Joe Hendry, live in concert!

With NXT Battleground this Sunday, Joe Hendry and Trick Williams warm up for the match by flexing their musical muscles! But who will the fans love more?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT North American Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Je’Von Evans VS Sean Legacy VS Ashante THEE Adonis; Legacy wins and will challenge for the title.
• Josh Briggs VS Shawn Spears w/ The Culling; Spears wins.
• OTM VS Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors w/ Andre Chase; OTM wins.
• Lola Vice VS Fallon Henley w/ Jacy Jayne; Lola wins.
• NXT Women’s North American Championship Eliminator: Kelani Jordan VS ZARIA w/ Sol Ruca; Kelani wins and will challenge Sol Ruca for the title at Battleground.

PLAY BY PLAY

Ricky Saints arrives.

The North American Champion goes right from backstage to gorilla and then on stage! The fans cheer as The Absolute goes to ringside, because he is going to join commentary for the match he had a hand in making.

NXT North American Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Je’Von Evans VS Sean Legacy VS Ashante THEE Adonis!

The Young OG respects #SuperSean, and was willing to accept the challenge from the Evolve star. However, the Pickup Artist feels NXT stars shouldn’t have to even acknowledge WWE ID, and got into it with Je’Von. Ricky wanted to see how it’d go down, Ava Raine clearly agreed, but who makes the biggest splash this close to Battleground?

Adonis takes off his coat, either chinchilla or mink if you ask Booker T, and he throws it at Je’Von! The bell rings and Adonis fires hands on Sean! The fans boo but Je’Von storms up, only for Adonis to throw hands on him! Adonis stomps away in the corner, then whips Je’Von. Je’Von reverses, Sean TOSSES Adonis out, and then he TOSSES Je’Von! Je’Von lands safe, slingshots in and springboards for a BOUNCY~ roll-up! Cover, TWO! Sean is up, he rolls Je’Von, TWO! Je’Von waistlocks, Adonis is back, but Sean BACKDROPS him away! Je’Von O’Conner Rolls Sean, TWO, and Je’Von goes up! Je’Von flies but into a backslide, ONE!

Sean headlocks, Je’Von powers out, then things speed up. Adonis is back but Je’Von SMACKS him off the apron! The fans fire up, Sean dodges and dropkicks the legs! Then he DOUBLE STOMPS! Then he DROPKICKS! Je’Von bails out, the fans fire up with “LE-GA-CY!” and he runs, only for Adonis to LARIAT! Adonis rains down fists, the fans boo but Adonis throws knees and more shots. Adonis then DECKS Je’Von off the apron! Adonis goes up, up, and SUPER TORNILLOS onto Je’Von! Adonis runs in, ducks ‘n’ dodges then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Then he AIR DROPS! Je’Von is back, BOUNCY~ RANA! Then a DROPKICK for Sean!

The fans fire up as Je’Von builds speed, but Adonis gets in! Je’Von ROCKS Adonis, then runs and slides! Je’Von trips Adonis, goes to the apron and he BOOTS him! Sean runs up, Je’Von jumps over and comes back, to DIVE! Direct hit on Adonis and Sean and the fans are thunderous! Even Ricky’s jaw drops seeing that one! Je’Von hops onto the barrier and dances while NXT goes picture in picture.

Je’Von goes back to fetch Adonis, and he CHOPS him! Adonis goes into the ring, Je’Von goes back for Sean. Je’Von CHOPS Sean, then goes into the ring for Adonis. Adonis FLAPJACKS Je’Von onto the ropes! Je’Von sputters but Adonis rains down fists! Sean rolls in while Adonis stomps and KICKS Je’Von. Sean ROCKS and CHOPS Adonis, then CHOPS again! Adonis dodges a shot but then Sean dodges back to CHOP! Je’Von returns to fire hands on Sean! Je’Von whips, Sean reverses, then Sean runs up to CHOP! Adonis stands, he BOOTS Sean! Adonis whips corner to corner hard and Sean falls! Adonis DECKS Je’Von!

Adonis THROWS Je’Von around, then soaks up heat. Cover, TWO! Je’Von is tougher than that, but Adonis BOOTS Sean to keep him away. Adonis soaks up more heat, then he runs up on Je’Von in the corner. Adonis RAMS Je’Von, then runs corner to corner to RAM Sean! Adonis runs and RAMS Je’Von! Then he runs up, only for Sean to ELBOW him! Sean ROCKS Adonis, fires more shots, then whips. Adonis reverses, kicks, and DDTS! Adonis stands tall while NXT returns to single picture. The fans boo but Adonis brings Je’Von around. Adonis gives Je’Von a SPINEBUSTER ONTO Sean! The fans boo as Adonis double covers, TWO!

The fans rally, but Adonis tunes up the band! Adonis waits for Sean to rise, LONG KISS- NO, Sean stops the kick and Je’Von BOOTS Adonis! SUPERMAN PUNCH for Sean! Adonis ROCKS Je’Von! Sean BOOTS Adonis! Sean blocks Je’Von’s kick and SWINGS it into Adonis! Je’Von SPIN KICKS Sean out! Je’Von runs, but into Adonis’ LARIAT! But Sean springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! All three men are down and the fans are fired up for “LEGACY! LEGACY!” Sean rises, runs up, but Je’Von TOSSES him out! Je’Von builds speed but Sean returns, SPANISH FLY!! Cover, Adonis breaks it!! The fans boo but Sean TOSSES Adonis!

Sean builds speed and FLIES! Down goes Adonis, and Sean hurries back to the apron! The fans rally behind “LEGACY! LEGACY!” as he climbs. But Je’Von springs up to get him! SUPER DUPER STEINER!! Je’Von hurries to rebound, BOUNCY~ KICK! But Adonis TOSSES Je’Von! Adonis covers Sean, JE’VON BREAKS IT!! The fans are thunderous as the Young OG saves it! “This is Awesome!” but Adonis is distraught! Adonis thinks on what to do, but then he glares at Je’Von. They stand, and they throw hands! Haymaker for haymaker, then Je’Von gets the edge! But Adonis ROCKS Je’Von! Adonis talks trash on Je’Von, but Je’Von SUPERMAN PUNCHES!

Adonis wobbles, but he slips around Je’Von, DDT! Adonis kips up, and SUPERKICKS! Cover, Sean 450 SPLASHES it apart!! The fans are thunderous again and Ricky is loving it! The fans hope these three “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this is just the opener! Sean goes to a corner, Je’Von sputters to another, and Adonis takes a third. Sean lines up a shot, but Je’Von intercepts with a CUTTER!! Adonis whips, Je’Von rebounds, BOUNCY~ GERMAN SUPLEX!! Then Je’Von PLANCHAS Sean! Je’Von hurries back up the corner, and he aims at Adonis! FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!! Cover, SEAN BREAKS IT!!! But then ETHAN PAGE ATTACKS RICKY!!

The fans fire up as the All Ego maniac fights with the Absolute! Security rushes in, but Je’Von FLIES out onto the pile!! Adonis is up top! FROG SPLASH FLOPS as Sean moves! Torture rack and SHAMBLES!! Cover, Sean wins!!

Winner: Sean Legacy, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT North American Championship)

Ethan and Ricky don’t care about the match, they keep brawling ringside! Sean got his win, but will he get a golden opportunity?

Management watches this backstage.

Stevie Turner tells Ava Raine & Robert Stone, “This is a huge win for both Sean Legacy and Evolve.” Ava congratulates Stevie and her guy. But what Ethan and Ricky are doing, she cannot let keep happen. Please, take security and get those two out of here. Stone says they are on it! Stone & Stevie hurry away, can they stop the absolute chaos going on? Ava then turns around and says, “Speaking of congratulations…” She welcomes Jasper Troy & Tyra Mae Steele on being the first ever LFG Champions. As they talked about, these two will make their in-ring debuts over the next few weeks.

But for now, she wants them to sign their contracts. Tyra Mae hands hers over and says she is so excited! Jasper also has his, and promises to make an impact here on NXT, starting tonight. Well, alright. Will all of NXT be saying LFG when these two hit the ring?

Jordynne Grace speaks.

The Juggernaut is putting in the work at the gym as she says, “In 2024, the top three free agents were Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer, and Jordynne Grace. We all signed to NXT with one goal in mind, and that’s to be at the top of the best women’s division in professional wrestling. Now that Stephanie and I have both beaten Giulia, we’re competing for that top spot in NXT. I’ve been watching Stephanie for a long time, and our paths aren’t too far off from each other. We’re actually very, very similar. We both sacrificed everything to get to the WWE. Everybody always talks about how Stephanie has competed in Japan and Mexico. But y’know what? So have I.

“Stephanie and I both dominated our own territories. At Stand & Deliver, Stephanie got a piece of it. She escaped with the NXT Women’s Championship once, but at Battleground, there is no escape. I think I’m the best, Stephanie thinks she’s the best. And on Sunday in Tampa, we’ll find out who is right.” The Juggernaut is ready to go Beast Mode, will there be no denying her that gold?

Lola Vice talks with Stephanie Vaquer.

The Mayor of Vice City tells Stephanie that this Sunday will be a battle. Lola would put her money on Vaquer, though. Vaquer thanks her for that, and they’ll catch up after Vaquer’s interview. They fist bump and head their different directions, but then Fatal Influence walks in, sarcastically clapping. Jacy says Lola can suck up to the champ all she wants, but she still won’t get a title shot. It’ll be the Influence that takes the title off Stephanie. Lola sarcastically says, “Yeah, right. Because after last week, y’all definitely showed why they’re a threat to the champ.” Fallon says hey, she didn’t get pinned. Lola says they pretend to be a team, but they just get in each other’s way. It’s embarrassing.

Jacy says Lola can think whatever she wants. Just like how Fallon thinks she’s the leader. Well, Fallon was Women’s North American Champion. Yeah, well, then here’s a great idea! Fallon should handle Lola and prove why Lola is behind them in line. Fallon says yeah, sure. Jacy heads out, and Lola says see you out there. The Toxic Cowgirl may have just her foot in her mouth, but will she end the night with Lola’s fist in her face?

Trick Williams has the mic.

“Hey, yo, Joe Hendry! Y’know the difference between me and you? When I walk in the room, people break they necks so they can see me. You break your neck so people can see you. And I’ma call you what your momma calls you: Average Joe! Drop my music!” The beat drops and Trick starts it up! Hendry comes out lookin’ like a Teletubby with a blonde wig on! Wanna talk about Trick? Let’s talk about it! He ain’t never backin’ down to an Average Joe! Belly pokin’ out, he prolly can’t touch his toes! Keep poppin’ off, Trick bust you right in the nose! He ain’t never backin’ down to an Average Joe!

He ain’t never backin’ down to an Average Joe! Look, dawg, you’re on different levels. Trick doesn’t need believers to feel better! He moves better, his shoes better, if you knew better, you’d do better! Trick really turning up the speed, cuz he ain’t never backin’ down to an Average Joe! Hendry showing up, Trick ain’t sayin’ that. Trick will take the gold and send him back to TNA. Hendry’s got a dad bod like he drinkin’ all day. Trick will turn around, burn it down, put ya in an ash tray! Hendry’s got fans cuz he looks just like ’em! Hendry’s got style cuz he keep bitin’! Try to out diss Trick, just keep writin’! Trick hit ya quick just like lightnin’!

Average Joe, Trick’s tired o’ being humble. Should’ve never took his spot in The Rumble! Got a match with Randy Orton but ya fumbled! Trick put you on the spot, whoop ya ass like some gumbo! Trick ain’t never backin’ down to an Average Joe! Trick ain’t never backin’ down to an Average Joe! Trick ain’t never backin’ down to an Average Joe! You an Average Joe! You an Average Joe! You an Average Joe until you make that stomach go! You an Average Joe! You an Average Joe! Boy, he gonna take your gold! BEW BEW BEWWW~! Let’s talk about it.

But Hendry is backstage, having watched that. He says okay then. The gloves are off. Hendry tunes up for his concert, what will he have in retaliation?

Backstage interview with Josh Briggs.

Kelly Kincaid with the Bullhead Brawler and says they are moments away from his match, and it is the first time in some time that he’s going it alone. Briggs says yes, he wishes Inamura was still in NXT, but he is not. Briggs hopes Yoshiki is watching this right now, and hopes he knows that things aren’t as fun without him. Tonight, this one is for his friend. But the music hits as Shawn Spears makes his entrance. Will The Chair Man bring out the painful truth that Briggs can’t do anything on his own? Or will Briggs survive The Culling?

Josh Briggs VS Shawn Spears w/ The Culling!

The entrances are down picture in picture, and then the bell rings. Spears and Briggs circle, feel things out, and the two tie up. Briggs powers Spears to a corner, lets off as the ref counts, but then Spears pie faces him! The ref reprimands while Briggs seethes. Briggs runs up, Spears dodges and then CHOPS! And CHOPS! Spears climbs up and he rains down fists! Briggs shoves Spears away at 3, but Spears is right back on him for more! Briggs shoves free again, and clamps onto Spears’ neck! Briggs THROWS Spears to the corner, ELBOWS him, then fires body shots! Briggs DECKS Spears, then eggs him on.

Spears flounders around but Briggs is on him at the ropes. Briggs whips, Spears reverses, but Briggs CLUBS him down! Briggs drags Spears up, shoves and ROCKS him! Spears goes to a corner, Briggs stalks him, and Briggs reels him in. Spears wrenches out to kick low! Spears HEADBUTTS Briggs, NXT returns to single picture, and Spears CHOPS! And CHOPS! Spears whips, Briggs reverses, then runs in. Spears goes up and over, leaps, but into Briggs’ arms! Spears fires elbows, runs, then ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for Briggs to LEAPING LARIAT! The fans fire up with Briggs and he scoops, but Spears slips free.

Spears KNEES low, clinches, but Briggs is big. Spears fires knees, then clinches, but Briggs scoops and SLAMS Spears! Briggs pulls off his elbow pad and powers up! The fans fire up and Briggs runs, but Spears bails out! The fans boo but Briggs goes out after Spears. Briggs CHOPS Spears against the apron! Briggs SMACKS Spears off the apron, the fans rally, and Briggs SMACKS him off the apron again! Briggs brings Spears around, scoops, but Spears flails free! Spears POSTS Briggs, then pushes him into the ring. Spears slides in, pushes Briggs down and throws fists! Then a KNEE! Spears brings Briggs up, turns him, and hits the NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!!

Briggs is tougher than that, but Spears stomps Briggs’ hand! Spears says this could’ve been different, and then he throws hands. Spears winds up, but Briggs blocks the superkick! B riggs snarls, and he CLOBBERS Spears! Briggs DECKS Spears, whips Spears, then scoops and SIDEWALK SLAMS to then SPLASH DOWN! The fans fire up and Briggs clamps onto Spears’ neck! CHOKE- NO, Spears arm-drags free! Spears runs in and LARIATS Briggs up and out! Briggs rises up, hurries to the apron, but Spears SUPERKICKS him back down! The fans rally as Spears goes to the apron, and he leaps, but into Briggs’ arms!

Briggs hoists Spears up, SNAKE EYES off the desk! Briggs puts Spears in the ring, but Niko Vance runs up! Briggs slips around him to RAM him into steel steps! Jensen distracts the ref and Izzi BOOTS Briggs! Spears reels Briggs into a cradle, Spears wins!!

Winner: Shawn Spears, by pinfall

The fans boo and Briggs is pissed! Briggs attacks Spears, but Jensen & Vance attack Briggs! They mug Briggs, but Spears has them sit Briggs up. But wait! Here come Hank ‘n’ Tank! The big belly bandits promised to have Briggs’ back and here we are! It is 3v3 and The Culling gets TOSSED! Tank DECKS Spears, and the fans fire up as the NXT Tag Team Champions stand with Briggs! Will The Culling learn that bullies get what’s coming to them?

Kelani Jordan prepares backstage.

The Standout spots #ZaRuca walking in, and she tells Sol that FYI, when she beats Zaria tonight, she gets her title match on Sunday, right? Sol says yes, Kelani, she remembers the deal they made. Okay, just checking. Kelani wouldn’t be surprised if Sol goes back on her word. Say what? Zaria says Sol is the most genuine person in the WWE today. Sol is never going back on her word. It’s just that Kelani won’t be going to Battleground. Zaria beat Kelani two weeks ago, and she’ll do it again tonight. Sol says, “Damn straight!” Kelani says, “See you at Battleground.” Kelani leaves and Sol says Kelani is getting annoying… But Zaria says she’s got this.

Will the Agent of Change ironically make sure the same thing happens as before? Or will Kelani earn herself a golden ticket to Tampa?

The NEW Chase U meets up backstage.

Mr. Chase is a little worried with Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors running late, but he makes sure they have the game plan memorized. Their first tag team match is up next, but will they make it out the mud?

Tatum Paxley sits alone.

Thea Hail storms in, medical eyepatch on, and she asks what the hecc! Why was Tatum blaming her for everything? Thea knows Tatum is going through some stuff, but she’ll bounce back. She always has. Tatum says Thea doesn’t understand the toll that it takes to lose everyone you’ve been close to. Uh, agree to disagree there. Because if anyone else understands what it’s like to lose friends, it is Thea. But then a HIP-NOTIC takes Thea out! Miss Parker tells Thea to worry more about herself next time. And she tells Tatum that for real, she does feel bad for her. She does…? HELL NAH! What’s wrong with you? Stupid.

Jaida leaves and Tatum feels even sadder now. Will Miss Parker kick ass and take names until she’s the one on top?

OTM VS Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors w/ Andre Chase!

NXT returns as Bronco Nima & Lucien Price make their entrance. The teams sort out and Nima starts with Uriah. They tie up, and Nima SLAMS Uriah down! Uriah stumbles away and Kale tags in. Chase coaches Kale, he and Nima tie up, but Nima THROWS Kale down, too! The fans rally for OTM and Nima tags Price. Price and Kale tie up, Kale headlocks but Price powers out and CLOBBERS Kale! Uriah tags in, Price gives him a headlock and THROW, then he SLAPS! Price runs up, Uriah dodges and Kale checks on him, but Price DOUBLE LARIATS them down! The fans fire up while Kale & Uriah fall to the floor!

Mr. Chase is very worried as Price storms out to fetch Uriah into the ring. Price then pushes Kale into the ring, and he storms up. Kale wants mercy, Price shoves him away, but Uriah DROPKICKS! Uriah rains down fists, tags Kale, and now Kale rains down fists! Kale CHOPS Price on the back! Then basement DDTS! Cover, ONE!! Price is tougher than that but Kale tags Uriah. Kale KICKS Price down, then Uriah slingshot SENTONS! Cover, ONE!! Price is much tougher than that, but Uriah CHOPS! Price just gets mad but Uriah facelocks. Price BACKDROPS Uriah away! Nima tags in and he DECKS Uriah! And ELBOWS him!

Price CLOBBERS Uriah again, then he swings on Kale! Kale dodges, and Uriah mule kicks Nima’s leg out! Uriah clinches, but Nima fights the leg sweep! Nima glares at Uriah, grabs Uriah’s arms, but the ref keeps Price from storming in. That only lets Kale slip in and SUPERKICK Nima into the RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Chase is happily surprised and Uriah says spell it out! C! Nima stops the stomps already! Nima LARIATS Uriah down! Nima drags Uriah up, tags Price, and Price RAMS Uriah into Kale! Feed to Nima, GOURD SPINEBUSTER COMBO!! Cover, OTM wins!

Winners: OTM, by pinfall

Chase is beside himself, but the thunder and the rain just stormed right through his new students. Will nothing stop Nima & Price from rising to the top of the mountain?

Myles Borne is here!

The fans cheer as No Quarter Catch Crew’s #BabyOrton, the #1 contender to THE NXT Championship, goes to the ring. And at the same time, here comes THE NXT Champion, Oba Femi! The Ruler and his next challenger are here to have one final face-to-face before facing off for that title at Battleground. Oba grabs the mic and says he sees Myles came alone today. He isn’t sure if that makes Myles stupid or brave. Perhaps both. But Oba is confident in saying that is why Myles has made it this far. Not a lot of people thought Myles would make it this far, Oba among them. But look at him now! Myles is the #1 contender to the title!

The fans cheer, and Oba continues to say that it is his understanding that this match is not just a fight for the title. This is also a fight for everybody who Myles wants to uplift and inspire. Those with limitations and struggles just like Myles. Oba finds that admirable, but also very, very misleading. “Life is cruel, Myles. Good things don’t always happen to good people, and I know deep in my heart, you are a good person. But however… This is not a Disney movie. You don’t get the happy ending. You don’t get the dream come true. You don’t get to run off into the sunset with my title! No no no no no.

“Because your dream was two weeks ago when you won the battle royal. Your dream was last week when you beat Ethan Page. But make no mistake, this Sunday, when you step into the ring with me and that bell rings, your dream will DIE! Because you will realize very quickly that you are standing in the ring with the Ruler, the destroyer, the bringer of war, and I will be merciless, relentless, and unforgiving! Because you want me to treat you like you are everybody else. You want me to treat you like you are just like them, right? So be it. Join the line, join the list of victims. Your fate will end in destruction at the hands of Oba Femi.”

The fans are torn, but Myles says that while he might be out here by himself, he is not alone. Tavion, Wren, Charlie, they’ve been helping him night and day, preparing him for this. And they’re not the only ones who have his back. Myles has an entire community! Every kid who feels different. Every parent who worries that their child isn’t going to fit in. Yeah, Oba, you’re right, this is more than just about winning the title. It is about making a statement. So go ahead, write him off as just another victim. Underestimate him. Like he said before, this won’t be the first. Doctors, nurses, they all underestimated him.

Every opponent Myles ever faced as an amateur underestimated him. Hell, he’s pretty sure some coaches at Myles’ NXT tryout underestimated him. But Myles has proved them all wrong. The fans cheer that! And at Battleground, that will be the toughest match of Myles’ career. But Myles has been surviving ever since he was born. Oba is right, this isn’t a Disney movie. But every ruler falls. Myles might be hard of hearing, but when he shocks the world at Battleground, we will all hear the 1-2-3 loud ‘n’ clear. The fans cheer, and Myles takes his leave. Will the roar of the crowd be deafening when Myles proves he was born to be a champion?

Wait, is that Jasper Troy!? He slips in from the crowd side, and he CLOBBERS Oba!! Then SCRAPBUSTER!! Myles rushes back in, Troy bails out, and that was Troy making his impact. Myles offers Oba a hand, but Oba refuses it. Oba stands on his own, but then Myles picks up the title belt. Myles looks at it, looks at Oba, and hands the belt over. Myles shows Oba respect, but will Oba still show Myles no mercy on the Battleground?

Ava Raine reprimands Ricky and Ethan.

Ava is upset that these two just can’t seem to control themselves for one night! Ricky says it is the back and forth between him and Ethan, and they need to settle it now! Ethan says fine, he’ll break Ricky’s jaw! Ava says sit down before they’re escorted out of the building! Ethan sits, and Ricky tells Ethan that if it isn’t tonight, he will destroy Ethan at some point! Ethan stands back up and asks if Ricky wants a match that much! If so, Ethan isn’t giving it to him, because he is having too much fun making Ricky’s life hell! Ricky says there it is! Ethan is too afraid to get in the ring with Ricky again!

So Ricky will cut to the chase. The title will be on the line! Those beady little eyes got so big, didn’t they? Ethan says he likes the fact that he can keep whooping Ricky and walk out with the title! Where do they sign up, Ava? Ricky knew it! Big ego, small mind! Ava shouts at them that they don’t make the matches, SHE does. But see, Sean Legacy has a claim to this title after tonight’s match. But seeing how these two have been pissing her off, she’ll make an exception. These two can have a match next Tuesday, and because AVA said so, the title IS on the line. Now get out of her face! The Absolute and All Ego are on a collision course, who will walk away with the gold?

Tony D’Angelo speaks.

The Don sits alone at the dinner table. “The worst thing about betrayal is it never comes from your enemies. It comes from your family. Stacks, you mother…” Tony calms down, and says he tried, okay? Tried to understand why Stacks did this to him, did this to Luca and Rizzo, but Tony can’t, because Tony is not a coward. Tony though the and Stacks were built the same. Tony was certain they were cut from the same cloth. They grew up as kids together, tough as nails, loyal to a fault. Or so Tony thought. Tony brought Stacks into NXT. They ran the D’Angelo Family, they rose to power, Tony as The Don and Stacks as The Underboss.

But it seems that wasn’t good enough for Stacks. Stacks wanted all the glory, to be the shot caller, for everyone to pay tribute to him. Tony gets that. But here’s the thing, Stacks. YOU don’t get it. Stacks only saw what Tony allowed him to see. Being The Don comes with a lot of pressure. You feel the full weight of the family on your shoulders. Stacks only worried about himself, that is easy, and that is why he’ll never sit in the big chair. Stacks has guts, but no brains. Stacks is hotheaded, made his bed, and at Battleground, he lays in it. On Sunday, there is no more betrayal, no more bail out. Just Tony breaking Stacks.

The Steel Cage will try to contain this one, but will not even that stop Tony from doing anything and everything he wants to his former friend?

Lola Vice VS Fallon Henley w/ Jacy Jayne!

The MMA Mamacita was just being an amiga to La Primera, but the Fatal Influence just had to open their mouths. Will Lola’s fists knock some sense into Fallon? Or will the Toxic Cowgirl wrangle Lola and establish herself in the title hunt?

NXT returns as the Fatal Influence makes their way to the ring. The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, go along the ropes, then Lola arm-drags Fallon, but the collar ‘n’ elbow stays locked in. Fallon fights up to put Lola into the corner and RAM her again and again! The ref counts, Fallon lets go, then she ROCKS Lola! But then Lola BOOTS Fallon, wrenches and KICKS! And KICKS! Fallon blocks the kick to trip Lola, but she soaks up heat too soon, Lola trips her! Lola has the leglock but Jacy “coaches” Fallon. Jacy wants to see Fallon show us why she’s the leader of Fatal Influence. Fallon turns over and she stomps Lola!

Fallon is free, but Lola trips her u p again! Lola has a toehold but Fallon clamps on with a chinlock! Fallon shrieks as she thrashes Lola, but Lola slips out and has the arms! Fallon endures the hammerlock and chicken wing! Fallon fights around, the fans rally, and Jacy “coaches” Fallon more. Lola stays hooked on but Fallon breaks free and throat chops! The fans are torn as Fallon CLUBS Lola, drags her up, and headlocks. Lola fights around but Fallon hits a takeover. Fallon grinds the hold but Lola fights up and pries free to headlock in return. Fallon powers up and out but Lola RUNS her over! Lola shimmies and shakes, then runs, but Fallon stays low.

Fallon hurries, but Lola blocks the hip toss! Fallon blocks back, rolls, but Lola makes it an ARMBAR! Fallon rolls and rolls and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Lola lets go, and Jacy genuinely coaches Fallon this time. Lola storms up but Fallon kicks from below! Fallon DECKS Lola, then whips. Lola ducks ‘n’ dodges then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! The fans fire up as Lola SPIN KICKS Fallon out of the ring! The fans fire up and Lola drags Fallon up from the apron. Fallon HOTSHOTS Lola, has her in the ropes and BOOTS her down! The fans are torn again, but Fallon swings from the corner to BOOT Lola down!

The fans are torn, Fallon says they know they love her, but NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Fallon cravats Lola to throw KNEE after KNEE! But then Lola swings around to backslide! ONE, Lola ducks a kick to roll Fallon up, TWO! Fallon stands, but into a couple of kicks! Lola whips, KICKS, and then whips again. Fallon reverses, KNEES low, then brings Lola around to whip and ROCK with a forearm! Lola sputters against the ropes, but she shoves Fallon away. Fallon slips around, sits Lola down, then runs and SLIDING FOREARMS! Cover, TWO! Lola stays in this and Fallon grows frustrated. Lola UP KICKS, the fans rally, but Fallon mule kicks! Fallon reels Lola in but Lola cradles Fallon, but Fallon shoves free!

Fallon and Lola stand, DOUBLE LARIATS take them both down! The fans fire back up and Jacy coaches Fallon. Lola checks her teeth and the fans rally up. Lola rises, Fallon follows, and Fallon fires a forearm! Lola fires another! Fallon ROCKS Lola, but Lola ROCKS Fallon! The forearms go back and forth, then Fallon grabs Lola to ROCK, CHOP, and- NO, Lola blocks that shot to fire forearms! Then a SPIN KICK! Fallon sputters but stands into another SPIN KICK! And another SPIN KICK! Lola fires the LIGHTNING KICKS! Lola has the fans all fired up, because “I’M A LATINA~!” HIP ATTACK! Lola pushes Fallon out and AX KICKS! Cover, TWO!!

Fallon stays in this but Lola snarls. Lola stalks Fallon, Fallon ELBOWS her away, then she dodges Lola’s boot! Fallon THROWS Lola, runs up, but into a KICK! SOBAT! Lola runs, Fallon follows, and Fallon hits the YEEHAW FACEBUSTER! Fallon runs, goes up, up, and BLOCKBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Lola stays in this and Fallon is stunned. The fans rally up as Fallon drags Lola up. Fallon whips Lola to a corner, runs up, but Lola dodges! Lola fires knees, then a FLYING ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Fallon clasps hands and Jacy gets on the apron! Jacy shouts at Lola, that’s enough of a distraction for Fallon to stack Lola! TWO!

Lola and Fallon stand, Lola BODY BLOWS! Fallon goes down, Lola glares at Jacy, and Jacy talks more trash. But Fallon waistlocks, only for Lola to switch and SHOVE Fallon into Jacy! URAKEN!! Cover, Lola wins!!

Winner: Lola Vice, by pinfall

Lola says buenas noches to the Influence, and Jacy realizes on some level, she messed that up. But she and Fallon still argue about it all the same, is this group about to fall apart without Jazmyn Nyx around?

Sit-down interview with Stephanie Vaquer.

Kelly Kincaid is with La Primera and notes that this Sunday at Battleground, Vaquer battles Grace for the NXT Women’s Championship. What has prepared Vaquer for Battleground, and being a champion in general? Vaquer says being La Primera doesn’t come without sacrifice. She had her first tryout in Chile, in 2018. She was not ready then. She used that as motivation. She went to Japan, she want to Mexico, she had owned her craft. She owned lucha libre. But along the way, she had to sleep on kitchen floors, she had to clean people’s shoes. She was hungry, cold, and she truly shed blood, sweat and tears. She doesn’t look back and think it was a sad time, but as all necessary to get here.

Kelly says since arriving, it is clear her goal has been to be the best woman in the best division in the world. Does she feel she’s accomplished that? Being in NXT has been a dream come true for Stephanie. She remembers seeing Rey Mysterio wrestle in person for the first time, and she knew that she was born to be in the WWE. With each defense, she grows more. All those late nights in Japan and the early mornings in Mexico, it was all worth it. Then to her opponent at Battleground, Jordynne Grace. What kind of challenge does she present? Vaquer’s toughest yet.

Jordynne was at the top of TNA, and now she wants to be at the top of NXT. For Vaquer to be the best luchadora, she went through Hell. She made that Hell her home. Jordynne conquered champions, but La Primera conquered continents. At Battleground, she will show Jordynne that when you get close to Hell, you will burn. The Dark Angel is ready, but will she still fall to Grace?

Dark State speaks.

Saquon Shugars says, “Hey, we popped out and put the fear of Dark State in this whole locker room, bruh. But it all started with one man. One man that walked that thin line between intensity and being all out reckless. I’m talking about somebody that crawled through hellfire, just so his brothers don’t get burnt. The leader of many! My mother, this man sure is dangerous. I’m talking about Dion Lennox.” Dion says, “Staring a lion in the face, knowing your next move is your last because he can tear you apart a thousand different ways! And I ain’t just talking physically. I’m saying mentally, too. So what do you do? Stand there like a statue, and PRAY you survive!

“That’s what it is like to go toe-to-toe, face-to-face, with Cutler James.” Cutler says, “This beast of a man sees right through you. Sees your delusions, your weaknesses, your lies. Because he is on a permanent seek ‘n’ destroy mission. Go ahead, give him your best shot. He’ll walk right through it. Put him through a wall, and he’ll get right back up even more pissed off, even more dangerous. Tell ’em, Big Os.” Osiris Griffin says, “And then there’s our wild card. Y’know, the one with the cunning smile. His story’s nothing but perseverance. When you come from nothing, you’ve got nothing to lose! Some people call him lucky, but he’s earned everything by himself.

“Now with three brothers with him, unbeatable ain’t the word. Undeniable more like it. But when he opens his mouth, the people open their ears.” Saquon Shugars says who’s next? Y’all will find out real fast that when Dark State strikes, ain’t nobody safe. These four have put everyone on notice, will it not be long before they run things around here?

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

Speaking of titles and Battleground, The Standout wants to go from the first-ever to the first-ever two time champion. She lost to the Agent of Change before, will nothing change from the last time? Or will we see that no one does it like Lani?

NXT returns and Zaria makes her entrance, Sol by her side. The bell rings and the two run up. Zaria slips around and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Kelani tumbles, but Zaria is on her with another GERMAN SUPLEX! Zaria runs and RAMS Kelani into the corner again and again! The fans rally, Zaria stalks Kelani to another corner, and then Zaria TOSSES Kelani! Kelani flounders and Zaria runs up, but Kelani dodges! Zaria POSTS herself, and then she falls out of the ring! Kelani aims to slingshot, TORNILLO PLANCHA! Down goes Zaria, but Kelani gets her up to RAM her into steel steps! Kelani talks smack on Sol then puts Zaria in the ring.

Kelani goes up, leaps, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Kelani runs up, springboards and RANAS! Kelani keeps going, SPLASH, but Zaria rolls through! Zaria pops Kelani up to the fireman’s carry, but Kelani slips around into a SLEEPER! Zaria endures and RAMS Kelani into buckles! Kelani holds on tight, but Zaria RAMS her in again! Kelani lets go, Zaria runs up, but Kelani puts her on the apron! Kelani then HOTSHOTS Zaria, goes up the corner, only for Zaria to avoid the guillotine leg drop! Kelani blocks a shot to ROCK Zaria, but then Zaria ROCKS Kelani back! Kelani BOOTS Zaria down, and she huffs ‘n’ puffs to the apron.

Kelani leaps, but Zaria stops the rana! Zaria SWINGS Kelani into barriers! The fans fire up and even Sol is impressed with that, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Zaria drags Kelani to her feet. Zaria scoops but Kelani slips free and waistlocks. O’Conner Roll, TWO! Kelani goes to the apron, Zaria runs up but Kelani RAMS her! Kelani slingshots to sunset flip, but Zaria stays up! Zaria YANKS Kelani up, but Kelani dropkicks the legs! BASEMENT DDT! Both women are down and the fans rally up. Kelani and Zaria rise, and Zaria fires a forearm! Kelani fires back! The fans duel as the forearms keep going! Sol fires forearms, Zaria ROCKS her with just one! Kelani still fires more shots, but Zaria fires back! They fire fast ‘n’ furious! Zaria shoves, runs up, but Kelani dodges!

Kelani comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then she CLOBBERS Zaria! And CLOBBERS her again! Cartwheel BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up and Kelani kips up! Kelani storms up, TORNADO- NO, Zaria stops the DDT, but Kelani dodges the boot! DROPKICK! Zaria is back up, but Kelani runs in and TORNADO DDTS!! Cover, TWO!! Zaria survives and Sol is relieved, but Kelani just huffs ‘n’ puffs up to the top rope. 450- NO, Zaria avoids the splash! Kelani rolls through, comes back, but and leaps over Zaria’s spear! Sunset flip, TWO!! Kelani kicks but Zaria blocks to short arm LARIAT! Zaria drags Kelani up, reels her in, Canadian Rack!

Kelani slips free, dragon sleepers, but Zaria powers up to lift Kelani! BACKPACK CANNONBALL!! Even Sol feels the pain! The fans lose their mind from that one, and Zaria fireman’s carries. Kelani flails and slips to the apron! Zaria runs up, Kelani DUMPS her out! Zaria BOOTS Kelani! Zaria drags Kelani up, TOSSES her back in, but Kelani handsprings through! Kelani SUPERKICKS, Zaria falls, and Sol catches her! Sol checks on Zaria, but Kelani DROPKICKS Sol into Zaria! Down go the best friends, and Kelani puts Zaria in the ring! Kelani talks trash on Sol, goes back to the ring, but Sol gest on the apron!

Zaria runs up, btu Kelani dodges, the SPEAR hits Sol!! Kelani rolls Zaria up with a deep stack, AND WINS!!

Winner: Kelani Jordan, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Women’s North American Championship)

The Standout used Zaria & Sol against each other, and now she has her match for Battleground! Will Kelani once again reign after this Sunday? Or will she just get her soul snatched?

Joe Hendry is in the ring!

The TNA World Champion finished tuning up backstage, and now he is ready for his concert. The fans wave their hands from side to side with his theme song. “Say his name and he appears, it is time for another Joe Hendry concert! Right here on NXT!” The fans cheer that! Hendry says now, he knows this isn’t the first musical performance here tonight. If we want to call Trick’s part that. But they’ll be nice, that was Trick’s first time. Though, while on that subject, let’s dedicate this first song to Hendry’s opponent at Battleground, Trick Williams! Hendry strums the guitar and begins.

Fans clap along already and Hendry sings, “Joe Hendry is in concert. And you’re gonna hear the sounds… Of ‘I Believe in Joe Hendry’ at the end of Battleground. And now, Trick was the champion of the whole of NXT. It’s a shame he couldn’t hold the title for longer than a couple of weeks. You used to work so hard, the people were with you for years. But now, Trick, you are the world champion… of producing tears.” Hendry’s obtained some footage from the good old days, of when Trick was a crappy sidekick to Carmelo Hayes! Hendry grins and we take a moment to watch said footage.

It’s Melo & Trick on Halloween Havoc! They were entering the haunted house, Melo got snatched and Trick turned around to see “Joe Hendry” instead of Dexter Lumis. Trick screamed like a child and ran away like one, too! Hendry goes back to the guitar to say, “And you said Whoop Dat Trick, Whoop Dat Trick. Everybody else said, ‘Melo’s B*tch!’ You said Whoop Dat Trick, Whoop Dat Trick. Everybody else said, ‘Melo’s B*tch!'” The fans sing along, “Whoop Dat Trick, Whoop Dat Trick. Everybody else said, ‘Melo’s B*tch!'” But wait! Here comes dat Trick! No more singing, and he says Hendry is out his mind pulling up old footage! Nobody lives in the past!

The fans taunt Trick as “MELO’S B*TCH!” Trick gets in the ring with Hendry and he says they can chant what they want, but he heard someone say “Average Joe.” The fans duel, and then Trick DECKS Hendry! The fans boo, but then Trick’s SPIN KICK knocks Hendry back down! Trick clears out the chair and the music stands, then runs up, but Hendry gives the Trick Shot a SMASH HIT!! So that’s what the spare guitar was for. And then a choke grip for the STANDING OVATION CHOKE SLAM!! Hendry grabs the mic to finish acapella: “And at the end of the day~, Joe Hendry is the champion of T N A~!”

The fans cheer as Hendry stands tall. History will be made as the TNA World Championship makes its debut on a WWE PLE, but will Hendry’s musical prophecy come true? Or will even more history be made when Trick wins that title at Battleground?

My Thoughts:

A very good NXT, especially as the go-home to Battleground, but there are certainly some interesting moves going on. NXT was playing around with the North American Championship stuff a bit. I was very certain they were advertising the men’s Triple Threat as a #1 contender’s match, but that wasn’t officially announced. However, Ava says Sean Legacy had his claim to a title shot, even with her making Ricky VS Ethan for the title next week. So it always was a #1 contender’s match? They just couldn’t say it because of this sudden decision for Ethan and Ricky? And even then, Ricky VS Ethan isn’t on Battleground, but The Culling is?

Good match from Spears VS Briggs, and of course The Culling cheats to win it. Then the beatdown brings out Hank ‘n’ Tank and that sets up the Six Man Tag I figured they’d give us. However, I don’t see that as a Battleground worthy match, unless it is also for the story moment where Briggs gives in and joins The Culling. Well, even that doesn’t feel big enough for Battleground, that should be an NXT main event at most. Ricky VS Ethan 2 on Battleground might actually get some last minute tickets or Peacock streams, so certainly a missed opportunity to me.

Good stuff with OTM and the new class of Chase U, but of course OTM was going to win. And in connection, good segment from Tatum, Thea and Jaida. I’m a little surprised Jaida turns up the attitude here, but I suppose she’s meant to be the Heel in this situation. Thea trying to reach out to Tatum is a good move, as there is that link of their teammates and friends being released over the last few months. Thea and Tatum can help each other stay afloat as a new team, let’s just hope the people making these budget decisions see their value. And very good stuff with Lola and Fatal Influence. Lola gets a strong win while Fallon and Jacy are moments away from breaking the team up.

Great promos from both Jordynne and Vaquer, and I appreciate that they were able to use footage and images from NJPW and CMLL for Vaquer when she was triple champion. I still don’t think the math changes, I’m expecting Vaquer to win, and then Vaquer and Lola can battle for the title at Worlds Collide so that everyone can see two Latinas represent on a big stage. At the same time, it would be great for Grace to win just so she won’t have lost two different title matches. Likewise, Kelani of course won against Zaria, she’s getting her title match with Sol and that will be awesome. No idea who wins but that’ll be a show stealer.

Good promo from all the members of Dark State, in that they delivered it all well. It was still a little cheesy that all four guys were putting over other members of the group. Great promo from Oba and Myles, and then quite the bold move for Jasper Troy to go right after Oba on night one. It did give Myles a great opportunity to be a very pure Face where he doesn’t even retaliate against Oba’s rejection. Oba is likely winning, and he and Jasper might immediately jump into a feud for the summer after that. Very good promo from Tony D to have one last message to Stacks, but this still feels like Luca returns and sides with Stacks so that Tony is out of The Family.

And of course, great stuff from Trick and Hendry with their musical promos. Trick of course “ruined” Hendry’s concert, but I did love how they put Hendry’s face on Lumis in that video. Hendry standing tall is surprising, through. That would indicate Trick wins the title, which would be wild. And should Trick become TNA World Champion, that feels like a move to hook NXT fans into watching TNA for at least the duration of his reign. Not sure how well that’ll work, but we’ll just have to wait and see.

My Score: 8.7/10