It’s an NXT Homecoming!

For the first time in years, NXT returns to Full Sail University! And with it, so have some “alumni,” like Rhea Ripley, Stephanie Vaquer, and Lyra Valkyria!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS Tatum Paxley & Izzi Dame w/ The Culling; Charlotte & Alexa win and retain the titles.
• Trick Williams & Carmelo Hayes VS #DIY; Trick & Melo win.
• NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page VS Tyler Breeze; Ethan wins and retains the title.
• Six Woman Tag: The Fatal Influence VS Rhea Ripley, Stephanie Vaquer & Lyra Valkyria; Rhea, Stephanie & Lyra win.

PLAY BY PLAY

TRIPLE H is here!

Full Sail erupts as The Game returns to where it all began! HHH gets the mic, and he says, “I cannot tell you how good it feels to come home.” The fans chant, “Welcome Home! Welcome Home!” HHH says these three letters, NXT, are something special. This place, this building, this room, is something special. For every talent that walked out of that, uh, video board… HHH was going to say curtain, but they really isn’t one. But his point, every talent, every production person, every staff member, every crew member, every kid that went to Full Sail University and was part of the process, all of you are special.

One fans shouts, “WE LOVE YOU, TRIPS!” HHH smiles, and he says hold on, he wants to make his point. What is really special about this is all the fans. All the fans in this building, all the fans watching around the world, you are special. You are why this is here, you are why NXT is stronger than ever. “All of you took something that started as a whisper, just a little tiny whisper quietly going along, and you turned it into an undeniable roar!” The fans cheer, and they chant for “N X T! N X T!” HHH says the fans’ passion for this, as well as the talent that came here, who did this for nothing more than their passion, turned this into a roar.

Everyone’s passion shattered conventions and allowed NXT to take over. The fans cheer that! So it is their moment. The fans are the ones that said, “NXT is the future!” The fans are the ones that said, “The future is now!” The fans are the ones that stood up on their feet, and shouted at the top of your lungs, “WE! ARE! NXT!” HHH wishes to come out here now and stand up for them to say, “Thank you.” The fans cheer again, but wait! Shawn Michaels makes his way out here! The fans sing along with the song as HBK walks to the ring. HBK says thank you, and as he came walking out of the video board, they are all thrilled to have HHH here for Homecoming.

Now, HHH is so busy selling out the million dollar gates, making multi-billion dollar deals, which WWE is all thankful for, but HBK says he and NXT are ready to steer the ship into the future. And HHH has to add, HBK and his team, they knocked it outta the park. NXT is the best thing on CW, they are lighting the world on fire, and… The fans chant, “Thank You, Shawn!” HHH agrees, thank you, Shawn. But… What if HHH said he wanted to come back? HBK is rather stunned, and HBK says he didn’t want this to get all uncomfortable, because then they’d have a very, very big problem. Oh…? WAIT! WILLIAM REGAL IS HERE!

The fans cheer as the former NXT General Manager is here, mic in hand, and he says, “Gentlemen, please. I know how to settle this. There’s only one way.” The fans are already saying it, but Regal says, “Do you mind? That’s my thing. Pretend you didn’t do that, let’s take it off the edits… WARGAMES!!” The fans are going nuts already! And then Charlotte Flair makes her way out here! The former TWO-TIME NXT Women’s Champion, one of the current WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and The Queen has come home to NXT, but of course she is not alone! Alexa Bliss makes her entrance, and these “not friends” have mics, too.

The fans welcome them home, too, and Alexa says, “Wow, Charlotte. I think they argue more than we do.” Charlotte says they don’t argue, they’re besties now. And yes, she said it. But respectfully to HBK or HHH, it doesn’t matter who is in charge, because the WOMEN have always run NXT! This is where the Women’s Revolution started! The fans cheer “Women’s Wrestling!” Charlotte says yes, but she has to say the names: The Four Horsewomen! Paige! Asuka! Carmella! Alexa Bliss! Alexa adds, “Charlotte Flair.” But there are so many names! Rhea, Iyo, Ember Moon, Shayna Baszler, Nia Jax, they could go on forever but… They have their tag team title match.

But the point is, the women have always been the backbone of NXT, and that’s never gonna change. And if you aren’t down with that, they’ve got two words for ya! “SUCK IT!” HHH & HBK can respect that. But will #Charlexa be able to stay golden through the homecoming? Or will everyone be having a #Tizzi?

Speaking of #Tizzi, The Culling heads to gorilla, and Lyra Valkyria walks over to say hi to Tatum. Tatum is so excited to see her “sweet dove” again, they hug it out, and Izzi gets Tatum to focus. Will The Culling remove the weakness from the women’s tag team champions?

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS Tatum Paxley & Izzi Dame w/ The Culling!

NXT returns and The Culling makes their entrance, the ladies leading the way. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who can endure the painful truth!

The teams stare down, realizing they’re like bizzarro world versions of each other. The teams sort out, and Alexa starts against Tatum, with Alexa holding onto Lily while Tatum has her Izzi style Barbie. The fans cheer as these two step up to each other, and the ref says they gotta put the dolls away. Both quickly look over at him, but then they back away to give the dolls over to their teammates. Tatum and Alexa circle, the fans rally up, and they tie up. They go around, Tatum THROWS Alexa by her hair, and Izzi applauds. “That’s my girl!” But Alexa gets up in a huff. Alexa and Tatum run up, Tatum goes Matrix but Alexa goes Spider-Woman in the ropes.

The fans cheer as the two smile at each other, then Tatum runs up, only for Alexa to CROSSBODY! Cover, TOW, and then the two run up! Alexa clinches, Tatum gets free, and the fans applaud. Alexa smiles and she might be creeping Tatum out. Alexa WRINGS Tatum’s arm, but Tatum handsprings through! The fans cheer, things speed up, and Alexa tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Tatum flounders, tag to Izzi and tag to Charlotte. The fans “WOO~” as Izzi and Charlotte circle. The fans rally behind Charlotte, and she surprisingly offers a handshake. Izzi SLAPS it away! The fans boo that, but then Charlotte dodges the lariat to CHOP!

Izzi kicks low, then bumps Charlotte off buckles. Izzi bumps Charlotte off buckles again, only for Charlotte to give that back! And a GAMANGIRI! And a CHOP! The fans “WOO” again and Charlotte storms up, but into a JAWBREAKER! Izzi scoops, Charlotte slips free, and she CHOP BLOCKS Izzi! The fans cheer, Tatum runs in, but Alexa intercepts with a drop toehold! #Charlexa then runs to BLOCKBUSTER and NATURAL SELECTION! #Tizzi flounders away, Culling regroups, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Tatum brings Charlotte up, but Charlotte breaks free. Tatum KNEE SMASHES first! Tag to Izzi and they double whip. Charlotte KICKS Izzi, TOSSES Tatum, then BOOTS Izzi! Izzi runs back up, but inot a CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Tatum returns but Charlotte CHOPS her, too! CHOP for Izzi! CHOP for Tatum! And repeat! And repeat! Tatum falls, but Izzi BOOTS Charlotte! Tatum ENZIGIRIS! Izzi hits the FLYING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Izzi is shocked! “This is Awesome!” and Izzi pushes Charlotte around. Izzi taunts Charlotte, SMACKS her off the mat, then talks trash.

Izzi drags Charlotte up, pie faces her, and fans rally up. Charlotte snarls, Izzi SLAPS her, so Charlotte SLAPS back! Izzi shoves, Charlotte rebounds, and DOUBLE BOOTS take them both down! The fans fire up as both women crawl, hot tags to Tatum and Alexa! The fans fire up as Alexa RUNS Tatum over! And RUNS her over again! SHOTGUN! Then she wrenches and SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Tatum! SHOTGUN again! the fans fire up for Alexa and she runs, BLOCKBUSTER again! Cover, TWO! Alexa is frustrated but she sees Tatum in the corner. Alexa runs up, Tatum ELBOWS her away!

Tatum runs up, but Alexa grabs her by the neck! STO! Alexa goes up the corner, but Izzi hurries over! Alexa BOOTS Izzi down, but Niko gets on the apron! Charlotte YANKS him down! Spears shouts at Alexa, but she still goes TWISTED BLISS! But onto knees! Cover, with feet on the ropes! TWO!! Alexa survives and Tatum is shocked! Tatum DECKS Charlotte, but Charlotte wants in! Izzi ROCKS Alexa! Tatum takes Alexa on a CEMETERY DRIVE!! Cover, but Charlotte barrels in and breaks it! Izzi ROCKS Charlotte! Charlotte TOSSES Izzi! Tatum goes up, 450- NO, she has to bail out! Alexa ROCKS Tatum! TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL!! Cover, #Charlexa wins!

Winners: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

The Culling tried all their tricks, but it didn’t work out! Is the painful truth just that they’re not ready for gold?

#ZaRuca watches this backstage.

Zaria says they could’ve been in that match, but Sol Ruca hit her with the Soul Snatcher. Sol says she already apologized, it was a mistake! Zaria says Sol is the best pure athlete here, and she claims she couldn’t stop herself? Oh, right, stop mid flip in the air! But Zaria can’t do the same when going for a spear? But in steps Lainey Reid. And she tells Sol that she needs to not distract herself with this, and instead focus on her opponent for No Mercy. Because next week, after Lainey beats Candice LeRae wins the Speed tournament- Candice interrupts and says, “Oh, to be so young and foolish. You (Lainey) can’t beat me, and you (Sol) can go ahead and polish my Speed title up for me.”

Sol tells The Poison Pixie that’s a no. Shayna Baszler shouts “ENOUGH!” Lainey and Candice bail, and the Queen of Spades says to save that energy. Shayna notes Sol is the Double Champ here. But Shayna held gold longer than any woman has in NXT. So take her advice and figure out how to fix this ZaRuca thing. She was a tag champ, too, and had her share of tag partners, so she gets it. But they have… Well, Shayna remembers this feeling. Just apologize, and they’ll get everything they want, okay? Shayna leaves, Sol and Zaria say they’re good now. But will The Soul Surfer & The Agent of Change be able to turn the tide?

Trick Williams & Carmelo Hayes VS #DIY!

Two teams, two duos of friends with a lot of beef between each other, are now looking to prove who were really the best to ever enter NXT. Trick grabs a mic to have them cut the music, and he says, “One thing for sure, two things for certain, that’s all it is…” “And that’s all it’s gone be.” Because Melo makes his entrance next! His tron has an image of a DIY jersey burning, and the fans cheer on “MEL~O! MEL~O!” Will NXT still belong to Trick Melo Gang? Or can Johnny Wrestling & The Blackhearted take down the #TrickNA Champion and H1M?

Ciampa and Gargano enter separately, so that they can use their old NXT theme songs! Time to see if no one will survive this rebel heart! The teams sort out, Gargano starts against Melo, and they tie up. Gargano headlocks, Melo powers up and out, then hurdles, rolls, and swings. Gargano rolls Melo for the- NO, Melo ducks the Schoolboy Kick, but then Gargano avoids the Eddy Gordo Kick! The fans fire up as these two reset. Melo kicks low, tags Trick, and they double whip Gargano. Trick DROPKICKS, then he scoops Gargano. Gargano slips free, tag to Ciampa! Ciampa dodges the leg lariat, then hits a THESZ PRESS!

Ciampa rains down fast hands, but Trick gets free and runs up. Ciampa TOSSES Trick out, Melo runs up, but Ciampa TOSSE him, too! Gargano SUPERKICKS Melo, Ciampa KNEES Trick! Gargano then builds speed and he DIVES! Direct hit onto Trick Melo Gang and they hit the desk! The fans fire up as DIY sits on the desk to clap and pat themselves on the back! Gargano & Ciampa are in control while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Trick EDDY GORDO KICKS Ciampa! Trick fireman’s carries, but Ciampa slips free to REVERSE DDT! Both men are down, the fans fire up, and we get hot tags to Melo and Gargano! Gargano CLOBBERS Melo, CLOBBERS him again, then ENZIGIRIS Trick! And KNEES to Melo! KNEES to Trick! BULLDOG LARIAT COMBO! The fans fire up with Gargano, and he sees Melo on the ramp. SLINGSHOT- NO, Melo blocks the spear! Mule kick, and then a FADE AWAY- NO, Gargano dodges! Melo runs up, Gargano dodges again, but Melo somersaults into the ring! Gargano SLINGSHOT SPEARS! Cover, TWO!

The fans fire up and Gargano brings Melo up. “This is Awesome!” as Gargano tags Ciampa. Ciampa back suplexes, Melo lands out, and Melo waistlocks. Ciampa switches, but Melo avoids the superkick! Ciampa catches it in time, DIY cools off, but Trick tags in! LEG LARIAT after LEGT LARIAT! Then a CYCLONE KICK for Ciampa! FLAPJACK for Gargano! Trick kips up, POP-UP UPPERCUT to Ciampa! Trick loads up, but Melo tags in! Same ol’ Melo! Tilt-o-whirl and LA MYSTICA! The fans cheer Melo but Melo says he’s just messing around. Trick shakes hands with Melo, but then scowls! Melo senses it, but then Trick LARIAT Gargano!

Ciampa runs up, Trick sends him to a corner! Electric Chair Lift! FADE AWAY DOOMSDAY! Cover, GARGANO BREAKS IT! The fans fire up as all four men are down! Trick and Gargano rise up, brawl, and Gargano ducks a kick to SUPERKICK! Melo hits the FIRST 48 on Gargano! PSYCHO KNEE from Ciampa! Ciampa reels Melo in, Melo slips free, but then Ciampa gets him right back up, PROJECT CIAMPA!! Cover, TWO?!? Melo survives and shocks Ciampa! The fans hope these teams “FIGHT FOREVER!” But Trick has the TNA title belt! The ref takes that, Ciampa rolls Trick and reels him in, FAIRYTALE ENDING!

Tag to Gargano and DIY sets up in the corner! The fans fire up but Melo BARRELS Trick outta the way! Melo eggs DIY on, and he fires off haymakers and CHOPS! Then he ducks ‘n’ dodges, but into the SHATTER MACHINE!! Say yeah for The Revival! And then DIY will MEET IN THE MIDDLE!! Cover, TRICK BREAKS IT! But Ciampa ROCKS Trick! Gargano runs up, Trick TOSSES him out! Ciampa and Trick brawl, and Trick gets the edge! Ciampa and Trick scrap all the way out of the ring, BUT WAIT! The Miz hits Gargano with a SKULL CRUSHING FINALE to the floor!! Miz puts Gargano in for Melo! And Trick sends Ciampa into steel steps!

Melo is up top, NOTHING BUT NET!! Cover, Trick Melo Gang wins!!

Winners: Trick Williams & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall

It’s a huge upset, but mostly because everyone is upset The Hollywood A-Lister, who was only ever a coach in NXT, felt the need to help H1M win! But will there be no denying Melo as he heads for the United States Championship this Friday?

Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.

Well speaking of the United States Champion, he is with Kelly Kincaid, and she asks how it feels to be back. He says it is really emotional. He got so many memories just walking in the door. The first would be his NXT Championship match right here in Full Sail. It reminds him of that time, so many superstars with so many potential, and that’s still the same here today. Anyone in particular? Yes, actually. One particular superstar reminds Sami of himself. And clearly Ava Raine sees it to, it’s Je’Von Evans. But in steps Josh Briggs, saying that Ava is wrong, Sami is wrong, and they’re all wasting on Je’Von, who is just a kid who hasn’t done a thing in NXT!

JE’VON JUMPS IN AND ATTACKS BRIGGS! Security rushes in and separates these two! Sami has Je’Von cool down and forget about that guy. Sami says he came all the way here to talk to Je’Von. Je’Von has something that no one can teach: heart! Je’Von has a big future in front of him, and Sami knows that for guys like them, it doesn’t come easy. But at the same time, sky’s the limit. Je’Von, the SKY is the limit! Good luck out there. Sami and the Young OG shake on it, but will Je’Von get past big bully Briggs so that he can reach those heights?

NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page VS Tyler Breeze!

There’s a lot of ego in this match as the Egomaniac and self-proclaimed Greatest North American Wrestler defends this title against an NXT OG! Will Tyler finally have a singles title in his ensemble? Or will Ethan steal Tyler’s smile?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see whose ego is the strongest of all!

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Ethan headlocks, but Tyler powers up and out. Ethan RUNS Tyler over, the fans boo, but Ethan mocks Tyler’s lounging on the top rope. The two reset, tie up, and Ethan headlocks. Tyler powers up and out, but Ethan RUNS Tyler over again! Ethan talks trash, then runs, but Tyler drops down then DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Tyler shows Ethan how it’s done! Ethan seethes, storms up, but Tyler fakes a superkick! Then Tyler mule kicks, dropkicks the legs out, and he brings Ethan up to whip. Ethan reverses, Tyler goes up and over, but Ethan dodges in return. Ethan DECKS Tyler!

The fans boo as Ethan talks trash, “You happy to be home now? HUH?!” Ethan talks more trash while NXT goes picture in picture.

Ethan stands Tyler up, ROCKS him with another right hand, then puts him in a corner. Ethan fires body shots, then ROCKS Tyler again. Tyler staggers to another corner, but Ethan bumps Tyler off his boot. Ethan CLUBS Tyler down, then looms over him. Ethan sits Tyler up just to CLUB him down again, then he soaks up heat. Ethan brings Tyler up, KNEE SMASHES him, then puts him on the ropes to CHOKE! The ref counts, Ethan steps off, and Tyler goes to a corner again. Ethan storms up to ELBOW Tyler! And ELBOW him again! Ethan ROCKS Tyler, ROCKS him again, then brings him around to bump him off his boot again!

Tyler sputters, Ethan warns the ref about the counting, then stands Tyler up. Ethan ROCKS Tyler again, then again! And again! Ethan runs, but Tyler dodges! Ethan tumbles out to the floor! Ethan hurries back in, but Tyler rallies with forearms! Tyler then ROCKS Ethan in the corner! Tyler keeps moving, but Ethan LARIATS him down! Cover, TWO! Ethan rains down fists on Tyler! Ethan stops to tell fans to shut it! Ethan then waits on Tyler to rise. Ethan runs in, and he BOOTS Tyler back down! Cover, TWO! Ethan snarls, talks trash on the fans, then goes back to Tyler. Ethan sits Tyler up, runs, and BOOTS him down again!

Ethan paces, stands Tyler up, and brings him around as NXT returns to single picture. The fans rally for Tyler but Ethan smiles. Ethan reels Tyler in for TWISTED- NO, Tyler powers out! Tyler fireman’s carries, Ethan ELBOWS free, and Ethan Canadian Racks! Tyler slips free to PELE! Tyler whips, Ethan reverses, but Tyler FLYING FOREARMS! Tyler tumbles to the ramp, then GAMANGIRIS! Ethan slides under, but Ethan sits on the sunset! But his hands are on the ropes! The ref sees that, Ethan lets go, but that lets Tyler continue the sunset! TWO! Ethan is up, but Tyler RANAS! And cover! TWO!! SUPERKICK from Ethan! CONFIDENCE BREAKER!

Then the Canadian Rack, EGO’S EDGE!! Cover, TWO?!?! Tyler survives and Ethan is livid! Ethan drags Tyler, puts him in a corner, and then wants to make sure Dr. Wagner III, who is sitting in the front row, sees all of this! Ethan ROCKS Tyler, ROCKS him again, but Tyler kicks the legs in return! Ethan hobbles, Tyler trips him, and Tyler goes to the corner. Tyler SLAMS Ethan’s leg against the post! The fans fire up for Tyler and Wagner wants to see that some more! Tyler says he’s got something! HANGING FIGURE FOUR!! The fans fire up, the ref counts, and Tyler lets go! The Hitman would be proud as Tyler gets in and leg scissor rolls! Then HALF CRAB!

Ethan endures, reaches out, and the fans chant “TAP! TAP! TAP!” Ethan claws forward, but Tyler drags him back! Ethan turns over, cradles, TWO! Both men stand, PRETTY KICK! Cover, TWO!! Ethan survives and Tyler is beside himself! The fans rally up as Tyler refocuses. Tyler drags Ethan into the chicken wings! Ethan powers out and TWISTED- NO, Tyler has the arms again! But Ethan back suplexes! Tyler lands out, then BOOTS Ethan away! Tyler goes up, reels Ethan in, but Ethan wrenches out! BOOT! Tyler wobbles up top and Ethan climbs! But Tyler slips down, tucks Ethan in, CHEEKY NANDOS!

Ethan sputters, staggers, WHEEL KICK from Tyler! Cover, TWO!! Tyler is shocked and the fans chant, “That Was Three!” Tyler drags Ethan to a drop zone, then he climbs up. But Ethan trips him first! DRAPING TWISTED GRIN!! Cover, Ethan wins!

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

All Ego toughed it out and he took this win right away from Tyler. But will he and the AAA Latin American Champion look to settle this once and for all?

Tavion Heights finishes watching this.

And he’s upset that of course Ethan finds a way to win. But then Damian Priest says, “I know exactly who can take him down.” Tavion says what’s up! Damian says he’s been watching Tavion. Real talk, Tavion is so close to that next level. And Damian knows what that feels like, cuz he’s been there. For Damian, here in Full Sail, TakeOver: In Your House, that is where and when it clicked. Then shortly after, he goes on to win the North American Championship. That was a ladder match, and the best part, he had the greatest celebration in a hot tub. Whoa, a Jacuzzi? Yeah, right back there. And Damian sees a lot of that in Tavion’s future.

Tavion thanks Damian for that, and Damian says he also spoke with Ava. So at No Mercy, it is Tavion VS Ethan for the North American Championship! YES! Tavion thanks Damian again, and Damian says just go handle business. And if he needs any advice, he can talk with Damian. Oh, then can they talk now? Tavion’s got so many questions! We let these two talk it out, but will September 27th be the night where Tavion reaches those new heights?

It’s a Homecoming edition of The Grayson Waller Effect!

And the Aussie Icon is already in the ring to welcome us to this special edition of “the most important talk show in the history of NXT. The most charismatic, most talented superstar in history, and yet I’ve never stepped foot in Full Sail University. That’s okay, I’m not impressed, NXT wasn’t good until I got here anyway.” The fans boo, but Waller says let’s just get the show started! He already has both men competing for the NXT Championship at No Mercy! First of all, the challenger, the Temu Labubu Waller, Ricky Saints! And his opponent, THE NXT Champion, can we get a “HOO HOO!” for Oba Femi!

The fans cheer both Saints and Oba, and Waller says what a treat. This feels good to be home. But let’s get to it: These idiot NXT fans will cheer for anything, so that’s why they like both of these guys. But only one can win at No Mercy, so who is it gonna be? Will it be #Obarated or #RickySoft? Oba says Waller is a puppet, but he will humor him tonight. Oba said it before, he’ll say it again, Ricky is not special. Ever since Saints showed up in NXT, he has acted like the best thing since sliced bread with his fancy entrance, his flamboyant clothes and his iconic pose. But despite everything Saints has going for him, Oba can’t help but be underwhelmed.

Because Oba eats, sleeps and breathes this title. All Saints has done is look beyond this brand to when he’ll get “called up” to Raw or SmackDown so he can carry Cody Rhodes’ bags! Waller laughs at that burn! Oba says at No Mercy, Oba will show Saints the door, and Saints can carry as many bags as he likes. But Saints can’t carry this title. The fans applaud, and Saints says, “Oh, Oba, you are not familiar with my game, brother. I think it’s real cute that a guy recruited straight outta college wants to talk about friendships, but lemme go further than that. You were scouted, you were sponsored. What is Oba Femi without the title, huh? Who are you at the core of it?

“You act like you got a warrior’s spirit, but more like you’re just a pampered athlete. But I know who I am! And you wanna talk about hype? I grinded for that, I worked for that. In fact, eight years ago at the PC, three days, I poured my energy, I poured my effort into it, just to go home and get an automated email that said no. And y’know what I realized? I realized that no matter how hard you try, no matter how much you pour yourself into something, it just does not work out the way that you predicted. But guess what? It does! Because I’m standing right here! I realized that a delay is not a denial! And I will always gamble on myself!

“And it may not mean anything to you, but everything I’ve given to this business outside of these four walls means EVERYTHING to me! So come No Mercy, I am not gonna be delayed, I am not gonna be denied, I AM gonna be the NXT Champion! WHY? Because I am Absolute Ricky Freakin’ Saints!” But then someone says, “Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.” Trick Willy makes his way back out here?! Trick wants them to pause on that. The truth is, Oba, you’re just holding something that still belongs to Trick. And he does mean that NXT Championship. Now, Trick doesn’t know about Ricky “Booboo Face,” but he needs to mind his business while grown folks is talking!

Because this here started way before Ricky got here! Matter o’ fact, the only reason Saints is even here is cuz Trick and Oba made NXT hot again, let’s talk about it! Waller says hey, Trick, they should talk about it! Waller’s the host, so he has an idea. He will talk to Ava, and even Santino Marella, and maybe next week on NXT, we do Trick 1v1 with Oba Femi, title for title, WINNER TAKES ALL! And then the winner of that faces Ricky Saints at No Mercy! Saints likes that idea, and Trick says bet! Waller says he already sees the “TNA flops” online whining! Those three letters are only relevant cuz Waller said ’em. And that is the Grayson Waller-

Oba cuts off the catchphrase to tell Trick, “Next week, I’m gonna beat you and take that TNA Championship. And then at No mercy, I’m going to successfully defend both titles against you (Ricky) and send you out in disgrace. And THAT is the Oba Femi Rub! Waller is annoyed but the talking is over. Who will be THE champion after No Mercy?

The No Quarter Catch Crew talks backstage.

Wren Sinclair tells Charlie Dempsey that they need a fresh start. New music, new jackets, maybe something bigger, but it’s okay, Wren wrote down a huge list just last night. Charlie says there’s no need for change. NQCC has just fallen on hard time. They just need to refocus, which is why Charlie has decided… He’s going to Japan for a month. What?! Charlie is going to NOAH, he’s going to come back a new man. Wren will hold down the fort for him while he’s gone. She doesn’t need to do anything, but without him around, it’ll be- GLORIOUS! Bobby Roode steps in! And Wren is so excited! Can he do the thing? Sure!

Roode strikes the GLORIOUS pose, and Charlie asks where the music comes from. This keeps happening to them! But Wren is so excited, cuz it’s just like Joe Hendry! Wren, NO! “Say his name and he appears!” Joe Hendry walks in through the door! Hendry and Roode finally meet as former TNA World Champions, and Roode has to say, seeing Hendry bring that title to WrestleMania was absolutely GLORIOUS! And now that Hendry is in NXT, there’s a title he should focus on that Roode also once held: THE NXT Championship! When that day comes, just know that Roode will be waiting for him.

Hendry says that for someone of Roode’s stature to say that, that means a lot. They shake hands, and Roode wishes them all luck. Roode and Hendry head out, and Dempsey just wants Wren to not do anything he wouldn’t. Wren says yeah, of course. But is she even paying attention? Or will the #WrenQCC be a very different crew?

Lexis King is in the ring.

NXT returns as The Drama King has the mic and the fans boo. “NXT: Homecoming. And who better to celebrate with than the flesh and blood of NXT? The face of NXT! Lexis ‘Homecoming’ King!” The fans boo but Lexis says now now, he has something to say. But maybe he shouldn’t say it, it might ruffle their feathers. But let’s just say that the Black ‘n’ Gold Era of NXT is… overrated! It just doesn’t hold up to the standard of today’s wrestling. And it doesn’t matter how much the fans all cheer and celebrate the past, because the truth is, they don’t care about the fans! They’ve all moved on! But Lexis hasn’t! He’s here, he’s a star! And there’s a target on his back!

That’s why last week, he was assaulted by Myles Borne! Beaten to a pulp by a steel chair, in the darkness! “Myles Borne, you are a sick and disgusting, evil, vile, deaf man!” The fans tell Lexis, “You Deserved It!” But Lexis says Ava agrees, so he and Myles are having themselves a LIGHTS OUT MATCH! You wanna dance in the dark, Myles!? Well, Lexis is gonna knock your lights out! But then surprise! The lights go out! And when they come up, FINN BALOR is here! The fans fire up and lose their minds as The Prince returns to NXT! But this is all to keep Lexis distracted! Myles slips in and DECKS Lexis!

The fans fire up and then Myles hits a ZIGZAG! Lexis is in the drop zone, and the fans cheer as Finn hits a COUP DE GRACE! Lexis sputters and writhes while Finn shows off the towel that says, “Homecoming PRINCE.” Myles and Finn stand tall, but will Myles make sure Lexis is the one left alone in the dark next week?

Backstage interview with DarkState.

Kelly Kincaid is now with Cutler James, Dion Lennox, Osiris Griffin & Saquon Shugars to bring up how they retained the NXT Tag Team Championships, thought not as smoothly as they’d hoped. After all, they had another run-in with Joe He- NO, NO, NO! Don’t say the name. The only thing that matters is that they’ve still got the gold. And they ain’t scared of you-know-who. They know the deal, right? Fall in line or get put down. But then in steps Montez Ford! Oh, is he lost? Or is he here to tell them he’s got a problem with them? No, no problem here. He ain’t crazy, he watches the product. But he also sees those NXT Tag Team Championships.

And Ford sees a time when he and Angelo Dawkins made a lot of memories. A lot of memories right here in Full Sail. But no matter what, DarkState are here tonight, home, and together. Ford just wishes he knew how that felt. Well, real funny coming from him, ain’t it? Ford says yes, that is right, handsome young blood. What they all need to worry about is the big ol’ targets on their backs! Ford leaves, and Cutler starts to talk about getting behind, and the others cut him off. These four hurry away, but will they all have to have eyes on the back of their heads? Or will they still be caught unawares?

TNA stars are MAD!

Mike Santana tweets out, “To keep it real with everyone… I’m pretty sick and tired of all the ‘WWE/NXT has control over TNA and can do what they want’ BS! Think it’s about time we do something about #NXTHomecoming.” Moose adds, “Title VS Title… Is that even possible? Doesn’t Carlos Silva have to approve this decision? This is frustrating. Will be watching this match very closely, I have unfinished business with both Oba and Trick.” Mustafa Ali tweets, “NXT celebrates its past but disrespects TNA’s future. Many will talk about it. A few will do something about it.”

Meanwhile, Matt Hardy adds, “Trick VS Oba for the TNT Title at #NXTHomecoming?!? Even tho Trick Williams is a WWE NXT talent who currently holds the TNA Championship, he shouldn’t be defending against a NXT talent. This is utter BS – it’s a TNA title & should always be defended against TNA talent!”

Six Woman Tag: The Fatal Influence VS Rhea Ripley, Stephanie Vaquer & Lyra Valkyria!

Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley & Jazmyn Nyx have been on a roller coaster as of late, and every time they fall, Jacy blames the other two! But will they hold it together as they face three stars of the past? Or will Mami, La Primera & The Morrigan free us from their Influence?

NXT returns, and Lyra makes her entrance first. A shame that Tiffany Stratton was not medically cleared after her brutal match with Jade Cargill and subsequent attack from Nia Jax, but it’s not like Lyra is 100% herself after Judgment Day tried to tear her down. Luckily for her, she has two other former NXT Women’s Champions by her side! Vaquer enters second, leaving Rhea for last. But then the Influence attacks, with Jacy BLASTING Rhea right off the apron! Fallon is after Lyra, Jazmyn is after Vaquer, and the fans boo. Jacy CANNONBALLS Rhea, then the others mug Vaquer while Jacy POSTS Rhea!

The fans boo but Vaquer fights back! She DECKS Fallon, but Jazmyn CLUBS her! The bell rings, Nyx tags Fallon and Fallon tags Jacy while the fans rally for “LA PRIMERA!” Fallon whips Vaquer for Nyx to SWEEP the legs, then Fallon runs to SLIDING FOREARM! Jacy adds the SENTON! Cover, TWO! Vaquer is tougher than that but Jacy KICKS her in the back! And then- NO, Vaquer ducks the kick to roll Jacy up, TWO! Vaquer slips around Jacy, waistlocks to then sit her down, body scissor and roll to the BRIDGE! TWO! Jacy gets up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Vaquer tumbles, goes to a corner, and Jacy runs in, only to get caught!

Vaquer snapmares Jacy into buckles! Then she DROPKICKS! The fans fire up, hot tag to Lyra! Lyra runs and CROSSBODIES! Then she DECKS Nyx, SOBATS Fallon to KICK and RAM her, then HEEL KICK into Nyx! ENZIGIRI into Fallon! Jacy runs up, Lyra dodges, and then Lyra cartwheels through the hip toss to ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up with Lyra as all the Influence is down! Rhea returns, Lyra dodges Fallon, and Rhea HEADBUTTS Fallon down! Nyx runs up to SLAP Rhea! Rhea just frowns, Nyx apologizes, but Vaquer SUPERKICKS Nyx! The fans fire up as Rhea Canadian Racks Nyx for a RAZOR’S EDGE to the outside!

Nyx falls on Fallon & Jacy and they all fall on the ramp! The fans fire up for Mami, Primera & Morrigan as NXT goes picture in picture.

Fatal Influence stirs, Lyra goes out and fetches Jacy. Lyra KNEES Jacy low again and again, then brings her down to cover, TWO! Lyra keeps on Jacy with a whip to the ropes. Jacy reverses, Fallon gets a cheap shot in, and then Jacy SUPERKICKS Lyra down. Jacy drags Lyra to the corner, bumps her off buckles, and she tags Fallon in. Jacy stomps a mudhole, then Fallon adds on. The ref reprimands, Fallon argues back, then she clamps on a cravat for a neck wrench. Fallon throws KNEES into Lyra, then KNEES her down! Fallon mocks the wings, covers, TWO! Fallon is annoyed but she stays between Lyra and her all-star team.

Fallon TOSSES Lyra to the corner, ROCKS her, then tags Jacy back in. They dig their boots in, the ref counts, and they stop so Nyx can get a cheap shot in. Jacy then CANNONBALLS! Cover, TWO! Lyra toughs it out, but Jacy drags her up. Lyra JAWBREAKERS free! Lyra rights up, ROCKS Jacy, RAMS her low, then goes for her corner! Jacy keeps Lyra down and KNEES her in the side again and again! Jacy clamps onto Lyra with a chinlock and grinds her down, all while taunting Rhea and Vaquer. Lacy THROWS Lyra down, tells the others to kiss this, then she whips Lyra to the corner. BACK BODY BLOCK! Tag to Nyx, and she brings Lyra out.

Nyx hooks a leg and hits a FISERHMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Lyra is still int his, only for Nyx to LAST CHANCERY! Lyra endures and her team coaches her up. NXT returns to single picture, Lyra pushes up, but Nyx rolls back to bring her up with the facelock. But then Lyra powers up and lifts Nyx! Nyx flails, sunset flips, but Lyra stays up! Nyx finishes the flip, Lyra rolls through, but the PENALTY KICK hits! Cover, TWO! Nyx is frustrated but she drags Lyra up and around. Nyx tags Fallon, they mug Lyra, but Lyra fights back! They double kick low! Fallon & Nyx whip, then DOUBLE FLAPJACK! And DOUBLE BULLDOG!

Jacy tags in and BLASTS Rhea to then KNEE Lyra! Cover, TWO!! Lyra survives but Jacy stomps her. Jacy drags Lyra, Lyra ghost pins, TWO! Jacy waistlocks Lyra to keep her from Vaquer, but Lyra fires elbows. Lyra switches, then GUT WRENCH BOMBS! Both women are down and the fans fire up again! Lyra and Jacy crawl, reach out, hot tags to Nyx and Vaquer! The fans erupt as Vaquer goes up and CROSSBODIES! Then she spins Nyx around to snap suplex! Vaquer sees Fallon coming, wrenches, and makes her EAT DA FEET! Fallon goes to one corner, Nyx to the other, METEORA for Nyx! METEORA for Fallon!

The fans fire up as Nyx crawls, and Vaquer brings her in. Vaquer tucks the arms, but Jacy makes the save! Only for Vaquer to DECK Jacy! But then a CALF KICK from Nyx! Handspring and hot tag back to Fallon! Fallon drags Vaquer around, CATAPULT NYX KICK COMBO! Cover, TWO! Fallon is frustrated but she bumps Vaquer off buckles. The fans rally for Vaquer and Rhea as Jacy tags in. Jacy sends Fallon in, but Vaquer BOOTS her! Vaquer then dodges Jacy, hot tag to Rhea! The fans erupt again as Mami dodges Jacy to DROPKICK Nyx! Then she dodges Jacy to short arm LARIAT! And short arm LARIAT! And then ripcord and HOOK KICK!

Rhea scoops Jacy to then FALL AWAY SLAM! The fans fire up and Rhea is feeling it! Rhea gets Jacy back around, Canadian Racks, but Fallon makes the save! Rhea dodges the double lariat, and Vaquer ROCKS Fallon! Rhea ROCKS Jacy! They reel each of them in, a BIG back suplex for Fallon while Jacy gets the ATOMIC FACEBUSTER! Then Vaquer says let’s do that. Rhea nods and everyone loves it! Nyx runs in, but Lyra DROPKICKS her back out! Lyra gets the fans fired up even more! She builds speed to WRECK Nyx with a dropkick! Then Vaquer and Rhea wrap up Fallon and Jacy! We get MAMI’S KISSES!! AH, AH, AH, AH, AH, AH, AH, AH, AH, AH, YEEEEEAH~!

The fans are thunderous as then Vaquer takes Fallon out to SMACK her off the desk, SMACK her off the apron, and repeat! Jacy scurries away while Rhea dares her to get up. Jacy says time out, no thanks! But LOLA VICE is here! Lola tells Jacy to get her butt back in there! Jacy is stuck between a rock and a hard place, but then Lola’s URAKEN sends her in! Rhea pump handles for the RIPTIDE!! Cover, the all-stars win!

Winners: Rhea Ripley, Stephanie Vaquer & Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall

A huge win for this Homecoming, and it’s just as #Charlexa said: The Women’s Division has been the heart of NXT then, now, and forever! But will Lola rip Jacy’s heart out when she takes that NXT Women’s Championship? Or will the Toxic Rockstar be the one to show Lola No Mercy?

Trick, Oba, and management all meet backstage.

The NXT Champion and the TNA Champion stare down while Ava is with Regal, Stevie Turner and even Robert Stone. Ava saw those tweets and more, and Regal does not envy the task ahead of her. Oba says, “May the best man will.” Trick says, “He will.” Two companies, two titles, but in the end, only ONE will hold them both in the palm of his hand! Who will be THE #NXTNA World Champion?

My Thoughts:

A great night for NXT, especially as the “Homecoming” to Full Sail. Great highlight reel of those Full Sail days, and I absolutely loved them bringing back the original theme song and putting clips from the new roster on it. Great opening promo from HHH, HBK, Regal and #Charlexa. I’m sure Regal’s “WAR GAMES!” was for mostly fun, but it would be awesome if NXT had a Team HHH VS Team HBK WarGames match before Survivor Series. Anyway, great tag title match to open, and I figured #Charlexa would win. Tatum taking the loss and the way Izzi glared, there’s a good chance the breakup is right around the corner.

On the flipside, very fun promo from #ZaRuca with Lainey, Candice, and Shayna in a surprise return. Shayna being the one advocating for friends sticking together is the wildest thing we’ll see all week, but who knows if ZaRuca stays together. Lainey VS Candice will be a great match, hard to say who’ll win and face Sol at No Mercy. Very good promo from Sami, and good little brawl from Briggs and Je’Von. Sami encouraging Je’Von as the new underdog is good stuff, too. Lexis King’s promo was good but it was clearly so Myles & Finn could humble him. That Lights Out match will be great stuff, but don’t get it confused with how AEW uses that phrase. The lights will be dim while it’s just a normal No Disqualifications. I would think this is where Myles wins and finishes the feud.

Great tag team match from Trick Melo Gang VS DIY, but wow, didn’t think Miz would show up. That was a good surprise to hand Trick Melo Gang the win. The Grayson Waller Effect was a great segment tonight, Saints had great passion addressing his career in the indies and AEW. Trick had a good promo to join in, and the double title match is huge news. The TNA stars tweeting is definitely story, they might do an invasion angle next week to stop the title match. This would make up for how fans were thinking WWE/NXT was taking advantage of TNA, and would perhaps set up a big NXT VS TNA show.

Really fun promo from NQCC with Roode and Hendry, and nice to hear Dempsey is doing another NOAH run. And Roode kinda points out that Hendry is making that transition from TNA to NXT, and he’ll be waiting for the NXT Championship on the other side of No Mercy. If Saints does take the NXT title from Oba, Saints and Hendry can have a really fun feud. Great promo from DarkState with Ford, and Ford being alone (though Bianca was in the crowd) is a sign the Profits are falling apart. Also I appreciate them leaning into Cutler’s unintentional innuendos and the rest of the team stopping him.

Great North American Championship match, but sadly Tyler was of course losing. Ethan and Wagner III are definitely going to have their own title VS title scenario, maybe for the next Worlds Collide. Though, that depends on how No Mercy goes. Very good promo from Tavion and Priest for Priest to encourage Tavion, and that’ll be a great match at No Mercy. And great stuff with the Six Woman Tag, but too bad about Tiffany. Hopefully, Tiff isn’t too badly hurt, but that was a rough landing during that title match on SmackDown. But Lyra is great in the ring, she made a great substitute, and of course the Faces won. Lola also being part of this was good stuff, she and Jacy are going to have a great match.

My Score: 8.9/10