there was a lot that indicated they’re going to tape the Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve episodes. Which is great, really, because the superstars deserve to have the holidays off so they can be with family or even just take it easy for a couple weeks. We got great hype packages throughout the show, especially at the beginning to remind us of NXT’s history in Lowell, Massachusetts. There was also a great one to remind us of the great lineage behind the NXT Women’s Championship, perhaps as foreshadowing for Giulia taking the title from Roxanne Perez for New Year’s Evil.

Good promo from Vaquer to call out Cora, they’ll have a very fun match. Good promos from Tatum’s trio and the Fatal Influence, and adding Alba & Isla to it is great stuff. That is long term story telling right there, with how Alba & Isla knew Tatum had her twisted side back when Tatum was trying to be buddies with Ivy Nile and Diamond Mine. That’s how long ago it was. That said, we’ll get a great Six Woman Tag, and at the very least, Gigi VS Fallon for the Women’s North American Championship. Maybe they even escalate things to another Six Woman Ladder Match, but they might be holding onto that idea for Stand & Deliver: Las Vegas in April.

Very good promo from Tyriek, Tyson and Wes. I hope Ty & Ty stick together, but then that would require Tyson pulling the same move as Johnny Gargano and join his Heel partner in being a Heel. But at the same time, we almost got nothing from Ty & Ty on TV so we need to see them more. And then brilliant stuff with Ethan Page and Je’Von Evans. The seed was planted having Je’Von excitedly push past Ethan as everyone was arriving, and then Je’Von getting hyped with Hank ‘n’ Tank was a great way to bring Ethan back around. Plus, what’s not to like about HBK handing down “I lost my smile” to Ethan here. Je’Von did great in his part after that, and then they did a great job with the fake blood from Je’Von’s mouth.

Another good promo from the Karmen-Adonis romcom, and I like that Dion just wants out of it. Lexis King and Charlie Dempsey doing their workout was good, but it also seemed like fanservice for the ladies. Their Heritage Cup match should be some great stuff, but at this point, shouldn’t Lexis win? Why go through the trouble of reforming him and giving him this second chance if Dempsey retains? Very good match from Jaida and Wren, but a lot of it was of course so we’d get OTM VS NQCC. Though, they stepped it up and made it a Fatal 4 Way so that match is going to be awesome.

Very good tag match from Zaria & Sol VS Lash & Jakara, and while I was surprised Meta Four won, I shouldn’t be. NXT logically let the established team that’s been doing stuff together for much longer beat the two singles stars who haven’t. Axiom VS Oba was great, but of course Oba won. Oba has his momentum going into New Year’s Evil, and that result put the pressure on Axiom & Frazer for their title match. Great sell from Axiom, I believe he “fell over” during the team entrance. And of course great match with Gallus, but I was legit surprised Fraxiom won. I feel like that hurts Gallus a bit, but with that Fatal 4, maybe the winner of that match finally takes the titles off Fraxiom.

And of course, more great stuff with the NXT Championship but also the story of Eddy Thorpe. Good promo from Eddy, and a good promo from Trick with Oba. Great match, and what a brilliant way to finish with the double pinfall. Those only watching TV ended up with a cliffhanger, but it was good to have this addressed tonight and then posted on social media. Eddy is about to get himself put up against Oba in one last tune-up after he shoved HBK like that. Trick VS Oba is going to be great, though, and I feel like Oba wins so Trick can move on to RawDown.

My Score: 8.9/10