Ain’t NOBODY safe!

Between the NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifiers and the NXT Tag Team Championships, will DarkState soon have it all?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Joe Hendry VS Jackson Drake; rescheduled…
• NXT Tag Team Championships: Saquon Shugars & Osiris Griffin w/ Cutler James VS OTM; Saquon & Osiris win and retain the titles.
• Jaida Parker VS Nikkita Lyons; Jaida wins.
• NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Dion Lennox VS Myles Borne; Dion wins and advances.
• Lexis King VS Tavion Heights; Lexis wins.
• ZARIA VS Thea Hail; Thea wins.
• NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Andre Chase VS Keanu Carver; Keanu wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

Ricky Saints is already on commentary!

The Absolute is excited for tonight and the final three Ladder Match qualifiers, staring now!

NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Joe Hendry VS Jackson Drake!

“Say his name and he appears!” But oh no, The Vanity Project have already beat Hendry down! Ava is furious, but Jackson, Brad and Smokes all claim they found him like this. She does not believe them, but before she can say anything else, a ref informs her that Tony D’Angelo just arrived. Ava says get medical for Hendry, have security watch the VPs, and let Ava handle Tony. Ava hurries away, and she informs the rest of the staff that with Hendry down, they gotta move the card around. Cut back to commentary for now.

And speaking of security, they accompany Tony on the way in. Saints already chuckles that Tony needs guards, but he might be misunderstanding. They’re not to keep Tony safe, they’re to keep Tony under control. Will the man who was once The Don continue to get dark on NXT? As for Saints, he excuses himself since he only cares about the qualifiers. He does promise that Saints will address the fans once all the ladder match participants are sorted out at the end of the night.

NXT Tag Team Championships: Saquon Shugars & Osiris Griffin w/ Cutler James VS OTM!

Neither team was ready to open the night, but they’re always ready for a fight. Will DarkState prove that whenever they strike, ain’t nobody safe? Or will Lucien Price & Bronco Nima finally have the gold they’ve been after for so long?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and ready or not, we see who gets out the mud!

The teams sort out, Saquon starts against Nima, and the fans are already strongly behind “O T M! O T M!” Nima avoids Saquon’s leg pick, then the two tie up. Nima powers Saquon to a corner, but Saquon turns things around to push Nima. Saquon “stirs it up,” but Nima TOSSES him to the other corner! Nima corners Saquon, keeps him from Osiris, then sends him towards Price. Saquon stays back, but Nima catches the juke. Saquon fires elbows until he’s free but Price tags in. Saquon whips, Nima reverses, but Saquon dodges, only to put on the brakes when he sees Price. Nima whips Saquon for Price to HEADBUTT down! Cover, ONE!!

Saquon flounders, Price brings him up, but Saquon JAWBREAKERS free! Tag to Osiris and he runs up to RAM Price! Neither man budges, so they RAM again! The fans fire up for these two as they pie face back and forth. Osiris kicks, UPPERCUTS, then runs to BOOT Price! Price wobbles but Nima tags before Osiris whips again. Price dodges Osiris, and Nima is there to HIP TOSS Osiris! Saquon runs up, but into a DOUBLE FLAPJACK! Then Osiris runs up, into a DOUBLE FLAPJACK! DarkState regroups outside, and “Shugar Man” throws a bit of a fit. DarkState huddles up to talk things out, and they flank the ring!

The fans rally for OTM as Nima watches both sides, but Saquon slides in! Nima blocks the kick, but Osiris CLOBBERS Nima! Then Osiris brings Nima around to suplex high and hard! Osiris storms up on Nima to wrench and wristlock. Hank ‘n’ Tank are watching backstage, Nima tags Price and they double whip to DOUBLE BOOT! Price covers, TWO! Price stays close and he wrenches Osiris’s arm. But Osiris ROCKS Price! Tag to Saquon and they handoff the wristlock. Saquon laughs maniacally, but Price snarls in his face! Then swings, but into a wrench! And another wrench! Price whips Saquon hard into buckles!

price runs up, but into a BOOT! Saquon leap frogs, slips around, then RAMS Price into the corner. Osiris tags in, they whip Price for a scoop, but Price slips free! Price scoops and SLAMS Osiris! then he scoops and SLAMS Saquon! The fans fire up again and Price brings Osiris up. Tag to Nima and they mug Big O with a BODY BLOW! Nima then runs up, but Osiris avoids the falling forearm! Hot tag to Saquon, but Nima CLOBBERS him! Nima snap suplexes, that’s Uno Amigo! Then another suplex for a BIG slam! That’s Dos Amigos, and Nima suplexes again, but Saquon knees free! Nima whips, Osiris tags in, and Saquon hurdles over!

Osiris RAMS Nima into the corner, Saquon DROPKICKS Nima down! The fans boo but Osiris has Nima, only for Nima to hit the Third Amigo! Then feed to Price for a guzel, gorilla press, and a TOSS onto Cutler! The fans fire up, and Nima BRONCO BUSTERS Osiris! The fans fire up again while NXT goes picture in picture.

Osiris sputters as he bails out, and DarkState regroups again. They’re frustrated again but they talk out a new strategy. Osiris storms back in, Nima wrenches him and RAMS him! Then wrench and RAM! Then tag to Price for a whip, KNEE LIFT, and STOMP! Cover, TWO! Osiris toughs it out but Price brings him back up. Tag back to Nima, they whip and scoop, but Osiris slips free! Osiris CLUBS Nima down, tag to Saquon. They mug Nima, then Saquon wrenches, only for Nima to knuckle lock Saquon down. Then STRAIGHT ARM LEVER! But Saquon makes it a victory roll! TWO!! Nima escapes, POP-UP ELBOW! FALLING AX HANDLE!

Nima fires up and the fans are with him, ELBOW DROP! Saquon sputters his way to ropes, begs for mercy, but Nima blocks the drop toehold! Saquon CHOP BLOCKS Nima onto the ropes, the ref reprimands him, but that lets Cutty get a cheap shot in! Then another CHOP BLOCK and Nima falls into the corner! Tag to Osiris, DarkState stomps away, then Osiris BLASTS Price! VADER BOMB on Nima! Osiris drags Nima onto the ropes, CHOKES him some more, then stops as the ref counts 4. Nima sputters but Osiris bumps him off buckles. Osiris fires forearms and UPPERCUTS, then reels Nima in for a short arm LARIAT!

Osiris RAMS Nima into the corner, fires hands, and NXT returns to single picture. Osiris digs his boot in, the ref counts, but Osiris backs off. Nima fights out of the DarkState corner as the fans rally harder and harder! Nima bobs ‘n’ weaves, but Osiris kicks a leg out! Then he KNEES Nima in the chin! SPLASH and tag to Saquon, step-in NECKBREAKER BACK SUPLEX COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Nima survives and the fans fire up again! Saquon has Nima’s leg in a standing toehold, then a spinning toehold, but Nima BOOTS him away! Osiris pushes Saquon back to get Nima, but Nima BOOTS Saquon away again!

Nima stands up, Saquon has the leg, DRAGON SCREW! Then tag to Osiris, SLINGSHOT SPLASH FLOPS as Nima oves! Niam BACKDROPS Saquon up and over the corner! Nima steps in, but Osiris has that leg again! Nima BOOTS free, and both men run up! DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans fire up while both men are down! Hot tags to Price and Saquon! Price LARIATS again and again, and even one for Osiris! SAYANAGI and HAYMAKER for Saquon! LARIAT for Osiris! LARIAT for Saquon! Osiris dodges, but Price BOOTS him down! The fans are thunderous as Price then catches Saquon, and SLAMS him on Osiris!

Price high stacks Saquon, but Osiris breaks it! Hank ‘n’ Tank are loving what they’re seeing, but Vanity Project walks in. They blaze past the Big Belly Boys for whatever reason, and that makes Hank ‘n’ Tank think they’re up to no good. Hank ‘n’ Tank follow those boys to keep an eye on them, while Nima LARIATS Osiris and himself up and outta the ring! Price has Saquon by his dreads, but Vanity Project rushes out here?! Price BLASTS Swipe Right back off the apron, but Saquon sunset flips him! High stack with ropes! DARKSTATE WINS!!

Winners: DarkState, by pinfall (still NXT Tag Team Champions)

OTM is PISSED! They CLOBBER Vanity Project, and Hank ‘n’ Tank join in! Even CHASE U gets in here! Uriah Connors and Kale Dixon want their pound of flesh with the tag teams of NXT! The refs hurry out here but the brawl just moves backstage! DarkState grins as they keep the belts, only to get jumped by The Culling! Niko Vance POSTS Cutty, Shawn Spears SUPERKICKS Shugars, and they both mug Big O! The fans are torn on who they want to see win this fight, but The Culling gives Osiris the ELEVATED IMPALER!! The fans fire up for NXT all the same, but are the walls closing in on DarkState?

The NXT Women’s Locker Room is buzzing.

Nikkita Lyons brags about how she’s a dear friend of… someone… when Blake Monroe walks in, pouting and mocking the “Miss Parker!” chant. Lyons says Blake should have her own chant: “Blake Monroe! Blake Monroe!” Girls, c’mon, join in. The other reluctantly clamp and sing along, and Blake says yes, that is beautiful! Lyons knows. And they are so aligned! Now, paths like theirs do not cross by accident. Lyons is very familiar with Jaida, and she knows that Blake has been through so, so much. She has! And Blake can’t let Jaida set her back. Lyons agrees again, and says she is reading Blake’s energy right now. It feels like Blake needs… a friend? Help?

Well, Lyons was gonna say sage, maybe touch grass to ground yourself. But look, Nikkita Multimedia has never had a problem standing up to a woman and checkin’ ’em here in NXT. Consider this a gift from the Divine Feline. Lyons will face Jaida tonight so Blake doesn’t have to, so that Blake’s path remains clear. Lyons would do that for Blake? How would she repay her? Well, just call her Kita the Sage. Lyons goes off, singing as she calls for Ava. Will #BigKatKita pounce Miss Parker right out of the spotlight? Or will she just be an example of what’s coming for The Glamour?

Jaida Parker VS Nikkita Lyons!

NXT returns as Miss Parker makes her entrance, the fans cheering her on. And as we learned, this match was made as a “gift” to The Glamour. Will it turn out how “Kita the Sage” predicted? Or will Jaida makes sure she gets a receipt?

The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, then Jaida ducks a roundhouse! Lyons ducks the hook, the two tie up and they go around. They break, reset, and tie up again. Lyons SAYANAGIS, then the two go again. Lyons waistlocks, Jaida reaches back to headlock for a takeover, then shifts to an armlock! Lyons fights up, Jaida wrenches, then she YANKS the arm. Jaida RAMS Lyons’ arm, wrenches again, then YANKS the arm again. Jaida RAMS Lyons again, puts on the pressure, but Lyons endures. Lyons fights up, fires forearms, but Jaida just puts on more pressure. Lyons whips, SAYANAGI, but Jaida drags Lyons into the headlock!

The fans rally for Jaida as she shifts to wrench and YANK the arm again. Lyons pulls hair to put Jaida on ropes, then she whips for the HIP- NO, Jaida blocks and CLOBBERS Lyons! Cover, TWO! Lyons is tougher than that but Jaida says if she wants to play, let’s play. Jaida scoops, Lyons slips free, but Jaida standing switches. Lyons ELBOWS free, Jaida goes to ropes, and then the HEEL KICK hits! Lyons rains down fists and forearms while the fans boo, but Lyons stops to shake out the bad arm. Lyons eggs Jaida on while she goes to a corner. Lyons talks trash, runs up, and FLYING FOREARM! Lyons ROCKS and ELBOWS Jaida, then talks trash.

Jaida shoves Lyons, Lyons bumps her off buckles for it. Lyons runs Jaida side to side for another buckle bump, and then another buckle bump. The fans rally for Jaida but Lyons snapmares and stands on her! Lyons does her ballet stretches, then SPLIT LEG DROPS! The fans are torn but Lyons drags Jaida up. Jaida ELBOWS Lyons, ROCKS her, but Lyons ROCKS Jaida back. Lyons whips and DECKS Jaida! Lyons soaks up the spotlight, then pushes Jaida to the cover, ONE!! Jaida is tougher than that but Lyons brings her up. Lyons sings her shot, then hits a SNAP FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Jaida writhes, but Lyons brings her up again.

The fans rally for Jaida even harder but Lyons underhooks the arms. TIRGER DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Jaida survives but Lyons clamps onto her with a chinbar half nelson combo. The fans rally as Jaida endures and fights around. Jaida claws at Lyons, fights up, and fires body shots. Lyons ROCKS Jaida, but Jaida gets mad! Jaida ROCKS Lyons, eggs her on, so Lyons hits back! The fans fire up as Jaida ROCKS and CHOPS away! Lyons shoves Jaida, but then Jaida catches her for a BACK ELBOW and LARIAT! Lyons staggers up, but Jaida RUNS her over! And then dodges to SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up while Lyons goes to a corner.

Jaida runs up, but Jaida blocks Lyons’ boots to put her in the ropes and CHOP her down! Jaida runs back in, TEARDROP! Time to high step it out! The fans fire up again, and Jaida builds speed to HIPNOTIC! But that’s not all, she hooks Lyons up for a DEJA VU BOMB!! Cover, Jaida wins!

Winner: Jaida Parker, by pinfall

A new move for a new chapter, Miss Parker is just leveling up! But wait, Blake has to get on the tron so she can mockingly applaud from her studio apartment. Blake sarcastically says, “What a performance. No, really. It was something. But it wasn’t… glamorous, was it? Last week, I tried to correct your very, very grave mistake, but you didn’t want to listen, did you? Nobody takes the spotlight from Blake Monroe and gets away with it. So I’ll be seeing you very, very soon. Mwah~!” Jaida tells Blake that she knows just where to find her. Mwah yourself. Clock it! Blake wants it, Jaida wants it, and the fans want it, but when and where will we see it happen?

Tavion Heights talks with the new NXT recruits.

The Olympian commends Eli Knight and Elio LeFleur on their debuts, but it is a shame about their losses. But hey, they had the place jumping! They agree there. It was surreal! Elio was so close, and so was Eli. Tavion says he knows how that feels. NXT is like a shark tank, okay? Just shake it off and stay ready. But then in step Lexis King, Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo, and Arianna Grace. Arianna consoles Elio in French, but also in a backhanded manner. And the Drama King says the new guys are taking advice from Tavion. Tavion may have gold medals, but it isn’t really wise if you wanna be more than an amateur wrestler. Tavion says Olympic wrestler, duh.

Lexis says this is the big leagues now. This is NXT, this is a new era, and there is big money on the table! Tavion asks what he’s going on about but Lexis says Tavion knows exactly what. Tavion has squandered every opportunity he has been given! Meanwhile, there are those like Lexis and Arianna who have a birthright to this business in NXT! They’re not asking anymore, they are TAKING! Oh, really? Then what about when Tavion beat Lexis’s ass in under TEN SECONDS?! Chase U and some of the Evolve guys step in and keep this from getting physical, but Tavion says they can go right now! Ain’t nobody chicken!

Will Tavion humiliate Lexis all over again to get his point across? Or will Lexis make things even more dramatic?

The Elegance Brand speaks.

The Personal Concierge calls out #ZaRuca, and M By Elegance adds, “What a stupid name.” But hey, they won last week, they did a pretty good job, so they get their chance at THE TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championships! Heather rolls her eyes and M says this is giving Sol & Zaria way too much credit. Ash agrees there, and Heather tells Zaria that her “friend,” Sol Ruca, tried to steal the spotlight from her at Genesis! And then on Tuesday, Zaria was just worried about standing tall all by herself. Ash says these are fake friends! Didn’t they have a falling out before already? The Concierge says they’ve got beauty, class, and heath!

That’s right! They’re healthy! Cuz last time we saw Zaria, she had an issue with her wing. They’ve got a target now! And they’re never gonna lose these tag titles! They’ll have them forever! Forever? FOREVER~!

Zaria finishes watching this.

The Agent of Change is not only annoyed with The Elegance Brand, but she’s frustrated waiting on Sol to pick up her phone. Sol answers, and Zaria brings up what we just saw. And where is Sol, anyway? Sol is what? Well, don’t even bother. Zaria hangs up and Thea Hail walks in. Thea asks what’s up with Sol, and Zaria says that’s a question she’s asked many times. Thea says she’s sorry to hear that. But at the same time, friendships in NXT come and go. Trust her, she knows more than most. Literally last week, she thought her and Lola were cool but then Lola said she’d knock Thea out cold. Thea cannot tell who is who anymore.

But it’s okay, Thea just has to win against Lola and win back the Women’s North American Championship. Zaria says sorry, is Thea really venting right now? Thea stumbled upon titles while Zaria doesn’t get those opportunities. Uh, Thea didn’t stumble onto anything, she earned it. Is she sure about it? Okay, don’t get mad at Thea just cuz Sol’s not here. Zaria says do NOT talk about Sol like that. If Thea has a problem- Yeah, Thea has a problem with anyone who says she never earned that title! Then see you in the ring. Zaria storms off, and clearly tensions are high everywhere you turn. But who turns their frustration into fuel and fuel into momentum towards their title opportunities?

Ethan Page finds Myles Borne backstage.

And All Ego says, “Well, well, well. Here we are at the moment of truth, Myles Borne. Another huge opportunity for you tonight, for the world to find out who you really are. Are you righteous? Or will you finally be ruthless? Lemme talk to you about this Dion Lennox. Because that is a man who doesn’t really give a damn about the rules. Now I guess that would be why DarkState actually has gold and you have what on your trophy shelf, pal? Participation awards? You actually wanna be in this ladder match, Myles? Why don’t you do what you need to do: Any means necessary!”

Myles tells Ethan to not worry how he handles business. But then Ricky Saints is there to say it is showtime, Myles! And Saints is gonna be out there, front row, to get- Myles says y’know what, Ricky!? No one wants to hear you running your mouth at ringside! If Myles so much as sees Ricky out there, he will drop Ricky’s ass, too. Got that? Ricky loves Angry Myles! This is awesome! But chill, brother! What’s the issue? Myles storms off and Ethan says that’s incredible. Who knew the way to get this out of Myles is… Ricky being his obnoxious self. But the egomaniacs aside, will Myles make it through to the title match? Or will DarkState truly take over?

NXT returns and Ava is on the phone.

The NXT General Manager says she is aware that the Royal Rumble is this Saturday. And absolutely, NXT has the deepest Women’s Division in the world, and whatever decisions they (whoever this is) make, she will support it. The call ends, and Vanity Project walks in. She asks what they want and Jackson asks how Hendry is doing. Uh, not good, Jackson! He is not cleared for tonight! Oh, no…! Brad does his best to sound genuine as he says that sucks. They still don’t know what happened. Seriously? Do they think she’s stupid or something? Clearly they attacked Hendry, given Drake was holding the chair!

And y’know, given how they interfered with the tag title match, maybe she should rip up their NXT contracts right now! No no no! Slow down! This is a bit extreme of a reaction. But since there were no cameras live in that situation, she can’t prove it was them. It could’ve been anyone. And that tag match, she can’t prove it was them that started- Oh, no, wait, she can, the cameras were on… But she said herself that NXT is wide open. The boys were just trying to make something happen. They’re not just good looks, y’know? And by the way, that scent? Fantastic. First, ew. Second, shut up. Ava will take them at their word, she can’t prove it was them.

And since there is a spot in the ladder match that needs to be filled… Jackson Drake is automatically in. YES! BUT! BUT! Swipe Right will be banned from ringside next week. And IF Joe Hendry is cleared, he’s also automatically in the match. W-what!? Well, fine, whatever! Vanity Project has faith in Heartbreak Drake, but will things escalate from a Six Pack Challenge to seven deadly superstars?

NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Dion Lennox VS Myles Borne!

DarkState has the tag titles and now their target is THE title! But will Dion take this to the house? Or will Myles prove he was born for this?

The bell rings and the fans rally while both men look up to the title hanging from the hook. The two tie up, are in a deadlock, but Myles pushes Dion back. Dion turns things around, they go along the ropes, and Myles gets the headlock. Dion endures the grind, pries at the hold, but Myles clamps on tighter. Dion powers up and out, but Myles RUNS him over! The fans fire up while Myles keeps moving. Dion drops down, gets up, and he CLOBBERS Myles! The ref checks Myles after that rough collision and he seems alright to continue. Dion drags him up, headlocks in return, and hits a takeover.

Myles headscissors Dion and the fans rally up. Dion bridges, moves around, and pops free to jump on for a headlock. Myles slips out the back and waistlocks, then floats back to the headlock. The fans cheer Myles on but Dion powers up and out. Dion then scoops, only for Myles to slip free and O’Conner Roll! TWO, but Myles hurries back, only for Dion to cradle, TWO! Both men hurry to their feet, and Dion rolls Myles up! TWO, and Myles takes a swing! Dion wrenches him for a backslide, TWO! Myles DROPKICKS Dion down! The fans fire up again and Myles stares Dion down. Dion checks his teeth while he gets to his feet.

Dion and Myles reset, then Dion kicks low! Dion whips Myles to a corner, runs up, and SPLASHES! The fans boo but Dion whips Myles corner to corner and SPLASHES again! Myles sputters, Dion pushes him down to cover, TWO! Myles stays in this but Dion stays on him with another whip. The fans boo, but Myles goes up and over to roll Dion up! TWO, and Dion hurries, only for Myles to cradle! TWO!! Dion ROCKS Myles, but Myles ROCKS Dion! Myles whips, Dion reverses, then Dion SPLASHES again! Dion whips Myles corner to corner again, but Myles dodges the splash this time! Myles whips Dion now, then runs up to UPPERCUT!

The fans rally as Myles whips again, and hits another UPPERCUT! Myles snapmares Dion while the fans fire up, and Myles brings Dion in. Dion resists the suplex, fires body shots, Myles fires body shots back and brings him around. Myles whips Dion to another corner, but Dion comes back to LARIAT! Myles staggers up, Dion LARIATS him up and out! The fans boo but Dion goes out to fetch Myles. Ethan Page swaggers out here while Dion brings Myles up. Myles stops the whip into the steps to then send Dion in instead! Dion is down and Ethan gives a thumbs up. Myles is annoyed already, but Ethan says turn it up! Myles goes over to Dion while NXT goes picture in picture.

Myles drags Dion up and into the ring while Ethan cheers him on. Myles pushes Dion to a cover, TWO! Dion crawls but Myles stalks him. Dion fires a body shot but Myles CLUBS him for it. Myles snap suplexes, covers, TWO! Myles is frustrated, but that might be from Ethan’s presence. Dion fires more body shots but Myles CLUBS and stomps Dion down! Myles then brings Dion around for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Myles brings Dion back up to reel him back in, but Dion again fights the suplex. Myles grinds the facelock, Ethan coaches him again, but Dion fights up. Dion wrenches but Myles catches him to a REVERSE DDT! Cover, TWO!

Myles is frustrated again, and he storms upon Dion, only for Dion to FLAPJACK him off the ropes! And LARIAT! Dion rains down fists and forearms, then stomps Myles in the stomach. Dion glances at Ethan before he drags Myles up. Dion puts Myles on the ropes, CHOKES him, then stops at 4. Ethan coaches Myles, but Dion drags Myles up to DDT him down! Cover, TWO! Myles toughs it out but Dion clamps back on. Dion drags Myles up for another DDT! Cover, TWO!! Myles survives and Dion is surprised. Dion drags Myles up again, and he clamps on the shoulder claws! Myles endures as Dion squeezes tight, then fights to his feet.

NXT returns to single picture as the fans cheer Myles on. Myles fires body shots, then runs, but into an ELBOW! Ethan shakes his head while the fans boo. Dion whips Myles to a corner, runs in, but Myles dodges again! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Dion survives, cravats Myles, but Myles hits a SNAP POWERSLAM out of it! The fans fire up while both men rise back up. Myles counter punches Dion again and again, then fires a flurry of fists! Myles whips and CLOBBERS Dion! And CLOBBERS him again! Then DROPKICKS! Myles whips Dion again, and JUMP KNEES him down! Then a SAIDO!

Ethan likes what he sees as Myles storms up, but Dion trips Myles! High stack with feet on the ropes! The ref sees that as says no to the cover! DarkState won’t cheat another one like that, and Myles gets Dion in the ANGLE- NO, Dion CLAWS Myles’ eyes! Myles swings blind, almost hits the ref, but he SOUTHPAW LARIATS Dion in the end! The ref checks Dion now, and Ethan slides his Canadian- Er, North American title belt into the ring! Ethan tells Myles to do it but the fans chant “NO! NO! NO!” Ethan then distracts the ref while Myles is conflicted. But then the ref sees Myles with the belt in hand!

Myles gives up the belt, he knows better than that. But then Dion scoops Myles to LANDSLIDE! Cover, DION WINS!!

Winner: Dion Lennox, by pinfall (advances to the NXT Championship match)

The fans boo, but All Ego’s “help” only messed Myles up! Dion looks up at the NXT Championship again and vows that will be his. Will all of NXT soon belong to DarkState?

As for Myles, Ethan gets in the ring and is mad with Myles for not just doing what he told him to do! Myles will never be able to win a title if he never does what he has to! Myles has to learn how to pull the trigger! Myles YANKS the title from Ethan and CLOBBERS him with it!! The fans cheer as Myles tells Ethan that he CAN do what it takes! Will All Ego still be proud of Myles after this? Or will Myles make Ethan regret ever trying to “teach” him something?

Tony D’Angelo arrives at Ava’s office.

Security sticks close, and Ava is already talking with Ricky Saints. Saints says no offense to Mr. Chase, but Keanu Carver is gonna be a very big problem. Saints then spots Tony and says there he is. But back to what Ricky was saying, Ava needs to make sure nothing bad happens in the ladder match. Ricky does not want anyone, and he means anyone, interfering in his moment when he becomes the TWO-TIME NXT Champion. Get what he’s saying? But for now, Saints is gonna prepare his address to all his future opponents so that they know what to expect. Excuse him. Saints slips past Tony and Tony steps closer.

Ava welcomes Tony, and Tony asks why Ava bailed him out. Because despite ruining the show week after week, having no friends, no family, running around like some vigilante wild card, NXT needs Tony D. Saints, Ethan, and guys like that, Tony and Ava both know very well that they’re only in it for themselves. But Tony knows NXT better than anyone, so Ava needs to know if Tony is in or out. Tony says he had to get her attention somehow. He’ll let her and everyone else know exactly what his intentions are next week. This is not the same Tony D’Angelo. Tony turns to go but Ava tells him to NOT interfere in the ladder match next week.

Tony continues on his way out, not really answering her back. The Don no more, but will he still be in control of NXT?

Chase U regroups backstage.

Uriah and Kale argue a bit about who did what, but Mr. Chase simply asks, “What the hell was that?!” Uriah says that was him maximizing his opportunity, Mr. Chase. They’re sitting here, just hoping for the best, but look around! Everybody else is running around, taking their own opportunities! They’ve been doing things Mr. Chase’s way and look where they are! Kale has Uriah calm down and suggests they just listen to Mr. Chase on this one. But Mr. Chase says he doesn’t have time for this! He has a match with Keanu Carver for his own opportunity at the NXT Championship. He has to get ready.

Mr. Chase heads out, Kale follows, and Lexis walks over. Lexis says he’s glad Uriah was listening earlier. Uriah’s father should be proud. Lexis knows his would be. Lexis then sits in his mobile throne and it slides into gorilla.

Lexis King VS Tavion Heights!

The Drama King claims it is his birthright to be at the top of NXT, but the Olympian knows what it is to earn an award. The last time these two had it out, you blink and it was over! Will history repeat itself tonight? Or will King not be denied his Coronation?

The bel rings and Tavion runs up! Tavion blocks a kick, slips under, and T-BONE POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Lexis survives, so this is already a longer match than last time. Tavion goes after Lexis at the apron but Lexis HOTSHOTS! Then Lexis springboards to FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO, and Tavion rolls through to deadlift Lexis! Tavion spins and pops Lexis up for a gut buster rack! Then RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Lexis survives again but Tavion facelocks to CLUB and whip him. Lexis hits buckles, Tavion runs in and RAMS him! Tavion fires hands, the ref counts, but Tavion stops at 4.

The fans fire up but then Lexis YANKS Tavion! Tavion stops from hitting buckles, but Lexis runs up! Tavion ELBOWS Lexis, then storms up, but Lexis ducks the Penalty Kick! Lexis schoolboys Tavion outta the ring and onto the floor! The fans boo but Lexis stalks Tavion. Lexis KNEES Tavion down, then stands him up, to THROW him into barriers! Tavion writhes but Lexis eggs him on. Lexis then SUPERKICKS Tavion down! Tavion sits against the steel steps, and Lexis grabs an arm! Lexis SNAPS Tavion’s fingers, stomps him down, but the ring count climbs. Lexis puts Tavion in at 8 and tells the ref to learn how to count!

Lexis SLAPS Tavion around, tells him he doesn’t belong, then points to his friends, Stacks & Arianna, as they walk down the ramp. Lexis says Stacks & Arianna are better than Tavion, then he SLAPS Tavion again! The fans boo but Tavion ROCKS Lexis back! Lexis CHPOS, Tavion ROCKS, repeat! The fans fire up as Lexis CHOPS again! Tavion JUMP PUNCHES Lexis, then SLINGBLADES! Lexis UP KICKS, but Tavion rolls and jackknifes for a fireman’s carry! The fans fire up for the TOSS! Then Tavion hauls Lexis up to GUT WRENCH PLEX! Lexis flounders but the fans fire up with Tavion again. Tavion runs up to LARIAT Lexis against ropes!

Tavion says no more messing around. He whips and- NO, Lexis DUMPS Tavion up and out! Stacks taunts Tavion while the ring count starts again. Tavion sits up, glares at Stacks, then stands up. Tavion hurries back to the ring at 5 of 10, and he RAMS Lexis away. Tavion slingshots, but into a HAYMAKER! Lexis then gets Tavion up, crosses the arms, CORONATION! Cover, Lexis wins!

Winner: Lexis King, by pinfall

It wasn’t pretty but it was gritty, and Lexis proves he can get serious when he wants to. “This is just the beginning!” Well what does that mean?

ZARIA VS Thea Hail!

After these two had it out verbally earlier tonight, they’re both in a fighting mood, so what better time than now? Will the Agent of Change be rolling towards that TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship match? Or will the Grown-Ass Woman prove she earns everything she has by fighting for it?

Izzi Dame decides to join commentary for this, knowing Thea wants her shot at the Women’s North American Championship. The It Girl is already amused as the bell rings and Zaria shoves Thea. And shoves her again! Thea huffs ‘n’ puffs to then SLAP Zaria! And she jumps on for a KIMURA, but Zaria throws her away! Zaria CLOBBERS Thea, then looms over her. Zaria whips Thea, picks her up, but Thea hits a tornado takeover! The fans cheer as Thea thrashes the headlock! Zaria fights around, fights to her feet, and she powers up again. Thea holds on tight, even as Zaira powers up. Zaria tries again, but Thea goes up and over!

Thea bypasses to then wheelbarrow and arm-drag! BREAKING NEWS from Vic Joseph, Izzi Dame won’t have to worry about just Thea or just Lola, it will be a TRIPLE THREAT for the title! Izzi sarcastically asks, “How fair is that?” Thea headlocks Zaria again, but Zaria powers up and goes for a corner. The fans duel as Zaria throws Thea away this time, then runs up to ELBOW her down! Thea sputters, Zaria brings her up to fireman’s carry, but Thea fights free! Thea shoves Zaria, then DROPKICKS her down! The fans fire up and Thea builds speed to LOW-PE! Down goes Zaria at the ramp and the fans fire up!

Thea puts Zaria in, then hurries up to jump on! But Zaria powers out again! Thea wheelbarrows, but Zaria STUN GUNS her off the ropes! And then BOOTS her down! The fans fire up while Zaria stands tall and NXT goes picture in picture.

Zaria drags Thea around, covers, TWO! Zaria is annoyed but she drags Thea back up to whip her hard into a corner! Thea falls to the mat, drags herself up with the ropes, but Zaria is on her again. Zaria whips Thea to the other corner, then runs in for an ELBOW and LARIAT! Zaria then reels Thea in for a short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Zaria grows frustrated as Thea toughs it out. Zaria hauls Thea up, but Thea SLAPS her again! So Zaria CHOPS Thea down! Zaria whips Thea to a corner again, then runs up, but into a BOOT! Thea runs up, CROSSBODIES, but Zaria catches her for a BACKBREAKAER! Cover, TWO!

Zaria looms over Thea again and kicks her to the ropes. Zaria pushes Thea around, eggs her on, then CHOKES her against the ropes! The ref counts, Zaria stops at 4, and she brings Thea back around. Thea claws at Zaria to stand up, and she fires a body shot! And another! Zaria snarls and CLUBS Thea down! Zaria then drags Thea around by her legs. Thea resists the turnover so Zaria stomps her down. Zaria still tries but Thea BOOTS her away. Thea hurries up to fire body shots again! And a forearm! And another forearm! Zaria shoves Thea, but Thea comes back and slips around to waistlock! O’Conner Roll, TWO!

Thea and Zaria hurry up to their feet, and Zaria LARIATS Thea down! Cover, TWO! Thea survives again and Zaria grows more frustrated. Zaria ties up Thea’s legs for a TEXAS CLOVERHOLD! Thea endures, reaches out, but Zaria puts on the pressure! Thea still endures, and manages to tuck under and activate the core! Thea rises up to fire hands on Zaria! Zaria DROPS Thea, but Thea fires more body shots! Thea ROCKS Zaria, but Zaria picks Thea up to RAM her into the corner! Zaria RAMS into Thea again and again, then backs off as the ref counts. NXT returns to picture in picture as Zaria runs back in, but Thea goes up and over!

Thea hurries back, but into a JUMP KNEE from Zaria! Zaria drags Thea up, goes to the corner, and has her in the HANGING SLEEPER! The ref counts while the fans boo, but Zaria DROPS Thea. Zaria flexes and kisses the biceps before she leaps, but into a CODE BREAKER! The fans fire up and even Izzi likes that. Thea and Zaria slowly rise, then Zaria swings! Thea bobs ‘n’ weaves to ROCK Zaria! And again! Then she dodges a boot to HEADBUTT! The fans fire up with Thea, and she AX HANDLES! And FLYING FOREARMS! And then an ELBOW in the corner! Thea clinches, but Zaria ELBOWS free again!

Zaria runs, but Thea mule kicks! Thea runs to ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Thea rips off her wrist tape! Thea hauls Thea up to scoop, and she POWERSLAMS! Thea somersaults and shakes the ropes, but Zaria rises again! TRSUT FALL into Zaria’s arms! BIG back suplex! The fans rally as Zaria takes aim, SPEAR into a takedown! Thea wants the arm, Zaria fights, but Thea floats around! Double wristlock to the KIMURA!! Zaria endures and the fans fire up! Zaria powers up to Alabama Lift Thea, and BACKDROP her away! The fans rally again as Zaria runs up, SPEAR!! But Zaria isn’t done, she hauls Thea up!

Fireman’s carry, DELTA- DDT!! Thea turns things back around, but here comes Zaria for a HEADBUTT! And then TATUM PAXLEY JUMPS ON IZZI FROM THE CROWD!! The fans go nuts as #TuesdayAddams attacks Izzi! Izzi kicks her away, runs away, but this chaos distracts everyone! Thea rolls Zaria up, AND WINS!!

Winner: Thea Hail, by pinfall

Zaria is shocked, but Izzi inadvertently helps one of her challengers! Will this be just what Thea needs to get that Women’s North American Championship back? Is this a bad sign that Zaria & Sol won’t get those Knockouts Tag titles? Wait, what is Fatal Influence doing sauntering out here now? For that matter, why is it only Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid? They rush the ring, but then stop short to taunt Zaria & Thea. Thea says they can do this together. Zaria says screw that! DELTA FORCE on Thea!! And even though it is now 2v1, Lainey & Fallon decide to not get in there with Zaria. Will nothing and no one stop Zaria from getting gold?

The #WrenQCC meets up backstage.

Wren Sinclair asks Charlie Dempsey his thoughts on the Triple Threat Tag last week. Dempsey says it might be shocking for him to say this, but he was impressed! Really? Yes, except for the ending where Wren & Kendal didn’t win. Why’s he gotta do that? Do what? Tell the truth. No, be a Negative Nancy! Or, maybe Negative Charles…? Well, either way, WrenQCC didn’t take the pin, and if a few more things went right, maybe they’d be the #1 contenders. Right, Kendal? Kendal? Kendal snaps out of her funk and says yeah, sure. Sorry, she’s kinda in her own world. About last week? No, what’s done is done, ZaRuca earned their opportunity.

But Kendal… She feels she can still beat Jacy Jayne for THE NXT Women’s Championship, y’know? Wren and Charlie do start to agree, but then Lexis and his posse walk in. Lexis asks the ladies if he can pull Charlie aside for a chat. Um, yeah, they’re gonna go… Charlie can’t believe they’re abandoning him. But Arianna tells Charlie to just face it: He’s one of them. Um, what’s that supposed to mean? And that’s not just Charlie asking, what are they implying?

NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Andre Chase VS Keanu Carver!

Mr. Chase and Chase U’s “alumni” have had the tag titles in the past, but the red ‘n’ black have never brought THE NXT Championship home. Could this be the moment Andre Chase has his breakthrough? Or will the only #TeachableMoment tonight be that Keanu Carver ain’t nothin’ to mess with?

The bell rings and Chase BOOTS Keanu! And BOOTS again! Chase whips, but Keanu reverses to LARIAT! Keanu then fires off and RAMS Chase in the corner! And RAMS him again! Chase KNEES Keanu, goes up, but Keanu DUMPS Chase out to the floor! The fans are torn as Keanu storms out and storms up on Chase. Keanu takes Chase’s face brace and CHUCKS it! Keanu then shoves Chase into the apron! Chase sputters, Keanu stalks him, and he GRINDS Chase’s face into the post! The ref counts, Keanu stops at 4, and the fans chant, “Carver’s Gonna Kill~ You!” Keanu puts Chase in the ring, and SMACKS him off the mat!

Keanu whips Chase face-first into ropes, then whips him into more ropes for an ELBOW! Chase clutches his face but Keanu snarls. Keanu drags Chase up, SMACKS him off ropes again, then talks trash. But Chase BODY BLOWS! Chase fires a forearm but Keanu KNEES low! Keanu throws Chase around again, but Chase ELBOWS away! Keanu KNEES low again, then reels Chase in. Snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Keanu is annoyed that Chase is still in this, so he KNEE DROPS Chase’s face! Keanu pushes Chase down, but Chase avoids the knee drop! Keanu hobbles, but he hurries after Chase. Chase dodges, blocks a boot, KNEE JAMMER!

Keanu hobbles, and Chase KICKS! Chase bobs ‘n’ weaves, KICKS and KICKS, then CHOPS! Chase whips, Keanu reverses, but Chase tilt-o-whirls, only for Keanu to stop the Russian Leg Sweep! Keanu ROCKS Chase, whips him into the corner, but Chase BOOTS him away! Chase goes up and TORNADO DDTS! Chase hurries up the corner and the fans fire up! Chase leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Keanu bails out but Chase pursues! But Keanu RAMS Chase into the corner! Chase RAMS Keanu over the desk! The fans fire up as Chase is taking the fight to Keanu! Chase rises up, fires up, and the fans are with him!

But then Keanu rises again! And he box jumps to the desk!? Keanu then picks Chase up to BACK SUPLEX on the desk! The fans go nuts, Keanu puts Chase in the ring, and Keanu scoops Chase to CARVE HIM UP!! Cover, Keanu wins!

Winner: Keanu Carver, by pinfall (advances to the NXT Championship match)

Mr. Chase proved he has heart, but it wasn’t enough against all the muscle he was up against! The One Man Demolition Crew is in the title match, will no one stop him from bringing that title down? Oh no, Keanu isn’t even done with Chase! He dribbles Chase off the buckles, then he RIPS a pad away! Keanu SMACKS Chase off the bare steel!! The fans boo as Keanu drags Chase to the steel steps! CURB STOMP on the steel!! The fans chant “Chase U’s Dead! Chase U’s Dead!” Refs and medical rush out here, is Mr. Chase just the first of Keanu’s many victims?

Keanu grabs a mic to say, “Y’all really thought that cornball teacher was gonna stop me? I’m not gonna hold you, I’m gonna pack everybody in that ladder match up! And if anybody got something to say about it, come see about me!” We go backstage as Ricky Saints, Sean Legacy, Jackson Drake, Dion Lennox and Shiloh Hill watch this. Shiloh says he doesn’t even need a ladder, this is gonna be fun! Shiloh is all fired up as he heads out, and Ricky says screw this, he gonna get his own ladder. Drake chuckles, but Dion looks at him and Legacy with a scowl before heading out. Will any of the contenders be out there for Ricky’s address to the NXT Universe? We find out, after the break.

NXT returns and…

Indeed, Keanu, Shiloh, Legacy, Drake, and Dion are in the ring. Shiloh says what Keanu did to Mr. Chase might scare some people. Not Shiloh, though! That just pumped him up! The sound of bones snapping likes twigs in the woods? Shiloh likes that! And if you think about it, the ladder match is perfect. All this physical carnage and brutality, but also you gotta use your head. How you climb the ladder, how high to go, what angle- Dion says Shiloh gonna lose more teeth if he keeps on yapping. The fans boo, but Dion says jumping bodies is a DarkState blueprint, and nobody does it better. They’ve taken care of the old guard who said Dion wasn’t ready.

So if you think you gonna jump Dion in line for this title, you must be out your damn mind. Legacy says that’s just in, Dion. What if Legacy IS out his mind? He might be the new guy, but he’s been busting his tail, doing crazy stuff night after night, just hoping for an opportunity. And now, here he is. The fans cheer that. Sean has nothing to lose! This is the biggest opportunity of his life! And in this ladder match, Legacy could be a little bit crazy. He could be a bit reckless. Drake says that is exactly why Sean’s dumbass is going to choke! The fans boo but Drake tells them to listen. The thing is, he could be a human highlight real no problem!

But unlike Legacy, Drake is calculated. He didn’t even have to break a sweat to get into this match. So next week, he puts himself on the map! And after he wins, he’ll remember to poor one out for Joe… Drake stops himself so that he doesn’t say his name, and instead says, “The guy I was supposed to compete against tonight, who had a very unfortunate, very untimely injury.” The fans tell Drake to shut up, but he says the good news for everyone else is that they can say they were part of history! All of them can say they watched Jackson Drake climb the ladder and become the YOUNGEST DOUBLE CHAMPION IN WWE HISTORY!

But then Ricky Saints makes his entrance! The fans are torn as The Absolute indeed brings a ladder with him, and poses with it! Saints sets it up right on the ramp and climbs it so he can be high above the others. “Lemme let you know something, the view from up here is absolutely beautiful! But as I look down on all of you guys, it dawned on me that I see a lot of potential. I see a lot of future champions. But simply put, you guys are the seeds that have not sprouted yet, while I am simply the rose that has come up from this concrete jungle known as NXT. And that is why I, Absolute Ricky Saints, is absolutely built to be THE TWO-TIME NXT Champion~!”

Keanu says enough! He’s not gonna hold you, but Ricky does way too much talk. And really, why wait ’til next week? Keanu throws hands with Shiloh, then Dion goes after Keanu! Legacy and Drake fire off, and Legacy hits a SPANISH FLY! Ricky gets off the ladder while Legacy CROSSBODIES Drake and himself up and outta the ring! Keanu CLOBBERS Dion, Shiloh CLUBS Keanu, and they brawl again. Dion gets up, but Keanu sends Shiloh into him! Then he TOSSES Shiloh! But then Saints RAMS Keanu down with his ladder! Saints stands the ladder up, climbs up, and he grabs at the belt. But then “Say his name and he appears!” JOE HENDRY IS UP!

The fans cheer as The Prestigious One HAS been medically cleared, as tolerated! Hendry storms his way down to the ring, sore as he is, and he gets Saints with the guzel! STANDING OVATION!! The fans fire up as Hendry looks to the title. The fans chant “We Believe! We Believe!” Then Hendry TURNS! The fans cheer, but then they freak out as Keanu gets back up! And he scoops Hendry, to CARVE HIM UP!! Keanu stands tall tonight, but will he be the one to truly elevate his career? Or will someone else out of this seven be lucky enough to reach the gold?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT as a go-home to next week, which is becoming a huge episode for whatever reason. Though, and this might just be me, but this was one of the talkiest episodes in a long time. I will say, they gave us a great opening segment where Joe Hendry was attacked and we can’t be sure whodunnit. Vanity Project might be right, they might be innocent in this because it’d be too obvious if it was them. And it can’t be Tony D, he got here after the fact because Ava bailed him out of kayfabe prison. If anything, it was Ricky Saints to make sure Joe Hendry, his presumed biggest threat, was out of the picture.

With that, good promos from Vanity Project to deny innocence, as well as Saints to poke and prod the other contenders. And naturally when Ava said Hendry would be in so long as he was cleared, he was gonna be cleared. Upping things to seven is great stuff, but obviously a lot of the math tonight indicates it won’t be Keanu or Hendry getting that title. Keanu of course beat Chase, and brutally. That extra stuff might be just to get Heel heat so fans don’t cheer Keanu for how well he demolishes his opponents and all that. Dion VS Myles was a great match, but given the story with Ethan Page, Myles was of course losing tonight. We’re obviously going to get a new Ethan VS Myles, and maybe Myles wins the title.

Bringing the Knockouts Tag title match to NXT next week is quite the surprise, but I’m not sure it improves ZaRuca’s chances of winning. Very good promo from Elegance Brand to taunt ZaRuca, and just the idea that they laugh at “ZaRuca” when they all added “By Elegance” to their names got me to chuckle. Zaria and Thea to set up their match, and then great part for Izzi and Tatum to play in how that went. Even with them skipping to a Triple Threat, I think Izzi finds a way to win so that it boils down to Izzi VS Tatum, as I’ve been saying. And as for Zaria & Sol, next week might be the downfall of ZaRuca. The irony of them winning Best Tag Team of 2025 if they’re not even gonna last that long in 2026…

Very good promo from Lyons and Blake to set up Lyons VS Jaida, and a very good match there. Of course Jaida won, and then Blake had a good promo to belittle her. We’ll get a great match from those two, just not sure when it happens. Meanwhile, I could see Lyons and Blake sticking together, but I guess Arianna Grace won’t be joining them, despite what we’ve seen from Arianna and Lyons on Evolve. If they were to be a trio, they’d make a decent replacement for Fatal Influence, since there’s a good chance Jacy Jayne gets called up after WrestleMania season. Jacy herself wasn’t here tonight, maybe she’s already on her way to Saudi Arabia to have a Rumble appearance.

Speaking of Arianna Grace, I’m very intrigued by what she, Stacks and Lexis are cooking up. Their faction story even integrated with other stories, such as the tag title match. Great match from OTM VS DarkState, by the way, but of course shenanigans cost OTM. I do like how things are heating up in the tag division again, that division was always a pillar of the Black ‘n’ Gold NXT era. But what I’m getting at is how they’re building a faction of multigenerational superstars. It already has a great line up with them actively recruiting Charlie Dempsey, and they seem to have piqued Uriah’s interest.

This makes me think back to when Lexis King was Pillman Jr. in AEW: he and Brock Anderson were trying to get “Lineage” going as a thing, but it barely got out the gate. Maybe NXT gets it right and makes Lineage the next D’Angelo Family or something. And honestly, I’d be all for it, they could definitely carry NXT in this next phase.

My Score: 8.9/10