Who will escape from New York with gold around their waists?

It’s Gold Rush Night 2 from New York City, and Kelani Jordan looks to make an impact as she defends the TNA Knockouts Championship in a Triple Threat!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE Evolve Championship: Jackson Drake w/ Swipe Right VS Sean Legacy; Drake wins and retains the title.
• Vacant WWE Speed Women’s Championship: ZARIA w/ Sol Ruca VS Fallon Henley w/ The Fatal Influence; Fallon wins and is the new WWE Speed Women’s Champion.
• TNA Knockouts World Championship Triple Threat: Kelani Jordan VS Jordynne Grace VS Lei Ying Lee; Lee wins and becomes the new TNA Knockouts World Champion.
• WWE Evolve Women’s Championship: Kendal Grey w/ Wren Sinclair VS Lainey Reid; Kendal wins and retains the title.
• Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Trick Williams VS Myles Borne; Myles wins and advances to Deadline.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE Evolve Championship: Jackson Drake w/ Swipe Right VS Sean Legacy!

The Carolina Reaper survived Keanu Carver with a little help from his pals, Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes, but now this Super superstar has caught up to him! Will Sean grow his legacy by becoming the Face of Evolve? Or will #HeartbreakDrake be partying all night long in the city that never sleeps?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who leads the future of WWE!

The bell rings and the fans cheer on “LEGACY! LEGACY!” The two circle, feel things out, and Drake gives testing kicks. Legacy gives those back, and now they throw testing palm strikes. They slap and slap and fire fast hands! The fans cheer, Legacy grabs the leg to trip Drake, but Drake goes for an arm. Legacy rolls, waistlocks, then floats to a facelock. Drake fights around but Legacy holds on tight. They stand, Drake wrenches out to a wristlock but Legacy kips up. Legacy bridges, rolls, handsprings, and wrenches to then lift and atomic drop! Drake hobbles, Legacy swivels the hips, and Legacy hits another atomic drop!

The fans fire up with Legacy and he winds it up, to KICK Drake, KICK again, and STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, ONE!! Drake survives and bails out but the fans boo. Legacy storms out after Drake, he ducks a chop to CHOP in return! The fans “WOO~” and Legacy SMACKS Drake off the apron. Legacy then CHOPS Drake and the fans fire up! Drake flops down, Legacy stands him up, and CHOPS again! The fans fire up as Drake flounders around more. Legacy refreshes the ring count, and then shouts, “Who do you think you are? I am!” Legacy storms up on Drake, pushes him into the ring, but Swipe Right steps up.

Legacy steps to them and they back off, but Drake slides out to CLUB Legacy down! Legacy hits the steel steps, too! Drake gets Legacy up, fires hands, then waistlocks. But Legacy switches to APRON BACK SUPLEX! Legacy puts Drake in, covers, TWO! The fans rally as Legacy whips Drake. Drake reveres but Legacy redirects! Legacy dropkicks the legs out, DOUBLE STOMPS, then DROPKICKS! The fans fire up with Legacy, but Drake distracts the ref so Ricky Smokes can trip Legacy up! The fans boo, but Legacy BOOTS Smokes for it! Legacy ELBOWS Drake, goes up, QUEBRADA, and- NO, Drake spins it around, suplex into buckles!

Legacy writhes and the fans boo while Swipe Right just talks trash, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Legacy trades shots with Drake, until Drake KICKS Legacy’s leg! Legacy still fires shots from below, then whips. Drake reverses and sends Legacy to the corner, then runs in to DROPKICK! The fans boo but Drake covers, ONE!! Legacy is still in this, and fans chant, “You Still Suck!” at Drake. Drake KICKS Legacy, but Legacy CHOPS! Drake KICKS, Legacy CHOPS, and Drake KICKS, KICKS, KICKS! The fans boo as Drake runs, but Legacy blocks the kick! Legacy CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! But Drake fires a forearm, JAWBREAKER, KNEE and KICK! But Legacy jumps over the sweep and DROPKICKS in one motion!

The fans fire up as Legacy deadlifts Drake to GERMAN SUPLEX! Drake flounders away to ropes, but Legacy flagpole REWIND KICKS! Drake flounders again and Legacy aims from the apron. Springboard and MISSILE DROPKICK! Drake bails out and the fans boo again. Swipe Right checks on Drake, but Legacy FLIES! Down goes ALL of Vanity Project! The fans fire up and Legacy puts Drake in! GAMANGIRI in the corner! Legacy goes up, QUEBRADA and SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO! Drake survives and Legacy is a bit stunned. The fans rally for Legacy and he goes to the apron! Springboard 450 but into knees!! Drake cradles, TWO!!

Legacy survives the turnaround, but Drake PENALTY KICKS! Drake then MOONSAULT KNEE DROPS! Cover, TWO!! Legacy survives and Drake is furious! Legacy bails out, but Swipe Right is lurking! They stay back, Drake builds speed, and Drake DIVES onto Legacy at the ramp! The fans boo but Drake hauls Legacy up and in. Swipe Right applaud as Drake goes up the corner, but Legacy jumps right up there to get him! The fans fire up as these two teeter, and then steady themselves, for the MOONSAULT POWERSLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Drake survives and Swipe Right is able to breathe again!

The fans chant “That Was Three!” but both men stir. Drake goes to ropes, Legacy storms up but Drake kicks at him. Legacy stomps away on Drake, then drags him back. Legacy turns Drake over, waistlocks, but Drake fights with elbows. Legacy CLUBS away on Drake, then torture racks! But Drake fires more elbows! Drake slips free, wrenches, fireman’s carries, and GUT BUSTER DROPS! Drake hurries to get Legacy up, then hangs him out to dry on the ropes! Drake goes to the corner, springboard and FLYING KNEE ATTACK! Drake keeps moving, UNALIVING KNEE!! Cover, Drake wins!!

Winner: Jackson Drake, by pinfall (still WWE Evolve Champion)

Sean was super tonight, just not super enough to dethrone Drake. Will anyone ever bring down the Carolina Reaper?

Sol Ruca sulks backstage.

Ethan Page asks her if she needs a towel, an obvious jab at what happened last week. All Ego says the truth hurts right now, but he believes Sol would be Women’s North American Champion if she didn’t worry about her “friend,” Zaria. Sol says it’s complicated, but Ethan says no, it’s not. There’s nothing complicated about how Sol is legitimately a world-champion caliber talent. She should play second to no one, and yet here she is, all stressed, contemplating if she should even be ringside for Zaria’s match tonight. His advice: Don’t. Sol should focus on one person, and that’s Sol. But then Myles Borne steps in.

Myles hopes Sol isn’t buying what Ethan is selling. Ethan says this is typical Myles, sticking his nose in everyone else’s business. Yet, he has such big business. Myles says yeah, it’s the biggest match of his career. But he’s locked in. Oh, is he? Hmm. Ethan knows Trick very well, and that is a man who does things the right way, focused on one person, aka himself, and yet here Myles is, trying to help everyone else. That just means Ethan will never have to worry about Myles. Ethan leaves, but will Myles show everyone that he can go the distance with a former NXT Champion?

Vacant WWE Speed Women’s Championship: ZARIA w/ Sol Ruca VS Fallon Henley w/ The Fatal Influence!

The Agent of Change wants to win this one for Sol, but it’s hard to tell if Sol’s heart is in it anymore. Meanwhile, the Toxic Cowgirl is ready to wrangle another title for the team. Who makes their friends proud in five minutes or less?

NXT returns, Zaria makes her entrance, but it seems Sol took the first part of Ethan’s advice in not accompanying Zaria to the ring. The introductions are made, the belt is on display, and one way or another, we crown a new champion!

The bell rings and we’re on the clock! Zaria and Sol circle, tie up, and go around. Zaria powers Fallon back but Fallon turns things around. They’re on the ropes, Fallon arm-drags Zaria, and the two reset. The fans chant “You Screwed Sol!” as the two tie up. Fallon slips around to jump on for a SLEEPER! Zaria flails, RAMS Fallon into the corner, then she RAMS Fallon into the other corner! Zaria is free, runs up, but Fallon jumps up to sunset flip! TWO, and Fallon CHOPS! Zaria ROCKS Fallon, Fallon ROCKS Zaria, and repeat! Fallon CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHPOS, but Zaria shoves her away. Zaria runs up, Fallon puts her on the apron, but Zaira RAMS her!

Zaria slingshots to sunset flip, TWO! Fallon is up, swings, crucifix takedown, TWO! Zaria runs up and picks Fallon up, but Fallon sunset flips again! Zaria HIP DROPS and covers, TWO! Fallon waistlocks, O’Conner Roll, TWO! Fallon runs to CROSSBODY Zaria down! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Zaria mule kicks! And CHOPS! And then whips Fallon to the corner! Zaria runs in and SPLASHES! The fans still tell Zaria she screwed Sol over, but Zaria snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! We’re at the three minute warning and Zaria grows frustrated. Zaria has the legs all tied up, then HAMMERS Fallon right in the face!

Zaria finishes the leglock, and she drags Fallon with a TEXAS CLOVERLEAF! Fallon endures, the fans rally up, and Zaria sits back! Fallon powers up, reaches out, CLAWS at Zaria’s leg, but she still fights her way to the ROPEBREAK! We hit the two minute orange phase as Zaria stomps away. Zaria and Fallon throw hands, then Zaria scoops! But Fallon slips free to shove Zaria to the corner! Zaria BOOTS Fallon away, then goes up the corner. Zaria reels Fallon in, for the HANGING SLEEPER! Fallon flails, the ref counts, and Zaria lets go at 4! Fallon flounders, Zaria FLYING LARIATS! But Fallon tumbles out!

Zaria is annoyed but she pursues. Fallon swings but Zaria counter punches! Zaria scoops, LAWN DART on the apron! We hit the one minute red phase! The fans are torn as Jacy & Lainey creep up on Zaria. Zaria SMACKS Lainey! Jacy runs away, Fallon YEEHAW TIGER FEINT KICKS! Then Fallon puts Zaria in the ring to go up, up, and CROSSBODY! Zaria rolls through at 30 seconds! Zaria powers up to hit the DELTA – DDT!! Fallon turns things around, covers, TWO!! There’s 15 seconds left!!

Fallon runs, but Zaria slips around! Fireman’s carry, but TIME IS UP!

Time Limit Draw

The fans boo and even Fallon and Zaria are confused! What does this mean for the title? Ava Raine hurries out here and says, “No, no no no, this is not how this is gonna end. We are in New York City, and there needs to be a new Women’s Speed Champion! However, since the title is vacant, this match now moves to sudden death! First pinfall, winner takes all. Referee, ring the bell.” The fans cheer and the ref does as told! We’re in OVERTIME here, but who hits the game winning shot?

Zaria and Fallon run up, Fallon fires shots, then she whips! Zaria reverses, and then fireman’s carries! Military press, but Fallon slips free! Fallon runs, but Zaria TOSSES her out! Zaria huffs ‘n’ puffs while Fallon throws a fit, but NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Zaria has Fallon in another HANGING SLEEPER! The ref counts, Fallon fights free, and Fallon YANKS Zaria down! Zaria hits buckles on the way and Jacy shouts, “I LOVE IT!” Fallon covers, TWO! Zaria survives and Fallon is frustrated. Fallon drags Zaria up to fire forearms, but Zaria SMACKS Fallon! Fallon CHOPS, ROCKS, but Zaria hits back! Fallon ROCKS Zaria again, then hurries to get the arms! RINGS OF SATURN! Zaria endures while the fans duel, and Fallon pulls on the hold! Zaria rolls to a cover, TWO! Fallon has the cradle, TWO! Zaria SMACKS Fallon again! Fallon throat chops!

Fallon whips Zaria to the corner, then goes up, only to get caught! Zaria ROCKET LAUNCHES Fallon! Zaria then LARIATS! And LARIATS! And BOOTS! Zaria then wrenches Fallon, HEADBUTTS, and NORTHERN LIGHTS! The fans are torn but Zaria roars! Zaria waistlocks, Fallon fights with elbows, and Fallon victory rolls it, TWO!!! Zaria escapes and SPEARS!! But Fallon tumbles out! Zaria hurries outside, but Lainey saves Fallon! Zaria runs into the steel steps!! Fallon gets Zaria in, YEEHAW WIZARD! Then a FAMOUSER!! Cover, Fallon wins!

Winner: Fallon Henley, by pinfall (NEW WWE Speed Women’s Champion)

It took Fatal Influence’s influence to do it, but Fallon is finally champion again! That’s two out of three, will Lainey complete the set? What is Zaria to do now that she’s failed her friend again?

Shiloh Hill speaks.

“Alright, Shiloh Hill here. And here’s the download. So a little bit about my past. I’ve pretty much been a wrestling fan my whole life. I remember when I was six years old, my dad would pretend to be The Undertaker, I would be Stone Cold Steve Austin. One time, I jumped off the couch to try and Lou Thesz Press him, and I punched him so hard in the face, I broke his nose. I think about that story all the time, because my dad actually passed away before my senior year at Stanford. And he had given me this WrestleMania shirt. And it was my favorite shirt, it reminded me of him, so I wore it to the stadium every game that year.

“And that was actually one of the things that got me noticed by WWE. I feel like my dad kinda lives on through me, because he taught me that it was okay to try new things. Because of him, I’ve worked every job from being a logger to doing construction to working in a slaughterhouse, that was fun. I worked in a hotel.” Shiloh takes out his false tooth  Invisalign to smile and say, “Can I help you with your luggage, sir?” Shiloh says he’s been software developer, in government, and oh yeah, his false tooth! This tooth got knocked out in training right as he got started here, and he remembers medical staff panicking, asking if he was okay.

Shiloh said yeah, he just wanted to look in a mirror. And as soon as he did, he couldn’t stop smiling. This adds so much. His mom called him to get the tooth fixed, said he looked hideous, and he said, “Mom, do you see how tough I look right now?” It reminds him of his friends in the woods. Oh, he forgot his bolt cutters. He’s gotta go, see you soon. Well, eccentric as he is, will Shiloh bring that toughness right to the superstars of NXT?

John Cena speaks.

“As my in-ring career winds down, I remain steadfast in my goal to leave this business better than I found it. The future of WWE is what NXT is all about. That’s why I asked Ava, the NXT General Manager, for the privilege of selecting the participants of this year’s Iron Survivor Challenge. This unique match has the ability to launch superstars’ careers to the next level. And when you talk the future of this business, no two names come to mind faster than Je’Von Evans, and Leon Slater from TNA. A pair of 21-year-olds who are way ahead of their time. Fun to watch, and I look for big things on the road ahead.

“Next spot goes to the man who is the definition of self-made superstar.” Cena lets the clips say his name for him, it’s Joe Hendry! “Right on! He built his name from the ground up, and made himself impossible to ignore. I believe in Joe  Hendry.” Cena even does the turn! Cena says the fourth selection is the college football captain from Oregon State University, who has now embraced his transition into the WWE. He became a dominant force with DarkState, and Dion Lennox has earned an opportunity to show what he’s got. Then the last spot will be given to the winner of tonight’s main event!

Trick Williams and Myles Borne are both deserving in their own right, so they will now battle it out to earn that incredible opportunity. Therefore, the main event is one you can’t miss! Cena’s time is up, their time is now, who makes the most of it?

Izzi Dame speaks.

“Oh, Tatum. Don’t act like you didn’t hear my warnings loud and clear. I told you not every voice in your head was worth listening to, and yet you still followed them. And ultimately, it led straight to your downfall. And I’m sure gonna sit there and cry about it like you always do. But don’t worry, I’ll explain everything next week. And remember, Tatum: It Iz What It Iz.” The dastardly Dame puts the blame on Tatum, but what will Tatum do in response?

TNA Knockouts World Championship Triple Threat: Kelani Jordan VS Jordynne Grace VS Lei Ying Lee!

The Standout certainly stood out when she showed up in TNA to not only enter the Knockouts World Championships battle royale, but to win it all! And ever since them, she’s been insufferable! Enough is enough, the Juggernaut AND the Angel Warrior want to shut Kelani up once and for all! Will the numbers spell disaster for Kelani in New York City? Or will she prove no one does it like Lani?

NXT returns as Kelani makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who can knockout the other two first!

The bell rings and Grace runs at Lani! Lani runs away, Lee rolls Grace up, but Lani breaks that up! Lani then rains down forearms on Grace, only for Lee to drag her off of Grace! Lani DECKS Lee, but Grace TACKLES Lani! The fans sing for “Jordynne, Jordynne Grace~!” as she HAMMERS Lani now! Lee drags Grace up, Grace SHOVES Lee down, but Lani kick s low! Lani whips, Grace reverses and sends Lani into the corner. Grace storms upon Lee but Lee SOBATS and BOOTS her! Lani jumps onto Grace for a SLEEPER, Lee runs up on them both, but Grace BOOTS Lee away! Grace RAMS Lani into the buckles again and again!

Lani holds on tight, Lee runs up again, but Grace DUMPS Lee to the apron! Grace carries Lani as a backpack but Lee climbs up! Lee BOOTS Grace, then leaps, DOUBLE BLOCKBUSTER! Lee covers Grace, TWO! Grace is tougher than that and Lee calms down. Lee brings Grace up while the fans rally up. Grace fights the suplex, the fans duel, and Lee avoids a lariat to SWEEP the legs! Then she KNEES Grace down! The fans fire up with Lee and she goes corner to corner, STEP-UP KNEE, and then she rains down fists! The fans count along, Lee stops at nine to wind up and TEN! The fans fire up as Lee snapmares Grace, but Lani returns!

Lee goes up, but Lani SHOVES her down! Lee holds onto the post so she slides down as opposed to fly off into the crowd, but that’s still a rough landing. Lani talks trash on Lee, but Grace winds up to ROCK and CHOP and repeat! The fans fire up, Grace POSTS Lani, and the fans fire up! Grace goes corner to corner, runs back in, DOUBLE KNEES! Lani flops down, Grace runs side to side, ELBOW! The fans fire up as Grace runs again, goes up and over, VADER DROP! Cover, TWO! Lani survives but Lee is back. Lee blocks a shot, fires fast hands, then a DOUBLE PALM STRIKE! She shouts, “C’MON~!”

Grace takes a swing, Lee dodges, and Lee leaps, but into Grace’s arms! Lani SWEEPS the legs, making Grace fall with Lee on top! Lani then runs to DOUBLE STOMP the stack! Lani steps on Grace, drags Lee up, then TOSSES her out! Lani drags Grace up, ROCKS her, then CLUBS her! Lani whips, Grace grabs ropes, but Lee anchors Grace! Grace ELBOWS Lani, BOOTS Lee, then runs up on Lani. Lani wrenches to FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Grace is tougher than that and Lani is annoyed, but she THROWS Grace into Lee! Lee falls to the floor, Lani HOTSHOTS Grace in the ropes! Handstand GUILLOTINE LEG DROP!

Grace falls off the apron and onto Lee! Lani grins as she has her opponents on the outside, then slingshots so she can ASAI MOONSAULT! Down go Lee and Grace at the ramp and the fans are torn. Lani talks trash as she stands tall, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Lani is up top, Grace in the drop zone! FROG SPLASH! Cover, LEE CANNONBALLS! The fans fire up and Lani is furious! Lani goes to a corner, Grace goes to the other, and Lee looks at them both. Lee runs and KNEES Grace! Then she fires forearm after forearm! Grace shoves Lee back but Lee ROCKS her again! Lee whips, Grace reverses, Lani dodges the splash and Lee hits buckles! Lani ELBOWS Grace, reels her in, then TORNADO- NO, Grace stops the DDT! Grace shoves Lani away, then dodges her lariat! Lee BOOTS Lani, Grace reels Lani into a fireman’s carry, but Lee goes up! MISSILE DROPKICK SAMOAN DROP COMBO!

Lee hurries to cover Grace, TWO! Lee hurries to cover Lani, TWO! The fans fire up as Lee snarls. Lee drags Grace up, reels her in, but Grace BACKDROPS free! Grace then clinches Lee, KNEES low, KNEES again, but Lani is up. Grace sends Lee into Lani, then waistlocks Lee, GERMAN SUPLEX NORTHERN LIGHTS COMBO!?! Bridging cover on Lee, TWO!! Lee survives, Grace is frustrated, and the fans rally back up. Grace drags Lee up, brings her around, and hoists her to the top rope. Grace SMACKS Lee, climbs up to join her, but Lee fights the suplex! Lee fires body shots and a HEADBUTT! Lee adjusts position, but Grace hits back!

Lee and Grace brawl on the top rope! Lee ROCKS and KNEES Grace, but Lani is back to fireman’s carry Lee! WASTELAND SLAM! Then Lani goes up to get Grace, GAMANGIRI! Lani CLUBS away on Grace’s back, then goes to the very top! They’re both up top, SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, LEE YANKS LANI BACK! Then she has the HEEL HOOK! Lani rolls to send Lee into ropes! Lani hobbles, kicks, but Lee catches it right into a takedown and HALF CRAB!! Lani flails and the fans fire up! Grace rises to CHOP Lee! And then she lifts Lee, but Lee holds onto Lani’s leg! Lani is the anchor preventing the powerbomb!

The fans fire up, Lani kicks and kicks and kicks! Lani is free, Grace POWERBOMBS Lee! High stack, Lani sunset flips it! But then Grace high stacks it! TWO and deadlift POWERBOMB!! High stack on Lani, LEE BREAKS IT! The fans are all fired up for this one, “This is Awesome!” Grace fireman’s carries Lee, Lee slips free, and she blocks Grace to ELBOW! Then Lani clinches to a torture rack, but Grace fights free! Grace ROCKS Lee, and the fans fire up for “Women’s Wrestling!” Grace CHOPS Lee down, then sees Lani outside. Grace runs, but Lani stops the dropkick! Lani YANKS Grace out and DROPS her on the floor!

Lani grins again, then goes to the apron. But Lee runs up! Lani blocks a kick, ROUNDHOUSES Lee, then goes up the corner! Lee is in the drop zone, Lani 450 FLOPS as Lee moves! HEEL KICK!! And the torture rack! Grace is back up, YANKS Lani down and ELBOWS Lee! Lani rolls Grace up, TWO!! URAKEN from Grace to Lani! Then Grace torture racks! TOWER HACKER BOMB!! Cover, LEE LION’S BARRAGE!! Cover on Lani, LEE WINS!!!

Winner: Lei Ying Lee, by pinfall (NEW TNA Knockouts World Champion)

Lee survived Grace under pressure and she outshined the Standout, and she is finally on top as a world champion! TNA Chairman, Carlos Silva, is here in person to put the belt on Lee, and this title is officially coming home to Impact! Lee’s long journey finally reaches the mountaintop, but now how much harder will she fight to stay on top?

Fatal Influence regroups backstage.

Jacy Jayne is very happy to see her and Fallon both have belts. How does it feel to be champion once again? Fallon says pretty damn good. But they aren’t done, are they? Nope. Two down, one to go. Lainey, you’re up next, and this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Go out there and take that Evolve Women’s Championship from Kendal Grey so that they can walk out of NYC all as champions! But then Ava Raine walks in, ruining Jacy’s good mood. Ava does congratulate Jacy and Fallon on their championship victories. But… Fatal Influence did interfere in both Jacy’s match last week and Fallon’s match like, 20 minutes ago, so…

If Lainey wants to be Evolve Women’s Champion, she has to figure it out on her own. Jacy & Fallon are now banned from ringside. What?! Ava walks out, Fatal Influence protests and complains, but it’s their own fault it’s come to this. Can the Southern Charm survive her first singles title match by herself? Or will she get lost in the Grey Area?

Sit-down interview with Ricky Saints.

Sarah Schreiber thanks The Absolute NXT Champion for taking this time. Now, Oba Femi shocked the NXT Universe with his recent return, so what does it mean to Ricky for them to have a rematch for the NXT Championship? Ricky says it means all eyes are on him. Every critic, every fan, every camera, every person out there who is doubting, “How long is Ricky Saints gonna be NXT Champion?” That is a lot of pressure that sits on his chest, much heavier than the title, no less. And that is what Ricky has to deal with. Last week, he was confident. This week, Ricky admits he is starting to question himself a little bit.

Sarah brings up that Ricky still beat Oba at No Mercy. What’s the difference here? Ricky says he replays that moment constantly, over and over, thinking, “Was that just a moment that just lined up perfectly for me?” Was it luck of the draw? And that is hard to deal with in itself. Ricky has a lot of people asking him how he’ll do it again, and he doesn’t know, it’s not like he has the answer in his back pocket. He really doesn’t know. And that is hard, as well, having to give an answer like that. Ricky also just asks himself if he’s just a “deviation” on Oba’s title reign. Will we just get back on that highway after this little detour?

Ricky says that is hard to deal with. When that little voice sits right on your shoulder and you hear it all the time. Ricky is doing his best to quiet that down. So then, what is he saying to himself, walking into Deadline, dealing with the doubt? Ricky says that he does wonder if all the work and the years he has grinded, this entire journey he’s been on, if he can’t beat Oba again, it’ll all be for naught. That is what plays in his head. But the other thing that pops up a lot, with an even bigger voice, is the pressure. “Pressure is my ally. You know what I do with pressure? I take it head on. Yes, it sucks for me, and yes, it doesn’t feel good.

“But it’s something that I’m able to use to my benefit if I really think about. If all of the criticism that I’m receiving, and all of the doubt and naysayers and everyone who starts to think, ‘Hey, Ricky just ain’t it.’ If I don’t beat Oba Femi, then who can? Right? But I can. Because I’m not going to let my journey just fall to the way side because of this one man that’s in my way. The impossible is possible when it comes to Absolute Ricky Saints, and I am going to prove that to each and every single voice out there. The ones that are in here, even the ones out there. Why? Because I am Ricky Saints, Sarah, THE NXT Champion.”

Sarah thanks Ricky again, and wishes him good luck at Deadline. Ricky thanks her back, but will that pressure on him break him? Or will it make him into a diamond?

WWE Evolve Women’s Championship: Kendal Grey w/ Wren Sinclair VS Lainey Reid!

The Arm Breaker of Evolve took this title at Succession to become only the second-ever Evolve Women’s Champion, but she’s felt the walls closing in every Wednesday night on Tubi. However, some of the pressure might be off as now Lainey won’t have the numbers advantage. Will the Fatal Influence fall short of their golden aspirations? Or can Lainey do bad all by herself?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is ready to Evolve!

The bell rings and Lainey talks trash. Kendal TACKLES Lainey! Kendal rains down shots, Lainey pushes her away, but Kendal keeps her from escaping! Deadlift and SLAM! And then another SLAM! Then she blocks a shot to hit the ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Lainey hruries to stack, TWO! Kendal stands, but Lainey SLAPS her! Lainey runs up to back body block! Lainey stomps a mudhole in, steps off to bump Kendal off buckles, then she fires body shots. The ref counts, Lainey stomps Kendal more, but then stops as the ref counts 4. Kendal THROWS Lainey into the corner! Kendal stomps away and the fans fire up!

The ref counts, Kendal ROCKS Lainey, and she stalks Lainey to another corner. Lainey avoids the elbow, runs in, but Kendal goes up and out! Lainey runs into buckles, Kendal slides under, and Kendal gets moving to redirect Lainey! Kendal slides but Lainey blocks the trip! Lainey drags Kendal up, swings, but Kendal dodges to then trip her after all! And SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Lainey stays in this but Kendal stays on her with a facelock. Lainey endures, fights up, and wrenches out. Lainey kicks low, then TOSSES Kendal to the apron! Lainey runs up, blocks the gamangiri, then ROCKS Kendal! Lainey runs in again, but Kendal jumps the slide!

Lainey gets under Kendal, brings her around, but Kendal fights with fists! Kendal goes back to the apron, kicks at Lainey, but Lainey blocks the kick! Lainey YANKS Kendal down and Kendal hits steel steps! Lainey laughs while Kendal clutches her face, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Lainey hits a LETHAL COMBINATION! Kendal goes to a corner, Lainey storms up, and Lainey hoists Kendal right up top. Lainey CLUBS Kendal, then climbs up to join her. Kendal holds onto the ropes to stop the Super German Suplex! Lainey ELBOWS Kendal right on top of her head! And then does it again! Kendal still fights, fires headlocks, and she bucks Lainey! Kendal then QUEBRADAS! Down goes Lainey and the fans fire up! Kendal and Lainey stir, rise up, an the fans rally. Lainey swings, but Kendal BODY SHOTS! And BODY SHOTS! Kendal ROCKS Lainey, kicks her, then SLAPS her!

Lainey staggers, Kendal runs up and ELBOWS! And ELBOWS! Then she ducks ‘n dodge to OVERHEAD SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Kendal runs in, she trips Lainey, but Lainey BOOTS her to the desk! Kendal comes back, Lainey DOUBLE STOMPS her down! And then BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Kendal survives and Lainey is shocked! The fans rally up as Lainey drags Kendal to her feet. Lainey says that title is the Influence’s! She SLAPS Kendal again, then goes to the corner. Lainey brings her kneepads down, and she runs up on Kendal, but Kendal makes it a SNAP POWERSLAM!! Cover, TWO!!

Lainey survives but Kendal wrangles her! ARMBAR! Lainey scrambles, rolls, but JACY defies the ringside ban?! The same for Fallon! They each distract the ref, but Wren DECKS Fallon! Kendal lets Lainey go, Jacy runs up, but Kendal dodges! Jacy BLASTS Wren, and Charlie Dempsey catches her!? When did Charles get here!? And then Kendal SUPERKICKS Jacy! Jacy falls out of the ring, the ref decides to EJECT everybody! No Jacy, no Fallon, no Wren and no Charlie! Lainey O’Conner Rolls Kendal! TWO, and Lainey ends up in a corner! Kendal runs up, blocks one kick, but not the second SUPERKICK!

Kendal flounders, Lainey climbs up, and the fans fire up! But Kendal springs up after Lainey! SUPER DUPER GERMAN SUPLEX!! Lainey sputters and the fans fire up with Kendal! The straps come down, Kendal hits the SHADES OF GREY!! Cover, Kendal wins!

Winner: Kendal Grey, by pinfall (still WWE Evolve Women’s Champion)

It was chaotic at ringside, but Kendal kept her cool to keep the gold! Fatal Influence is NOT dripping with gold, how will they get over this embarrassment? And as for Kendal, she knows Chantel Monroe is waiting when Evolve returns to action next week, will the Grey Area even overshadow the Reflection of Perfection?

DarkState talks backstage.

The team is all pumped up after John Cena named Dion Lennox for the Men’s Iron Survivor. Cena said Dion’s the next big thing around here, and Cena’s right! As much as Dion loves being NXT Tag Team Champion, it is time to get that singles gold to DarkState. They’ll run everything around here! And hey, don’t worry. That title is still in the family, and Dion about to go crazy! No matter if it is all four, three, two, or one, because when DarkState strikes, ain’t nobody safe! Now, let’s go get eyes on Trick VS Myles. The four head out, will they take notes on who joins the field of five?

John Cena speaks, again.

“The NXT Women’s Division is overflowing with incredible talent, and these five superstars I’ve chosen to participate in this year’s Iron Survivor Challenge are a tremendous representation of that. Sol Ruca is the first name when it comes to athleticism and innovation. Very exciting to see what she can do. Someone who’s always believed in her ability, every time we’ve spoken personally, she has one question: ‘When can I get my shot?’ Lola Vice, your time has come. The next superstar calls herself a Standout. And now, Kelani Jordan has the opportunity to prove that.

“I admire strength, because it takes time, discipline, and the ability to overcome failure. Those are all necessary traits to succeed as a Superstar. All qualities Jordynne Grace has. The final selection is an amateur standout, who not only found her footing, but has all the tools to accomplish anything she puts her mind to in the WWE: The Evolve Women’s Champion, Kendal Grey. I am truly excited to see this match. Ladies, good luck.” A truly star-studded field, but who will be the one aimed right at Jacy Jayne and the NXT Women’s Championship?

Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Trick Williams VS Myles Borne!

Just as John Cena said, the man who wins tonight’s main event will truly earn their spot at Deadline! Will Trick get back on track towards becoming THREE-TIME NXT Champion? Or will Myles prove he was born for this?

The bell rings and Trick runs up to LARIAT Myles right down! The fans are torn but Trick stomps Myles and talks trash. To be fair, Myles attacked Trick from behind with a chair, so Trick’s a bit pissed. Trick whips, but Myles sunset flips! TWO, and Myles headlocks. Trick powers up, powers out, but Myles whips him to then hurdle and DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Myles storms up on Trick, whips him, but Trick THROWS Myles down! The fans rally for “Baby Orton!” but Trick drags Myles up. Trick ROCKS Myles, talks trash, “This is MY house!” Trick ROCKS Myles again and Myles goes to ropes. Trick storms up, and we see Je’Von, Leon, and Joe Hendry watching backstage.

Trick facelocks to grind Myles down, but Myles endures and powers up! The fans rally as Myles lifts, but Trick thrashes the hold! Trick CLUBS Myles, then suplexes, TWO! The fans rally as Myles survives, but Trick pie faces him! Trick says Myles doesn’t belong, but the fans chant, “Whoop Dat Trick!” Trick BACKHANDS Myles, then back suplexes, but Myles lands out! BORNE AGAIN!! Cover, TWO!! Trick survives and bails out! Myles is a bit stunned, but he does have the advantage now, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Trick HAMMERS away on Myles! The fans are torn but Trick drags Myles up. Trick whips Myles to then FLAPJACK! Cover, TWO! Myles stays in this but Trick looms over him. The fans rally, Trick stands Myles up to whip him to the corner. Trick storms up on Myles, CHOPS him, and fans “WOO~!” Myles flounders along ropes, Trick stands him up, and he CHOPS again! Myles is stinging as he falls to the mat, and fans want that “One More Time!” Trick drags Myles up, whips him to the corner, then hushes everyone. But Myles avoids the chop to UPPERCUT again and again! But Trick throat chops!

The ref reprimands, but Trick scoops Myles to SLAM him! Trick looms over Myles as Myles writhes, and the fans rally up. Trick stands Myles up, reels him in, but Myles turns suplex into cradle, TWO! Trick runs up, Myles avoids the kick to roll up again, TWO! Myles slips around, but Trick fights off the crucifix! Trick powers up to have the fireman’s carry, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT?! Trick tells Myles to get up, and he takes aim from the corner. TRICK- SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Trick survives but the fans fire up for “BABY ORTON!” Myles and Trick stand, and Myles fires counter punches!

Myles ROCKS Trick again and again, then whips, to then LARIAT! And LARIAT! And then duck to DROPKICK! Myles has Trick again, BIG atomic drop, then a dragon sleeper, EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO! Trick survives and Myles grows frustrated, but the fans chant “R K O! R K O!” Myles drags Trick up, UPPERCUTS again, and again, and again! Myles hooks the arms but Trick stops the backslide. Trick flings Myles over, clinches, BOOKEND! The fans are torn but Trick stomps away on Myles. Trick then cartwheels to YANK Myles up, but Myles clinches! Trick fights the hold to arm-drag free! EDDY GORDO KICK!

Myles wobbles, but he ROLLING ELOBWS! Trick rebounds to BOOT Myles! Myles ducks the roundhouse, both men jump DOUBLE NECKBREAKERS!! They BOTH wanted the RKO and it ended up like this, but the fans are loving it! NYC cheers for “N X T! N X T!” Trick rises, Myles KNEES him, then runs, but into a POP-UP UPPERCUT! Trick fires up, Myles stands, but he ducks the leg lariat! GERMAN SUPLEX! Trick rises, Myles storms up, BORNE- NO, Trick holds ropes! No Zigzag here, and Trick DUMPS Myles out! Trick hurries and aims, CYCLONE KICK! Myles flounders, Trick aims again! Trick runs up, but only gets steel steps!

The fans fire up as Myles then hits BORNE AGAIN to the floor! Myles hurries to get Trick in the ring, aims again, BORNE AGAIN!! Cover, MYLES WINS!!

Winner: Myles Borne, by pinfall (advances to NXT Deadline)

The third time is the charm, and Myles hit the mark with that one! Now he is moving on to Deadline, will Myles go the distance in the most grueling match in NXT? Or will- WAIT! DarkState appears at ringside! They were watching, and now they know Myles is their target! The fans boo as Dion, Osiris, Cutler & Saquon rush the ring! But wait! Je’Von, Leon & Hendry back Myles up! These four stand their ground and DarkState stays back. Will DarkState find out it won’t be so easy to play the numbers game this time around? Or can they still tip the scales in Dion’s favor?

My Thoughts:

A very good second night for Gold Rush, but you could just feel how it was prerecorded. With that, I was already spoiled on the TNA Knockouts World Championship Triple Threat result, but it was still an awesome match, and that was a great moment for Lei Ying Lee, formerly Xia Li. She could’ve been great in NXT and WWE if given a chance, but becoming TNA Knockouts World Champion is great for her. Then, Jordynne Grace and Kelani Jordan each being choices for the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge were obvious given the loss, but they’ll be great parts of that match, as are Sol and Lola. Kendal Grey is the real surprise choice there, they really like her, huh?

As such, I was right Kendal would retain her title against Lainey, but they did a great job with all the overbooking. Charlie making his return by saving Wren from her fall was fun, they’re definitely still playing up this coy romance between them. And Lainey was of course not winning, she isn’t going “down” to Evolve just to give Fatal Influence all gold. Great Speed match from Zaria VS Fallon and good stuff with how Sol’s bad mood played into it. Ethan Page getting in Sol’s head was an interesting detail to it, but it also made for a good interaction between Ethan and Myles to tease a possible North American Championship feud in the future.

Jackson Drake retaining his title was a little disappointing to me personally, but also a bit expected given the plans on Evolve are making it feel like Tate Wilder is gonna be a big name and will take that title at some point. Good promo from Izzi, I knew she’d blame Tatum and say “It Iz What It Iz,” it is inherent that Heels be hypocritical and see things only from their perspective, because uh duh, Izzi & The Culling are the ones who chose when and where Tatum would fail, Tatum had a chance against Jacy if they’d just let her keep going. I fully expect Tatum to just go wild on Izzi and that creates a title match for Deadline.

Trick VS Myles being main event was confusing until John Cena gave his Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge participants and put the last spot on the line. Really should’ve had Cena’s choices open the show, or at least be the first promo of them all so that it would make it all make sense. Great main event, and I’m actually rather surprised Myles won. DarkState of course went out after Myles given Dion was named to the Iron Survivor, though I honestly thought Cena could’ve named Saquon instead. And with the others rushing out there, you can bet the go home has DarkState VS Myles, Hendry, Leon & Je’Von in an 8 Man Tag.

My Score: 8.8/10