Who will be ready for the Deadline?

NXT returns home from New York City, and the five women in this year’s Iron Survivor Challenge will be holding a summit ahead of their golden opportunity!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Thea Hail w/ Joe Hendry VS Arianna Grace w/ Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo; Thea wins.
• Tavion Heights VS Josh Briggs; Briggs wins.
• Six Woman Tag: The Fatal Influence VS Sol Ruca, Lola Vice & Kendal Grey; Sol, Lola & Kendal win.
• OTM VS Chase U; OTM wins.
• High Stakes 8 Man Tag: DarkState VS Je’Von Evans, Leon Slater, Myles Borne & Joe Hendry; Je’Von, Leon, Myles & Hendry win, but Myles chooses his spot in the Iron Survivor Challenge.

PLAY BY PLAY

Ava Raine is in the ring.

The NXT General Manager is here, and she already has Sol Ruca, Lola Vice, Jordynne Grace, Kelani Jordan & Kendal Grey with her. “Ladies, you all have the honor of being handpicked by the Greatest Of All Time, John Cena, to compete in this year’s Iron Survivor Challenge. One of you will walk out of Deadline as the new #1 Contender to the NXT Women’s Championship.” The fans applaud, and Ava says a win on Saturday could change the path of their careers forever. Ladies, the floor is all yours. Sol starts by thanking Ava, and saying last week, Ethan Page gave her some unsolicited advice. But he did say that Sol is a world champion caliber talent. The fans cheer that!

Now, normally Sol doesn’t care what comes out of that man’s mouth. But if Ethan Page can see her that way, then it’s about damn time she sees herself that way, too. The fans cheer that! Sol says this past year has been a roller coaster for her. She’s had her highs, and she’s definitely had her lows. She went from being a double champion with her best friend by her side, to standing here empty handed. Now, her life has been a little strange, a little rough, a little complicated, but honestly, there’s a pretty simple path for her to gain her peace back. That is to win at Deadline, and walking into New Year’s Evil to become the NXT Women’s Champion!

The fans applaud again but Jordynne Grace speaks up. “That’s a nice thought, Sol, but take it from someone with experience. The path is never that simple. I’ve come this close too many times to lose again. I’m ready to run through a brick wall to win that title, and there is not a woman in this ring who can stop me.” She and Kelani start snapping at each other, but Lola steps up next. “Jordynne, callete la boca.” The fans cheer that! “You’re not the only one that’s been grinding here, mama. John Cena chose all of us for a reason, pero he picked me because no matter how many times I’ve gotten screwed, I still believe in myself.” The fans also cheer that.

Lola says from NXT to AAA, Vice City is everywhere! And if not for Lainey Reid, Lola would be champion right now! Kendal says, “Look, look, look. Maybe that’s true. But right now, the only champion in here is me.” The fans also cheer that! Kendal says she knows she’s the underdog, but she always rises to the level of her competition. And she also knows that this will be one of the toughest challenges for her, but she’s built on big moment! Kelani already tells Kendal to shut up! The fans boo but Kelani says sure, Kendal is Evolve Women’s Champion, and that’s great. But now she’s swimming with sharks and there’s blood in the water.

Kelani asks Lola and Jordynne, “How many failed attempts is it gonna take for you to realize that you’ll never be good enough for the Women’s title? So no one cares about your excuses because they’re not valid. This is the Iron Survivor Challenge, and there’s no match like it. This match is electrifying, dynamic, innovative. Ironically, all words to describe Kelani Jordan.” The fans boo as Kelani says she realizes there are only two people here who have done this before, and it’s her and Sol. But Sol’s knee is all jacked up, and she won’t even have her bestie by her side.

So all you can come out here, talk a big game, but guess what? At Deadline, Kelani walks out the #1 contender. They’re all stand-ins, and she’s the Standout! The fans tell Kelani off, she demands some respect, but here comes the Fatal Influence! Jacy Jayne mockingly applauds and says, “Wow. I just wanted to come out here and say just how excited I am! Really, I can’t wait to be at Deadline to see who the lucky loser at New Year’s Evil is gonna be. Because now that the NXT Women’s Championship is back around my beautiful, itty-bitty, two-inch waist, all order has been restored in NXT. Which brings me to my next question.

“In what world do you think I’m gonna let any of you losers ruin that for me?! Let’s look at the playing field, shall we? Sol Ruca! Poor Sol, with her broken heart and her bum leg. And then we have, oh! The new flavor of the week, Kendal Grey! Who is clearly way in over her head. And then oh, wow, I can always run it back with Jordynne and Lola, only for it to feel like deja vu when you both, cough cough, choke once again. Oh, and there’s Kelani! Hey girl~! How you doin’? Yeah, I know, I don’t like her either. But y’know what, Kelani? I’m glad that you’re finally showing some spine. But you’re talking a little too confident for someone who just lost her title in New York City, so shh.”

Kelani tells Jacy that she’d still be champion if not for “this meat head.” Grace says say that to her face. Kelani pie faces her instead! Grace TACKLES Kelani! The others are stunned, but then the Influence rushes the ring! They brawl with Sol, Lola & Kendal and the fans fire up! Sol TOSSES Lainey, Kendal SUPERKICKS Fallon, and Lola SOBATS Jacy outta the ring! The Influence regroups, will Jacy’s newest reign be short lived with this many top stars aiming for her?

Thea Hail & Joe Hendry talk backstage.

Thea loved seeing John Cena say he believed in Joe Hendry, and even did the spin! Not as good, but still. Joe says yes, this year has been full of career highlights, and to have the Greatest Of All Time pick him to be in the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge is up there. But tonight, he has the 8 Man Tag with Dark State. Stacks & Arianna walk by, laughing and giggling while arm in arm. Thea asks what’s so funny. Arianna says no, but she and Stacks still laugh and he whispers more jokes. Arianna says stop, they’re right there. Joe asks sorry, should they leave? Arianna says honestly, yes, Joe should leave. Leave Thea behind, that is!

Joe chose the wrong partner for Gold Rush, and Thea let him down. Wow, dude, she’s right here. Arianna says Chelsea Green & Ethan Page should’ve faced a real power couple. Like Arianna & Stacks! Thea tells Hendry to let her handle this. Thea steps up and tells Stacks & Arianna that, “This is disgusting. If Joe Hendry believes in me, then I believe I can kick your ass tonight!” Arianna mocks Thea, Thea mocks her back, and Stacks says Arianna will be kicking Thea’s ass! Stacks ushers Arianna away, and Thea says it seems they’re both wrestling tonight. Will doubters and haters become believers soon enough?

Ava walks ‘n’ talks with security.

The GM says it is clear everyone is a bit “stressed” before Deadline, so she needs them to make sure Kelani and Jordynne stay as far away from each other as possible. Thank you. Then she turns the corner to talk with Fatal Influence. They are not going anywhere. Uh, actually, they are, so goodbye. Um, no, they’re not. Last week, they interfered in the Speed title match and the Evolve title match, and then they interfered in tonight’s summit. So these three now have a Six Woman Tag against Sol, Lola & Kendal. If Ava were them, she’d get ready right about now. Ava heads out, The Influence is upset, but are they finally getting what they deserve?

Thea Hail w/ Joe Hendry VS Arianna Grace w/ Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo!

NXT returns and the Pageant Queen makes her entrance, her man right by her side. He tells her to go knock Thea out! The bell rings and the fans are all behind Thea. Thea and Arianna argue, Arianna pokes Thea in the forehead, so Thea pokes Arianna back! Arianna snarls, they tie up, and Thea headlocks. Arianna powers up, powers through, and headlocks for the takeover. Then she shifts to an armlock. Arianna mocks Thea, but the fans rally up. Thea rises, Arianna wrenches, but Thea spins and slips through to arm-drag! The fans cheer, Thea mocks Arianna with a dance, and Stacks slips in under Arianna to tell her to knock it off!

Thea runs up on Stacks but he slips away, Arianna dodges, and Arianna throat chops! Then she CLUBS away on Thea’s neck! The fans boo but Arianna hits a NECKBREAKER! Arianna snarls while the fans chant “We Believe! We Believe!” Arianna whips Thea to the corner, runs up, and LARIATS! The fans boo but Arianna taunts Thea and Hendry. Arianna mocks the spin! Arianna turns Thea, but Thea backslides it, TWO! Arianna runs up, Thea rolls her up, TWO! Arianna ROCKS Thea, Thea goes to ropes, and Arianna runs up! Thea TOSSE her out! Stacks is there to make sure Arianna is safe, but then Thea DIVES! Down goes Arianna!

The fans fire up and Thea gets Arianna back int he ring! Thea and Stacks argue, then Thea slides in. Thea runs up to ELBOW Arianna, t hen EXPLODER! Basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up with Thea, she runs, Stacks swipes at her! The ref reprimands, Hendry runs up! Guzel and APRON STANDING OVATION! But Arianna O’Conner Rolls! TWO!! Thea escapes, then snatches Arianna into the KIMURA!! Arianna TAPS, Thea wins!

Winner: Thea Hail, by submission

Arianna cries as she crawls away to her Channy, but Thea is all fired up with this rebound win! Will Thea be unstoppable now that she has belief in herself?

OTM walked ‘n’ talked earlier this week.

Bronco Nima & Lucien Price were feeling good about things, but whoa! The Chase U students almost hit them with their car! They don’t know how to do much of anything in their Tesla, but Mr. Chase walks over. Chase says they didn’t mean anything by it, but Price says this is twice now. Nima says those boys were pullin’ up on OTM. If it’s strike three, they won’t be having this conversation, got it? It’s on sight! Chase says he’ll talk with them. Chase tells them to turn the car off. Did they hear what OTM said? Next time they see y’all, it’s on sight. Chase doesn’t really get what that means, but he knows OTM is pissed off. Are Kale & Uriah really this effin’ stupid!?

Kale & Uriah try to explain but Chase tells ’em to just shut up. And why are Kale’s shoes off? Will Chase U Class of 2025 ever get it right?

Ava meets with Je’Von Evans, Leon Slater, Myles Borne & Joe Hendry.

The Young OG lets Hendry & the NXT GM know that they were talking over how they gonna beat goofy ass DarkState tonight! Leon says they can’t let DarkState do ’em like they’ve been doing. Myles says he hasn’t had quite as many run-ins with them as the others, but if not for the others last week, it would’ve been really bad. Ava agrees, but then in steps Robert Stone. He apologizes for the interruption, but it seems a package came for Ava. And he opened her mail? No, it came like that… Ava says she’ll look at it later, because she needs Stone to make sure everything for the NXT Championship contract signing is set. Stone is on it, and he heads back out.

Ava then tells this team that it’s time to raise the stakes on their 8 Man Tag. Whoever scores the win tonight chooses their spot in the Iron Survivor Challenge. Ooh~! They like that! But then that means DarkState also gets to choose for Dion, so good luck out there. Je’Von says no worries about that. Now, what’s in the box? No, shoo. The team heads out, will they be able to win and control their own fate? And speaking of the box, Ava opens it up and dumps out… Black rose petals? Who is trying to send a message to our GM?

Tavion Heights VS Josh Briggs!

The Olympian wants to reach that next level, but the Bullhead Brawler keeps acting like a roadblock. They brawled it out in New York City, now they’ll have it out in Orlando! Will Tavion reach those new heights at Briggs’ expense? Or will it be nothing but mayhem tonight?

Well, seems they’re gonna brawl here, too! Briggs attacks Tavion the moment he’s ringside, and the ref reprimands as these two throw hands! They’re against the barriers, the fans boo Briggs, but Briggs sends Tavion into the steel steps! Briggs storms back up, Tavion RAMS him into the apron! Briggs CLUBS away on Tavion, throws Tavion into the ring, and the fans sing, “Briggs, Go Away~! Briggs, Go Away~!” as he rolls into the ring. The bell sounds, Tavion SPINEBUSTERS Briggs, then rains down fists! Tavion HAMMERS Briggs, Briggs SHOVES him away! Tavion runs up, but into a BOOT! Briggs ROCKS Tavion, then guzels! CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO!

Tavion survives falling from some serious height, but Briggs stomps a mudhole into him in the corner! Briggs BOOTS Tavion, but Tavion fires up! “Is that all you got?!” Tavion then dodges Briggs to GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Tavion LEAPING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Briggs is still in this but he is dazed. Tavion hurries to waistlock, and he drags Briggs up, to then SLAM him back down! Tavion snarls, storms around, and he waistlocks again. Briggs fights the lift, the fans rally up, and Tavion SLAMS Briggs down again! Briggs sputters but Tavion is after him again. Tavion fires hands, the fans chant, “Who Sucks?” “BRIGGS!”

Briggs rises up to kick Tavion’s leg out, then he DECKS Tavion! Briggs runs, but Tavion blocks the boot! Tavion slips under, clinches, T-BONE! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up for Tavion as he drags Briggs up. Tavion winds up to ROCK Briggs, fireman’s carries for the takeover, then covers, TWO! Briggs toughs it out, and he ROCKS Tavion! The fans rally, both men rise, and Tavion stomps Briggs. Tavion fires haymakers and CLUBS away, but then Briggs YANKS him outta the ring! Tavion hurries back up, but Briggs BOOTS him right back down! Tavion is dazed, Briggs goes out to fetch him, but Tavion lifts Briggs up! SPINEBUSTER through the barriers!!

The fans go nuts as these two take out a whole section! Both men are writhing in pain from the crash, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Tavion rises up, he hobbles over to Briggs, and he again CLUBS away on Briggs’ back. The fans cheer Tavion on while Briggs crawls away. Tavion stands Briggs up to shove him into the ring, but he still shakes out the banged up arm. Tavion rolls in, but Briggs KICKS him down! Briggs huffs ‘n’ puffs, digs his boot into Tavion int he corner, then stops to shake out his own arms. Briggs huffs ‘n’ puffs and storms back over to boot Tavion back down. Tavion drags himself up with the ropes, but Briggs scoops Tavion to SLAM him down! And then ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Tavion survives but Briggs stalks him to the ropes.

Briggs goes for the arms, hammerlocks and clinches to then HOTSHOT the arm on the ropes! Tavion scrambles away to the other side, but Briggs stomps him out of the ring. Briggs then has Tavion on the apron, wraps the arm around ropes, and pulls! Tavion endures, the ref counts, and Briggs lets go at 4. Briggs paces, Tavion rises, but Briggs brings him around. Briggs hammerlocks the arm to then STO Tavion onto that arm! Cover, TWO! Tavion toughs it out but Briggs clamps onto him with a top wristlock. Tavion endures, even as Briggs leans on the hold. Tavion fights to sit up but Briggs puts pressure on the arm.

NXT returns to single picture as Tavion stands and fires hands! Then a LEAPING FOREARM! Tavion runs, but into a scoop, SIDE SLAM and SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Tavion survives as Briggs’ own arms held him back. Briggs drops an elbow on Tavion’s arm and has the wristlock! Briggs’ own foot is on the ropes, the ref reprimands, but Briggs just shifts angles on the armlock. Briggs rises up, but Tavion avoids the elbow drop! The fans rally up, Tavion fires body shots and forearms! Tavion whips, Briggs reverses, but Tavion ducks ‘n’ dodges to DROPKICK! Briggs and Tavion are both down and the fans fire up!

Tavion rises, he storms over, but Briggs YANKS him into buckles! The fans boo, then they rally for Tavion. Briggs HAMMERS Tavion at the ropes, then drags Tavion up. Briggs whips Tavion hard into the corner, then runs up to ELBOW Tavion! Briggs slaps Tavion on and talks trash. Then he whips Tavion hard into another corner! Briggs ELBOWS Tavion again, slaps Tavion around more, and talks trash. The fans boo but Briggs whips again. Tavion dodges this time, and he HIP TOSSES Briggs down! Briggs writhes, Tavion runs up, LARIAT! And LARIAT! Tavion whips, Briggs reverses, but Tavion hits a NECKBREAKER DROP!

The fans fire up with Tavion and he drags Briggs up! Tavion runs, but into an ELBOW! Both men stagger, the fans rally up, and Tavion wobbles. Briggs takes his chain necklace off, but the ref sees that! The ref reprimands, but Tavion ROCKS Briggs first! The ref snatches up the chain, Tavion hits BELLY2BELLY! Cover, the ref is slow to the count, ROPEBREAK!! Briggs’ foot save shim, but maybe so did the delay. Tavion is upset, he argues with the ref, but Briggs BLINDSIDE BOOTS him! Briggs then throws off the elbows off, CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!! Cover, Briggs wins!

Winner: Josh Briggs, by pinfall

Briggs soaks up all the heat, and gets in the face of the fans booing him! Briggs may not have honor, but will he have a golden opportunity waiting for him on the other side of Deadline?

The Culling is here.

Izzi Dame leads the way for Shawn Spears & Niko Vance, but the fans all boo since they betrayed Tatum Paxley back in New York City. The It Girl takes the mic, and she says, “Y’know what? Looking around here, I get it. I get why all of you love Tatum so much, you’re just like her: None of you know how to be alone. I gave Tatum everything. Let me ask, how many chances is too many? Like, at what point does someone become so hopeless, so pathetic, that you just have to stop trying to save them? For two weeks now, all I have heard is, ‘Why, Izzi? Why would you betray Tatum? How could you betray Tatum? I thought you guys were best friends!’

“I didn’t betray Tatum. I corrected a mistake. A mistake I made the second I thought Tatum could ever stand beside me as an equal. What? Did she really think that my guidance was some sort of suggestion? Like she had any right to ignore the very person that dug her out of the hellhole she was in for so long? When all of you ignored Tatum, while she was only known as, ‘that little weirdo freak,’ I carved purpose into her. I gave her a voice! I gave her confidence! I cared about her! And what’d she do? She continued to trip over the same insecurities that I tried to rip out of her over and over. She was so selfish! So stubborn!”

The fans chant, “We Want Tatum!” but Izzi says she feels very passionately about this: Tatum felt like everything The Culling gave her just wasn’t good enough! So she’ll ask us now: Do you all really think that it’s a coincidence that only after Izzi took Tatum under her wing that Tatum became champion? Do they all really believe she could’ve done that on her own? Tatum can barely stand on her own two feet, let alone lead this Women’s Division by herself! Tatum only became NXT Women’s Champion because I allowed her to! And at Gold Rush, I showed that everything I give, I can easily take, and I did! I took everything from her, because that is what she owed me!”

The fans continue to cheer for Tatum but Izzi says she’s the one who made Tatum’s name worth chanting! And what’d she do? She ignored Izzi! Newsflash: When you stand by Izzi, you don’t get to ignore her! This Saturday at Deadline, it will be Izzi VS Tatum 1v1! The fans do like that, but Izzi says, “I plan on finishing what I started in New York. Tatum… I have one final lesson for you. In San Antonio, I end the version of you that refused to evolve. And whatever I have to do to make sure that happens, it won’t be out of spite, it won’t be out of anger…” But then Tatum is on the tron!

“Here I am, Izzi. In our family’s favorite spot. But I’m alone. Why? Why did you take what was steady in my life and tear it apart? We were great together. And you took the one thing that I wanted the most.” Izzi stops Tatum there and says that she gave Tatum the world, and Tatum rejected it! It is funny, the irony, Tatum rejecting Izzi. And now look at Tatum. So pathetic, and so predictable. If Tatum is that upset, why not bring your ass out here and do something about it? Or is Tatum too scared? C’mon out. Tatum says yes, she’s scared. She’s scared because she doesn’t know what she’ll become without Izzi’s hand on her shoulder.

Tatum is scared… Because at Deadline, she’ll have to make Izzi feel all of her pain. Tatum steps out from the Culling clubhouse, and Tatum is ready for revenge. Will Deadline be the end of someone’s career?

Wren Sinclair talks with Kendal, Lola & Sol.

They’re all ready for that Six Woman Tag, but then in steps Zaria. Sol says hey, she’s been meaning to talk with her. Sol is so sorry she wasn’t out there for Zaria’s match with Fallon. She was just upset and processing all that happened against Blake Monroe. She’s sorry. Well, Sol seems to be moving on just fine now. Sol says not fair, dude. John Cena picked her- No, that’s fine! Sol can do her own thing. But since Sol didn’t appreciate Zaria being in her corner at Gold Rush, don’t expect her out there tonight. Lola says not to get in the middle of this, but their match is up next. Vamos! Kendal says she’s got Sol out there, and Wren says that means she’s also got Sol out there.

Wren knows she’s not scary like Zaria, but she’s so supportive. It’s kinda her thing. Zaria is being scary like Wren said, and Wren has Kendal hurry on out. Sol again apologizes, then follows the others out. Will the Iron Survivor Challengers be able to humble Jacy, Fallon & Lainey? Or will they all end up under The Influence?

Six Woman Tag: The Fatal Influence VS Sol Ruca, Lola Vice & Kendal Grey!

NXT returns with the Influence already in the ring as the Evolve Women’s Champion makes her entrance. She’s followed by Vice City, leaving the Soul Surfer for last. The teams sort out and Lola steps up to Lainey. The bell rings, Lainey pie faces Lola, but Lola shoves her back! Fallon steps up, Kendal gets in there, but then so do Jacy and Sol. And the brawl is on again! The fans fire up, but Jacy has Sol in one corner, Fallon has Kendal in another, and Lainey kicks Lola’s leg! Lainey whips, Lola reverses, and Lainey tumbles out! Lola goes to the apron, SEATED SENTON! The fans cheer, Lola does a salsa, but Fallon YEEHAW KICKS from the post!

The fans boo but Kendal BLASTS Fallon! Kendal then goes up, up, and SUPER DUPER CROSSBODIES! Down go Fallon & Lainey! Jacy CANNONBALLS Lola & Kendal! Jacy talks trash, Fatal Influence regroups, but Sol ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! And lands on her feet even! The fans fire up, Sol gets Lainey up and into the ring, and Lola AX KICKS Lainey down! Lola KICKS Lainey again and again, then bumps her off buckles. Tag to Sol, they send Lainey back into the corner. Sol back body blocks, then snapmares to KICK and STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Sol keeps on Lainey with a suplex, but Lainey fights it!

Lainey breaks free, BODY BLOWS, then brings Sol around. Tag to Fallon while the fans do the wave for Sol. The Influence mugs Sol, THROWS her down by her hair, and Fallon covers, TWO! Fallon facelocks, Sol endures and wrenches out to ROUNDHOUSE! Fallon sputters, Sol throws her to the corner, and tag to Kendal! Feed to the fireman’s carry takeover! Kendal cranks the arm, Fallon fights up and puts Kendal in the corner. The fans rally for Kendal but Fallon RAMS her in the corner! The ref counts, Fallon stops at 4, but she runs back up! Only for Kendal to go up, over, out, then slide under!

Kendal runs redirects, and TRIPS Fallon to then basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Kendal whips Fallon, Fallon grabs ropes and BOOTS back! Tag to Lainey, she DROPKICKS Kendal! Cover, TWO! Lainey clamps onto Kendal, whips, but Kendal reverses. Kendal ducks a lariat to OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Lainey flounders, Jacy tags in, but Kendal drop toeholds, gator roll to a bridging cover, TWO! Kendal waistlocks and gator rolls Jacy around again. The fans rally behind Kendal but Jacy bucks the O’Conner! Tag to Lainey and Jacy DUMPS Kendal out! Kendal DECKS Lainey, ROCKS Jacy, but Fallon YANKS her down!

Fallon RAMS Kendal into the apron, puts her in, and Lainey is there to DOUBLE STOMP! Jacy SENTONS! “And that’s why we run NXT, baby!” Fatal Influence soaks up the heat while NXT goes picture in picture.

Lainey drags Kendal up, CLUBS her back down, then whips her to the corner. Lainey runs and UPPERCUTS Kendal, then tags Jacy. Jacy stomps a mudhole into Kendal, then digs her boots in. The ref counts, Jacy steps off at 4, and she soaks up more heat. The Influence talks trash, Jacy drags Kendal to her feet, then whips her to ropes. Jacy CLOBBERS Kendal, then covers, TWO! Jacy drags Kendal over, tags Fallon, and they mug Kendal. Fallon cravats for a neck wrench, then fires KNEE after KNEE! Kendal falls, Fallon taunts Lola, and she brings Kendal back around. Fallon bumps Kendal off buckles, then tags Lainey.

Lainey HIP DROPS Kendal, mocks Lola, then kicks Kendal around. Lainey lifts, Canadian Racks, but Kendal sunset flips! TWO, both women stand, and Kendal BODY BLOWS! But Lainey keeps Kendal from her corner! Kendal ROCKS Lainey, reaches out, and repeat! But Lainey sidesteps to then arm-drag! Lainey runs to AX HANDLE! Lainey then fires forearms to keep Kendal from the corner. Tag to Fallon and she snapmares Kendal for a KICK to the back! Fallon clamps onto Kendal with a chinbar neck wrench but Kendal endures. Kendal fights up, fires body shots, then ROCKS Fallon! And ROCKS her again! But Fallon ELBOWS her down!

Fallon drags Kendal up, whips her to the Influence corner, then CHOPS her! Tag to Jacy, she stomps away on Kendal, then she tags Fallon back in. Fallon cravats Kendal for another neck wrench and she grinds Kendal down. NXT returns to single picture and the fans continue to rally for Kendal as she fires body shots. Fallon KNEES Kendal down, tags Lainey, and Lainey tags Jacy. Whip, FLAPJACK, BLOCKBUSTER, and SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Kendal survives that assault, but Jacy rains down fists! Jacy sits Kendal up to SUPERKICK her down! Then she sucker punches Sol and tells Lola to “SUCK IT!”

Jacy runs at Kendal, BACK BODY BLOCK! Tag to Fallon, she and Jacy DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX, but Kendal lands out! Kendal BLASTS Lainey, BOOTS Jacy, dodges Fallon, hot tag to Lola! The fans fire up as Lola rallies on Fatal Influence with fists and KICKS! KICKS! LIGHTNING KICKS on Jacy! Lainey gets up but Lola THROWS her into the ring! LIGHTNING KICKS for Lainey, too! The Influence is all in corners, and the fans fire up for Lola! She’s a Latina~! HIP ATTACK on Lainey! HIP ATTACK on Jacy! HIP ATTACK back on Lainey! Fallon runs up, but Lola slips around, SAIDO! Cover, TWO!

Lola tags Sol, they get Fallon up, BACKSTABBER and BOOST into the URAKEN! Sol then scoops to SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, Lainey breaks it! Jacy SUPERKICKS Lola! And DECKS Kendal! Sol SUPERKICKS Jacy! Sol TOSSES Jacy, but Fallon body scissor rolls Sol! TWO, and Sol runs up, but into a drop toehold! Sol hotshots off ropes, then Fallon goes up the corner! Lainey tags in before the BLOCKBUSTER! Tag to Jacy, she and Lainey run, DOUBLE KNEES!! Cover, Lola KICKS it apart! Lainey hits a SLINGSHOT STUNNER on Lola! Kendal wheelbarrows Lainey for THE GREY AREA! Fallon YEEHAW FACEBUSTERS Kendal!

Sol GAMANGIRIS Fallon! And slingshot FACEBUSTER! Sol dodges Jacy, Jacy rolls Sol, TWO!! Sol dodges the Rolling Encore, Jacy turns around into a SOL SNATCHER!! Cover, Sol’s team wins!!

Winners: Sol Ruca, Lola Vice & Kendal Grey, by pinfall

Sol just pinned THE NXT Women’s Champion!! Is this a sign she’s destined to be the Iron Survivor? But then wait, Lola snatches Sol outta the way as ZARIA RUNS IN! SPEAR ON KENDAL!! Wren freaks out and asks what that was about, but was that even meant for Kendal? Sol shoves Zaria and asks what the heck! Jacy loves seeing the cracks in the foundation, but will the ZaRuca drama sidetrack Sol from another title?

NXT Anonymous is watching…

Je’Von says he has to get the W so he can decide where he starts in Iron Survivor. Just last year, he was three seconds from the win. This year, that won’t happen. Now, he hopes he isn’t saying anything weird. Ricky Saints is there and says no, not at all! Je’Von is totally gonna win. Plus, Oba Femi isn’t in Iron Survivor this time. Oh, is that a roast? Saints is just saying. Je’Von says in that case, Oba’s only not in the match cuz he’ll be too busy whooping Ricky’s ass. Oh, okay, right to the jugular. But hey, Saints beat Oba once, he can beat him again, and that’s two more times than Je’Von has. Je’Von says c’mon, bro, stop.

Je’Von says remember back to Heatwave, when Saints stepped over Je’Von just to get to Oba. Saints says it’s all good now, right? Yeah, they’re good. But Je’Von also brings up how Saints said Je’Von had time, he’d be champion one day. You know how Je’Von feels about that. Yeah, he knows, but Saint sis right: Je’Von is a future champion. Where’s the lie? That’s a good point. But Je’Von is on a roll! He was in AAA, he went toe-to-toe with Gunther at MSG! And guess who texted you first? Yeah, it was Saints. Je’Von appreciates that. Saints says that is why Je’Von is the favorite to win the Iron Survivor this year.

And then, at New Year’s Evil, we’ll see what happens. Je’Von says yeah, we’ll see, if they both handle business on Saturday. Je’Von says Saints has time to be in MSG one day. Now, Je’Von is gonna go get ready. See ya lady, my boi~! Je’Von heads out, but will these two be able to keep it friendly in the off chance they do meet at New Year’s Evil?

DarkState talks backstage.

Dion Lennox holds his NXT Tag Team Championship as he says, “I know what I said last week, about how I wanted to bring some singles gold to DarkState. But it wouldn’t be fair to y’all if I wasn’t all in on these tag titles. So I feel like I gotta give this to one of y’all.” Cutler James says right away that Saquon Shugars should take it. Saquon says nah, bruh, it’s all Cutty. Cutler makes Saquon take the belt and tells him to hold it down. Osiris says that’s what he’s talkin’ ’bout! Freebird Rule and all, Osiris says different partner, same domination. Oba Femi then walks past and Saquon imitates the accent: “The Ruler has arrived!”

Saquon laughs at his own joke, but Oba ignores it. Oba tells Dion that he made it to the Iron Survivor. Oh, Oba doesn’t even remember when they were in this spot last time, huh? Them, face to face, and Oba just brushed him off like he was never gonna be championship material. Clearly, Cena thinks otherwise. Two-time tag team champion, and look at him now. And after Saturday, Dion hopes Oba’s the one that he gets for New Year’s Evil. Because there is nothing Dion would love more than to snatch the gold and knock Oba’s teeth down his mouth! Oba says Dion has come a long way, but he shouldn’t get ahead of himself.

Dion says he ain’t ahead of himself, he’s right where he needs to be. Oba says yes, Dion is. Dion says Oba better watch tonight’s main event, because it will be a peak into what the future holds for The Ruler. DarkState heads out, will their revolution begin with the New Year?

OTM VS Chase U!

Bronco Nima & Lucien Price did say it’d be “on sight,” and it seems Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors will learn what that means first hand. Will Mr. Chase’s new students survive through the first semester? Or will they fail to get out the mud?

NXT returns and Chase U makes their entrance. Mr. Chase wants to make sure they’re ready, and Kale goes on and on about how the game plan is “right here,” pointing to his own hand. Uriah points to his head, claiming it is all memorized and locked in. The teams sort out, but Chase U attacks from behind! Kale DUMPS Nima, Price SHOVES Uriah, then Price runs up, only for Uriah to DUMP him out! Nima runs back in, but Chase U DOUBLE LARIAT him up and out! Then they both DIVE! Down goes OTM and the fans fire up with Chase U! They put Price in the ring, Uriah climbs up, and Uriah SWANTON BOMBS! Cover, TWO!

Uriah hurries to facelock Price, but he RAMS Uriah into the corner! Price snarls, but Uriah BOOTS him away! Uriah runs up, Price catches him for an inverted headlock takeover, and a CHOP! Uriah sputters, Price tags Nima, and Nima fires body shots on Uriah. Nima stomps Uriah, tags Price, but Uriah fires hands! Price BODY BLOWS in return! Then CHOPS! Tag back to Nima, Nima stands Uriah up, and ROCKS him with a right! Tag back to Price, Nima sends him in, but Uriah dodge! And dodges again! Hot tag to Kale! Kale fires hands on Price, then BLASTS Nima! Price whips Kale, Kale ducks ‘n’ dodges to KNEE Nima down!

Kale ELBOWS Price away, then CHOPS him on the back! The fans fire up for the heat on that, and Kale gets moving, only for Price to SUPERKICK him down! Tag to Nima, they get Kale up, and Nima sends Price in! SPLASH! feed to Nima’s JUMP STOMP! Cover, but Nima lets off? Nima ROCKS Kale, tags Price, and they double whip Kale to then POP-UP, and Price catches Kale! No small feat, and then Nima kneels, POWER GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO?!? Kale survives but Price tells him he’ll pay for that! Price ROCKS Kale, tags Nima, and Price runs up. Kale BOOTS Price, dodges Nima, then swings on Price! Price gets under, pop-up- CODE BREAKER from Kale!

Price staggers, Nima rushes in, but Kale hot tags Uriah! Uriah blows past Nima, BOOTS Price, then dodges Nima to GAMANGIRI! Uriah goes up, leaps over Nima, but Nima gets him on the return! Whip and- ROUNDHOUSE from Uriah! Uriah springboards, but Nima catches him! Nima TOSSES Uriah out, blocks a boot, and spins Uriah, only for Uriah to PELE through it! Uriah steps in, TORNADO DDT! Cover, Price breaks it! Kale rushes back in but Price whips him! Kale ducks ‘n’ dodges to KICK, KICK, and then Chase U DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Nima is up, Uriah ripcords him for Kale’s BOOT!

Uriah springboards, STUNNER!! OTM regroups on the outside, Chase U goes to the corners! They aim, CRISSCROSS APPLE- NO, OTM catches them both! SMASH SANDWICH! They put Uriah in, Nima tags Price, and OTM hits Uriah with the PAID IN FULL! Cover, OTM wins!

Winners: OTM, by pinfall

Chase U put up an amazing fight, they clearly studied up, but they still couldn’t ace the test! Will no one but OTM run this division?

Ava follows Ethan Page to the parking lot.

She asks where the NXT North American Champion is going, and All Ego says this is his car, so that means he is leaving. Clearly, his services are not needed here tonight as Ava and the team are doing a bang-up job putting together Deadline. Actually, he would like to formally thank John Cena for helping the less fortunate talent have this opportunity this Saturday. But more importantly, he gave Ethan the night off! A much deserved one at that, as Ethan is the hardest working champion in WWE, and a double champion! Ava says that’s right, he is double champion.

But uh, the North American Championship hasn’t been defended since Halloween Havoc. Ava feels Ethan’s due a defense! Ethan sighs and says he is the best wrestler in the WWE, Ava, so no one here even wants to face him. No, she found someone who does. LA YESCA peeks out from the backseat! Ethan freaks out, gets out of his car, and says this is a setup! Mr. Iguana hops into the front seat and tells Ethan see ya later! He drives off with Ethan’s car! Ethan asks, “Are you not gonna call the cops?!” Ava asks what would she even say? A reptile stole a car? YES! All Ego chases Iguana into the night, but will we soon have a NEW Greatest North American Champion Ever?

“Yo, Shiloh Hill here.”

And he has another “download” for us. This past week was Thanksgiving, and he had an awesome one. He got to try raccoon for the first time. Kinda greasy. He remembers one Thanksgiving, he was 8 years old, the fog was rolling in so the family snowmobiled through the woods to visit Shiloh’s cousins. Shiloh wanted his snowmobile to go faster so he put in some higher grade caps and upgraded the exhaust, all basic stuff. But about 100 miles into the trip, he got way ahead of everyone, they didn’t realize he was making it a race, so he just extended the lead, until he crashed. At this point, he’s miles into the woods, it’s cold, he has no cell service.

So he really thought he was gonna freeze to death. But then he went into survival mode, breaking up branches, gathering pine needles, covering himself in anything he could to stay insulated and warm. He became one with the earth for a night. He knew in situations like that, you’re not supposed to go to sleep, so he tried his best. It was easy to stay awake, though, because he felt so alive. Especially when he heard the wolves howling at the moon. Can you imagine if he’d gotten eaten by wolves or something? That’d be insane! He never would’ve been on LFG or part of Team Taker. Having Taker as a coach was so… Tough.

Taker would tell Shiloh to be aggressive. When you get in that ring, reach into their chest and rip out their souls! That got Shiloh so fired up! He was so happy to have a coach he could connect with. Taker knew what resonated with him, he knew Shiloh would feel that itch crawling in his skin, and that he should let it out! “RAAAH! WAKE UP!! Bro, that feels so good! That adrenaline, that dopamine, those endorphins. That’s good stuff. Anyways, I’ll be back soon to finish up. I gotta find my bleach.” Shiloh logs off, will he unleash the wild side on NXT soon enough?

High Stakes 8 Man Tag: DarkState VS Je’Von Evans, Leon Slater, Myles Borne & Joe Hendry!

Dion Lennox showed his dedication to the mission of bringing gold to the group by Freebirding the tag title to Saquon Shugars, and now they’re all ready to ensure he chooses his spot in the Iron Survivor Challenge! Now more than ever, is no one safe from DarkState? Or can someone on the other side score the win and take control of their own future?

NXT returns as DarkState makes their entrance, actually walking down the ramp. The teams sort out, and Myles steps up to #BigO, Osiris Griffin. The two circle, tie up, and Osiris THROWS Myles right down! Myles checks his face, Osiris shows off dancing pecs, and the two go again. Myles waistlocks, Osiris ELBOWS free, then he runs to RUN Myles over! The fans boo but Osiris tags Saquon. Osiris scoops to SLAM Myles, then he scoops Saquon to SLAM him onto Myles, but Myles gets his knees up! Saquon hobbles, but he bucks the O’Conner to cravat and neck wrench Myles. The fans boo but Myles powers up and out, only for Saquon to pull Myles’ ear!

The ref reprimands, Saquon goes back to the cravat, but Myles arm-drags free. Saquon RUNS Myles over, runs up, but Myles hurdles! But Saquon cravats again! Only for Myles to SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Myles kicks Saquon, UPPERCUTS, then dragon sleepers, EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO! Saquon stays in this but Myles stays on him. We get a quick picture in picture of Ava setting up the final touches for the contract signing, and Hendry tags in! Hendry & Myles double whip to DOUBLE ELBOW Saquon down! Hendry headlocks, Saquon powers up and out, but Hendry RUNS Saquon over!

Hendry runs, he rolls over the dropdown, then he shoves Saquon to HIP TOSS! The fans fire up, Hendry keeps Saquon from DarkState, then he turns Saquon for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Saquon survives but Hendry drags him up. Hendry scoops Saquon and FALL AWAY- NO, Saquon lands out! Hot tag to Cutler and he kicks low! Cutler UPPERCUTS Hendry, scoops him, but Hendry slips out to headlock! Cutler powers up, but Leon tags in! Hendry sends Cutler to the ropes, and Leon DROPKICKS him on the return! The fans cheer, Leon bumps Cutler off buckles, then he runs up to LARIAT!

Tag to Je’Von, Youngest In Charge sends Young OG in, and he LEAPING LARIATS Cutler! OG feeds Cutler to Leon for a DROPKICK to the legs, then Je’Von adds DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Je’Von drags Cutler up, wrenches, and he CLUBS the arm! The fans rally for Je’Von as he CHOPS! Cutler DECKS Je’Von! Cutler then wrenches Je’Von, Je’Von wrenches back and CHOPS! And then he wrenches, but Cutler reels Je’Von in for a SWINGING BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Je’Von survives, Cutler drags him up, and he whips Je’Von to the corner! Tag to Dion, and Dion fires body shots and haymakers on Je’Von!

The fans boo but Dion flexes and soaks up that heat. But Je’Von hits back! Je’Von wrenches, goes to the ropes, BOUNCY~ RANA! Dion tumbles, Je’Von DROPKICKS him down! Cover, TWO! Je’Von stays on Dion with an armlock and he tags Myles in. Myles & Je’Von double wrench, whip, and then FOREARM SMASH! Myles runs, but Dion SPINEBUSTERS! Tag to Saquon and they get Myles up to double whip, drop toehold, and KNEE DROP! The fans boo, but then Dion SMACKS Hendry just because! The fans boo harder, the ref has to keep Hendry back, but DarkState dares the boys to bring it! It is brought as the brawl is on!

The fans fire up as these eight men revisit the end of Gold Rush! Leon BOOTS Osiris out, Dion drags Hendry out the side, Myles DECKS Saquon, but then Saquon drags Myles out of the ring! Saquon RAMS Myles into the apron, Leon and Je’Von BOOT Cutler & Osiris! DOUBLE PLANCHAS, but somehow Osiris and Cutler stay up! STEREO SNAKE EYES off the apron! Cutler THRWOS Je’Von into barriers, Osiris THROWS Leon into barriers! Saquon POSTS Myles, Dion THROWS Hendry into steel steps! Dion talks trash on everybody as NXT goes picture in picture.

Saquon talks trash, then he drags Myles up. Saquon puts Myles in the ring, covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Saquon is frustrated but he clamps onto Myles with another cravat. Myles endures, fights up, and whips Saquon away, but Saquon CLOBBERS Him! Saquon keeps moving, he hurdles over, but Myles HIP TOSSES Saquon down! And arm-drags him for an armlock! Saquon kicks and flails as Myles has the top wristlock, then facelocks. Tag to Leon, Leon runs up to BOOT Saquon! Leon then whips Saquon to ropes and ELBOWS him down! Cover, TWO, but Leon keeps Saquon down with a chilock.

Leon wrenches, Saquon whips and Cutler tags in. Cutler LARIATS Leon right down! Cutler wrenches Leon and has the arm as he steps over for the armlock. Leon endures, fights up, then rolls Myles up! TWO, and Cutler ROCKS Leon! Cutler has Leon in the corner, he tags in Dion, and they mug Leon more. Dion grinds Leon down with a facelock, but Leon fights up. Deion squeezes tight, Leon still endures, and he BACKDROPS free! Hot tag to Je’Von! Je’Von fires hands on Dion! Dion ROCKS Je’Von in return! Dion drags Je’Von up, tags Saquon, and the mugging continues. NXT returns to single picture as the fans rally for Je’Von.

Saquon CLUBS Je’Von, Je’Von fires body shots! Je’Von bobs ‘n’ weaves to ROCK Saquon! Then he LEAPS, but can’t get over Saquon! He sunset flips it, TWO! Saquon runs up, Je’Von dodges, hot tag to Hendry! The fans fire up as the Prestigious Hendry rallies on DarkState! Dion HOTSHOTS Hendry, Sauqon kneels on him! Tag to Dion, he drags Hendry onto the ropes to CHOKE him! The fans boo, the ref counts, and Dion backs off. Dion talks trash, then he drops a leg, brother! Cover, TWO! Hendry is tougher than that but Dion clamps onto him with a facelock. Tag to Osiris, they double short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO!

Hendry’s team has to stay back, but then Osiris bumps Hendry off buckles! Hendry falls back, Osiris drags him up to bump him off more buckles! Osiris CHOKES Hendry on the ropes, then SCRAPES Hendry’s face against the ropes! Osiris shoves Hendry down but he fans rally up even more. Tag to Saquon, another double short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Saquon shoves Hendry, Hendy fire off elbows! Hendry slides, Saquon catches him, and Cutler tags in! But Hendry BOOTS Saquon away, avoids the elbow drop, but Dion tags in! Dion BLASTS the corner first! GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! Hendry endures, and he powers up to suplex Dion up and over!

The fans fire up as Hendry reaches out, hot tag to Leon! LEG LARIAT on Cutler! DROPKICK for Saquon! Then a dodge as Cutler runs in! Osiris tags, he blocks a kick, ducks the enzigiri, but not the REWIND HEEL! Leon whips, Osiris reverses, Cutler joins in, and they catch the handspring into a DOUBLE POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Leon survives and Osiris snarls as he drags Leon back up. Tag to Saquon, he BLASTS Myles! Dion joins in, tags all around, and now Dark State gets Leon up! DARKSTATE- MISSILE DROPKCK!! Leon turns things around on the four, and he DUMPS Cutler out! Osiris back suplexes, Leon lands out! Hot tag to Je’Von!

Je’Von TOSSES Cutler, BOOTS Osiris, and DIVES Onto Saquon! They go onto and over the desk!! Je’Von gets int he ring while fans lose their minds, and he dodges Osiris to FLY onto Cutler! ROUNDHOUSE for Osiris, then a FLYING LARIAT! Je’Von throws off his shirt, the fans are going wild, and Je’Von waits on Osiris! O G CUT- NO!! Osiris catches Je’Von, back suplex, but Je’Von lands out! CUTTER!! Je’Von goes up, up, and SUPER O G CUTTER!! Cover, DARKSTATE BREAKS IT! Leon & Myles get in the ring, they dodge Cutler & Saquon to DOUBLE DROPKICK Dion! Then they DROPKICK Osiris & Leon!

Hendry is in, eh scoops Saquon, dodges Cutler, and FALL AWAY SLAMS Saquon onto Cutler! Then he LARIATS Dion up and out! But Dion drags Hendry out to join him! They brawl, the fans fire up, and Je’Von dodges Osiris! Rebound, tag to Leon, RED DOT on Osiris! Leon is up top, Myles tags in before the SWANTON 450!! Myles aims at Osiris, he says sorry, boys! BORNE AGAIN!! Cover, MYLES WINS!

Winners: Myles Borne, Je’Von Evans, Leon Slater & Joe Hendry, by pinfall (Myles chooses his spot in the Iron Survivor Challenge)

The team worked together so well, but it was about who got the last word in here. Myles says it’s all fair in love and war, right? But who will have everything they could ever want and more this Saturday at Deadline?

Ava Raine sits down with Oba Femi and Ricky Saints.

“Gentlemen, it’s been quite a journey to get here, but here is your official contract for your NXT Championship match at Deadline.” Ava sets it down, and Oba says Ricky must understand that the version of him that was beaten at No Mercy was a man burdened by the toils of a long title reign. Oba signs his part, then says, “But this version is going to destroy you and remind you that you’re only a footnote in my legacy as The Ruler of NXT, and all of WWE.” Ricky Saints counters with, “One question that goes through my mind is, ‘What happens to me if I don’t beat you? Am I the man that I think that I am?’ Guess we’ll never know.

“There’s no more fairytale, I am the NXT Champion! And you can beat every and any man that steps into the ring with you, but guess what? There’s an exception to the rule and The Ruler, and his name is Absolute Ricky Saints.” Ricky signs his part, and Ava thanks them both. She wants to let them know, for the first time in NXT PLE history, the Men’s Championship will OPEN the show! Ricky says, “Perfect.” With even less time to prepare, who will prove they are THE face of NXT?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode as the go-home to Deadline, with just a pinch of filler to help give some other superstars something to do. OTM having that interaction with Chase U in the parking lot feels like they could’ve waited a week for a match, but we got great stuff out of them honestly. But OTM gets the win here, they need to really get going again in the tag division and not just fill out Evolve. Speaking of Evolve, why’re we not getting developments with Stevie Turner being released? Why’re we instead building some new mystery where someone sent Ava black rose petals? (Or were they chunks of coal? They did not do a good job capturing those on camera.)

Very fun promo from Thea & Hendry with Arianna & Stacks. Very good match and a solid win for Thea, maybe she goes for the Women’s North American Championship after this since Blake has clearly moved on from ZaRuca. That could be a very good build, Blake cutting promos on “grown ass” yet very tiny Thea but Thea showing she can go crazy just like Blake. Great match from Tavion VS Briggs, and that was perhaps the wildest barrier break spot NXT’s done in a minute. Briggs getting the win makes him even with Tavion from a previous showdown, so they can certainly give us a great tiebreaker match.

Ethan Page had a very good promo with Ava and Mr. Iguana to set up this last minute North American Championship match, but that’ll be a very fun match. I don’t see Iguana winning, but he’ll put up a great showing. Very good promo from Izzi and Tatum to set up their own match, and I will say Izzi again used classic Heel hypocrisy to frame this situation like Tatum’s in the wrong. With that, I hope Tatum wins out, but she might not win Saturday because Shawn Spears & Niko Vance will surely interfere.

Very good “summit” promo, and while Kelani could still sharpen her delivery, she sure gets the fans to boo her and what not so she’s doing well as a Heel. She and Jordynne Grace clearly have more to feud over, that’s why they split off from the rest while the Fatal Influence brawled with Sol, Lola & Kendal. Great promos to follow to set up that great Six Woman Tag match. Sol getting the win probably jinxes her chances at Deadline, but I feel like the classic rule of “pin the champ, get a title shot” should give her the #2 contender spot, aka she challenges the winner from New Year’s Evil. The real intrigue was Zaria running in. Did she mean to hit Kendal? Did she mean to hit Sol? All of the above? Maybe ZaRuca breaks up with more interference at Deadline.

And then great stuff with the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge and Men’s Championship scene. Very good NXT Anonymous promo from Je’Von and Saints hyping up a possible match, and very good promo from DarkState to transfer the tag title through Freebird Rule. Great 8 Man Tag main event, and I almost thought DarkState was gonna win it. But the Faces one-upping each other even as they won was good stuff. Myles probably jinxes himself winning, though it is interesting to see what spot he chooses. And while Hendry and Dion kept themselves out of the equation, it really does feel more like Je’Von’s time to win. Saints VS Oba opening Deadline is a nice twist, that also indicates just about anything happening there, can’t wait to see it.

My Score: 8.8/10