Will things stay civil between the Master of Fate and the King of Darkness?

Before they battle for the NXT Championship at this year’s Great American Bash, Tony D’Angelo and Naraku sit down for some final words.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT North American Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Tavion Heights VS Jackson Drake w/ The Vanity Project; wins and will challenge for the title.
• WWE Women’s Speed Tournament, Opening Round: Izzi Dame VS Thea Hail; Izzi wins and advances.
• Jaida Parker VS Natalya; Nattie wins.
• WWE Women’s Speed Tournament, Opening Round: Arianna Grace VS Layla Diggs; Arianna wins and advances.
• Lola Vice & Kendal Grey VS ZARIA & Kelani Jordan; Lola & Kendal win.

PLAY BY PLAY

ZARIA is here!

The fans are torn seeing the NEW NXT Women’s North American Champion make her way to the ring. The Agent of Change certainly changed the landscape last week, and she grabs a mic to say, “I spent so long living in Sol’s shadow. Ironically, it felt like I forgot what the sun even looked like.” The fans chant, “You Deserve It!” Zaria says after setting this Women’s Division on fire, we are finally looking at the NEW NXT Women’s North American Champion! Unlike what some wish to believe, Zaria did this on her own. Overlooked, underestimated, and treated like an afterthought. Every time someone talked about the future, they talked about Lola Vice, Kendal Grey, Tatum Paxley, and of course, Sol Ruca.

But now, Zaria is the one holding this championship, and the future is in HER hands! The fans cheer, and Zaria says this title isn’t a dream come true, it is a course correction, a mistake that has finally been fixed, and she doesn’t owe anybody, ESPECIALLY NOT the fans, any gratitude for something that was obvious from the start. Zaria will never allow her name to be in the shadows of- Kelani Jordan interrupts. The Standout says hi, Zaria. As the first-ever Women’s north American Champion, Lani just wanted to congratulate her. And you are so welcome for Lani to make that title prestigious enough so that Zaria could open the show.

Yeah, “thanks,” Kelani… But was it that she wants? Well, a shot at THE NXT Women’s Championship would be nice, but Zaria doesn’t have that title, so Lani is really out here to give Zaria some advice. The fans boo as Lani steps into the ring, but she says she’d be a hypocrite if she didn’t do this. Enjoy all this, Zaria. Because the same people who are chanting, “You Deserve It!” will be the same people that switch up on her when the week isn’t even over yet. See, they’re just followers. No matter what, it’ll never be good enough. Even if you had the greatest title run in NXT history, they’ll still find ways to overlook you.

Or maybe that’s just the Kelani Jordan story, who knows? But if Lani were Zaria, she’d hold onto the title very closely, because you may not ever get another title shot in this division in your entire career, and that’s so not fair. But speaking of unfair, how is it Lani and Kendal are 1-1 and yet just because Kendal won last week, she’s #1 contender? But y’know what? Good for Lola, that’s an easy win. Lola is going up against the girl who folds when the lights are brightest. Lola is the luckiest girl because Lani just needs one shot and she’ll- Kendal Grey interrupts!

The fans cheer on Kendal, and she tells Lani she acts like they have unfinished business, but they don’t. Kendal beat Lani, and it was that simple. And now, in two weeks, Kendal has the Great American Bash. Lani wishes that was her, right? But instead, Lani is gonna watch Kendal beat Lola and become the NEW NXT Women’s Champion! And if Lani somehow finds her way back into Kendal’s path after that, then let’s just say the results will be the exact same. Zaria says Lani was not kidding. She was out here for five minutes, and already there is someone making it about somebody else other than the woman who is gonna run this division for the foreseeable future!

But wait, now Lola Vice is here! THE NXT Women’s Champion says, “Hola, NXT~!” The fans say, “Hola, Lola~!” And Lola joins everyone in the ring as she says in Spanish that there sure is a lot going on. Then in English, she double checks with Zaria: Did Zaria says she is the dominant one? She’s been champ a week! Before you get started, get over Sol already. And Lani, you just need to shut your mouth. And as for Kendal, girl, they ain’t even at Bash yet and you think you’re the champ? You may be the #1 contender, but Lola beat you before and will do it again. Lani says of course Lola talks a big game! Everyone starts arguing, and Robert Stone hurries out here!

The NXT General Manager wants them to calm down, but Kendal and Lola already get what he’s gonna say. Lola & Kendal VS Lani & Zaria in a tag match. Well, that is why we have the best women’s division in wrestling! The tag match is now set, player, but will Lola and Kendal both be rolling towards The Bash? Or will Zaria and Lani prove they’re the top of the mountain?

NXT North American Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Tavion Heights VS Jackson Drake w/ The Vanity Project!

Myles Borne is also waiting to defend his title at the Great American Bash, but it’ll either be against his good friend, or an absolute snob. Will the Olympian go for gold again? Or will “Dr. Thirst” prescribe himself a title shot?

The bell rings, the two tie up, and Tavion BACKDROPS, but Drake sunset flips! ONE, Tavion cradles, ONE, Drake ghost pins, ONE! Tavion shoves Drake, the two reset, and Tavion ducks ‘n’ dodges to RUN Drake over! Things keep moving, and Tavion catches Drake to POWERSLAM! Tavion runs to roll and jackknife for a fireman’s carry! F 5 THOUSAND! Tavion storms after Drake to then GUT WRENCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up for Tavion as he clamps on with a top wristlock. Drake endures, fights around, and he goes to scoop, but Tavion grinds the arm. Drake pulls hair, goes up and out, and the ref counts the ropebreak.

Tavion says okay, and he YANKS Drake back into the ring! The fans duel, “V’s UP!” “V’s “DOWN!” Drake endures, and we see Myles watching this backstage. Drake runs around but Tavion YANKS him down! The fans fire up as Tavion grinds the armlock. Drake rolls, KICKS free, then hurries to snapmare. Drake NECK TWISTS Tavion! Tavion writhes, Drake covers, ONE! Drake runs, but Tavion blocks the boot! Tavion slips under, hooks a leg, and T-BONE PLEXES! The fans fire up for Tavion as he runs up and RAMS Drake! And RAMS, RAMS, RAMS! Tavion BACKDROPS Drake away and the fans fire up!

But then Ricky Smokes gets on the apron! Tavion DECKS him, but Drake JUMP KNEES Tavion outta the ring! Drake goes out after Tavion, and THROWS him into the steel steps! Tavion is down in a heap while Vanity Project taunts him, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans fire up while both men are down! Tavion and Drake rise as the fans cheer “NXT! NXT!” Tavion LARIATS, ELBOWS, and SLINGBLADES! Then he whips Drake to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up as Tavion runs to LARIAT again! Cover, TWO! Tavion is frustrated but Drake wasn’t Evolve Champion for nothing. Tavion drags Drake up, Drake pushes him away, but Tavion RAMS Drake in the corner! And RAMS him again! Tavion whips corner to corner, but Drake goes up and over to then O’Conner Roll! TWO, Drake goes up and over again, and he handsprings to LETHAL IN-JACKSON!

Drake keeps going, he STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO!! Tavion survives but Drake gets moving again. Drake DROPKICKS Tavion outta the ring, then he builds speed! Drake DIVES and down goes Tavion! Swipe Right fires up and the fans cheer as Drake kips up. Drake brings Tavion up and into the ring. The fans rally and duel as Drake goes up, up, and says V’s up! But Tavion is up after him first! SUPER BELLY2BELLY! Tavion kips up now and the fans cheer again! Tavion climbs, takes aim, and DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO!! Drake survives and “This is Awesome!” Tavion puts Drake up top and he climbs up to join him.

Drake fires body shots, then he HEADBUTTS Tavion down! Drake adjusts, aims, and 450- NO, Tavion dodges, then he OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES Drake onto Swipe Right!! The fans go nuts for that one, and Tavion hurries to drag Drake back into the ring. But then Myka gets on the apron! She distracts the ref, Swipe Right slithers in, but Myles rushes out here! Myles trips Swipe Right up, he’s got Tavion’s back! The fans cheer as Myles DOUBLE LARIATS! Tavion nods, but here comes Drake! Tavion dodges, POWERSLAM! Cover, TAVION WINS!

Winner: Tavion Heights, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT North American Championship)

Tavion hits the #HeightofGlory on Drake, and now he has the biggest match of his career on June 28th! But he then tells Myles he doesn’t need Myles, he can do this himself. Will Tavion reach those championship heights at the Great American Bash? Or will Myles have to humble his own best friend?

NXT shares footage from after last week’s episode.

Robert Stone met with Aaron Rourke, Hank ‘n’ Tank, as well as their special guest, Matt Mathews. Stone knows it gets rather rowdy here, but they’re happy to have Matt. Matt says yeah, he didn’t know it’d get this dangerous. To think someone would get so angry over a sash… Tank says the Big Belly Boys are used to being security, so they don’t mind doing it for Matt. And they can be bougie on the budget, if that’s fine with him. Rourke says someone needs to put that pampered poodle on a leash. Stone agrees, but then in steps BirthRight, with Lexis King pretending to rev an engine. Stone asks if they ever knock, and Lexis says the Fastest Man Alive just wanted to make a pit stop.

Lexis wants to thank Stone on behalf of BirthRight for giving them the respect they deserve. Stone put Arianna Grace into the Women’s Speed Tournament, where she will quickly become the Fastest Woman Alive. Matt asks if this is like Temu Bret Michaels or something. Uriah Connors says that is what is so wrong with WWE. All these celebrities try and come in, ruin this great sport that their fathers built off their own backs. Aww, then go call daddy and thank him for the job. Stacks says he’s got this. Matt Mathews does not belong here! Kick rocks and get lost. Hank says they’re the ones crashing the party, they should get gone.

Tank says better yet, Matt can have front row tickets to a blue collar beatdown on some nepo-babies! Stone has them all calm down, and he has BirthRight exit the office. He apologizes to Matt and Matt says y’all are a lot. If he’s coming back to their show, will they be on his show? Of course! The battlelines have been drawn, will it be HONK HONK on the road to Great American Bash?

WWE Women’s Speed Tournament, Opening Round: Izzi Dame VS Thea Hail!

Speaking of Speed, The Culling’s It Girl sure thinks this will be quick and easy given how she dethroned Thea for the Women’s North American Championship. But will this Grown-Ass Woman prove Izzi wrong in under three minutes? Or will we all admit It Iz What It Iz?

The bell rings and the two run up! Thea swings around, crucifix takedown, TWO! Sunset flip, TWO! Izzi CLOBBERS Thea, Thea goes to a corner. Izzi runs up, blocks a boot, but Thea KNEES free! Thea runs up, wheelbarrows, but Izzi FACEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Thea survives but Izzi stays cool. Izzi reels Thea in, lifts, but Thea fights free to arm-drag! Thea has the arm, drags Izzi around, and Thea powers through for a wristlock. Izzi rolls, rolls, ROPEBREAK! Thea holds until the ref counts 4, and we’re at the two minute orange phase. Izzi bails out, but Thea pursues, and she jumps onto that arm! Izzi fights the Kimura and RAMS Thea into the apron!

Izzi runs and BOOTS Thea down! Izzi puts Thea in the ring and hurries after. Izzi runs but Thea dodges the shotgun dropkick! Then she STOMPS hands, and BOOTS Izzi down! The fans fire up for Thea as she gets moving, ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Izzi survives and The Culling cheers her on. The fans rally as Thea hurries to get the arm again! Izzi fights the armbar and ends up in a Triangle, but stacks to a cover, TWO! One minute left, and Thea HEADBUTTS Izzi down! The fans fire up and Thea hurries for the TRUST FALL, FLOP as Izzi moves! Then BUSAIKU KNEE! Cover, Izzi wins!

Winner: Izzi Dame, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Izzi snatches the win with 40 seconds to spare, and much to the relief of Shawn Spears. His plan for Izzi’s success rolls into the #1 contender’s match, but who will meet her in that match?

Wren Sinclair talks with Kendal Grey backstage.

After seeing that result, Wren feels Izzi might go all the way. Then there’s Layla Diggs, but Arianna also has BirthRight in her corner. Kendal says it doesn’t matter who it is, because Wren will take care of them just like Kendal did Lani. Wren says she told Kendal she was just holding her back. Kendal says Wren is not. But Wren will be in Kendal’s corner for Bash, right? She really needs Wren out there. Wren isn’t sure, she has to defend her own title, too. Well, okay. But on the bright side, they’ll both be champions by the end of the night. Then they bring that gold back to #WrenQCC!

Lola walks in asking if Kendal really just said they’re both gonna be champions. Hola, Lola. Lola says Kendal shouldn’t get ahead of herself, she has to come through tonight. Kendal says don’t worry, Lola just has to make sure to hit the right target this time. Lola already went over this, it was an accident. But at Bash, it won’t be. Wren keeps things cool saying it’s the old “Will they or won’t they coexist” trope. They can get ready for the tag match, she’s gotta go to medical to get cleared. Wren wishes Kendal luck then heads out. But will Lola and Kendal be able to focus on Lani and Zaria before battling it out at Great American Bash?

Tony D’Angelo arrives at a special meeting place.

A Japanese style gazebo awaits, and surely Naraku is not too far away. Will this face to face chat stay civil this close to the title match?

NXT returns, and indeed, Naraku is waiting at a table. He stands to bow in respect to “Tony-san,” then offers him a seat. The two sit down, and Tony says he’s no fool. He knows how these meetings go, he used to run them himself. Now to get to the point, why is Tony here? Naraku welcomes Tony to this special contract signing. Well, good. Because Naraku is the #1 contender, but Tony sees right through his mysterious nice guy act. Oh, sorry, Tony-san, but Naraku doesn’t know what he means. Tony did his research. He knows Naraku once held the biggest title in NJPW, along with 14 other titles. Oh, yes, very good!

Yeah, but not always by himself. Naraku used to lead this “pack of wild animals” that would wreak havoc on the traditions of Japanese wrestling. Yeah, that got Naraku’s attention, huh? Naraku says don’t judge him on his past. Look at the warrior he is today. Tony says he IS looking at that warrior. A very evil man who left Japan for one reason: the NXT Championship. Naraku says yes, he is right about that. Tony says Naraku’s history shows he’s capable of a lot. Naraku did what he had to in order to protect Tony and his title, but Naraku sure didn’t care about the time honored traditions of Japan.

Naraku won by any means necessary, with others doing his dirty work. But here he is, all alone. Naraku came here by himself. Naraku says that is correct. A man without his family. Tony understands. Which means Naraku thinks he can get it done at the Bash by himself. But that’s where Naraku is wrong. Naraku moved his entire life halfway across the world just for something he can’t accomplish. Tony’s title is staying right here with him. Now hand over the contract. Naraku slides it to Tony, Tony signs his part, but then Naraku hasn’t? Naraku says all in due time. He will sign it next week. Then get ready for war, Naraku, because Tony D already is.

Tony signs his part, then takes his leave. Naraku smiles, then says, “Evil is coming.” Just what is the King of Darkness plotting for the Great American Bash?

Robert Stone is on the phone.

The NXT GM says yes, that’s what he’s talking about. The Great American Bash tailgate is going to be great, right in the Performance Center parking lot. There’ll be hot dogs, hamburgers, a live panel, and everyone is invited. Yes, everyone. He just wants this to be a real good time. Keanu Carver steps into the office and says they need to talk. Stone ends the call, and he wants to tell Keanu something, but Keanu says Stone was supposed to have somebody for him by tonight. Stone does, he just hasn’t told them yet. So he just wanted… In steps EK Prosper. Keanu asks what he’s doing here, and EK says Mr. Stone wanted to see him.

Stone says yes, he just didn’t think Keanu would be here at the same time. Next week, EK Prosper VS Keanu Carver. Keanu laughs, but Stone says hey, Keanu wanted an opponent. Keanu says Mr. Stone has Tony D and Naraku going at it for a title, and yet Keanu’s stuck with EK? EK says hey, whoa! Don’t disrespect him like that! He’s not some scrub! He told Keanu that someone needs to humble Keanu, so he’s gonna do it himself. Oh, he thinks so? Tate Wilder was smart and stayed away, EK better do the same. EK says looks like this is a fight worth picking. Then looks like EK has a death wish, too.

Keanu heads out, will he carve EK up? Or can the Disrespectfully Athletic prosper even against a powerful opponent?

Jaida Parker VS Natalya!

Miss Parker don’t play, which is why after the Lowkey Legend called her “soft,” she took the fight to her where she lives! But will Jaida prove she can hold her own against one of the winningest women in WWE history? Or will she be trumped by the Queen of Harts?

NXT returns as Nattie makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally up as they tie up, and Jaida powers Nattie to a corner. The ref counts, the two break, and Nattie shoves Jaida! Nattie fires off on Jaida int he corner, but stops as the ref counts. Jaida storms up to shove Nattie, but Nattie trips Jaida! Nattie rains down fists, but Jaida turns things around to return the favor! Jaida then RUNS Nattie over! Nattie bails out, Jaida eggs her on, and the fans duel again. Nattie applauds, she likes what Jaida is showing her. Nattie goes around the outside while the fans continue to cheer Jaida on.

Nattie lets the ring count hit 5 of 10, but then Jaida holds the ropes open. Nattie goes under teh ropes instead, then SLAPS Jaida! Jaida SLAPS Nattie! Nattie headlocks, hits a takeover, but Jaida rolls. Nattie lets her go, just to hit a headlock takeover! Jaida rolls free, the two stand off, and Nattie grins. The fans rally up as the two circle again. Nattie talks some smack, then headlocks. Nattie spins, hammerlocks, then headlocks again for a takeover. Jaida fights around, powers Nattie into a headlock of her own, then waistlocks. The fans rally as Nattie fights up. Nattie ELBOWS Jaida, hits a takeover, but Jaida headscissors,

Nattie pops free, goes for a top wristlock, but Jaida keeps her arms up. Jaida rolls to a cover, TWO, and Nattie trips Jaida! Jackknife roll, but Jaida rolls through! Nattie fights the lift, brings Jaida down with a leg roll clutch, and has the ANKLE LOCK! Jaida uses the British Reel, but Nattie throws Jaida down! Jaida hurries to her feet, Nattie blocks a kick, but Jaida rolls to wrangle Nattie in! RINGS OF SATURN!! The fans fire up as Jaida shows she can grapple, too! Nattie endures, fights, and pushes forward to the ROPEBREAK! The fans are torn but Jaida holds on, until Nattie tips things into a cover, TWO!

Both women hurry to their feet, Jaida runs up, but Nattie dodges! Jaida hits buckles, Nattie gives her the slingshot sit-down! Then a mule kick! Nattie talks trash, then SLAPS Jaida again! Jaida SLAPS back! Nattie says if that’s how hard she hits, that’s not good enough. Nattie kicks Jaida, TOSSES her out, but Jaida avoids the shoulder trust to KNEE Nattie! Jaida steps in, Nattie runs up, but now Jaida TOSSES Nattie out! Jaida goes to the apron, but Nattie YANKS her down! Jaida hobbles, Nattie DISCU- NO, Jaida ducks a lariat! But then DOUBLE LARIATS bring them both down! The fans fire up while NXT goes picture in picture.

The ref hurries to check, and both women are able to continue. Jaida clutches her side, but Nattie clutches her neck. Jaida crawls her way over as the ring count climbs, and she’s in at 5 of 10. Nattie is still down, but she manages to sit up at 7. Nattie lunges in, but Jaida BOOTS her down! Jaida then whips Nattie into a corner, brings her around and bumps her off buckles. Jaida RAMS Into Nattie again and again, then brings Nattie around. Nattie waistlocks, single leg picks, and she has a HEEL HOOK! Jaida endures, even as Nattie kicks at her. Jaida SLAPS at Nattie, but she still endures the leglock. Nattie SLAPS Jaida, Jaida SLAPS Nattie!

Jaida talks trash on Nattie, then rolls, but Nattie holds onto the foot! Jaida rolls the other way, and they roll, roll, roll! But Nattie grabs both legs, steps through, only for Jaida to BOOT her away! But Nattie rolls into an ANKLE LOCK! Jaida endures, reaches out, and fights around, even as Nattie puts on the pressure! Jaida fights forward, then rolls to fling Nattie into ropes! Jaida rolls Nattie up, TWO!! Nattie CLOBBERS Jaida! Nattie soaks up the cheers and jeers while Jaida sputters. Nattie talks more trash, she SLAPS Jaida, then she argues with the ref about the hair pulling. Jaida fires body shots and a SLAP, but Nattie CLUBS her down! Nattie clamps on with a COBRA TWIST!

Jaida endures, even as Nattie puts on the pressure. Jaida fights around, switches, and she has the COBRA TWIST on Nattie! Jaida THRASHES Nattie as NXT returns to single picture! Nattie ELBOWS away on Jaida’s leg, then switches the COBRA TWIST back onto Jaida! Jaida endures, but she powers out to HIP TOSS Nattie! Nattie bails out, but Jaida WRECKS her with a dropkick! The fans fire up for Jaida as she drags Nattie up. Jaida puts Nattie in the ring, but Nattie bails out the side. Jaida pursues, but Nattie DECKS her! The fans are torn but Nattie snatches Vic Joseph’s notes to apparently say they suck.

Nattie soaks up more heat as she goes back to Jaida, and the ring count is climbing. Nattie puts Jaida in the ring, then she soaks up more heat from the fans. The ring count is still climbing, though, and Nattie finally steps in at 8 of 10. Nattie brings Jaida around into a chinlock and she grinds Jaida down. The fans rally up as Jaida endures, but Nattie reels Jaida into body scissors! Jaida reaches out as the fans rally harder, and Jaida fights up! Jaida pries the scissors open, then rolls to have a leg. Jaida stomps away on the leg, then hits a KNEE JAMMER! Then Jaida rolls Nattie, into an STF!! The fans fire up as Jaida uses The GOAT’s move on The BOAT!

Nattie endures, reaches out, fights forward, and she drags Jaida along for the ROPEBREAK! Jaida is frustrated, and she holds until 4! Nattie stands, blocks a boot, and she trips Jaida up! Nattie gets the legs, steps on them, then SLAPS at Jaida to get the arms! Nattie SPANKS Jaida, then has the ROMERO SPECIAL! Jaida endures as Nattie holds her up in the air! Then Nattie drops Jaida, SPANKS her again, and kicks her down! Nattie stalks Jaida, but Jaida ELBOWS back! Nattie CLUBS Jaida, then snapmares Jaida into ropes! Jaida writhes but Nattie gets the legs. GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Jaida writhes but Nattie won’t stop!

Nattie drags Jaida up by her hair, SLAPS her around, but Jaida fires body shots and haymakers! Jaida reels Nattie in, snap suplex! The fans fire up for Jaida as she gets space. Nattie runs up on Jaida in the corner, but Jaida ELBOWS Nattie again. Jaida then BOOTS Nattie, catches the arm, and ELBOWS for a short arm LARIAT! The fans fire up as Jaida LARIATS again! Nattie dodges the third, but the BOOT finds her again! Jaida fires up, the fans are with her, and Jaida runs up, blocks boots, and CHOPS Nattie! Nattie is in the ropes, Jaida CHOPS her! “Who’s soft now, b*tch?!” TEARDROP! High step it out, and Jaida aims from a corner.

Jaida runs up, HIP-NOTIC!! Cover, TWO!?! Nattie survives, showing why she’s The BOAT in the first place! But it’s back to the RINGS OF SATURN! “This is Awesome!” as Nattie endures! Nattie rolls to a cover, TWO! Jaida ghost pins, TWO! Nattie trips Jaida, has the legs, but Jaida SLAPS free! Then she rolls Nattie, TWO! Nattie has the ARMBAR!! Jaida endures, fights around, and stacks, TWO! Nattie lets Jaida go, but HIP-NOTIC outta nowhere! But then Nattie falls outta the ring! Jaida pursues, ROCKS Nattie, and brings her around to the steel steps! The fans fire up but Nattie YANKS Jaida down! Jaida’s leg is tweaked, but Nattie RAMS her into the steel!

Nattie says SOFT A F! Then she puts Jaida in, then runs up to BOOT the leg! Nattie reels Jaida in, but Jaida cradles! TWO!! DISCUS LARIAT!! But Nattie isn’t done, she hooks Jaida up in the SHARPSHOOTER!! Jaida endures, fights, and crawls forward! But Nattie drags her away!! Jaida is caught, the fans are going nuts, and JAIDA TAPS!!! Nattie wins!!

Winner: Natalya, by submission

The Queen of Harts lets go when she says it’s enough, and she soaks up the heat with a smile. Karmen Petrovic and even Nikkita Lyons join Nattie on the ramp. They show their respect to the Lowkey Legend, will they soon follow Nattie to the top of the division?

Lizzy Rain walks ‘n’ talks with Mason Rook.

The Maiden of Metal says they both got screwed over just a bit, didn’t they? Rook says that’s true, her for the Women’s North American Championship, him for THE NXT Championship. Kam Hendrix just had to go sticking his nose in Rook’s business. Rain says yeah, that guy- Well, Tristan Angels steps in and says thank God at least one of them is representing England properly. He walks through these doors as Mr. England, and unlike the two of them, he is still undefeated. Clearly, he is the best dressed. And now, he can officially refer to himself as Mr. NXT! Can he, though?

Aaron Rourke steps in and says Tristan may be best dressed, but Shiloh Hill had authenticity and vulnerability in his speech. There’s a reason the fans voted Shiloh as THE Mr. NXT. And how far did that speech get him, hmm? Mr. Hill isn’t medically cleared, and as clearly dictated in pageant rules, if Mr. NXT is unable to fulfill his duties, the runner-up is declared the winner. And tada, he has the sash in his coat pocket! Tristan believes this pageant title warrants a well-deserved championship match. Rourke says good thing Tristan doesn’t get paid to think. But as a champion, Rourke would love to see Tristan put that to the test.

Why yes, maybe if Rourke puts the Evolve Championship on the line. Well, Rourke did the judging for Mr. NXT, and after that swimwear round, Tristan’s no stranger to coming up short. Lizzy & Rook chuckle, Tristan storms off, and they both want Rourke to do them a favor and kick Tristan’s ass. With pleasure! #ClockIt. Will the Dime Piece get another win over Mr. England like he did in Evolve? Or will Rourke change the plans for Succession 3 in a few weeks?

WWE Women’s Speed Tournament, Opening Round: Arianna Grace w/ BirthRight VS Layla Diggs!

Izzi Dame beat Thea Hail, so now she is waiting on this match for the #1 contender’s match. Will the Pageant Queen prove she can be more than just Miss NXT? Or will Layla dig deep and prove she can be Miss Everything?

The bell rings and the two run up! Layla dodges, rolls Arianna, TWO! Arianna rolls Layla, ONE! Layla rolls Arianna with a bridge, TWO! Layla Oklahoma Rolls, TWO! Layla runs up but Arianna sends her into buckles! Arianna whips Layla, Layla goes up and out, then RAMS into Arianna! But then Arianna SHOVES Layla down! Arianna hurries out but Layla SMACKS Arianna off the apron first! Layla puts Arianna in the ring, RAMS her again, then slingshots up and over. Layla wrenches and reels Arianna in, GOURD BUSTER! Then a SHINING WIZARD at the two minute orange phase! Cover, TWO!

Layla stands Arianna up, but Arianna throat chops then RUNNING UPPERCUTS! Cover, TWO! Arianna whips Layla to a corner, LARIATS, then reels her in for a snap suplex! Arianna keeps moving, SLIDING FOREARM! Cover, TWO! Layla toughs it out but Arianna brings her up. Arianna reels Layla in, but Layla wrenches out! Layla dodges a lariat to ELBOW! And LEG LARIAT! The fans fire up for the SOBAT and KICK! Then ENZIGIRI! We hit the final minute as Layla runs. Arianna dodges, but Layla dodges back! HANDSPRING PELE! The fans fire up for Layla as she hurries up the corner. Stacks gets on the apron, Layla BOOTS him down!

Layla adjusts, but wait, she ARIHARA MOONSAULTS onto BirthRight!! The fans fire up with Layla but we’re less than 30 seconds! But Arianna is playing dead! Layla storms in, and Arianna snatches Layla to a cradle! ARIANNA WINS!!

Winner: Arianna Grace, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

The BirthRight family helps Arianna out, and now she’s in the finals! BirthRight or Culling, who will be going after Wren Sinclair for the gold?

Noam Dar & Romeo Moreno talk with Dorian Van Dux & Sean Legacy backstage.

Seeing the Scottish Supernova and El Freestyle against Fraxiom last week was so exciting! Electric! Super Sean agrees, but he wonders, was this what Dar envisioned when he returned? How does he know this is the right move? Dar says being a tag guy wasn’t on the radar. He did want to focus on himself, and if he helped Romeo along the way, that’d be okay. But one thing about Romeo is, he’s persistent. Romeo says hermano, what they created together, that was beautiful! Their styles as artists blending together, it felt so special. Dar says he can’t believe he’s saying this, but Nathan Frazer was right! He’s found a partner!

Romeo says he has so many ideas! Names, gear, tron! Dar has Romeo calm down, and Legacy says he and DVD can do the same thing. There’s already a lot of competition in the division, but if they tagged together, they can really stand out. But DVD is distracted seeing The Culling lurking in the background. He suggests he and Sean can face Niko & Spears. Oh, good idea. They’ll go talk to Stone, see you around. Legacy & DVD head out, and Dar & Romeo go back to talking tag ideas. Is NXT about to hit a tag team renaissance?

Tate Wilder speaks.

“The way I live, I know it’s not for everyone. But sometimes, it hits hard. I mean, I’ve got plenty of things to show about how hard it can actually hit. Just look at this pinkie. This thing is not straight. A few years ago, I was teaching myself how to do a backflip on the ground, and uh, safe to say, I did not stick the landing. I mean, gosh. What I thought was gonna be a life long warning about what happens when you push limits was actually bigger than that. It ain’t perfect, it ain’t symmetrical, but it’s real. Cuz you cannot grow if you do not take risks. But at the same time, with risks comes consequences. I’m feeling the weight of that right now, cuz I’m winless.

“I’ve been close a couple times, but I’m still chasing that first win. I’m humbled by reality. But gosh, I’m driven by reward! That win is going to come, and hopefully many more after that. You gotta take the hits and keep stepping forward, so NXT, let’s strap it up and see where this ride takes us!”

NXT presents Chronicle: Saquon Shugars.

He doesn’t know if you can tell, but he’s been called every name in the book. Too brash, talks too much, too hood, too gangsta. He ain’t no gangsta, fool, he’s just from the southside of Washington, DC. You born in beef just depending on where you live. He grew up on 24th Street, just wanted to go to the corner store on 23rd, and they have a problem. He’s seen things that no kid, or anybody at any age, should see. His gramma, Nikki, told him trust nobody. No squad, no friends, nothing. But that’s why he had to hustle his way outta the city and into this sport. But he ain’t never changed. He knows how to move when people are after him.

He stays up, he pays attention, they ain’t gonna catch him lacking. Just ask DarkState. Cutler James walking around, don’t know what day it is, after Saquon played Sandlot on his dome. Osiris Griffin got an ACL, PCL, and MCL damage, all alphabet soup to Saquon! Brother can’t walk, let alone wrestle. And whatever you got going on up in the head or down in the leg don’t make a difference compared to what he has going on in the heart. And he isn’t even talking about how they jumped him out. He means two years ago, when three athletes got together, left their sports to came crawling into Saquon’s and asked for his help, they needed his help.

And for the first time in his life, he left the door open. They were on top of the world, man! Championships, traveling, PLEs, the main event! They were living the life! Anything he could’ve asked for, he got from them boys. But every time they left through that door, they took a piece of him with them. To the point where he realized he was robbed blind of who he really is. Dumbest mistake of his life. All Saquon needed was a heart, and a brain, which is more than he can say for y’all, cuz THEY made the dumbest decision by jumping him out. This is what he does, man! Nobody moves like him, nobody talks like him, nobody wrestles like him. He’s always gonna hustle.

But y’all showed him they don’t gotta do it hood no more. He ain’t ever going back. But mentally, he’ll have to. Emotionally, he’ll need to. Because at the Great American Bash, Saquon shoots the ones with Dion! He won’t snake him, hurt him, or even touch him. He just wants to talk. And Saquon will show Dion and everyone else that Saquon’s up next, Dion’s up never, and it don’t get no sweeter than that!

Dion finishes watching this.

“Alright, Quon. We’re gonna see who made the mistake. See you next week.” Dion leaves, but will he and The Sugar Man tear it down for the Great American Bash?

Lola Vice & Kendal Grey VS ZARIA & Kelani Jordan!

The night opened with these four getting into it verbally, and now it’s time to put up or shut up! Will the NXT Women’s Champion and her challenger be able to hold it together as a team? Or will the NXT Women’s North American Champion and The Standout be standing tall to end the night?

NXT returns as Kendal makes her entrance, followed by Lola’s. The teams sort out and Lola starts against Lani. The two circle, feel things out, and tie up. Lani waistlocks but Lola switches. Lani switches, Lola switches again, and Lola full nelsons! Lani drops, victory rolls, TWO! Lola RUNS Lani over, dances over her, then runs the ropes. Lani stays low, then hurdles, then ducks a roundhouse! Lola ducks one in return, then waistlocks again. Lani switches, O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Lani handsprings through to run and SPLASH! Lola rolls through that, covers, TWO! Lani hurries to her feet, but Lola SPINEBUSTERS!

The fans cheer, and Lola tags Kendal. Kendal slingshots to DOUBLE STOMP, then she covers, TWO! Lani tough sit out but Kendal facelocks. Lani fight sup, Kendal gator rolls to a cradle, TWO! Kendal facelocks again as the fans cheer her on, but Lani wrenches free. Kendal ducks a kick, goes for a leg, but Lani hooks Kendal and turns her. Kendal rolls through the backslide, then dodges Lani to blow past her. Lani goes to hip toss but Kendal counters the hip toss, only for Lani to counter back! Kendal counters with a fireman’s carry takeover but Lani handsprings through, only for Kendal to DROPKICK her down! Kendal kips up, but Zaria tags in.

The fans rally up as Zaria stares Kendal down. Zaria runs up, Kendal dodges to waistlock, but Zaria THROWS her away! Lola tags in, and the fans applaud as champion meets champion. They circle, tie up, and Zaria THROWS Lola down! But Lola gets up to KICK! Lola dodges Zaria to KICK, then she runs, but Zaria RUNS her over! Zaria hauls Lola up, scoops, but Lola slips free to dragon sleeper! But Zaria snapmares free, only for Lola to BODY BLOW! Lola cording holds, then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Lola goes to the ropes, slingshots, but into Zaria’s BIG back suplex! The fans fire up, and Kendal tags in.

Lola is upset, but she and Kendal can’t argue long as Zaria runs up! They both dodge and DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Kendal reels Zaria in, Zaria fights the facelock, and Zaria powers up to DUMP Kindal, but Kendal sunset flips! Zaria drags Kendal up, whips, but Kendal goes up and over! Zaria bucks the O’Conner, but Kendal dodges the boot to DROPKICK the legs! Kendal runs, but into a fireman’s carry! Kendal slips free, goes up and over in the corner, but Zaria JUMP KNEES Kendal down! The ref stops Zaria from going out there, but Lani FLYING LARIATS Kendal! Lani talks trash on Kendal, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Zaria goes out to fetch Kendal, drags her up and into the ring, then RAMS her into a corner! Zaria RAMS into Kendal again and again, stops as the ref counts, then whips Kendal corner to corner hard! Kendal bounces off buckles and falls to the mat, but Zaria sits her up. Kendal fires body shots but Zaria CLUBS her down! Zaria brings Kendal around, goes up the corner, and has Kendal in a HANGING SLEEPER! The ref counts, Zaria drops Kendal, then she drags Kendal up to whip her hard into the corner. Tag to Lani and they double whip Kendal for a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Lani keeps Kendal away from Lola with a facelock.

Lani goes to suplex but Kendal cradle counters, TWO! Lani runs up but Kendal fires body shots! Kendal ROCKS Lani, but Lani CLUBS Kendal down! Lani KNEES Kendal in the back again and again before clamping on a chinlock. Kendal endures, reaches out, then fights up. Kendal JAWBREAKERS free, then ducks a kick! Lani ducks a kick, too, and they both ROCK each other with forearms! They both stagger, then they both run up, DOUBLE FACEBUSTERS bring them both down! The two rise up, and they trade forearms back and forth! Lani then kicks, KICKS, and KNEES Kendal down! NXT returns to single picture while Lani stands Kendal up.

Lani whips Kendal but Kendal uses that to BLAST Zaria! Then Kendal dodges Lani, hot tag to Lola! Lola KICKS Lani down, KICKS her again, then SPIN KICKS again and again! Zaria is in but Lola dodges to then SPIN KICK! Zaria still runs up but Lola TOSSES her out! Then LIGHTING KICKS for Lani! Lani sits down in the corner and Lola reminds us, “I’m a Latina!” HIP ATTACK! Zaria sneaks a tag before the next HIP ATTACK! Lola keeps moving, but Zaria BOOTS her down! Zaria stands Lola up but Lola fires off KICKS and KNEES! Lani tags in before Zaria DISCUS LARIATS! Lani goes up, up, and FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!

Lani wants the arm! Lola endures but Lani clamps on that killer arm scissor! But Lola powers free and reels Lani into an ARMBAR! Lani fights, stacks Lola, TWO! Lani SUPERKICKS Lola down! Lola flounders, Kendal tags in! Kendal dodges Lani to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up as the straps come down! Kendal shoots around and GERMAN SUPLEXES Lani! Then another GERMAN SUPLEX! And then a third- NO, Lani switches, fireman’s carries, and WASTELAND SLAMS! Lani goes to the corner, goes up, but Kendal CLUBS her! Kendal goes up and brings Lani to the top, SUPER BACK SUPLEX, but Lani lands out!

Zaria tags in, she runs up, SPEAR!! Zaria BLASTS Lola for good measure, then she hoists Kendal up! ZONE OF- NO, Kendal swings through for a FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Zaria flails, reaches out, but Kendal pulls on the arm! Zaria fights up but Kendal flips it over, ARMBAR!! Zaria kicks, kicks, rolls, stacks, ONE! Zaria deadlifts Kendal to POWERBOMB her! Cover, LOLA KICKS IT APART! The fans fire up, but here’s Lani! Lola dodges, Lani dodges. DOUBLE BOOTS take them down! The fans are thunderous as all four women are down! “This is Awesome!” as Lani and Lola bail out, leaving Zaria and Kendal alone.

Zaria runs up, Kendal dodges to SHADOW ELBOW! Lola sneaks the tag and spins, but Zaria dodges! Zaria mule kicks, lifts Lola up, but Lola fights the lift! Zaria tries again, but Lola slips free! GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! Zaria endures, even as Lola has the body scissors! Lani hurries in, but Kendal TACKLES her, leg roll and ANKLE LOCK!! The fans fire up as Lani endures, reaches out, but she rolls to FLING Kendal! And Zaria RAMS Lola into buckles! Zaria runs up, but Lola dodges! Zaria POSTS herself, then falls to the floor! Lani ASAI MOONSAULTS Kendal! Lani hobbles up, Lola SEATED SENTONS her back down!

But Zaria SPEARS Lola down!! The fans are thunderous again as Zaria fireman’s carries Lola, but then wait, from behind the barriers! TATUM PAXLEY RISES UP! #TuesdayAddams lives, but Zaria runs upon her! Tatum slips away, HEEL KICK from Lola! Lola puts Zaria in the ring, and BUENAS NOCHES!! Cover, Lola & Kendal win!

Winners: Lola Vice & Kendal Grey, by pinfall

Tatum has a big smile on her face as she gets revenge on the woman who took her title! Kendal joins Lola in the ring to celebrate, they fist bump to show respect, and then Tatum LEAPS onto Zaria! Tatum is still after Zaria, Zaria hits back, and more refs rush out here! While Kendal and Lola are now free to face off at Great American Bash, will these two look to fight over the Women’s North American title? Wait, speaking of titles, Lani grabs at THE NXT Women’s Championship again! Kendal grabs at it from Lani, they tug-o-war, and then Lani lets go! Kendal CLOBBERS Lola with the belt!! Lani laughs at Kendal while Kendal apologizes, but is Lani going to have her way soon enough?

My Thoughts:

A great episode of NXT as we approach Great American Bash. I didn’t expect Tony and Naraku to meet at a pagoda inspired gazebo, possibly outdoor restaurant, but that was pretty neat. I also appreciated Tony referencing Evil and House of Torture without really saying those names. A little curious that Naraku didn’t sign the contract, but it feels like Tony has a point. Naraku is still rather Evil, he’ll likely spring some kind of surprise for the go-home show. Great match from Tavion VS Drake, and I’m actually a little surprised Tavion won after Myles evened the odds. I thought Drake was gonna strike right there, but Tavion pulls out the win, and we’re gonna get a show stealer from Tavion VS Myles.

Great Speed tournament matches tonight, and while I was rooting for Thea, the idea of Culling VS Birthright in the finals is fun. Especially if Spears & Niko are gonna be beat up from facing Legacy & Dorian first. It’ll certainly drive a wedge between the Culling members as they try to keep the power balance. Layla also looked great even in losing because she got to do that top rope moonsault. Great match from Jaida VS Nattie, though Karmen and Nikkita being Nattie’s new crew seems odd. Karmen works, there’s continuity from almost a year ago. But Lyons being pals with Karmen when we’ve seen them feuding on Evolve is hard to get around.

Good promo from Birthright to set up a tag match with Hank ‘n’ Tank, that’ll be fun for the go home. Good promo from Tate Wilder to further explain this thrill seeker character. Very good “Chronicle” for Saquon Shugars, setting him and Dion up for another potential show stealer at Great American Bash. Good promo from Aaron Rourke and the new Brits on the roster. Tristan VS Rourke will be good, and this might be where Tristan actually wins since he lost in Evolve. Shiloh probably comes back for revenge to set up something for GAB, as if that card isn’t already feeling stacked as it is.

Good promo from Keanu and EK to set up their match, though Keanu certainly wins against EK to keep himself strong towards the title. I also like that NXT is doing a tailgate with their fans rather than a “countdown show” that’s just recap and other filler. And then great bookending with the NXT Women’s Division and having both title stories at once. Zaria is still Heel despite plenty of the fans sympathizing with her from the ZaRuca breakup story, but I almost thought she was gonna go Face against Lani being some kind of passive aggressive meets two-faced advice. Lola and Kendal of course got in on it with their own tension, and we got a great tag match. Tatum showing up here is definitely how I picture Shiloh showing up to confront Tristan.

Pretty good sequence to end the night, with Kendal accidentally returning the favor on Lola. The follow up next week will be good, and it feels like Lani will be waiting on the other side of GAB to challenge the winner, making for a great rematch with either Lola or Kendal.

My Score: 8.9/10