Who will head for Heatwave?

Trick Williams and Je’Von Evans battle it out in Philadelphia for the chance to face Oba Femi for THE NXT Championship at Heatwave this Sunday!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Philly Street Fight: Yoshiki Inamura VS Josh Briggs; Briggs wins.
• Ricky Saints VS Jasper Troy; Saints wins.
• Six Women Tag, Special Guest Referee Masha Slamovich: The Fatal Influence VS The Elegance Brand; Fatal Influence wins.
• NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Trick Williams VS Je’Von Evans; Je’Von wins and will challenge Oba Femi for the title at WWE Heatwave.

PLAY BY PLAY

Josh Briggs attacks Yoshiki Inamura at gorilla!

These two were gonna start tonight anyway, but Briggs wants all the advantage he can get! After all, he is a man without honor! Briggs throws hands, he shoves Inamura through the curtain and to ringside, so the ref rings the bell! Just how extreme is Briggs willing to get just to end this friendship?

Philly Street Fight: Yoshiki Inamura VS Josh Briggs!

The fans boo as Briggs runs up on Inamura, but Inamura dodges! Briggs hits steel steps! Then Inamura runs up and SHOTGUNS Briggs down! Briggs tumbles fight off- Wait, the whole ringside area is elevated on the stage?! Briggs tumbles to the floor then, so Inamura FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES! The fans are thunderous already and Inamura stomps Briggs! The fans cheer “NXT! NXT!” as Inamura CHOPS and CHOPS! “WOO~!” Inamura then waistlocks, but Briggs fights the lift. Briggs whips Inamura into the stage! The edge of the stage gets Inamura in the ribs! Briggs then suplexes Inamura to the floor!

Both men writhe and the fans rally up. Briggs snarls as he rises up, and he storms up on Inamura. Briggs throws Inamura onto the stage, but Inamura fires hands. The fans rally for Inamura but Briggs puts him in the ring. Briggs huffs ‘n’ puffs and storms around the way. The fans boo but Briggs goes looking under the ring. Briggs can’t find what he’s after, but then he decides to throw chairs into the ring. One chair lands on Inamura! And another! Briggs storms into the ring, stomps Inamura, then wedges a chair into the corner. Briggs SMACKS Inamura with a chair, then wedges that chair into the other corner.

Philly says, “We Want Tables!” but Inamura fires forearms and elbows! Briggs fires hands in return, Inamura ROCKS him with a forearm! Briggs runs up, but Inamura wrenches to fire off fast hands! But Briggs kicks the leg! And DECKS Inamura! Briggs runs, but Inamura ELBOWS him! Inamura runs, but Briggs ELBOWS him! Briggs runs, Inamura dodges the lariat but not the BOOT! The fans boo but Briggs hauls Inamura up. Briggs scoops, and SLAMS him on the chair! Then Briggs SPLASHES, but Inamura moves! Briggs only gets chair! The fans fire up as Inamura fires forearms! Inamura whips Briggs and Briggs hits the chair in the corner!

Briggs writhes, the fans fire up, and Inamura whips Briggs the other way! Briggs hits the other chair! Inamura huffs ‘n’ puffs and scoops Briggs, to SLAM him on the third chair! Cover, TWO! Briggs toughs it out but the fans still want tables. Inamura goes looking, and he finds a kendo stick! Inamura says that’s good, but he needs more. Inamura finds a BASEBALL BAT! The fans fire up as Inamura brings it to the ring, but Briggs SMACKS Inamura with a chair, to the knee! Then BASEBALL BAT RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! The fans boo as Briggs stomps the bat right on the Phillies logo! Briggs soaks up heat while NXT goes picture in picture.

Briggs stalks Inamura to a corner, drags him up, but Inamura blocks the bump! Inamura sends Briggs back into the chair! Inamura then stomps a mudhole, and he doesn’t need to stop because there’s no disqualifications! Inamura stops when he’s tired out his leg, and then he sits Briggs up to CHOP him back down. Inamura stands Briggs up, CHOPS him again, and then reels Briggs in. Inamura suplexes Briggs onto the chair AND bat! Cover, TWO! Briggs survives but Inamura goes looking under the ring. Inamura brings a trash can into the ring! Inamura SMACKS Briggs with it, then hauls Briggs up. But Briggs lifts Inamura to stick him in the trash can!

Briggs runs and BOOTS Inamura down! Inamura flounders out of the ring, but Briggs pursues. Briggs looks under the ring, and he adds more chairs to the mix. And even more chairs! So many chairs! And then… Spare guard rails?! Briggs gets in the ring, and he starts making himself a table out of chairs and guard rail! Inamura is up, Briggs ROCKS him first, and NXT returns to single picture. The fans rally as Briggs brings Inamura up to the top rope! Briggs SUPERPLEXES Inamura onto the railing! The fans lose their minds while both men writhe in the wreckage! “This is Awesome!” as both men manage to rise up.

Briggs goes outside, he is still looking for something in particular, but the fans still want a table. Briggs hobbles around the way, he brings out kendo sticks, and he JAVELINS one at Inamura! Briggs storms into the ring, and he uses tape to trap Inamura at the ropes! The fans boo but there’s nothing that can be done! Briggs has both of Inamura’s arms stuck on the ropes, and he SMACKS Inamura with kendo sticks! Briggs is gonna treat Inamura like a Young Boy! SMACK! And SMACK! The fans boo as Inamura can only suffer, but he isn’t giving in either! Inamura fires up, and he RIPS free of the tape!!

The fans go nuts again and Briggs begs for mercy! Inamura says not happening. Briggs puts up the stick to guard, Inamura CHOPS through it!! Then he CHOPS away on Briggs! The fans fire up and “WOO~” with every CHOP! Then a BACKHAND to Briggs’ head! Inamura hits the sumo stance, YOKOZUNA PALM STRIKES! The fans fire up and then Inamura CHOPS and ROCKS Briggs on repeat! And he CHOPS away on Briggs’ back! The fans fire up as Briggs can only guard, but then Inamura CLUBS Briggs down! The fans fire up, Inamura has the trash can, and he puts it around Briggs! The fans cheer, “He Deserves It!” Inamura CHOPS the can!

Inamura PUNCHES and CHOPS the can and leaves dents! Then he gets the baseball bat! Briggs stands, into the HOMERUN!! The fans are thunderous as Inamura goes yard! Inamura drags Briggs from the can, then URENAGES him onto the can! Briggs sputters, blood pouring from his forehead, and Inamura finally finds a TABLE! Philly cheers like the Phillies just won the World Series! Inamura sets this table up, but Briggs has a chain around his fist! Briggs rises up slowly, but Inamura puts him on the table. Inamura goes up the corner, but Briggs gets up! CHAIN PUNCH! Inamura manages to hit back, and Briggs is on the table!

Inamura pumps up, GREAT RUSH SPLASH down through the table!! Cover, TWO?!?! The fans are shocked but Inamura just goes to get another table! The fans fire up again as Inamura puts that in the ring! Inamura sets the table up right away, but Briggs works to undo it. Inamura just gets A THIRD table! Inamura puts that table in, but Briggs stops him from setting it up. They tug-o-war, but then Briggs RAMS the table down low! Then CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!! Briggs hauls Inamura onto the second table, goes up the corner, HOSS MOONSAULT!! Cover, BRIGGS WINS!

Winner: Josh Briggs, by pinfall

Philly boos but Briggs and Inamura pushed each other to their limits. In the end, the Man of Mayhem had more hate in his heart. What will be next for Briggs now that he’s said “sayonara” to Inamura?

Backstage interview with Trick Williams.

Sarah Schreiber congratulates him on retaining the TNA World Championship last Friday at Emergence, but now, we turn our attention to tonight, his chance to go to Heatwave and face Oba Femi for THE NXT Championship. Trick says that’s right, and if there’s one thing you need to know about him, is that Trick loves him some Trick. Trick went to Emergence, did what he was supposed to do, and that was mow down Moose in front of his hometown. Je’Von Evans thinks Trick is gonna beat him? Je’Von must be stupid! Yes, Je’Von can flip, flop, fly all over, an athletic specimen, and he can even bounce.

But that’s good, cuz Trick’s gonna bounce Je’Von’s ass back to high school! This is a grown man’s game! And speaking of grown men, Trick promises to see Oba at Heatwave to get back HIS title and become a THREE-TIME NXT Champion. That’s right! Three time! Let’s talk about it! Trick heads out, but will he take over in tonight’s main event? Or will the Young OG get one over on #Trick’NA?

Ricky Saints VS Jasper Troy!

The Absolute says the MonStar is just a bit envious of his hype and accomplishments, but the LFG Season 1 Men’s Champion says Saints is cocky when he’s been protected this whole time. Will Jasper destroy the “quarterback” of NXT? Or will the revolution still be televised in Philadelphia?

NXT returns as Troy makes his entrance. The bell rings, Philly cheers Ricky, and Ricky DROPKICKS! Ricky fires hands, but Troy picks him up! Ricky sunset flips, Troy YANKS Ricky back up and shouts at him. Troy pops Ricky up, but Ricky slips out for a SLEEPER! Troy flails, reaches out, but Ricky holds on! Troy drops to a knee, he’s already fading! The fans rally for Ricky but Troy powers up and RAMS Ricky into buckles! Ricky holds on, but Troy RAMS Ricky into another corner! Ricky still has the SLEEPER! Troy powers up to RAM Ricky into one more corner! Troy is free, then runs corner to corner, but Ricky dodges the splash!

Ricky climbs up, leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Ricky hurries up another corner, springboards, but Troy BOOTS him down! Ricky tumbles to apron then floor while Troy roars. The fans boo Troy while NXT goes picture in picture.

Troy huffs ‘n’ puffs as he waits on Ricky. Ricky sits up as the ring count climbs, and he leans on the desk as he stands back up. Troy storms out after Ricky to HEADBUTT him! Troy stalks Ricky as Ricky staggers around the corner. Troy then storms up to fire body shots! Troy THROWS Ricky into the apron, then pushes him into the ring. Troy storms up the steel steps, and he has Ricky in a corner. Troy stomps a mudhole on Ricky, backs off as the ref counts, then stands on Ricky’s head! The ref counts, Troy steps off, and he drags Ricky up. Troy scoops Ricky to SALM him! Then Troy SPLASHES DOWN! Troy doesn’t stop there, he runs to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!

Ricky survives but Troy storms up on him again. Troy stands on Ricky’s back, the ref counts, and Troy steps off. Troy soaks up the heat from Philly, but Ricky fires haymakers! Ricky backs Troy down, kicks low, then fires more hands. But Troy knees low, then CLUBS Ricky down! Ricky flounders to a corner, Troy is right on him, and he whips Ricky corner to corner! Ricky hits buckles hard, then falls in a heap. Troy stands on Ricky at the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Ricky sputters but Troy stands him up. Troy clamp son with a COBRA TWIST! Ricky endures, fights free, and ROCKS Troy! But then Troy KNEES low!

Troy clamps on with another COBRA TWIST! Ricky endures, NXT returns to single picture. and the fans rally up. Ricky fires body shots, but Troy fires back. Troy goes for it again, but Ricky dosidos to get free! Ricky KICKS away on Troy’s leg, then dodges a lariat! But Troy comes back to BODY PRESS! The fans boo but Troy roars. Troy runs, but Ricky avoids the elbow drop! Rocky CHOPS and ROCKS Troy on repeat! But Troy BODY BLOWS! Troy clamps on with both hands, but Ricky wrenches to go after one! Troy fights the Fujiwara Armbar but Ricky adds a chinbar. Troy powers up to scoop! Ricky slips free, dodges a lariat, then he manages to SAMOAN DROP!

The fans fire up for Ricky and he hurries to a corner. Ricky climbs up, and MOONSAULTS, but has to land out as Troy moves! Troy then RAMS Ricky into a corner! Then he picks Ricky up, and RAMS him into the other corner! Troy RAMS in again and again, tells the ref to back off, but then Ricky BOOTS Troy! Troy comes back, Ricky dodges, Troy POSTS himself! Ricky WRECKS Troy with a dropkick! Ricky leaps, but Troy catches him! Troy THROWS Ricky into the steel steps! Troy shoves the top steps over, and he brings Ricky up to put him on the base. Troy then paces, and he runs to use the top steps as a launching pad! SENTON but only onto steel steps!

The fans fire up as Ricky avoids disaster! Troy crawls away, but Ricky reels him in, TORNADO DDT to the floor! The fans rally behind Ricky as he puts Troy back in the ring. Ricky brings Troy around, TORNADO DDT again! Cover, RICKY WINS!

Winner: Ricky Saints, by pinfall

It took a lot to keep Troy down, but Ricky found a way! However, this only makes them 1-1. When and where will we get the tiebreaker between Absolute and Monster?

Hank ‘n’ Tank talk with Ava.

The NXT Tag Team Champions argue how they actually did obey her orders. They waited until after the main event to go after DarkState. They know the NXT General Manager runs a tight ship, so they would not ever disobey her. But now, they wanna know which two exactly are they facing. Ava says she doesn’t know, DarkState hasn’t told her. But then The Personal Concierge, George Iceman, walks in, saying he needs a moment. Hank ‘n’ Tank excuse themselves, and TPC formally introduces us to “the greatest female faction in the history of pro-wrestling,” aka The Elegance Brand. Ava already knows Ash (Dana Brooke), but this is Heather and M.

They want to implore Ava to not let “that filthy” Masha Slamovich to be guest referee tonight. She has zero experience! Ava appreciates their opinion, but Masha is still the referee. But speaking of, in steps Masha, already in her referee attire. The Elegance Brand scoff and laugh at how the whole thing looks. But Masha thanks Ava and shakes her hand before heading out. TPC claims Masha’s smirk was the smirk of bias! She has it out for The Elegance Brand! They’re getting their lawyers! Ava says go ahead, it won’t change anything. But will Masha be a fair and balanced official, considering she doesn’t like Fatal Influence any better than The Elegance Brand?

Jordynne Grace is here!

Philly fires up for the Juggernaut as she goes right to the ring. She grabs a mic and says she came to NXT after traveling the world, being in hundreds of locker rooms and building a reputation. And she came thinking she’d do what she’s always done: win championships. Clearly, that hasn’t been what’s happened. Now, sh eknows that she has weaknesses, and she expected those might set her back at some point> But what she didn’t expect was a friendship, however brief it may have been. She watches werstling like all of us, and she’s been a wrestler for 15 YEARS. The fans cheer that! So Grace knows how these “friendships” normally go.

But there is an exception to every rule, right? And she thought that maybe, she and Blake could’ve been the exception. Stupid in hindsight, sure. Grace has said this before, but being in the WWE, the adjustment has been really, really hard. She’s never had someone try to exploit her insecurities before and force her to address them publicly. She was angry at first, but now she has one goal and one objective. She doesn’t need to prove that she’s better than Blake. And this isn’t even revenge. No, what Grace wants is for Blake to see herself for who she is. At Heatwave, Grace holds up the mirror to-

Blake Monroe interrupts, and she has both a contract in hand, and security at her side. Enough of that, Muscle Muffin. Oh, is Grace confused by the security? As much as everyone would love to see Grace get some redemption, Blake particularly does not. There is no redemption from the truth! Blake goes to the ring and says this is why she had a contract drawn up. If Grace lays so much as one finger on Blake, the match at Heatwave is off. Blake realized she doesn’t need to feel sorry for Grace, Grace feels sorry for herself, and that’s enough. Grace says Blake has been right about a lot, but this is where she is wrong.

See, the thing is… Blake was at Evolution, right? The biggest event in Women’s Wrestling. And where was she? Standing ringside, watching Grace in the ring wrestling as a main character. The fans cheer that! So what Grace thinks, Blake, is that you are JEALOUS of Grace! Blake tries to brush that off but Grace says that night must’ve been a harsh reality check, huh? Blake didn’t like being left out at all. The fans chant, “Blake is Jealous!” Grace says Blake is a disgusting snake! Blake says THERE is the Jordynne Grace we all know and despise! She can’t help herself, can she? She doesn’t have a calm bone in her body!

Grace can’t handle the pressure. She’s not just an outsider, she’s a reject playing a superstar! And now that the Glamour has arrived, there’s simply not room for the both of them. Why Grace? Why not? Who is more pathetic than- OH, Grace is pathetic? Grace gets heated but Blake dares her to violate the No Violence Contract! Do what we all know Grace will do so that their Heatwave match will be off! Grace says she doesn’t need to touch Blake to show her what’s gonna happen at Heatwave. Grace ROCKS the guards! The fans fire up as Grace CLUBS one guy down, SPINEBUSTERS another, then LARIATS one up and out of the ring! The last guy just runs for it!

Blake freaks out, but Grace grabs the mic from Blake to say, “At Heatwave, I’m gonna show you what ugly really looks like.” Grace lets Blake go, for now. But will Blake not survive the Heatwave this Sunday?

Fatal Influence prepares backstage.

Jacy Jayne doesn’t get who The Elegance Brand thinks they are. The most dominant female faction in wrestling? Yeah, right. Fallon says maybe in their dreams. But they don’t come anywhere close to The Influence. Jazmyn Nyx says she is so happy they’re on the same page. But then Lainey Reid walks in and says hello. She tells Jacy to go out there and show everyone why she’s the double champ. Oh, she will. Fatal Influence heads out, but then they cross paths with #ZaRuca. Oh, hey, it’s the other double champ and her big shadow. Off to do another TikTok thing? Zaria says Jacy’s “so funny,” but Sol keeps her from pouncing.

Sol tells Jacy that if she was Jacy, Sol would be making as many videos as she could with both belts while she still has them. Fallon says whatever, let’s go. Fatal Influence goes to gorilla, and Lainey steps back in. She says at least Jacy defends both titles. Zaria asks who even is that. Sol says she’s suddenly got the need for Speed. Zaria declines fist bumping over that cheap line. But will Sol show she can still whoop anyone in under three minutes?

Backstage interview with Je’Von Evans.

Sarah is now with The Young OG and brings up how he is just one step closer to facing and maybe even dethroning Oba Femi at Heatwave. But that means he must first get through Trick Williams, the man who abandoned the team in their 8 Man Tag match. How is he feeling about that? Je’Von says he honestly isn’t that surprised. Trick is all about Trick, he is selfish. And the reason why is because he’s goofy. Trick knows the Young OG has his number. And Je’Von would feel some type of way about it if Undertaker choke slammed him, too. But Je’Von ain’t worried about that. To be a champion, you gotta beat a champion. And to get to Oba, he’s gotta beat Trick.

But honestly, Trick’s not locked in. Trick is trying to be the face of two brands, a rapper, and “an ugly ass actor.” But Je’Von is only trying to be NXT Champion. And in about 30 minutes, Je’Von about to #WhoopDatTrick, straight like that. Je’Von heads out, will he get extra bouncy~ in Philly?

Six Women Tag, Special Guest Referee Masha Slamovich: The Fatal Influence VS The Elegance Brand!

Ahead of the TNA Knockouts Championship Triple Threat on Sunday, the former champion suggested she keep a close eye on Jacy Jayne’s team battling with Ash’s team. So will her distaste for both sides keep her balanced and unbiased? Or will Influence and Elegance test her patience?

The trios sort out and Ash “lets” Maggie Lee start against Fallon. The two tie up, Maggie knees low, the CLUBS Fallon. Maggie struts, but then Fallon fires off forearms! Maggie blocks a kick, spin sand ROCKS Fallon, then whips. But Fallon body scissors! Cover, ONE! Fallon KICKS Maggie down, whips her to the corner, then back body blocks! Tag to Jazmyn and they mug Maggie. They fire KNEES, then Jazmyn hits a FLYING CHUCK! Cover, TWO! Jazmyn is annoyed but she brings Maggie around. Maggie ROCKS Jazmyn, takes another swing, but Jazmyn dodges to DROPKICK! Jazmyn kips up, taunts The Elegance, then she whips Maggie.

Maggie stops herself, mule kicks, then runs to KNEE LIFT! Tag to Heather and Heather hops up onto Maggie’s shoulders. ELECTRIC CHAIR SPLASH! Cover, TWO! The fans rally, Heather tags Ash, and Ash brings Jazmyn around to chicken wing! But Jazmyn victory rolls through, TWO! Ash avoids a leg sweep, then scoops, but Jazmyn slips free! Jacy tags in and Philly cheers? The champ talks trash Ash, they shove each other, then Jacy dodges Ash! Ash dodges Jacy, rolls her up, TWO! Jacy runs, Ash dodges, but Jacy hip tosses! Cover, TWO! Ash has the ghost pin, TWO! Jacy KNEES low! Jacy whips Ash to the corner, runs in, and back body blocks!

Tag to Fallon, they snapmare, and Fallon SLIDING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Fallon whips Ash into buckles, then CHOPS! Fallon grins, fireman’s carries, but Ash slips free. Ash shoves Fallon, Fallon ducks ‘n’ dodges, but The Concierge trips her up!? The fans boo, but Ash CLOBBERS Fallon! But Masha tells Iceman… HE’S OUTTA HERE! The fans cheer as Iceman gets put on ice and The Elegance Brand freaks out! Fatal Influence joins in with singing, “Hey Hey Hey, Goodbye~!” and NXT goes picture in picture.

Ash is upset, but she still fetches Fallon back into the ring. Cover, TWO! Ash HAMMERS away on Fallon, then soaks up cheers and jeers. Ash bumps Fallon off buckles, tags Maggie, and Maggie stomps Fallon. Maggie SCRAPES Fallon against the ropes, then stomps her. Maggie goes side to side and BOOTS Fallon down! Cover, TWO! Maggie drags Fallon up to snapmare, and she clamps onto the arms for a motorcycle stretch! Fallon endures, fights up, and she breaks free to ROCK Maggie! Fallon rolls Maggie up, ONE! Maggie LARIATS Fallon! Maggie bumps Fallon off buckles, digs her boots in, then tags Heather.

Heather drop toeholds Fallon, kicks her down, then slaps her around. But Fallon throws body shots! Heather stomps Fallon’s hands, then BASEMENT FLATLINERS! Cover, TWO! Heather is frustrated but she puts Fallon on the ropes. Heather CHOKES Fallon, thrashes her around, then stops as the ref counts. But Ash sneaks a cheap shot in! Heather tags Ash and Ash stomps Fallon. Ash CHOPS Fallon, tags Maggie, and the stomping continues. Maggie tags Ash back in, she snapmares Fallon, and she wraps on a chinlock. Fallon endures, fights up, and fires body shots. Fallon arm-drags free, but Ash LARIATS Fallon down!

Ash puts Fallon back in the corner, but Fallon fires forearms! NXT returns to single picture and the fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” Ash KNEES Low, whips Fallon into the Elegance corner, then handsprings to BACK ELBOW! Fallon sits down. Heather adds a DROPKICK! And Maggie adds a DRIVE-BY BOOT! Heather tags in and covers, TWO! Heather is frustrated, she steps on Fallon, then she goes up to MOONSAULT FLOP as Fallon moves! The fans rally up as Fallon and Heather crawl. Hot tags to Maggie and Jacy! The fans fire up as Jacy rallies on Maggie, then she wrenches Ash for a NECKBREAKER!

Maggie storms up but into a mule kick, front kick, and ENZIGIRI! Heather runs in but is sent into Maggie! Heather staggers into a SUPERKICK! The fans fire up for Jacy while Heather tumbles out. Jacy runs, CANNONBALL on Maggie! Jacy goes up the corner, the fans cheer, and Jacy SUPER SENTONS! Cover, TWO!! Maggie survives, Jacy is frustrated, but she tags Fallon. Fallon tags Jazmyn, and the Influence double whip Maggie for a DOUBLE FLAPJACK! Then they both run, DOUBLE THROWBACK CUTTER! KNEE from Jacy!! Cover, Ash breaks it! Jacy whips but Ash reverses to TOSS Jacy out!

Ash KNEES Fallon off the apron, but Jacy hooks Maggie up with a fisherman. But Maggie powers out and SUPERKICKS! Jazmyn falls, Maggie hot tags Heather! Ash tags in while Heather climbs, and Maggie drags Jazmyn into a Bow ‘n’ Arrow! RECKLESS DOUBLE STOMPS!! Ash adds the METEORA! Cover, JACY SUPERKICKS ASH! The fans are fired up as Jacy BOOTS Heather! Maggie BOOTS Jacy! Fallon ROCKS Maggie, DECKS her, then TOSSES her out! But Maggie drags Fallon right out! Masha says knock it off but these two brawl right into commentary! The fans are thunderous as Fallon HAMMERS away!

But Ash hits a SWANTON BOMB on Jazmyn! Ash shouts at Masha, Masha hurries to count, TWO!! The fans fire up but Ash is pissed at Masha! Jazmyn hot tags Jacy! Jacy ROLLING ENCORE ELBOWS!! Cover, Fatal Influence wins!

Winners: Fatal Influence, by pinfall

Jacy taunts Ash because her team worked better together than The Elegance Brand. Will this be the same for Heatwave and that Triple Threat? Or will it be different when Masha can be biased and fight for herself?

Charlie Dempsey talks with Kendal Grey.

He wants her to know that last week, she went toe-to-toe with Alba Fyre and it was impressive. She thanks him, but then he says if he had a piece of advice, it’d be to really lock in those armbars. You gotta make the opponent feel helpless. He knows she’s new to this, but just a thought. Um, Kendal has an extensive amateur background, and is on Evolve. Dempsey says if a true pro is offering advice, just listen, don’t question. Wren Sinclair walks in and says Dempsey can’t tell someone with a 61-0 college career how to wrestle. Hey, if he had wrestled in college, he’d have gone 600-0. Not possible…

Wren apologizes for Charles, he gets like this when he’s cranky. And then The Culling walks in, so Kendal excuses herself. Shawn Spears says the NQCC is just two people. Not good, Charlie, not good. Izzi Dame adds, “Especially with both of your track records.” Dempsey says if Wren wanted to, she could kick both Izzi’s and Tatum’s heads in. Tatum says back off! Izzi says don’t worry, the more friends you lose, the more delusional you become. There’s no saving NQCC. The Culling leaves, Wren says Dempsey can’t put her in a 2v1 like that. NQCC argues it out, but is there a chance they might need to recruit?

Time to sign the Canada-US Peace Treaty.

First out is the “Canadian Contention,” Ethan Page & Chelsea Green, along with the Secret Her-vice. All Ego says they are well aware how the “Philadelphia Freaks” like to get down, so let’s just handle business. Alba & Piper TOSS the table, no security concerns this time. And now for the United States Contention, Tyra Mae Steele & Tavion Heights! The fans cheer as the American Olympic wrestlers representing as they join the Canadians in the ring. They all sit at the not-table and the fans cheer, “U S A! U S A!” Ethan says as a Canadian, he takes great pride that both he and Chelsea are here for a peaceful and diplomatic discussion.

What they will be doing is sharing opinions and squashing beef peacefully. First opinion: Tavion is doing a great job. Honestly! Tavion has been doing exactly what he said he would, he is a singles star. Ethan saw Tavion fight his way out of NQCC, and Tavion has become what he has described himself: a weapon in human form. The issue Ethan has is how Tavion looks at Ethan. Yes, when looking at All Ego, Tavion doesn’t see the 19 YEAR veteran, or the world class athlete who is literally the greatest North American to ever hold the North American Championship! All Tavion sees is one thing: opportunity.

And that’s the issue. Tavion is getting a big head and biting off more than he can chew. Tavion is still new in “our world.” Tavion, in “your world,” you are a world class athlete, an Olympic medalist, that is extraordinary. But this is “our world,” professional wrestling. They don’t do what Tavion does in the Olympics. They don’t celebrate losers! There is no second or third place! In pro-wrestling, when you lose, you go home emptyhanded. Here, in “our world,” there is no silver or bronze, only gold! And Ethan is the one holding it! Tavion says he is so used to sitting across from “hard, seasoned veterans” like Ethan. And Tavion remembers all the times those guys counted him out.

That is, until Tavion sent them flying and they landed flat on their backs! No matter where Tavion is, he is the bracket buster! You think he is foolish for having his eyes on the title? Well, Ethan is foolish for underestimating Tavion. The fans cheer that. Tavion says he’s honed his craft, done the work, and blessed by the gods of Mount Olympus, he is made in their image! You think he’s not hungry for that greatness? Tavion will eat his plate AND Ethan’s! Chelsea says hold on, no reason to get spicy, “Lil’ T.” The fans cheer Chelsea, she says she is just so distracted by all this love!

But look: There is no need to be so disrespectful to the greatest North American to be North American Champion. He is being RUDE! But again, he is American and Americans are rude. The fans boo that, and then Chelsea tells Tyra & Tavion that they are just here to peacefully represent Canada, a country rich with culture and majestic mountains, as well as clean, fresh air. Thinking about it, Canada has the superior nation and superior athletes. Tyra says she is sick of Chelsea bloviating. Oh, don’t know what that means? It’s a college word, and it means, “Talking so much, you have nothing to say.”

But we’re here in America. Better yet, in Philadelphia! And in Philadelphia, Americans speak their minds. And what is on Tyra’s mind is for Chelsea to shut the voice box she calls a mouth. The fans cheer, Chelsea says, “Excuse me? How dare you, the so-called Olympic Gold Medalist, call ME that. Please.” Tyra repeats, “So-called? Alright. I am the first female Olympic Gold Medalist, and I came from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. I am not a ‘so-called’ gold medalist.” The fans cheer that! Chelsea says, “Okay, Honey Bunches of Oats, I am your first-ever, longest-reigning, most dangerous Women’s US Champion!” The fans cheer that, too!

Tyra says Chelsea needs to take a good look at this. This gold medal represents the best, and it means Tyra can take Chelsea down any time and any where that she wants! AND… If Chelsea doesn’t believe her, ask your Secret Her-vice. They know what she’s talking about. Chelsea says no need to escalate things, we’re being peaceful. Tavion says now Chelsea wants to play nice, huh? What happened to that Maple Spirit? Nah, nah, not in Philly, THE city of firsts! Where they know how to throw down! The city synonymous with true American grit! The fans fire up and Tavion says Philly won’t let them forget where they are.

And the way Ethan & Chelsea run their mouths, neither will Tavion! Ethan says typical Americans! This is a cockamamie excuse for a peaceful peace treaty! But Ethan & Chelsea called for it… They just want to flex their American muscle and go straight to violence, huh?! Wait, here comes Ava! So this isn’t really giving “peace,” is it? So here is what will happen: Sunday at Heatwave, Mixed Tag Match! Ethan & Chelsea VS Tavion & Tyra! The fans cheer and then the hands start flying! The Canadians strike first! The fans boo, but then the Americans block the boots! DOUBLE ANKLE LOCKS!! The Canadians tap out! Secret Her-vice saves Chelsea but Ethan suffers a little longer!

The fans cheer on the Olympians, will they be TNT this Sunday against a very different E&C Connection?

Myles Borne talks with Ricky Saints.

Myles says that was impressive out there, but what is up with Josh Briggs? Briggs kinda glared at Ricky as they passed on the ramp. Rick isn’t sure, either. But that’s something he’ll get to the bottom of soon enough, just another guy that Ricky has to keep his eyes on. Ricky says speaking of, look out. Lexis King walks in and asks if Myles has a minute. To be honest, he wants to apologize. He knows, that’s not normal for him, but he was wrong. It takes a man to admit when he was wrong. He was insensitive to Myles’ condition, mad at himself for losing, and instead of reflecting on himself, he deflected onto Myles.

To be honest, Lexis just doesn’t know how Myles wrestles on such a high level being both deaf and blind. He’s not blind. Lexis appreciates Myles being so understanding, and he knows how hard it must be for Myles to be deaf and blind. Again, he’s not blind. Lexis SPRAYS liquid in Myles eyes!! Lexis says, “You are now!!” The refs rush in and Lexis runs off! What is wrong with Lexis that he would stoop to such lows? Will Myles have to beat Lexis down harder to beat respect into him?

Kelani Jordan and Lola Vice talk backstage.

The Standout says she and Miami Vice made a great team last week, which is why… And don’t take this personally… But when Lani beats Lola, she’ll become #1 contender. But however it happens, they can surely laugh it off after. Lola says yeah, Lani is right. What was Lani doing this weekend, though? Lani was doing Pilates, some- Yeah, okay, well, Lola was at TripleMania 33, wrestling in front of 19 THOUSAND. So hopefully, when Lani loses, she can laugh it off. But in steps Lash Legend. The Bougie Bully says she watched TripleMania, and well, Lola lost. Yeah, it does suck. But Lash knows that feeling, too, right?

Oh, okay, sure. But speaking of another lost cause, Jaida Parker doesn’t even deserve to be in this #1 contender’s match. What has she done lately? No idea, take it up with her. Oh, Lash will. Because it is not like either one of them can go toe-to-toe with Nia Jax. Wow, toe-to-toe? Wasn’t it more like ass to face? Lani is surprised Lash is even standing. Lash tells Lani to tread lightly. Whether Lash is in the match or not, SHE is the biggest threat to the NXT Women’s Championship. Not Lani, not Lola, and not Jaida. Lash leaves, Lani says it doesn’t matter, she is winning. Lola says no, SHE is winning. The friendly rivals argue, but just who will win a golden ticket to facing Jacy Jayne?

DarkState talks with Ava.

They brag a bit about their big win last week. She put them against the top dawgs across NXT & TNA, and DarkState put them down. There ain’t a man, team or faction that can handle them! Oh, yes, they are right, she was very impressed. But surely, they don’t wanna talk about what happened after the match, right? How Hank ‘n’ Tank went after them… Osiris says they’ll handle Hank ‘n’ Tank and take that gold. Saquon says it don’t matter if it’s last week, next week, Heatwave, everyone is talking about one thing. It ain’t Nia Jax, it ain’t Lash Legend, Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans, Joe Hendry. It’s DarkState, and it’s-

“Say his name and he appears!” Joe Hendry pops out of a locker! Ava says they did this to themselves. Hendry says hold on, he doesn’t want trouble. He is just here to say how excited he is to see them wrestle on Sunday. But hey, the big question is: Which two will it be? Osiris says you find out when everyone else does, Joe. Dion says you either get behind them or they leave you behind. Dion leads the way out, Cutler James tells Joe, “And you don’t want us behind you.” DAMMIT, CUTTY! Saquon brings Cutler along, and Hendry says, “What a strange little man.” Ava says she’s worried about him. But in all seriousness, who will step up to the champs in Massachusetts?

NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Trick Williams VS Je’Von Evans!

These two were once friends, maybe even mentor and mentee, but ambition always gets in the way. Will #Trick’NA go for his third NXT Championship? Or will the Young OG prove age ain’t nothing but a number?

NXT returns and Trick makes his entrance. Philly still chants “Whoop Dat Trick!” for him, but we know Je’Von is ready to do just that. We spot Oba Femi watching from a balcony seat, and the bell rings. Trick SPIN KICKS Je’Von right down! Cover, TWO!! Je’Von survives, but then Trick LEG LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Trick is bringing heat already and he scoops to SLAM Je’Von! Trick scoops, carries Je’Von around, then SLAMS him! Je’Von crawls to ropes, Trick waits, and then he clinches, BOOK- ARM-DRAG! Je’Von is up, he ducks a leg lariat, BOUNCY~ roll-up! TWO, and Je’Von BOOTS Trick! Je’Von says Trick don’t like that, huh!?

The fans fire up, Trick’s got blood in his lip, but Trick ducks a roundhouse! Trick then capoeira kicks through Je’Von’s heel kick! Trick handstands and says Je’Von got served, but Je’Von HEEL KICKS after all! The fans fire up, Je’Von runs up, BOUNCY~ RANA! Trick staggers, into a DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Je’Von tastes the blood in his mouth and the fans rally behind him. Je’Von runs up on Trick and CHOPS in the corner! Trick goes to another corner, Je’Von CHOPS again! Je’Von stalks Trick but Trick throat chops! The fans boo but Trick puts Je’Von in the corner. Trick CHOPS and the fans “WOO~!”

Trick brings Je’Von around, talks trash, and then CHOPS! The fans fire up and duel while Trick looms over Je’Von. Trick drags Je’Von up, shouts out Booker T, but Je’Von dodges the chop to CHOP! CHOP! CHOP! Je’Von fires even more CHOPS, then he Ali rope-a-dopes before the JAB! The fans fire up with that and Je’Von whips. Trick ducks the kick to LEAPING LARIAT! Trick rains down fists on Je’Von, then soaks up the cheers and jeers from Philly. Trick looms over Je’Von, stands him up, and suplexes hard! Cover, TWO! Trick keeps after Je’Von, turns him, and hits a NECKBREAKER! Je’Von writhes but Trick drags him to a cover, TWO!

Trick is annoyed with Je’Von but the fans rally up. Trick drags Je’Von up, talks trash, and clamps on a cravat. The fans rally as Je’Von fights to his feet, but Trick CRANKS the hold. Je’Von still fights up, fires body shots, but Trick CLUBS him on the neck! Trick talks trash on Je’Von, whips him corner to corner, but Je’Von slides out to the apron! Je’Von goes up and around to then ROCK Trick! Je’Von springboards, FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up, Je’Von LARIATS Trick up and out! Je’Von builds speed, and he FLIES! Down goes Trick, right in front of commentary! The fans fire up, Je’Von puts Trick in, then he aims from the apron.

Je’Von springboards again, but Trick catches him! And SHOVSE him! Je’Von CRASH LANDS THROUGH THE DESK! Philly loses their minds as commentary is almost wiped out! The ref checks Je’Von, and even Oba is shocked, while NXT goes picture in picture.

Trick paces while the ref tries to talk with Je’Von. Somehow, perhaps miraculously, Je’Von is able to continue. Trick says then get in the ring. He also tells Oba to watch himself, this is what’s coming at Heatwave. Trick soaks up cheers and jeers while the ring count finally starts. Je’Von crawls at 3 of 10, rises up at 6, flops in front of the apron, but leaps in at 9! Trick is right on him with an UPPERCUT! Je’Von falls over and Trick paces again. Trick watches Je’Von flounder to a corner, then flop against the ropes. Trick drags Je’Von up, just to UPPERCUT him back down! Je’Von sits up in a daze, but Trick brings him back up with a facelock.

Trick grinds Je’Von with the facelock while NXT returns to single picture. The fans rally as Je’Von endures, and Je’Von reaches out. Je’Von rises, fires body shots, but Trick ROCKS him! And then lifts him up with both hands to put on the top rope. Trick CHOPS Je’Von, but Je’Von BOOTS Trick! Trick storms back up, but into another boot! Je’Von gasps for air and adjusts up top, but Trick ROCKET LAUNCHES him off the top! The ref checks with Je’Von again but Je’Von refuses to give in. Trick rains down forearms! Trick drags Je’Von up, brings him around to whip, then FLAPJACK! Trick kips up and soaks up cheers and jeers.

Trick is annoyed that he’s actually working up a sweat, but he brings Je’Von up. Je’Von pushes Trick away, so Trick pie faces Je’Von. Je’Von fires body shots but there’s very little behind them. Trick tells Je’Von to fight! Je’Von SLAPS Trick! Trick BACKHANDS Je’Von! Je’Von gets mad now! Je’Von huffs ‘n’ puffs and storms up to Trick. Je’Von bobs ‘n’ weaves, ROCKS Trick, and repeat! The fans fire up as Je’Von fires off shots from all sides! He ROCKS Trick, then HAMMERS away in the corner! The ref counts, Je’Von stops at 4, and he ROCKS Trick again! Trick falls out of the ring, so Je’Von DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp!

Je’Von gets Trick up and into the ring, dodges a lariat, then waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Je’Von hurries up a corner while Trick is down! FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Trick survives and the fans rally up. Je’Von rebounds, RED DOT GAMANGIRI! Cover, TWO!! Trick survives again but Je’Von isn’t stopping! Je’Von springboards, O G CUTTER but Trick handstands through!? The fans are thunderous as Trick smirks. Then he POP-UP UPPERCUTS! Je’Von flounders around, Trick brings the kneepads down! But Je’Von SUPERKICKS! Je’Von runs, into a clinch! BOOKEND! Then a roll and-

NO, Je’Von dodges the Trick Knee to roll Trick up! TWO, both men run, both men dodge, SPIN KICK!! Trick snarls, and he RIPCORDS Je’Von into a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Je’Von survives and the fans are thunderous! Trick aims from the corner, tells Oba that this is it! But then wait, that’s not Oba in the balcony! That’s Mike Santana! The Proud Boricua tells Trick to watch out. O G CUTTER!! Je’Von goes up, up, SUPER O G CUTTER!!! Cover, JE’VON WINS!!

Winner: Je’Von Evans, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Championship)

Between taking Je’Von too lightly and losing concentration at the last second, Trick just got got! The Young OG is booking a flight to Massachusetts, will he becoming NXT Champion? Or will The Ruler stay The Ruler of NXT?

My Thoughts:

A great episode of NXT as both go-home to Heatwave but also something to build some TNA stuff. Masha being here as the special guest ref was cool, and that was a very good Six Woman Tag. Good promos from both sides before the match, and I appreciate that this was a rare Heels VS Heels match. Also, I like that Heather Reckless and Maggie Lee, who had popped in and out of AEW/ROH, have a steady home in TNA with these characters. Fatal Influence winning is fitting since this is NXT, but I wonder how the go-home math works with Jacy winning here. At the same time, this double champion thing is going to end at some time, it could work to happen at Heatwave.

#ZaRuca also had a good part to play in those backstage promos, and Lainey getting snippy with Sol probably means Lainey is losing a three-minute Women’s Speed Championship match. And I know this is usually how Face/Heel turns go, but Lainey Reid sure is a hypocrite for going from “Jacy is the most beatable champion!” to “Go show why you’re the best, Jacy!” But her kissing up to Jacy furthers my theory that someone is getting kicked out of Fatal Influence so that Lainey can join. Good promo from NQCC with Culling, and something tells me Kendal Grey helps Wren Sinclair out against Izzi & Tatum, possibly adding Kendal to the NQCC.

They also snuck in the news of a #1 contender’s Triple Threat using that promo from Lani, Lola and Lash. Good promo, Lash kinda has a point about how maybe she should’ve been in the match, making it a Fatal 4 Way. Jaida, Lola and Lani are all great choices for the top title story, but I feel like Jaida needs it most. Jaida has been in the title scene but has fallen short, she needs to win at some point to still look strong. Granted, I was saying that about Grace before this Blake Monroe story. Very good promo from Grace and Blake, I appreciate Blake pulling the No Violence Contract a la an AEW No Physicality Agreement. But yeah, of course Grace beat up the “security guards.” But with that, go-home math favors Grace and Blake probably wins by cheating.

Very good promo from Hank ‘n’ Tank with Ava, and more great stuff from DarkState with how Cutler James can’t help himself with these innuendos. Cutler VS Hendry will be some good stuff, but I can’t be sure DarkState takes the tag titles until we all see who they’re putting up against Hank ‘n’ Tank. Very good match from Saints VS Troy, and naturally Saints won to tie things up. They’ll have an even better tiebreaker, and it could easily send the winner towards a title. Great promo from Team Canada and Team USA, it definitely worked for them to do this in Philadelphia, and naturally, the Mixed Tag Match was made. I feel like Tyra should win it for Team USA, and then we can build towards Ethan VS Tavion for the North American Championship after.

Awesome opening match from Briggs VS Inamura in the Philly Street Fight, and also, The Met is a great venue overall, I like that they were able to use it to their advantage both in this match and the main event. Briggs winning is fine, this being a No DQ match, that’s definitely his thing. But even then, Inamura looked awesome, the fans clearly like him, hopefully Inamura does get to do something big in the near future. Briggs and Starks having interaction is interesting, and then good stuff with Myles and Lexis, in that Lexis ups his Heel heat with blinding Myles using some kind of mystery liquid in that little squirt thing. Myles VS Lexis should probably be something No DQ related this time around with how personal Lexis is making this.

And great stuff with the main event. Very good promos to hype it up, awesome match with one of the wildest desk spots probably ever, and again, great use of the venue. Oba and Santana switching in the balcony seat was a great way to throw Trick off his game, and Je’Von gets a great win here tonight. I feel like they cut things off before we could get more of Santana rubbing it in or something, but clearly Santana and Trick are gonna go around one more time to see if Santana can take that TNA World Championship. As for Je’Von, they don’t even have time for him and Oba to have a face-to-face, we’re getting that match on Sunday, and maybe this is the time someone finally dethrones Oba. I can’t see them waiting any longer to find and build someone new, so might as well let Je’Von get it.

My Score: 8.9/10