Will the Vanity Project fight in vain?

Just because Great American Bash is over doesn’t mean the fireworks are done! Will Swipe Right still be NXT Tag Team Champions after tonight?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• AAA Latin American Championship: El Hijo Del Vikingo VS EK Prosper; cancelled…
• NXT Tag Team Championships: Swipe Right w/ The Vanity Project VS Dr. Wagner III & Galeno Del Mal; Swipe Right wins and retains the titles.
• Mason Rook VS Jackson Drake w/ The Vanity Project; Drake wins.
• Keanu Carver VS EK Prosper; EK wins.
• Jaida Parker VS Karmen Petrovic w/ Natalya; Jaida wins.
• Kelani Jordan VS Tatum Paxley; Lani wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Kendal Grey & Wren Sinclair go to gorilla.

The NEW NXT Women’s Champion asks the WWE Women’s Speed Champion if she’s gonna go out there with her, and Wren says no, this is Kendal’s moment. She’s got this. Kendal says okay, and she makes her entrance. The fans cheer as the Ice Woman makes her way to the ring, golden once again. The fans chant, “You Deserve It!” as Kendal grabs a mic, and she thanks the fans for that. But to be honest with everyone, she is more nervous coming out here talking to them than she was wrestling in the main event on Sunday. Talking and doing these things is not what she’s used to, it’s not what she’s good at.

Ever since she was a kid, she was the kid hiding from the teacher when they would call on someone to read. Please bear with her. Ever since John Cena picked her for Iron Survivor, life has been crazy. All these opportunities she didn’t know she was ready for, didn’t know if she’d succeed. She heard the people, the expectations. And it put a lot of pressure on her. But no one puts pressure on her like she does. And it’s been like that since she was a young girl. Before coming to NXT, she wasn’t used to losing. In high school, college, she dominated on the mats. And in Evolve, well, let’s be honest, she ran through that division!

But since coming to NXT, even though she held her own, every time she came close to this title, she dropped the ball. But she had to deal with self-doubt, with the voices in her head, and asked herself if she was ready, if she belonged, if she could hang with this division. But this Sunday, she got her answer, and this title proves it! Damn right she’s ready! And she knows, she ay not look like the normal champion. Last week, she sat across from Lola Vice, with her designer dresses, her heels all glammed up. And Kendal through tot herself, “That’s what a champion looks like. But that’s not me! That’s not my style!” Kendal can’t even sit in the make-up chair for more than five minutes without going crazy! Plus, Kendal wipes off half the make-up put on her before she’s even out here.

So yeah, she probably won’t be comfortable dressing up as a Barbie. But she doesn’t need to! She’ll probably be nervous as hell every time she talks to them. And she can’t guarantee that she’ll sound like a champ. But when the bell rings, she’s damn sure she’ll wrestle like one! The fans like that! Kendal says she is ready to take the division to another level! A level no one has seen before! And if this title puts a target on her back, good! She welcomes it! She thrives under pressure, thrives in competition, and when you step in the ring with Kendal Grey, it is her match, her tempo, her pace. And all the other girls right now, sooner or later, find out that they just can’t keep up with Kendal.

And now Wren makes her way out here, because she’s got a cake for them to celebrate! Kendal is all smiles, and Wren says “Surprise~!” Wren wanted to let Kendal have the moment because she deserves it. But last week, Kendal had a vision, and guess what? It came true! They both walked out of The Great American Bash as champions! The fans cheer, and Wren says Kendal had the perfect idea on how to celebrate, so that’s what they’re gonna do. Two-layer cake for the two champs bringing home gold to the #WrenQCC! But then Kelani Jordan is here! Wren says she is NOT invited to this!

But Lani says let’s be real. They’re gonna come out here and eat cake just cuz they finally won after getting opportunity after opportunity? How about this? How about Kendal gives Lani the chance she so deserves. Because after everything she’s done and accomplished, Lani didn’t even get a match on GAB, and was instead viciously assaulted by a lunatic just for speaking her truth! But speaking of that lunatic, TATUM PAXLEY rises from the barriers! And she CROSSBODIES Lani down! The fans fire up as Taum takes the fight to Lani again, and then the champs eat cake. And they say, “Welcome to NXT!”

Tatum runs Lani off to the back, but can she get Lani to stop running her mouth? Or will Lani whine her way to a title opportunity?

Something else is going on backstage!

KEANU CARVER JUST CLOBBERED VIKINGO!! Robert Stone and the refs are all furious, but Keanu says EK ain’t getting no title match now! Stone shouts for medics, but did the Demolition Crew just ruin his own chances at title opportunities with this?

Izzi Dame is backstage.

And she grumbles about both Kendal & Wren being champions. If only things had gone right in The Culling, SHE would be Women’s North American Champion, the Women’s Champion, AND the Speed Champion! #Izzi3Belts! And as Zaria walks by, Izzi says yeah, she IS talking about taking that title. If Tatum hadn’t stolen it from Izzi- Oh, Tatum? The same Tatum that Zaria beat twice? Izzi sounds a little desperate now that The Culling is falling apart. Uh, The Culling is at full strength, actually! And- Wait, that rock music is really loud. And Lizzy Rain is rocking hard in the locker room! What is she doing?! Making it rain, baby!

Izzi says she’ll just fix this herself! What?! Izzi storms off, what will she do to “fix” things for herself?

Kelani Jordan complains to Robert Stone.

The Standout asks if he saw all that, and he says no, he was a little busy having to cancel the Latin American Championship match because of Keanu. Lani doesn’t care about that, that little freak, Tatum, is unhinged! What happened? She attacked Lani! Lani went out there to talk to Kendal, and then Tatum just pops up from outta nowhere! Stone is getting sick of Lani’s attitude. If she wants to settle things with Tatum, then it’ll be the two of them in tonight’s main event! Lani still seethes, because that’s not exactly what she wants. But will she still get what she deserves?

As for Stone, he catches up to Keanu. Keanu says that’s what happens when you give guys like EK a title shot instead of him! Oh, well, sorry that EK beat you, but his match with Vikingo is now off. But y’know what match IS on? Keanu VS EK, round two, TONIGHT! Stone storms off, will Keanu just have to settle the score with the Disrespectfully Athletic himself?

NXT Tag Team Championships: Swipe Right w/ The Vanity Project VS Dr. Wagner III & Galeno Del Mal!

Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes didn’t get to be on the Great American Bash, but that’s okay, because they get to have a fiesta with Los Hermanos Wagner! But will they be able to swipe left on new champions being crowned? Or will Wagner y Galeno bring these titles home to AAA?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who has the better afterparty!

The teams sort out and Smokes starts against Galeno. They tie up, Galeno SHOVES Smokes down, but Smokes comes back. Smokes slips around, headlocks, but Galeno powers up and out. Galeno hurdles, drops down, then CLOBBERS Smokes! The fans fire up while Galeno flexes. Smokes scrambles away, and he tags to Brad. Brad runs up but Galeno scoop him! Brad slips free, shoves Galeno, but Wagner tags in! Wagner fires haymakers, then whips, but Brad reverses. Wagner goes up and over, then wrenches and CLUBS Brad on the back! Smokes tags in before Wagner TOSSES Brad. Smokes runs up but Wagner sends him into Brad!

The fans cheer as Wagner then mule kicks, front kicks, and SUPERKICKS! Smokes tumbles out, Wagner builds speed, and he FLIES! Down goes Swipe Right and the fans fire up for Los Hermanos Wagner as NXT goes to break.

NXT returns as Smokes has Wagner in a chinlock. Wagner fights up, fires body shots, but Smokes CLUBS him on the back. Smokes whips Wagner to the corner, runs up, but Wagner BOOTS him away! Wagner ELBOWS Brad, then goes up and over Smokes, but Smokes anchors a leg! Wagner hops, hops, and ENZIGIRIS! Smokes falls back, Brad tags in, but he misses Wagner! Hot tag to Galeno! The fans fire up as Galeno rallies with LARIATS and FLAPJACKS! Then a BOOT for Smokes! And a LARIAT in the corner for Brad! And another, and another, and another! The fans fire up with Galeno and he scoop SLAMS Brad!

Galeno winds it up, runs the ropes, and runs the ropes, to ULTIMATE SPLASH! Cover, but Smokes breaks it! Galeno ROCKS Smokes, TOSSES him out, but Jackson Drake talks trash. Galeno goes to Brad, underhooks him, but Brad fights free! Brad tags Smokes, but Galeno SPLASHES Brad! And he HIP TOSSES Smokes! The fans fire up as Smokes ends up in Wagner territory! SHINING WIZARD, then a tag to Wagner. Wagner ROCKS Brad, then he runs up. Galeno gives him the boost for the MISSILE DROPKICK! Then a cover on Smokes, but Brad gives him the ropebreak! The fans boo, but Vanity Project gets away with one!

Wagner is furious, but Smokes rolls him up, TWO! Brad sneaks the tag, then Smokes baits Wagner in. Brad ROCKS Wagner, Smokes BLASTS Galeno! DROPKICK SPINEBUSTER COMBO! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as the doctor survives! Brad clamps onto Wagner, but Wagner spins around to suplex. Brad slips free, ROCKS Wagner, but Wagner ROCKS Brad! Brad ROCKS Wagner, Wagner ROCKS Brad! The fans rally up, Wagner DECKS Brad, fires a flurry, then ROLLING- NO, Brad throat chops! The ref reprimands but Brad whips. Galeno sneaks the tag, Wagner ENZIGIRIS! Then Galeno spins Brad to the INVERTED SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!

Brad survives and Galeno is surprised, but he hurries to tag Wagner back in. Wagner goes up, then climbs onto his brother’s shoulders for that much more height! SUPER SPLASH! Cover, but Smokes runs up! Galeno BACKDROPS Smokes, but onto the cover! A miscalculation from Galeno, but “This is Awesome!” Galeno runs up but Smokes dodges to POST him! Brad runs up on Wagner but gets a BOOT! Drake gets on the apron, Wagner DECKS him! But then Smokes ENZIGIRIS! Brad tags Smokes back in, and Smokes goes up! DOUBLE STOMP DDT COMBO! Cover, Swipe Right wins!

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

The Vanity Project are experts at the numbers game, and having quatro against dos was the deciding factor. But will there come a time where even numbers fail them? Or will the NXT Tag Division always belong to them?

Robert Stone meets with OTM and BirthRight.

Speaking of the tag division, clearly both teams want their shot. Stone says okay, one at a time. Lucien Price says Lil’ Finlay can go first. Uriah Connors says at least his dad is famous. But to the point, Swipe Right has had the tag title for four MONTHS, but how many times have they defended them? Three. And only one of those teams was from NXT. Stacks & Uriah deserve a shot, it is their birthright. But Price says they ain’t cutting in front of OTM. Uriah says oh, so what? They can win the titles and do just what Nima is doing, running off to AAA? Nima says eschucha me, but his opportunities don’t concern you!

Now, what they should be worried about is standing across from OTM in the ring! But then Sean Legacy enters the room and says he and his tag partner, Dorian Van Dux, deserve an opportunity. Uh, where is he? Looking so stupid! But then in step DarkState’s Cutler James & Osiris Griffin, and Cutty already knows what everyone in here is politicking for. But see, they cut the weak link out of DarkState, time to get back on track. Um, weak link? Sorry, didn’t Saquon take care of your leader, Dion? Osiris says they settled the score on Sunday. And while Saquon could never bring home gold, Cutler & Osiris will. Then Noam Dar & Romeo Moreno join in!

Stone says okay, okay, enough. What he agrees with is that the tag titles need to be defended more frequently. So here’s what they’ll do: Fatal 4 Way #1 Contender’s Tag: DarkState VS BirthRight VS OTM VS Legacy & DVD, if Legacy can find him. Is that good? For now, he has to handle business. Moreno asks por que, why were they excluded? Stone says Moreno & Dar need to build up the resume, okay? Dar says Stone is right, they can’t rush in. They gotta focus on getting some wins, then worry about the titles. Moreno says he just needs one win to do that! But while #Daromeo works on their win-loss record, who will win their way to an opportunity next week?

Mason Rook VS Jackson Drake w/ The Vanity Project!

He’s big, he’s bad, and he’ll body slam your dad, but right now he wants to break Jackson Drake for having such a big ego. Will Rook move into position to face a champion again? Or will the Carolina Reaper be too hot for him to handle?

The bell rings, the two tie up, and Rook powers Drake around. They end up in a corner, the ref counts, and Rook takes a swing, but Drake slips away. Drake KICKS Rook’s leg, then he hurries away to ropes for defense. The fans boo but Rook has to stay back. Drake then KICKS Rook’s leg again, but Rook brushes that off. They circle, Drake kicks but Rook blocks! Drake ducks a shot to headlock, but Rook blocks the takeover! Rook then lifts Drake up, whips him away, then blows past him to RUN him over! The fans fire up as things keep moving, and Drake leaps into Rook’s POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Drake survives but the fans rally for Rook.

Rook stalks Drake to a corner, drags him up, and CHOPS! Drake flounders around but Rook stalks him. Drake CHOPS, but Rook CHOPS! Drake falls, Rook covers, TWO! Drake scuffs Rook, but Rook CLUBS him. Rook drags Drake to a snapmare, then he clamps onto the arms for a motorcycle stretch. Drake endures the knee in his back, but he fights up. Wait, whose phone is going off? Booker T’s phone is ringing, and then Kam Hendrix is on video chat, aka “The Kam Cam.” Showtime says sup, Book? And he’s sure everyone is wondering where he’s been, but he’s right here, coming back real soon. Rook tried to take Kam out, but that ain’t happening!

True, Kam is at 60, maybe 61% right now, but when he’s back, everyone knows that Hendrix will deliver on that Lights, Kam, Action! Meanwhile, Rook sweeps the legs on Drake, only to miss the senton! Drake goes to the apron to KNEE-BOARD SENTON! Drake swivels his hips, the fans boo, but then Rook scoops! Drake slips free, springboards, but Rook lets the Quebrada FLOP! Rook wags his finger, then whips Drake to the corner. Rook SPLASHES, then whips and SPLASHES again! Rook LARIATS then SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Drake bails out and regroups with The Vanity Project, but Rook lets him while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns as Rook looms over Drake, and SPLASHES onto knees! Rook sputters, Drake KNEES him in the face! Then Drake runs, handsprings, and LETHAL IN-JACKSON! Cover, TWO! Rook survives and Drake is beside himself! The fans rally for Rook but Drake kicks him around. Rook CHOPS him! And CHOPS him! And CHOPS him again! Rook whips, BACKDROPS, and the fans fire up for Rook as he SPIN-OUT BOMBS Drake! Drake goes to a corner, Rook runs in, CANNONBALL! Drake sputters and flounders, Rook drags him to a cover, TWO! Drake survives but Rook brings him back up. Rook fireman’s carries, but Drake sunset flips!

Rook stays up, but Drake avoids the hip drop! Drake runs to PENALTY KICK! And then LIONSUALT DOUBLE STOMP!! Cover, TWO!! Rook survives, even as Drake invents something truly wild! Drake gets moving, but he runs into the BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Drake survives again and Rook cannot believe it! The fans rally for Rook as he goes corner to corner again, but Drake dodges! Rook hits buckles, Drake runs to tilt-o-whirl and DDT! Cover, TWO!! Rook survives being spiked and Drake is freaking out! The fans rally for Rook while Vanity Project coaches their guy, and both men rise up.

Rook blocks a shot to HEADBUTT, then he reels Drake in! POWER- SUNSET BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Rook survives that sudden turnaround, but Drake hurries to ENZIGIRI! And POISON-RANA!! But Rook’s right back up!? And he LARIATS Drake inside-out! The fans are thunderous for the deadlift LIGER BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! No one can believe it, and even Vanity Project is freaking out! “This is Awesome!” as Rook hurries to haul Drake up and scoop. But Myka distracts the ref! Smokes runs in, but Rook SMACKS him with Drake! Rook scoops Smokes, and THROWS him out onto Brad! But then Drake hits a BACKSTABBER!

Drake hurries to cover, Myka traps a foot!! DRAKE WINS!

Winner: Jackson Drake, by pinfall

Once again, the numbers game saves Drake! Will the Vanity Project do everything they can just to take over NXT? But wait! Rook snatches Brad and CLOBBERS him! Then he picks up Smokes for a BACKPACK CANNONBALL onto Brad! Rook just wiped out the pawns, will he get to tear down that joker leading the team?

EK Prosper talks with Tate Wilder.

They’re both upset that Keanu Carver ruined the title opportunity for EK tonight, but Tate points out that in a roundabout way, this is the match EK wanted. EK wanted a rematch with Keanu, so now he’s got him. EK says yeah, but he was preparing for one of the best high-flyers in the game, only to be taking on the complete opposite. Tate gets that, but hey, this is E K Prosper! There is no one that moves like him in that ring! EK beat Keanu once, he can beat him again. Get revenge on the man that put you through a table! EK daps it up with Tate and says he’s fired up now! EK heads out, but will he be able to make it two in a row against the One Man Demolition Crew?

Robert Stone is on the phone.

He thanks the other side and just asks they get him an update as soon as they have one. Then he has a meeting with Kali Armstrong. The Difference Maker asks what a girl has to do around here to get some opportunities. She’s been scoping the scene, waiting around to make her next move, but Kendal Grey just got the NXT Women’s Championship, and Kali wants next. Stone appreciates the confidence but he doesn’t just hand out title shots. Why, though? Stone’s seen first-hand that she has what it takes to lead a division. And she knows she can beat Kendal. Well, Kali may think that, but so does the rest of the roster.

Stone says if Kali wants a title shot, actions speak louder than words. Kali says alright, she’ll do that. Kali heads out, what actions will the Pride of Inglewood take to get her chance?

Keanu Carver VS EK Prosper!

There’s being a sore loser, and then there’s what Keanu did both last week and just earlier tonight. He powerbomb’d EK through a table just because he lost fair and square, then he attacked El Hijo del Vikingo just to deny EK the title match. Will Keanu do even worse to make sure he doesn’t lose again? Or will EK still prosper the second time around?

The bell rings and EK runs up, but Keanu BODY BLOWS! EK ducks the lariat, DROPKICKS, but Keanu stays up. EK kips up to fire a flurry of forearms! But Keanu THROWS EK to a corner! EK BOOTS back, runs up, but Keanu RAMS him into the corner! Keanu scoops EK, but EK slips free! EK swings but Keanu TACKLES him! Keanu rains down forearms, talks trash, then drags EK up. Keanu CLUBS EK down, then looms over him. The fans boo but Keanu clamps onto EK’s arm. EK endures, fights up, and the fans rally as EK fires body shots. Keanu CLUBS EK back down, then drags EK back up to whip to the corner.

EK goes up and over, handsprings, and DROPKICKS! The fans fire up but Keanu comes back! EK DUMPS Keanu out, then goes up the corner, Triangle Jump DROPKICK! EK then FLIES and down goes Keanu! The fans fire up for EK, but Keanu is already back up! EK SHOTGUNS Keanu, then reels him in, TORNADO DDT to the floor! The fans fire up with EK, and he gets Keanu back in the ring. EK goes up, up, and FROG SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Keanu is tougher than that, but EK is not deterred as NXT goes picture in picture.

EK fires forearms on Keanu, then he goes after Keanu at the corner. EK rains down fists, but Keanu slips out to YANK EK down! Keanu then waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! EK goes flying across the ring! Keanu snarls as he storms over to EK, drags him up, then KNEES EK in the back! And KNEES him again, and again, and again! EK goes to ropes, but Keanu CHOKES him! The ref counts, Keanu stops at 4, and he drags EK up. Keanu whips EK corner to corner hard, and EK falls back! Keanu talks trash on EK, then eggs him on. EK rises up, and he fires body shots! Keanu just CLUBS EK back down! Then he kicks EK around.

EK goes to the ropes, but Keanu whips him to ropes, scoops, and hits a BACKBREAKER! EK writhes but Keanu just looms over him. Keanu talks more trash, but EK fires shots from below! Keanu CLOBBERS EK! Keanu rains down shots, then covers, TWO! Keanu snarls as he stalks EK, but EK avoids the elbow drop! EK fires haymakers and forearms, but Keanu slips around to GERMAN SUPLEX! EK tumbles away, but Keanu storms over to drag EK into a chinlock. EK endures as Keanu has the armlock and chinbar combo. EK fights up, up, but Keanu wrangles him back down as NXT returns to single picture.

The fans rally for EK as he fights up again, and he pries the hold open. But Keanu KNEES low! Keanu whips EK to ROCK him in the back! Keanu whips EK again, but EK SUPERKICKS! And ROUNDHOUSES! EK runs, but into a LARIAT! Keanu snarls as he drags EK back up, then TOSSES him across the way! EK writhes but Keanu drags him back up. Keanu clamps onto the arm and chinbar again, but the fans rally for EK again. EK rises, fights the hold, then fires body shots. Keanu CLUBS EK down, then scoops EK for a POWER- STUNNER from EK! The fans fire up as EK then SUPERKICKS! EK runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then LEAPING LARIATS!

The fans fire up for EK as he keeps moving, and QUEBRADA! Down goes Keanu but EK hurries up a corner! Keanu stands, and EK hits a SKY SLICER! Shoutout to Elio LeFluer, and EK HEEL KICKS Keanu outta the ring! The fans rally for EK as he builds speed, and DIVES into a FOREARM! Keanu turns things right around, and he drags EK back up! Fireman’s carry, and SNAKE EYES off the desk! Keanu snarls, he puts EK in the ring, but TANK LEDGER THROWS KEANU THROUGH BARRIERS!! The fans are thunderous as Tank gets payback for Hank! And he gets away with it, too! Keanu is still down as the ring count reaches 5!

Keanu rises and hobbles around at 8, but slides in at 9! EK SHINING WIZARDS!! The fans are thunderous as EK goes up, up, and PROSPER SAULT!! Cover, EK wins again!!

Winner: EK Prosper, by pinfall

An assist to one of the Big Belly Boys, but it’s another win for EK! Will EK have a title shot waiting for him down the line after this? Will Keanu have to learn he’s his own worst enemy?

Kendal Grey talks with Robert Stone.

The champ says if Kali Armstrong wants her shot, just give her one. Stone says he appreciates Kendal being a fighting champion, but people have to earn title shots here. The perfect example is next week, he’s made another Fatal 4 Way #1 Contenders match, but to the Women’s North American Championship. Izzi Dame VS Lizzy Rain VS Thea Hail VS Layla Diggs. Kendal says that’s not bad. But then in steps Natalya and her crew, Karmen Petrovic, Nikkita Lyons and the aforementioned Layla Diggs. And Nattie wants to ask if someone said “earning it.” Because those are her favorite words in this entire business! Just like Layla is gonna earn her Women’s NA Championship match!

Layla thanks Mr. Stone, but Nattie says thank her, because she’s the one who vouched for her. Yes, Layla is thankful to Nattie, too. Nattie says just like how Nikkita earned her Evolve Women’s Championship, and just like Karmen is going to earn her win tonight over Jaida Parker. And if we’re all talking about earning it, no one has earned it more than the Lowkey Legend, the underappreciated legend, who has done so much and deserve the world. And to be honest, Mr. Stone, Nattie wants a title match. Kendal tells Stone that whether it’s Nattie or Kali, it makes no difference to her. Then Stone will say, Nattie makes a convincing argument.

Next week, it will be Kendal Grey VS Natalya for THE NXT Women’s Championship. Now, Stone believes Nattie and crew need to get to ringside, Karmen’s match is up next. Nattie and team head out, but will the Queen of Harts once again be golden? Or will even a Lowkey Legend lose herself in the Grey Area? As for Karmen, will the “Shing Shing” show just how soft Miss Parker has become? Or will Jaida use Karmen to sharpen that edge again?

Jaida Parker VS Karmen Petrovic w/ Natalya!

NXT returns as Karmen makes her entrance, The BOAT and crew all with her. The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, Karmen shoves Jaida, and Jaida is annoyed already. Jaida ties up with Karmen again, puts her in a corner, but the ref counts. Jaida backs off, Karmen warns her, but the fans still cheer on “Miss Parker~!” Karmen rushes up, but Jaida drop toeholds Karmen and floats to a headlock. Karmen rolls to a cover, ONE, and Jaida holds on. Karmen headscissors, Jaida powers free and goes back to the headlock. Karmen fights up, pulls hair, and she powers out to KICK low!

Karmen then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but leaps into Jaida’s arms! BACKBREAKER! Karmen flounders away, the fans fire up, and Jaida runs up. Jaida blocks the kicks, CHOPS Karmen, then CHOPS her again! Jaida runs up to TEARDROP! The fans cheer as Jaida high steps it out! Jaida runs up again but Karmen bails out. Nattie is there to coach Karmen up, but Jaida steps out. Jaida tells Karmen to get in the ring, but Nattie barks at Jaida. Karken SWEEPS the legs! Then she DOUBLE STOMPS Jaida on the apron! Karmen drags Jaida into the ring, bumps her off buckles, then bumps her off buckles again. Karmen climbs up and rains down fists!

The fans boo but Karmen still gets ten, and she points to Nattie as a way to give her props. Karmen then BACK BODY BLOCKS, and she stomps away on Jaida! Karmen lines up a shot, runs in, and SLIDING KICKS! Karmen smiles, Nattie applauds, and Karmen mocks the high step. But Jaida BODY BLOWS! And BODY BLOWS again! Karmen runs back up, slips around and serves up SOLE FOOD! Cover, TWO! Jaida toughs it out but Karmen talks trash on her. Karmen KICKS, and KICKS, and KICKS again! But Jaida blocks one, ELBOWS Karmen, then RAMS low! Jaida goes to ropes, Karmen runs up, and Karmen LARIATS!

Karmen clinches Jaida, but Jaida rolls through to drag Karmen down! RINGS OF SATURN! Karmen kicks, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Jaida lets go at 4, Karmen bails out again, but Jaida just WRECKS Karmen with a dropkick! Jaida dares Nattie to try something, and she puts Karmen in. But Lyons snatches Jaida! Nattie gets a cheap shot in! Layla asks why they’re doing it like this, but Jaida is put in for Karmen. Karmen waistlocks, but Jaida bucks the O’Conner to BOOT and ELBOW, then short arm LARIAT! Jaida reels Karmen in, GOURD BUSTER and HIP-NOTIC! Jaida isn’t done there, DEJA VU BOMB! Cover, Jaida wins!

Winner: Jaida Parker, by pinfall

Miss Parker stares Nattie right down. The numbers game did not work for Nattie’s crew, will Jaida make her way through the rest of the crew to get at the captain?

Shiloh Hill and Tatum Paxley talk backstage.

Shiloh says her hair is blacker than her gear. Sorry about the Bash, by the way. It’s okay. It still hurts, but at least tonight, she can beat Kelani Jordan and start her path back to the title. Shiloh knows she will. And Tatum says at least Shiloh had a great night! And we got to see a side of him we never had before. Shiloh says yeah, everyone seemed surprised that he went to that place, but it’s always been there inside. It’s just that Tristan Angels is one of the first guys to bring it out of him. And once Shiloh’s there, it’s like he gets to let the thunder out. He feels the trick is being able to hide it most of the time.

Like on LFG, Shiloh went there a little too much, got his tooth knocked out, and how can you not be happy when you look like this? Tatum says they’re more alike than they think. These two know when it is time to tap into the darkness. But Tatum is happy that the fun side is back. Him, too. And good luck, Tatum! Tatum won’t need luck, but Lani will! Tatum hugs Shiloh then heads out, will she be able to tear down The Standout? But then Niko Vance steps in! He says The Culling made the right decision expelling Tatum and Shawn Spears. They’re a lot lighter without all that dead weight. Now the easiest way to the top is picking off each and every one of these weak superstars, one by one.

Shiloh says yeah, cool, but don’t talk about Tatum like that. Niko chuckles and says Shiloh has a “nice smile.” The Culling might have things backward, but will someone like Shiloh have to set them straight?

Sean Legacy finds Dorian Van Dux.

Super Sean asks where DVD has been, and apparently DVD only just got his text. Well, what about earlier? Legacy turned right, found Stone in the talent lounge. DVD says he went left. Well, okay, if they’re gonna be a tag team, they gotta get on the same page. It was a bit embarrassing going to Stone thinking his tag partner was right behind him, and yet he was nowhere to be found. DVD apologizes for that, it will never happen again. Good! Because next week, they have an opportunity in that Fatal 4 Way #1 Contenders match. The winners get their shot at the titles! DVD can’t believe it but Sean says it’s real!

DVD and Legacy secret handshake, but then they still leave in opposite directions until DVD realizes it. Well, can they at least be on the same page when the bell rings?

Wren Sinclair talks with Myles Borne.

Wren is so proud of Myles for his win at GAB and he thanks her for that. Is there any cake left? No, Wren & Kendal ate it all. Seriously? Well, you can’t waste cake! But Myles says look at them, making their way on their own. Wren says doing pretty good if she says so herself. Oh, uh, Tavion incoming. Huh? Oh, right, she keeps forgetting his hearing… But Wren says hi to Tavion, didn’t see you there. She’s gonna go… anywhere but here. Myles says one hell of a match, T. Yeah, well… Did Myles see what Tank did to Keanu earlier? Tank didn’t even flinch going after Keanu for what happened to Hank at the tailgate.

That’s ride or die. That’s friends, bro, who stick through thick ‘n’ thin. Doesn’t matter what happens, they get right past it. Myles knows that, Tavion, that’s what he’s been saying this whole time. Myles leaves, and Tavion says he probably deserves that. But will Tavion be able to dust himself off and go for another title opportunity for the summer?

Tony D’Angelo is here!

The Master of Fate is STILL NXT Champion, even after going to war with Naraku. He goes right to the ring, a determined look in his one good eye, and he grabs the mic. Tony says, “Now when you use something every day, you start to take it for granted. You take for granted waking up, and seeing every moment. Seeing your family at the dinner table. Your coworkers at your job. Even the stupid text messages you send back and forth with your buddies, even doom-scrolling on social media, it’s just something you don’t think about it. Now last week, I’m sitting in the back of an ambulance, burnt, scared, wondering if I’m ever gonna see outta this eye again.

“But what people don’t know is that I had to sign a bunch of waivers and crap just so I could compete and not forfeit this championship.” The fans applaud that! Tony says the last contract he signed literally blew up in his face. But the last real document that Stone and his people drew up for Tony, he’s not gonna lie, he paused before he signed it. Tony had to ask himself, “Am I willing to risk my health to defend this championship?” Tony sat there, and sat there, and said to himself, “You’re damn right I am!” The fans cheer that, too! Tony showed up to the Bash with a purpose. He told Naraku that he’d show up for war.

Sunday was the definition of blind rage because he spears Naraku through that perch wall in the first ten seconds of the match, and he never let up. Tony got his hand raised, and he is done with Naraku. Now, Tony’s eye is gonna make a full recovery. The fans cheer that, too, but Tony says this message is for whoever is next. Tony is the master of his own fate, and is the captain of his soul. You saw what Tony was willing to do to defend this title, so the question is, what’re you willing to do to take it from him? Because as far as he is concerned, there’s not a man in that locker room willing to swim in the deep waters to take this title from Tony D!

The fans cheer that, and Tony takes his leave. The champ has put everyone on notice, but will someone, anyone, be able to pry this title from his hands? Speaking of titles, Kendal Grey makes her way out, the NXT Women’s Championship in hand. The champs fist bump, but then wait! NARAKU ATTACKS TONY! RED MIST!! Then a CHAIR SHOT to the back!! Tony may think he’s done with Naraku, but The King of Darkness is not done with Tony! Naraku puts Tony in the ring, and hits EVERYTHING IS EVIL on the chair! Tony writhes, the fans boo, and refs rush out here, but the damage is done! Will Naraku have the title one way or another?

Kelani Jordan VS Tatum Paxley!

The Standout wants her shot at THE NXT Women’s Championship, #TuesdayAddams wants to get back to the NXT Women’s North American Championship, but this issue came from Lani talking down on Tatum. Lani says Tatum cries, gets a chance, fails, and repeats, but that might be a bit hypocritical with all the moaning and complaining she’s been doing on her own. Will Lani put up or shut up?

The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, Tatum arm-drags free, and that just annoys Lani. The fans rally as the two circle again. They tie up, go around the ropes, then to corners. The fans duel, Tatum arm-drags again, and Lani is frustrated. Lani runs up, Tatum dodges, and Tatum arm-drags. Lani KICKS from below, then she bumps Tatum off buckles. Lani talks trash on the fans, then bumps Tatum off more buckles. Lani brings Tatum up, but Tatum blocks the buckle bump to elbow Lani away! Lani KNEES low in return, then THROWS Tatum down by her hair! The fans boo but Lani talks trash, only for Tatum to laugh!

Lani is confused and upset, but she runs to SPLASH! Cover, TWO, and Tatum still laughs! Lani clamps on with a chinlock but Tatum fights up to headlock. They go around, Lani powers up but Tatum reverses to pull hair! Then she hits a reverse takeover! The fans cheer while Lani endures the grind. Lani fights around, fights to her feet, then stands on Tatum’s leg to power her down. Then Lani fishhooks Tatum to get the headlock! The fans duel, Tatum powers up and out, but Lani RUNS her over! Lani taunts Tatum, runs, but Tatum drops down, then hurdles over! And DROPKICKS Lani down! The fans cheer while Lani tumbles out.

Tatum builds speed, and she WRECKS- NO, Lani blocks the dropkick to YANK Tatum out! Lani goes up, up, and ASAI- NO, Tatum dodges! Lani lands on her feet and rolls through, then she runs back up! Tatum pops Lani up, Lani headstands on the apron, but Tatum SUPERKICKS her down! The fans fire up again as Tatum stands tall, and NXT goes picture in picture, right as someone attacks Kendal on commentary!

Tatum notices, she looks over, and it’s KALI ARMSTRONG! Okay, this is NOT what Mr. Stone meant by actions speaking louder than words! Lani rushes Tatum, Tatum BOOTS her away, and Tatum hurries to put Lani in the ring. Tatum dodges Lani, then runs up, but Lani dodges the wheel kick! Tatum’s leg hits buckles and she writhes in agony! Lani grabs that leg, stomps away on it, then puts the leg on the ropes for a KNEE DROP! Tatum clutches her knee and ankle, but she tells the ref not to stop the match. Lani drags Tatum around and DDTS the foot! Tatum crawls to another corner, but Lani pulls the leg against the ropes!

The ref counts, Lani stops at 4, and she paces while Tatum crawls. Lani storms up but Tatum ELBOWS her down! Tatum Oklahoma Rolls, TWO! Lani has the cover, TWO! Tatum has a ghost pin, TWO! Lani SWEEPS the legs! Lani then STOMPS the bad foot! Tatum writhes again but Lani drags her around. Lani kneels on Tatum’s knee, then pulls on the toehold! Tatum endures, claws at Lani, and KICKS at her again and again. Lani turns Tatum over to STOMP the bad foot again! Tatum scrambles to ropes but Lani is right on her again. Lani soaks up heat before she DDTS the foot again! Tatum scrambles to the apron, but Lani pursues.

Lani puts the foot through the ropes, stands on it, then STOMPS it again! Tatum falls to the floor but Lani is right after her again. Lani puts Tatum in the ring, then drags her around. Lani kicks at Tatum while NXT returns to single picture. Lani kicks and kicks, but Tatum blocks! Lani apologizes, but Tatum ROCKS her! Tatum fires a flurry but Lani shoves her away. Tatum hobbles, but she still dodges, runs, but into a SPANISH FLY! Both women are down but the fans rally up again. Lani fires forearms on Tatum, eggs her on, and Tatum CHOPS! Lani CHOPS in return! Tatum kicks low with the good foot, but Lani kicks Tatum back!

Tatum and Lani fire forearms, the fans dueling, but Lani ducks a shot! Tatum still SOBATS! Tatum hobbles, but she and Lani run up again! Tatum CLOBBERS Lani, CLOBBERS her again, then wrenches and ROUNDHOUSES! Then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Lani flounders to the ropes, the fans fire up, and Tatum runs to slide and ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up as Lani flounders away. Tatum runs in, but Lani avoids the rolling kick! But Tatum avoids the senton! Then ROLLING KICK! Cover, TWO! Lani survives but Tatum stays focused. The fans rally again as Tatum drags Lani to a drop zone, and she goes to the outside.

Tatum climbs the corner, takes aim, and 450- NO, Tatum has to roll through as Lani dodges! Lani goes up, up, and CROSSBODY FLOPS as Tatum moves! Tatum reels Lani in, then uses the ropes for the SLINGSHOT PLEX! Then the FISHERMAN SPINEBSUTER! Cover, TWO! But Tatum clamps on with a REVERSE BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Lani endures, reaches out, but Tatum fights to bend her back! Lani grabs the bad foot! Tatum lets go, and Lani uses that to bring her around and stomp away! The fans boo but Lani ties up the legs in a DEATHLOCK! Tatum endures now, and reaches back to headlock Lani!

Lani lets the legs go to fight up, but Tatum reelsher in, Lani slips around, they go to ropes. Lani manages the O’Conner Roll, TWO! Tatum has it, TWO! Lani has it, TWO, and Lani tumbles out of the ring! Tatum hurries, ducks a shot, and she ROCKS Lani! Tatum HIP TOSSES but Lani handsprings through! Lani ROCKS Tatum and Tatum falls into the drop zone! Lani goes up the corner, but Tatum hurries to her feet! SUPER- NO, Lani blocks the kick! Lani has the leg on the ropes but Tatum fires elbows! Lani ROCKS Tatum, then drops down to BOOT the leg! Tatum hobbles, Lani slingshots, but Tatum avoids the cutter!

Tatum hurries to ROLLING KICK! Another direct hit but Tatum has to hobble back over. She hooks Lani up, but Lani wrenches free! Lani ducks a kick, blocks a kick, and DRAGON SCREWS through the enzigiri! Lani stands Tatum up, Tatum still kicks, but Lani ducks it! Torture rack and SWINGING- NO! Tatum RANAS through! Tatum then runs up, but Lani sweeps the leg! Tatum hits buckles, Lani torture racks again, and SWINGING SLAM! Then Lani goes up, ONE OF A KIND SAULT! Cover, Lani wins!

Winner: Kelani Jordan, by pinfall

All the tough talk, all the complaining, and yet Lani finds a way to back it up! The Standout stands tall tonight, but will she finally reach the mountaintop here in NXT? As for Tatum, she isn’t quite sure what to do with herself. But then SOMEONE ATTACKS HER!? Who even is this?! ELBOW DROP on Tatum’s back, then the torture rack for the STRETCH! She DROPS Tatum down, the fans boo, but is the landscape of NXT about to change all over again?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT to follow up Great American Bash, and they certainly leaned into a chaotic nature. They took away the Latin American Championship match they teased because…? Well, it does get heat on Keanu, and sets up a great rematch between him and EK. Tank getting revenge on Keanu was great, and a great second win for EK. Keanu VS Tank would make a great singles match, and might be a good win for Keanu. I do feel the story with Keanu is more about his mental state, how he sees the world and sees himself, and that he isn’t going to make any progress until he changes that. But he’ll still wreck stuff along the way, to be sure.

Great match from Swipe Right VS Wagner & Galeno, but of course Swipe Right one with some shenanigans. Same for Drake winning over Mason, as great as that match was. Though, what was up with Kam Hendrix doing a mid-match phone call promo? What a weird way to get heat. I do like the Fatal 4 Way we’re getting, and how they’re using that to build the story of Noam Dar & Romeo Moreno on the side. The Heel teams are right out, and with the reference to Nima’s AAA story, OTM might be out, too, leaving Legacy & DVD to pull it together and pull out the win.

Great intertwining of stories tonight, too. Kendal and Wren got to celebrate their wins, but then things are still tense between the former NQCC. Lani is still disgruntled but she and Tatum got to have it out. Good promo from Tatum with Shiloh and then Shiloh with Niko. I kinda wonder why they didn’t do a Mixed Tag of Shiloh & Tatum VS Niko & Izzi before, and they probably won’t do one now, but Shiloh VS Niko could still make a good match. Izzi had a good interaction with Zaria to hype up a possible match there. The women’s Fatal 4 will be great, but I think they could go with Zaria VS Izzi because it’d be another great Heel VS Heel dynamic like when it was Izzi VS Arianna in the Speed tournament.

Tony had a very good promo, but I had a feeling someone would attack him. I didn’t think it’d be Naraku, but at the same time, it makes sense it was Naraku because no one else is really poised to challenge Tony with Kam still obsessed with Rook and everyone else still just below the top title scene. Naraku might get the title on the second time around, and maybe with some more hardcore House of Torture style cheating. Meanwhile, I also had a feeling Kali was going to attack Kendal to force Stone’s hand with title opportunities. Kendal VS Nattie will be a great match, very technical, but I would think that’s Kendal’s to win so that she and Kali can then run back their Evolve rivalry for like Heatwave this August.

Oh, and speaking of… While having a huge day of AAA and NXT PLE, can they stop counterprogramming AEW? I thought they learned their lesson before that it isn’t a good business model. Also, it’s not good for me, as I’m gonna watch All In first, and then at some point get to Heatwave after, so it’s just a lot of wrestling to watch for one weekend.

My Score: 8.7/10