Will Vice City still be standing?

Izzi Dame has been chasing after THE NXT Women’s Championship, and now she gets her shot at it, against Lola Vice! But will it be a buena noche for Izzi? Or will it be another knockout?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Wren Sinclair w/ Kendal Grey VS Kelani Jordan; Lani wins.
• WWE Speed Championship Contender’s Tournament Opening Round: Sean Legacy VS Dorian Van Dux; Time Limit Draw, no one advances.
• Jaida Parker VS Layla Diggs w/ Natalya; Jaida wins.
• WWE Speed Championship Contender’s Tournament Opening Round Finals: Romeo Moreno VS Nathan Frazer; Romeo wins and will challenge for the title next week.
• OTM VS The Culling; No Contest.
• Shiloh Hill VS Charlie Dempsey w/ BirthRight; Shiloh wins.
• NXT Women’s Championship: Lola Vice VS Izzi Dame; Lola wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Wren Sinclair w/ Kendal Grey VS Kelani Jordan!

The Women’s Speed Champion tried to be a good friend but ended up a liability, and that’s half the reason The Standout stood tall last week. But will Wren make up for her mistakes by bringing Lani down herself? Or will Lani make sure Wren doesn’t have a leg to stand on?

Well it helps when Lani attacks Wren the moment she’s in the ring! The fans boo, the ref backs Lani off, but Wren still wants this fight! The bell rings, Lani runs up, btu Wren dodges to O’Conner Roll! TWO, and Wren runs up again to waistlock. Lani switches, Wren switches back, but Lani trips Wren. Wren BOOTS Lani away, Lani comes back, but Wren rolls her up! TWO, and Wren arm-drags Lani! And arm-drags again! And DROPKICKS Lani down! The fans fire up as Lani bails out, and Wren waits on Lani. Lani storms up to the apron, RAMS Wren low, then bumps her off buckles. Lani slingshots, goes for a leg, but Wren stops Lani’s takedown to hit a suplex!

Lani scrambles to a corner, but she BOOTS Wren in return! The fans rally up but Lani CLOBBERS Wren! Lani rains down forearms, but Wren turns it around! The fans fire up as Wren gives some ground ‘n’ pound! Lani gets free and she kicks low! The fans rally for Wren but Lani brings her up. But then Wren snatches Lani’s arm! FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Lani endures, reaches out, but Wren switches to KNEE DROP the arm! Wren KICKS the arm, then clamps on again, FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Lani endures all over again, and she crawls her way around, but Wren stomps the hand! Lani goes to a corner, but she SUPERKICKS back!

Wren wobbles, comes back, but Lani THROWS her into buckles! Lani snarls, slides out, and she drags Wren to the corner. But Wren YANKS Lani into the steel steps! Then Wren runs to DAREDEVIL DROPKICK! Wren’s looking like a Role Model as she puts Lani back in the ring. Wren runs. Lani dodges, then Lani slingshots, but Wren stops the arm-drag! Lani THROWS Wren by her hair, then runs up. Wren dodges, drops down, but that bad leg won’t let her get up! Lani runs up but Wren DUMPS her out! Wren drags Lani out but Wren dodges the lariat! Wren BACKDROPS Lani and the fans fire up while NXT goes picture in picture.

Wren hobbles but she stays after Lani. Wren puts Lani in the ring, covers, TWO! Lani is tougher than that, but Wren steps over to CLUB Lani down! Wren then clamps on with a COBRA TWIST! Lani endures, but Wren shifts to a Cobra Cradle, TWO! Wren still holds onto Wren with a seated abdominal stretch! Lani endures, fights up, and spins around to dosido with Wren. Wren still wants that Cobra Twist, but Lani switches it around onto Wren! Then she hip tosses into a cover, TWO! Wren has the ghost pin, TWO! Wren hurries to bring Lani up, around, and she grinds on the arm. Lani powers Wren to the ropes, then whips her away.

Wren grabs ropes to stop herself, and Lani runs up. Wren SOBATS, but Lani blocks to KICK the bad leg! Wren falls over, but Lani drags her around to stomp that bad leg! Lani then GROUND DRAGON SCREWS the leg! Wren crawls away but Lani stalks her to the ropes. Lani stomps the bad leg, taunts Kendal, then brings Wren around to get the leg again. Lani steps through for a standing toehold but Kendal endures. Kendal CHOPS Lani, CHOPS again, but Lani just stomps her down! Lani drags Kendal up, bumps her off buckles, then drags her out to the apron. Lani SLAMS the leg on the apron edge! Wren writhes again but Lani pushes her in.

Lani aims, slingshots, and STOMPS the leg, just as NXT returns to single picture! Lani then grabs that leg, to drop a leg on it! Lani drags Wren around again, pushes the legs down, and digs her knee into the knee as she bends the leg for a toehold! The fans rally as Wren endures, and Wren kicks at Lani. Lani hooks the legs up in a modified deathlock, but Wren still fights her way around! Wren reaches, crawls, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Lani lets go, and Wren crawls to a corner. Lani runs up, but into an ELBOW! Lani runs up again, but Wren puts her on the apron. Lani BOOTS Wren through the ropes!

Lani goes up the ropes, and she has the leg for a HANGING BOSTON CRAB! The fans boo, the ref counts, and Lani lets go at 4. Lani storms in but Wren fires body shots! The fans rally again as Wren whips, but Lani goes up, up, and FLYING FOREARMS! Lani then hooks a leg, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Lani kicks at Wren. Lani soaks up the heat, taunts the fans and Kendal, but Wren ROCKS Lani! And ROCKS her again and again and fires fast hands! But Lani KICKS the bad leg! Lani brings Wren up, swings, but Wren ducks the lariat to BACKDROP Lani again! The fans fire up as Wren rises!

Wren CHOPS Lani, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then CHOPS and CHOPS and DOUBLE CHOPS! The fans fire up as Wren rallies, wrenches, and HALF HATCH PLEXES! The fans fire up for Wren again as she hits the GUT WRENCH PLEX! Wren whips, Lani reverses, but Wren goes up and over! The leg jams just a moment and Lani KICKS it out! Lani has Wren down, goes up, ONE OF A KIND FLOP! Ghost pin< TWO!! Wren hurries to haul Lani up, but Lani wrenches an arm, picks the leg, and has an STF! Kendal is there to coach Wren, but Lani drags Wren back to center! And now an INDIAN DEATHLOCK!! A HOUSE OF PAIN!! Wren TAPS, Lani wins!

Winner: Kelani Jordan, by pinfall

The Standout is making sure to send a message to all the technical wrestlers on the roster that no one does it like Lani! But does this clear her path to the NXT Women’s Championship? And who will she challenge when she does?

Tatum Paxley talks with Lizzy Rain backstage.

The NXT Women’s North American Champion apologizes to the Maiden of Metal, she didn’t deserve to be dragged into Zaria’s rampage. Zaria is just obsessed with this title. Lizzy says Zaria may want the title, but if she thinks Lizzy’s gonna sit back and be collateral damage, she’s wrong. That is not how Lizzy plays. Shiloh Hill checks in with a cheerio and tip of the cap. Tatum says what a gentlemen. How goes his campaign to be Mr. NXT? It’s going awesome! This clipboard is the analog version, but the digital one is huge! Wow! Even Matt Matthews endorsed Shiloh! Tatum loves that guy’s comedy, he cracks her up! Same for Shiloh!

In fact, Matt Matthews has almost as many hobbies as Shiloh. Singing, farming, barrel races. Lizzy signs the petition, just as Tristan Angels steps in. Mr. England says oh dear, he cannot believe she is indulging this nonsense! This is absurd! Papa Shango? Marie Curie? Timothée Chalamet? Yeah, he and Shiloh went to summer camp together, and he’s a huge fan of wrestling. You can’t just collect a list of names! Pageants require order and a strict process with judges and categories. Thank Heavens that Shiloh’s opponent tonight comes from a noble lineage. Tristan sure hopes Charlie Dempsey stretches some sense into Shiloh!

Tristan storms off, Shiloh & Tatum aren’t sure what that means. Lizzy says as much fun as this was, she’s gotta get back to Zaria. Lizzy is gonna go redhead huntin’, baby! Shiloh asks if he can come along. He still has time before his match tonight. Tatum says Shiloh really is good at scheming. Well, then we’re off! See ya later, mate. Lizzy and Shiloh head out, will they have luck finding the Agent of Change? Will Shiloh be ready for anything Charlie Dempsey can throw at him?

DarkState is here!

And after last week, it’s Dion Lennox, Cutler James, and Osiris Griffin, NO Saquon Shugars. Even the tron crossed out the skull mask that represented him! These three go to the ring, Osiris says, “‘When DarkState strikes, ain’t nobody safe,’ got a whole new meaning last week, huh? Y’all looking surprised, bruh! Y’all looking at me crazy! Why? Quon was always the odd man out. We all Division 1 standouts. Cutler James, All Conference wrestler at Duke. Dion Lennox, four-year starter, three-time team captain, Defensive End at Oregon State University. And me, Osiris Griffin, Defensive Lineman for Syracuse and the New Orleans Saints. Who dat?”

Dion says Saquon Shugars was just some indie wrestler. That’s it. Yeah, he had some street smarts, he knew his way around the ring, but there’s a reason why he the last pick in DarkState. They are focused, elite level athletes. The fans boo but Osiris says every single time, Saquon would choose the path of most resistance, making it harder for them all! Cutler says it was like Saquon made their decision easier last week. They said it from day one: success for the individual is the success for the group. But somewhere along the way, Saquon forgot about that. They gave him so many chances to get back on track, but he just became a liability.

Saquon was reckless, he ran into every situation blind, and he never understood the consequences. And he failed. He failed! Which means he failed DarkState, and that was the last straw. Dion says yeah, he was shocked what Cut & Os did. That could’ve been Dion! But when Dion saw what they did to Saquon, he knew the play: eliminate the weak link! For weeks, Saquon tried to paint Dion as the bad guy, turn his brothers against him, all because of jealousy! The fans chant “You Suck! You Suck!” Dion says Saquon accused Dion of acting like the leader. Like he was better than Saquon! Dion ain’t acting better, he just IS better!

John Cena picked DION to be in Iron Survivor! Robert Stone picked DION to be in the Eliminator Gauntlet! Dion didn’t ask for that, he earned it, and Saquon knew it. The fans duel now, “We Want Saquon!” “No, We Don’t!” Dion continues to say that Saquon said Dion acted like a leader of mean, forgetting that Dion started this in the first place! Dion told us from the jump, the machine they’re building is for all of them, not just Dion. But dammit, if you think there’s a DarkState without Dion, you’re trippin’ big shoes, fool! Dion built this brick by brick, and he’ll be damned if he lets Saquon tear it down!

Osiris says now that they’re rid of the dead weight, time for DarkState to get back to what they do best. When the lights go out, keep your heads on a swivel. You never know when you get put down. Everybody in the back has been spared for the last few months. Vanity Project, Myles, Tony D, you watch out, because DarkState is back! And if you thought nobody was safe before, you ain’t seen a damn thing yet! The warning has been issued, but who will be the first targets of this dangerous trio?

Wren & Kendal are in the trainer’s room.

Kendal asks if Wren’s leg will need an MRI, Wren says no, she doesn’t need it, but the doc says they’ll do one as a precaution. Lola Vice walks in and says think positive, Wren, she’ll be alright. Kendal also says yeah, and then they’ll both be champions. Lola says that’s a little too positive. But then Kali Armstrong steps in and says aw, how cute. Not quite the same cocky Kendal as she was before, huh? Kelani dropped L’s on both their raggedy, rickety little heads, huh? Kali then looks at Lola, and Lola asks what she’s looking at. Kali says the title. Wow, Kali just got here and has a huge head already? Maybe. But when you step in the ring with the Difference Maker, you’ll see why.

Kali says she’ll be watching the title match tonight, champ. Lola says yeah, and Kali better take notes. Lola says she’s got another name on her list of people she wants to knock out. But will Lola make it through Izzi tonight to then make that Kali Connection?

WWE Speed Championship Contender’s Tournament Opening Round: Sean Legacy VS Dorian Van Dux!

Lexis King sits on the Speed throne awaiting a challenger, and first up are two great rivals from the independent scene that made it through the WWE ID Program as well as Evolve to be here. But will #SuperSean overpower and out-speed the Muscles from Brussels? Or will this tournament soon be on DVD?

The bell rings, both men run up, but Sean dodges, only for DVD to headlock. Sean powers up and out, hurdles, then drops down. DVD gets tripped up and Sean DOUBLE STOMPS him down! Sean then DROPKICKS DVD out the ring, then WRECKS him with another dropkick! Sean builds speed to DIVE, but DVD DUMPS him down! DVD fireman’s carries again, and he runs to POST Sean! The fans fire up as DVD puts Sean in the ring, and he slingshots to LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! DVD deadlifts Sean in a bomb, but Sean RANAS DVD away! The fans rally up as Sean runs up, GAMANGIRI in the corner! We hit the two minute mark before SLICED BREAD! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally as Sean hurries tot he apron. Sean springboards but he bails out of his 450 as DVD moves. DVD LARIATS, then he POWERBOMBS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as DVD brings Sean up, whips, and POP-UP- DDT counter! Sean hurries to 619 DVD down! The fans fire up as Sean climbs, QUEBRADA, but DVD dodges! DVD BOOTS Sean, goes up, but Sean is right after him! One minute left as Sean hits his SUPER STEINER! Sean then aims, springboards, and 450 onto knees! The fans rally for DVD as he goes to the apron, and he springboards to- DROPKICK from Sean! Sean and DVD are both down but we’re under 30 seconds!

The fans rally, both men stand, they bob ‘n’ weave, DVD KNEES! Then he blocks a kick to ROLLING ELBOW! Sean staggers, DVD runs up, but Sean pops DVD up! DVD GAMANGIRIS, TEN SECONDS LEFT! But Sean is after DVD first! SUPER SPANISH FLY!! But TIME IS UP!!!

Time Limit Draw; no one advances

The fans boo, and both Sean and DVD are speechless! But that is the risk you run when you go this hard this fast! Now Moreno VS Frazer isn’t just an opening round match, it is THE #1 contender’s match! Will it be El Freestyle or The Jersey Rocket that gets their shot at the Drama King’s crown?

Natalya talks with Layla Diggs.

The Queen of Harts thanks “Miss Everything” for standing up to Jaida last week. It’s good to know someone around here knows how to treat a legend. Layla says they don’t call Nattie the #LowkeyLegend for nothing. And as for Layla, she’s not afraid to push back. That is why Nattie wants to be in Layla’s corner tonight. Got it? Got it! Has the Lowkey Legend found someone new to take under her wing? Or will Miss Parker prove she don’t play, no matter who you are?

Jaida Parker VS Layla Diggs w/ Natalya!

NXT returns as Layla makes her entrance, Nattie right behind her. The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two tie up, Layla wrenches to hammerlock, but Jaida reaches back to hammerlock in return. Layla elbows free, talks some smack, but Jaida slips around to waistlock, then full nelson. Layla flails, does the splits, and she trips Jaida up! Layla taunts Jaida, does her dance, but then Jaida TACKLES Layla! Jaida rains down fists, drags her up, and wrenches to RAM shoulders! Then wrench and- NO, Layla KNEES low! Layla kicks, Jaida blocks, but Layla uses a leg scissor roll to cover, TWO! Jaida gets up but Layla ducks the backhand to hip.

Jaida blocks a hip toss, BODY BLOWS, but Layla BODY BLOWS back! Layla then gets a  leg up, flips through, but Jaida CLOBBERS Layla! Layla scrambles to a corner, Jaida runs up, but Jaida blocks the boots to CHOP! Jaida puts Layla in the ropes, and TEAR- NO, Layla dodges, then RAMS low! Layla slingshots up and over, rolls through, then LEG LARIATS! Layla THROWS Jaida into ropes, then KNEE DROP, LEG DROP, and ELBOW DROP! The fans boo but Layla covers, TWO! Jaida toughs it out but Layla clamps on for an armlock and chinbar. The fans rally for Jaida as Jaida fights up, and she arm-drags Layla away.

Jaida stands, Layla CLUBS her, but Jaida BODY BLOWS! They trade shots, then Jaida bobs ‘n’ weaves to ROCK and CHOP! Jaida whips, Layla reverses, but Jaida ducks the leg lariat this time! LARIAT! LARIAT! Then Jaida SMACKS Layla! Jaida reels Layla in, suplexes, GOURD BUSTER! Jaida gets Layla up, POSTS her, then turns her around. Jaida CHOPS, then runs up, TEARDROP! The fans fire up for the high stepping! Nattie coaches Layla, Jaida reels Layla in, but Layla slips free of the suplex! Layla shoves Jaida, Jaida runs back up, but Layla goes Matrix with the handspring and PELE! Cover, TWO! Jaida is tougher than that, but Nattie coaches Layla again.

Layla huffs ‘n’ puffs, she climbs the corner, and from the very top, MOONSAULT FLOP! Jaida then gets HIP-NOTIC! Jaida isn’t done, she stares Nattie down before the DEJA VU BOMB! Cover, Jaida wins!

Winner: Jaida Parker, by pinfall

Nattie is annoyed, but will she understand Jaida is anything but soft? Or will Nattie find out for herself?

Backstage interview with BirthRight.

Blake Howard is with Lexis King, Uriah Connors, Charlie Dempsey, “Stacks” Channing Lorenzo & Arianna Grace as he asks about the Speed Tournament. With that draw between Sean and Dorian eliminating them both, it will now be the winner of Romeo Moreno VS Nathan Frazer. Lexis asks if you’re really surprised. When you have four of the top athletes from around the world trying to catch up to the King of Speed, there’s bound to be some casualties. Speaking of, Charlie here is gonna make an example of Shiloh Hill when he tears Shiloh limb from limb. As far as next week is concerned, how can Lexis be concerned when he’s the fastest man alive?

Nathan Frazer steps in and says no, he is not. Axiom says it is mostly hyperbole. No one really thinks Lexis is the fastest man alive. Frazer says yeah, it’s like comparing a cheetah to, oh, maybe a cow? Frazer is referencing the cow print on the matching outfits of Arianna & Stacks. Lexis says hey, Frazer still has to clear his match. Frazer says he will make it through! Romeo has as much chance of beating Frazer as Spain does winning the World Cup! Axiom takes offense, he’s also Spanish. Well, okay, fair, Frazer isn’t exactly placing bets on England. Axiom suggests they go with France. Fraxiom heads out, but will Frazer or Romeo win one of the fastest tournaments ever?

Tony D’Angelo is here!

The fans cheer on the NXT Champion as he goes to the ring, belt around his waist and mic already in hand. “The Master of Fate” says that for the past month or so, there has been an influx of new, hungry faces here in NXT. That spices things up a bit. Makes NXT a little unpredictable and exciting for the WWE Universe. Less so for Tony, as they all want their shot at the champ. But next week, it is Tony’s turn. Next week, he goes 1v1 with the new hotshot, Kam Hendrix. The fans boo that name, but Tony says he won’t talk about potential, talk about when or if Kam is ready, that’s for the fans to decide.

But what Tony can tell you is that Kam will NOT be NXT Champion next week. Tony will get to Kam, but he wants to talk about someone who is randomly appearing in his personal space. And it is time they talk face to face, Naraku. And with that, the King of Darkness makes his entrance! Naraku steps into the ring, and Tony has them cut the music. He knows Naraku likes riddles and hidden messages, Tony is more a straight shooter. Now, he knows Naraku’s been stalking Tony, so just come out and say it: Naraku wants a shot at the NXT Championship. Naraku says he is here to keep “Tony-san” and his title safe.

Tony laughs and asks what that means. Keep him safe? Naraku really thinks Tony will believe that? He ain’t buying the bull, man. Tony knows what Naraku is doing. So next week, Tony handles Kam, then he handles Naraku. The fans like the sound of that, but Naraku says he will make sure Tony stays champion, because it is their destiny to go to war. But wait, here comes Kam! Kam has them cut his music, he knows it is clean as hell. Take a good long look at the NXT Champion, Tony D! He turned his whole life around! Left his friends and family to become champion. Guess what? Tony has seven days left. Because next week, it is Lights, Kam, Action!

Kam steps into the ring and says Tony is the number one star in NXT. He has the gold, he’s the top dog, and everyone knows it. But next week, he walks into a buzzsaw that no one can stop. And Kam ain’t bragging! This is straight facts, buddy! Kam is the fastest rising superstar in NXT history! Last week, he beat TWO champions at once! And next week, he destroys a pillar of NXT. Kam is all smiles, but Tony says that’s pretty bold, coming out here interrupting him and Naraku. Kam interrupts again by saying he’s been bold his whole life! He ain’t cocky, he’s just- Confident? Yeah, Tony gets that. But Kam thinks he’s the first to come out here all full of himself, thinking he deserves this?

Kam, you’re a premier athlete, no doubt about it. But you look at this title as a status symbol. You get to parade around on red carpets, at VIP parties, but for Tony, he sacrificed EVERYTHING just to have this title! It took him five YEARS, through failures, doubts, self-doubt! Tony doubted he was ever good enough to be in this position, and now he’s standing across the ring from some guy who was just handed a title match, who hasn’t earned a damn thing in NXT! Congrats, Kam, you won a match. But if you wanna win the title, you’ll have to reach into Tony’s chest and rip his heart out! But they both know, that ain’t gonna happen.

Tony pushes past Kam to leave, but Kam goes to swing on Tony! Only for Naraku to keep his word and stop Kam! Naraku fires off on Kam, then LARIATS him up and out! Kam tumbles away and the fans cheer Naraku! Naraku then bows in respect to Tony! The fans cheer again, but will Tony still have to watch his own back with the walls closing in?

Myles Borne and Tavion Heights talk backstage.

They finish watching what just went down, and Tavion tells Myles that he’s apologized 100 times. What more does Myles want from him? Myles knows Tavion would never cost Myles a match like that, right? Tavion just wanted to get his lick back! Well that wasn’t the time, T! Myles gets Tavion is hungry for opportunities, but they can’t act like nothing happened last week. Myles knows Tavion wants to make a statement, but if he doesn’t slow down, they’re both gonna crash ‘n’ burn. Tavion says okay, he hears that. Myles says Tavion is still his brother, but Tavion doesn’t realize the consequences of last week.

Tavion says good thing Kam didn’t pin Myles then, huh? Myles says that’s besides the point. Everyone is gunning for this title, so- DARKSTATE STRIKES!! They mug Tavion & Myles 3v2, throwing ’em against the garage door and over tables! Dion tells Myles if he can hear this! Then he RAMS Myles into the wall, leaving a dent! This is what they meant by ain’t nobody safe! DarkState leaves Myles & Tavion down and out, are they going to get that North American title one way or another?

Vanity Project walks the halls.

Jackson Drake says he just wants to say, the way Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes retained the tag titles, chef’s kiss, pure cinema. Brad says hundos, bro! They literally broke up DarkState! Ricky says the way they smoked those guys in that match, can’t blame ’em. But that would never be them, right? Oh, get a loud of this guy! They find Tate Wilder parking his motorcycle, and Drake makes a point of getting his foot up onto the leather seat. Tate pushes that away and asks what’s up. Nothing, buddy, just wondering what hurt more: falling off his bike; or getting the stitches on his eyebrow courtesy of Keanu Carver?

Tate says it doesn’t matter. Ricky asks how long he’s gonna be out. It was just four stitches, no time off at all. Drake says yes, of course. But “Jackster” remembers his first few matches. Let’s just say, Tate has a lot to learn. A lot to learn? Drake, Tate’s literally older than you! Myka steps up and says that’s enough. Drake has Myka stand down, and tells Tate he is literally saving his life right now. Tate says if Drake wants to teach him something, step into the ring with him next week. Vanity Project laughs and wonders what Tate’s even going on about. Tate doesn’t want this work, especially after what Keanu did to him.

Tate says that is where Drake is wrong. Tate lives for this. Tate leaves, Brad says whatever, tough guy. But will the Carolina Reaper be the one to put Tate out of his misery? Or will things get wilder than Drake can handle?

WWE Speed Championship Contender’s Tournament Finals: Romeo Moreno w/ Noam Dar VS Nathan Frazer w/ Axiom!

The draw with Sean and Dorian makes this match THE match to win to go after Lexis King! Will El Freestyle prove he has what it takes to be a contender in NXT already? Or will the Jersey Rocket’s return to NXT be a victorious one?

The bell rings, the two tie up, and Frazer headlocks. Romeo powers up and out, ducks down, then bypasses, but Frazer ducks ‘n’ dodges to DROPKCIK at high speeds! Romeo bails out, Frazer FLIES to take Romeo out! the fans fire up as Frazer puts Romeo in. Frazer springboards, Romeo dodges, but Frazer handsprings through. Romeo BOOTS Frazer, then springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Romeo clamps on, CROSSFACE! Frazer slips through, jackknife bridges, TWO! Frazer JUMP KNEES, but then he blocks a boot, but not the ROUNDHOUSE! We hit the two minute mark as Romeo goes up the ropes, but Frazer does, too! REVERSE SPANISH FLY!

Frazer hurries to cover, TWO! Romeo survives, Noam Dar is relieved, but Frazer goes for ropes. Romeo anchors a foot, Frazer kicks free, but then Romeo runs up on Frazer to O’Conner Roll! TWO and Romeo goes up the corner! Frazer staggers up, Romeo leaps, SUPERKICK from Frazer! Cover, TWO! Frazer hurries to drag Romeo to a drop zone, then he goes up! But Romeo gets him now, SUPER DUPER GERMAN SUPLEX!! Romeo fires up, shoots in, and he NORTHERN LIGHTS! Float over, facelock, but it’s Frazer who suplexes for ANARCHY! We hit the one minute warning, this is looking like the other match!

Frazer rises up, Romeo follows, and Frazer ROCKS him! Romeo BOOTS Frazer! The fans rally as Frazer rebounds, Romeo dodges, EDDY GORDO RANA! Dar says hurry, it’s 30 seconds! Romeo goes up, up, ESCALARA CROSSBODY! Romeo hurries to get Frazer in but we have 20 seconds! Romeo goes up, but Frazer is after him! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Roll through, FALCON- CRADLE!! ROMEO WINS!!!!

Winner: Romeo Moreno, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Speed Championship)

With literally seconds to spare, El Freestyle snatches victory in the blink of an eye! Frazer is frustrated with himself, but he shows respect to Romeo. But then BirthRight is up in the perch to tell the young stud that he stands no chance. But will Lexis King keep his crown next week? Or will there be a new champion in five minutes or less?

The Culling prepares backstage.

Izzi Dame tonight is a big night, Niko! She’s gonna become the NEW NXT Women’s Champion! And then they will win their match with OTM. But first thing’s first, where even is Spears? Aren’t they about to go out? Niko says yes, he hopes Spears is getting ready. Izzi grumbles about that, too, but is The Chair Man going to make it to the match? Or will The Culling fail to get out the mud?

Robert Stone talks with Mason Rook.

The NXT General Manager only has so much time so he wants to make it fast. Rook says if not for him, Kam wouldn’t even be in contention, let alone having this match. It should be Rook facing Tony next week. Stone says yeah, he knows, and between the two of them… Stone is glad Rook did what he did after that match. Rook says yeah, and he’d do it again given the chance. Stone is sure he would, but guess what? Stats always show that Kam Hendrix, no matter how arrogant, pinned Myles Borne. That is why Kam gets his match next week. Yeah, Rook heard what Kam said out there. Then before he gets upset, just see how it pans out. Rook can still be in contention after Kam.

Rook says he might have to do something about it next week. But Naraku steps in and says no, Rook will do no such thing. Is that so? Naraku tells Rook that he will not allow anyone to interfere in that match. Stone says enough, guys, not here. Rook tells Naraku that we’ll just have to see. Is Rook about to take the King of Darkness off the board? Or will it be the other way around?

OTM VS The Culling!

Lucien Price & Bronco Nima have been chasing tag title opportunities, but they finally opened up to the NXT Universe with last week’s special interview. Will showing they have heart, not just might, help them make it to the top? Or will Niko Vance & Shawn Spears- OH WAIT, Spears attacks already! The Chair Man indeed uses a chair to SMACK Price down! Then he JAMS Nima, and SMACKS him, too! The fans boo as Spears JAMS Price again and again! Refs rush out here, as does Niko! Niko backs Spears off to ask what the hell he’s doing, and Spears says he’s doing what they have to! Niko says they can’t have a match like this!

The Culling is ushered to the back, will there be severe consequences for Spears stepping out of line?

Backstage interview with Kali Armstrong.

Sarah Schreiber catches The Difference Maker as she and other superstars exit the women’s locker room, all excited to watch the main event. Sarah asks Kali about last week, her eyeing the Women’s North American title match. She also then had a verbal confrontation with Lola Vice earlier tonight, which title has Kali set her sights on? Kali says it is only a matter of time before Kali runs through this entire locker room. She’s gonna pick her spots. She watched Tatum last week, and she’ll watch Lola tonight. Hell, she might just go after both titles! Thea Hail says, “Both titles? That’d be nice. That’d be amazing. That’s everyone’s dream. But Kali, it’s not that easy.”

Kali agrees, it is a dream. For you! But for the Difference Maker, it is a reality! A reality that Thea and every other other “raggedy heifer” will have to deal with! Kali heads out, Thea wonders what her problem is, but will the inaugural Evolve Women’s Champion make history by adding those other titles to her résumé?

Shiloh Hill double checks his list.

It seems to be a list of people he wants to endorse him as Mr. NXT. He has Matt Matthews checked off, but wait, does he have… Hornswoggle? And “Dan Hausen?” Does Shiloh not know it’s one name? Karl Anthony Towns?! And also “Need More Aussies” is circled. Shiloh spots Zaria and asks her to sign the petition. She says hell no! He really thinks she would? Go find one of your creepy little friends to sign it. Well, some people on here are probably creepy. Is Shiloh purposefully being stupid with her right now? She’s talking about Tatum! Tatum’s good, but be more worried about Lizzy. Lizzy? Pfff, she was just collateral damage last week! Zaria just wants the title.

Well, okay, but if he were Zaria, he’d really, really be worried about Lizzy right about now. But right now now, his match is up next. Wish him luck. Shiloh leaves, Zaria wonders what that means, and then LIZZY ATTACKS! They brawl inside Shiloh’s toolshed! Security and even Stone rush in, keeping these two from tearing down the house! When and where will the Maiden of Metal have her revenge on Zaria?

Shiloh Hill VS Charlie Dempsey w/ BirthRight!

Speaking of this match, this match is only happening because BirthRight thought Shiloh Hill was nuts for wanting to be “Mr. NXT.” Dempsey doesn’t like Shiloh making a mockery of the business he was born into, but will he have the last laugh? Or can nothing prepare him for #ToothlessAggression?

The bell rings and the fans rally behind Shiloh. They tie up, Dempsey headlocks, spins, hammerlocks, then chinbars to headlock again. Dempsey wrenches to wristlock but Shiloh scoops to SLAM! The fans cheer while Dempsey goes to the ropes. The two reset, circle, and tie up. Dempsey wrenches, spins, and UPPERCUTS Shiloh, then hits a headlock takeover. Shiloh slips through to headlock right back! Dempsey fight sup, arm-drags free, but Shiloh ducks ‘n’ dodges to then CLOBBER Dempsey! The fans cheer that big shoulder tackle while Dempsey clears out the cobwebs. Shiloh storms up, Dempsey drop toeholds, then he goes for the arm!

Dempsey has the armlock, not quite a Fujiwara Armbar, and Dempsey fights up to roll, wrench, and WRING Dempsey out! Dempsey staggers while the fans sing, “Shiloooh~, Shiloh Shiloh Shiloooh~! Shiloooh~, Shiloooh~!” Dempsey KNEES low, then UPPERCUTS again. Dempsey reels Shiloh into a COBRA TWIST! Shiloh’s height helps him power up and out, then he BACKDROPS Dempsey! Dempsey flounders, Shiloh goes up a corner, and he brings his opera glasses! Dempsey looks to take aim, and FLYING LARIATS! Down goes Dempsey but Shiloh keeps moving! Shiloh LARIATS Dempsey up and out!

The fans fire up but BirthRight hurries to check Dempsey while NXT goes picture in picture.

Shiloh waits on Dempsey as he shakes out more cobwebs. Dempsey storms into the ring, circles with Shiloh, then they tie up. Dempsey wrenches, hammerlocks, then double wristlocks. Dempsey wrenches again to top wristlock, but he has to pull hair to make Shiloh bridge back! Shiloh then powers back up and he makes Dempsey bridge back! Dempsey reaches up to headscissor and wrangle Shiloh. Shiloh endures the squeeze, but Dempsey even grabs a leg! This is where being taller might not be an advantage. Shiloh still fights up, around, and jackknifes his way to a headlock. Dempsey fights up, powers up, but can’t power out as Shiloh holds tight!

Dempsey fights back up, he KNEES Shiloh low, then snapmares him away. Shiloh staggers to his feet, but Dempsey KNEES low! Dempsey UPPERCUTS, then reels Shiloh in, only for Shiloh to fight the suplex! Shiloh tries but Dempsey fights the suplex! They fight for suplex control, and Shiloh lifts Dempsey, to turn it into a SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Shiloh clamps onto Dempsey’s arm but Dempsey fights up to put Shiloh on the ropes. The ref counts, Dempsey YANKS the arm, then UPPERCUTS again! Dempsey whips, Shiloh reverses, but Dempsey stops himself with ropes. Dempsey then CLUBS Shiloh’s backdrop down!

Dempsey turns Shiloh and hits a NECKBREAKER! Dempsey storms back to Shiloh to CLUB away with elbow after elbow! Dempsey hauls Shiloh up, GUT WRENCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! Shiloh toughs it out, but Dempsey clamps back on with a chinlock. Dempsey goes for a Bully Choke but Shiloh fights up. Dempsey CLUBS Shiloh again, then goes for a Cobra Twist. Shiloh fights it, Dempsey clamps on with a SLEEPER! Shiloh fights free of the sleeper but Dempsey KNEES low! Dempsey reels Shiloh in for an IRON OCTOPUS! NXT returns to single picture and the fans rally as Shiloh fights out with a HIP TOSS!

The fans fire up again as Shiloh fires hands and CHOPS in the corner !Shiloh whips Dempsey corner to corner, but Dempsey goes up and around to ROCK Shiloh! Dempsey brings Shiloh up, in, and BUTTERFLY PLEXES, then goes for the arms! Shiloh fights the armbar, but Dempsey breaks the grip! Shiloh rolls, but into a TRIANGLE HOLD! The fans rally for Shiloh as Dempsey rains down elbows! Shiloh still stacks Dempsey, TWO, into a deadlift POWERBOMB! The fans fire up while both men are down! Shiloh rises, he storms up on Dempsey, and he ROCKS him with haymaker after haymaker! Shiloh whips, Dempsey reverses, but Shiloh DECKS Dempsey!

The fans rally as Shiloh DECKS Dempsey again! Shiloh scoops, SLAMS, then whips for a scoop and POWERSLAM! Shiloh sets up, IMPLODER SENTON! Dempsey sputters but Shiloh storms up on him in the corner. Dempsey BOOTS Shiloh, but Shiloh LARIATS Dempsey! Shiloh hurries but Dempsey slips around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Shiloh is right back up and he BOOTS Dempsey! Dempsey ROCKS Shiloh! Dempsey CLUBS and KNEES Shiloh, then runs, but into a POP-UP FOREARM! The fans rally for Shiloh but BirthRight coaches Dempsey. Both men rise up, and Dempsey CHOPS! Shiloh grins and roars!

Shiloh slips around, BIG back suplex! Dempsey tumbles but he’s right up to ROCK Shiloh! BUTTER- NO, Shiloh NORTHERN LIGHTS Dempsey! Bridging cover, SHILOH WINS!

Winner: Shiloh Hill, by pinfall

Did Shiloh just outwrestle Dempsey there?! That Northern Lights had a little extra in it, is this proof that Shiloh deserves to be Mr. NXT? But then Tristan Angels makes his entrance! “Enough! Enough celebrating! Shiloh, I am at my wits’ end as you continue this charade, calling yourself Mr. NXT. And now I need to teach you a lesson for the rest of your life. Because you simply cannot hack it in my domain. And that is why I have conversed with our GM, and he has graciously agreed a Mr. NXT Pageant right here in two week’s time!” The fans boo but Tristan shouts, “ORDER, ORDER!”

Now, that gives me the perfect amount of time to prepare to absolutely humiliate you. And it gives Mr. Stone enough time to set the proper pageant affairs in place. I am going to prove to you and all these pellocks in attendance tonight that you are not worthy of calling yourself ‘Mr. NXT!'” Shiloh tells Tristan, “I can’t wait to embarrass you. Let’s do it! HAHAHAHAHA!” So then, the contest is set! But who will show they are the perfect combination of looks, skills and charm when NXT holds its first ever men’s beauty pageant?

The Culling regroups backstage.

Izzi is just as upset about Spears going off script attacking OTM right before their match! Is he insane?! Spears says Izzi was right all along, he should not have scheduled their tag match on the same night as her title match. He was just trying to do the right thing. Izzi says it’s okay. He made the right call, don’t worry about it. Izzi leaves, Niko tells Spears they will take care of it. The Culling heads out, but is there a painful truth none of them want to address?

NXT Women’s Championship: Lola Vice VS Izzi Dame w/ The Culling!

Vice City fought long and hard to finally have this title, and while all challengers are welcome, there are some more challenging than others. Izzi loves to press buttons and try everyone’s last nerve, but will she be the one frazzled given everything that’s going on? Or will she find a way to spike Lola before Lola can knock her out?

NXT returns as Lola makes her entrance, and she is already in a fighting mood. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if it iz what it iz!

The bell rings, the fans are strongly behind Lola, and the two tie up. They go around, then Izzi ROCKS Lola to RAM her into the corner! Izzi RAMS again and again, but stops as the ref counts. Izzi short arm LARIATS, then looms over her. The fans boo as Izzi says this is HER division! Izzi stomps Lola, stomps her again, but Lola grabs at the leg. Izzi stomps free, then fireman’s carries, only for Lola to slip into the SLEEPER! The fans cheer but Izzi RAMS Lola into buckles. Lola lets go, but she mule kicks Izzi’s leg. Izzi crawls away but Lola storms after her. Lola whips, KICKS, and shimmies before she whips and KICKS again!

Lola whips again, KICK- NO, Izzi rolls Lola up! TWO, and Lola has a CROSSFACE! Izzi powers her way to a cover, TWO! Lola BODY BLOWS! Izzi sputters but Lola cording holds an arm to CHPO, CHOP, CHOP! Lola runs, slingshots and arm-drags Izzi away! Lola then SOBATS Izzi right outta the ring! Lola pursues, SEATED SENTON to the floor! The fans fire up as Lola does not slow down! She puts Izzi in the ring, Spears coaches Izzi, but then he hooks a foot! Lola kicks Spears away, Niko is again upset with him adlibbing, but Izzi BACKSTABBERS Lola! Niko sees it worked out so he’s fine, but then OTM rushes out here!

The fans fire up as Nima & Price take the fight back to Niko & Spears! They brawl to the back, and now things are truly 1v1 as NXT goes picture in picture.

Izzi is freaking out, she has no insurance policy! She hurries to KICK Lola, then RAMS her into buckles! Izzi RAMS and RAMS again, then whips corner to corner. Izzi then scoops Lola for a BACKBREAKER! Lola writhes, but Izzi stalks her to KNEE her low. Izzi stands over Lola, then HIP DROPS her! Izzi drags Lola back up, whips her to another corner hard, and Lola falls to the mat. Izzi looms over Lola, drags her up, and she scoops, only for Lola to slip free! Lola fires KICKS and BODY SHOTS! Izzi ROCKS Lola, Lola ROCKS Izzi, repeat! Lola SMACKS Izzi, spins her around, and rolls her up! TWO, and Izzi sees Lola go to a corner.

Izzi runs up to SPLASH, but into a SLEEPER! Izzi flails but Lola holds tight! Izzi powers up and pries Lola off her back, for a BACKBREAKER! Izzi then grabs Lola’s legs to turn her over, BOSTON CRAB! Lola endures as Izzi’s height makes these more like walls, but Lola still fights to the ROPEBREAK! Izzi lets go, runs up, but Lola dodges to roll her up! TWO, and Lola SPIN KCIKS Izzi down! But Lola can’t make the cover! Izzi survives this one, but both women go to the ropes. They both stand again, and they both run up, only for Lola to KICK Izzi down!

Lola KICKS Izzi down again as NXT returns to single picture! And KICKS! And LIGHTNING KICKS! Izzi sits in a corner, the fans fire up, and Lola reminds us, “I’m a Latina~!” HIP ATTACK! Lola keeps moving, but Izzi gets up to BOOT her down! Lola flounders, Izzi hauls her up, I-DRIVE! Cover, TWO! Lola survives being thrown down and the fans fire up again! Izzi stalks Lola to the apron but Lola KICKS her first! Lola drags Izzi out to the apron, but Izzi RAMS Lola into the post! And RAMS her again! Then Izzi DUMPS Lola into the ring. Izzi storms in, hoists Lola up top, but Lola fights back! The fans rally as Lola HAMMERS away with elbows!

Lola gest an arm, FLYING ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! The fans fire up as Izzi clasps hands to fight it, then rolls to a stack, but into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Izzi high stacks, TWO, and Izzi powers her way to the BOSTON CRAB! But Izzi’s arms can’t hold on, and Lola is able to turn some of the pressure away. But then Izzi shifts into a LIONTAMER! Lola endures, turns over, and kicks away on Izzi! Izzi falls over, goes to a corner, and the fans rally up again. Lola runs up, but into a BOOT! Izzi goes up, leaps, but into a THRUST KICK! But Izzi BOOTS Lola at the ref! The ref checks if Lola is alright, but Izzi runs up! Lola ducks, the SHOTGUN BOOT hits the ref!!

Izzi is shocked, but so is Lola! Adrian Butler is down, but Izzi and Lola DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans rally up again and both women rise. Izzi hits Lola, Lola hits Izzi, repeat! The fans cheer Lola and boo Izzi as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster, then fast ‘n’ furious! Lola bobs ‘n’ weaves to SPIN KICK! SPIN KCIK! And again! But Izzi blocks one, spins Lola, URAKEN!! Cover, Lola would have won if the ref was there! The ref is awake, he counts, TWO!!! Izzi survives what was a ten count because of the delay! Lola checks on the ref, but Izzi goes out to grab the belt! The fans boo as Izzi brings the belt to the ring! Izzi winds up, but then she throws it to Lola! BOOT through the belt!!

Izzi hurries to cover, the ref counts, TWO!!! Lola survives and shocks everyone! The fans are thunderous for Lola while Izzi is freaking out! Izzi hurries to reel Lola in, lift her up, and- NO, Lola slips down into a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK!! Izzi flails, HAMMERS Lola, but she can’t get free! Izzi HAMMERS Lola again, CLAWS at Lola, but Lola drags her down! Izzi makes it a jackknife bridge, TWO! Lola dodges a boot, URAKEN!!! Cover, LOLA WINS!

Winner: Lola Vice, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)

That was a shootout to be sure, but it was Lola with just a little bit more to give! Will no one stop Lola, even as the weather heats up?

NXT Media catches up with DarkState.

Dion, Cutler & Osiris are leaving the arena, and Dion says, “What, y’all thought the ambushes was over with, huh? DarkState’s back!” Osiris says Myles & Tavion got the reintroductions tonight. Cutler says next week, they’ll finish the job. Then they’re coming for all the gold! When DarkState strikes, ain’t nobody safe! But wait, from on top of a production truck, watching in the distance, it’s Saquon Shugars! When and where will he look to get his revenge on his former brothers in arms?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT here, really fun moves here and there. For one, DarkState being in nice semi-casual wear is kinda like them showing they’re in a new phase. Them attacking Tavion & Myles was also an interesting move, but there’s definitely a tag match in there that can somehow give us a North American Championship match. For that matter, now that Saquon is the Sting to DarkState’s nWo, I could see Saquon joining Myles & Tavion to make things a Six Man Tag. For that matter, isn’t it about time for a Six Pack Ladder match for the North American Championship? That’d be really fun given the dynamics between Tavion and Myles but also Saquon and any of the DarkState members.

Great match from Wren VS Lani, and Lani busting out more submission moves is really good stuff. Kali Armstrong had some good promos tonight, and she might have a lot in common with Lani in how she’s making the rest of the locker room kinda sour to her already. Very good match from Jaida VS Layla, great win for Jaida there, and we’re one step closer to Nattie and Jaida having their match. Very good promo from Tatum, Shiloh and Lizzy, even with Tristan, and equally good follow up from Shiloh, Lizzy, and Zaria. Lizzy VS Zaria is going to be good stuff, but I would think Zaria wins and that compels a title match with Tatum.

Shiloh had a great match with Dempsey, great win for him with that somewhat quick pin. Very good stuff with Shiloh and Tristan setting up the official Mr. NXT Pageant, as goofy as that sounds. I would think Shiloh wins that, Tristan gets mad, and Tristan beats up Shiloh, compelling a match between them. Really creative stuff with the Speed tournament this time in that one match goes to the time limit and completely flips how the tournament works. Then Romeo VS Frazer had to be near perfect for it to not lose out on time there, that was awesome stuff. Romeo Moreno is already getting a great opportunity here on NXT, I’m surprised he’s still even on Evolve. Though as I said for Evolve, a lot of this might be because of all the stupid/uninformed releases…

Vanity Project had a good promo with Tate Wilder, and Tate VS Drake will be a really good match. Very good stuff from the NXT Championship scene, with Tony D calling out Naraku, and Naraku claiming he’ll be on Tony’s side until it’s time to fight for the title. Good stuff from Kam but great response from Tony, and their match will be a lot of fun. I feel like Mason Rook is gonna try and interfere, which would bring Naraku into this, and they’ll brawl, costing Kam and saving Tony. I wonder if we also get Naraku VS Rook before either of them challenges Tony.

And great stuff with Culling and all their parts. Spears going rogue is actually a really clever way for him to be passive aggressive about Izzi taking the leadership role from him. Then OTM and Culling brawling was a good way to get payback. Izzi VS Lola was awesome but great win for Lola to stay champ while all this other stuff is going on, not just in WWE/NXT but in AAA.

My Score: 8.9/10