Welcome to the Prestigious Era!

After a grueling seven man ladder match, Joe Hendry is our NEW NXT Champion! But will all of NXT believe? Or will someone try to ruin the fun before it even begins?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Jaida Parker VS Blake Monroe; Double Count-Out Draw.
• Men’s Speed Tournament Opening Round: Eli Knight VS Josh Briggs; Eli wins and advances.
• NXT Championship: Joe Hendry VS Jackson Drake w/ Swipe Right; Hendry wins and retains the title.
• Swipe Right VS Hank ‘n’ Tank; Swipe Right wins.
• NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Stakes: #ZaRuca VS #WrenQCC; ZaRuca wins and Sol will challenge for the title in Atlanta.

PLAY BY PLAY

Joe Hendry opens NXT!

The fans sing along as the NEW NXT Champion makes his way to the ring, the belt around his waist. They all wave their hands from side to side with Hendry, and they cheer again as he holds up the belt. He even does the TURN! The fans chant, “We Believe! We Believe!” Hendry has the mic to say, “Say his name and he appears, Joe Hendry is your NEW NXT Champion! And I wanna thank you for believing in Joe Hendry.” The fans chant, “You Deserve It!” Hendry thanks them, and says that while they never stopped believing in him, he must admit he had a moment of doubt in that ladder match.

Hendry had never been in such a high stakes ladder match before, and he was looking up at Ricky Saints. Saints survived the chaos, he was about to grab his second NXT Championship, until Hendry heard the words, “We Believe!” All the fans gave Hendry the energy to get back up, to climb up the ladder, and when he got to the top, Hendry sent Saints crashing down through the ladder, along with any doubts Hendry had. And now Hendry IS your NXT Champion! The fans cheer Hendry on, and he thanks them again. In that moment, Hendry realized there’s never any reason to doubt himself.

Because the climb to the NXT Championship began long before that match. When Hendry became a two-time amateur wrestling champion in the UK, that was a step. When he became TNA World Champion, that was one step. And when Hendry’s song charted all over the world, that was one step! And when Hendry was called upon to face Randy Orton at WrestleMania, that was a step! And now, Hendry stands here THE NXT Champion. But what that means is that the climb doesn’t stop. We are just getting started! The fans cheer that! Hendry says this goes out to all of the WWE Universe: We Are NXT, and we’re gonna take it to new heights!

That is because “We Believe” is not just a catchphrase, but a movement! But then The Vanity Project interrupts! Jackson Drake sarcastically says, “Wow! Joe, that was incredibly inspirational. I mean, boys, do you feel that? Listen, I dunno about you guys, but I can run through a freakin’ wall right now.” The fans boo but Drake says for those with IQs less than zero, you are looking at the Evolve Champion! And when he speaks, you shout your mouths and pay attention! But seriously, Hendry should be a motivational speaker, maybe even host a podcast. But as NXT Champion, let’s be honest, Hendry’s mid at best.

Hendry goes viral for appearing outta nowhere and singing stupid songs while a guy like Drake goes viral for looking this damn good and doing things in that ring Hendry could only ever dream about. Hendry should’ve never been in the match to begin with! Fans tell Drake to shut up, but then he tells them to shut up! The fans boo louder while Vanity Project steps into the ring. Drake says spoiler alert: Vanity Project DID attack Hendry, because Hendry disrespected them! Hendry made Ricky Smokes’ date disappear! Who does that?! Drake says they tried to take Hendry out because he did not belong.

Hendry says yeah, they tried to take him out, but they failed. And maybe if they spent the same amount of time coordinating their attacks as they do their outfits, maybe they would’ve succeeded. Drake says first of all, they are not gonna take fashion tips from the guy who looks like he was in a boy band their moms liked! And second, Drake is “inspired.” Drake is thinking they take Ethan Page’s advice and finish the job. Then they’ll take the NXT Championship while they’re at it! Hendry says since Drake finally manned up and admitted it was them, Hendry will be man enough to tell them that he has no problem kicking Drake’s ass and defending his title!

The fans cheer Hendry, but then Drake takes as wing! Hendry blocks it to fire off counter punches on Drake, on Smokes, and on Brad! The Vanity Project is thrown all over the place! FALL AWAY SLAM for Smokes, and STANDING- NO, Drake CHOP BLOCKS Hendry! Now VP mugs Hendry 3v1! The fans boo, but Drake runs to UNALIVING! The fans chant “Swipe Left! Swipe Left!” Drake throws off his shirt, then he picks up both the Evolve and NXT Championships… to TURN! Drake has staked his claim, but will the Carolina Reaper be the one getting burned?

ZaRuca meets up backstage.

Sol says all that pushing and shoving last week was maybe a bit much, dontcha think? Zaria says no, not really. What was that Soul Snatcher about? Well, that was an accident. Miscommunication aside, they’re still a great team. But they gotta figure this out. They gotta get back to being ZaRuca! If not, Wren or Kendal gets the shot at Jacy Jayne instead of one of them. Oh, one of them? Sol’s had plenty of chances, so tonight should be Zaria’s chance. Yeah, and if Zaria wins, Sol will be so stoked for her. IF? Well, it’s still a tag match, it’s all fair game. Zaria asks when will enough be enough for Sol! When will it be Zaria’s time?!

Sol sighs, Zaria sighs, and Zaria says they can just stay out of each other’s way to get the win. Zaria storms off and Sol says, “Good talk, I guess…” Is this the night the Agent of Change finally gets her time to shine? Or will the Best Tag Team of 2025 barely make it through 2026?

Jaida Parker walks ‘n’ talks.

“Every woman who tries me ends up learning the same lesson: You don’t cross Jaida Parker and get away with it. Blake, you wanted attention so bad, baby? Congratulations, you got it. Cuz this ass whooping is all about you! You wanted to fight so bad, mama? BET. You got one!” Miss Parker ain’t playing around, but will she humble Blake once and for all? Or will The Glamour do anything, and everything, she has to in order to stay in the spotlight?

Keanu Carver talks with Robert Stone backstage.

Keanu says Stone is really trying him. How he gonna give Jackson Drake a title shot before Keanu? Stone says Drake confronted Joe first, and after what Vanity Project did out there, Joe wants the match, too. HBK likes chaos, so Stone’s delivering on it. Keanu says if they like chaos, say no more. Stone gets worried about what that means, and he has Keanu hold on. But then he regrets touching Keanu on the shoulder. Keanu asks if there’s a problem, and Stone says no. Just what will the One Man Demolition Crew do to “impress” management?

Jaida Parker VS Blake Monroe!

NXT returns and Blake makes her entrance. And Jaida almost gets at her during it! The ref backs Jaida off, but then Jaida SMACKS Blake down! Jaida goes for the hair, the ref backs her off again, and Blake is mad. The bell rings, Blake throws her robe at Jaida, but Jaida catches it! Blake runs away, Jaida pursues, but Blake SLAPS Jaida! Jaida laughs that off, chases Blake back into the ring, but Blake BOOTS her down! Blake CLUBS Jaida, puts her in a corner, and fires off CHOPS and stomps! Jaida hits back but Blake kicks and whips. Jaida reverses, Blake hits buckles hard, then Jaida GERMAN SUPLEXES!

The fans fire up while Blake flounders. Jaida runs up but Blake dodges! O’Conner Roll, TWO! Jaida has the body scissor squeeze! Blake endures, fights around, and turns around to HAMMER away on Jaida! Jaida puts on the pressure and CHOPS in return! And CHOPS! Jaida turns Blake back around and squeezes tight! Blake endures, even as Jaida pushes her around. Blake fights around again, reaches out, but Jaida drags her away from the ropes! The fans rally as Jaida rolls Blake around and around, but Blake uses that to get the ROPEBREAK! Jaida CLUBS Blake as she lets off, then drags her up from the apron.

Blake HOTSHOTS Jaida away! The fans are torn as Blake runs in, THESZ PRESS! Blake rains down fists, Jaida kicks free, and Jaida runs up to BACK BODY BLOCK in the corner! Jaida ROCKS Blake, scoops Blake, and runs, but Blake slips free! Blake sends Jaida into buckles, then LARIATS Jaida in the back again and again! Blake goes to five before the ref counts four. Blake runs corner to corner, but Jaida puts her on the apron! Jaida HOTSHOTS Blake’s arm! The fans duel as Jaida goes out, only for Blake to drop toehold her into the desk! The fans duel while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Blake has Jaida in the corner. Blake mocks the high stepping! The fans boo that, but Blake runs in, and into an ELBOW! Jaida goes up, Blake SLAPS her! Blake then somersaults for a STRATUSPHERE! Then a SHOTGUN! Jaida flounders and Blake runs up, but Jaida blocks the boot! The fans cheer while Blake panics. Blake takes swipes but Jaida swaggers as she’s outta range. Then a BACK ELBOW! Jaida ROCKS Blake, ELBOWS her, then LARIATS! And TACKLES! Then Jaida ducks, fireman’s carries, and SAMOAN DROPS! Blake flounders while the fans fire up with Jaida! Jaida runs up, but into an ELBOW!

Blake BOOTS Jaida away, goes out to the apron, but Jaida gets her int he ropes! Jaida drags her into place, CHOPS and CHOPS, then runs for the TEARDROP! Jaida shows Blake how to do the high stepping! Jaida runs but Blake bails out! The fans boo but Jaida slips out to get Blake. Blake DOUBLE CHOPS! Jaida sputters, Blake CLUBS her, but Jaida BODY BLOWS in return! Jaida sends Blake into the steel steps! Jaida then positions the steps, but Blake sends her into barriers! Then HEADBUTTS! But wait, the ring count is climbing! WE HIT TEN!!

Double Count-Out Draw

Blake doesn’t seem to notice or care, she just keeps firing off on Jaida! The fans boo but Blake SLAPS Jaida, then goes for the apron. Jaida blocks that, fires elbows in return, and refs hurry out here! The fans say “LET THEM FIGHT!” while Blake tries to get away! Jaida stops Blake, drags her over, and goes for the steel steps! Jaida CHOPS Blake into place, then goes up! “SUCKI IT!” TEARDROP! The fans fire up as Blake is down on the floor! Now security rushes over and they stop Jaida from continuing. But Jaida pushes past them to get int he ring! HIP-NOTIC on a REF! Blake avoids disaster but that official did not!

Jaida hurries to chase Blake into the crowd! Security stops Jaida again, but she LOW BLOWS one, and SHOVES the other! Then she SLAPS a third! Jaida missed out on Blake, so she BOOTS the first guy through barriers! The fans go nuts seeing that! Blake watches this from high up in the stands, will she learn not to play with Miss Parker?

Tatum Paxley speaks.

The video starts with the text, “You don’t drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there.” Tatum asks if you’ve ever been surrounded by people and felt like you were suffocating. That’s what it was like with Izzi Dame. Every moment felt heavier. The most Tatum struggled, the harder it was to keep up. And the harder she tried to keep her head above water, the faster she sank. She spent so much time looking for friendship, answers, reassurance, something to complete her. What she was really doing was searching for pieces of herself. She played with dolls, created worlds where everything made sense to her, where she could control the story.

But Tatum held on too tightly. She tired to become what she thought she needed to be, but instead, she lost sight of who she already was. So she let go. And when she did, everything slowed down. The noise disappeared, and she finally saw things clearly. The strength she was chasing in others, the comfort, the peace, it was already inside her. This feud with Izzi isn’t about control anymore. It’s about clarity, it’s about finding balance, and about stepping into the right mindset. When this is over, Tatum won’t walk out as the person Izzi tried to create, but as the person Tatum was meant to be. Tatum is ready to finally breathe again, but will she be able to survive this story with Izzi?

Kale Dixon confronts Uriah Connors backstage.

Kale asks what the HELL is wrong with Uriah just walking out on Chase U last week! Is he frustrated? Well, so is Kale! Chase U was dead, Mr. Chase was done with the school, and yet they brought it back! Key word: they. Mr. Chase gave everything to help them! They owe it to him- Uriah says he doesn’t owe that man a thing! Chase held Uriah back. If Kale doesn’t see that, then maybe he held Uriah back, too. Lexis King walks in and says they’re still doing this, huh? Kale groans as Lexis also has Arianna Grace & Channing Lorenzo with him. Kale says Uriah may wanna listen to this crap, but Kale’s not gonna.

Kale storms off, and Arianna says it’s okay. Kale and Chase could never understand Uriah’s frustration, because those two are not like them. Uriah says the only thing he wanted to do when he arrived in NXT was separate himself from his dad. But he is done pretending like he wasn’t born into the business! Lexis says they’ve all been there. They’ve walked the same path, and it has led them all to their destiny, to their birthright! They can’t hide from it any longer. All they need now is the last piece of the puzzle. Oh, well, Uriah knows their dads have some history, so maybe he should go talk to you-know-who. Will Uriah get the Son of the Gentleman Villain to join them?

Who is that behind commentary?!

Why, it’s the “Wanted Man” from the new thriller, Psycho Killer! No sudden moves, he’s coming for you!

Men’s Speed Tournament Opening Round: Eli Knight VS Josh Briggs!

The Disrespectfully Athletic and the Man Without Honor both want their shot at Jasper Troy and the WWE Speed Championship, but that means getting through each other first. Will Eli join Elio LeFleur in the finals? Or will the big bad Bullhead Brawler slam on the brakes in three minutes or less?

The bell rings, Eli ducks the boot, and then he hurdles over. Briggs jumps the dropdown and LARIATS Eli down! The fans boo but Briggs ROCKS Eli. Briggs whips Eli corner to corner, but Eli slips out, ROCKS Briggs, then goes up top! Eli CROSSBODIES, but Briggs scrambles to the apron! Eli builds speed, but Briggs grabs him! Eli breaks free of the guzel to ENZIGIRI! Briggs tumbles, Eli goes up, up, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! The fans are all fired up and Eli checks his own jaw as he steadies himself. Briggs rolls into the ring and Eli pursues, but Briggs ELBOWS him away as we hit the orange phase, aka two minute warning.

Briggs HIP TOSSES Eli in for a BACKBREAKER! Then he stands Eli up to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Eli survives but Briggs drags him around. Briggs talks trash as he smothers Eli, then he SLAMS Eli down. The fans boo but Briggs stands Eli up to guzel. CHOKE- NO, Eli wheelbarrows and victory rolls, TWO! Eli runs up, Briggs BACKDROPS him, but Eli handsprings through! SUPERKICK! Briggs wobbles, Eli goes up, BUSAIKU KNEE! Eli hurries up the corner and MOONSUALTS! Cover at the red phase, ELI WINS!

Winner: Eli Knight, by pinfall (advances to the finals)

It was a heart-pounding two minutes, and now we will see two high-flyers fight it out in the next round! Elio appears and shakes Eli’s hand, but then JASPER CLOBBERS THEM BOTH! The fans boo as the MonStar mugs the cruiserweights! And then he swings Elio into Eli for the BLACKHOLE SLAM! Then he CHOKE SLAMS Eli onto Elio! Jasper just put both contenders on notice, but will this only motivate them both to fight that much harder?

Robert Stone checks in with Lola Vice.

One half of the NEW AAA Mixed Tag Team Champions is being double checked by medical for her hand. Stone asks for a moment and the doc steps aside. Stone first congratulates her and Mr. Iguana for winning the titles, and Lola says gracias. Stone knows Lola is resilient, tough, and an all-around warrior. There’s a match on the table for her against Kelani Jordan. If she’s not good to go, we’ll have to push it back. Lola says if Stone knows her, then she’ll take the match. Bad hand or not, she’s fighting Lani. Yeah, but Saturday made it worse. So? Lola still has her feet. And especially since Lani cost Lola another title shot here in NXT, you best believe Lola’s getting her lick back.

Stone sighs, but then a ref hurries in. They need a doc and even Stone to come along, something just happened. Lola asks what about her. Lani DECKS Lola outta nowhere! Then she BOOTS Lola’s hand! The Standout sure knows how to sneak attack. But as for that incident, cameras catch up and find Keanu has just wrecked Sean Legacy, Tavion Heights, Mr. Chase, Tate Wilder, Elio LeFleur, and about four other superstars! Will Stone’s hand be forced? Will he have to give Keanu a title shot of his own in order to stop the destruction?

DarkState is in the ring.

Dion Lennox stands with Cutler James, Osiris Griffin & Saquon Shugars as he seethes over not becoming the NXT Champion. Dion has the mic to say last week, he climbed up the ladder, touched the title belt, and he realized that DarkState belongs in the main event. Almost a year ago to the day, they showed up and set a new standard for dominance in NXT. And look at them now! They operating on a championship level. Last week, that NXT Championship was snatched from Dion’s hands, but it is only a matter of time before the title ends up where it’s supposed to be.

So Jackson Drake, Joe, it doesn’t matter who ends up champion after tonight! Whoever it is will be Dion’s target until the gold is around HIS waist! Cutty says Dion Lennox IS a future NXT Champion! But last week, Tony D’Angelo said some threatening words int heir direction. What are you thinking, Tony? You have no friends, no family, and you wanna target DarkState? Tony, you went on a six month sabbatical after they destroyed your family and left you with nothing! And now Tony wants to triumphantly return, hoping something has changed, when nothing has. DarkState is stronger than ever, and Tony is lonelier than ever.

Let’s go back: In order for DarkState to seize control, they had to destroy an existing pillar. That pillar was Tony D. So this is Tony’s first and final warning: Do your soul-searching somewhere else. Big O tells The Culling to not act like they forgot about them. Shawn Spears, tell your young boy, Niko, that when you mess with DarkState, you get put down. It doesn’t matter how much of a badass you think you are. #ShugarMan says yeah, what was they thinking? Just cuz Dion is going for singles gold, you thought the NXT Tag Team Champions were easy pickings? Spears, Niko, let ’em explain something to y’all. You don’t wanna box with them for real.

And if you do, then you tripping in big shoes, bruh! Spears, Niko, you will NEVER catch them lacking! The Culling interrupts from the perch! Spears tells them, “Ladies, please, stop. Now, I know that you’re hoping we would’ve come down there and confronted you, leading to a 4-on-2 advantage, but Niko and I aren’t the kind of guys to run headfirst into an unfavorable situation. We’re smart!” DarkState is about divide and conquer, Spears gets that. But he and Niko plan first, then conquer later. That’s their advantage, and DarkState finds out soon enough. Niko says that is because the vision splits attention, and it creates weakness.

And weakness is what The Culling preys on. Dropping them two week sago was just a taste of what’s to come! DarkState is exactly what they sought. They are now the hunted, making The Culling the hunters. And they’ve come to purge DarkState of the titles! But wait, someone pulls a DarkState type move with the lights?! It’s O T M! The fans fire up as Bronco Nima says they’d just figure to use a play outta their playbook. Those titles ain’t safe! OTM ain’t done! Cuz if not for Vanity Project, this conversation wouldn’t even be happening. Lucien Price says those titles are rightfully theirs! And as for The Culling, if you wanna wait, then wait. But OTM ain’t missing twice.

But then here comes Hank ‘n’ Tank! The fans cheer as Tank Ledger says, “Whoa, whoa, whoa! Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Last time that I checked, Hanky and I are the only ones with a certain acquired taste for the tag team championships.” Hank says, “And it tastes SO~ GOOD~! So after we whoop up on Vanity Project later tonight, those titles are gonna be squared off on a one way road with a semi doing 35 over 85, and it sounds a lot like HONK HONK!” But then all the teams start brawling! The fans fire up as Osiris & Saquon go off brawling with Hank, Tank, and OTM! But then TONY D appears in the ring!

Cutler runs up, Tony dodges, and he SPEARS Dion! Then SPINEBUSTER for Cutler! SPINEBUSTER for Dion! The fans fire up with Tony as he just followed through on his promise! But will he be able to break DarkState for what they did to the D’Angelo Family?

NXT returns as Robert Stone is on damage control.

He tells his refs for doing what they can, and he will work on a resolution for the tag team turmoil. Kelly Kincaid is there and he knows she wants an interview, so they’ll walk ‘n’ talk. With all this chaos going on, what IS Stone going to do about the tag division? Stone says next week, Triple Threat #1 contender’s match: OTM VS The Culling VS Hank ‘n’ Tank, the winners get their shot at DarkState in Atlanta. Now, if she’ll excuse him, he has a lot more to handle. Kelly heads out, Stone makes a note of the match he just made, and he steps into the office. Shiloh Hill is there, and Stone says yeah, sorry, he’s got a lot going on.

Shiloh says this won’t take too long. Basically- Oh, Ethan Page interrupts. All Ego says as the Face of NXT, he’s gonna have to ask Shiloh to leave so he can talk with Boss Man Stone. Stone says sorry, Shiloh, but they can talk later. Great showing in the ladder match, too. Shiloh heads out, and Stone says before Ethan gets started, obviously the previous administration never always saw to eye with Ethan. Nor do Aldis or Pearce. But Stone wants to change all that. So what can he do for the champ? Oh, finally, someone learned how to talk to talent around here. Now, Ethan knows Stone is new to the hot seat, but in case he hasn’t read the record books…

Ethan is tied for the most title defenses in a single reign of the North American Championship. So if Stone wants to get on the right foot with Ethan, let’s break that record. Stone says yes, they can do that, but Ethan has beaten a long list of guys here. How about a rematch with Elio LeFleur? Oh, the one in the Speed Tournament? How’s that gonna work? Oh, right. Well, maybe someone from TNA- No, Ethan already beat Moose, he already beat Mustafa Ali, and even their General Manager, Santino Morella. And let’s not even mention AAA. Stone is the new Interim General Manager for NXT, so let’s keep it in house.

Stone says right, okay, let’s give the people what they want: Ethan Page VS Myles Borne! No, no, Ethan says Myles- Oh, Shiloh steps back in because he left his machete behind. Ethan says Myles has already wasted his time proving he’s not championship material. Stone asks about Shiloh. Shiloh says yeah, that’d be dope! Ethan avoids the machete and sarcastically says yeah, that sounds perfect. Then next week, Ethan Page VS Shiloh Hill for the North American Championship! Shiloh is even more excited now! Ethan again has to watch out for the machete. Ethan avoids getting cut, but will his reign be cut down right at the doorstep of making history?

NXT Championship: Joe Hendry VS Jackson Drake w/ Swipe Right!

Speaking of making history, The Prestigious One’s first title defense is against the inaugural Evolve Champion! But there’s not just the title on the line but a bit of revenge. Can Hendry get back at the Carolina Reaper for trying to Unalive him? Or will Drake make history when he becomes a double champion?

The introductions are made, THE belt is raised, and we see the difference between self-belief and arrogance!

The bell rings, Drake runs up, and he SHOTGUNS Hendry to a corner! Drake then runs up to DROPKICK again! Drake goes up, out, then climbs the corner, SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO! Hendry survives and Drake snarls while the fans rally up. Drake KICKS Hendry, KICKS again, then KICKS again! Hendry just gets mad! Hendry blocks a kick, but not the ENZIGIRI! Swipe Right gloats on behalf of their boy as he hits a STANDING SHOOTING STAR! But Hendry rolls through with him?! The fans fire up for the pure strength! Hendry pops Drake up, for the WIDOWMAKER! The fans fire up again as Hendry has Drake in a corner.

Hendry TOSSES Drake across the way, then BACKDROPS him! Drake flounders to his feet but Hendry LARIATS him up and out! The fans fire up with Hendry, and he sees Drake sputter on the outside. Hendry slides out, Swipe Right backs up, but Drake throat chops! Hendry blocks the apron smack to SMACK Drake off the apron! Hendry SMACKS Drake off the apron again, then puts him in the ring. Hendry storms in, dodge a shot, then headlocks for a takeover. Drake endures, headscissors, but Hendry kips free! Another headlock but Drake powers up and out. Hendry RUNS Drake over and the fans cheer!

Hendry hits another headlock takeover and he grinds Drake down. The fans rally, Drake fights up, and Drake fires body shots. Drake powers up and out, but Hendry slips free of the scoop! Hendry scoops to SLAM! Cover, TWO! Hendry huffs ‘n’ puffs, brings Drake up, but Drake powers up and puts Hendry in a corner. The ref reprimands, but Drake SMACKS Hendry off buckles! Hendry holds on with the headlock, but Drake SMACKS Hendry off buckles again. Hendry stops the third try to SMACK Drake off buckles! Hendry then runs Drake side to side so he can dribble Drake off buckles! Hendry then reels Drake in, suplexes, and SLAMS! Cover, TWO!

Drake toughs it out but the fans still cheer on Hendry. Drake wants mercy, but then he YANKS Hendry into ropes! The ref reprimands but Drake TOSSES Hendry out. Drake argues with the ref, and Swipe Right THROWS Hendry into steel steps! But the noise of the crash gives them away! The ref sees Swipe Right standing over Hendry, and EJECTS them! The fans cheer while Vanity Project is freaking out! The fans sing, “Hey Hey Hey, Goodbye~!” while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Drake has the cravat for a neck wrench. Hendry endures and the fans rally up behind him. Hendry fights up, fights around, and he arm-drags free. Drake runs back up, but into a kick! Hendry underhooks then wrenches and spins Drake for a NECKBREAKER! The fans cheer while both men are down! Hendry rises up, he ROCKS Drake again and again, then DECKS him! And DECKS him again! Hendry whips to DISCUS LARIAT! The fans fire up even more as Hendry scoops and FALL AWAY SLAMS! Hendry kips up, winds up, and… TURNS! The fans cheer again, and now we stomp stomp clap.

The fans cheer as Hendry guzels, STANDING- NO, Drake powers out! But Hendry slips back around to ANGLE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Drake survives but Hendry hurries to drag him back up. POWER- RANA! Drake sits on the cover, TWO! Hendry is up, but Drake ROUNDHOUSES and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! Hendry survives and Drake is furious! Drake shakes out his leg, gets moving, UNALIVING!! Cover, TWO!! Hendry survives and Drake is freaking out! No one in Evolve has survived the Unaliving! Drake goes up a corner, takes aim, and FLYING- NO, Hendry stops the rana!

Hendry shakes his head, swings Drake back up, and POWERBOMBS him! Drake staggers up, Hendry guzels, STANDING OVATION!! Cover, Hendry wins!

Winner: Joe Hendry, by pinfall (still NXT Champion)

Heartbreak Drake could not break Hendry, and the WWE Universe still believes! We all get to wave our hands from side to side, and Hendry turns- INTO A TACKLE!! Who is this?! He throws off the hoodie, and it’s RICKY SAINTS! The fans boo as The Absolute beats up on Hendry, then hits his TORNADO DDT! Saints picks up the belt, and obviously he wants his shot! Will Saints come marching in and become the TWO-TIME champion he feels he’s destined to be? Or will even Ricky believe in Joe Hendry?

The #WrenQCC talks backstage.

They know this is their night, ZaRuca is fighting between themselves, but the WrenQCC is a team and that’s all the difference. Kendal almost had Jacy the first time, and it is a fact that Jacy doesn’t wanna see her again. Kendal says it could be either of them. Jacy’s good, but when it comes to technical wrestling, Wren is up here while Jacy is down here, know what she means? Wren does know what she means. But it doesn’t matter who gets the fall, WrenQCC gets the win. And then they bring the title home with them! Will it really be that easy? Or will ZaRuca pull together when it matters most?

DarkState regroups backstage.

Osiris says the entire tag division is coming at them, but fine! They’ll handle it. Saquon says everybody wanna be like DarkState! Hopping up in outta the crowd! Whoever makes it through that title match, Saquon swears on his mama that they ain’t making it outta Atlanta! Dion says yeah, Tony don’t wanna come down the aisle like a man but crawl out of the shadows and sneak Dion!? Nah! Next time, it’s on sight! Saquon says yeah, they should look for Tony right now! Cutler speaks up and says this doesn’t change anything. The plan stays the same: Saquon & Osiris can handle the tags while Dion stays locked in on the NXT Championship. Cutler will handle Tony D.

Nothing and no one will take DarkState off course! Yeah, do your thing, Cutty! But is he just stepping up to be Tony’s first casualty?

Swipe Right VS Hank ‘n’ Tank!

Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes failed to help Jackson Drake out, but now they’ve got a fight of their own to deal with. Will the new kids on the block prove they deserve to be part of the tag title conversation? Or will it be HONK HONK all the way to that Triple Threat contenders match?

NXT returns and Swipe Right returns to ringside with their entrance. The teams sort out and Brad steps to Tank. They circle, feel things out, and Brad slips around to shove Tank! Brad talks trash but then runs away as Tank runs up! Brad is in the ropes, the ref has Tank back off, but Tank still tries to whip Brad. Brad holds the ropes, then he ROCKS Tank. Brad slips around again but Tank fights the waistlock. Tank says no no no, and he revs up the hips. Brad trips Tank to waistlock him again. The fans rally for Tank and he fights up again. Tank swivels free, then steps over the shoot to SLAM Brad down!

The fans fire up as Tank arm-drags Brad and grinds the arm. Brad fights up but Tank wrenches and CLUBS the arm. Tank YANKS Brad’s arm, tags Hank, and the fans cheer as Hank ‘n’ Tank double wrench then double whip Brad to the corner. Hank WRINGS Brad out, drops a leg on the arm, then short arm scissors to a cover, TWO! Hank stays on Brad with an armlock but Smokes distracts the ref. Tank gets involved, but this lets Brad whips Hank, duck under, and then Smokes gets a cheap shot in! Then Brad ENZIGIRIS Hank down! Tag to Smokes and he sends Brad in so he can RAM Hank! Then feed to Smokes’ BOOT! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally but Smokes clamps onto Hank with a chinlock. Hank endures the grind, fights up and lifts, but Smokes holds on. Hank powers up, Tank tags in, and they redirect to run Smokes over! Hank then winds it up, SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Tank keeps Smokes down and he wrenches an arm. ELBOW BREAKER! Tank drags Smokes over, tags Hank, and Hank sets up! Three point stance for the BIG SPLASH! Then Hank puts Smokes up top, tags Tank, and the fans cheer them on as they run up to HEADBUTT the ribs! Cover, TWO! Tank keeps Smokes down and fans chant, “HONK HONK!” Tank bumps Smokes off buckles then tags Hank.

Hank runs Smokes side to side for a buckle bump. Hank fires body shots from all sides, then he whips corner to corner hard! Smokes falls and flounders, Hank pushes him to a cover, TWO! Smokes survives but Hank drags him up. Hank whips Smokes for a scoop and- NO, Smokes fights free, CLUBS Hank, then tags Brad! Hank runs up, Smokes goes up and over, but Hank puts him on the apron! Brad SHOTGUNS Hank! Smokes goes up, and Swipe Right mugs Hank! The ref counts, Swipe Right stops to soak up the heat, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Brad drags Hank up to ROCK him, then CLUBS him. Hank staggers around, Brad CHOKES him on the ropes, then he stops as the ref counts. Smokes CHOKES Hank behind the ref’s back! Tag to Brad, and Swipe Right mugs Hank. Smokes CLUBS Hank, but Hank fires in return! Smokes throat chops Hank! The ref reprimands but Smokes pushes Hank to the corner. Smokes digs his boot in, backs off as the ref counts, but Brad CHOKES Hank again! Brag tags back in, Smokes whips him in, but Hank dodges! Brad eats buckles, Hank dodges Smokes, tag to Tank! FLAPJACK into the buckles! Then Tank BACKDROPS Brad!

Tank is all revved up and he goes outside to run in, only for Smokes to throw him off course into the POST! Brad hurries to get Tank up and into the ring! Tag to Smokes and they mug Tank again. Smokes rains down fists, then stops to soak up the heat. Smokes drags Tank over, tags Brad in, and Brad hits a NECK SNAPPER! Smokes adds a basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Brad huffs ‘n’ puffs, taunts Hank, then he CLUBS Tank down. Brad stomps Tank around, but Tank fires body shots. Brad ROCKS Tank, then CLUBS him! Brad eggs Tank on, then UPPERCUTS! Tank goes to the corner, Brad tags Smokes, and they mug Tank again.

Smokes snapmares Tank, taunts Hank, then KNEES Tank in the back! Smokes CLUBS Tank, but Tank fires body shots in return! Smokes ROCKS Tank, Tank ROCKS Smokes, and repeat as NXT returns to single picture! The fans fire up as Smokes shoves Tank, but Tank ELBOWS Brad, ROCKS Smokes, repeat! Smokes keeps Tank from Hank, then Brad waistlocks Smokes to be an anchor! Tank drags them both in, breaks free, and hot tags Hank! hank scoop SLAMS Smokes, LARIATS Brad, then ELBOWS Brad! Hank fireman’s carries Brad to LAWN DART him into Smokes! Then BODY CHECK on Smokes!

The fans fire up with Hank as he whips and BOSS MAN SLAMS Smokes! Cover, TWO! Smokes survives and the fans can’t believe it! Hank snarls and he looms over Smokes. Hank drags Smokes up, but Smokes SLAPS Hank! Hank frowns, but then he smiles. Smokes taunts Hank, but Hank guzels and CHOPS! Hank whips Smokes to scoop and FLAPJACK! Then a wheelbarrow for a POP-UP SLAM! Cover, BRAD MACHO ELBOWS! Brad BLASTS Tank, then hurries back to his corner! Brad tags in, lifts Hank up, and Smokes DROPKICKS Hank into the SPINEBUSTER! Cover, but Tank breaks it! The fans fire up again!

Smokes runs up, Tank ELBOWS, mule kicks, and KNEE LIFTS Smokes out! Then he dodges Brad! Hank lifts Brad, Tank gives him a push-start before he DIVES onto Smokes! BLUE THUNDER BOMB for Brad! Hank tags Tank back in, they throw off the jerseys, and they set up in the corners! HONK HONK!! BIG BELLY SANDWICH!! Then the scoop and- Smokes MISSILE DROPKICKS Hank!! Tank goes up, up, and FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES Smokes! Brad KNEES Tank! Brad runs, into a LARIAT!! All four men are down and the fans are thunderous! But wait, here comes OTM! They want after these teams, but then The Culling is here, too!

The fans are torn as Culling and OTM argue with each other, but JACKSON DRAKE shows up! UNALIVING on Tank!! Brad rolls Tank up, SWIPE RIGHT WINS!

Winners: Swipe Right, by pinfall

The fans boo this upset victory, because it was only thanks to the Carolina Reaper that Brad & Smokes survive! Will the Vanity Project continue to use numbers to get ahead like they have their entire careers? Or will someone finally humble them once and for all?

Backstage interview with Sean Legacy.

Kelly Kincaid is with “Super Sean,” and notes that while he had a great showing in last week’s ladder match, he was also one of several men just laid out by Keanu Carver. How is he feeling? Sean says he was caught in Keanu’s path of destruction tonight, just like he was last week. And that ladder match, that was the biggest match of his career, but he did not get his hands around that title. Instead, Keanu drove Sean through a wall. Sean did not see that coming, just like he didn’t this week. But he’s back on his feet, and this might be crazy, because it is… But Sean wants to fight Keanu Carver! Yeah, the man’s badass, scares the crap out of just about everyone, but Sean isn’t backing down.

And sure, Sean might get his ass kicked, but Keanu is going to know that he was in a fight with Sean Legacy. How about they go 1v1 in Sean’s home state of Georgia? He awaits your decision. Super Sean is ready to face a beast, but will he get even in Hotlanta? Or will February 24th simply be his doomsday?

The Vanity Project runs across Robert Stone backstage.

Smokes says how about that! Biggest win of their career! Stone says yeah, he saw. Brad says they just beat former NXT Tag Team Champions! How is Stone NOT gonna put them in the contenders match? Fair point, fair point. Drake also says that while he didn’t win the NXT Championship, but his boys here are FUTURE Tag Team Champions! The Vanity Project creates their own opportunities! Yes, okay, done deal. Stone will make it a Fatal 4 Way. Yes! Thank you! Vanity Project is all fired up, but will they go from new kids on the block to the NEW NXT Tag Team Champions?

Myles Borne then steps in and asks why Shiloh is getting the shot with Ethan over him. Stone says he is just trying to build a rapport with the roster, especially the champions. Ethan doesn’t think Myles is worthy, and Stone thinks that’s just cuz Myles is the last man to pin Ethan. But hey, moving forward, if Myles wants Ethan’s attention… And Stone probably shouldn’t be telling him this… But Myles, you gotta do something out of character. Myles says understood. Myles heads out, but what will he do to prove himself “worthy?”

NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Stakes: #ZaRuca VS #WrenQCC!

In a rather unorthodox move, Interim GM Robert Stone decided to make a very unique tag team match. All four women want their shot at Jacy Jayne, but only the woman who scores the fall will get it! Which team shows they can still work as a team for the greater good? And who will earn their golden ticket to Atlanta and the NXT Women’s Championship?

NXT returns and the WrenQCC makes their entrance. The teams sort out and while ZaRuca argues, Kendal just rolls Sol up! TWO, and Kendal headlocks. Sol endures, powers up and out, but Kendal handsprings over Sol! Things keep moving, and Kendal counters hip toss with a wrench and fireman’s carry takeover, only for Sol to handspring through that! Sol runs up but Kendal ducks the Penalty Kick! And she avoids the standing moonsault! But Sol avoids the dropkick to cover, ONE! The fans cheer the standoff, and then the two reset. Kendal waistlocks and SLAMS Sol, but Sol fights up. Sol wrenches to a switch, and she SLAMS Kendal in return.

Kendal fights up, pries the waistlock open to switch, but then Sol throws Kendal away. Kendal ELBOWS Sol away, goes up and out and slides under, then gets moving! Kendal redirects Sol, Wren tags in, sweep and chancery to basement DROPKICK! Cover, ONE!! Sol is still in this but the fans rally for Wren. Wren wrenches, hammerlocks, and full nelsons to then snapmare. Sol shoves Wren away, but Wren comes back to wrench and wristlock. Sol handsprings and steps over to mule kick! Sol brings Wren up, whips her to the corner, then runs in for a BACK BODY BLOCK! Sol offers the tag, so Zaria takes it.

Zaria runs in and SPLASHES Wren! Then she sets up for Sol to hit POETRY IN MOTION! Zaria says yeah, that’s how it’s done! But then her shove counts as a tag! Zaria is confused and upset, but Sol snapmares and covers. But Zaria YANKS Sol off it!? The fans boo but nothing Sol can do about it. Sol goes back to Wren, but Wren victory rolls! TWO and Sol has it, TWO! Wren is up, she blocks a kick, and she shoves Sol. Sol handsprings through the hip toss, then X FACTOR! Cover, TWO! Wren is still in this but Sol brings her up. The fans duel as Sol runs, but Zaria tags herself in! Sol sighs and Zaria pushes past her to get Wren.

But Wren catches Zaria to a COBRA TWIST! Zaria powers right out, but Wren sunset flips! Only for Zaria to YANK Wren right up! Zaria swings, Wren dodges, and Wren tilt-o-whirls to RANA Zaria onto ropes! Tag to Kendal and she KICKS Zaria! Wren adds a DROPKICK at the ropes! Kendal slingshots to DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Kendal keeps Zaria down with a facelock but Zaria powers up. Zaria lifts Kendal, THROWS her away, but Wren tags in! Kendal BOOTS Zaria, then WrenQCC works together to DOUBLE- NO, Zaria fights the suplexes, and then DOUBLE SUPLEXES in return! The fans fire up for the powerhouse!

Zaria drags Wren up, and against her better judgment, she tags Sol. ZaRuca double whip and DOUBLE ELBOW Wren down! Sol wants the handshake but Zaria hesitates. They still shake hands, and they DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! Sol covers, but Zaria YANKS her back again! Zaria and Sol argue again, Zaria wants the win for her, but Sol says this is just how a tag match works! But then WrenQCC both ROCK ZaRuca and fire off shots! Zaria and Sol swing, Wren and Kendal dodge, and then WrenQCC shoves ZaRuca into each other! Then they dodge Zaria, and she almost hits Sol! But then WrenQCC DOUBLE DROPKICK Zaria into TACKLING Sol!

ZaRuca stays standing, but WrenQCC DOUBLE LARIAT them up and out! Wren goes up, up, and she SUPER DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up as Wren then sets ZaRuca up for Kendal’s ARIHARA MOONSAULT! WrenQCC secret handshake and chest bump while NXT goes picture in picture.

Wren drags Sol up, puts her in the ring, and pushes her to a cover, TWO! Sol stays in this but Wren stays on her with a ghost pin! TWO, and Wren gator rolls to a bridging cover, TWO! Wren wrenches Sol’s arm, hammerlocks it, then swings her around into the corner. Wren RAMS Sol, tags Kendal, and Kendal sends Wren in for the SPLASH! Wren sends Kendal in for the BACK BODY BLOCK! Kendal snap suplexes Sol down, covers, TWO! Kendal clamps onto Sol with a facelock, drags her up, but Sol wrenches out to ROUNDHOUSE! Sol tags Zaria and Zaria DISCUS LARIATS! Zaria then RAMS Kendal into a corner, and RAMS her again and again!

Zaria scoops Kendal and SLAMS her down! Cover, TWO! Kendal survives but Zaria looms over her. Zaria drags Kendal up, but Kendal fires body shots! Zaria whips Kendal to a corner, but Kendal goes up and over to sunset flip! TWO, and Zaria runs back up, but into a BODY BLOW! Kendal fires more shots, then CHOPS! Kendal whips, Zaria reverses, and she BOOTS Kendal down! Cover, TWO! Kendal survives again but Zaria drags her right up. Zaria torture racks Kendal for the stretch! Kendal endures, even as Zaria thrashes her around! Kendal fires elbows, and NXT returns to single picture!

Zaria throws Kendal, but Kendal lands out! Kendal slips around to BACKSTABBER! Then she goes up, up, and FLYING DDTS! The fans fire up again while both women are down! Kendal and Zaria crawl, but Zaria tries to avoid Sol! Sol reaches out to tag in, hot tag to Wren! Wren fires off on Sol with forearms and CHOPS! And a DOUBLE CHOP! And a LARIAT! Wren runs to LEAPING LARIAT! The fans fire up with Wren and she runs up to SPLASH in a corner! Underhooks and BUTTERFLY PLEX! Wren drags Sol right up, X-FACTOR of her own! Cover, TWO! The fans duel as hard as they can, and Wren runs up again!

Sol dodges the splash to GERMAN SUPLEX! Wren flounders, Sol goes up, and Sol leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK! Wren flounders around again and Sol resets. PENALTY- NO, Wren ducks that kick, rolls Sol up, TWO! SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!! Wren survives and the fans rally up again! Sol is frustrated, she scoops Wren, but Wren slips free. Sol switches, O’Conner Roll, TWO! Sol goes up, the corner, but Zaria tags in! Sol is annoyed again but Wren SHOVES Sol down! Then she snatches Zaria to a cradle, TWO!! Zaria escapes but Wren CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Wren is throwing heat as she mule kicks low!

Wren underhooks, Zaria breaks out, HEADBUTT! Then a GERMAN SUPLEX! Wren flounders but Kendal tags in. Kendal runs up, wheelbarrows, but Zaria throws her away. But Kendal gets the FLYING ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! Zaria flails, fights around, keeps her hands together, and she stacks Kendal! TWO, and Kendal runs up! Zaria JUMP KNEES her down! Zaria then fireman’s carries for the DELTA- CRADLE COUNTER!! TWO!! Kendal is up and SUPERKICKS Zaria! Zaria knocks Sol off the apron, but the ref says tag?! Zaria SPEARS Kendal!! But then Wren gets Zaria, only for Zaria to fireman’s carry Wren!

Kendal avoids getting hit by Wren’s boots! Sol goes up the ropes, SOUL SNATCHER on Kendal! DELTA FORCE on Wren!! ZaRuca stereo covers, and they WIN!! But it was SOL’s fall!

Winners: ZaRuca, by pinfall (Sol Ruca is the NEW #1 Contender)

Zaria cannot believe it! But the technicality of the “tag” is what snatched the golden opportunity from Zaria. Sol tries to explain that to Zaria, but Zaria is in no mood. Either way, this means Sol gets her first real shot at- Well, speak of the devil, Jacy Jayne leads the way for The Fatal Influence. The Toxic Rockstar and her cronies applaud Sol, then Jacy holds up the championship. Will Jacy survive another challenger when NXT is in the ATL? Or will she get her soul snatched along with that title?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT, and they really leaned into the idea of “chaos” on the show. It works with how there are many overlapping stories between all the divisions. DarkState’s got Tony D after them but also all the tag teams because of the titles. Good promo from DarkState to address that while giving those other teams an excuse to show up. I really liked OTM copying DarkState’s crowd entrance. DarkState might be a bit hypocritical not liking OTM and Tony D doing things the DarkState way, but they had a good promo to follow up. We’ll get a very good 1v1 from Tony D VS Cutler James, and I would think Tony wins.

Great stuff also with those other tag teams, including a great tag match from Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Swipe Right. I had a feeling Swipe Right would win, especially with Drake getting involved. That Fatal 4 Way is going to be awesome stuff, and while it’d be great if OTM won and got another chance, I wonder if The Culling steals a win. Culling is being built up one way or another, it might just be a matter of how they cheat it to win it. Very good promo from Tatum to help build to the grudge match with Izzi, and those were some decent visuals. The Izzi VS Tatum blowoff clearly needs to be for the title, and I would think Tatum wins.

Great Speed match and great win for Eli Knight, but I feel like Jasper could’ve waited until a contender was named before he attacked. Elio and Eli are both Faces, either one of them could win the tournament, but I’m leaning towards LeFleur. They hyped him up and gave him that North American Championship match, so perhaps he gets the Speed title off Jasper. Speaking of the North American title, good promo from Ethan, Stone, and Shiloh to set up a match there, but the follow-up promo with Myles makes me think Myles screws things up for Shiloh. Shiloh is doing great but it might still be a little early for him to be a champion.

Very good promo from Joe Hendry and then Vanity Project interrupting. Good beatdown to then set up the title match, and that made for a great first defense for Hendry. Keanu going on a rampage in reaction was expected, and we’ll get a very good match from Keanu VS Legacy. I feel like Legacy should win that to get even with Keanu, and then they can feud in the background of what is clearly Hendry VS Saints. I don’t know if they can stretch this for two months to have the title match at Stand & Deliver, so there might be a defense beforehand. There can be controversy in that match and then that compels the rematch for Stand & Deliver, and I would think loser moves up to main roster after WrestleMania.

Very good match from Jaida VS Blake, and a double count-out is a great way to escalate things, they can absolutely have a No Holds Barred rematch. Also, great stuff for the security guards (who are really Evolve superstars) to show what they can do in getting beat up by Jaida. Harley Riggins sold that low blow AND boot, it makes sense why he’s a top Heel in Evolve. Good promo from Lola with Stone and Lani to not only hype up the Lola VS Lani grudge match but also sneak in the news that Lola & Iguana won the AAA Mixed Tag titles off Ethan & Chelsea. I still think the blowoff is Lola VS Lani in NXT Underground, and the winner of that gets a title shot.

Very good promo for this “Birthright” story, and I do like Uriah Finlay thinking he can convince Charlie Regal to join up. Maybe he does, maybe he doesn’t, but we also need to see the logo soon. Hopefully they actually put some effort into it, this faction feels like it could be something. And great stuff with the ZaRuca dysfunction story that also links up with the NXT Women’s Championship story. Naturally, ZaRuca was dysfunctional from start to finish, but I’m rather surprised it didn’t cost them. At the same time, WrenQCC just isn’t top title worthy yet; Kendal already had her shot and still has the Women’s Evolve Championship to focus on while Wren still needs a little something more before she’s at that level.

The way they got it to be Sol over Zaria was interesting, but the ref sure took liberties with what counts as a tag to get there. I would think Zaria costs Sol the title and they have their breakup feud going into Stand & Deliver. But it’d also be awesome if Zaria ends up helping Sol win against Jacy so that their breakup feud is also for the title. We saw Jacy Jayne in the Women’s Rumble along with Sol Ruca, it’s just a matter of when, how, and why when it comes to their call-ups.

My Score: 8.8/10