Will NXT feel the StrongEST Glow?

Bianca Belair & Naomi defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships against The Meta Girls! Can Lash & Jakara bring these belts back to NXT?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Giulia & Bayley VS Roxanne Perez & Cora Jade; Giulia & Bayley win.
• Trick Williams VS Wes Lee; Wes wins, by disqualification.
• NXT Women’s North American Championship: Fallon Henley VS Shotzi Blackheart; Fallon wins and retains the title.
• Ethan Page VS Cedric Alexander; Ethan wins.
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson; Bianca & Naomi win and retain the titles.

PLAY BY PLAY

Giulia & Bayley VS Roxanne Perez & Cora Jade!

The Beautiful Madness gets to team up with The Role Model that she greatly respects, and the feeling is mutual. The same goes for how they both can’t stand The Prodigy & the Generation of Jade for acting like NXT needs them. Will the NXT Women’s Champion and the ONLY WWE Women’s Grand Slam Champion teach Roxie & Cora a little something about respect?

The teams sort out and Cora & Roxie run up! Bayley & Giulia ROCK them first, and Cora & Roxie bail out! The fans boo, Roxie & Cora storm back in, but Giulia slips around Roxie to shove her to the ropes. Roxie cartwheels, Giulia blocks the haymaker, then she blocks a kick! Giulia spins to backslide Roxie, TWO! Giulia kicks, Roxie ducks it to go for a roll-up! Giulia blocks that, goes for an arm, ends up with a lateral press, TWO! Roxie steps through, LA MAGISTROL to a bridge! TWO, and Giulia has a GEDO CLUTCH! TWO, and Roxie pulls hair! The ref reprimands but Roxie wrenches the hair again and again.

Giulia pulls Roxie’s hair! The fans cheer, Giulia whips Roxie, and then Giulia DROPKICKS Roxie down! Cover, TWO! Giulia keeps Roxie down, drags her away, and tags in Bayley! The fans cheer as Bayley wrenches Roxie’s arm, but Roxie SLAPS Bayley! Bayley scowls, Roxie runs away and Cora tags in. The fans sing for Bayley but Cora talks trash. Bayley SLAPS Cora! Bayley fires off hands in the corner, then whips corner to corner. Bayley then snapmares Cora and runs to basement UPPERCUT! And then SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Cora stays in this but Bayley stays on her and puts her in the ropes.

The fans cheer but Cora slips out and slips under! Cora waistlocks, she and Bayley go around and around with switch after switch. Roxie tags in, she fires off in the corner, but the ref counts. Roxie lets off, but Bayley ROCKS her in return! Bayley bumps Roxie off buckles, then puts her in the ropes! STOCK DROP! The fans cheer the shoutout to The Boss, but Cora runs up! Bayley kicks low, whips Cora to a corner, and Giulia joins in! They run, STEREO ELBOWS for Roxie & Cora! Then STEREO SUPELXES! The fans fire up, Bayley covers, TWO! Bayley brings Roxie up, tags Giulia, and they double whip.

Roxie THROWS Bayley down, ROCKS Giulia, then whips her OUT of the ring! Bayley runs up, Roxie DUMPS her out, too! Tag to Cora and then Roxie DIVES! Down go Bayley & Giulia, but Roxie sets them back up! Cora CANNONBALLS! The mean girls stand tall while the fans boo, but NXT goes picture in picture.

Cora drags Giulia up to SMACK her off the apron, then she shoves Giulia in. Cora drags Giulia up just to SMACK her off the mat! Cora soaks up the heat, then IMPLODER STOMPS Giulia down! Cover, TWO! Giulia stays in this but Cora stays on her. Cora reels Giulia in to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Giulia fires forearms in return! Cora CLUBS Giulia down, tags Roxie, and they mug Giulia. Roxie wrenches Giulia’s hair again, then THROWS her down! The ref reprimands, Roxie digs her heel into Giulia’s ribs, then she DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Giulia toughs it out but Roxie throws down hands! Tag to Cora, and the mugging continues.

Cora THROWS Giulia down by her hair! The ref reprimands but Cora drags Giulia up to put her in the ropes. Cora fires knees, but then Giulia blocks to THROW Cora down! Giulia hurries for her corner, but Cora grabs her legs! Giulia BOOTS her away, hot tag to Bayley! Bayley rallies on Cora, and hits a BIG back suplex! Roxie runs up, but into a fireman’s carry! Bayley swings Roxie for a SIDEWALK SLAM! Cora is up, Bayley clinches, but Cora switches! Bayley switches, O’Conner Rolls, TWO! NXT returns to single picture as Roxie gets a SUCKER PUNCH in! The fans boo but Roxie gets away with that one.

“This is Awesome!” even as Cora stomps Bayley. Cora CLUBS Bayley but Bayley puts her in the ropes! HOTSHOT! Cora is stuck in ropes, Bayley drags her out to the drop zone, then she climbs up! But Roxie hurries to anchor Bayley! Bayley KICKS Roxie away, but Cora’s up to SHINING WIZARD! Bayley falls to the apron, and Roxie attacks! The ref is too busy keeping Giulia back, he misses all of this! The fans boo but Cora drags Bayley up to tag in Roxie. They mug Bayley, and Roxie CHOKES Bayley! The erf reprimands and counts, Roxie stops at 4, and she BUMPS Bayley off buckles. Roxie stomps a mudhole, then digs her boot in.

The fans rally for Bayley but Roxie UPPERCUTS, then mocks the wacky waving inflatable arm men! Roxie runs back in, but Bayley catches her! BIG back suplex! Both women are down, the fans fire up, and they crawl for their corners. Roxie grabs Bayley’s foot and then CLOBBERS her! Roxie puts Bayley on ropes, tags Cora, and Cora runs to ELBOW Bayley in the back! Then Roxie goes up, up and LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives, this is why she IS a Grand Slam Champion! Cora clamps onto Bayley and squeezes tight with the chinlock. The fans boo but Bayley endures the hold. Bayley fights up, fires body shots, but Cora keeps her from Giulia!

Cora whips Bayley into the ropes, runs, but Bayley avoids the elbow! Cora hurries to BLAST Giulia! But then she turns around into a BAYLEY2BELLY! Both women are down again! The fans rally, Bayley and Cora crawl, hot tags to Roxie and Giulia! The fans fire up as Roxie avoids a boot but Giulia goes Matrix to avoid the slap! Giulia kicks, whips, and winds up, FASTBALL! FASTBALL! Then a hammerlock and NORTHERN LIGHTS! The fans fire up and Giulia runs in. Roxie dodges but Giulia BOOTS her! Giulia goes up, aims, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Roxie survives but Giulia whips her to ropes.

Cora tags in before Giulia scoops Roxie! Roxie slips free, Cora runs in, but Giulia dodges! Cora DECKS Roxie! Giulia rolls Cora, TWO! V-TRIGGER! Cover, Roxie breaks it! Bayley fires off on Roxie and Roxie fires back! Cora and Giulia brawl, Roxie TOSSES Bayley! Bayley drags Roxie out and sends her into railing! Cora underhooks Giulia, but Giulia wrenches out to HEADBUTT! Cora falls, Giulia calls to Bayley! Tag and Bayley climbs! MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, Bayley & Giulia win!

Winners: Giulia & Bayley, by pinfall

A big win for Bayley’s big return to NXT, and Roxie throws a fit! Bayley shakes hands with Giulia, could they be having a dream match against each other in the near future? Or will Bayley have to settle the score with Roxie 1v1 first?

Eddy Thorpe speaks.

“Like my people have for centuries, I’ve been overlooked in NXT. But I chose to stand up, and I forced my way into the NXT Championship picture. And I proved that I belong! I hear the sounds of my ancestors. A great responsibility of any man will exorcise his mind of suffering, will subject his muscles and his bones to hard work, and expose his body to hunger, place obstacles in the paths of his deeds so as to stimulate his mind, harden his nature, and improve wherever he has loss. So you can try to write Eddy Thorpe off, but understand, I didn’t write back. My destiny will not be a matter of chance.

“I will make my mark in NXT. And NXT will understand that Eddy Thorpe cannot be broken.” The Alpha Wolf is still hunting championships, who will become his prey?

The Grayson Waller Effect returns to NXT!

A-Town Down Under is already in the ring of “their” show, and Waller welcomes us all. How about a shoutout to Atlanta’s Favorite Son, Austin Theory? The fans actually do cheer Theory, and Theory says yes, sir! Last night, ATDU partied with Quavo and 2Chainz, but tonight, the party continues! A-Town Down UNDER~! Waller says it’s ATL cuz they can’t spell the full name, but on to the guest tonight. Everyone’s talking about him, from the fans to the superstars backstage. He is the NEW NXT Champion, he is THE RULER, he is Oba Femi! The fans cheer as indeed, the NXT Champion makes his way out to the ring.

Oba takes his seat and Waller welcomes the champ. The fans cheer, Waller says that was a fun little dance. Just don’t get too excited, Atlanta ain’t that smart. Oh, sorry, no offense, Theory. But Waller says Oba is less than two years in NXT and he’s already THE NXT Champion, plus he became the longest-reigning North American Champion. He must be used to having a belt on his shoulder. Yes, very used to it. Oba says this title is exactly where it belongs. Theory hears the fans chanting for him, so he asks, “You want me to talk?” The fans cheer, and Theory says Oba started at just 24 years old, and ever since, he has been taking over.

And that reminds Theory of someone. But coming from the youngest US Champion of all time, everyone in here sees Oba as a main eventer on the main roster. It’s true! But hey, the thing is, there are two guys right here who do NOT see that. The fans boo but Oba smirks. So is that why ATDU invited him? All so they can tell him they don’t see his potential? That’s funny, because Oba never saw them as NXT Champion. And Oba was right, because they never were! It’s safe to say that in two years, Oba’s done more than both of them combined! Waller says hey, don’t get it twisted. Waller understands what Oba’s done.

But Oba is only here tonight because Waller wanted to see it for himself. Waller wants to see if the hype is real. There are levels to this game. Yeah, Oba is NXT Champion, but last year, WrestleMania 40, ATDU was standing tall as WWE Tag Team Champions while Oba was in the suite sipping on a juice box, hoping, wishing and praying that he could do what they did. Theory wants Oba to think about this one: When the ink was drying on Oba’s contract, Theory had already competed in three WrestleManias. Actually, four but who’s counting. But talking about Oba, he went to a great high school, got a full ride to Alabama, and is THE NXT Champion.

But… ATDU aren’t in NXT anymore. They’re on Monday Night Raw. And when it comes to Raw or SmackDown, that’s the big leagues. They’ve seen guys like Oba: A top draft pick that ends up in catering, and six months later, he’s on the indies just trying to sell shirts! The fans chant, “Turn on Grayson!” Theory says well alright, here it is! He turns around! Waller says don’t do that~! But Theory says ATDU has been all around the world, and all they do is create unforgettable moments. Oba says they have all this talk about being champions, climbing the ladder, but uh, he doesn’t see those titles on them.

And that’s the problem! This  is why thy are there they are: their big mouths! Especially Waller! Waller’s lips keep writing checks that his hands can’t cash. Did Oba make it here by running his mouth? Oba is building a dynasty here! Brick by brick! Trust Oba when he says, it will be built! And you know what? Oba stands and says if they like moments, if they like PLEs and title matches, here’s one: in two weeks, Washington DC, February 15th, VENGEANCE DAY! Picture in picture shows us Trick Williams is watching this as Oba dares ATDU to step up. And while Theory steps up, Waller gets in the way!

Waller says he doesn’t speak for Theory, but Waller himself has stood in front of the best! John Cena, Kevin Owens, Cody Rhodes, and he’s never taken a step back! Waller wants his shot, lad! Let’s do it! But wait, Ava Raine makes her way out here! The fans cheer and Ava wants them to dial it back before it gets out of hand. Trick has seen enough, he’s heading to gorilla! Ava wants to remind everyone, especially Oba, that as much as he wants to, HE doesn’t make the matches, Ava does. But here come Trick! Trick tells Ava that shot is his and we all know it! Trick steps to Oba, they argue, but then Theory & Waller creep up!

Trick ROCKS Theory, ROCKS Waller, then LARIATS Theory up and out! Trick DECKS Waller, then TOSSES him out! But then he turns around into a FALL FROM GRACE!! Trick is down, Oba stands over him with the belt held high, but the match of Trick VS Wes is up next! Will the Cardiac Kid be a vulture picking at the bones? Or can the former champion still #WhoopDatTrick?

Ringside interview with Izzi Dame.

Sarah Schreiber is with The It Girl and says we all want to know, what exactly is going on with her and The D’Angelo Family? Specifically, her and The Don? Oh, Sarah, surely you and everyone does want to know that. But honestly, nothing is going on. She and Tony aren’t even friends, they just share a common enemy in Shawn Spears. Long story short, Tony came to her defense when Spears was stalking her, so Izzi made sure Tony kept his North American Championship during his defense. Bada bing, bada boom, that’s it. But wait, Ridge Holland steps in! And he wants to know what Izzi means by that.

Izzi is a liar! Huh!? Ridge says HE should be North American Champion, but he’s not, all because of this weird situation she’s got going on with Tony. And look at her, standing there with a big smile on her face, like a smug little b- Stacks stops Ridge there. Does he have a problem? You don’t talk to a lady like that. Ridge tells Stacks to shut up, because Ridge doesn’t bother with Tony’s lackeys. So go shine Tony’s shoes or keep the car warm, and stay out of his face. Stacks gets heated now, but security and refs step between them. The Underboss warns Ridge, but will Yorkshire Grit rip through him to get at the gold?

Trick Williams VS Wes Lee!

NXT returns and refs check on Trick. Trick says he’s fine, he still wants this match. Trick hobbles up the steel steps but he doesn’t look all that fine. Wes makes his entrance, Tyriek & Tyson by his side again. Wes says he’s got this, will Trick be easy pickings?

The bell rings and Wes runs up to SHOTGUN Trick down! The fans boo but Ty & Ty like what they see. Trick sputters but Wes KICKS him in the back! Wes mockingly asks if those ribs hurt, then he KICKS away on those ribs! Wes clamps on a chinlock, stretches Trick, then drags him around. Wes whips Trick, Trick reverses to ROCK Wes! Trick fires hands but Wes puts him in the corner to fire body shots! The ref counts, Wes stops at 4, but Trick TOSSES him to the corner! Trick fires hands, the fans fire up, but Wes clinches. Wes fires knees into Trick, then SOBAT! KICK! Snapmare, and basement DROPKICK! Cover, ONE!!

Trick shows grit but Wes stalks him. The fans taunt Wes but Wes throws hands into Trick’s back! Wes stands Trick up, shoves him to ropes, then runs to 619 the ribs! Trick falls back, Wes goes up a corner, and the fans boo as Wes aims. Wes leaps, but Trick catches him!? Trick roars but Wes CLUBS him! Wes CLUBS Trick to the mat, then runs, BASEMENT CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Trick stays in this but Ty & Ty coach Wes. Wes brings Trick up, talks smack, then he SLAPS Trick! The fans boo but Trick gets mad! Trick rises and he fires hands! Trick SLAPS Wes outta the ring! Trick goes out after Wes, but Wes RAMS him into the apron!

Wes RAMS Trick into the desk, then goes up the apron, to METEORA Trick onto the desk! The fans boo but Ty & Ty cheer while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Wes has Trick down with a HALF CRAB! Trick endures, claws at the mat, and reaches out for ropes, but Wes sits deep on the hold! The fans rally, Trick powers up to turn over. Trick kicks at Wes until he lets go, then manages to stand. Wes ROCKS Trick, ROCKS him again, but then Trick bobs ‘n’ weaves! Trick fires body shots, haymakers, and an UPPERCUT! Wes flounders, Trick aims, and Trick UPPERCUTS again! Then a scoop and SLAM! The fans rally up and Trick whips Wes. Trick BACKDROPS Wes and the fans fire up with him! Trick uses that adrenaline to cartwheel and ripcord, BOOKEND!

The fans fire up more as Trick shakes the ropes! Wes rises, Trick runs up, but Ty & Ty get Wes outta there! The fans boo but Trick storms out after them! Trick puts Wes in, but Tyson gets on the apron! Trick TOSSES Tyson, fires hands, then UPPERCTS Tyson! Tyson dangles on the ropes, flops out of the ring, but Wes runs in! Trick TOSSES Wes out onto Tyson! The fans fire up and Trick goes to the stage! CANNONBALL onto everyone! Trick puts Wes in the ring, puts him in a corner, and he fires off hands! The ref counts, Trick still fires shots! The fans say “This is Awesome!” as Trick lets off at 4.

Tyson is back, Trick DECKS him! Trick UPPERCUTS Wes! Trick stomps away on Wes, the ref pulls him back, but Trick SHOVES the ref down!! Trick’s fury has gotten the better of him, the ref DISQUALIFIES him!!

Winner: Wes Lee, by disqualification

Trick won’t stop beating up on Wes, but here comes Tyson with a chair! FULL METAL TRICK SHOT!! Trick takes out the sidekicks, he gets the chair, and he’s swinging wild!! Wes runs away, and now he realizes he won! Wes grins as he, Ty & Ty get outta there. Trick is still pissed, how is he supposed to challenge Oba like this?

Oba Femi walks into Ava Raine’s office.

The NXT General Manager says no, go ahead, don’t bother knocking. The NXT Champion says Ava has quite the problem. Oh, she has quite a few problems. She doesn’t know how many times she has to say it, but SHE makes the matches, not Oba. Stop trying to overstep. Well, if she makes decisions, then she should make one. Who is Oba facing at Vengeance Day? It will be Oba VS Grayson Waller- Okay, good, he looks forward to it. No, Oba, Ava wasn’t done. It’ll be Oba VS Waller VS Theory in a Triple Threat. Both of them? Yes, both of them. Now if he’ll excuse her, she has to have a chat with the former NXT Champion.

Ava heads out, what will the consequences be for Trick? And if Oba is facing both members of ATDU, will he just have to send them both down under?

NXT returns and…

Ava asks where Trick went. She gets directions to the men’s locker room, and she barges right in! Other superstars are startled but she asks for Trick. He’s in the corner, Ava asks him what the hell! This week, last week, what is he doing?! Trick says this is what happens when you lose a title like he did. Everyone gets a match instead of him! Well, it’s the consequences of his own actions. At Vengeance Day, Oba, Waller & Theory are in a Triple Threat, NO Trick. And what’d ATDU do to even deserve that shot? So he doesn’t think they’re worthy? Nope. Then y’know what? Prove it! Trick can have a tag match with ATDU next week. And his partner will be the man he’s after, Oba Femi!

Ava heads back out, and Trick has a lot on his plate. Will he be able to make it work with Oba to take down A-Town Down Under? Or will he still end up on the outside looking in?

NXT Women’s North American Championship: Fallon Henley w/ The Fatal Influence VS Shotzi Blackheart w/ Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley!

While Stephanie Vaquer still gets her shot at Vengeance Day, the Toxic Cowgirl sure didn’t like the idea of facing her so soon. She, Jacy & Jazmyn made sure the Wild Child got her shot first, will they make sure Shotzi also misses the mark? Or will Shotzi be sure to Take Care o’ Bidness?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who has a date with the Dark Angel in DC!

The bell rings and Fallon talks trash on Shotzi. Fallon pushes Shotzi, pie faces her, but Shotzi trips her! The fans fire up as Shotzi fires off on Fallon! Fallon gets up, Shotzi ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl RANA! Shotzi then kicks, Fallon blocks, but Shotzi ENZIGIRIS! Shotzi then springboards to imploder wheelbarrow and VICTORY FACEBUSTER! Fallon sputters, Shotzi keeps moving, but Fallon avoids the straddle attack! Fallon THROWS Shotzi down, goes up, but Shotzi ROCKS Fallon first! Shotzi climbs tot he very top, and she fires up for the SUPER STEINER! And a rough one at that! Fallon flounders around but Shotzi hurries back up the corner!

The fans fire up as Shotzi aims, but Jacy & Jazmyn drag Fallon to safety! Or so they think, because Shotzi just SUPER CROSSBODIES them all! The fans fire up as Gigi & Tatum then make sure Jacy & Jazmyn get what they deserve! Those four brawl up the ramp, to the stage, and then to the back! Shotzi runs at Fallon, but Fallon blocks the kick! Fallon SWINGS the leg into the POST! Shotzi hobbles, Fallon CHOP BLOCKS her down, and the fans boo as Fallon says, “I always win!” Maybe, maybe not, but NXT goes picture in picture.

Fallon soaks up the heat while the ref checks on Shotzi. Shotzi clutches her leg, which already has a brace on it, and she manages to stand. Shotzi walks it off, rolls into the ring, but Fallon kicks her to a corner. Fallon puts the bad leg int he ropes, then pulls! The ref counts, Fallon lets go, and Shotzi hobbles away. Fallon has Shotzi in another corner, and she CHOPS her! Fallon whips corner to corner, runs up, and BOOTS Shotzi down! Fallon stands on Shotzi, the ref counts, and Fallon steps off. Fallon drags Shotzi back, stomps away on the leg, then paces. Fallon kicks the leg, covers, TWO! Shotzi toughs it out and goes to ropes, but Fallon storms up.

Shotzi KICKS Fallon away, and Fallon is furious! Fallon storms back up, grabs the bad leg, and she drags Shotzi into a toehold. Shotzi endures, CLUBS Fallon, and uses her free leg to hook her into a headscissors! Fallon fights around, slips free, and she steps over for a HALF CRAB! Shotzi endures, reaches out, but Fallon thrashes the leg! Shotzi powers up, shifts and throws Fallon away! Shotzi runs up, but Fallon LARIATS her first! Fallon runs, but then DOUBLE LARIATS take them both down! They crawl, find each other, and go forehead to forehead. Then they go forearm for forearm! They go back and forth harder and harder!

Shotzi dodges a lariat to wrench and NECKBREAKER! Fallon sputters, Shotzi shakes out the bad leg, and Shotzi goes to a corner. Fallon stands, NXT returns to single picture, and Fallon runs in at the corner. Shotzi ELBOWS Fallon, but Fallon fires a flurry of forearms! Fallon whips corner to corner, Shotzi goes up and over! Shotzi arm-drags Fallon, then LARIATS! Then KNEE LIFTS! Then ROLLING ELBOWS! Fallon wobbles into the QUESTION MARK KICK! Shotzi hits a SLING-DOG! The fans fire up and Shotzi brings Fallon up. Snap suplex into buckles! The fans fire up and Shotzi grits her teeth.

Shotzi runs corner to corner, CANNONBALL! Fallon sputters but flops out of the ring. Shotzi goes to the apron, brings Fallon up, but Fallon RAMS her into the post! Shotzi falls to the floor, Fallon swings around the corner for the FLYING KICK! Fallon shouts, “YEEHAW, BABY!” SHIN BREAKER on the desk! Fallon SMACKS Shotzi off the desk, then she puts Shotzi in the ring. Fallon storms up, YEEHAW FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Shotzi survives and Fallon grows frustrated. Fallon grabs Shotzi’s leg, and she clamps on a STRETCH MUFFLER! Shotzi endures as Fallon lifts her up, but Shotzi victory rolls! TWO!!

Fallon BOOTS the bad leg! Fallon runs, but no Famouser! Shotzi shoves Fallon, ROLLING ELBOW! QUESTION MARK KICK! Shotzi cravats goes up the corner, SLICED BREAD!! Cover, TWO!! Fallon survives and Shotzi is beside herself! “This is Awesome!” as Shotzi hurries up the corner! Shotzi’s bad leg slows her down, though, and Fallon ROCKS her! The fans boo but Fallon climbs. Fallon brings Shotzi up but Shotzi fights the suplex! Shotzi fires body shots, then a GOURD BUSTER! BALLPIT SENTON!! Cover, TWO?!? Fallon survives and Shotzi has no idea how! Shotzi brings Fallon up but Fallon KICKS the bad leg!

Fallon reels Shotzi in, pump handle and- CRADLE! TWO!! Fallon  stands, into a KNEE LIFT! Cravat and KNEE SMASH! Then SLICED- NO, Fallon puts Shotzi up top, YANKS her into the Tree of Woe, and that bad leg suffers more! WOE STOMP!! Fallon isn’t done, she PUMP HANDLE SUPLEXES Shotzi! Then the FAMOUSER!! Cover, Fallon wins!

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

Shotzi put up a fight, but she ended up the one legged woman in an ass kicking contest. Fallon wins with a good ol’ fashioned “Hoe Down,” but wait! Here comes Stephanie Vaquer! Fallon scowls as she sees Vaquer walk up. Their match is set, will Fallon find out just why Stephanie Vaquer IS La Primera?

Karmen Petrovic talks with Kelani Jordan backstage.

Karmen says it’s so nice to see her again. And she thanks Kelani for last week, she is such a good friend. What about last week? Um, the save with Jaida. Remember? Oh, right, yeah… Kelani sees what’s happening. Karmen really thinks that was about Karmen? She didn’t. Kelani went out there for herself. Shocker, right? Kelani is after Jaida, and that’s that. But Kelani does see what everyone else is talking about. Karmen’s “delusions” have nothing to do with Ashante. Whoa, Karmen didn’t even mean it like that. Kelani tells Karmen that whether she listens to Jaida or not, whether she listens to Kelani or not, it doesn’t really matter.

Because in the end, it is only a matter of time before Ashante leaves Karmen! Kelani heads off, and Karmen says, “What a b*tch!” The bad attitude bug has bit another one, but will no one do it like Lani?

Backstage interview with Ava Raine.

Sarah catches up with the NXT GM and says next week’s main event of A-Town Down Under VS Trick & Oba is big. Ava says yes, and she doesn’t know what has gotten into Trick, but he better get over it soon, because she is sick of dealing with it. What can we expect for Vengeance Day, then? Ava says that as it stands, it is still the Triple Threat of Oba VS Waller VS Theory, but on a more positive note, NXT has the best Women’s Division ever. Ava is going to find Giulia the best competitor possible, so- Roxie storms in and asks, “Best competitor?! You’re about to make it Bayley VS Giulia, aren’t you!? I haven’t even gotten my rematch yet!”

Ava says let her finish, because- NO, Roxie didn’t even lose that match, Cora took the pin! Cora is right there, and she says okay fine, sell her out… Ava says she was going to say it will be another Triple Threat: Giulia VS Bayley VS Roxie. That cheers Roxie up, and she says that’s good. Cora says no, NOT good. Cora storms off, Roxie apologizes for what she said, but it’s not like those two weren’t torn apart by the top title before. Will Roxie find a way to smooth things over with her on-again-off-again bestie?

Ethan Page VS Cedric Alexander!

All Ego’s all psycho run has dealt some serious damage, but “Uncle Ceddy” is PRIMED for some payback! Will Cedric avenge Je’Von Evans & Dante Chen, as well as his own suffering? Or is Ethan going to do something far worse than smashing Cedric’s hand?

NXT returns and Cedric makes his entrance. Cedric clutches the taped-up hand, then storms up to the apron. Ethan gets in Cedric’s face, so Cedric DECKS him! The fans fire up, the bell rings, and Cedric fires more hands! He trips Ethan, rains down more fists, but Ethan kicks him away. So Cedric KICKS and KICKS and KICKS Ethan! Cedric CHOPS Ethan, CHOPS him again, then stomps away in the corner! The fans cheer but the ref counts. Cedric throws knee after knee, but he stops at 4. Cedric then brings Ethan up, ROCKS him, but Ethan fires back! They go forearm for forearm, then Cedric UPPERCUTS!

Ethan flounders to a corner, Cedric digs his boots in, but the ref counts. Cedric steps off at 4, KICKS Ethan in the back, but Ethan SLAPS Cedric! Cedric ROCKS Ethan, digs his knee into Ethan’s face, then steps back at 4. Cedric dares Ethan to do something now. Cedric CHOPS, then he digs his boot in! Cedric counts along, stops at 4, and he paces around. The fans rally for Cedric as he brings Ethan up. But Ethan fires body shots! Cedric shoves Ethan and DROPKICKS him down! The fans fire up while Cedric seethes, and he gives Ethan mocking kicks. Ethan goes to ropes, Cedric CHOPS him, then he CHOKES Ethan on the ropes!

The ref counts, Cedric stops, and he asks Ethan what up now! Cedric kicks Ethan, Ethan swings a body shot, but Cedric BOOTS him down! Cedric rains down fists, then lets off to stand him up. Ethan blocks a whip, CLUBS the bad hand, and then he CLUBS Cedric on the back! Cedric falls against ropes but Ethan is right on him! Ethan drags Cedric up to suplex, but Cedric slips free! Cedric waistlocks, but Ethan is after the bad hand! Cedric CLUBS away with the good hand, and UPPERCUTS Ethan! Ethan flops against ropes, then Cedric CHOKES him! The ref counts, Cedric steps off, and Ethan flops out of the ring.

Cedric storms out, and he CHOPS Ethan against railing! Cedric puts Ethan back in, but Ethan bails out the side. Cedric runs up, but into an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Ethan then grabs the bad hand, and he pushes it against the steel steps! Ethan undoes the cast, but Cedric CLUBS Ethan away! Cedric fires hands, the ref stats a ring count, but Ethan POSTS Cedric! Cedric BOOTS back! Ethan wrenches the bad hand to SLAM it against the POST! Cedric scrambles away from the pain, and Ethan shows he has the cast! Ethan stalks Cedric, but NXT goes picture in picture.

Ethan SLAMS Cedric’s bad hand off the steel steps! Cedric drops to his knees, clutching the bad hand, but Ethan puts him back in the ring. Ethan storms up, but Cedric BOOTS him off the apron! Cedric clutches the bad hand, Ethan storms back in, but Cedric dodges! Cedric TOSSES Ethan to the apron, goes out after him, APRON SIDE EFFECT! Both men land hard and flop to the floor! Cedric rises up, refreshes the ring count, and then puts Ethan in the ring. Cedric brings Ethan up, CHOPS him, and whips him, only for Ethan to reverse! Ethan hammerlocks the bad arm and HOTSHOTS it off the ropes! Ethan then runs up to CLOBBER Cedric!

The ref checks Cedric as he writhes, but Cedric doesn’t want to give up. Ethan rains down fists on Cedric, then lets off just to talk trash. Cedric CHOPS from below, so Ethan ROCKS him! Ethan brings Cedric up, Cedric throws body shots, but Ethan CLUBS him back down. Ethan whips Cedric to ropes, and BOOTS him down! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Ethan is frustrated, but he clamps on a chinlock. Ethan grinds Cedric down to the mat, then brings him around to squeeze tighter. Ethan leans his weight on Cedric, thrashes him, and even talks trash. Cedric still fights up and fires body shots! NXT returns to single picture, and Ethan goes for the bad hand!

Ethan wrenches and SMACKS the bad hand off the ropes! Cedric falls back, the fans boo, but Ethan hauls him up. Ethan again SMACKS the bad hand off the ropes! Ethan brings Cedric up, bends fingers, and SMACKS the bad hand off the ropes! Ethan runs up, but Cedric ducks the boot to GERMAN SUPLEX! Cedric is still in this and the fans fire up! Cedric and Ethan both slowly rise up, and they go to opposite corners. The fans fire up, Ethan runs in, but Cedric dodges to LARIAT and ENZIGIRI! Cedric snapmares and basement DROPKICKS! The fans fire up again and Cedric waistlocks. Ethan breaks the grip, ROCKS Cedric, then runs, into a SNAP MICHINOKU! Cover, TWO!!

Cedric snarls as Ethan survives and the fans rally up. Cedric STOMPS Ethan’s hand, then suplexes for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ethan survives but Cedric rolls him into a KOJI KLUTCH!! Ethan endures, flails, reaches out, and he BENDS the bad fingers!! Cedric takes that bad hand, brings Cedric up, but Cedric ROCKS Ethan! Ethan ROCKS Cedric! They fire back and forth, Cedric gets the edge! But Ethan shoves Cedric, runs up, but Ethan BOOTS! ENZIGIRIS! SUPERKICKS! Cedric handsprings but Ethan KICKS the bad hand out!! Ethan hauls Cedric up, TWIST OF FATE!! Cover, Ethan wins!

Winner: Ethan Page, by pinfall

The bad hand was a target from the start, and Ethan used it as Cedric’s Achilles Heel. Wait, Ethan rips away a turnbuckle pad?! Ethan drags Cedric over, but JE’VON EVANS is here! The Young OG FLIES from ramp to ring and CLOBBERS Ethan! The fans fire up as Je’Von fires haymakers from all sides! He DECKS Ethan, DECKS him again, and then fires even more shots! Je’Von LARIATS Ethan up and out of the ring! Je’Von makes sure Cedric is alright, then he makes sure Ethan gets back. Will nothing stop Je’Von from getting his revenge on All Ego once and for all?

The Fatal Influence regroup backstage.

Fallon can’t believe she doesn’t even get one second to celebrate her win. But congratulations, Stephanie, you’re next in line. And Fallon will tell you something- Yeah, Jacy will tell you something! You don’t disrespect and take the North American Champion’s moment like that. And don’t think for one second that Jacy forgot Stephanie attacking her backstage. Come Vengeance Day, Fallon will show La Primera that you don’t cross Fatal Influence. And if Ava approves this, next week, Jacy will make Stephanie pay for what she did to her! Jazmyn says Jacy’s got this! Jacy says see you next week, Stephanie. But will the Toxic Rockstar just be an appetizer for the Dark Angel?

Josh Briggs talks with Yoshiki Inamura.

Briggs says that when he went to Japan for Pro-Wrestling Noah’s N1 Victory tournament, Inamura welcomed Briggs into his home. Inamura made Briggs’ experience in Noah one of the best in his entire career. So to show his appreciation, Briggs got Inamura something. Wow, a leather vest? So cool! Now that Inamura is in America, Briggs will welcome him into his home. Inamura says this means a lot to him. Briggs says they gotta look like a team, right? Inamura loves the vest. And since Inamura came to NXT to become a champion, Briggs says one way or another, they are going to get Fraxiom.

Inamura says before Briggs came to Japan, Briggs wanted to be on his own. But then he took Inamura in. Inamura promises to make Briggs a champion again. And no team can touch them! Briggs and Inamura shake hands, but when and where will they get their shot at the NXT Tag Team Champions?

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson!

The StrongEST Glow are coming off a loss from last night’s Raw, but that’s only because Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez & Dominik Mysterio did them dirty. Will Bianca & Naomi be able to rebound like true champions? Or are The Bougie Bully & Miss Jackson going to bring these tag titles back to NXT?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who takes Center Stage!

The teams sort out and Jakara starts against Naomi. They tie up, Naomi hits a headlock takeover but Jakara headscissors. Naomi kips free, Jakara headlocks, and Jakara hits a takeover. Naomi headscissors but Jakara kips free. The fans cheer, the two go again, and Naomi wrenches Jakara to a wristlock. Jakara reaches for ropes but Naomi keeps her back. Jakara goes the other way, uses ropes to flip through and then she breaks free. Jakara wrenches Naomi to a wristlock, but Naomi rolls. Naomi spins, trips Jakara up, then BOOTS her! Cover, ONE, and Jakara goes for an arm.

Naomi moves around, but Jakara steps over to give her that twerk attack! Jakara then rolls Naomi to a cradle, TWO! Naomi trips Jakara, jackknife bridges, TWO! The two reset, storm up, and Jakara wrenches, only for Naomi to DROPKICK! Naomi drags Jakara up, wrenches the arm, and tags Bianca. The fans cheer as the champs double wrench and DOUBLE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Then they shake hands and DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bianca scoops Jakara, Jakara slips free, and she tags out to Lash! Atlanta fires up for their Legend as she steps to Bianca. They tie up, Bianca waistlocks, but Lash fights the lift.

Lash THROWS Bianca away, then taunts her with some hair styling. Lash then dodges Bianca, back suplexes, but Bianca lands out to hit a BIG back suplex! The fans fire up for the STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Bianca brings Lash up, whips, but Lash blocks! Lash whips Bianca, but Bianca goes up to say kiss this! Lash runs in, Bianca backflips over, and then Bianca tilt-o-whirls, only for Lash to block! Lash swings Bianca around to then fire some knees into Bianca, before she hits a swinging BACKBREAKER! Lash sets Bianca in a drop zone, then runs corner to corner, HANDSPRING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!!

Lash keeps on Bianca with a facelock, suplexes, but Bianca fights it! Bianca suplexes, but Lash fights it! Lash dodges, hurdles, and then DOUBLE DROPKICKS cancel out! They both kip up and the fans fire up! Bianca and Lash each give some trash talk while NXT goes picture in picture.

Lash and Bianca circle, feel things out, and then Bianca sidesteps Lash! Naomi tags in, Bianca waistlocks, and Bianca ripcords Lash for Naomi to join in, DOUBLE SUPLEX! Naomi adds a LEG DROP, then she covers, TWO! Naomi drags Lash up, KICKS her back down, then stays between her and Jakara. Lash rises, Naomi KICKS her in the leg! And KICKS the other leg! Naomi KICKS Lash again, then whips, but Lash blocks! Lash whips Naomi, Naomi slides under the lariat! Naomi MULE KICKS, then ROUNDHOUSES! Lash staggers, Naomi runs, but Lash catches the crossbody! Lash pops Naomi around, and LAWN DARTS her into the corner!

Naomi falls back, Lash swings on Bianca, but the ref stops them from brawling. Jakara gets a cheap shot on Naomi, then rains down more shots! Lash tags Jakara, Jakara drags Naomi to center, and she drops KNEES! And more KNEES! Cover, TWO! Jakara is annoyed but she keeps Naomi from Bianca. Jakara whips Naomi to the corner, tags Lash, and Lash whips Jakara in to back body block! Lash taunts Bianca, runs in at Naomi, and LARIATS Naomi down! Lash then drags Naomi to center for a SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Bianca cheers Naomi on but Lash puts Naomi in the ropes. Lash DRIBBLES Naomi while NXT returns to single picture.

The fans rally as Lash clamps onto Naomi with a chinlock. Naomi endures, fights up, and fires body shots. Lash short arm LARIATS Naomi down! Lash drags Naomi into a corner, bumps her off buckles, then runs corner to corner for a SPLASH! Lash goes again, blocks Naomi’s boots, but Naomi comes back with the ENZIGIRI! Picture in picture now shows us Cora is storming around, demanding to talk with Ava. Naomi goes up, BLOCKBUSTERS Lash down, and Ava finds Cora to say step into her office then. Cora and Ava look to handle business off camera, three guesses what that’s going to be about.

As for in the ring, Naomi and Lash are both down but the fans rally up. Lash and Naomi crawl, hot tags to Jakara and Bianca! Bianca CLOBBERS Jakara, CLOBBERS her again, then DROPKICKS! Bianca DECLS Lash, wrenches Jakara, and suplexes! Bianca marches around then SLAMS Jakara down! Bianca kips up, the fans fire up, and Bianca RAMS Jakara in the corner! Bianca climbs up, rains down fists, and the fans count along! Bianca goes to TEN, then sees Lash coming! Bianca jumps up and over, Lash almost runs into Bianca! Bianca tilt-o-whirl RANAS Lash away! But Jakara BOOTS Bianca! Jakara goes up but Bianca ROCKS her!

Bianca military presses Jakara, SLAMS her down, and the fans fire up for the HANDSPRING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Jakara stays in this but Bianca stays cool. Bianca drags Jakara up and over, tags in Naomi, and they ENZIGIRI HART ATTACK! Cover, Lash breaks it! The fans rally, Bianca wrenches Lash and torture racks her! Lash grabs ropes, fights free, and then she DUMPS Bianca to the apron! Lash ROCKS Bianca, then calls to Jakara! Jakara DIVES out onto Bianca! The fans fire up, but then Naomi ROUNDHOUSES Lash down! Jakara HOTSHOTS Naomi, runs up and SLINGBLADES! Jakara tags Lash and they go after Naomi!

Wheelbarrow and lift, META CUTTER!! Cover, BIANCA BREAKS IT! That was the closEST save but “This is Awesome!” Bianca SPEARS Jakara! Lash scoops Bianca for a WIDOWMAKER! Lash calls to Jakara, then she hauls Naomi up. Lash lifts Naomi but Naomi hits an X-FACTOR!! All four women are down and the fans fire up again! Naomi facelocks Lash, but Lash powers out! lash ELBOWS Bianca, Naomi ENZIGIRIS Lash! Naomi runs, into a PUMP THE BRAKES KICK! Lash tags Jakara, Lash wheelbarrows Naomi again, but Naomi BOOTS Jakara! Naomi switches with Lash, shoves her and Bianca DUMPS her out!

Bianca RAMS Lash into steel steps! Jakara O’Conner Rolls Naomi, TWO!!! Naomi has it now, TWO!! Tag to Bianca, and Naomi mule kicks Jakara! Bianca and Naomi get Jakara up in a double torture rack! DOUBLE KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, StrongEST Glow wins!!

Winners: Bianca Belair & Naomi, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

That was the closEST yet Bianca & Naomi came to losing the belts, but they found a way to win! And- Wait, did we just go off the air abruptly? No, wait, the text “WWE TRANSMISSION” is edited before our eyes into “VENGEANCE DAY.” But what could this mean for NXT?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT on location in Atlanta, and it was great for NXT to return to Center Stage Arena. But at the same time, this was more about setting up Vengeance Day for big things. We got a pretty good Grayson Waller Effect segment, and while Theory was cheered in Atlanta, Theory did his best to still be the Heel. Theory “turning” on Waller was a good gag because duh, we’ve been waiting for a long time to see where that is going. I have a feeling the Triple Threat is going to push that team breakup happen this time. Also, Oba certainly isn’t losing if he can use ATDU against itself. Trick upset over not getting his rematch is good stuff, and his brawl before his match with Wes was good stuff. It really put the pressure on, and then great stuff with Trick losing his cool during the match.

Trick & Oba VS ATDU is interesting, I almost feel like Trick is going to win his way into the Vengeance Day match. Great tag match of Giulia & Bayley VS Roxie & Cora, great win for the Faces, and I like that Roxie threw Cora under the bus afterward. A Triple Threat for the women’s title will be great, but I wonder if Cora tries to make that a Fatal 4 Way. Ridge getting on Izzi’s case and then Stacks defending Izzi, their match will be great, and it might bring Ridge back around to facing Tony D’Angelo in time for Vengeance Day. I still think Izzi is a double agent for Shawn Spears and will screw things up for Tony.

Good promo from Briggs & Inamura, and certainly, they’ll face Fraxiom for the tag titles. I would like if they’d get more matches, but we all know Briggs is good and clearly Inamura is really good or he wouldn’t be the guy joining Briggs on this. Very good match of Ethan VS Cedric, but I figured Ethan would win so that he would try to do more damage and that’d bring Je’Von out. Seriously, “Unsanctioned” match of Ethan VS Je’Von should happen at Vengeance Day because that’d be some great stuff for Je’Von. Je’Von can win, “unsanctioned” means it “doesn’t count,” so Ethan can use that to stay ahead of Je’Von in terms of title opportunities.

Very good promo from Eddy Thorpe, and he has that leather strap back. He probably wants one last shot at the top title, but I feel like he should really go for the North American Championship first. Very good promo from Kelani and Karmen with Kelani bring out more of her mean girl side, though that fits in with what I said last week and the CW teen drama stuff. Great match from Fallon VS Shotzi, including the brawling from their teammates, but I figured Fallon would win. Fatal Influence had a good promo together, as Fallon and Jacy continue to passive aggressively fight to be the alpha. Fallon VS Vaquer will be awesome, but Vaquer should be winning the title.

And great main event with the Women’s Tag Team Championships. Lash & Jakara probably looked the best they have since becoming a team, but as last night’s Raw foreshadowed, Bianca & Naomi win. They’re definitely saving the moment of Jade Cargill outing Naomi for when it’s Bianca & Naomi VS Liv & Raquel, wherever that happens, but it’s still a flaw of pro-wrestling storytelling in the modern day and age that we’ve had to wait this long. Jade has been posting online, we know she’s more or less recovered from that brutal attack, she would have revealed the truth long before now if this were just real-life. Even so, whatever we get out of the reveal, the matches will be great.

My Score: 8.9/10