Has The Ruler finally met his match?

Jasper Troy won LFG Season 1, but now he could win the NXT Championship taking on Oba Femi in tonight’s titanic title match!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page VS Sean Legacy; Ethan wins and retains the title.
• Shawn Spears & Niko Vance w/ Izzi Dame VS Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura; Spears & Vance win.
• Lash Legend VS Wren Sinclair; Lash wins.
• NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne w/ The Fatal Influence VS Lainey Reid; Jacy wins and retains the title.
• Tony D’Angelo & Luca Crusifino VS Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont w/ Wes Lee; Igwe & Dupont win.
• NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Jasper Troy; Oba wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Oba Femi arrives.

And he’s immediately attacked by Jasper Troy! Troy SMACKS Oba off a car hood, STOMPS him down, then drags him back up to CHOKE SLAM him onto the windshield! Security rushes in and gets him to back off, but what is Troy thinking? Will Oba even be able to defend his title after that attack?

NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page VS Sean Legacy!

All Ego found a way to survive the Fatal 4 Way in LA, but now he’s back in Orlando to defend the title again! But will Ethan continue to steal everyone’s smile? Or can Sean make this title Super?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who builds their legacy!

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and then Ethan headlocks. Legacy pries at the hold, but Ethan clamps on tighter. Ethan hits the takeover and he grinds Legacy down. Legacy rolls to a cover, ONE, and Ethan still holds on. Legacy pushes back with forearms, then he stands up to power out. Ethan RUNS Legacy over, grins, then runs. Legacy drops down, slips around, and he RANAS! Legacy kips up but Ethan avoids the dropkick! And it’s back to the headlock! Ethan hits another takeover and he grinds Legacy down again. The fans rally, Legacy fights up, and Legacy powers up, only for Ethan to hold on!

Ethan smothers Legacy to the mat, then thrashes around! The fans boo but Ethan says Legacy is nothing! Legacy fights as the fans rally up again. Legacy stands, he powers up to break the headlock, then headlocks in return. Ethan powers up and out, Legacy rolls, drops down, then redirects to dropkick the legs out! Legacy DOUBLE STOMPS Ethan, then DROPKICKS again! Ethan tumbles out, the fans fire up, and Legacy dares Ethan to come back. The fans rally behind Legacy while NXT goes picture in picture.

Ethan paces and fumes on the outside, sticking close to the pedestal his title rests on. Legacy storms out after Ethan, ROCKS him with a haymaker, then CHOPS him! Legacy follows Ethan to barriers, CHOPS him again, and the fans fire up. Legacy SMACKS Ethan off the apron, but Ethan turns things around with a mule kick. Ethan winds up but Legacy ducks the chop! Legacy CHOPS in return! The fans fire up again and Legacy puts Ethan in the ring. Legacy KICKS Ethan in the back, then STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Ethan survives but Legacy stays focused. Legacy drags Ethan up, then whips him to ropes.

Ethan grabs, Legacy runs up, but Ethan TOSSES Legacy out! Legacy hurries back up but Ethan BOOTs him, then hits a DRAPING CODE BREAKER! Ethan snarls and drags Legacy up. Ethan bumps Legacy off buckles, HEADBUTTS him, then stalks him to a corner. Ethan bumps Legacy off buckles, CHOPS him, then soaks up heat from the fans. Ethan stalks Legacy, ROCKS him with a haymaker, then brings him around for another! Legacy staggers but he fires body shots in return! Ethan KNEES low, then throws hands. Ethan fires more haymakers, but Legacy fires back! They go back and forth, and NXT returns to single picture.

The fans rally behind Legacy as he whips, but Ethan reverses and BOOTS! The fans are torn while Ethan paces. Ethan puts Legacy in a corner, hoists him up top, then climbs after him. But Legacy fights the suplex! Legacy fires body shots, then HOTSHOTS Ethan’s arm! Ethan comes back, Legacy ROCKS him, then springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Legacy rolls to ropes, Ethan goes to the other end. The two stand, and Legacy fires hands! Legacy whips, CLOBBEWRS, and then CLOBBERS Ethan again! Mule kick, front KICK, BOOT, and then a GERMAN SUPLEX!

The fans fire up while Ethan flounders to a corner! Legacy runs corner to corner, GAMANGIRI! Ethan flops down, Legacy covers, TWO! The fans rally up again and Legacy watches Ethan. Ethan crawls to ropes, Legacy storms up, but Ethan grabs ropes to block the suplex! Legacy SLAPS the arms, torture racks, but Ethan fights free. Ethan shoves Legacy into a corner, ROUNDHOUSES, then he reels Legacy in. Legacy fights the lift, slips under and kicks Ethan away. Legacy dodges Ethan to go up, QUEBRADA and inverted suplex, SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO!! The fans are thunderous for Legacy with how close he was there!

Legacy hurries to the corner and climbs up. But Ethan ROCKS Legacy first! Ethan HEADBUTTS Legacy, climbs, then hits a TOP ROPE BACKBREAKER!! Legacy falls to the floor and the fans go nuts! Ethan clears the desk and he drags Legacy up! Ethan hoists Legacy up but Legacy slips free! Ethan runs up, but Legacy sends him into the POST! DRIVE-BY DROPKICK! And then Legacy FLIES! Down goes Ethan! Legacy puts Ethan in, the fans rally, 450 FLOP! Ethan hits the TWISTED GRIN!! Cover, Ethan wins!

Winner: Ethan Page, by pinfall (still NXT North American Champion)

Legacy was so close and yet so far from jumping right up from Evolve to NXT. Speaking of jumping, RICKY SAINTS JUMPS ETHAN! The fans fire up as the Absolute gets after the Egomaniac with haymakers! Saints LARIATS Ethan up and out of the ring, then he fires off hands on the outside! The brawl continues to the back, will Saints not stop until he’s finally humbled All Ego?

Fatal Influence meets with Ava Raine.

Jacy Jayne tells the NXT General Manager that she did not appreciate the surprise of a new signee. As NXT Women’s Champion, that is something management should really run by her first. And since Fatal Influence is going to be at the top for a very long time, it is important they build a rapport as GM and champion. Does she see what Jacy means? Ava does. Well, they started to when Fallon Henley was Women’s North American Champion, but then Fallon lost it… And Jazmyn might even become champion some day, but for now, it is Jacy. And she needs to know what is going on with their division.

Jacy then says, “And then there’s this one.” Lainey Reid enters and SLAPS Jacy! Reid says that what she wanted to say last week is that she’s ready for Jacy right here, right now. Okay, Jacy gets it, Reid’s trying to take a page out of the Jacy Jayne playbook. It’s not gonna work on her, though! Well, then Reid has nothing to lose. SLAP!! Ava reprimands Reid, Reid leaves, and Fallon says Jacy has to do it now. Jacy tells Ava to give her Reid tonight! She’ll even put her title on the line against that little b*tch! Ava says done. Ava is stressing over the chaos going on in her own brand, but will Reid prove she’s more than leveled up enough for the Toxic Rockstar?

#ZaRuca speaks.

Via TikTok, Sol Ruca & Zaria try out the friend challenge of “same word, same time.” It doesn’t really work but it’s still fun. And then in the background, Lash Legend starts talking trash on Wren Sinclair and the No Quarter Catch Crew. Getting away from the NQCC was the best thing to happen to Myles Borne, because that “string haired oompah-loompah” was bossing him around way too much. Myles will make the best of his independence, just like her. And now that there’s a new champ in town, Lash is gonna go get that gold. Kelani Jordan chimes in with how sick and tired she is of Lash.

Lash says SKRRR and this is what the video is about now… Wren speaks up saying she doesn’t appreciate Lash talking bad about Charles or NQCC. And you can’t just do and say whatever you want! Lash tells Kelani to let “her girl” Wren know, titles are the last thing Wren’s got to worry about. Lash heads out, Kelani and Karmen assure Wren she doesn’t have to worry about Lash. ZaRuca can’t believe all this DRAMA~! But will Wren make Lash respect the NQCC? Or will Lash step right over her to get to the title?

The Culling talks backstage.

Shawn Spears smiles and says he trusts Izzi’s judgment. Why did she take a chair to Jensen’s back? There is no room for half-ass commitment in The Culling. Jensen always dressed different from them, kept his distance from them, and when it came to talk about family, his eyes would always dart around the room like the others weren’t right in front of him. Jensen didn’t believe in them, so why should they believe in him? And then the final nail in the coffin: Jensen takes the loss to Hank, Tank and Briggs? The Culling is supposed to purge the weak and slaughter the feeble. Jensen was both. Spears says she saw something he didn’t and took action. Brilliant!

That is the kind of person he needs her to become. Izzi says individuals think they’re stronger than the group all across NXT. That will not be them. Niko says Izzi eliminated Jensen for them, and he thanks her for it. Izzi says Jensen had it coming, #ItIzWhatItIz. Niko says now this is a new beginning, but with the same goals. Spears says it starts tonight, against Briggs & Inamura. Is there anything else Izzi sees? She has her eyes on something. They all share a smile, but just what could The Culling’s femme fatale be plotting?

Shawn Spears & Niko Vance w/ Izzi Dame VS Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura!

The Chair Man thought Brooks Jensen trusted him, but as The It Girl pointed out, Jensen wasn’t fully committed. As for the Bullhead Brawler & Great Rush, they’re reunited and still hunting gold, but perhaps more than just the tag titles? All things will come to light, but who takes a step closer to the spotlight here in NXT?

The teams sort out and Niko starts against Inamura. They tie up, go around in a deadlock, and Niko headlocks. Inamura fires body shots, powers up and out, but Niko RAMS him! Inamura comes back to RAM Niko! Niko rebounds to RAM Inamura, but Inamura rebounds to FLYING SHOULDER! Niko goes to a corner while the fans fire up! Inamura runs in, Niko goes up and over, then Niko HEADBUTTS! Niko brings Inamura over, tags Spears, and they hand Inamura off so Spears can CHOP! The fans “WOO~” and Inamura nods! Spears CHOPS again, and the fans fire up with Inamura! Spears CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Inamura just takes it!

Inamura then blocks a chop, and he puts Spears in the corner to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Inamura then winds up to CHOP! Spears flounders around, Inamura CLUBS him, and he tags Briggs. They double whip to DOUBLE SCOOP SLAM! Inamura CHOPS, Briggs ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Briggs storms up to the apron as Spears bails out. Briggs drags Spears up, but Spears RAMS low! Spears slingshots but into a HAYMAKER! Briggs then HIP TOSSES Spears into a BACKBREAKER! Spears writhes, Niko gets in but Briggs BOOTS him down! Spears kicks, Briggs blocks, but the SUPERKICK still hits! Spears calls for Niko but he’s down!

Spears is mad, he runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Briggs CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up while Spears sputters to the ropes. Briggs runs, slides out, and he ROCKS Spears! Izzi has the chair! The ref reprimands, but then Niko tags in! Niko CLOBBERS Briggs from behind! The fans boo but Izzi laughs. Niko puts Briggs in, CLUBS him, but Briggs goes for a leg. Niko CLUBS him down, gator rolls, and throws down ELBOW after ELBOW! Briggs CLUBS away on Briggs, then watches him sputter. Niko drags Briggs up just to short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Briggs toughs it out but Niko ROCKS him! Briggs goes to a corner in a daze, but Niko runs in and RAMS Briggs!

Niko runs and he FLYING HEADBUTTS!! Tag to Spears, and he stays between Briggs and Inamura. Spears mocks the sumo style and the ref has to keep Inamura back. Spears drags Brigg sup, but Briggs ROCKS Spears! Both men wobble and hobble, hot tag to Inamura! Inamura CLOBBERS Spears again and again and then LARIATS Niko! Inamura wrenches and fires off fast hands! He DECKS Spears and hits the sumo stance! SUMO PALM RUSH! Inamura ROCKS and CHOPS Spears over and over, then runs corner to corner to SPLASH! Niko hurries to tag, but so does Briggs. Inamura SPLASHES Spears, feeds him tot he BOOT, but Niko is in!

Briggs scoops to SIDEWALK SLAM and SPLASH! The fans fire up with Briggs, then climbs. Spears distracts but Inamura POUNCES Spears! But Niko trips Briggs! Niko drags Briggs out for the DOMINATOR! Cover, Culling wins!

Winners: Shawn Spears & Niko Vance, by pinfall

They shed the dead weight and have only gotten stronger! Will no one be able to stop The Culling from taking over NXT? What will it take for Briggs & Inamura to become contenders?

Ava talks with Ricky Saints.

And she asks him, “What were you thinking?” What was the point of him going after Ethan like that? Doesn’t he remember the talk they had about how she wasn’t going to let them keep running around, ruining her show? Ricky coughs, he still isn’t 100%. She still sees the bruising on his neck, he can’t talk, and we all know what Ethan is capable of. Please let Ava handle this, okay? Ricky is to go home, rest, and not come back again until he is medically cleared. Ricky seethes but he has no other choice. When and where will the revolution once again be televised?

Sarah Schreiber is at WWE Medical.

She wanted to get a word from Oba Femi after the attack by Jasper Troy, but he is still under examination. As of right now, the title match is still on, but it could be in jeopardy. A loud noise from off camera gets our attention, and it is Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors apologizing to Mr. Chase. They should not have messed with Dark State, a bad idea. They have no idea what they were thinking. Oh, now they see it? It took them getting their asses kicked again to see it? If they’re gonna do this again- Wait, so there’s a chance- Let him finish! If they’re to do this, they have to do it Mr. Chase’s way. The right way. Kale loves that! But what does it mean?

For starters, show up to class on time! Okay! Two: Follow the rules! Three: Follow the directions! Is that too much to ask? No, sir! They can do that! So they’re in? 100%! In there like swim wear. In that case, time to get back to class. Yes! Chase U~! With Kale & Uriah following Mr. Chase’s guidance, will this be the Summer of Chase U?

The Glamour has arrived in NXT!

Mariah May soaks in the tub and blows the bubbles. Time to get out, get dressed, and make the world fall in love! She’s beauty, she’s grace, and she will likely punch you in the face! The Glamour doesn’t just walk into the spotlight, she’s the reason it exists! She is the girl you’ve been waiting for! Introducing… Um, Miss? There she is! And she is… Blake Monroe!

Lash Legend VS Wren Sinclair!

The Bougie Bully is indeed bullying the locker room, and also claims she will be leading the title chase. But will she have to SKRRR and pump the brakes after facing #WrenQCC? Or will not even no quarter be enough to stop this future legend?

NXT returns as Wren makes her entrance, the NQCC by her side. But she assures Tavion Heights & Charlie Dempsey that she’ll be fine on her own. Tavion & Dempsey fist bump and let Wren go to the ring alone. But then Kelani Jordan surprises Lash by joining commentary. Lani says Lash stuck her nose in other people’s business, time for Lani to return the favor. The bell rings and Lash talks trash, but Wren waistlocks. Lash headlocks to THROW Wren away, then she talks more trash on Lani. But Wren is up to DROPKICK! Lash ends up in a corner, Wren LARIATS then ELBOWS Lash. But Lash lifts Wren, THROWS her away, then backdrops, only for Wren to sunset flip!

Lash waves her arms to stay up, but then Wren spins to trip Lash up! Wren SMACKS Lash’s arm out from under her, then has them both, CATTLE MUTILATION! Wren marches around to keep on the torque but Lash endures! Wren shifts to have the FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Lash powers up, scoops Wren, and then gut wrenches! Wren slips free, but Lash BOOTS her down! Wren sputters, Lani is disappointed, but Lash HAMMERS away on Wren against the ropes! Lash stops, glares at Lani, then drags Wren up. Lash SMACKS Wren off the mat, runs, and SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Wren stays in this but Lash wraps on a BEARHUG!

Lash squeezes tight but Wren endures! The fans rally for Wren but Lash thrashes her around! Wren CLUBS away on Lash, fires elbows, but Lash knees low! Wren goes toa  corner, Lash runs up, but Wren dodges! Lash hits buckles, comes back, but Wren ELBOWS her! And CHOPS her! And fires body shots! And DOUBLE CHOPS! Lash runs up, Wren dodges, and Wren tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Lash gest up, Wren jumps up, SATELLITE DDT! But Lash flounders out of the ring! Wren just goes to the apron and FLYING- NO, Lash stops the rana! Wren slips free to kick a leg out, and ENZIGIRI Lash down! The fans fire up as Wren pushes Lash in.

Wren climbs up a corner, Lani claims Wren is not a friend despite Lani wanting her to win. Wren CROSSBODIES, but Lash catches her! Lash swings Ren, LASH EXTENSION! Cover, Lash wins!

Winner: Lash Legend, by pinfall

Wren put up a fight, but Lash still stands tall! Will no one be able to stop Lash from becoming champion?

Lainey Reid speaks.

“Last week, I showed the WWE Universe their first dose of the Southern Sensation. And here I am thinking I had to wait for the sweetest moment to join this NXT Women’s Division, but no, no, no. I didn’t wait to become a rodeo champion. Or a former, record-breaking track athlete. I saw my opportunity and I took it. And when I see my opportunity here, I don’t mind kicking my Southern hospitality to the side. And sweetheart, don’t let my accent fool you. Jacy Jayne is still the most beatable champion in WWE history. And tonight, I’m gonna shock the world.” Will Reid rope ‘n’ ride to wrangle herself that NXT Women’s Championship?

Backstage interview with Jasper Troy.

Sarah brings up how he viciously attacked Oba Femi earlier tonight. Why did he risk putting the title match in jeopardy? Isn’t he worried Oba won’t be able to compete? Troy says that didn’t cost him anything, and he knows exactly what he’s doing. Oba may be hurting, but he’s a beast. And as long as Oba is still breathing, he will still go out there to defend the title. Troy is counting on it. These alpha males are still on their collision course, but will Troy go from the top of LFG to the top of NXT?

NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne w/ The Fatal Influence VS Lainey Reid!

It took all of the Fatal Influence and then some to take this title off Stephanie Vaquer, so by that math, maybe the Southern Sensation is right. Could Jacy be nothing more than a paper champion? Or will it not matter when Jacy still has her friends by her side?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is really championship material!

The bell rings and the fans rally behind “LAINEY! LAINEY!” Jacy gets mad, runs up on Reid, but Reid rolls her up! TWO!! Jacy escapes and Reid says it was that close. Jacy runs up, Reid doges the boot to ROUNDHOUSE! And roll-up, high stack, TWO! Reid bumps Jacy off buckles, stomps and ROCKS Jacy, then brings her around. Reid bumps Jacy off buckles, then fires elbow after elbow. The ref counts, Reid whips, but Jacy reverses. Reid goes up and up to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jacy sputters and Reid pushes her around. Reid talks some trash, but Jacy blocks a punch to KNEE and LARIAT! Cover, TWO!

Jacy stomps away on Reid, then runs to SENTON! Jacy keeps moving, another SENTON! “And that’s why I’m the champ!” The fans boo because no it’s not. Jacy drags Reid up but Reid breaks free to ROCK Jacy! And ROLLING ELBOW! Jacy wobbles, Reid whips, and then Reid blows past Jacy, but Jacy SUPERKICKS! Reid flops against ropes, the fans rally, but Jacy CATAPULT GUILLOTINES her! Reid sputters, the Influence laughs at her, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Jacy soaks up the heat while she poses, then stalks Reid in the ring. Jacy bumps Reid off buckles, runs her side to side to bump off more buckles, then she fires hands! Jacy digs her boot in, steps off as the ref counts, but then CHOKES Reid on the ropes! The ref counts, Jacy YANKS the ropes to snap Reid back, and Jacy eggs Redi on. Jacy SLAPS Reid, talks more trash, then drags Reid up for a whip and ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Reid is still in this so Jacy drags her up to SLAP her again! And again! But Reid SLAPS back! Reid fires body shots, but Jacy KNEES low! Jacy snarls and she pushes Reid down with a neck wrench.

Reid endures and fights back to her feet. Jacy keeps the chinlock but Reid fires body shots. Reid then reels Jacy into a cradle, TWO! Jacy runs up but Reid BODY BLOWS! Reid kicks low, UPPERCUTS, then whips. Jacy reverses and NECKBREAKER DROPS! Cover, TWO! Reid stays in this but Jacy stays on her with a top mount and fast hands! Jacy stomps Reid, then paces around. Jacy soaks up more heat, ELBOWS her in the shoulder, then clamps on a chinlock. Reid endures, fights around, but Jacy cranks on the hold. It’s almost a Bully Choke but Reid keeps moving around. Reid stands, and she RAMS Jacy into the buckles!

Jacy holds on as NXT returns to single picture, and the fans rally as Reid RAMS Jacy in again !And again! Jacy THROWS Reid into the buckles, then CHOKES her again! The ref counts, Jacy stops at 4 and she soaks up more heat. Jacy runs up, but Reid dodges! DROPKICK! Jacy is down and the fans fire up! Jacy hobbles up but Reid RAMS her low! And kicks low, to then fire forearms! Reid whips, Jacy reverses, but Reid grabs ropes. Reid ELBOWS Jacy away, then takes a swing, but Jacy gets under to trip her! Jacy wants to guillotine again but Reid BOOTS Jacy away! Jacy snarls and comes back, she stomps the rope to hit Reid in the throat!

The fans boo but Fallon & Jazmyn mock Reid’s pain. Reid goes to a corner, Jacy runs in, and Jacy back body blocks! Jacy puts Reid up top, SLAPS her, then GAMANGIRIS! Jacy climbs up, brings Reid up, but Reid fires body shots! The fans rally, Reid fires forearms and HEADBUTTS! Jacy drops back and the fans fire up for Reid! Reid adjusts, leaps, and BLOCKBUSTERS! A rough landing for Reid, too, and the fans rally up! The standing count starts, both women stir at 3 of 10, and they rise up. Jacy fires a haymaker, Reid fires back! They go back and forth and the fans rally for Reid! Reid swats a shot to give a shot!

Reid kicks, UPPERCUTS, and then runs to RUN Jacy over! And she RUNS Jacy over again! Reid dodges to atomic drop! And RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! And ARM WRINGER! Jacy flounders to a corner, Reid runs in, UPPERCUT! Reid reels Jacy in for ANARCHY!! Cover, TWO!! Jacy survives that twister and Reid is shocked! Reid drags Jacy up, clinches again, but Jacy fights the lift! Jacy fires elbows, shoves free, then runs up, only for Reid to block a boot !Jacy dodges the lariat to run and RANA! Jacy runs up, Reid dodges a knee to GIVE A KNEE!! Cover, TWO!?!? Jacy survives and no one can believe it!

The fans fire up for Reid as she is getting closer! Reid waistlocks, O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Reid goes up the corner, but Fallon distracts! Jacy HOTSHOTS Reid! Jacy spins for the ENCORE ELBOW!! Cover, Jacy wins!

Winner: Jacy Jayne, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)

But yes, put another huge asterisk on this one: Fallon had to distract Reid at just the right moment to help Jacy survive. But is this going to be the story of Jacy’s reign? Wait! From the perch, it’s Ava Raine! And she says that since the Influence took it upon themselves to decide who Jacy’s first challenger would be, Ava will now decide her next one. And because we have the most stacked and most talented Women’s Division in the world, Ava decided that next week, there will be four singles matches. The winners of those matches move on to a Fatal 4 Way on June 24. And the winner of that match will be the NEW #1 contender, facing Jacy for the title at EVOLUTION!

This huge move has Jacy shaking in her boots! And just look at the contenders lining up! Thea Hail, Lola Vice, Kelani Jordan, Jaida Parker, Lash Legend, Zaria, Izzi Dame, Jordynne Grace, and surely everyone else in the back. Who will make it through the mini-tournament to turn up the heat in Atlanta?

Briggs & Inamura talk backstage.

Inamura assures Briggs that they will get The Culling. Briggs says it doesn’t matter. Inamura came back just for Briggs, and he let this happen! Briggs is furious, and he shouts that they’re better than this! Inamura says he knows that. But then in step TNA’s First Class, AJ Francis & KC Navarro. The former Top Dolla says that survey says… Not really. But he will reintroduce himself, this is AJ Francis. And here is the Blessed One, KC Navarro. And together, they are First Class. But tough loss out there, big man. Don’t worry, the NXT Tag Team Championships will look much better on them real soon.

Inamura says he just realized. These two are really annoying! Francis says he was taking over this locker room before Inamura even thought about being a big star in NOAH. And now he’s back to do it again! But a guitar strum signals the entrance of Elijah! He introduces himself, and he says if not for First Class, the TNA World Championship would be back in TNA. So why not take this right now? He can introduce them to his guitar. KC says pardon me, Elijah, but they’re gonna go talk with THE TNA World Champion right now. KC ushers AJ away, but what will they have to say to the “Trick’N A” Champion?

Luca Crusifino is on the phone.

The Consigliere promises whoever is on the other side that he will “get it done.” Tony D’Angelo walks in and asks what that was about. Luca says nothing, just taking care of business. Oh, really? Yes, Luca will prove himself to Tony that he can be trusted. After you. Tony says no, after Luca. Luca walks in front, so that he can’t stab Tony in the back. But will there still be betrayal on the menu? Or can Luca really be trusted?

Tavion talks with Myles Borne backstage.

But then in step Wren and Charlie. Myles asks Wren what she called to talk to him about. Wren says Charles is still upset about the loss, but he does have something to tell Myles. Charlie says Wren did make a good point, and Charlie is a man of his word, so good luck out there. They shake hands, and Myles thanks Charlie for that. The NQCC did shape him into the man he is today, so he’ll never forget them. Charlie tells Myles to make them proud. Myles says of course he will. And then Je’Von Evans joins in and congratulates Myles. Je’Von and Tavion know Myles will be ready for anything. And tough loss for OG Charlie, but it’s all good, right?

Charlie says yeah, the NQCC is good. Tavion wants a shot, too. Wait, what? No, no, he’s not ready to face Charlie in the ring. Je’Von says daaayumn~! Charles, c’mon now! Why you holdin’ people down when you just let Myles go? Charlie asks why Je’Von is here when it’s not his business. They’ll stick with him, right? Tavion says yeah, but he was just thinking- Charlie says he knows what Tavion is thinking: the three of them are always and forever NQCC, they will rule NXT together! C’mon, let’s go. Wren says she’ll talk to him. Wren follows after Charlie, but is the beginning of the end for the crew?

Tony D’Angelo & Luca Crusifino VS Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont w/ Wes Lee!

NXT returns as The High Ryze make their entrance. The teams sort out and Luca starts against Igwe. They tie up, Luca waistlocks, but Igwe THROWS him off. Luca is back on Igwe going for a leg, but Igwe SMASHES Luca! Igwe whips, Luca ducks the boot, and then he ducks the lariat to JUMP KNEE! Luca brings Igwe over, Tony is hesitant, but Igwe THROWS Luca by his hair! Tag to Dupont, and Ty & Ty DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Dupont runs up, Luca avoids the stomp to roll him up, TWO! Dupont DECKS Luca, then runs up, only for Luca to dodge! Dupont hits buckles, Luca wrenches him and brings him over.

Tony holds his hand out, Luca tags him, but Tony doesn’t want to do a double team move. Luca lets Dupont go, and Tony throws hands. Tony whips Dupont, blows past and FLYING FOREARMS! Tony reels Dupont in, fires body shots for the hockey scrum, but Dupont RAMS Tony into the corner! Tony fights back but Igwe tags in! They mug Tony, Igwe stomps Tony down, then tells the ref to shut it. Wait, “breaking news” from Blake Monroe herself? She is going to officially sign her NXT contract next Tuesday! Igwe argues with the ref, then stands Tony up to talk trash. Tony pushes Igwe back, they throw hands, and Tony DECKS Igwe!

Tony goes to the D’Angelo corner but Wes distracts Luca! Tony shouts at Luca to pay attention, but then Igwe sucker punches Tony! Igwe RAMS Tony into the corner, tags Dupont, and Dupont runs in for the STINGER SPLASH! Tag back to Igwe, and Dupont feeds Tony to a KNEE! Igwe tags Dupont back in, they double whip, but Tony grabs ropes. Tony TOSSES Igwe, dodges Dupont, and he hot tags Luca! Luca rallies on Dupont & Igwe, ELBOW in the corner for Dupont, LARIAT for Igwe! The fans fire up, Dupont runs up, but Luca DUMPS him out! Igwe storms up, whips, but Luca goes up and out and slingshots to SHOULDER TACKLE!

The fans fire up for Luca and he tags Tony back in. Luca tells Tony to trust him, and Tony nods. Luca builds speed for Tony to TOSS out onto Igwe & Dupont! The fans fire up for the D’Angelo Family while NXT goes picture in picture.

Luca is feeling it but Tony still seems hesitant. Luca pushes Dupont into the ring for Tony and Tony drags Dupont up for the hockey scrum. Then the HALF HATCH! Dupont flounders, Tony is on him again, and Tony whips Dupont to the corner hard. Tony LARIATS, tags Luca, and they double whip Dupont to DOUBLE ELBOW! Igwe is up but Tony DECKS him! Tony turns around, Luca pushes him out of the way so that Dupont’s UPPERCUT hits Luca! Dupont stomps away on Luca, and there’s nothing Tony can do since Luca is legal. Dupont tags Igwe, they mug Luca, and Igwe hoists Luca up for the SNAKE EYES!

Luca sputters and flounders, Igwe covers, TWO! Luca survives but Igwe drags him back over. Tag to Dupont, and Dupont runs to SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Luca stays in this but Dupont pushes him around. Luca CHOPS back! Dupont BOOTS Luca down! Dupont pushes Luca down so he can ground ‘n’ pound! Tag to Igwe, and Igwe CHOPS! The mugging continues, then Dupont FULL NELSON SLAMS Luca! Igwe covers, TWO! Luca toughs it out but Igwe keeps him down with a chinlock. Luca endures as Igwe squeezes tight. Tony paces, the fans rally, and Luca fights up. NXT returns to single picture, and Igwe THROWS Luca down!

Igwe facelocks to keep Luca from Tony. The fans rally and Luca fires body shots. But Igwe scoops to SHOULDER BUSTER! Luca writhes, Igwe covers, TWO! Luca snarls but Igwe stays on him with forearms! Igwe talks trash, fires more shots, but Luca eggs him on! Luca then fires haymakers! Igwe hits low, then whips Luca to the corner. Igwe LARIATS then whips corner to corner for another LARIAT! Igwe scoops, Luca slips free, and then comes back with a CODE BREAKER! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Luca crawls, reaches out, hot tag to Tony! The Don rallies on Igwe & Dupont! BELLY2BELLY after BELLY2BELLY!

The fans fire up as Tony drags Igwe up and whips him to ropes, SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up more but WAIT! Stacks is here! Ton catches him first to HIP TOSS! Stacks wants mercy and he tries to run away, but Tony has him by the leg! But then Luca has the crowbar?!? Tony sees that, and he asks what that’s about! Luca says he was getting it out of the ring! Tony says he knew all along that Luca was a rat! But Igwe CLOBBERS Tony into Luca! Tag to Dupont, HIGH RYZE BOMB!! Cover, Igwe & Dupont win!

Winners: Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont, by pinfall

Stacks grins as he got one over on Tony again. Will the traitor continue to toy with Tony until The Don’s completely spiraled out of control?

Backstage interview with Trick Williams.

Sarah is with the TNA World Champion and congratulates him on successful title defenses, both last Tuesday against Mike Santana and last Friday at TNA Against All Odds against Elijah. But some are saying Trick only made it through last Tuesday thanks to First Class. Trick says there are haters who say he ain’t great, even when they know that he is. They try to say he doesn’t look good when they know he looks like money. What Trick is saying is, he doesn’t care what nobody has to say, including the “loud ‘n’ proud” Mike Santana! Santana made a promise to his daughter, but he really just lied to his daughter’s face!

And as for Elijah, he needs to get some guitar lessons! Then he needs to learn how to squabble because we all saw what happened to him on Friday! Now Elijah needs help, needs backup, he’s got Briggs & Inamura to come #WalkWithElijah. Well, that’s cool, cuz ever since Trick went Hollywood, Trick’s been riding in first class! That’s how we’ll do it! Six Man Tag: Inamura, Briggs & Elijah VS THE Trick Williams and “the light-skinned brothers outta First Class,” AJ Francis & KC Navarro, let’s talk about it! And as for Briggs & Inamura, since they wanna walk with Elijah so bad, they’ll all get dog-walked right outta NXT!

You already know what it is! #TrickyTwoBrands, and he makes it look easy! Sarah says AJ Francis just posted a tweet that he is excited for this match. Trick says let’s talk about it. Trick heads out, but will he and First Class still be riding in style? Or will Elijah, Briggs & Inamura humble them all together?

The Evolution Eliminator is set!

Next week, all four matches will happen! Kelani Jordan VS Lash Legend, Zaria VS Izzi Dame, Thea Hail VS Jaida Parker and Jordynne Grace VS Lola Vice! Who will win their way into the Fatal 4 Way to then head for the title?

NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Jasper Troy!

The night started with The Ruler being attacked by Troy, and now, despite the bruises and the rib tape, this night will end with The Ruler fighting Troy straight up! Will it take more than a sneak attack to tear down Oba Femi? Or will we all be saying LFG after this massive main event?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if these titans tear down the house!

The bell rings and the two throw hands! Oba gets the edge but Troy KNEES Low! And POWERSLAMS, to then SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Oba stays in this but Troy is right on him with more fists! Troy looms over Oba, a rarity in itself, and he drags Oba up. Troy scoops Oba but Oba slips free! Oba hobbles, but he manages to scoop and SLAM! Oba fights through the pain and the fans fire up! Troy stands, but Oba fires hands! Oba wrenches, RAMS, and wrenches again to RAM again! But Troy clamps on a choke grip! Oba breaks free to fire body shots and CHOPS! Oba ROCKS Troy, huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Troy just snarls.

Oba reels Troy in, but Troy suplexes! And stalls, to then SLAM Oba down! Oba bails out of the ring but Troy pursues! Troy goes to the apron, but Oba CHOPS him! Troy stays up!? Troy then LARIATS Oba on the floor! Troy puts Oba in the ring, whips him to a corner hard, and Oba falls in a heap! The fans go nuts as Troy whips Oba again, and the BUCKLE BREAKS AWAY! The fans lose their minds and Troy roars triumphantly while Oba is down! The ref checks on Oba while NXT goes picture in picture.

The ref calls in reinforcements to help with the buckle situation. Oba stands back up, and Troy KNEES Oba low! Troy scoops Oba to SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Oba toughs it out but Troy looms over him again. Troy clamps onto Oba’s arm but Oba resists the stretch, so Troy CLUBS him in the ribs! Troy has the GROUND COBRA TWIST, and he pulls on Oba’s arm! Troy also clamps his hand on the taped-up ribs, but Oba endures. Oba fights up, and he HIP TOSSES Troy away! The second rope is back in place, so Oba runs, only for Troy to CLOBBER him! Troy drags Oba to a cover, TWO! Troy can’t believe it, but the ref defends his count.

Troy stomps Oba right on the ribs, then steps on him! Troy drags Oba up, scoops, and he hits a BACKBREAKER! Oba writhes, Troy covers, TWO! Troy SPLASHES DOWN! Cover, TWO! Oba stay sin this but Troy SPLASHES again! Cover, TWO!! Oba refuses to give in so Troy hauls him up. Troy whips, Oba reverses, and NXT returns to single picture as Troy blocks the hip toss. Troy BODY BLOWS, then he scoops! Oba kicks and flails and makes it to the apron. Troy storms up but Oba avoids the shoulder ram! Oba CLUBS Troy, brings him out to the apron, and Oba fires forearms! But Troy ducks one, and he picks Oba up for an APRON BACK SUPLEX!!

Oba writhes and flounders into the ring, but Troy runs to SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO!! Oba survives and Troy is rather surprised. The fans rally as hard as they can, and Troy suplexes, only for Oba to block and suplex in return!! Oba roars and the fans are with him! Oba blocks a haymaker to fire forearms! And short arm LARIAT! Troy stays up but Oba LARIATS Troy down on the second try! Then Oba hits an EXPLODER!! The fans fire up as Oba reaches a new gear! Oba runs and UPPERCUTS, then goes corner to corner, only for Troy to follow! Troy SPLASHES Oba in the corner! Troy keeps moving, but Oba hits a SPINEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!!!

The fans rally while Oba is beside himself. Oba drags Troy up, HEADBUTTS him, but Troy HEADBUTTS back! They DOUBLE HEADBUTT, then DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither man falls, so they DOUBLE BOOT! Both men wobble, but Oba choke grips! Troy fights, the fans chant “MEAT! MEAT!” Troy POSTS Oba! Troy choke grips Oba now, for the MONSTROUS CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!!! Oba survives and the fans cheer on “NXT! NXT!” Troy hoists Oba up and lifts, but Oba makes it a CROSSBODY! Then he hurries to reel Troy in! But Troy BACKDROPS free! Oba rises?! Troy spins, but Oba ducks the discus lariat to SHOTPUT BOMB!!

Oba fires up and the fans are with him again! Oba waits on Troy, runs up, but into the BLACK HOLE SLAM!!! But Troy can’t make the cover! Both men are down and sputtering! Troy crawls to the cover, TWO!!!! The delay saves Oba but Troy hurries after him. Troy pushes Oba to a drop zone, and he goes up the corner! VADER BOMB onto knees! Troy scrambles away to the ropes, but Oba runs up, to LARIAT Troy and himself out of the ring! But Oba hurries to THROW Troy through the barriers!! The fans lose their minds again and Oba hurries to haul Troy from the wreckage! Oba puts Troy in the ring, powers up, and FALL FROM GRACE!!! Cover, TWO!?!??!?!

The ref says Troy just barely gets a shoulder up! That was maybe an inch at best, but up is up! So Oba whips Troy to pop him up again! FALL! FROM!! GRACE!!! Cover, OBA WINS!!!

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

Jasper Troy proved he is a monster, but Oba reminds us why he is The Ruler! But if Troy got this close on his first try, will he be unstoppable the second time around? As for Oba, who will be next to challenge him for the throne?

My Thoughts:

This was an awesome NXT to both follow Worlds Collide and set up for Evolution. Good promo with the Women’s Division in the locker room to help set up Lash VS Wren. That was a very good match, but Lash winning makes sense since she’s being built up with the rest of the division. Good promo from Lainey Reid, but a shame she already uses her title shot here. Jacy of course needs help to win, but I’m very glad to see we’re getting the title match for Evolution, just as I imagined last week. Not quite the big tournament I was picturing, but at least there’s this Fatal 4 Way play-in “Eliminator.” Great match-ups for all four parts, can’t wait to see who gets to face Jacy.

Mariah May also had a fun little vignette promo to help introduce her WWE name. “Blake Monroe” is not at all what I expected, it could’ve probably been Mariah Monroe to keep the initials, but a reference to Marilyn Monroe and possibly Blake Lively works for how Mariah had the Hollywood starlet gimmick alongside Toni Storm in AEW. Mariah might build up a more organic way rather than just jump into the top title scene. She can beat a few midcarders, challenge for the Women’s North American Championship, reference some of her history while feuding with best buds, ZaRuca, and build her résumé by grabbing up both women’s titles in NXT.

Good promo from Myles with NQCC to make his leaving the faction official, and good bit from Je’Von joining in. Dempsey is either going to lose his entire faction, or come around to the idea that Tavion can do his own thing while still being on the team. I’m leaning more towards the former. Also, where’s Noam Dar been? Meta Four breaks up, he gets the Heritage Cup back, and while Jakara and Oro have been released, Lash is the one getting attention. Which is great for her but makes me wonder if they had any plans for Dar beyond winning the cup back. Hopefully this Summer helps get the Heritage Cup Division going again, perhaps bringing in international stars from AAA to liven things up.

Great North American Championship match, but I figured Ethan would win. Legacy looked awesome even in defeat, but this of course gave an opening for Ricky Saints to return. But they still kept the “throat injury” to a realistic timeline so this probably helps push Ethan VS Ricky to NXT Great American Bash in Atlanta. And at this point, maybe it should be No Disqualifications because these two have already gone wild and need to get wilder to top it. Very good stuff in the D’Angelo story, but I figured Stacks would make Tony think Luca was on his side just to screw him over. Good win for High Ryze and surely Tony VS Stacks 2 will be set for Great American Bash.

Very good stuff with The Culling, and with Izzi pointing out her evidence, this shows they aren’t releasing Brooks Jensen but perhaps turning him back to Face as an ally to Briggs & Inamura. We got a very good match out of Culling VS Briggs & Inamura, but as such, it makes sense for The Culling to win. Very good promo segment to set up a great crossover Six Man Tag, and I just knew we’d get a team-up of Trick & First Class at some point. Good promo from Chase U, and while it wasn’t a classic Mr. Chase rant, he did get stern with Uriah & Kale and they’re going to listen to him. Here’s hoping we get a montage of him training them both in mind and body.

And of course, great stuff with Oba and Troy. Troy attacking Oba at the start of the show was certainly a wild way to add to the main event. Oba fights from behind because of the “bad ribs,” and then with Troy himself just being a massive powerhouse, and obviously those spots of breaking one of the buckles and toppling the barriers, this got the fans fired up in a way I don’t think we’ve gotten on NXT weekly TV in a long time. Oba retaining though at a disadvantage was probably the right call. Troy is great, but it’d be a lot to push the inaugural LFG winner right to the top. Perhaps Oba’s reign continues through to Great American Bash, and if he were to lose then, he could make his callup with SummerSlam and get right into a midcard title story.

My Score: 8.9/10