Who earns their golden opportunity?

Tonight begins the NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier Series! Sean Legacy or Eli Knight, Josh Briggs or Shiloh Hill, who steps toward the future?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page VS Elio LeFleur; Ethan wins and retains the title.
• NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Shiloh Hill VS Josh Briggs; Shiloh wins and advances.
• Swipe Right w/ Jackson Drake VS Chase U; Swipe Right wins.
• NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Sean Legacy VS Eli Knight; Sean wins and advances.
• TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Triple Threat: Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid VS #ZaRuca VS #WrenQCC; ZaRuca wins and will challenge for the titles.

PLAY BY PLAY

Ava Raine speaks with security.

The NXT General Manager knows how things have been the past few weeks, and it is clear Tony D’Angelo is not the man we remember him to be. He has no friends, no Family, and is acting alone. He will surely show up again tonight, so she needs them all to be on high alert and communicate if they see anything. The security understands, but will they be able to stop the man who was once The Don?

NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page VS Elio LeFleur!

All Ego assumed he was in the NXT Championship qualifier series, but we all know what happens when you assume. And now he thinks he’ll ruin the NXT debut of the French luchador. Will Ethan be proven wrong again? Or can he hold onto the title he’s put so much time and energy into?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who sets the tone for tonight!

The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two tie up, Ethan headlocks, but Elio powers up and out. Ethan RUNS Elio over, then pats him on the head. The fans boo, Elio storms up, but Ethan headlocks. Elio powers up and out again, but Ethan RUNS him over again! Elio kips up, brushes himself off, then dodges a headlock to slingshot headlock takeover! Ethan headscissors, but Elio rolls him over and hooks legs with legs to pop free! The fans cheer as Elio pats Ethan on the head! Ethan is incensed, but Elio dodges to speed things up. Elio FLIPS over Ethan, Ethan avoids the leg sweep but not the EDDY GORDO KICK!

Ethan goes to a corner, Elio runs up on him, but Ethan puts him on the apron. Elio slingshots to BODY SCISSOR THROW Ethan out of the ring! The fans fire up, and Elio uses the steps to FLYING RANA! Ethan flounders away and the fans fire up with “OUI! OUI! OUI!” Elio puts Ethan in, springboards, but Ethan catches him and THROWS him onto the top buckle! Ethan then climbs up, TOP ROPE BACKBREAKER! Elio slumps down to the apron, but Ethan BOOTS him down! The fans boo while Ethan scowls, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Ethan storms out after Elio, brings him up, and RAMS him into the apron! Ethan then ROCKS Elio, puts him in the ring, and storms up to stomp him down! Elio writhes, Ethan brings him around, and whips to ELBOW him down! Ethan soaks up heat while Elio writhes. Ethan stomps Elio, ELBOWS him in the head, and KNEES Elio in the back again and again! Then ELBOW DROPS! Cover, ONE! Ethan clamps on with a chinlock and he grinds Elio down. Elio fights up, fires elbows, and fights free with body shots. But Ethan THROWS Elio down by his mask! The ref reprimands but Ethan just stomps Elio again.

Ethan KNEES Elio in the head! Ethan looms over Elio, reels him in, and suplexes high and hard! Ethan paces around Elio, then has the legs for a BOSTON CRAB! Elio endures and reaches out, even as Ethan sits deep! Elio fights forward, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! Ethan lets go in frustration, and he stalks Elio to the corner. Ethan stands Elio up just to DECK him! NXT returns to single picture while the fans rally up for Elio. Ethan talks trash, then RIPCORDS Elio up for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Ethan smothers Elio into the mat while he vents his frustration. Elio crawls, Ethan tells the fans to shut up, and he reels Elio in.

Ethan lifts Elio but Elio fights it! Elio BACKDROPS Ethan away! The fans fire up while Ethan writhes. Elio fires forearms, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then ROCKS Ethan again! Elio springboards to CROSSBODY! Wrench and ENZIGIRI! Then a suplex for ANARCHY! Cover, TWO! Ethan survives but Elio hurries to put him in the drop zone. Elio goes up, up, and 450- NO, Ethan dodges! Elio rolls through, but Ethan BOOTS Elio down! Cover, TWO! Elio survives and Ethan is furious! Ethan pushes Elio around, the fans boo, but Elio frowns. Ethan stomps Elio’s leg, pie faces him, then runs, but Elio blocks the boot!

The fans cheer as Elio SLAPS Ethan! Elio then slips around to SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Elio keeps moving, springboard, but into a DROPKICK! The fans boo as Ethan drags Elio up, and RIPCORD- DDT!! The fans fire up as Elio turns things around on Ethan! Elio hurries up, up, and ASAI MOONSAULTS onto Ethan on the outside! Elio puts Ethan in, springboards, FLYING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Ethan survives but Elio just goes back up top! Ethan crawls to ropes, Elio goes COAST2COAST! Cover, TWO!! Ethan survives again but Elio just tries again! Elio is up top for the 450 but onto knees! Cover, TWO!

Ethan snarls as he drags Elio up and reels him in. Canadian Rack, EGO- RANA!! Elio turns things around, and then he HELLUVA KICKS in the corner! Whip and HELU- NO, Ethan gets under and POWERBOMBS! Then a roll up, with tights!! Ethan wins!

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

All Ego survives against the French luchador, and he even had to cheat to do it! If Ethan had to do this to the new kid on the block, will he last much longer as the self-proclaimed Greatest North American Wrestler Today? And wait, now Ricky Saints makes his way out here! The Absolute in his Aquaman best has the mic to say, “Look at us! Look at us! We’re the glue holding this place together! Oh my word.” Ethan says the last time they crossed paths, Ethan must’ve knocked some sense into Ricky.

Ricky says okay, okay, first, Ethan needed Ricky more than Ricky needed Ethan. But Ricky’s gonna get on commentary, see who’s qualifying. Meanwhile, Ethan can go backstage, kick his feet up, and relax, champ. The fans boo, but Ricky strikes his pose. He promised he’d watch the qualifiers, but will he like what he sees?

Kam Hendrix talks backstage.

The newest star of Evolve says the coaches of LFG are amazing. Booker T brings the passion, the energy, and- Keanu Carver storms out of HBK’s office and saying he ain’t doing no effin’ sit down! Keanu storms off in anger, and Kam asks if they wanna run that back. No, they’ll just cut… Very different men with very different experiences in LFG, but who will have a spot in the NXT Championship qualifiers?

NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Shiloh Hill VS Josh Briggs!

The LFG Season 2 Champion was cheated out of the TNA International Championship last week, and the Bullhead Brawler will certainly claim he’s been screwed out of his own opportunities. But now, there will be no excuses, it is all about winning your spot in the ladder match! Will NXT see that #ToothlessAggression? Or will the Man Without Honor do whatever it takes to win?

The bell rings and Briggs runs up on Shiloh! Shiloh dodges, fires off haymakers, but Briggs swings back. Shiloh ROCKS Briggs, has him in the corner and throws more shots. Shiloh whips, Briggs reverses, but Shiloh CLOBBERS Briggs! Briggs staggers up, but he kicks Shiloh’s leg! Briggs CLUBS away on Shiloh, then bumps him off buckles. Shiloh CHOPS, Briggs SLAPS him, and the two scrap! The fans rally for Shiloh, but Briggs whips corner to corner. Shiloh reverses and he RAMS Briggs into the corner! Shiloh reels Briggs in, TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Then a SLIDING SHOULDER TACKLE! Cover, TWO!

Shiloh stays cool while Briggs flounders to the apron. Shiloh slides out, CLUBS away on Briggs, but Briggs ROCKS Shiloh from below! Shiloh DOUBLE CHOPS Briggs for that! Then Shiloh jumps up to the apron for the GUILLOTINE LEG DROP! The fans fire up for the shoutout to Undertaker, and Shiloh goes up the corner. Briggs runs up, Shiloh jumps over, but Briggs comes back to scoop, SIDEWALK SLAM, then SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Briggs is frustrated but he brings Shiloh up. Briggs whips, Shiloh ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Shiloh fires up with the fans, and he runs up again, but Briggs TOSSES him out!

Briggs BOOTS Shiloh, then goes out after him. The fans rally for Shiloh but Briggs THROWS him tot he corner! Shiloh slides through, comes back, and CANNONBALLS! The fans fire up with Shiloh, and he hurries to get Briggs up. But Briggs CLOBBERS Shiloh! And HAMMERS him down! Ricky likes what he sees while NXT goes picture in picture.

The ref reprimands and wants this in the ring. Briggs drags Shiloh up, SMACKS him off the apron, and goes up to stomp Shiloh’s hand! The ref reprimands but Briggs drags Shiloh into the ring. Briggs ROCKS Shiloh, stomps away on him, then CHOKES him on the ropes. The ref counts, Briggs steps off, but then he stomps Shiloh back down! The ref reprimands, but Shiloh fires body shots in return! Briggs KNEES low, then whips, but Shiloh reverses. Briggs RUNS Shiloh over! But Shiloh avoids the elbow drop! Briggs clutches his arm while he scowls again. Briggs drags Shiloh up, but Shiloh fires haymakers!

Shiloh CLUBS Briggs, whips corner to corner but Briggs reverses, and Shiloh hits buckles hard! Both big men are down, but Briggs crawls to a cover, TWO! Briggs is frustrated again, and he clamps onto Shiloh with a chinlock. Shiloh endures, even as Briggs smothers him. Shiloh fights around, rises up, but Briggs THROWS him down! Briggs drops on Shiloh for the cover, TWO! The fans rally for Shiloh but Briggs brings him around into another chinlock. Shiloh endures all over again, but he fights up while NXT returns to single picture. Shiloh fires body shots, but Briggs KNEES low! Briggs THROWS Shiloh into buckles!

The fans boo again, but Shiloh TACKLES Briggs! Briggs pushes free and he CLOBBERS Shiloh! Briggs covers, TWO! Briggs snarls and Ricky is no longer happy. Briggs slaps Shiloh around, and he shouts, “This is my LIFE!” Briggs pie faces Shiloh, but Shiloh is firing up! The fans fire up with him, but Briggs ROCKS Shiloh! Shiloh ROCKS Briggs! Shiloh fires a flurry of fists, then HEADBUTTS! Shiloh runs to CLOBBER Briggs! Briggs goes to the corner, Shiloh runs up, but Briggs puts him on the apron. Shiloh ROCKS Briggs, goes up, and FLYING LARIATS! Shiloh keeps going, BUTTERFLY SLAM! And then an IMPLODING MARIPOSA! Cover, TWO!

Briggs survives but the fans rally for Shiloh. Shiloh drags Briggs up, but Briggs CLUBS him on the neck! Briggs whips and ELBOWS Shiloh, then runs, but into a BOOT! Shiloh runs, ducks a lariat, then another! But Briggs BOOTS him down again! Briggs guzels Shiloh, CHOKE SLAM! FALLING FOREARM! Cover, TWO!! Shiloh survives and the fans fire up! Shiloh’s tooth is already out, will he turn it up now? Briggs goes up a corner, Shiloh anchors a foot, and he YANKS Briggs down! BUTTERFLY PLEX! Cover, TWO! Briggs stays in this, but the fans stay behind Shiloh as both men stir. Briggs stumbles to a corner, stands up, and he BOOTS Shiloh again!

Briggs goes up, HOSS-SAULT FLOPS! Shiloh hurries to hit the BACK SUPLEX NECKBREAKER! Cover, Shiloh wins!!

Winner: Shiloh Hill, by pinfall (advances to the NXT Championship match)

Shiloh not only earns his spot in the coming ladder match, but he even earned Ricky’s respect here. But then TONY D attacks! He takes out Shiloh, then he SPINEBUSTERS Briggs! Then a SPINEBUSTER for Shiloh! So much for those extra precautions! Tony still got in the building, he still got at the superstars in the ring, and he stares Ricky down before he leaves. Is nothing and no one going to stop Tony from taking over NXT again?

ZaRuca talks backstage.

Sol checks on Zaria. She saw the TNA Knockouts World Championship opportunity at Genesis, and the only one on Sol’s mind was Zaria. Zaria says where was her best friend at the end of that match, though? Sol was fighting off the Elegance Brand so Zaria could have a fair shot. Yeah, Zaria knows, but her shoulder has taken a real beating. It was an easy target, she’s still sore. Well, put Saturday in the past. Sol can- Zaria says she’s not 100%, and if that costs them tonight, then it’s not really her fault. Zaria heads out, but will she and Sol still be the Best Tag Team in NXT?

Swipe Right w/ Jackson Drake VS Chase U!

The Vanity Project “graduated” from Evolve, but now they have to prove themselves here on NXT. Will Ricky Smokes & Brad Baylor kick off their NXT career with a win? Or will Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors make this a #TeachableMoment?

NXT returns as Chase U makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Uriah starts against Smokes. They circle, tie up, and Uriah goes for an arm. Smokes fishhooks Uriah to a headlock and takeover, but Uriah headscissors. Smokes kips free, but Uriah hits the headlock takeover. Smokes headscissors, Uriah kips free, and Uriah runs up. Smokes hurdles, drops down, but Uriah leaps over! Things keep moving, and Smokes RUNS Uriah over. Smokes talks trash, but Uriah reaches up to RANA from below! The fans cheer and Uriah brings Smokes up. Tag to Kale, he wrenches Smokes’ arm, but Smokes ROCKS Kale.

Smokes tags Brad, but Kale dodges to roll off Brad’s back. Kale waistlocks, Brad elbows free, but Uriah sneaks a tag. Brad whips, Kale reverses, and Uriah is in. Mule kick, LEG DROP, STANDING MOONSAULT! The fans fire up, Smokes storms in, but Chase U sends him at Brad! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Swipe Right tumbles out, and Uriah builds speed! He and Kale DIVE onto Swipe Right! The fans fire up and Chase U puts Brad back in. But SMOKES RAMS Kale into the apron! Uriah kicks Smokes down, but Brad THROWS Uriah off the top! The fans boo but Brad snarls and rains down fists on Uriah!

Lexis King is watching this backstage, and he is joined by Stacks & Arianna. They all shake hands, and then walk off together. What kind of partnership could be brewing between The King & The Underboss? Meanwhile, Brad bumps Uriah off buckles, tags Smokes, and Smokes sends Brad in. Brad RAMS Uriah, then feeds him to Smokes’ BOOT! Cover, TWO! Uriah toughs it out but Smokes grinds him down. Smokes drags Uriah up, whips him to the corner, and he ROCKS Uriah. Tag to Brad, but Uriah fires haymakers! Brad keeps Uriah from Kale, but Uriah reaches out! Uriah breaks free and ENZIGIRIS! Smokes tags in, Swipe Right smothers Uriah!

Smokes SLAPS Kale down! Uriah elbows Brad away, and he CHOPS Smokes! Brad lifts Uriah, Smokes DROPKICKS him into the SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Uriah survives again but Smokes tags Brad. They tag again, and Smokes sends Brad in. Uriah goes up and over Brad, then ducks under Smokes, hot tag to Kale! Kale rallies on Swipe right with forearms and a BOOT! Then he goes up and over Smokes to LARIAT! The fans fire up as Kale LARIATS again! Then he dodges Brad to KICK, KCIK, and wind up, CHOP on the back! Brad flounders out, Kale DUMPS Smokes out to join him! Kale builds speed and FOSBURY FLOPS! Down goes Swipe Right!

The fans fire up again as Kale puts Smokes in! Kale climbs up, SPINNING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO!! Smokes survives but Kale hurries to get him up. Tag to Uriah, ripcord and BOOT! PRIMA NOCTA! Cover, but Brad SPLASHES it apart! Brad drags Smokes to safety, tags himself in, then runs up to fire hands! The teams brawl, Uriah kicks, Brad blocks, and he sends it at Kale! Kale blocks, sends it back, Brad dodges, so the HEEL KICK hits Smokes! Brad mule kicks Uriah, but Kale whips! Brad reverses, Kale ends up on the outside! Uriah SUPERKICKS Brad, tags Kale! But Smokes trips Uriah! Kale runs up on Smokes but Smokes gets away!

Brad JUMP KNEES Kale! Tag to Smokes, and even while the fans obo, they hit the DOUBLE STOMP DDT COMBO!! Cover, Swipe Right wins!

Winners: Swipe Right, by pinfall

The freshman score a huge win, whether we like it or not. Will they go from dominating Evolve to dominating NXT?

Ava finishes a phone call.

She tells Robert Stone that the officers are on their way. Isn’t that drastic? No, Tony has been doing this since Deadline and Ava is over it. Stone agrees, Tony doing all this, and even Tatum last week headbutting a referee. Yes, which is why Tatum is suspended. She can’t keep having this on her show! Lola Vice walks in and says hola. She wants to talk Izzi Dame. Now, hear her out: Lola already beat Izzi once, and she just cracked Kelani last week. And, Lola was just in Mexico for AAA. Yes, Ava says, the big Fox Mexico premiere. Lucha Lola is the shining star.

But then in steps Thea Hail, saying Ava was right all along, an Open Challenge when she was less than 100% was risky. Thea says hi to Lola, and says she has learned her lesson. Thea is ready for a title rematch. Lola says whoa, no, no, no, Lola is up next. Um, Thea was literally North American Champion. Lola says barely. Ava says she doesn’t have time for this, either, so let’s get to where this is going. On February 3rd, the same night we crown a new NXT Champion, Lola and Thea will get the opportunity to become NXT Women’s North American Champion when they both face Izzi in a Triple Threat.

Lola and Thea both like this. Lola says it’s two women to knock out for the price of one. Lola leaves, Thea is a bit offended by that, but will one of them be able to bring down The It Girl? Or will they both see #ItIzWhatItIz?

Sit-down interview with Keanu Carver.

Despite the protesting from earlier, another “graduate” from Evolve is sitting with Blake Howard, and even Blake notes Keanu didn’t want to do this. Keanu says he is only here because they made him. Then to some breaking news, Keanu gets his NXT Championship qualifier next week. Keanu says he ain’t answering none of these dumbass questions. Well, since they have this time, Blake was hoping to talk late 2023, Keanu’s part in the Men’s Breakout Tournament. We didn’t see him after that, having to do with some disciplinary problems, and then LFG- Keanu asks what Blake’s even talking about, and he already starts taking off the mic.

Keanu tells Blake not to even get near him. Keanu storms off set, ending the interview. No questions answered, but one thing is clear: Keanu is ready to carve a path right to the top. Who will have the misfortune of being in his way?

Jaida Parker is here!

The fans fire up for “Miss Parker! Miss Parker!” as she goes right to the ring. They also chant, “Welcome Back! Welcome Back!” Jaida grabs a mic and she thanks the fans for that. She says she is so happy to be back, it ain’t even funny. And yes, a few things have changed in NXT, but one thing that hasn’t is her. That is a W in her book, is it not? But she kept hearing about the new era in NXT. And while she was gone, she was watching closely. She watched Kendal Grey show the world what happens when preparation meets opportunity, and she deserves her flowers. The fans cheer that!

Jaida was watching Blake Monroe act as if the spotlight owes her rent. No flowers. And she was watching Latina Heat, Lola Vice, show the world she is everything she said she was, and she deserves her flowers! Hell, all the women deserve their flowers. Jaida saw everything. No, she was not rushing back with excuses or explanations, because she made a promise to herself that when she did return, her hard work has no choice but to speak for itself. Standards do not need to talk! The standards get checked, get tested, and get pressed. And they keep getting up again and again, and that is what she represents!

She is the standard that refuses to bend just because the room feels uneasy when she steps into it! Do you hear her?! Because Jaida hears y’all! She hears everyone. But everyone’s got something to say, huh? Everyone’s got their own opinions of Miss Parker, right? “Jaida, you’re not good enough. Jaida, you don’t belong here. Jaida, smile more, talk less.” Okay, well, to each their own. But yes, she has days where she feels she cannot catch a break. Where every step forward has someone in her ear saying how she could do it better. Nah! Not this time! Jaida Parker may not be able to catch a break, but she catches eyes. She caught the fans! She catches attention! She caught the fans’!

And when Jaida walks into a room, baby, you gonna feel it. That room gets a little tighter, a little claustrophobic. The air gets a little harder to breathe. But baby, that’s not the dust, that’s the pressure. The pressure happens when she walks through that door and shows what she is capable of, because everyone sits up a little straighter. She carries the way she does because dammit, she deserves every bit of space that she takes up. She is not going to sit here and pretend she fits in a box made by some walking insecurity. Stop playing with her. She won’t dim her light just so someone else can feel safer next to her.

But speaking of lights, they go out! Jaida says she knows they lying. But then Blake Monroe says, “Put the spotlight where it belongs.” Blake is up in the perch, and she says, “That’s just in case you needed a reminder, Jaida. You can turn the lights back on now.” The fans are torn as Blake tells Jaida that Jaida made a grave mistake interrupting her. But she gets it, Jaida feeds off attention. Who better to interrupt than The Glamour. But that is all Jaida is: Just talk! She doesn’t get to come back and stand in the way of Blake Monroe. Oh, is she done? Jaida thinks Blake talks so much because if, and this is a big if, if Blake stopped, she might have to prove something.

And the pressure is not on Jaida, she is right here. And because at the end of the day, who does Blake have to deal with? Miss Parker! Bye~! Blake tried to show Jaida up but it backfired. Will she have to back up talk with actions if she wants to stay in the spotlight?

Myles Borne talks with Ava.

Myles wants to be in the mix and be one step closer to the NXT Championship. Ava understands, but then Elio steps in. He thanks her for the opportunity to show the world what he is capable of. Ava says he’s welcome, and assures him to not worry about that loss. There is a reason Ethan is double champion, and there will be plenty more opportunities down the line. Elio thanks her and says yes, this is just the beginning. Myles welcomes Elio to NXT, and now Ricky Saints walks past. Ricky says he’s headed back to commentary for the next qualifier. Just keep Tony away from him, okay?

Myles waves Ricky down and says he will be seeing Ricky in the ladder match. That is, after he beats Dion Lennox in the qualifier next week. Ricky wants to retort but Ethan steps in and says let’s not get ahead of ourselves. It all depends on which version of Myles decides to show up. Now, will we get the Myles that has shown guts like he did with Robert Stone last week? Or will this be the Myles that has no killer instinct and always loses? Ricky says that is a great point. We’ll just have to see. But for now, commentary needs Rick, so tootles. Ricky heads out, and Ethan tells Myles the choices is 100% on Myles. But they both know what Myles needs to do.

Ethan leaves, leaving Myles with a lot to think about. Will Myles win things his way? Or the way Ethan wants him to try?

NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Sean Legacy VS Eli Knight!

“Super” Sean Legacy has been with the new WWE Evolve since day one, while the Unapologetically Athletic Eli Knight was part of the newest WWE ID crop. Who launches themselves right into the NXT Championship picture with a win here tonight?

The bell rings and the two tie right up. Eli headlocks, Sean powers up and out, but Eli leaps over the dropdown. Then Eli arm-drags, but Sean arm-drags back. Eli sweeps to cover, ONE! Sean sweeps to cover, ONE! Both men bob ‘n’ weave, and they both block a kick. They both let the other go, but then Eli headlocks for the takeover! Sean headscissors, Eli kips free, but now Sean headlocks for the takeover. Eli headscissors, Sean kips free, and Eli swats a lariat! Sean dodges a lariat, and DOUBLE DROPKICKS cancel out! The fans fire up for the standoff, and both men look up to the title as it hangs overhead.

Eli and Sean run up again, Eli slips around to headlock, but Sean powers up and out. The fans rally and duel as Eli dodges but Sean drops down. Sean then jumps back up to hurdle, but Eli shoves him. Sean rolls through the hip toss, then bypasses to DROPKICK! Eli tumbles out, Sean builds speed, and Sean DIVES! Down goes Eli at the ramp and the fans fire up! Sean roars and puts Eli in the ring. Sean aims, springboards, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Sean stays cool and he brings Eli up to CHOP! Eli goes to a corner, Sean CHOPS again, then CHOPS again! And again! Sean brings Eli around, bumps him off buckles, then CHOPS again!

The fans “WOO~” while Eli sputters. Sean runs up, but Eli goes up, out, around, and slingshots to keep moving. Eli handsprings over the backdrop to then slide under and DROPKICK! Sean bails out, Eli builds speed, and Eli… No, he has to stop as Sean steps out of the way. Eli goes to the apron, avoids a leg sweep, and ASAI MOONSAULTS Sean down! The fans fire up and Ricky admits that was beautiful! Eli is standing tall while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Sean reels Eli in, only for Eli to wrench out. Eli ducks a lariat, ENZIGIRIS, and he runs, but into a LARIAT! Sean drags Eli up to reel him back in, but Eli fights the bomb! RANA, but Sean sunset flips through! TWO, Eli sits on it, TWO! Both men get up, Eli goes to a corner, but he SUPERKICKS Sean! Sean staggers around, Eli runs up on him, somersault and- SUPERKICK from Sean! Sean then whips and STANDING SPANISH FLIES! Sean hurries up to 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Eli survives and Ricky is again impressed. The fans cheer on “Both These Guys! Both These Guys!” while Sean stands back up.

Sean drags Eli up with a waistlock, but Eli grabs at the ropes. Sean torture racks, but Eli has the ropes again. Sean YANKS Eli from the ropes, but Eli fires elbows! Eli flips free, but Sean ELBOWS him away! Sean runs up, but into an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLy into buckles! Eli goes up, up, and MOONSAULT DOUBLE as Sean moves! Cover, TWO!! Sean survives and Eli can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Eli grits his teeth and stands up again. Sean goes to ropes, Eli fires hands, then ASAI- NO, Sean pops free of the DDT! Torture rack and- NO, Eli slips free to O’Conner Roll! TWO, Eli comes back to sunset, but Sean sit son it! TWO!!

The fans rally as Eli escapes! Sean kicks, Eli blocks, then ASAI DDT! Eli hurries up the corner again, for the MOONSAULT but into BOOTS!! Sean turns things around on Eli to then torture rack and SHAMBLES!! Cover, SEAN WINS!

Winner: Sean Legacy, by pinfall (advances to the NXT Championship match)

Even Ricky is pleasantly surprised to see that one! But then TONY D ATTACKS AGAIN! What is the point of having security if this keeps happening!? Tony THROWS Sean into buckles, then THROWS Eli up and out of the ring! The fans boo, but Tony YANKS Sean out of the ring, and he SPINEBUSTERS Sean on the desk! Ricky demands to know what this is about, but he also hides behind his armchair. Tony goes to the ring, but here come the police! They’re dressed in some serious gear in order to handle such an unpredictable man. Tony chuckles, and already puts his hands behind his back.

The fans are torn as Tony is arrested for his actions, but will Tony be back soon enough?

The Culling talks from within their lair.

Izzi says, “Winning this North American Championship a few weeks ago was the culmination of why we created The Culling in the first place. Doing whatever it takes, preying on the feeble, and creating opportunities.” Shawn Spears says the intent of this formation was the growth of both Izzi and Niko Vance, and Spears is impressed. Niko says Izzi held up her end of the deal. She seized the moment and executed the plan perfectly. Time that Spears & Niko do the same. Yes, Spears likes where his head is at, and Niko says time to refocus their efforts on the NXT Tag Team Championships.

But instead of going after DarkState first, let them and OTM fight it out, then The Culling can pick at the bones. Spears likes this plan. Izzi says damn right. And she knows she can count on the two of them to get the job done, because The Culling always prevails. And that Iz what it Iz. Will 2026 be the Year of the Culling?

Ava walks with Tony backstage.

She tells him that he left her with no choice. Tony is escorted from the building by authorities, but NXT Media is there to ask about his motives in these attacks. The police say no questions at this time, please step back. They put Tony in the back of the car, and Blake asks for anything at all. Tony doesn’t even acknowledge the mic. The car pulls out, and OTM steps in. They push Blake Howard aside to tell DarkState, “Last week was a warning. Now we coming for the NXT Tag Team titles.” Nima adds Spanish to say they ain’t here to look for DarkState, but to TAKE from DarkState! Next week, they show you how real things can get with the gold on the line.

The challenge has been issued, will Saquon Shugars & Osiris Griffin oblige?

Vanity Project, and some new lady friends, are backstage.

Jackson Drake says that is what he’s talking about! And ladies, are you not impressed? First tag team match as official members of NXT, and Swipe Right got the W! Not like the Chase U crumbs stood a chance anyway. Brad says hundos. To be real, Chase U is not a real school. Smokes says yeah, what is even their mascot? A sweater? Facts. And if you thought tonight was impressive, just wait for next week when Heartbreak Drake has his ladder match qualifier. Robert Stone steps in and says congrats on the win. And Drake, here’s the news you’ve been waiting for. Drake’s opponent for the qualifier will be… Joe Hendry!

“Say his name and he appears! I believe in Joe Hendry!” And he’s swapped places with Smokes’ date! Hendry says in NXT, when you say his name, he will appear, you’ll get use to it. And he wishes he could’ve gotten his hands on Tony D to get some answers. But he also won’t turn down the opportunity to get in the NXT Championship match. So lads, get ready. See you next week. Where’d Joe come from? Where’d the girl go? Smokes kissed her! Was that just Joe in disguise the whole time!? Brad calms Smokes down, but will the Carolina Reaper be able to Unalive Joe Hendry? Or will he be turned into a believer?

DarkState talks backstage.

Osiris checks with Saquon, OTM acting like they wanna box for real. Saquon says those boys are trippin’ if they think they are taking the titles from them. It’s clearly what OTM is looking for, becoming best friends with Hendry and acting all delusional. Cutler James steps in and says, “You wanna talk delusional, we got Tony D’Angelo costing Di his match last week. We dismantled his entire family, and now he wants to come outta the shadows, trying to be some lone wolf? He better hope they keep him behind bars, cuz he’s way safer in there than he is out here.” They all agree on that.

Dion Lennox steps in and says everyone wants a shot at DarkState, but that’s cool. It’s what DarkState asked for. They’re on top of the mountain, knocking down everyone that’s trying to come up. Next week, Myles is their next victim. Dion will whoop his ass and qualify for the NXT Championship ladder match, he promises that. Saquon says yeah, it doesn’t matter if it’s one, two, three or four of them, they have NXT on lock. When you come at DarkState, you end up disappointed. Ain’t nobody safe! The four of them are ready, but will they get more than they bargained for with all these enemies around them?

TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Triple Threat: Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid VS #ZaRuca VS #WrenQCC!

While the NXT Women’s Division is hungry for a shot at Jacy Jayne’s NXT Women’s Championship, there are still many more title opportunities to go around. Will the Fatal Influence look to cross the line and add even more gold to the collection? Will the Agent of Change & The Soul Surfer add to their Best Tag Team in NXT résumé? Or will Wren Sinclar & Kendal Grey show everyone else how to Evolve?

NXT returns as #WrenQCC makes their entrance. We see The Personal Concierge, George Iceman, is watching this from the front row so he may report back to The Elegance Brand. The teams sort out, and in this form of Triple Threat, we get one from every team. Kendal, Lainey and Sol step up, and the bell rings. They feel things out, Lainey kicks Kendal low, but then Sol leaps over Lainey to sunset flip Kendal! ONE as Lainey ghost pins Sol, but TWO as Kendal sunset flips Lainey. ONE and Lainey jackknife bridges, but TWO as Kendal bridges up! Sol SENTONS on them both! The fans fire up as Sol double covers, TWO!

Sol brings Lainey up to snap suplex! Sol kips up, then handsprings to sit down on Lainey, TWO as Kendal METEORAS! Cover, TWO! Sol gets up, she goes Matrix to avoid double lariats! Then she DOUBLE SHOTGUNS! And she kips up again! Zaria tags in, she runs up, and she DOUBLE LARIATS Kendal & Lainey! The fans rally as Zaria ELBOWS Kendal in a corner! Lainey swipes at Wren but Wren gets away, and Zaria SPLASHES Lainey! Zaria runs but Kendal goes up, over, around, and then slides under! Kendal runs, Wren tags, and Kendal redirects Zaria. Zaria BACKDROPS, but Kendal lands out!

Wren CHOPS Zaria, Kendal CHOPS Zaria, and then they DOUBLE CHOP! The fans fire up as WrenQCC hit a BIG double back suplex! Then Wren hits a basement BULLDOG! Lainey is back but Wren gets her for a BUTTERFLY PLEX! Cover, but Zaria deadlifts Wren off Lainey! Lainey hurries to tag Fallon while Wren fights off Zaria’s suplex. Wren sends Zaria into the corner! The bad shoulder takes the hit! Lainey trips Wren up for Fallon to sweep the legs! Fallon hurries to CALF KICK! Lainey runs to KNEE DROP! But Zaria trips Fallon to drag her out and mule kick! Jacy runs up, Zaria dodges, and Zaria ROCKS Lainey!

Jacy tries again but Zaria stares her down. Jacy says okay, sorry, and Zaria goes to the ring. Zaria stops Wren to wrench, scoop, and SLAM! Tag to Sol, and Sol climbs up. Zaria gives her the boost, but the arm doesn’t hold up! Sol shows concern, but Fatal Influence DOUBLE LARIAT ZaRuca up and out! The fans boo, but Wren hot tags Kendal! Fatal Influence mugs Wren & Kendal, then Fallon YEEHAW KICKS Zaria into Sol! Then Fallon holds the ropes open for Lainey to DIVE onto Zaria! The fans are torn, but Wren is up top! SUPER CROSSBODY onto Fatal Influence! Kendal ARIHARA MOONSAULTS ZaRuca down!

The fans fire up for WrenQCC as they stand tall, and they put Sol in. Cover, TWO! The fans chant for “WREN Q, C C!” while NXT goes picture in picture.

Kendal drags Sol up, bumps her off buckles, then tags Wren. Wren whips Kendal in for the ELBOW, then Wren adds an ELBOW Of her own. Wren snapmares Sol, CHANCERY to basement DROPKICK! Cover, but Fallon breaks it! Fallon then TOSSES Sol to the apron. Sol gets up and RAMS Fallon low. Sol then jumps up to catch Wren into a modified TARANTULA! Wren endures, but Fallon drags Sol up in a GUILLOTINE! Sol lets Wren go, Fallon wrangles her into a RINGS OF SATURN! Sol endures, fights around, and rolls to a cover, TWO! Fallon has the cover, TWO! Wren stomps Fallon and has the CATTLE MUTILATION!

Fallon endures as Wren walks around with the hold, but Solo drags Wren up for a scoop! Fallon CHOP BLOCKS Sol into giving Wren the SHOULDER BUSTER! Fallon then runs to YEEHAW FACEBUSTER! Kendal tags in, she DECKS Lainey, and she slingshots to STMOP Sol! Kendal keeps moving, but Fallon LARIATS her down! Fallon soaks up the heat, bumps Kendal off buckles, then tags Lainey. Lainey sends Fallon in for the ELBOW! Then Fallon sends Lainey in for a SHINING WIZARD! Kendal falls, Lainey covers, TWO! Lainey clamps onto Kendal to CLUB her down, then she tags Fallon back in.

Fallon runs to SLIDING FOREARM! Cover, but Sol SENTONS on it! Tag to Zaria  and she LARIATS Kendal! Fallon slips around, jumps on for a SLEEPER, but Zaria RAMS her into buckles! Zaria runs back in, but only gets buckles! She still ELBOWS Fallon away, then BOOTS Kendal down! NXT returns to single picture while Zaria brings Kendal up in the corner, HANGING SLEEPER! The fans are torn as Kendal flails, but Fallon runs up. Kendal BOOTS Fallon away, fights up to throw elbows on Zaria, and then she shifts around, only for Fallon to Electric Chair Lift! Zaria stands, DOOMSDAY DEVICE on Kendal!

The fans fire up while all three women are down! “This is Awesome!” as they all crawl for their corners, hot tags to Lainey, Sol, and Wren! The fans fire up as all three rush to the middle! Wren ducks, DOUBLE FOREARMS rock Sol and Lainey! Wren ROCKS Lainey, ELBOWS Sol, and repeat! Wren whips Lainey to a corner, then CHOPS Sol! And CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! Sol staggers, Wren whips her, but Sol reverses. Wren tilt-o-whirls to send Sol into Lainey! Then she runs to DOUBLE SPLASH! Wren BUTTERFLY PLEXES Sol away, then gets around Lainey to hit a BIG back suplex! Tag back to Kendal and they focus on Sol.

Wren hooks Sol, Kendal runs, HIGH LOW COMBO! Cover, Lainey breaks it! Jacy is relieved as Lainey runs, SOUTHER HOSPITALI-KNEE! But Kendal SUPERKICKS Lainey and BLASTS Fallon! Then she runs, but into a BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Kendal survives and the fans fire up again! Jacy is freaking out, but Fatal Influence all cools off. Lainey ROCKS Kendal, brings her around, and scoops, only for Kendal to slip free! Kendal waistlocks, O’Conner Roll, TWO! Jacy tries a cheap shot, but Kendal WRECKS her with a dropkick! Then Kendal dodges Lainey to wrench and ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!!

Lainey flails, reaches out, but Kendal pulls on the arm! Sol FLYING SPLASHES in outta nowhere!! Cover, TWO!! All three women are down but the fans fire back up! They cheer “Women’s Wrestling!” as Sol ROCKS Lainey and CHOPS Kendal. Lainey BOOTS Sol, but Kendal ROCKS Lainey! Sol kicks Lainey, Kendal ROCKS Sol, and then Lainey & Kendal DOUBLE SUPERKICK Sol! Kendal ROCKS Lainey again and again, but Lainey kicks low! Kendal dodges again, OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Sol is up, she slingshots to X-FACTOR! Then she wrenches Lainey for the MOTORCYCLE BACKSTABBER! Then SNAP GERMAN!

The fans fire up but Fallon runs up! Sol dodges to CHOP and TOSS Fallon! Zaria tags herself in, and she runs to DOUBLE SPEAR!! The fans fire up and Zaria whips Sol so she can give her the boost! But Fallon avoids the baseball slide! Fallon KICKS Sol, taunts Zaria, but Zaria avoids Lainey! HEADBUTT! Kendal runs up, wheelbarrow into SHADES OF GREY! Cover, Lainey DOUBLE STOMPS Kendal! Kendal flops outta the ring, into a ROLLING ENCORE from Jacy! The fans boo but Wren MISSILE DROPKICKS Jacy! But Fallon THROWS Wren into barriers! Lainey SUPER- NO, Zaria blocks! But Lainey SUPERKICKS again!

Lainey runs up, ROLLING CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Tag to Fallon, Fatal Influence double whip, but she crisscrosses them! Fireman’s carry on Fallon, and Zaria SMACKS Lainey with Fallon’s feet! But Fallon DDTS outta that! Fallon goes up, up, and BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, Sol YANKS Fallon out! The fans fire up but Fallon takes a swing! Sol dodges, and uses the steps to jump and SHOULDER TACKLE Fallon! Sol puts Fallon in and Zaria fireman’s carries. Lainey saves Fallon, but Sol dodges their double lariats to DOUBLE SOUL SNATCHER!! Then the setup for Zaria! DELTA FORCE!! Cover, ZARUCA WINS!!

Winners: ZaRuca, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championships)

The Personal Concierge has a lot to tell The Elegance Brand about tonight. Will Heather & M be ready for what’s coming? Or will Sol & Zaria prove they are not only the best in NXT, but in all of tag team wrestling?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT here to build to this big February show, as well as all stories in NXT. Though, I must say, they made WWE security staff seem even more useless than usual. I know it’s all kayfabe, but what’s the point of having security if you literally don’t have them show up even once for the Tony D stuff? Like, he should’ve either clobbered or evaded all those guys after that first attack, thereby making it more logical to “call the police” on him. It’s even worse when you consider he shows up twice and gets away with a second attack and not one guard tries! At least Tony’s “arrest” was a good segue to OTM calling out DarkState. DarkState has a decent response promo, and the tag title match is on, that’ll be some really good stuff next week.

Good promo from The Culling to say they’ve got winners of DarkState VS OTM, but like, I don’t see Culling beating either of those teams, they’ll be a solid first defense for Nima & Price at best. Good promo from Lola and Thea with Ava to set up a Triple Threat, but I feel like Izzi gets away with the title in an opportunistic finish. This still has to end with Izzi VS Tatum Part 3, title on the line. Great promo from Jaida Parker to add to her return, and good part from Blake for her, in that it had no effect on Jaida because Jaida’s too secure in her confidence. They’ll have a great match that should really send the winner after Jacy’s NXT Women’s Championship.

Great North American title match from Ethan VS Elio, but I should’ve figured Ethan would cheat to retain. It at least keeps Elio strong in his debut for having lost, and will surely be back in the title scene again soon. Ethan and Ricky have interactions now that they’re both Heel was interesting to see. They also had a good promo with Myles to add more to this “Will Myles turn Heel?” story. Myles might if he fails to beat Dion next week. Ricky Saints enjoying himself on commentary watching the qualifiers was good stuff, as was him cowering from Tony D. Great matches and great wins for Shiloh and Sean.

Great promo from Vanity Project and Joe Hendry. Swipe Right of course won their match with Chase U, but Hendry swapping places with Smokes’ date was hilarious, as was Smokes’ panic attack about what that meant. However, with Hendry halfway onto main roster, I feel like Drake is going to find a way to win his spot in the ladder match. And duh, Keanu Carver is going to beat Mr. Chase. I really liked Keanu playing a Marshawn Lynch style “I’m just here so I don’t get fined” attitude, that really fits him. But even with all these great names in the mix, I have a feeling Ricky still wins the ladder match so that he and Tony are the feud going towards Stand & Deliver.

And great Triple Threat Tag main event, a great spot for the Women’s Division but also the story of ZaRuca. They tied in what happened at TNA Genesis and Zaria’s shoulder being a weakness, but of the three teams, it made the most sense for ZaRuca to still win out. For one, Fatal Influence are Heels and last I checked, Elegance Brand are Heels, too. Second, Kendal Grey is still Evolve Women’s Champion, I don’t think she’d get a second title, even if it’s from another company. And third, the result of the Knockouts Tag title match could be used to break ZaRuca once and for all for that feud to head for Stand & Deliver.

My Score: 8.8/10