Tampa has become a Battleground!

Not only will NXT’s top champions defend their gold, but for the first time on a WWE PLE, the TNA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP is on the line! Will Joe Hendry #WhoopDatTrick?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT Women’s North American Championship: Sol Ruca w/ ZARIA VS Kelani Jordan; Sol wins and retains the title.
• Six Man Tag: Josh Briggs, Hank ‘n’ Tank VS The Culling; Briggs, Hank ‘n’ Tank win.
• Tony D’Angelo VS Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo; Stacks wins.
• NXT Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS Jordynne Grace; Vaquer wins and retains the title.
• NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Myles Borne; Oba wins and retains the title.
• TNA World Heavyweight Championship: Joe Hendry VS Trick Williams; Trick wins and becomes the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the Battleground Countdown Show!

Join Megan Morant & Sam Roberts in discussing, analyzing and predicting what is about to go down in Tampa!

Backstage interview with #ZaRuca.

Kelly Kincaid sits with the Agent of Change and #ChampChamp Sol Ruca. Last year at Battleground, Sol competed for the NXT Women’s North American Championship but lost. This year, she walks in as champion, so how is she feeling? Sol says she is stoked. Not only is she walking in the NEW NXT Women’s North American Champion but also the NEW Women’s Speed Champion. This is honestly such a full circle moment. Last year, she really wanted to win, and thought it was the perfect opportunity to show the world she could bounce back from injury. But in hindsight, winning the title at the biggest show of the year, Stand & Deliver, with Zaria by her side, was even sweeter.

Speaking of Stand & Deliver, Kelly remembers that moment of both friends standing atop the ladder, staring down, knowing in that moment what has to be done. Here they sit, still best friends. How does a strong friendship like this come about? Zaria admits, it was a bumpy start. Sol says yes, but look at them now. They first met at Deadline in the Iron Survivor, trying to put each other down. Zaria thought that was the end of it, because she didn’t come to NXT to make friends. Look at her. Does she look like she “fits in?” She always had walls up. Until Sol did something no one else has, and that was standing up for Zaria. That moment brought about a mutual respect.

Sol says it didn’t end there, either. They hung out in the locker room, she saw something in Zaria she could bring out, and then begged her to hang out at the beach. Zaria was resistant, but Sol cracked through the hard shell. Then they did things Zaria’s way, the rage room and the ax throwing, and here we are. People are always trying to drive a wedge between them, but they have been through so much already, that is why they’re so strong. And back to Stand & Deliver, before the match even started, they talked it out. No matter what happened, #ZaRuca would be fine, this was just the nature of the beast. They won’t cheat to victory, they’d just have a friendly competition.

Kelly brings it back to Heatwave, Sol VS Kelani, and how things were much different then. That was also friendly competition. But that dynamic has changed since then, so how will it affect tonight’s match? Sol says that has been their one and only 1v1, one of Sol’s favorite matches. Kelani came out on top, but then lost the title in a gauntlet match at Halloween Havoc. That hit Kelani hard, and there is a void now that winning the title might not even fill. This attitude stems from that loss. Kelani is different but so is Sol. Sol still needed her knee brace, but now she’s so much confident. Plus, she has her badass best friend.

Kelani seems to think Sol needs Zaria and Zaria needs Sol, but the thing is, they want to help each other. Sol won the Speed Championship on her own, and while Kelani has been champ, she also lost the title. Kelani has never been double champ, never had a career threatening injury, and has never had a friend like Zaria supporting her. Sol wants Kelani to know that she is gonna get her soul snatched! Kelly wishes Sol luck and Sol is proud Zaria opened up. But will Sol really not need Zaria to beat Kelani? Or will the Standout become the first TWO-TIME NXT Women’s North American Champion?

The Culling meets.

The Chair Man says, “Gentlemen, our moment has arrived. Tonight, for the very first time, we team together, and how fitting. On a grand stage of a PLE. A stage that is unfamiliar to you, Niko, and a platform that is but a memory for you, Brooks, but that is all contemporary. Tonight, you can rely on my experience and wisdom to guide, but make no mistake. I will be leaning on you both, because you have rejuvenated my purpose by becoming the truest versions of yourselves. Now those three superstars, Hank, Tank and Briggs, present a formidable challenge. But we’re The Culling. And we have the ability to be victorious.”

Niko Vance says, “Battleground. The perfect description for the setting tonight. This is the biggest match of my life. And with my brothers by my side, I will leave carnage, smash through three brick walls if I have to, just to make sure our hands are raised.” Brooks Jensen says, “This is a moment of reflection for me and my journey. From where I was, wondering if I would continue to fall short. But now I realize that i was hanging with the wrong people. I’m not focused on what was, but what’s in front of me. And that is three people who have my best interests in their minds, and the epitome of what true friends are.”

Izzi Dame says, “Tonight, The Culling ascends once again, closing the doors on the past by putting down Josh Briggs, and opening the doors of the future by letting Hank ‘n’ Tank know that we’re coming for the NXT Tag Team titles. We purge the weak, slaughter the feeble, and The Culling does whatever it needs to do to win.” These four pillars of megalomania are united, but will they stand tall? Or can the Bullhead Brawler and the Big Belly Bandits bust right through them?

Sit-down interview with Myles Borne.

Vic Joseph sits with the #1 contender to THE NXT Championship, and wants to congratulate him on making his first WWE PLE singles match, and it is for the title. Take us through the last few weeks. Myles says he’ll take us back even further than that. When he first signed up with the WWE, he was going through a hard time. Honestly, he didn’t know if he was ready. But quickly, the NQCC took him in, made him family, and got him ready. All the coaches always say to be ready for every opportunity. Coming into the battle royal, he felt the most ready he’s ever been. And now that he’s going to Battleground for an NXT Championship match, that work has paid off.

Myles is hitting his stride, he is ready. Vic says he’s gotten to really know Myles these last few months, and the one thing Vic has learned about Myles, and correct him if he’s wrong… He was only given a 15% chance to live at birth. Why did he feel this was the right time to open up about his disability? Myles says it just felt right to share that with the WWE Universe. Especially after hearing them go crazy when he won the battle royal. He is hard of hearing, but he still heard them that night. Not only that, he felt them! He felt he owed it to them to open up. If they’re behind him now, then they should know the real him.

Yes, Myles is hard of hearing, he has his speech impediment, but he won’t let that define him. He will break stereotypes. But at the same time, he wants people to know he is not ashamed of any of this. It shaped him into the man he is today. He wouldn’t change a thing. And that isn’t just what he wants to carry with him, he wants to show the world that. He wants to show all the kids out there that there is nothing that can hold them back. No disability or limitation will define who you are or what you can do. That is why this title match means so much to him. Myles wants to show the world that if he can do it, so can you.

Vic says that is an amazing journey, and an amazing life story. But now let’s talk about the match, the biggest match of his career. Vic’s question to Myles is, he is facing Oba Femi, who is near-undefeated in his time in NXT. How is Myles going to topple The Ruler? How will he conquer the conqueror? How will he dethrone Oba? Why is Myles going to be the NEW NXT Champion? Myles says he has been fighting the odds since day one, since birth. He’ll be fighting against Oba mostly to survive. Oba is a monster. Let’s be honest, Oba beats Myles on size, strength, and power. But what he doesn’t have Myles beat on is heart.

Myles is ready to defy the odds again at Battleground! He is confident that he will go toe-to-toe with Oba. And behind that confidence, he gives credit to his team. Tavion Heights, Charlie Dempsey, Wren Sinclair, they have worked with him every day. He couldn’t do it if not for them, and he can’t thank them enough. But he knows he is in for a fight. But that’s what Myles loves about it. Not only is Myles standing up against Oba, Oba is up against Myles Borne. Myles isn’t alone. He is carrying an entire community who has struggled, who have disabilities, challenges, and limitations that they have overcome, and have faced adversity at every turn.

Myles is fighting for those people. That will carry Myles through to the finish. His high school wrestling coach, Dan Willis, told Myles that, “The wolf climbing the hill is always hungrier than the wolf on top.” Myles believes at the end of Battleground, he WILL be the NXT Champion. Vic knows there are many following this journey and all looking forward to his next chapter. Vic shakes Myles’ hand and wishes him luck. Will we all hear the words, “AND NEW,” at the end of tonight?

Sit-down interview with Kelani Jordan.

Blake Howard is with The Standout and says she has a big match for Battleground, but wants to rewind back to last year. Kelani made history by being the first Women’s North American Champion in the ladder match. What did that moment mean to her? Kelani says when she looks back, she remembers she felt that “fever dream” surrealness of it. But now, she realizes that being the first was a huge responsibility and a great opportunity to show just how good she is. But last year, no one believed in her. They overlooked her, underestimated her, but she believed in herself. She knew when she made history, she was going to prove those who did believe in her right, and those who didn’t were wrong.

Then fast-forward to this year. Another opportunity to make history as the first two-time Women’s North American Champion. What does that feel like? Kelani says when we look back on her reign, a lot of people said she was so rainbows and butterflies, happy and bubbly. Now her attitude has changed, she isn’t the same Kelani as last year. She realized that to make it in this business, there’s no friends. She had a target on her back, so she had to trim the fat and cut people out in order to get what she wants, and that is the title. Then going from the physical championship to the champion herself, Sol Ruca-

Kelani stops Blake there. She already knows how Sol thinks, because Kelani was champion. But he didn’t even ask about Heatwave, where Kelani beat Sol 1v1. Sol remembers it, Kelani remembers it, and surely Blake remembers it. Sol is the most athletic person in the building not named Kelani Jordan. Kelani doesn’t care if you see this as attitude or what, she sees it as her experience. Kelani knows what it is to win a title, and what it is to lose the title. So Sol will find out just what that feels like. Will no one do it like Lani? Or will she add failing to win back a title to her experiences?

We are no strangers to the fight for survival.

“We are no strangers to the need to conquer. We are no strangers to battle. Leaders from two companies, one that should have the homefield advantage, but now is just an outcast in his own kingdom. A battle of a destroyed, started by a once-loyal soldier, now threatening an empire. Some have everything to lose, but others battle with everything to gain. A battle for domination between the best in their arena. And so, let the battle begin! Welcome to Battleground!”

NXT Women’s North American Championship: Sol Ruca w/ ZARIA VS Kelani Jordan!

Things have truly come full circle as the Soul Surfer and the Standout have battled since last year’s Battleground. Las Vegas saw Kelani win the prize and write her name down in history. Heatwave saw these two battle tooth and nail 1v1, but then Halloween Havoc saw Kelani fall under the Fatal Influence. Kelani wants to be back on top, but will her bad attitude be good enough to win again? Or will she get her soul snatched in Tampa?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see whose name stays in the spotlight!

The bell rings and the fans fire up already. Sol and Kelani circle, tie up, and Sol waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Kelani lands out to arm-drag, then things speed up. Sol redirects, Kelani ducks a kick to roll Sol, but Sol rolls through. Kelani avoids the dropkick, Sol kips up, but Kelani ELBOWS her down! The fans cheer as things keep moving. Sol drops, hurdles, but then Kelani hurdles. Sol AERIALS over Kelani’s dropdown, but Kelani does the same to avoid a sweep! The fans fire up for this acrobatic exchange, and Sol offers a handshake. Kelani accepts, the fans cheer, but then Kelani swings! Sol slips around to lift, ATOMIC FACEBSUTER!

Sol steps on Kelani to surf! Kelani bucks free, blocks a kick, then ROCKS Sol! Kelani whips, Sol reverses, then Sol hurdles. Kelani is thrown off by Sol’s roll-back, and Sol catches Kelani into a drop toehold! STF! The fans fire up while Kelani endures! Kelani fights around, Sol cranks on the hold, and the fans rally. Kelani rolls to a cover, ONE! Sol is up, trips Kelani, then handsprings over to SUPERKICK! Sol then suplexes, holds Kelani up, and the fans cheer as Sol goes to TEN for the SLAM! Sol kips up, handsprings to HIP DROP! Cover, TWO and Kelani has the sunset flip, TWO! Sol jackknifes deep, TWO! Kelani rolls Sol, TWO!

Sol and Kelani go around, Kelani swings to have the crucifix DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Sol flounders to the corner and the fans fire up! Kelani runs up, Sol ROUNDHOUSES her, and fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” Sol jumps but Kelani BOOTS her! Kelani goes up, up, TOP ROPE GUILLOTINE LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Kelani reels Sol in but Sol fights the suplex. Sol suplexes, Kelani lands out and RAMS her into the corner! Kelani then NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Kelani is already frustrated but she drags Sol up. Sol fires body shots, the fans rally and duel, and Kelani KNEES low! Kelani whips, Sol goes up, but Kelani stays back!

Kelani hooks Sol for a modified fireman’s carry, SWINGING SLAM! High stack, TWO! Kelani has a leg, Sol fights it, but Kelani KICKS Sol in the back! Sol KICKS from below! Kelani KICKS and stomps away on Sol, to then have the HALF CRAB! The fans rally, Sol endures, and Sol crawls forward, only for Kelani to drag her back! Sol powers up to stay up, the fans rally more, but Kelani pulls on the leg! Sol uses that to roll through, but Kelani jackknife bridges, TWO! Sol hurries to a corner, Kelani runs in, but Sol slips out and Kelani hits buckles! Kelani still ROCKS Sol first, then goes up! Kelani drags Sol up by her hair, but Sol ROCKS her back!

Sol jumps up, grabs Kelani, but the two hand fight! Sol still hits a SUPER X FACTOR!! The fans are thunderous as both women are down! Kelani and Sol stir, “This is Awesome!” and Kelani goes to a corner. Sol runs in and ELBOWS Kelani, then picks her up, BACKPACK SENTON! Sol keeps moving, SHINING WIZARD! Kelani flounders to the outside and the fans rally up. Sol storms up, blocks a kick, but Kelani blocks the shoulder tackle to KNEE and BOOT Sol down! Kelani brings Sol up, Zaria coaches Sol, and Sol fights the fisherman! Sol fires forearms and ROCKS Kelani! Sol DUMPS Kelani but Kelani handsprings through!

Sol blocks a kick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Sol flops down, Kelani takes aim, and she slingshots to then ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit and Tampa fires up again! They cheer “NXT!” while Kelani tells Zaria to watch herself. Zaria says same back, and Kelani climbs. Sol stands, into a FLYING- NO! Sol stops Kelani’s rana, brings Kelani up, but Kelani slips free! Sol stops the wheelbarrow to hold the arms back, SURFBOARD BACKSTABBER! Kelani tumbles out, Sol builds speed, and the fans fire up for Sol’s FOSBURY FLOP!! And kip up!! The fans are thunderous again and even Zaria is fired up!

Sol drags Kelani up and into the ring. Kelani flounders, Sol springboards, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO!! Kelani survives and fans rally up. Sol fireman’s carries, swings Kelani, but Kelani DDTS! No F5, Kelani goes up! FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Another cover, TWO! A third cover, TWO!! Kelani is furious and she goes back up the corner. Kelani aims again, but Sol is up! Sol ROCKS Kelani, climbs up after her, but Kelani fights back. The fans rally as Kelani climbs and calls her shot! SUPER POISON-RANA, but Sol lands out of it!! SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!!! Kelani survives and shocks everyone! “This is Awesome!”

Sol runs, goes up, the corner, but Kelani YANKS her down! Sol ELBOWS Kelani away, climbs up, but Kelani jumps up to KICK! Kelani goes up, they clinch and fight with body shots, but Kelani goes up to the very top! SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!!! Sol survives and Kelani is beside herself! Zaria is relieved and she coaches Sol up. The fans rally as Kelani crawls after Sol. Kelani stands Sol up to BOOT! And BOOT! And BOOT again! Sol breaks free to then EDDY GORDO KICK! Kelani still ROCKS Sol! Sol ELBOWS Kelani! Kelani SLAPS! Sol SLAPS! Kelani ROCKS but Sol SUPERKICKS! Sol runs but Kelani jumps up to STOMP!

Kelani goes up, SPLIT-LEG- ZARIA PUSHES SOL TO SAFETY! The ref saw that, and he EJECTS Zaria! Zaria is frustrated, Sol is confused as to what even happened, but Kelani WRECKS Sol with a dropkick!! Kelani puts Sol in, Sol goes up, but Kelani stops the snatcher! Kelani ROCKS Sol, climbs up, and they brawl up top! Sol HEADBUTTS Kelani down, adjusts position, and SUPER SOL SNATCHER!!! Cover, SOL WINS!!

Winner: Sol Ruca, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s North American Champion)

The Agent of Change was definitely a factor in this match, but did she need to do that? Would Sol have even still been in this match to finish it off? Or is it all coulda, shoulda, woulda? And either way, what is Kelani to do now that she isn’t the two-time NXT Women’s North American Champion?

Ava Raine meets with Dalys & Chik Tormenta.

The General Manager of NXT is talking with two top luchadoras of AAA, and they shake hands. Could there be something big in the works on the way to Worlds Collide in LA?

Backstage interview with Mike Santana.

Sarah Schreiber is with “The Standard” of TNA, and he is taking in the sights of his first WWE PLE. It has taken him 16 years to walk through the doors of the WWE, so to say he is having a hell of a time is a definite understatement. He is making it clear he wants the TNA World Championship, so he’ll watch Trick Williams and Joe Hendry throw hands. Now, to the fans who may not know who he is, he is a loud and proud Boricua from the Bronx! He doesn’t mix words, and keeping it a buck has been ingrained in him since day one. So to put it plain and simple, he is here to get the winner of tonight’s match, the man who is TNA World Champion.

But then No Quarter Catch Crew walks by, and Charlie Dempsey asks, “Whoa, what’s this? Another TNA Wrestler that don’t belong. It’s bad enough that we have Joe Hendry here stealing the main event spotlight tonight. Now we have Santana here demanding things. Y’know, I’m getting real sick and tired of outsiders here.” Santana tells Charlie that he doesn’t know Santana, and now he’s here cutting into interview time, calling him an outsider. Santana knows time is money, so now there’s a problem. Tavion tells Charlie he has this. Respectfully, Tavion sees no problem. Tavion sees an opportunity.

With the way Myles is getting his, maybe if Santana doesn’t mind, Tavion wants this opportunity to check The Standard. They shake hands on it, much to Charlie’s annoyance. Santana and Tavion agree to meet on Tuesday. Santana says he respects Tavion. Not sure about his homeboy here. Santana and Tavion are ready to tie up in 48 hours, but will Tavion take his career to new heights against a veteran like Santana?

Also, in the background of all this, Fallon Henley and Jacy Jayne are arguing up a storm. Fatal Influence failed to take down Stephanie Vaquer & Jordynne Grace, are they only going to tear themselves apart?

Six Man Tag: Josh Briggs, Hank ‘n’ Tank VS The Culling!

The fallout of Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen gave way to The Chair Man influencing the latter and using him as a foundational piece in… whatever is really going on here. But will Jensen and Nick help Shawn Spears be victorious on the Battleground? Or will Briggs learn how to HONK HONK with the NXT Tag Team Champions?

The teams sort out and Briggs runs right up on The Culling! Niko stays up and throws hands with Briggs, then whips. Briggs reverses, Niko ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Briggs does the same to LARIAT! Briggs fires up, he ELBOWS Niko in the corner, then Tank tags in. Tank bumps Niko off buckles, goes side to side, and Hank tags in before Tank LARIATS! Hank LARIATS then BULLDOGS! And they set up already! Spears shouts to Niko to move, and Niko avoids the belly sandwich! The fans boo, but Jensen & Spears run up! Hank ‘n’ Tank DUMP them out, then build speed! Briggs LEAPS onto Spears while Hank ‘n’ Tank DOUBLE DIVE!

The fans are fired up as The Culling gets wiped out by all that “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Hank puts Niko back in the ring, counters a punch with a punch, then bumps Niko off buckles. Niko shoves Hank to HEADBUTT! Niko then whips Hank into the post! Hank goes flying to the floor and Izzi shouts, “How’d that feel!?” Jensen tags in, he puts Hank back in the ring, and then he rains down shots! The fans rally for “HANK! TANK!” but Jensen suplexes! Cover, TWO! Jensen drags Hank over, tags Niko, and they double whip for a scoop and LAWN DART! Hank falls back, Niko pushes him around, then stomps him down!

Niko keeps on Hank but the fans rally up. Niko stands Hank up, whips him to the ropes and scoops again, but Hank slips free to roll Niko up! TWO, and Niko CLOBBERS Hank! Tag to Spears and he stares Briggs down. The fans rally but Spears has Hank’s legs. Spears stomps Hank in the gut, then stomps him again! And again! Spears digs his boot in, then stomps Hank on the face! Spears taunts Briggs, then drags Hank up. Spears mocks the Honk Honk, but Hank DECKS Spears! The fans fire up and Spears flounders! Tag to Niko and he grabs legs. Hank kicks away and sends Niko stumbling! Jensen tags in and grab legs!

Hank BOOTS Jensen away, but Jensen knocks Briggs off the apron! Then he does the same to Tank! But Hank BACKDROPS Jensen! The fans fire up, Tank stomps the steps, and both men crawl! Hot tags to Spears and Tank! The fans fire up as Tank rallies on The Culling! Big LARIAT after big LARIAT, and then Tank dodges Jensen to BACKDROP! The fans fire up, Tank dodges Niko’s cheap shot to ROCK him! Tank goes out to CANNONBALL to the floor! The fans fire up with Tank, and he hurries back in! Tank runs up, ducks ‘n’ dodges Spears to go up, up, and FLYING TACKLE! Tank then RAMS Spears into the corner!

Tank puts Spears up, Briggs BOOTS Niko! Briggs scoops Jensen for a BACKBREAKER! Hank tags in, climbs up to join Tank, and they have Spears up. Briggs tags in before the DOUBLE SUPERPLEX! Briggs then hurries, but Niko & Jensen fly in! MACHO ELBOW from Jensen and a DIVING HEADBUTT from Niko, they take out Hank ‘n’ Tank! Briggs is up top himself now, and he BULLHEAD MOONSAULTS!! Cover, The Culling breaks it! The fans are thunderous, “This is Awesome!” as The Culling keeps on Briggs. Briggs DECKS Jensen, ELBOWS Niko, and blocks Spears’ superkick, only for Spears to SUPERKICK again!

Tank tags in but so does Jensen. They run up, Tank dodges to go up, up, but into the WHEEL KICK! Jensen wrenches and torture racks, for the X KNEE!! Niko tags in, he reels Tank in and Jensen goes up! Briggs anchors Jensen! Spears DIVES onto Briggs! Jensen goes up, DOUBLE STOMP DOMINATOR COMBO!! Cover, HANK BREAKS IT IN TIME!!! The fans boo, they at least want this to be fair! They chant, “Ref, You Suck!” as Jensen TOSSES Hank and Niko rains down fists on Tank! Niko drags Tank over, tags Jensen, but Hank drags Niko out! Tank slips free to ROCKET LAUNCH Jensen while Hank POSTS Niko!

Tank runs,. Jensen dodges, Briggs tags in! Tank LARIATS Jensen and himself out of the ring! Hank ‘n’ Tank regroup, they see Spears, and they DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Jensen comes back to ringside but Briggs is on him! Briggs shoves Jensen, scoops, and SIDEWALK SLAMS to a SPLASH! The fans fire up and Briggs throws off his elbow pad! Niko is up but Briggs is after him! Jensen distracts the ref so IZZI can BOOT Briggs!! Jensen rolls Briggs, TWO!! Briggs survives, Izzi is furious, but Jensen runs in. Briggs dodges Jensen, to LARIAT FROM HECC!! Tag to Hank, then Briggs LARIATS Niko!

Hank tags Tank, and the shirts are off! Jensen rises, HONK HONK!! BIG BELLY SANDWICH!! And then, THE GRIDIRON!! Cover, the hosses win!!

Winner: Josh Briggs, Hank ‘n’ Tank, by pinfall

The fans cheer as these mighty men of meat make it through together! The Culling fails to open that door to their future, but they’re still gonna “purge” the past! Niko drags Briggs out to THROW him into barriers! Spears & Jensen mug Hank ‘n’ Tank! The fans boo as Niko keeps after Briggs in the ring, and Izzi fetches Spears his chair! But wait! Someone snatches the chair from the other side! IT’S INAMURA!! Yoshiki didn’t go home just yet, he’s here to help his friend! Inamura JAMS Spears, SMACKS him, then repeat for Niko and Jensen! The Great Rush has turned the tide, and it is a 4v3 brawl!

The fans fire up as Jensen gets pinballed all around! Briggs tops it off with a LARIAT! The Culling is in retreat, and turns out they were wrong! Inamura and Briggs are still tomodachi (friends), will they have another chance at winning gold?

Backstage interview with Ethan Page.

Sarah is now with All Ego, and he is headed for an NXT North American Championship match on Tuesday. Can he explain- Ethan stops Sarah there, as he doesn’t really care about questions. Ethan instead speaks to Ricky Saints, saying, “Everybody here seems to believe with their heart that you are the coolest guy in NXT. Sarah, I hate to break it to you and everybody watching, but all of that is external. None of that’s real, it’s just for show. All of the confidence, the charisma, that silver tongue, the way he dresses, yeah. Because on the inside, Ricky Saints, one of the most insecure human beings I have ever met.

“I mean, how else do you explain making such poor decisions based on emotion. Why? Because he got pressed a little bit? Challenged a little bit? Put in a corner, Ricky? And now here we are on Tuesday, Ethan Page gets a shot at the North American Championship. Ricky, you have followed every single footstep I have taken for the past three months since you showed up in NXT. Well, that path you are following? It ends on Tuesday-” Ava steps in and says hello. Ethan says hello, boss. Please, have his side plates ready. Ava says well, we’ll see. What she’s here to tell him is that because this is a mess they made, Ethan and Ricky will actually kick off the show on Tuesday.

Oh, well that’s perfect! The longer this goes, the worse it gets for Ricky! Ava tells Ethan to stop talking, because she wasn’t done. She was going to add that whoever wins the North American Championship on Tuesday will then defend it on Saturday, June 7th, at Worlds Collide. Good luck. Ava leaves, Ethan sarcastically thanks Ava for that. Will All Ego bring down The Absolute? And one way or another, who is it coming for the title in Los Angeles?

Tony D’Angelo VS Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo!

The D’Angelo Family has been through so much, overcoming challenges to their power and influence, but it was only from within that they were brought down. Will the Underboss usurp Tony D as The Don of NXT? Or are there things Stacks still has to learn about being a boss?

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. Stacks says this is all on Tony, but Tampa is on Tony’s side. Tony SLAPS Stacks, then TACKLES him! The fans fire up as Tony fires off hands! Tony then stands Stacks up to fire off knees! Tony whips Stacks to ropes and LARIATS him down! Stacks staggers up, but Tony LARIATS him up and out! The fans fire up more while Stacks flounders back up. Tony storms up, Stacks grabs him, but Tony stops the hotshot to HIP TOSS! Stacks flounders away but Tony is right on him! Tony YANKS Stacks back from the ropes and asks, “Where ya going?” Stacks staggers up, Tony is on him again, but Stacks mule kicks!

Stacks LARIATS from behind, then HAMMERS away on Tony! The fans boo but Stacks stands over Tony. Stacks drags Tony up, reels him in, and mocks The Don, but Tony BACKDROPS Stacks! Tony runs and SUPER DON PUNCHES! The fans fire up and Tony has Stacks on the ropes. Tony makes Stacks bite down, but the ref reprimands. Stacks powers out and UP KICKS Tony away! Stacks runs up, Tony ducks him and clinches, to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Stacks is sent up and outta the ring! Tony goes out after him, runs up, and LARIATS Stacks down! The fans fire up more as Tony then RAMS Stacks into the apron!

The ref counts, but Tony RAMS Stacks into barriers! The ring count is 7 of 10 but Tony refreshes it. Stacks flounders up and goes to leave, but Tony drags him from the barriers to POST him! Stacks flops back down, and Tony says all Stacks ever had to do was listen to him! Tony tells Stacks he’s a stupid so and so, but then Stacks RAMS Tony into the steps! Then he SHOTGUNS Tony into the steps! The fans boo while both men are down on the outside. The ring count climbs again, passes 5 of 10, but Stacks is on Tony at 7. Stacks RAMS Tony’s ribs into the apron, then pushes Tony in at 8. Stacks storms in and KICKS away on Tony’s side!

Stacks KNEES away on Tony, the fans boo more, but Stacks snarls. Stacks stands Tony up, throws KNEES, but Tony blocks one! The fans rally but Stacks ROCKS Tony! Stacks RAMS into Tony again and again, then sits Tony down. Stacks stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, the fans boo, and Stack goes to the far corner. Stacks runs in and CANNONBALLS! Cover, TWO! Stacks keeps on Tony with a GROUND COBRA TWIST, and then he HAMMERS away on Tony! The fans rally for Tony as he endures, but then Stacks shifts to a body scissors! Tony endures the squeeze and the fans continue to rally behind him.

Tony fights, pries at the legs, but Stacks puts on the pressure! Tony turns around but Stacks CHOPS him! And CHOPS him! Tony CHOPS in return! The fans fire up as this is a scrap on the mat! Tony HAMMERS Stacks, drags him up, and fires more forearms! Stacks shoves Tony, Tony runs, but Stacks BODY BLOWS! And then ENZIGIRIS! Not the cleanest but Stacks runs from the corner, KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! The #CementShoes weren’t enough to end The Don, but Stacks clearly isn’t going to stop here. Stacks taunts Tony and the fans, the fans boo, and Tony gasps and sputters. Stacks brings Tony to the ropes, and he makes Tony bite down!

The fans boo, the ref counts, and Tony fights up! Tony breaks free to CHOP! Stacks ROCKS, but Tony clinches! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY into a corner! Stacks writhes, holds his foot, but the fans rally up. Tony fires hands on Stacks, then he DECKS Stacks! And DECKS him again! And then BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! And then BELLY2BELLY again! Tony whips Stacks to ropes, and hits a SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up as Tony fights through the pain. Tony paces while the fans cheer him on. Tony stands Stacks up, reels him in, and he fires the hockey scrum body shots! The fans count along, and Tony gives Stacks TEN!

Tony shoves Stacks down and the fans cheer again. Tony clutches his side, he brings Stacks up, but Stacks wrenches and KICKS! ENZIGIRI! A much better hit, and Stacks runs, but Tony dodges the knee! Tony deadlifts Stacks with the waistlock! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Stacks survives and Tony is a bit frustrated, but Tony waits for Stacks to go to a corner. Tony runs in, but Stacks jumps up! TRAINGLE HOLD, and Stacks rains down ELBOWS! Tony endures, fights up, and he deadlifts to POWERBOMB! Tony rains down more fists! The fans count, Tony stops at 9, and he seems to wonder why he’s doing this to his former friend.

The fans boo, they want Stacks to pay for his crimes! Stacks sputters and looks around in a daze. Stacks makes his way to the ropes, and Tony is trembling. The fans rally for Tony to put an end to it, but Stacks says Tony’s too weak to do it! The fans chant “HE’S A RAT!” Tony runs up, but Stacks puts him on the apron! ROLLING KICK! And then Stacks goes to the apron so he can RAM Tony into the POST! Stacks goes to the far side, says HE can finish the job. Stacks runs up, but Tony dodges! Stacks POSTS himself!! Tony puts Stacks in and RUNNING KNEES! Then FOGEDABOUTIT!! Cover, TWO!?!? Stacks survives and Tony is shocked!

The fans rally up more as Tony drags Stacks up. Tony gives Stacks a kiss goodnight, but the ribs won’t let him toss Stacks! Stacks CLOBBERS Tony into the ropes, then goes up the corner! Stacks aims for the GUILLOTINE DOUBLE STOMPS!! The fans lose their minds while Tony flops out of the ring! But then Stacks goes crawling to his corner, and he looks inside. Wait, whatever is supposed to be there isn’t there. Tony walks over and tells Stacks that he taught Stacks that crowbar trick! Tony then POSTS Stacks! Tony rushes in and LARIATS! And SPEARS!! The fans fire up, and Tony HAMMERS away on Stacks!

Tony drags Stacks up by his chain necklace! Stacks crawls away, and he apologizes? He says sorry, he made a mistake! Tony says Stacks made his bed, now to sleep in it! STOMP! And then SPINEBUSTER!! Wait! Luca Crusifino is here! He’s alive!! Tony asks where he’s been, but Luca doesn’t respond. The ref tells Luca to stay back, but Stacks LOW BLOWS Tony!! The fans boo, and Stacks hits the BLINDSIDE KNEE!! Cover, Stacks wins!!

Winner: Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo, by pinfall

The Consigliere was alive all along, and he plays a pivotal roll in Stacks’ victory! Was that meeting in the desert all a ruse for this very moment? Tony looks to Luca and asks why, but Luca wants to hug it out? Tony shoves Luca away and takes his leave. Is this a sign that Tony’s days as Don are numbered?

NXT Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS Jordynne Grace!

La Primera has made history already by being a DUAL NXT Women’s & NXT Women’s North American Champion, by defending both titles successfully on one night, and then letting the Women’s North American Championship go willingly so the division could grow even stronger. Vaquer even won a Fatal 4 Way at Stand & Deliver, overcoming Giulia, Jaida Parker and Jordynne Grace. But now she must go 1v1 with the Juggernaut to keep making history, can she do it? Or will the Dark Angel be conquered by Grace?

The introductions are made, the title is raised, and we see who is truly the best of the best!

Watching from the front row are Dalys & Chik Tormenta, surely courtesy of Ava. The bell rings and the fans fire up already. Grace offers a handshake, Vaquer takes it, and the fans cheer the sportsmanship. The two circle, tie up, and Vaquer waistlocks. Grace wrenches free and wristlocks, but Vaquer rolls, handsprings, and wrenches to snapmare. Grace is up to RUN Vaquer over! Grace clamps onto an arm and the fans rally up more. Vaquer stands, Grace hammerlocks but Vaquer reaches back. Vaquer drops, rolls, and wrenches to knuckle lock. Vaquer lifts Grace using leg power, then jumps up, but Grace turns wheelbarrow into waistlock!

Grace SLAMS Vaquer, flips her over, but Vaquer kips up to arm-drag! Grace is back to CLOBBER Vaquer! Grace has the armlock again and the fans cheer this chess game. Vaquer rises, the fans rally, and Vaquer wrenches to then headlock. Grace powers up but Vaquer hits a takeover! Grace headscissors, Vaquer kips free, but Grace fireman’s carries! Vaquer sunset flips, ONE! Grace sits on it, ONE! Vaquer has a ghost pin, ONE! Grace has a lateral press, ONE! Vaquer turns Grace over, O’Conner Bridge, TWO! Grace ducks a kick, Vaquer ducks the backhand, and the fans cheer the standoff! Grace and Vaquer circle, and the fans cheer “NXT! NXT!”

Vaquer and Grace tie up, go around, and Grace powers Vaquer back step by step. They’re in the corner, the ref counts, and Grace slowly lets off. Vaquer avoids a chop to CHOP! Then Vaquer runs, tilt-o-whirls, rolls Grace up, TWO! Grace is up, Vaquer catches the lariat to spin Grace, and snap suplexes! Grace goes to ropes, Vaquer dials it up, but Grace ducks the 619! Vaquer drags Grace up to reel her in, BIG back suplex! Vaquer then sits Grace up, and the fans fire up. Vaquer looks to Booker T and puts on the headscissors! But Grace rolls all the way out of the ring, and has an Electric Chair! She SLAMS Vaquer onto the desk!

Vaquer almost falls on Booker, and Grace smiles. Grace stalks Vaquer through commentary to drag her up and THROW her into barriers! The fans cheer for Booker but the ring count starts. Grace puts Vaquer in the ring, covers, TWO! Vaquer stays in this, but Grace has Vaquer’s legs! Grace KICKS away on Vaquer to turn her over, BOSTON CRAB! Vaquer endures, powers up, and marches forward to the ROPEBREAK! Grace holds until the ref counts 4, then stalks Vaquer to a corner. Grace drags Vaquer up, the fans continue to rally behind “LA PRIMERA!” But Grace fireman’s carries to bump Vaquer off buckles!

Vaquer scrambles around and has the SLEEPER! Grace RAMS Vaquer into buckles, RAMS her again, then BACKPACK SENTONS! The fans rally while both women are down! Vaquer writhes, goes back to the corner, but Grace is on her. Grace stands Vaquer up to ROCK her with a forearm! Grace whips Vaquer back into the corner, then scoops for a POWERSLAM! Grace goes up, up, and VADER FLOPS as Vaquer moves! Vaquer BOOTS Grace, goes up, but Grace CHOPS back! Grace CHOPS again, then CHOPS again! But Vaquer grabs that arm for the HANGING ARMBAR!! The ref counts, Vaquer lets go, and then Vaquer springboards to CROSSBODY!

The fans fire up as Vaquer wrenches and EAT DA FEET! LARIAT in the corner and Grace sits! Vaquer scrubs Grace’s face with her boot, then Vaquer goes corner to corner, METEORA! Vaquer drags Grace out, picks her up, BIG back suplex! And now Vaquer smiles as she puts the headscissors on! Booker and Tampa all fire up! “AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! YEEEEEEAH~!” Ten Devil’s Kisses and the fans all cheer! Cover, TWO!! Grace survives and Vaquer is frustrated, but she drags Grace up. Grace fights the tuck and trips Vaquer! Grace tries to turn Vaquer but Vaquer powers up to kick at Grace!

Grace staggers away, Vaquer storms up, but Grace kicks her! Grace skins the cat, SLAPS Vaquer, then slingshots, but Vaquer LARIATS! Grace just shakes that off! Vaquer runs, but Grace hits a SPINEBUSTER! Roll through, tuck, and PACKAGE POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Vaquer survives and Grace is despairing. “This is Awesome!” but Grace isn’t sure how to finish this. Grace pump handles, but Vaquer fires elbows! Grace LARIATS front and back and on repeat! Grace runs, but Vaquer blows past, slips around, and SNAP GERMANS! Grace is up but Vaquer reels her in, DDT! Cover, TWO!! Grace survives again and Vaquer scowls.

The fans rally harder as Vaquer and Grace rise up. Vaquer runs up, ROCKS Grace, but then Grace blocks the whip! Grace shoves Vaquer, Vaquer comes back, but Grace puts her on the apron. Vaquer ROCKS Grace, goes up, but Grace SHORYUKENS! Grace climbs up to get Vaquer, SLAPS her, and SLAPS again! The fans fire up as Grace SLAPS Vaquer again! Grace brings Vaquer up for a SUPERPLEX, and roll through, JACKHAMMER!! Cover, TWO!??! Vaquer survives and Grace is in disbelief! The fans fire up as Grace brings Vaquer up again. Grace reels Vaquer in, Canadian Rack, but Vaquer rolls through to roll Grace up! TWO!

Grace trips Vaquer, Vaquer fires elbows, but Grace jackknifes! TWO as Vaquer bridges, and Vaquer tucks! S V- NO, Grace slips out the back, then she catches Vaquer! BEAST- CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!! Grace escapes, Vaquer runs, and Vaquer tilt-o-whirls, but Grace has the gut wrench! Vaquer powers through! But then Grace powers through in return! Grace shifts Vaquer around, but Vaquer uses that to slip free and shove Grace to ropes! Tabletop roll up, TWO! Grace is up, Vaquer blocks, fires shots, and then SOBATS! And SUPERKICKS!

Grace tumbles to the apron and then the floor while the fans fire up! Vaquer lets the ring count start before she goes out to fetch Grace. But Grace fireman’s carries Vaquer! Grace aims, but Vaquer slips free, and Vaquer shoves Grace through barriers!! The fans are losing their minds from that impact! Vaquer drags Grace up, puts her in the ring, and brings her around to tuck the arms! S V B!!! Cover, TWO?!!? No one can believe what just happened, least of all Vaquer! Vaquer drags Grace up, underhooks again, but Grace fights with everything she has! Grace fires body shots and a CHOP! Vaquer ROCKS Grace, but Grace ROCKS Vaquer!

The fans fire up as the forearms keep going! Vaquer ROCKS Grace again, but Grace fires a flurry! URAKEN! Vaquer goes to a corner, Grace runs in, but Vaquer dodge! Vaquer comes back, blocks a boot, and DRAPING DRAGON SCREWS Grace! Vaquer goes up the corner, but Grace anchors a foot! Vaquer kicks Grace away, but Grace CLUBS Vaquer again! Grace goes up, waistlocks, and she brings Vaquer up! Vaquer fires body shots and a REAR HEADBUTT! Grace falls, Vaquer adjusts, SPINAL TAP!! Cover, VAQUER WINS!!

Winner: Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)

It was certainly a war between two of the best in the world today, but Vaquer proves she is still THE best! But as she stares down some of AAA’s best, are we about to see La Primera in LA for Worlds Collide? As for Grace, if she can’t get the title after this powerful of a fight, what will it take to have a title at all?

Sarah Schreiber is in the ring.

She welcomes out the NXT North American Champion, Ricky Saints! Tampa fires up for The Absolute as he makes his way out to the ring. Sarah brings up that Ethan Page believes he has Ricky right where he wants him. Ava did announce that their match kicks off NXT this Tuesday, how is Ricky feeling? Ricky says Ethan likes to think he’s this evil genius. Yes, Ethan is smart, but he’s more like the guy you always see at the party that no one knows who invited him, he’s just there. Nobody wants you here, Ethan! But Ricky seems to be the new favorite obsession for Ethan. Ricky thought Stand & Deliver would let them move on. But no, ol’ Ricky is on Ethan’s mind 24/7.

So the way Ricky sees it, he puts this title on the line, not because he was rattled, but because he knew that Ethan’s greed wouldn’t let this opportunity slip away. Point blank, Ricky is tired of Ethan! That’s it! So if he has to show up and start NXT by defending his title and whoop Ethan’s ass, then let’s dance! The fans cheer and Sarah knows Ricky is laser focused. But then, Ava did add that the champion moves on to Worlds Collide. Ricky says he is not shy. Unlike Ethan, if you want a piece of Ricky, come get it. Ricky takes the mic from Sarah to hold up his belt. This belt means he is an ambassador! That means the Revolution will ALWAYS be televised!

So at Worlds Collide, if Ricky has to do it against the best AAA has to offer, if he has to go down to Tijuana to find somebody- WAIT! Ethan slides in from the crowd! But Ricky DECKS him first! The fans fire up as Ricky and Ethan brawl, and Ricky has the edge! Ricky DECKS Ethan out of the ring, kicks him off the apron, but then eggs him on to bring it! Security stops Ethan and the fans boo, but Ricky goes up, up, and SUPER CROSSBODIES onto Ethan! The fans fire up with Ricky as he is absolutely ready! Will Ricky finally humble All Ego?

NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Myles Borne!

The Ruler has been on his own dominant streak, from being NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament winner, to NXT North American Champion, to this moment here tonight. One on one, Triple Threats, it has not been enough to stop him. But this lifelong underdog has not let any odds, any obstacle, any disability, limitation or adversity ever stop him! Myles vows to go the distance, was he born to be a champion? Or will his Cinderella story end in tragedy?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the conqueror can be conquered!

The bell rings and the fans rally up. Myles and Oba circle, tie up, and Oba powers Myles back to a corner. The ref counts, Oba lets off, and the two reset. Oba grins and circles with Myles again to tie up. Oba again powers Myles back, but Myles slips away this time. The fans cheer as the two go again with another collar ‘n’ elbow. Oba SHOVES Myles, Myles BOOTS the lariat, then Myles headlocks. Oba powers up and out, Myles slides under the boot and then rolls off Oba’s back! Myles facelocks but Oba THROWS him away! The fans fire up as Myles lands on his feet. The fans rally again as the two circle.

Myles and Oba tie up, Oba KNEES low, then Oba whips. Myles blocks hip toss but then Oba blocks back. Myles hits low, steps up and FLIPS over Oba, but ducks Oba’s lariat to DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Oba is stunned by that #BabyRandy dropkick! Oba runs up, RAMS Myles into a corner, and he fires hands! Oba whips corner to corner, Myles slides to a stop and comes back, but Oba CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up again and Oba storms up on Myles. Oba puts Myles in a corner, RAMS him, and RAMS again. Myles CLUBS Oba, Oba RAMS Myles, but Myles fires hands! Myles ROCKS Oba, kicks, but Oba blocks. Myles ENZIGIRIS!

The fans fire up and Myles runs, but Oba catches his crossbody! Oba RAMS Myles into the corner again! Oba puts Myles up top, but Myles fires hands! Myles BOOTS Oba, then leaps, CROSSBODY! The fans fire up and Myles hurries to facelock! But Oba suplexes to hang Myles out to dry! Myles falls, flounders, and Oba snarls. Oba stalks Myles, brings him up, and deadlifts Myles to suplex! Cover, ONE!! Myles shows that grit but Oba rains down fists! Oba huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Myles around, and he tells Myles is not going to reign so long as Oba is here. But Myles fires body shots! Oba CLUBS Myles, then pushes him to ropes.

Oba stands on Myles’ chest! The ref counts, Oba steps off at 4, and the fans duel. Myles fires body shots but Oba CLUBS Myles down! Oba drags Myles around, steps on Myles, then stalks him. Oba brings Myles around, shoves him into ropes, and ROCKS him in the back! Myles sputters, but he still kick and throws hands! Oba CLUBS Myles down and the fans duel harder! Oba drags Myles up, KNEES low again and again, then clinches for the URENAGE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Myles survives but Oba smirks. Oba tells Myles to stay down, and he stomps Myles down. Myles goes to a corner, but Oba brings him up.

Oba suplexes, GOURD BUSTERS, and he lets Myles flounder. Oba says Myles is not ready for this moment, but Myles fires body shots! Oba KICKS Myles down, stalks him, then THROWS him down! Oba DRIBBLES Myles off the mat, then hauls him up, but Myles DROPKICKS again! The fans fire up as both men are down! Oba goes to a corner, Myles runs up, but Oba ELBOWS him down! Myles sputters, Oba looms over him, and Oba stands Myles up. Oba clinches for another URENAGE BACKBREAKER! And then he makes it a backbreaker rack! The fans rally as Myles endures being bent back against Oba’s knee!

Myles powers up, pries the grip away, and he stands up, only for Oba to LARIAT! Oba is annoyed now but the fans continue to rally. Myles sputters but Oba brings him up. Oba UPPERCUTS but Myles dodges! Myles hops on for a SLEEPER! Oba endures, RAMS Myles into a corner, but Myles hops back on! SLEEPER! Oba pries at the grip but he’s gasping for air! Oba RAMS Myles into more buckles and Myles falls! Oba goes to the apron, drags Myles up, and suplexes! But Myles fights that! Oba still tries, but Myles manages to get free, and he ORTON DROPKICKS again! The fans fire up as Myles runs, and he DIVES into a HAYMAKER!

Oba storms in, hauls Myles up, military press and GUT BUSTER DROP!! Cover, TWO!! Myles survives and the fans fire up! Oba is surprised and perhaps frustrated, but he clamps right onto Myles. Oba bends Myles back with a chinlock stretch! Myles endures and the fans rally up. Myles pries at the grip, but Oba shifts to have a full chinlock. The fans still rally as Myles fights up. Myles fires body shots but Oba CLUBS him! Oba back suplexes, but Myles lands out! Oba runs in, Myles dodges, and Oba POSTS himself! The fans fire up and Myles rises up! Oba storms back up but Myles fires hands! Myles runs, Oba pops him up, but Myles DROPKICKS again!

Oba tumbles out, Myles builds speed, and Myles FLIES! The fans fire up for #AirBorne and he puts Oba in! Myles goes up, up, and FLYING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Oba is still in this, but Myles still keeps after him! Myles clinches, Oba BELL CLAPS, then Oba scoops. Myles slips free, shove and SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as more of the #BabyRandy comes out! Myles brings Oba up but Oba choke grips! Myles fires forearms on Oba, knocks him down, and STANDING MOONSAULT FLOPS! Oba fireman’s carries, and he GUT- NO, Myles blocks the knee, DOUBLE STOMPS, and STANDING MOONSAULTS! But into Oba’s grip!

Oba stands to CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!?! Myles survives and Oba is shocked! The fans rally even harder as Myles rises. Oba runs up, Myles goes Matrix! Myles waistlocks but Oba fights the lift! Oba RAMS Myles into a corner! Oba arm-drags, but Myles has the arm! Ripcord and DDT!! Myles hurries up the corner, he wants to go #AirBorne again! DIVING- NO, Oba dodges, pops Myles up, but Myles RANAS through! Cover, TWO!! Oba escapes, and he ROCKS Myles! Myles goes to a corner, Oba runs up, and Oba back body- NO! Myles catches Oba, to GERMAN SUPLEX!! Myles hurries up and the fans are thunderous!

Myles climbs, leaps, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!! Oba survives and Myles is beside himself! The fans rally as hard as they can as Myles brings Oba up. Myles fires hands, Oba fires back, and the fans rally as the shots keep going. Oba CLUBS Myles, but Myles stands to fire a flurry! Oba ROCKS Myles, runs, but Myles LARIATS! Myles runs, Oba ROCKS him! Oba whips, Myles dodges, ORTON DROPKICK! Myles rises again and the fans fire up. Myles runs, but into a POP-UP UPPERCUT!! But Oba won’t end it there, he drags Myles up, FALL FROM GRACE!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! WHAT?!?! Oba cannot understand how Myles is doing it but the fans are loving it!

Myles crawls, Oba aims from a corner, and Oba snarls. Myles stands, Oba runs up, UPPERCUT in the corner! Oba just keeps moving, UPPERCUT again! And then UPPER- NO, Myles rolls Oba up! TWO!! Myles and Oba are running on fumes, but Oba LARIATS Myles inside-out!! Myles sputters to his feet but Oba has him again! SHOTPUT BOMB! Oba roars, and now a FALL FROM GRACE!!! But Oba won’t stop there! A THIRD FALL FROM GRACE!!! Cover, Oba wins!!

Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall (still NXT Champion)

Myles proved he has a heart bigger than most, but it still wasn’t enough to topple the tower that is Oba Femi. Even so, Oba shows Myles respect with a nod. Will The Ruler still be The Ruler until there is no one left to conquer?

Something is going down backstage!

No, not Jacy and Fallon still arguing! It is Stephanie being confronted by the AAA luchadoras! They argue in Espanol, but it is clear Chik Tormenta y Dalys want a fight with Vaquer. Ava rushes in to stop this from getting more than verbal, but then Jacy just SLAPS Vaquer! Vaquer gets up to throw hands but security rushes in. The AAA luchadoras like that, but will Vaquer make the Toxic Rockstar an example to everyone what happens when you anger La Primera?

TNA World Heavyweight Championship: Joe Hendry VS Trick Williams!

It has been a powerful night, but now we #CrossTheLine! The Prestigious Joe Hendry has fought hard to be the top star in Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling, just as Trick Willy did to be the top star in NXT. However, where Hendry did not stop believing, Trick had a crash out, then went Hollywood! Will Trick’s downward spiral only continue should he fail tonight? Or will he rename it Trick’s New Accolade Wrestling?

The introductions are made, TNA’s top title debuts on a WWE event, and we see who truly believes!

The bell rings and the fans are thunderous already! Hendry and Trick revel in the moment as the building is shaking. The fans rally for “T N A! T N A!” as Trick and Hendry circle. They approach but Trick slips right past Hendry. Trick smirks but Hendry and Trick go again. Trick slips through again, but Hendry tells Trick to bring it. Trick gets in Hendry’s face, pie faces him, then talks trash! But Hendry CHOPS! And CHOPS! And then LARIATS Trick up and out! The fans fire up as Hendry builds speed to HIGH JUMP! Down goes Trick and the fans fire up again! Hendry brings Trick up as fans cheer, “WE BELIEVE! WE BELIEVE!”

Hendry UPPERCUTS Trick, whips, but Trick reverses to KNEE low! Trick pie faces again, then runs, but Hendry blows past to CLOBBER Trick! Trick staggers up but Hendry reels him in. Hendry suplexes, holds Trick up, and the fans fire up as Hendry SLAMS Trick down! Cover, TWO! Hendry stays cool while the fans rally up. Hendry wrenches, headlocks, and hits the takeover. Trick kicks around, endures the grind, and fights up. The fans rally, Trick fires body shots, and Trick powers out. Trick hurdles, catches Hendry’s crossbody, and then FALL AWAY SLAMS! The fans fire up and Trick kips up! Trick fires up, and he TURNS!

The fans are torn as Trick mocks Hendry. Hendry runs up, but into a BOOKEND! Cover, TWO! Hendry survives but Trick goes to the outside. Trick climbs a corner, but Hendry kips up! Hendry ROCKS Trick, goes up after him, and scoops for a SUPER FALL AWAY SLAM! Cover, TWO! Trick survives and Hendry again keeps calm. The fans rally, Hendry brings Trick up to wrench and whip. Trick reverses but Hendry sunset flips! TWO, Trick rises up, but Hendry rolls Trick again! TWO, and Hendry hits an arm-drag, lateral press, TWO! Trick BOOTS Hendry down and drops back to catch his breath. The fans rally as Trick talks trash.

Trick pie faces Hendry, then DECKS him! The fans rally with “WE BELIEVE!” and Hendry rises! Trick ROCKS Hendry, Hendry UPPERCUTS Trick, repeat! The shots go back and forth, then Hendry gets the edge! But Trick knees low! Trick runs, SCISSOR KICK! Hendry sputters, and Trick continues to shoutout Booker T! TRICKAROONI! The fans fire up, but Hendry clinches! ROCK BOTTOM!! Cover, TWO!! Trick survives but the fans all cheer for Booker! Hendry scoops, FALL- NO, Trick slips free to THROW Hendry down! LEG LARIAT! LEG LARIAT! Trick fireman’s carries to then LANDSLIDE! Cover, TWO! Hendry survives and Trick grows frustrated.

Trick goes to a corner, climbs up, and the fans rally. CROSSBODY, but Hendry rolls through! The fans fire up as Hendry lifts Trick up! Fireman’s carry, and then the WIDOWMAKER! Cover, TWO!! Trick survives but Hendry huffs ‘n’ puffs. The fans rally, Hendry storms up but Trick YANKS him out of the ring! Trick then goes out and whips Hendry hard into steel steps! Trick stomps away on Hendry, then he picks the steps up! The fans boo while Trick sets that up nearby. The ref checks Hendry as Hendry clutches an arm. Hendry says he is fine to continue, so Trick puts Hendry in the ring. Fans want tables, but Trick gets them to stomp, stomp, clap.

The fans chant “Whoop Dat Trick!” to the rhythm, and Trick ROCKS Hendry! And ROCKS him again and again, and fires off in the corner! Trick UPPERCUTS Hendry, talks more trash, then he whips Hendry. Hendry redirects, but Trick knees low! Trick runs, ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Hendry survives but Trick brings him up. Trick whips Hendry to a corner, then soaks up cheers and jeers before he CHOPS! Trick whips corner to corner again, then again, but Hendry reverses! Trick dodges Hendry in the corner, JUMP NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Trick clamps right onto Hendry with a facelock!

Hendry fights up, the fans rally, but Trick jumps on for body scissors! GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! Trick drags Hendry down to the mat but the fans chant, “WE BELIEVE! WE BELIEVE!” Hendry feeds off that energy to fight up and SUPLEX Trick away! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Hendry huffs ‘n’ puffs and rises up again. Hendry storms up on Trick, counter punches Trick again and again, then whips to LARIAT! Hendry scoops Trick for another FALL AWAY SLAM! Hendry kips up again, and… TURNS! The fans are thunderous, Hendry stomps, stomps, claps! Trick staggers up, into the choke grip! STANDING-

NO, Trick flips through! Hendry ducks the leg lariat, tries again, STANDING OVATION CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Trick’s long legs save him and Hendry is stunned! Hendry thinks on what he has to do, and the fans rally up behind him. Hendry realizes he has something. Hendry fireman’s carries, but Trick slips free! Trick CYCLONE BOOTS Hendry! Hendry goes to the apron, Trick runs up, but Hendry DUMPS Trick! Hendry then storms up but Trick drop toeholds Hendry to steel steps! Trick has Hendry on the other steps, and he BOOKENDS Hendry down through the desk!!

The fans go nuts while Trick puts Hendry in! TRICK SHOT!!! Cover, TWO!!! Hendry survives and the fans are thunderous! Trick is furious, he lets his hair down, and he vows to end this! Trick storms around, then he goes outside to grab the belt! The fans are torn but Trick brings the belt to the ring! The ref reprimands, he and Trick tug-o-war, and Hendry rolls Trick up! TWO, and Hendry choke grips! STANDING- NO, Trick CLAWS the eyes! FLAPJACK onto the belt!!! Hendry sputters and staggers up, TRICK SHOT!!! Cover, TRICK WINS!!!!

Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall (NEW TNA World Heavyweight Champion)

Even Trick can’t believe what just happened, but yes! He has just made history for NXT, for TNA, and perhaps for the entire world of wrestling entertainment! Trick joins a prestigious club of men who have been both NXT and TNA Champion in their careers, but will Hollywood Trick be the best of them all?

My Thoughts:

A great Battleground, even with most of the status quo being kept. As I’ve said before, keeping the status quo is perfectly fine when done right, and they pretty much did that tonight. Zaria saving Sol was a nice detail in Sol’s match with Kelani, and can definitely play into the next phase of the ZaRuca story. Featuring Ethan and Ricky here tonight to hype up their title match (and perhaps sticking it to fans for not buying enough tickets to the NXT Tampa show so now it’s back in Orlando) was fine. Good moment for Ricky to stand tall over Ethan, but I wonder if Ethan wins because of this go-home math.

At the same time, plugging a quick title match of NXT North American Champion VS yet to be named AAA star is intriguing. I just don’t understand the move of WWE taking the NXT logo off the Worlds Collide logo, but then still putting NXT matches on that show. Is this WWE continuing the subtle transition of NXT into more of a third brand? After all, they keep on changing branding, where this was “WWE Battleground” despite it being all NXT stars. We saw the same going on as AAA luchadoras were here to watch Vaquer and then confront her. Jacy is going to be the sacrificial jobber to Vaquer tuning up for whatever match we get at Worlds Collide, which I feel like Vaquer also wins.

Speaking of which, Vaquer VS Grace was an awesome match, but of course Vaquer was winning going towards Worlds Collide. Maybe Lola Vice joins in as another Latina, so that way it is a tag match of Vaquer & Vice VS Chik Tormenta & Dalys. As for Vaquer’s next title match, maybe she gives one to Lola out of respect, probably for Great American Bash in Atlanta for July. I really don’t know what Grace does next, outside of dropping down to the Women’s North American Championship. If Zaria continues to defend Sol, that means we’ll get Zaria VS Grace and that will be awesome, too.

I said on Tuesday that the Six Man Tag didn’t really look like PLE caliber on paper, and I can’t really say it was in execution either. But I appreciate this is getting the big Culling story on a big stage to at least make it seem important. And Inamura showing up as a surprise return was a good move, so it was fine it happened here. Inamura & Briggs reuniting is going to make for an interesting next phase, and maybe a Triple Threat of Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Vance & Jensen VS Briggs & Inamura is enough to say Briggs & Inamura can win without hurting Hank ‘n’ Tank, or even for The Culling to win because they use the Face teams against each other and no one is really hurt in power rankings.

Tony VS Stacks was very good, very gritty, but I feel like they could’ve just skipped to making it a Street Fight for something extra. And Luca’s involvement wasn’t quite what I expected. His showing up could’ve been a bit more dramatic, and I would’ve thought he’d do the cheat to make it clear he’s on Stacks’ side now. Luca is apparently trying to take a diplomatic approach by siding with Stacks without beating up Tony so as to convince Tony to peacefully accept there is a change in the family. Maybe Tony and Stacks have one more match where there is a stipulation, and then it is somehow Adriana Rizzo who is the deciding factor.

Great NXT Championship match with Myles having such a great showing, even though he was going to lose. This does show Myles is a big part of the future, but a big part of his story looks to be getting Charlie Dempsey’s respect as Dempsey is being more and more of a grumpy, jealous leader of NQCC. And then, the TNA World Championship main-eventing was surprising enough, but great stuff with Trick winning. The math said as much on Tuesday, but I still wasn’t sure they’d do it. Granted, it was “controversial” with the belt being part of it. I’m sure they’ll address it this Tuesday, and maybe even build upon it on Thursday with TNA Impact, this is going to be some wild times.

My Score: 9/10