It iz what it iz. Or iz it?

Mr. Iguana returns to NXT to help his amiga, the NXT Women’s Champion, Lola Vice, against The Culling’s Izzi Dame & Niko Vance!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kali Armstrong VS Jaida Parker; Kali wins.
• Jackson Drake w/ Swipe Right VS Jasper Troy; Drake wins.
• Tony D’Angelo VS Tavion Heights; rescheduled.
• Mixed Tag: Lola Vice & Mr. Iguana VS Izzi Dame & Niko Vance w/ Shawn Spears; Izzi & Niko win.
• Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Cutler James & Osiris Griffin w/ DarkState; Cutler & Osiris win.
• Tony D’Angelo VS Tavion Heights; Tony wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Tony D’Angelo speaks.

The NXT Champion is in the Performance Center as he says, “These guys don’t wanna wait? Well, I’m not waiting, either! Watch this.” Tony CLOBBERS Tavion right onto a table, and then they brawl to the floor! The other superstars and prospects get in there to separate these two, but not for long! Tony eggs Tavion on, Tavion says let’s go! Will Tavion regret escalating things with Tony D? Or will the heat reach new heights?

Kali Armstrong VS Jaida Parker!

The Difference Maker was inaugural WWE Evolve Women’s Champion, and now she wants to prove she belongs on NXT! But did she choose the wrong one in Miss Parker? Or is there about to be a Kali Connection in Orlando?

The bell rings and the fans fire up already as Jaida and Kali talk trash. They start shoving, then Kali slips around to shove Jaida. Kali guzels Jaida, talks more trash, but Jaida slips around to waistlock and SLAM! Jaida brings Kali up to waistlock and SLAM again! Jaida gives back that trash talk but Kali ELBOWS free. Kali shoves Jaida to arm-drag, but Jaida counters with a headlock takeover! The fans cheer for “Miss Parker~!” but Kali fights up. Jaida wrangles Kali to a cover, ONE! Jaida stays on Kali with a facelock, but Kali fights up to wrench and headlock back. Kali snapmares then pushes Jaida down, but Jaida avoids the elbow drop!

Jaida runs to slide into the headlock and she grinds Kali down. The fans rally as Kali fights up and fires body shots. Jaida goes to a corner, Kali stomps her, then Kali whips. Jaida reverses to arm-drag! Jaida RUNS Kali over, then wrenches through to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Jaida clamps onto Kali drags her up, and whips. Kali stops herself, but Jaida LARIATS Kali up and out! The fans fire up again and  Jaida runs to slide, only for Kali to block the dropkick! Kali RAMS Jaida into the apron, then swings her around, only for Jaida to send her into the apron! Jaida CLUBS Kali, puts her in the ring, but has to avoid the shoulder!

Jaida KICKS Kali away, then runs up. Kali dodges, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both women fall but the fans fire up as NXT goes picture in picture.

Jaida nods, she’s fired up by this competitive match. Jaida fires body shots but Kali fires back. They go shot for shot, harder and harder, then Kali BODY BLOWS! Kali wrenches Jaida, CLUBS the arm, then CLUBS it again. Kali wrenches to WRING Jaida out! Cover, TWO! Jaida toughs it out but Kali brings her up and around. Kali wrenches to WRING Jaida again! Cover, TWO! Kali drags Jaida up again but Jaida ELBOWS her away. Kali runs up to RAM Jaida in the corner! And RAMS her again! Kali runs, but Jaida dodges! Jaida CLUBS Kali, rolls her up, TWO! Jaida drags Kali up but Kali kicks low.

Kali brings Jaida around, whips her to ropes, but Jaida reverses to CLOBBER her! Cover, TWO! Kali toughs it out but Jaida stays on her. Kali body shots Jaida, then scurries to a corner as Jaida comes running back up. Jaida backs off so Kali can stand up, and Kali shoots around to headlock Jaida. Kali hits a headlock takeover, but Jaida headscissors. Kali moves around, pops free, and drops on Jaida for another headlock. Jaida endures the grind and fights to her feet. Jaida fires body shots but Kali hits another takeover. Jaida fights up again, NXT returns to single picture, and the fans rally as Jaida fire smore body shots.

Jaida whips corner to corner, Kali reverses, and Jaida hits buckles hard! Kali does push-ups just to show off, then she runs in, into a BOOT! Kali tumbles out of the ring but hurries back to her feet. Kali HOTSHOTS Jaida, then hurries to the apron. Kali springboards to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up as Kali storms around. Kali JABS! JABS! JABS! Then a two step before she KICKS Jaida’s leg and DECKS her! Kali then KNEE DROPS again and again! Kali runs the ropes to JUMP KNEE DROP! Jaida writhes but Kali grins as she has control. Kali soaks up the cheers and jeers before she storms up on Jaida. Kali RAMS into Jaida again and again, then digs her shoulder in!

The ref counts, Kali backs off, but she pie faces Jaida. Jaida SLAPS Kali! Kali ROCKS Jaida and stomps away in the corner! The ref counts, Kali backs off, and Kali mocks the high stepping! The fans are torn again, but Kali runs up, and she CLOBBERS Jaida! Kali runs, but Jaida CHOP BLOCKS Kali! Then BACKDROPS her! And BACKDROPS again! Jaida BOOTS Kali down and the fans fire up for “MISS PARKER~!” Jaida runs up, blocks boots, and CHOPS Kali in the ropes! And CHOPS again! Then the TEARDROP! Jaida high steps then drags Kali up. Kali wrenches to kick low, then ROCKS Jaida! Jaida ROCKS Kali in return, the hands fly, but Kali CLUBS Jaida!

Jaida CHOPS Kali, then fireman’s carries! Kali CLAWS Jaida’s eyes, then RAMS her into the corner! But Jaida bucks the O’Conner! Jaida runs up, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Kali fires up and hits the gas! KALI CONNECTION! Cover, Kali wins!

Winner: Kali Armstrong, by pinfall

From Evolve to NXT, Kali is on a five match win streak, and she is running downhill with that momentum! Will she make herself the next contender no matter what? As for Jaida, what will it take for her to finally break through to the next level?

Robert Stone meets with Tony D’Angelo.

The NXT General Manager is upset with the champion over that attack on Tavion, but Tony says he is not the kind of champion waiting on his challengers or looking over his shoulder. He may be the hunted, but he is still a hunter. Stone says no, that’s not how they do this! Do NOT interrupt him, Stone! Give Tony a match with Tavion tonight! Tonight? Yes, he said tonight! Is Stone hearing him? Yes, he is! Done deal! Tony VS Tavion, okay? Go! Tony leaves, but will he regret taking a fight with a hungry hunter? Or will Tavion be made an example for all the others aiming at the gold?

Birthright talks backstage.

Lexis King says, “What happened last week is a travesty. And where did Sean Legacy come from? He wasn’t even supposed to be here!” Stacks asks what this Tate Wilder guy is doing! What happened to paying your dues around here? But in steps Fit Finlay, and Uriah Connors says wassup, pops. Finlay says here’s what’s up: They’re supposed to be upholding tradition, right? Not being outmaneuvered by gamers who have no pedigree and are way below them. Guess who he has on the phone? Arianna Grace says uh oh, is that Mr. Regal? Yes, good guess. At least they got something right.

Finlay has Regal speak. He also says last week was a disappointment, but not to worry, he’s handled it. He sent Charlie back to the Snake Pit in England for training, because next week, it will be a Six Man Tag. Now, make the most of this opporutnity and take care of business. Arianna promises they will. Finlay tells them all to step up. Grace says next week, they’re fighting for their birthright. Will these multigenerational stars prove their families proud? Or will Super Sean, EK Prosper, and Tate Wilder stake their claim to NXT?

He speaks.

“I made my name in my home country of Japan. I’ve faced and defeated many great competitors. I’ve won many titles, but the soul of a warrior is never satisfied. NXT is entering a new era of great opportunity! This is MY moment to strike! Tony, you sit at the top of NXT with the biggest prize in NXT. A prize I want. I did not present you with a gift, I presented you with a proclamation. One day, you and I will do battle for the NXT Championship! It is written in the rising sun! HAHAHA!” NXT, be ready for… NARAKU!

Jackson Drake w/ Swipe Right VS Jasper Troy!

Dr. Thirst has been feeling good in and out of the ring, but the MonStar questions why. What has Drake done other than pal around with Swipe Right, THE NXT Tag Team Champions? Will the Carolina Reaper burn Troy for talking down to him? Or is Troy going to prove that size does matter?

The bell rings and Drake runs up, but Toy THROWS him right back! Troy then THROWS Drake to another corner, and he fires haymakers! The fans sing, “Jasper’s Gonna Kill~ You!” Troy backs off as the ref counts, then CLOBBERS Drake! Troy warns Swipe Right, then dares Drake to get back up. Troy scoops Drake, Drake slips free, and Drake KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS! Troy blocks that one to throw it back, but Drake ENZIGIRIS in return! Drake whips, but Troy blocks! Troy shakes his head, then whips Drake! Drake ducks, handsprings, but Troy dodges to CLOBBER Drake! Smokes gets on the apron but Troy chases him off!

Now Brad gets on the apron, but Troy chases him off, too. Drake goes up, up, and METEORAS! The fans are torn as Drake is feeling himself, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Drake basement DROPKICKS Troy, then stalks him to a corner. Drake digs his boot in, but he stops as the ref counts 4. Drake backs off to soak up cheers and jeers, then he runs up to DROPKICK Troy again! Drake stomps away, but he stops to drag Troy to the apron. Drake bends Troy’s neck back against the apron edge! The ref reprimands, Drake stops to climb back up, for an APRON KNEE DROP! Troy flounders away while Drake high-fives his boys. Drake then DROPKICKS Troy in another corner! Drake swaggers, then brings Troy up. Drake tries to fireman’s carry but not possible with Troy being twice his size!

Troy CLUBS Drake, HEADBUTTS him, and Drake flounders out to the apron. Troy storms up, but Drake HOTSHOTS him away! Drake hurries back up, and he DUMPS Troy out! Troy lands on his feet, but Drake DIVES! Troy catches Drake in his arms, to then pop him around! But Drake slips free to POST Troy! Drake rolls into the ring, builds speed again, and DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Troy! Swipe Right is there to talk some trash, but Troy rolls back into the ring. Drake pursues, runs the ropes, and handsprings for the LETHAL INJECTION! Cover, TWO!! Troy survives and Drake is stunned!

Drake runs to basement DROPKICK! Drake then clamps on with a chinlock, shifts into a SLEEPER, and he grinds Troy down! Troy endures, fights back up, but Drake CLUBS him down! Then Drake CHOP BLOCKS a leg! Drake is fired up as he then rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Drake clamps the SLEEPER back on, and he grinds Troy down to the mat. Troy fights up again, with Drake as a backpack! NXT returns to single picture as Troy RAMS Drake into a corner! Troy is free, but Drake BOOTS him away! Drake spins Troy around, but Troy DECKS him! And DOUBLE CHOPS! The fans fire up as Troy then RAMS Drake into the corner!

Troy whips, Drake goes up and over and handsprings more, to then duck ‘n’ dodge, only for Troy to catch him! Troy swings but Drake makes it a DDT! The fans rally as Drake hobbles to the corner. Drake climbs, grins, but Troy kips up!? Everyone is shocked seeing that! Drake leaps, but into a guzel! CHOKE SLAM! Troy roars, runs, and SENTONS! The fans fire up with Troy while Swipe Right hurries to get Drake outta the ring! Troy rolls out, and he DECKS Smoles! and DECKS Drake! Brad begs for mercy, but Troy grabs him by the neck! Troy gorilla presses Brad, and THROWS him into the ring! But wait, here comes MYKA!

The fans are stunned as Drake’s new boo spins Troy! And scoops him for a SLAM on the floor!! Mighty Myka puts Troy in the ring, then Drake goes up! Drake huts the 450 SPLASH! Cover, Drake wins!

Winner: Jackson Drake, by pinfall

As if Drake wasn’t smitten with his Amazon girlfriend before, now he’s really in love! Myka helps Drake steal this win, will they make themselves the new power couple of NXT?

Tristan Angels speaks.

“Order, order. One week ago, the winds of change blew through NXT, and emerged Tristan Angels. I am here to bring real class to this brand, and yes, it is true, I was born a seventh generation sheep farmer on a hill in Dorset, England. But I knew from a young age that there was gold running through my veins, and that I was destined for so much more. And of course, I was correct! At just 22 years of age, my name has become synonymous with overachievement internationally. I can sheer a sheep in just under a minute, and I will kick your favorite superstar’s ass even quicker than that. Because when it comes to winning and achievements, I have something of a sixth sense.

“Which is in total contrast to your North American Champion, Myles Borne, who doesn’t even have all five of his. I don’t need to scrape into other people’s moments like Kam Hendrix to feel relevant, nor do I have to go around like that toothless caveman, Shiloh Hill, feeding disgusting racoons out of the palm of my hand. Or slapping my belly to try and make you laugh like Hank ‘n’ Tank. I am the star NXT has been yearning for. And luckily for you all, I am here. Built with shoulders broad enough to carry that burden, rejoice, NXT: Mr. England, Tristan Angels, has officially arrived.”

Zaria is here!

The fans are torn seeing the Agent of Change swagger to the ring, still feeling good after her win over Sol Ruca in their Last Woman Standing grudge match. Zaria grabs a mic and says, “NXT feels… different, doesn’t it? There’s a change in the air, and now it could be anyone’s game. And honestly, for the first time, I’m standing in the middle of the Women’s Division with no one holding me back.” The fans cheer as Zaria says there’s no dead weight, no fake friends. The only one is her, and she is only now realizing this is how it always needed to be. Her, ZARIA, alone. Fans chant “BIG ZA!” and she says she has a clear path to what started it all.

The very thing that came in between her and Sol. The catalyst that is the NXT Women’s North American Championship! “Some people think that that title destroyed everything, but to me, that title is what finally woke me up. Because when you spend enough time around something like that, holding it, defending it, hearing about it, it starts to make you feel like it should be yours!” But speaking of that title, here comes Tatum Paxley! The fans cheer #TuesdayAddams, but she tells Zaria that she understands that this title didn’t just fracture the relationship with Sol, it completely shattered it! But that had nothing to do with Tatum.

And now, Zaria is here, trying to figure out who she is by herself, and that is hard. Tatum gets that more than anyone! But Zaria, if you were to come after this title… It wouldn’t matter if you scorched the earth. Tatum’s ended friendships, too. She’s danced with the devil while putting someone in a casket, all for this title. That doesn’t end with Zaria. But wait, wait, wait! Lizzy Rain is here, and she rocks her way to the ring! “Oi, oi, oi! Look, Zaria, Tatum, you’re right. NXT feels different. It is anyone’s game. And me? Well, I’m the new blood in the locker room, which is why I wouldn’t mind joining in on this bit o’ fun.”

Last week, Lizzy was the talk of the town! And whilst the lineage of this NXT Women’s North American Championship is iconic, how fitting would it be if we added some heavy metal to the gold? Tatum likes that, but wait! Now let’s add Nikkita Lyons! The fans cheer #BigKatKita and she says alright, yes, of course Lizzy was the talk o’ the town! that’s what they call the Lyons Rub! Or maybe the Divine Feline Effect. But uh, all Lyons hears is the new flavor of the month shooting way over her head. And sure, Lizzy set social media on fire last week, but Lyons has seen girls like her come and go. So go touch grass before the new car smell wears off.

Tatum asks what Lyons is talking about. Zaria, Lizzy, if anyone wants- Lyons sings her, “Excuse~ me~!” Kita Multimedia wasn’t done! Lizzy, why do you even have eyes on this title? Lyons isn’t even done with the “Maiden of Metal!” Lyons swings on Lizzy but she ducks it! Zaria ROCKS Tatum, BOOTS Lizzy, then ducks Lyons’ kick to GERMAN SUPELX Lyons away! But Tatum wrenches Zaria, only for Zaria to power out! Fireman’s carry, F5! The Delta Force has been felt, and she holds up the gold. Will no one deny Zaria her glory now that she’s all about herself?

Vanity Project regroups backstage.

They are fired up after Drake’s big win tonight, but they come across Evolve’s Romeo Moreno. He introduces himself, and Drake thinks that name must be ironic or something. Smokes recognizes Romeo! He’s the new kid who likes to paint! Yeah, he says wrestling is art. Brad sarcastically says more new people is exactly what they need around here. Romeo says they’re technically new to NXT, right? Yes, but they’re also champions. But then NOAM DAR steps in! Romeo is excited to see the return of the Scottish Supernova as Noam points out Drake is not a champion. Drake tells Swipe Right that this is Noam Dar, he used to be a big deal almost ten years ago.

Noam says he still is a big deal, “Jacky.” And he is happy to hand out a reminder. That’s what he just confirmed with Mr. Stone. Supernova is back, and time to shake off the rust. Drake looks like the perfect opponent for target practice. So how about it? Next week, Dar VS Drake. And his boys can watch, because they clearly can’t be left alone unsupervised. But then Myka steps in and says they’re with her. Drake says yeah! So if Myka is down for watching Drake “welcome” Dar back, challenge accepted. Vanity Project heads out, and Romeo again fanboys. He loved Dar’s work back in NXT UK, he was watching all the time. Welcome back!

Dar thanks Romeo for that, but did Supernova 11 already bite off more than he can chew?

Tony D’Angelo heads to gorilla.

BUT KAM HENDRIX ATTACKS! Mr. Showtime busts up the wall using Tony, then rains down fists! Refs and Mr. Stone rush in, Kam is dragged away, but is Tony in any shape to have the match he got with Tavion? We’ll have to see, after the break.

NXT returns and Stone hurries to borrow a production staff member’s headset. Stone tells the team that Tony VS Tavion is NOT happening. Kam is kicked out, Tony stormed off, so move up the Mixed Tag Match. Lola & Iguana VS Culling NOW. Yes, now! Make it happen! Stone thanks everyone, then hurries off. What consequences await Kam on the other side of this? And what will our main event be now that there’s been a change to plans?

Mixed Tag: Lola Vice & Mr. Iguana VS Izzi Dame & Niko Vance w/ Shawn Spears!

Well, speaking of the AAA Mixed Tag Team Champions, it was only natural that Senor Verde would come to the aid of the Mayor of Vice City when she needed it. But will they make sure The Culling learns their place? Or will there be a painful truth in Lola’s near future?

The teams sort out and Iguana starts against Niko. They tie up, but Niko SHOVES Iguana away. The fans rally for Iguana as he resets with Niko, and Iguana dodges to waistlock. Niko bucks Iguana, things speed up, and Niko RUNS Iguana over! Iguana plays dead and Niko isn’t sure what to do. Spears says just be careful. Niko knuckle locks but Iguana kips up! Niko fireman’s carries, but Iguana pops around to a SLEEPER! Then an ELEVATED COBRA TWIST! Niko RAMS Iguana into a corner, then Gory Especials! Lola manages to pass La Yesca to Iguana, and that gives him the power to flip through and arm-drag Niko!

Niko runs up but Yesca SMACKS him! Iguana ducks ‘n’ dodges to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Yesca covers Niko, ONE! Niko is upset but Izzi tags in. Spears has Yesca by the tail, but Iguana snatches her back. But Izzi BOOTS Iguana! Lola THRUST KICKS Izzi! Lola fires off fast hands, then KICKS, KICKS, and KICKS! The fans fire up for Lola but she backs off as the ref counts. Lola runs back in, but Izzi dodges! Izzi LARIATS Lola down! The fans boo but Izzi storms up on Lola again to UPPERCUT! Izzi ROCKS Lola, bumps her off buckles, then brings her around to scoop and SLAM! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Lola but Izzi drags her up.

Izzi whips Lola, runs up, and she RAMS into Lola! Izzi whips Lola back the other way, but Lola BOOTS her! Roll up, TWO! Lola BODY BLOWS Izzi, then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Lola runs to ropes, slingshots and arm-drags! Izzi tumbles but Lola SPIN KICKS! Izzi bails out, Lola tags Iguana! Niko runs up, Iguana dodges to RANA! Niko tumbles out, and now Iguana goes up, up, and tags Lola before the SUPER SEATED SENTON! Lola SEATED SENTONS Izzi! The fans fire up as Iguana y Lola dance, then they pose on the apron while NXT goes picture in picture.

Lola goes out to fetch Izzi and put her in the ring. Lola runs but The Chair Man stands in the way! Lola turns around, and Izzi BOOTS her down! Izzi drags Lola up, bumps her off buckles, then bumps her off buckles again! And again, only for Lola to turn things around! Izzi staggers, Lola waistlocks, but Izzi fights the lift. Izzi wrenches free to kick low, but Lola blocks! Lola SOBATS, then ducks a lariat! Hot tag to Iguana! Niko runs up but Iguana CHOPS! Niko whips, Iguana ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard, but into a HAYMAKER! Niko is fired up after his anti-air hits, then he stomps away on Iguana! Niko ROCKS Iguana, and Iguana plays dead again.

Niko stomps Iguana, not falling for that trick again. Niko CHOKES Iguana, steps off, then whips him to a corner. Niko runs up to SPLASH, then he ROCKS Iguana again! Iguana slumps down in the corner, but Niko stomps away. The ref counts, Niko stops, and Niko drags Iguana up. Niko reels Iguana in for a BIG suplex! That’s just Uno Amigo, but Iguana fires body shots! Niko CLUBS Iguana down, then snarls as he steps on him. Niko drags Iguana up to ROCK him with a right! Niko CHOKES Iguana on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts 4. Izzi gets a cheap shot in! Niko covers, TWO! Iguana toughs it out but Niko looms over him.

Niko stands Iguana up, ROCKS him, but Iguana CHOPS in return! Niko KNEES low, CLUBS Iguana, but Iguana CHOPS! Niko ROCKS Iguana again, then eggs him on. Iguana stands up as NXT returns to single picture, and Iguana fires body shots! Niko CLUBS Iguana, scoops him, and SLAMS him! Niko runs to FALLING HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO! Iguana toughs it out but Niko argues the count. The count was fair, so Niko drags Iguana up again. Niko HEADBUTTS, but Iguana HEADBUTTS back! Niko HEADBUTTS, Iguana HEADBUTTS, but Niko ROLLING HEAEDBUTTS! The fans boo as Niko soaks up the heat.

Iguana crawls but Niko hurries to drag him back! Lola reaches out, Iguana ENZIGIRIS Niko away, but Izzi sneaks her way over to YANK Lola down! The fans boo but Izzi SMACKS Lola off steps! Niko gut wrenches to SLAM Iguana down! Cover, TWO! Iguana survives and the fans fire up! Niko reels Iguana in, hoists him up for a Canadian Rack, but Iguana flips through to DDT! The fans fire up while Niko and Iguana crawl, hot tags to Lola and Izzi! Lola KICKS Izzi down, then KICKS her again! And SPIN KICK! SPIN KICK! SPIN KICK! Lola fires LIGHTNING KICKS! Izzi scrambles to a corner but Lola fires the fans up!

But then Niko steps in and stares Lola down. Lola fires LIGHTNING KICKS! Then Iguana SHOTGUNS! Iguana y Lola salsa then dosido, DOUBLE HIP ATTACKS! The fans cheer as Lola drags Izzi to a cover, TWO! Izzi survives but the fans rally behind Lola. Lola reels Izzi in but Izzi fights the back suplex. Izzi CLUBS away, then CHOPS! The fans boo but Izzi scoops, only for Lola to slip free and ROUNDHOUSE! Cover, but Niko stops the ref from counting! The ref reprimands, Niko “apologizes,” but here comes Iguana! Niko TOSSES Iguana out, Izzi UPPERCUTS Lola! Cover, TWO! Lola survives and The Culling is frustrated.

The fans rally up, Izzi whips, but Lola turns hip toss into ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Niko runs in but Iguana intecepts! IGUANA RANA into the TRIANGLE HOLD! Lola drags Izzi into a TRIANGLE HOLD, too! But Niko deadlifts Iguana, only for Igauan to RANA Niko outside! Niko holds on and POWERBOMBS Igauan on the floor! Izzi manages the ROPEBREAK! Lola sees what happened to Iguana, but Izzi rolls her up! TWO, and Izzi avoids the uraken to BUSAIKU KNEE! Cover, IZZI & NIKO WIN!

Winners: Izzi Dame & Niko Vance, by pinfall

Yes, it seems there was a painful truth, and it was that Lola’s Iguana could not fend off The Culling’s attack dog. Izzi gets her win on Lola, but will she soon take the NXT Women’s Championship?

Tavion Heights is furious.

As far as he knows, Kam Hendrix just cost him a match with Tony D! Myles Borne knows Tavion his pissed, but maybe this is a good thing. What? A good thing?! Myles, Tavion does not need you acting like the opposition right now! No, Tavion, but the match was rather quick. Now he has time to prepare. Myles, Tavion stays ready so he doesn’t have to get ready. Stone walks in and tells Tavion that firstly, they kicked Kam out of the building. Secondly, Tony D is still down for the match. Tavion says damn right! He shakes hands with Stone, and now they’re the main event! Tavion heads out, will he earn himself that golden ticket after all?

Stone then spots Zaria storming around, and he hurries over. She asks him who the hell Lyons and Lizzy think they are interrupting Zaria! That Women’s North American Championship is hers! Stone knows she wants that title match, so next week, it will be Zaria & Lyons VS Lizzy & Tatum. A tag team match?! Zaria tells him to look into her eyes: She is DONE with tag matches. Well, if she wants another title opportunity, she’ll take this match. Stone leaves Zaria with little choice, but will she just make sure to take over by any means necessary?

Jaida Parker is raging backstage!

She shouts, “I’m over this! I’m over this!” She is furious that she just can’t get it right! She’s throwing chairs, ripping down labels, then sits down as she starts getting emotional. But then someone says, “I guess what they’re saying about Miss Parker is true.” NATTIE steps in, and she says Jaida’s gone soft. Nattie leaves, but is that her rubbing salt in the wound? Or was that an invitation to the Dungeon?

Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Cutler James & Osiris Griffin w/ DarkState!

This card’s already been subject to change, so think of this as a surprise bonus. But will the Big Belly Bandits start their comeback to the tag team titles? Or DarkState prove they can still work together for a common goal?

NXT returns as DarkState makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Cutler starts against Tank. They circle as the fans rally up, and Tank slaps his belly to the rhythm of “HANK ‘N’ TANK! HANK ‘N’ TANK!” The two tie up, Cutler waistlocks, but Tank wiggles and swivels and wrenches free to waistlock back. Cutler ELBOWS free, then UPPERCUTS! Tank wobbles, Cutler whips, but Tank BOOTS in return! Tank runs up to slip around and crucifix takedown! Ghost pin, TWO! Tank powers Cutler to ropes, Hank tags in, and Tank whips Cutler to then redirect! Hank ELBOWS Cutler down, cover, ONE! Hank headlocks but Cutler fires body shots.

Hank CLUBS Cutler, armlocks then wrenches, but Cutler ROCKS Hank. Cutler tags Osiris, they double whip, and DOUBLE LARIAT! Osiris drags Hank up, scoops, and SLAMS! Osiris fires up, but Hank UP KICKS! tag to Tank, they dodge Osiris to DOUBLE ELBOW in the corner! Tank goes to suplex but Osiris is a big man! Osiris fires body shots to suplex Tank! And hold him up! The fans cheer as Osiris holds until TEN before the SLAM! Tank’s a big man so that’s impressive in itself. Osiris drags Tank over, tags Cutler, and DarkState mugs Tank. Cutler then whips and LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Cutler runs up but Tank dodges! Hank tags in before Tank SPLASHES!

Hank runs in and SPLASHES, to then BULLDOG! Tank SENTONS! Hank goes to the apron, he ELBOWS Osiris away, then climbs up. Cutler UPPERCUTS Hank down! Hank hits apron then the floor! Tank runs up but Osiris blocks a kick! Cutler LARIATS Tank down! Dion grabs a chair, but Saquon says no! Dion is immediately furious, they’re disagreeing every week! Cutler & Osiris go outside to calm these two down, but the ring count is climbing. Hank ‘n’ Tank are still down, DarkState is dysfunctional, but NXT goes picture in picture.

Cutler focuses on what matters as he puts Hank in the ring. Cutler stomps Hank around, tags Osiris, and now Osiris stomps Hank around. Osiris drags Hank up to whip him hard into an open corner. Osiris storms up but Hank fires back! Hank CHOPS, but Osiris KNEES and CLUBS him! Osiris whips Hank corner to corner HARD, and Hank flounders on the mat. Osiris talks some trash, then stalks Hank to bring him up. Osiris whips corner to corner again, but Tank helps Hank take the hit! Hank comes back to CLOBBER Osiris! Both big men are down and crawling, hot tags to Cutler and Tank! Tank dodges to go up, up, and DOUBLE CROSSBODY!

Tank fires up, fires haymakers on Cutler, then JABS, JABS, JABS! Tank dodges a shot, then cartwheels to dodge another! Tank LARIATS Cutler down! Tank even ducks Osiris’ cheap shot to DECK him! Tank ELBOWS Cutler away, but Osiris trips Tank up! Cutler scoops Tank to BACKBREAKER! Cutler stomps away on Tank, bumps him off buckles, then RAMS into him again and again! The ref counts, Cutler short arm LARIATS before 4. Tag to Osiris, he scoops Tank to SNAKE EYES! Osiris keeps moving and SHOTGUNS Tank down! Cover, TWO! Tank survives but Osiris stays between him and Hank.

Osiris CHOKES Tank on the ropes, stops as the ref counts 4, then storms back over to Tank. Tank fires body shots, but Osiris CLUBS him for it. Osiris puts Tank in the corner, tags Cutler, and they mug Tank. Cutler short arm LARIATS again! Cutler pushes Tank down to a cover, TWO! Cutler clamps onto Tank with a chinbar and chicken wing while NXT returns to single picture. Tank fights up while the fans duel. Dion and Saquon at least agree on coaching Cutler to stay on Tank. Cutler wrangles Tank down, has the chinlock, but Tank fights up, up, but Cutler KNEES low! Cutler CLUBS Tank, then tags Osiris.

Osiris whips for Cutler to reverse, and Osiris SPLASHES! Feed to Cutler for a GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Osiris scuffs Tank, mocks the belly slapping, then fires body shots! Osiris scoops to SLAM Tank! Osiris pushes Tank around, mocks him again, but Tank rises up. Osiris puts Tank in the corner but Tank fires forearms and elbows! The fans cheer as Tank fights free, but Osiris keeps him from Hank! Osiris whips Tank back in for a LARIAT! Tag to Cutler, he sends Osiris back in, but Tank dodges! Osiris is down, Cutler still gut wrenches, but Tank slips free! Tank rolls to hot tag Hank! Th efans fire up as Hank DOUBLE CHOPS Cutler down!

Hank whips Cutler to CLOBBER him at the ropes! Then he hits a BIG suplex! Hank sets up to SENTON! Osiris storms in but Hank LARIATS Osiris up and out! Hank then goes out to POUNCE! Osiris hits desk! Hank ducks ‘n’ dodges Cutler to BODY CHECK him! Tag to Tank, and they run to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Cover, Osiris breaks it! The fans are torn as Osiris saves the day, then BOOTS Hank! Osiris TOSSES Hank, Tank DUMPS Osiris! Cutler clutches Tank for a SWINGING BACKBREAKER! Tag to Osiris and Osiris hauls Tank up! WASTELAND, then VADER BOMB! Cover, HANK BREAKS IT! The fans cheer as now Hank saves the day!

Osiris storms up on Hank to short arm LARIAT! Tag to Cutler, DarkState hauls Tank up! POWERSLAM DDT COMBO! Cover, TWO?!?! Tank survives that devastating combo and DarkState is frustrated again! Cutler talks trash on Tank, but Tank ROCKS him! Cutler ROCKS Tank, Tank ROCKS Cutler, repeat! The fans cheer as Tank elbows, mule kicks, and KNEES! Hot tags to Osiris and Hank! Hank dodges Osiris and Osiris POSTS himself! Hank LARIATS Cutler up and out! cutler drags Hank out to APRON BACK SUPLEX! Osiris is up, but Tank DIVES! But they catch Tank!! And the SLAM him onto Hank!

The fans are torn as DarkState puts Hank in, then Osiris tags Cutler. They haul Hank up, DOUBLE POWERBOMB!! Cover, DarkState wins!

Winners: Osiris Griffin & Cutler James, by pinfall

Despite the dysfunction between Dion and Saquon, Osiris & Cutler held it together and they won out! Will they help the whole team reset and get back to the gold?

Lola Vice returns backstage.

Kelani Jordan is there and she sarcastically says, “Tough loss, champ. And you got pinned by Izzi? She’s definitely gonna want a title shot. But you shouldn’t worry about her. You should be worried about me.” Lola says she’s not in the mood for this, but Lani says don’t act like you forgot: Lani is the only woman to ever tap Lola out, so Lani IS the one to worry about. But Kendal Grey walks in and says Lani knows she ain’t talking about a title match. Oh, of course! Says the woman who had so many opportunities already. Kendal says yeah, and she’s still got her eyes on the title. But last week, Lani hurt Kendal’s best friend, so now it’s Lani’s turn.

Lani says how cute. Lola says Lani needs to handle her own problems first. Lola leaves, but Lani tells Kendal, “Friendships, or championships. Guess we’ll see which one you care about more.” Lani leaves, but will Kendal make sure to sink Lani’s ship?

NXT meets its newest correspondent.

Emily Agard walks ‘n’ talks as she introduces herself, and her first assignment is getting to know Keanu Carver a little better. He said to meet him out here, she’s hoping he’ll let his guard down. Emily says hi to Keanu, and Keanu asks if she’s the one that’s interviewing him. Who the hell even is she? Emily says she’s the new correspondent. Then what does she want? Well, she’s on her first assignment, they sent her here, she just wants to talk. See, this is what they do. They put you in situations you don’t want to be in, and make you talk about stuff you don’t wanna talk about! Like who is this guy? The cameraman…?

Keanu says he doesn’t know them, so he doesn’t care! He’s not talking in front of cameras. Okay, okay, camera down. Emily agrees, they put her in a tough spot to see how she’d handle it, but she has to be honest, she has to go back with something. She did her research on Keanu, and knows he went to Temple University, that he was on the football team. What motivates him in pro-wrestling? Money, straight up. Okay, how so? W-what? What else is Keanu supposed to say? He has said it a thousand times, he’s here to make money for his family so he can feed them. Comments don’t pay the bills. The fans don’t pay his bills! He has people he has to take care of!

And that’s something no one here gets! Keanu isn’t here to be like anyone else! He isn’t here to do fancy tricks and get clout online! He isn’t here for clicks, likes, popularity. He doesn’t need it! He doesn’t need what the others want. Keanu has people he has to take care of, and if no one gets that, he doesn’t know how else to say it. He told Shawn Michaels to his face to give Keanu a chance or just cut him. Wow, he said that? Yeah, straight up. Look, if wrestling don’t work, Keanu will have to find something that will. If wrestling stops feeding his family, Keanu will find something that will. Emily understands that, everyone’s gotta survive.

Keanu says everyone else here in NXT is putting on an act, being something they not. Y’know something about him? He’s been the same guy his whole life. When he was in the barbershop, the sub shop, on the football field, or cracking heads on the streets, it didn’t matter! Keanu is the same person he’s always been, that’s the same person he’s always gonna be. He isn’t here to follow rules or authority, and if you don’t wanna accept it, go ahead, he’ll go his own way, he don’t care. He’s just himself. Emily at least wants to ask one question on the record, just to say she did her job. Yeah, that’s fine. He knows the camera’s been recording the whole time anyway!

Emily tells Jimmy to go ahead, bring his camera up. Then on the record, how did Keanu know about the kanji for war? Keanu went to college, he played football, and while he didn’t go to class all the time, he listened when he did. He just doesn’t brag about it like them other clowns. The thing you don’t know about him is that he smart as hell for real. Now, that’s all you get. Keanu leaves and Emily says nice chat. A man of power, intellect, and heart, Keanu Carver is one of a kind. Will nothing and no one stop Keanu from taking over NXT?

Shiloh Hill vlogs.

Via his Instagram, Shiloh says last week was the best night ever in NXT! Not only did he get the biggest win of his own career against now SmackDown superstar Ricky Saints, but he he also got to celebrate in the crowd with the fans, and his special guest, Jason the dummy! Wait, where IS Shiloh? Was that a “No Trespassing” sign!? Shiloh says Ricky Saints may’ve been a jerk at times, but he was also NXT Champion so it means a lot. The whole night was really chaotic, and not even because of him. HBK said he wanted to throw a stick of dynamite into the locker room, which is kinda crazy cuz Shiloh was warned specifically to NOT bring explosives…

But anyway, tons of new faces, and this Tristan Angels guy who was kinda trash talking Shiloh. Crazy accent to have while trying to roast people, but anyway, Shiloh looked Tristan up. Tristan’s won some men’s beauty pageants in Europe, and he herds sheep. Maybe he should get some normal hobbies. Shiloh tried to find Tristan’s phobias and allergies, but if y’all could help Shiloh come up with insults for male models, British people, or shepherds, that’d be appreciated. #ToothlessAggression is certainly unique, but will he make sure Tristan learns not to judge a book by its cover? Or will the same go for Tristan not being just a pretty face?

Tony D’Angelo VS Tavion Heights!

Alright, let’s try this again. The NXT Champion struck back for last week, and he still owes some receipts, but he’s focused on the Olympian who threw him around just because he wants a title match. Will Tavion earn that opportunity with a win here tonight? Or will Tony just add him to the list of those he’s checked off?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Tony and Tavion go around, Tavion waistlocks, then he SLAMS Tony! Tavion holds on, even as Tony fights back up. Tavion wrangles Tony, the fans rally as Tony fights bck up, and Tony switches to SLAM Tavion! Tony keeps the waistlock but Tavion moves around. Tavion stands, rolls free, then single legs Tony. Tony kicks free but Tavion rolls into the fireman’s carry! The fans fire up as Tavion then powers up to THROW Tony away! Tavion fires up but Tony shrugs it off. The two tie up in a clinch and the fans rally up again. The two fight around, Tony manages to SLAM Tavion!

Tony bumps Tavion off buckles, Tavion bumps Tony in return! Tavion ROCKS and whips Tony, but Tony comes back to LARIAT! The fans cheer as Tony bumps Tavion off buckles again, then runs to THROWBACK! Tavion sputters from the cutter but Tony whips to CLOBBER him! Cover, TWO! Tavion toughs it out but Tony hauls him up. Tavion RAMS Tony into a corner, fires knees and forearms, but stops as the ref counts 4. Tavion whips and KNEES low, then GUT WRENCH PLEXES! Tavion hurries to his feet, then goes up the corner. But Tony SHOVES Tavion down! Tavion crashes into barriers and the fans fire up while NXT goes picture in picture.

Tony huffs ‘n’ puffs while Tavion writhes. The ref checks Tavion but Tony storms out to drag Tavion up, and THROWS him into barriers! Tony stands Tavion up again, and feints putting him in the ring to THROW him back into barriers! Tony puts Tavion in this time, then covers, TWO! Tony drags Tavion up, whips him to the corner, then runs up to RAM him! Tony whips Tavion corner to corner, runs up and RAMS him again! Tony whips back the other way, but Tavion dodges! Tony POSTS himself and tumbles to the outside! Tony writhes and clutches a leg while Tavion catches his breath. Now Tavion goes out after Tony, and KICKS him in the side!

Tavion drags Tony up, and THROWS him into the LED barriers! Tavion then shoves Tony into the ring, covers, TWO! Tony toughs it out but Tavion rains down forearms! Cover, TWO! Tavion is growing frustrated but he drags Tony back up. Tavion clamps on a dragon sleeper and he grinds Tony down. Tavion then switches to a chinlock but Tony fights to his feet. NXT returns to single picture as Tavion CLUBS Tony. Tavion has a SLEEPER on, but Tony fires body shots! Tony is free and runs the ropes, but Tavion scoops him to SLINGSHOT GUT WRENCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! Tony survives that unique attack, but Tavion runs to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!

Tavion grows further frustrated with Tony’s toughness, but he climbs up a corner. Tony is down for the DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Tony survives but Tavion stays on him with another chinlock. The fans rally, Tony fights up, but Tavion CLUBS him again. Tony pries the hold open this time, but Tavion CLUBS Tony again. Tony gets mad now, but Tavion ROCKS him with a forearm! Tony lets the hair down as he goes wild! Tony blocks a shot to ROCK Tavion again and again! Tony GERMAN SUPLEXES, then GERMAN SUPLEXES again! And GERMAN SUPLEXES again! The fans fire up as Tony runs up, but into a KNEE!

Tavion whips, then OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! Tavion blocks a kick, slips through, and LEG CAPTURE PLEXES! Cover, TWO!! Tony survives but Tavion shakes his head. Tavion drags Tony up, but Tony fights the suplex to FOGEDABOUTIT! Cover, TWO!! Tavion survives the buster but Tony snarls. Tony ROCKS Tavion, Tavion ROCKS Tony, and repeat! They go haymaker for haymaker, then Tony ROCKS Tavion! Tavion ROCKS Tony, but Tony JUMP PUNCHES! Tavion runs up to ROCK Tony again! Tony ROCKS Tavion again and again! Tavion dodges a shot, but Tony dodges back! SPEAR!

The fans fire up with Tony and he waits on Tavion! Guzel and DEAD- NO, Tavion pops free, clinches, BELLY2BELLY!! Wait, KAM HENDRIX is here!? He was sent home, what’s he doing defying orders?! Tavion ROCKS Kam, SLINGSHOTS him in, then fires hands! Tavion LARIATS Kam up and out, but now Myles is here? Myles FLIES to take out Kam! The fans cheer as the North American Champion is cashing in his own receipt! Myles throws hands on Kam, they brawl to the back. Tony catches Tavion DEAD TO RIGHTS!! Cover, Tony wins!

Winner: Tony D’Angelo, by pinfall

The moment Tavion took his eye off the ball, it was all done! But Tony still shows respect as he helps Tavion to his feet, only for WILL KROOS to CLOBBER them both!! The big man then fireman’s carries Tony, shifts around, BACKPACK CANNONBALL into Tavion! The fans who know sing, “He’s big, he’s bad, he’ll body slam your dad!” But Kroos no more, he introduces himself as Mason Rook, and he has arrived in NXT! Then will Rook soon tower over all of the roster?

My Thoughts:

A great episode for NXT, especially as the follow-up to last week’s with all the new stars coming in. Tony going after Tavion, Kam going after Tony, Tony and Tavion having a great main event match, and then Kam and Myles and Will Kroos (now with his WWE name), all great stuff for both the top and midcard men’s titles. Kam going after Tony seemed a bit random when he went after Myles last time, but it did work out as a way to kayfabe the match card around. Much more creative than the endless string of main events made the night of the show like there wasn’t one already planned. Evil/Naraku also had a good promo, but clearly he’s taking his time getting in the mix.

Great Mixed Tag, and The Culling winning out makes sense, we’re clearly going to get Lola VS Izzi now. Just not sure if it’s on a special TV episode or if there’s an NXT PLE coming up for May. Very good promo from Tristan Angels, great promo in response from Shiloh Hill, they’ll have a very good feud that surely sends the winner after the North American Championship. Great promo from Keanu Carver and the newest news correspondent, Emily. In fact, I wouldn’t mind if she was used to do this “guerrilla journalist” style or whatever you’d call it. Keanu himself can be positioned as a rising anti-hero of NXT. Maybe anti-authority/anti-corporate during these times of TKO just being the cliche of fat cat jerks IRL.

Great match from Kali VS Jaida, and great win for Kali. Jaida going ballistic and Nattie talking to her, that’s definitely going to be a great story there. Certainly better than the latter half of the Nattie VS Maxxine feud. Great promo from Zaria, Tatum, Lizzy and Lyons, and it works in story for Zaria to be reluctantly put in a tag match. I have a feeling Zaria will pin Tatum so that they have the title match, with Lyons and Lizzy feuding on the side. Very good promo from Birthright, that Six Man Tag next week will be really good, and I would think Birthright wins to rebound. The endgame has to involve the Speed Championship or some other title opportunity.

Great tag match from Hank ‘n’ Tank VS DarkState, but that dysfunction of Dion and Saquon was a little forced. Dion and Saquon pouting and facing away from each other was pretty funny, though. DarkState wins, of course, to get them back on track, but it feels like things are still gonna fall apart before they ever get the tag titles. Vanity Project meanwhile is growing stronger, just as I expected. Bayley Humphrey is now Myka Lockwood, and as I predicted last week, she is the muscle for Vanity Project. Her slamming Troy like that was awesome, and of course Drake wins from her help. But way to completely brush over Noam Dar returning. I can only hope Dar stays healthy so he can finally have something more in NXT.

My Score: 8.8/10