Earn your right to fight for the title!

With Great American Bash on the horizon, Tony D’Angelo and Lola Vice need challengers! Who win and become the NEW #1 contenders tonight?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Noam Dar & Romeo Moreno VS Fraxiom; Fraxiom wins.
• NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: NARAKU VS Mason Rook; Naraku wins and will challenge for the title at Great American Bash.
• NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Kelani Jordan VS Kendal Grey; Kendal wins and will challenge for the title at Great American Bash.
• Dion Lennox w/ Osiris Griffin VS Jasper Troy; Dion wins.
• Mr. NXT Pageant: Shiloh Hill VS Tristan Angels; Shiloh wins and is officially Mr. NXT.
• NXT Women’s North American Championship: Tatum Paxley VS ZARIA; Zaria wins and becomes the new NXT Women’s North American Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

Noam Dar & Romeo Moreno VS Fraxiom!

Despite falling short of the WWE Speed Championship, the Scottish Supernova is still sticking by El Freestyle, and now they’re competing against one of the best tag teams to ever reign in NXT! Will Dar & Romeo turn things up to 11? Or will Nathan Frazer & Axiom prove they’re still one of the best tag teams in NXT?

The teams sort out and Dar starts against Axiom, two familiar rivals from their NXT UK and Heritage Cup days. They tie up, Dar waistlocks to wrangle Axiom, then he floats to a facelock. Axiom wrenches free to then facelock Dar. They roll, Axiom goes for the armlock and cover, ONE! Axiom keeps on an arm, hammerlocks, but Dar reaches back  to fireman’s carry takeover. Dar facelocks then headlocks, but axiom powers up and out. Dar RUNS Axiom over, then keeps moving. Axiom drops down, hurdles, but into a FLAPJACK! The fans cheer as Dar has the ANKLE LOCK! Axiom rolls to send Dar away, but Dar comes back to RAM Axiom low!

Dar shoves Axiom, but Axiom sunset flips. Dar rolls through, high stacks, but Axiom rolls to seat on the cover, TWO! Axiom and Dar each duck a shot, then block a kick! The fans cheer as the two hop around. They agree to the mutual break, and they set the feet down, only for Dar to spin and hook Axiom for a backslide! TWO, both men stand and Dar whips. Axiom cartwheels, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then springboards to flying arm-drag! And then a DROPKICK! Down goes Dar and the fans fire up! Dar scrambles away to the ropes, and he tags in Romeo! The fans cheer as the Spaniards meet! They circle, but then Frazer sneaks a tag!

The fans boo and even Axiom is upset that Frazer is interrupting this. Frazer headlocks Romeo, Romeo powers up and out, and Frazer goes up and over! Things keep moving, Romeo drops down, hurdles, but Frazer leaps over! Romeo blocks a kick to FLIP Frazer, but Frazer lands out! Frazer ducks a shot, Romeo jumps the sweep, and Frazer gets away before the jump knee! The fans cheer as Romeo stares Frazer right down! Romeo points to Axiom, Axiom reaches out, but Frazer says he’s got this. Frazer runs up, but Romeo hurdles over! Then he catches Frazer to a roll-up, TWO! Hot tag to Dar, he dodges Frazer to have a SLEEPER!

Frazer arm-drags free, CHOPS in the corner, then he whips. Dar reverses, Frazer slides and comes back, but Dar ducks the crossbody! The fans cheer and Dar KICKS! And KICKS! And feints to then DECK Frazer! Cover, TWO! Dar grabs at Frazer, Frazer has the ropes. Dar YANKS Frazer up but Frazer lands out to PELE! Hot tag to Axiom and the speed blitz starts up! Forearm, forearm, blindside, and a basement DDT! Romeo runs in, Axiom dodge to mule kick! Frazer KICKS, then gives Axiom the boost for the DROPKICK! Romeo bails out, Axiom DIVES into a GAMANGIRI! Romeo then springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK Frazer!

Romeo then dodges Axiom, headscissors, and Dar BOOTS Axiom down! Romeo goes out, Dar BLASTS Frazer! Romeo builds speed to go ESCALARA! Down goes Fraxiom and the fans fire up again as Dar climbs! ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Fraxiom is back down, Romeo & Dar are just as fired up as the fans, but NXT goes picture in picture.

Dar fetches Axiom into the ring, then stalks him to center. Dar brings Axiom up for a back suplex! Cover, TWO! Axiom is tougher than that, but Dar brings him up to wrench and ELBOW BREAKER! Axiom drops to a knee, but Dar wrenches for another ELBOW BREAKER! And another! Dar then hits a BIG back suplex, but Axiom lands out! Axiom shoves Dar to DROPKICK him down! Cover, TWO! Tag to Frazer and Axiom stands Dar up. Frazer springboards to AX HANDLE the arm! Frazer brings Dar back up to cravat, snapmare, and NECK SNAPPER! Cover, TWO! Dar toughs it out but Frazer drags him up and over.

Frazer tags Axiom, he takes the handoff for a facelock. Axiom grinds Dar down but Dar fights around. Axiom shifts to a headlock, but Dar pries it open for an ELBOW BREAKER! Axiom shoves Dar, ROCKS him at the ropes, and tag to Frazer. GAMANGIRI, SNAP GERMAN, and then DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Dar is still in this but Frazer stays on him with a COBRA CLUTCH! Dar endures, even as Frazer turns him away from the corner. Dar fights, rises up, but Frazer leans on the hold. Dar fires body shots, pries the hold open, but Frazer waistlocks. They go to ropes, O’Conner Roll, TWO as NXT returns to single picture!

Frazer ends up on the apron, he BLASTS Romeo, but Dar runs up. Frazer ROCKS Dar, then springboards, but into the SHADOW ELBOW! The fans fire up while both men are down! Dar and Frazer crawl, and we see Sean Legacy and Dorian Van Dux watching this backstage. Are they thinking of being a tag team like Tavion Heights suggested? Dar and Frazer both crawl, hot tags to Romeo and Axiom! The fans fire up as they run up, and Romeo BOOTS! And he fires off fast hands on Axiom! The fans fire up as Romeo whips, but Axiom reverses. Romeo ducks ‘n’ dodges to LARIAT! The fans fire up as Romeo runs at Frazer!

Frazer ducks, Romeo goes up the corner, then he jumps over Frazer to GERMAN SUPLEXES! Frazer flounders, Romeo runs, and he goes up the corner to MISSILE DROPKICK Axiom! Cover, TWO! Axiom survives but Romeo stays focused. The fans rally, Romeo tags Dar. Romeo runs up on Axiom but Axiom goes up and over. Romeo rushes Axiom to RAM him into a corner! Then feed to Dar for the waistlock, GERMAN SUPLEX into ARMBAR! But Frazer is up top! FROG SPLASH on Dar! The fans fire up while Dar flounders out of the ring. Axiom DUMPS Romeo out, tags Frazer, and they DIVE! Direct hit on Romeo, then a DIVE onto Dar!

Fraxiom keeps it going, another DIVE on Romeo and another DIVE on Dar! They put Dar in the ring, Frazer tags Axiom back, and they MISSILE DROPKICK LEG SWEEP COMBO!! Cover, but Romeo springboards! Frazer intercepts, but TWO as Dar still gets his arms up! A close call there, but “This is Awesome!” all the same! Frazer and Romeo scrap, Frazer DUMPS Romeo out to then PLANCHA! Axiom has Dar, but Dar drops, only for Axiom to sit on the cover! TWO and EUORO CLUTCH!! TWO!! Dar SWITCH KICKS, then sup- NO, Axiom cradle counters! TWO, Axiom JUMP KNEES Dar! Dar sputters, Axiom aims from a corner!

The fans fire up for the GOLDEN- NO! Dar blocks the ratio to ANKLE LOCK! Dar ducks Frazer, hands the foot to him, then DECKS him! And back to the ANKLE LOICK! Romeo has an ANKLE LOCK on Frazer!! The fans fire up as Fraxiom reaches out to each other! Frazer rolls to send Romeo out, and Axiom BOOTS Dar away! But Romeo manages to tag in! Axiom dodges Romeo to GAMANGIRI Dar! Then he runs at Romeo, but Romeo fireman’s carries! Axiom slips free, shoves him away, but Romeo BOOTS him away! Romeo goes up, up, but Axiom GAMANGIRIS! Tag to Frazer and he goes right up, SUPER STE- NO, Romeo shoves him away!

But Frazer goes right back up! SUPER DUPER PLEX!! And then- NO, Dar anchors Axiom! Romeo cradles, TWO!! Frazer slips round, SLEEPER! GOLDEN RATIO but Romeo pops free! Frazer takes the shot!! ENZIGIRI on Axiom! Tag to Dar, he and Romeo double scoop for a DOUBLE SLAM! Cover, TWO?!? Frazer survives because Romeo was partly in the view! “This is Awesome!” as Fraxiom regroups outside. Dar tags Romeo, Romeo runs and ESCALARA into a DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Fraxiom then goes after Dar, GAMANGIRI! Axiom goes up, up, and SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Frazer puts Romeo in, tags Axiom, GOLDEN RATIO!

Frazer climbs up, Axiom sets Romeo up, PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, Fraxiom wins!!

Winners: Fraxiom, by pinfall

An instant classic, and this was only the start of the night! “That was Awesome!” Even better, Fraxiom shows respect to Dar & Romeo as they help them up. Frazer says Dar may not have been a tag guy, but neither were him and Axiom. Seems like Dar found the perfect partner. Dar smiles and does the X clap like Romeo! Romeo gives Dar a big hug, and maybe, just maybe, #Noamoreno can be the next Fraxiom!

#WrenQCC talks backstage.

Kendal Grey knows Wren wants her to go out there alone, but is Wren sure she won’t join her out there? Wren says she’s not even allowed to be out there. But that’s okay, because Wren won’t be a distraction, and Kendal can beat Kelani Jordan properly this time. Plus, while Kendal is going after the Women’s Championship, Wren can focus on defending hers. She’s gonna go talk to Robert Stone about setting up a new tournament. But Wren’s not even cleared. Well, not yet. But she’s working on that. Oh, incoming… Lola Vice walks in and she says hola, Kendal. Kendal says hola, Lola. Lola wants to say good luck tonight, and she did NOT mean to hit Kendal.

We all saw what happened, right? Lani grabbed the belt, Lola’s instincts kicked in, and- Kendal says yeah, the first time might’ve been an accident, but this is the second time, so Kendal’s gonna deal with Lola after she handles Kelani, okay? Kendal heads out as Lola says sure she will. Will the Grey Area soon go for gold? Or will The Standout stand tall all over again?

The Mr. NXT Pageant begins!

Sara Schreiber welcomes us to the proceedings and says tonight’s contestants will compete in different categories: Attire; Talent; and Public Speaking. You fans at home will decide who will be THE Mr. NXT by casting votes, just scan the QR Code on screen now! Along with the audience of NXT and Evolve stars, we have our panel of three judges: the reigning Evolve Champion, Aaron Rourke; The Anti-Toxic Male, Kit Wilson; and a very special guest, rising star comedian, Matt Mathews! Now, first up is attire. Shiloh Hill and Tristan Angels will show off three different looks: Formal, casual, and of course, swimwear. Gentlemen, the runway is yours!

First out is Tristan in his stark white suit jacket with black shirt and slacks. His casual is white pants, a white T that reads, “Blink if you want me,” and brown loafers. His swimwear is a Union Jack speedo. Rourke may have defeated Tristan Angels in a title match last week, but even the Dime Piece can’t deny the thigh meat. Kit isn’t sure why, but he likes those trunks. Shiloh’s turn, and he’s got a nice periwinkle blue vest ‘n’ slacks with white shirt and yellow tie. He even brought a walking stick! His casual is pretty familiar, black jeans and grey no-sleeve. It’s not far off from his ring gear, really. And his swimwear is camo shorts, a snorkel, and flippers.

The crowd loves Shiloh, but judges, what did you think? Matt says Tristan’s got good stuff, from the neck down. Shiloh, however, that’s a man right der! Kit appreciates Shiloh’s effort, but Kit says it is T for Tacky! And Tristan, well, he didn’t like it. He LOVED it! #YesBoy! Rourke says he loves the uniqueness of Shiloh, but he must begrudgingly give it to Tristan. Tristan says he’s of course Mr. NXT! But Sarah says not so fast! There are two more categories, and the voting. The final results will be shared later tonight, so stay tuned as the pageant continues!

NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: NARAKU VS Mason Rook!

Tony D’Angelo knows both men want after the title, and is ready to face anyone and everyone! But will Naraku wage war with Tony at the Great American Bash? Or will the Rook take the King of Darkness off the board?

The bell rings and the two tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Rook’s size helps him push Naraku to the corner. Rook swings, Naraku dodges, and they tie up again. Again, Rook’s size helps him power Naraku around, and they end up in another corner. Naraku turns things around, lets off slowly, but then sucker punches! Naraku kicks low, headlocks, but Rook powers up! Naraku thrashes the hold, but Rook powers up and out! They RAM shoulders, Naraku kicks low then runs, but Rook follows! Rook CLOBBERS Naraku and the fans fire up! Naraku gets up, but Rook puts him in a corner. Tony D is watching backstage as Rook SPLASHES Naraku!

Rook then whips corner to corner to SPLASH, then short arm LARIAT, then SENTON! Cover, TWO! Naraku survives being crushed but Rook nods. The fans rally as Rook then brings Evil up, fireman’s carries, but Naraku slips free! Naraku dodges Rook to LARIAT, and LARIAT, and LARIAT again! Naraku whips, Rook reverses, and Rook runs in again. Naraku dodges again to scoop and SLAM?! Just enough of one, and then Naraku BOOTS Rook out! Rook stands back up but Naraku eggs him on, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Rook storms up to the apron, he trips Naraku, then drags him out. But Naraku sends Rook into the steel steps! Naraku puts Rook in the ring, covers, TWO! Naraku rains down fists, then he KICKS Rook in the side. Naraku stands Rook up to CHOP against the ropes! And then CHOP him again! Rook is stinging as Naraku CHOPS again! Naraku whips, but Rook reverses to CHOP! Naraku CHOPS back! Naraku brings Rook up, but catches his haymaker into a takedown! Naraku pushes on the arm, not quite a Fujiwara Armbar yet, but Rook shifts around, rolls, only for Naraku to cover, TWO! Naraku stays focused as he kicks Rook around.

Rook stands, Naraku whips, but Rook reverses to SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Naraku survives but Rook stays cool. Rook drags Naraku up, CHOPS, then CHOPS again! Naraku is stinging in the corner, but Rook brings him up to BEARHUG! Naraku endures, CLAWS at Rook’s face, and the ref reprimands. Rook scoops to SLAM, then SENTON FLOP as Naraku moves! Naraku hurries to his feet, dodges in the corner, and then reels Rook in for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Naraku stays cool as he brings Rook up, and DDTS him down! Then SENTON! Cover, TWO! Naraku scuffs Rook, CHOPS him, then CHOPS again!

Rook is feeding off the CHOPS, then he CHOPS and ROCKS and ROLLING ELBOWS in return! Rook hoists Naraku up top as NXT returns to single picture. Rook CHOPS Naraku, then climbs up to join him. Rook turns around, he hoists Naraku onto his shoulders, and the fans fire up for the SUPER POWERSLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Naraku survives and the fans fire up again! Rook rises as the fans rally, and he storms over to Naraku. Rook ROCKS Naraku, Naraku ROCKS Rook, and repeat! Naraku fires a flurry but Rook ROCKS him with just one! Naraku fires another flurry, but Rook CHOPS! Naraku blocks the lariat to HEADBUTT!

Naraku LARIATS, Rook stays up, so Naraku runs! But he runs into a BIG BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Naraku survives and Rook is beside himself! The fans fire up as Rook brings Naraku up. Rook fireman’s carries, but Naraku slips free, and he fireman’s carries?! DARKNESS FALLS!! Cover, TWO!! Rook shocks Naraku now but the fans are thunderous! “This is Awesome!” as Naraku resets. Naraku ducks ‘n’ dodges Rook to LARIAT! And then a FISHERMAN’S BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Rook survives, but it’s impressive that Naraku threw Rook like that at all! Naraku fires up and the fans rally up even harder!

Naraku runs up, Rook BOOTS him away! Rook clamps on a SLEEPER, but Naraku JAWBREAKERS free! But Rook still fireman’s carries! Only for Naraku to slip into a SLEEPER! Rook is fading fast, but he slips a hand through, and he runs to BACKPACK CANNONBALL!! Rook roars, the fans are with him, and Rook scoops Naraku! But then KAM HENDRIX is here?! And Naraku victory rolls! TWO! Rook BLASTS Kam! But he turns around, and ENTERS THE ABYSS!! Cover, Naraku wins!

Winner: Naraku, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Championship)

Kam is sore, but he smiles as he screws Rook over! And now, Naraku has his date with destiny! Who makes history by winning THE NXT Championship on THE first-ever PLE on CW?

Tavion Heights talk with Myles Borne.

They had DarkState, but something fell apart in their tag rhythm. Tavion wants to schedule a rematch how does that sound? Myles says it sounds good, but it can’t happen. Myles reminds Tavion it was a one night thing, Myles has to focus on his North American Championship. Tavion is getting real sick of Myles and that damn title. Is Myles really leaving his boy high and dry? Myles didn’t say that, but Tavion says he can read between the lines. Maybe Tavion should challenge for the title! Myles asks Tavion if that’s what he wants, and Tavion asks if Myles is scared of the idea. But then The Vanity Project walks in.

Jackson Drake can’t believe this. He sarcastically compliments what a great champion Myles is, handing out title matches to his friends. That belt is a championship, not a charity case. Tavion asks who the hell Drake thinks he’s talking to, and Myka Lockwood says Drake is talking to Tavion. Tavion says he doesn’t do handouts, unless we’re talking ass whoopings. And if Drake wants one, he can see Tavion next week, the winner gets the shot at Great American Bash. Myles says he doesn’t have a problem with that, and neither does Drake. Brad Baylor says Myles will have a problem with it, after he loses the title to Drake.

Drake says on that note, Vanity Project is gonna bounce. Let’s go, VPs. Drake leads his people out and Ricky Smokes says Tavion has no idea what he’s gotten himself into. Tavion says he knows exactly what he got into! Myles wishes Tavion luck, and Tavion says he doesn’t need luck. See you at the Bash. Tavion heads out, but who will meet Myles for the gold in three weeks?

WrenQCC regroups at gorilla.

Wren wishes Kendal good luck before her match, and Kendal thanks her for it. The Ice Woman of NXT or The Standout, who is booking their own ticket to the Bash? We find out, after the break.

Tate Wilder speaks.

“I live life for the rush. Growing up with five brothers, I quickly learned that adrenaline is my friend, and to stare fear in the face with a big ol’ smile. I feel most alive when I’m riding bulls, dirt bikes, jet skis, snowmobiles, cliff jumping. If there is a thrill on this earth, I will do whatever it takes to seek it out. You call me crazy? Yeah, so does everyone else. Life’s all about the risks you take and the ones you don’t. That’s why every time I’m on NXT, it is balls to the wall because you never know when it’s gonna be the last risk you take. This roster, full of champions, world class athletes, monsters, and one daredevil ready to jump off a cliff to see if he can fly.”

The Modern Day Cowboy wants to get his heart pounding, but will he be able to win as things get wilder?

NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Kelani Jordan VS Kendal Grey!

These two have gone around once before, but it’s as Wren Sinclair said, she ended up a distraction factor. The Standout has been NXT Women’s North American Champion, she’s been TNA Knockouts World Champion, but what she wants is THE NXT Women’s Championship. Will Lani get what she wants? Or only what she deserves?

Wait, Lani runs up on Kendal from behind! But Kendal’s Spider Sense helps her dodge, and the bell rings as she arm-drags Lani! And arm-drags again! Kendal has the armlock while the fans cheer. Lani reaches up to headscissor squeeze, but Kendal rolls, floats, and has the armlock back. Lani fights up, pulls hair, and she whips Kendal, only for Kendal to reverse. Lani ducks to whip again, then does the splits, only for Kendal to handspring over. Kendal comes back, but Lani handsprings over the sweep! The fans are torn as Lani “kicks dirt” at Kendal. The two reset, tie up, and Kendal waistlocks. Lani pulls hair to get free, then she kicks low.

Lani THROWS Kendal down by her hair, then runs to SPLASH! Cover, ONE, and both women get up. Kendal runs up, Lani blocks the hip toss, but Kendal wrenches to fireman’s carry. Lani handsprings through the throw, then DROPKICKS but Kendal dodges! Kendal DROPKICKS and hits, then covers, TWO! Kendal waistlocks then gator rolls to a cover, TWO! Kendal holds on, but Lani switches, only for Kendal to switch back. They go to a corner. Lani throws Kendal away and RUNS her over! Kendal goes to a corner but Lani stomps away! The ref counts, Lani says she knows! Lani CHOPS Kendal, then runs up, only for Kendal to ELBOW her!

Lani runs back in, Kendal goes up, over, out, and slides in, but into a DOUBLE STOMP! Lani catches Kendal there, then KNEES her low! And KNEES again! Lani soaks up the heat before she KNEES Kendal low again! Lani brings Kendal up, whips her to a corner hard, then brings her around. The fans rally for Kendal but Lani whips her into the corner again. Lani runs up, blocks boots, and she puts Kendal in the ropes. Lani ROCKS Kendal, then goes up, up, but Kendal avoids the leg drop! Kendal ROUNDHOUSES< then goes up! FLYING RANA! The fans fire up as Kendal then CLOBBERS Lani! Lani goes to a corner, Kendal runs up, but Lani THROWS her away!

The fans rally as Lani snarls, and she brings Kendal up. BULLDOG HOTSHOT! Kendal flounders away, Lani hurries in, and Lani LARIATS Kendal up and out! Then Lani builds speed to slide, and SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Kendal writhes, Lani says no one does it like her, but the fans are torn as NXT goes picture in picture.

Lani drags Kendal up, brings her around, and SMACKS her off the apron! Lani SMACKS Kendal off the apron again, then puts her in the ring. Lani stalks Kendal, drags her up, and SMACKS her off the mat! Lani then runs Kendal into buckles, Kendal falls back, and Lani pushes her to a cover, TWO! LEG DROP! Kendal flounders away but Lani storms up. Kendal BODY SHOTS Lani, ROCKS her with a forearm, then bobs ‘n’ weaves to ROCK and CHOP on repeat! Kendal whips, Lani goes up, up, and springboards to CROSSBODY! Lani hurries to NECKBREAKER again! Cover, TWO! Kendal toughs it out but Lani seethes as she clamps back on.

Lani ELBOWS Kendal in the shoulder again and again, then clamps on a chinlock. Kendal endures, fights up, and fires body shots! Kendal throws Lani, but Lani holds onto the cravat! Lani shifts the angle, leans on the hold, but Kendal still endures. Kendal fights up, fires body shots, but Lani CLUBS her down! Lani drags Kendal to the ropes, CHOKES her on the ropes, then stops as the ref counts 4. Lani puts Kendal in a corner just to snapmare her down. Lani thrashes Kendal around in a chinlock, but Kendal fights her way back up. Lani KNEES low, then snapmares Kendal for an ELBOW DROP! Then a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO!

Kendal toughs it out but Lani keeps on her with a chinlock. Kendal endures, fights up, and fires body shots. NXT returns to single picture as Kendal powers up and out, then has the headlock inre turn! Lani powers up and out, then RAMS Kendal! Kendal falls out of the ring, Lani hurries to the ropes! Lani slingshots, lands on the apron, but Kendal YANKS her down! Kendal runs up, Lani dodges! Lani runs up, Kendal dodges! They both run up, DOUBLE LARIATS take them both down! The fans rally as a ring count climbs. Lola Vice is watching backstage as the ring count passes 5! The count reaches 7, both women lunge in at 8!

The fans rally as both Lani and Kendal stand. Lani ROCKS Kendal, but Kendal kicks low! Lani kicks Kendal, Kendal BODY SHOTS! Lani ROCKS Kendal, but Kendal ELBOWS back! Lani kicks low, FRONT KICKS, but Kendal bobs ‘n’ weaves to UPPERCUT! And ELBOW! And ELBOW again! Kendal then dodges to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up as the straps come down! Kendal roars, she shoots around, EXPLODER! Then another shoot around for an EXPLODER! Lani flounders, Kendal runs up, but Lani denies Shades of Grey by holding ropes! Lani SLAMS Kendal down, high stacks, but puts feet on the ropes! The ref sees that and stops the count!

The fans cheer as Lani gets caught red, uh, footed? But then Kendal snatches Lani to a cradle, TWO! Kendal SUPERKICKS! Lani wobbles, Kendal wheelbarrows, but Lani rolls it?! And then floats to a JUST FACELOCK!! Kendal endures as Lani busts out another submission! Kendal manages to roll to a cover, TWO! Lani lets go, runs up, but Kendal dodges! Lani dodges to handspring, into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as Kendal rises, and Kendal goes to a corner. Kendal climbs up, up, and CROSS- SUPERKICK! Lani hits back and the fans fire up again! Lani runs, but Kendal puts her on the apron.

Kendal stands, Lani slingshots, CUTTER! Lani hurries to the corner, goes up top, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Lani is beside herself as Kendal survives again! Lani kicks Kendal around, even as the fans boo. Lani brings Kendal up, goes to a corner, but Kendal gets her in midair?! ARMBAR!! The fans rally as Lani clasps hands and stacks, TWO! Kendal holds on, Lani tries another stack, and then just drives knee after knee into Kendal’s face! Kendal lets go, hobbles up, and Lani snatches a leg for a SHIN BREAKER! Then DRAGON SCREW! Lani shifts, ties up the legs, and builds a HOUSE OF PAIN!! Kendal endures as Lani bends her back!

The fans rally as Kendal shifts, pops free, but Lani ghost pins! TWO, Kendal has a cover, TWO! Kendal shoots in, leg roll and ANKLE LOCK!! Lani rolls, she has a cradle, TWO!! Kendal is up, ARM- NO, Lani stacks deep! TWO!! Lani SWING- NO, Kendal pops free! SHADES OF GREY!!! Cover, Kendal wins!!!

Winner: Kendal Grey, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Women’s Championship)

In the blink of an eye, Lani gets caught, and now it is the former Evolve Women’s Champion, the Iron Survivor, that gets her shot! Will Grey be golden once again? Or will Lola still run Vice City?

It’s time for part two of the Mr. NXT Pageant!

Sarah welcomes us back to the talent portion of the contest. Shiloh is up first, and he says his talent is solving a Rubik’s Cube in under one minute. Matt Mathews already took care of scrambling it for him, and we are on the clock! The fans cheer as Shiloh shifts through the colors very quickly, and BOOM! Not even a full minute! Everyone is impressed, and Shiloh says he has time for another talent! His other talent is juggling. But not just any juggling, he juggles a diabolo, aka Chinese yoyo, aka the big yoyo and the strings! The fans cheer this classic, and Shiloh even adds a second! Tristan storms in shouting, “Order! Order!”

Tristan is NOT impressed with the carnival tricks nor the Rubik’s Cube! He claims he can do that, too! The fans boo as Tristan tries the cube, but uh, it’s definitely taking him longer. Rourke says okay, okay! Tristan, you are way past time! The fans cheer, so Tristan SMASHES the cube on the floor! Tristan says he has his own talent to show off! Wait, juggling? But just the little beanbags? Lame! But then Shiloh shows off that he can juggle like that, while riding a unicycle! The crowd cheers, and the judges all agree on this one! It’s Shiloh! Well, that’s the talent portion, so that leaves the public speaking category, which will be in the NXT Arena! Scan the QR Code to cast your votes!

Backstage interview with Tony D’Angelo.

Blake Howard is with the NXT Champion, and commends him on his win over Kam Hendrix last week. And now we know, at Great American Bash, it will be Tony VS Naraku. What are Tony’s initial thoughts? Naraku had an impressive match tonight, Tony will give him that. Tony never discredited where Naraku came from, what he’s done, he just doesn’t “get” him. The vibe, the energy, any of that. But all of that is out the window. At Great American Bash, Naraku will need to bring every ounce of evil in his body, because when Tony gets out there… Naraku steps in, and he hands Tony one last card.

What is this? Naraku takes a bow before Tony opens it up. And  yes, it is a declaration of war! Will nothing stop the King of Darkness from taking the throne here in NXT?

Dion Lennox w/ Osiris Griffin VS Jasper Troy!

DarkState isn’t just down one man, they’re down two, because Saquon Shugars got a start on his revenge by taking out Cutler James! Dion & Osiris were not in a good mood, and they took it out on the MonStar in Robert Stone’s office. Will DarkState keep on losing numbers? Or can they topple Troy like a Greek tragedy?

Troy wants after them both right away but the ref has him stay back. Osiris taunts Troy, even throws his bandana mask at him, but again the ref keeps Troy back. The bell rings and Dion gets in Tory’s face! Dion then dodges Troy, ROCKS him, but Troy just frowns. Troy DECKS Dion and the fans cheer! Troy hears Osiris barking, storms up on him, but Osiris backs off. Dion runs up, but into a guzel! Troy SHOVES Dion up and out of the ring! The fans cheer as Troy goes out after Dion, puts him back in the ring, but then avoids the elbow drop! Troy HEADBUTTS Dion down, then runs up to RUN him over!

The fans fire up as Troy scoops and SLAMS Dion, covers, TWO! Dion bails out, Osiris coaches him up, but Troy grabs him by the face! Troy drags Dion up, but Dion ELBOWS free! Dion hurries back up, he ROCKS Troy, but Troy stays up. Troy guzels again, and he CHOKE- NO, Dion slips free, then ROCKS Troy! Troy wobbles, and Dion CHOP BLOCKS! Dion reels Troy into a facelock, puts on the pressure, but Troy stays up. The fans duel, “DARK~ STATE~!” “SUCKS!” Dion ROCKS Troy, clamps back on, but Troy fights up. And then Saquon Shugars is on the tron! “Ey yo, D! Watch yo’ back!” Shugars grins, Dion scowls, but Troy THROWS Dion up and out!

The fans cheer as Troy is back in control, thanks to the Sugar Man! Osiris checks on Dion while also keeping an eye out for Shugars, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns as Dion THRASHES Troy on the ropes with Osiris talking trash. Dion stops as the ref counts, then he brings Troy up. Troy shoves Dion away, guzels, but Dion fires body shots and forearms! Dion then wrangles Troy with a hard facelock takedown. Cover, TWO! Dion clamps onto a chinlock and he grinds Troy down again. The fans rally up, Troy fights up, and Troy throws Dion away! Dion gets up to BOOT Troy, then he runs up, but Troy lifts Dion! Troy RAMS Dion into a corner, then reels Dion into a clinch! Dion fights with elbows, but Troy RAMS Dion into the corner again! Troy then scoops for a POWERSLAM!

The fans fire up while both men are down. But then Troy kips up!? The fans fire up and Dion is freaking out! Troy runs up to CLOBBER Dion! And he CLOBBERS Dion again! Troy whips Dion to a corner and SPLASHES! Then a whip corner to corner for another SPLASH! Troy scoops for a POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Troy goes up, up, but Osiris gets on the apron! The ref has Osiris back down, and Troy VADER BOMB FLOPS as Dion moves! Dion hurries to scoop Troy for a POWERSLAM of his own! Cover, Dion wins!

Winner: Dion Lennox, by pinfall

Osiris tipped the scales for Dion, but then Saquon is back on the tron. “Ey D! Up here, fool! That was smooth, my G. I didn’t know you had that in your. If only Cutler was here to see it.” Saquon shows off the silver baseball bat that did Cutler dirty. And maybe the saying is, “When Saquon strikes, ain’t nobody safe.” Wait, is the video buffering? Is there signal problems in Orlando? WAIT, this is a prerecorded video, because the real Saquon Shugars sneaks in from the crowd! He CRACKS Osiris with the bat! And again, and again, and again! Dion rushes over but Saquon springs away! The fans cheer as that’s two down, one to go!

NXT shares an Instagram video from Natalya.

As the caption reads, “THIS IS WHY THE DUNGEON IS INVITE ONLY. WITH ALL DUE RESPECT, @shawnmichaels, YOU GOTTA LEARN HOW TO CONTROL YOUR TALENT. SOFT GIRLS SUCKER PUNCH @jaida.parkerwwe” And as implied, Nattie is teaching her students, and that’s when Miss Parker storms into the room and into the ring! They scrap, the students do their best to pull them apart, and Jaida bails out on her own. Jaida throws things around, kicks things over, and says ain’t nobody soft! But will Miss Parker regret riling up the Lowkey Legend like that?

It’s the final round of the Mr. NXT Pageant!

Sarah is in the ring with Shiloh and Tristan, Shiloh wearing his tiger stripe vest and flame top hat while Tristan is in all black with a red bowtie. Sarah has the fans give it up for their judges, Rourke, Kit, and Mat Mathews. Gentlemen, each of you will answer the following question: Why should you be Mr. NXT? Tristan speaks up first and says being the inaugural Mr. NXT is a pressure and a responsibility suitable for only one man. Somebody who is already recognized as the most handsome man in England, and therefore the entire world, himself, Tristan Angels. The fans boo but he shouts, “Order! Order!”

Tristan says he has represented England, the greatest country in the world, in international pageants, and yes, he is so humbled. But they must be wondering, “Tristan, how is this possible?” Believe it or not, before all his well-deserved glory, he was born but a humble son of a sheep herder. So he can almost relate to all the pigs that make up the NXT Universe. Order! Order! And finally, today he celebrates his 23rd birthday! He has already tattooed “Mr. NXT” on the back of his leg! So if any judges or fans here are thinking about voting for this hillbilly with a smile like an unfinished jigsaw puzzle, then Tristan suggests they take a long walk off a short cliff. Thank you!

Sarah thanks Tristan, but the fans still boo. Shiloh, your turn. Why should you be Mr. NXT? The fans cheer as Shiloh says he’s never really done anything like this before. Honestly, he thought the hardest part of a pageant was figuring out where to get a monocle. But it was really more, how he wanted to represent himself. Sometimes, life changes so fast, and it’s like he’s a different person each week. One minute, he’s hacking computers and walking on ladder stilts, then he’s working on cars and riding unicycles. It’s hard to find time between all that to figure out who he is. SO yes, he’s having trouble finding himself, but that’s what NXT is all about. That’s what makes NXT so beautiful!

NXT, wrestling, and life as a whole, it changes so fast, you can’t figure it all out, but that’s okay. If you can roll with the punches, adapt, and hit back harder, and you’ll be alright. And in his time in NXT, Shiloh’s embodied that pretty dang well. Which is why he, Shiloh Hill, should be Mr. N X T! Sarah thanks Shiloh, and now to the judges! Their final thoughts. Matt says his man, from one trailer park to the other, he is very impresesd with how Shiloh continues ot be himself through the entire thing. Evne with a msising tooth! Very impressive. But Tristan, impressive that we got a blowout and got rid of those ramen noodles he had on his head. It did nothing for him, but Tristan does nothing as is.

So Matt is going to cast his vote for Shiloh Hill! The fans cheer that! Kit says he must applaud Shiloh’s vulnerability. But the whole racoon thing… IT’S TOXIC! Tristan, don’t jump around, you are TOXIC, too! However… There is jsut something about Tristan. The long blonde hair, the English accent, it just does something for Kit. So is Tristan his Mr. NXT? #YESBOY! The fans boo that. The judges are tied, Rourke must give his vote. Rourke says he loves Shiloh’s authenticity, he embraces the weird, and that is awesome. But on the other side, with his immense experience, Tristan does look the part. This is a tough call. Rourke must leave the deciding vote to the fans!

Then fans, get voting! Who is Mr. NXT? Tristan? Or Shiloh? The fans make it clear here in the arena, but here is the full polling results! IT’S SHILOH HILL! The fans cheer as Shiloh is presented with the sash! But Tristan CLOBBERS Shiloh with his cane! And then hits the CONFIDENCE BREAKER! Tristan is furious as he grabs a chair, and he SMACKS Shiloh down! And SMACKS him again and again and again! Then he JAMS Shiloh up! Then he pushes Shiloh down onto the chair, for a FULL METAL KNEE DROP! Tristan holds up the NXT sash, and says this should be HIS! The fans boo, but will things only get ugly from here?

Robert Stone talks with Naraku.

The NXT General Manager congratulates the NEW #1 contender, and Naraku thanks him for that. Naraku protected Tony and the title, and now they go to war. Stone says no doubt, but he has to ask. What was in that box last week? An invitation, if you will. For what? Naraku says an invitation to a meeting before the battle. Keanu Carver interrupts by saying, “Battle? What you know about battles?” Stone says not here, please. Congrats, Naraku. And what’s the deal, Keanu? Keanu says how can Stone let people like that just walk in and cut in line. Mason Rook, Kam Hendrix, Naraku, it’s making Keanu lose patience. Well, Keanu needs to have patience.

Keanu doesn’t wanna wait on the sidelines while Stone makes up his mind. Keanu needs action. Line someone up, he’ll knock them down. Stone says he’ll figure it out for next week, okay? Bet. Keanu also says if Stone doesn’t, Keanu will decide on who’s next. Who will the One Man Demolition Crew carve up on the road to the top?

The Women’s Speed Tournament bracket is set!

We will see Arianna Grace VS Layla Diggs, and Thea Hail VS Izzi Dame! The winners face off, then the #1 contender will face Wren Sinclair! Izzi is watching this, and asks why she’s in a Speed Tournament. Shawn Spears says it’s because he got her in it. And what made him think that was a good idea? Spears says he knows Izzi still has eyes for THE NXT Women’s Championship, but with Kendal Grey now the #1 contender, he felt she could win this tournament, win the title, and they get back on top. Not to mention, her first opponent is Thea Hail, a woman Izzi dominated for the Women’s North American Championship. This is a lay-up!

Niko Vance says not a bad idea. But The Culling will be there for Izzi this time, right? Spears says of course! Izzi admits, good move from Spears. Way to be two steps ahead. Spears thanks her for that. Will Izzi take over the Speed Division in no time at all? Or is she underestimating the Grown Ass Woman already?

NXT Women’s North American Championship: Tatum Paxley VS ZARIA!

Speaking of titles, #TuesdayAddams knows the Agent of Change has been starving, always on the outside looking in. Tatum spared Lizzy Rain the wrath of Zaria last week by giving Zaria this match, but will she come to regret it? Or can she survive the force of nature headed her way?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who shines in the dark with gold in hand!

The bell rings, Tatum runs up but Zaria fireman’s carries! F- NO, Tatum turns F5 into cradle, TWO! Zaria runs up, and SPEARS!! Cover, TWO!! Tatum survives and Zaria is furious! Zaria hurries after Tatum on the outside, LARIATS her down, then drags her up! Zaria THROWS Tatum into the barriers, then whips her into the POST! Tatum stumbles around, flops against the ring, and Zaria shoves her inside! Cover, TWO! Tatum survives but Zaria drags her up. Zaria suplexes Tatum to throw her with a BROKEN ARROW! Zaria then drags Tatum up to BROKEN ARROW again! Tatum flounders but Zaria soaks up the cheers and jeers.

Zaria stalks Tatum, but Tatum UP KICKS! Zaria staggers, Tatum mule kicks, but Zaria BOOTS back! Zaria GERMAN SUPLEXES, Tatum tumbles to a corner, and Zaria runs up. Tatum slips away and Zaria POSTS herself! Tatum hurries to slingshot and DOUBLE STOMP Zaria on the apron! Zaria even smacks off the steps, and then she flops to the floor! Tatum ASAI MOONSAULTS to knock Zaria back down! The fans fire up for Tatum as she leans against the apron, but then Zaria rises like a zombie while NXT goes picture in picture!

Zaria stalks Tatum, spins her around, but Tatum ROCKS Zaria! Tatum kicks low, UPPERCUTS, and Zaria wobbles. Tatum brings Zaria around but Zaria THROWS Tatum into the apron! Zaria then shoves Tatum into the ring, storms up, but gets caught with a HEEL CLICK! And an ITALIAN STRETCH! Zaria endures as Tatum pulls on the arms while scissoring the neck! And yet Zaria deadlifts Tatum!? Zaria SLAMS Tatum down, is free of the hold, and she stomps away on Tatum! Zaria gut wrenches Tatum to a Canadian Rack, for a CANADIAN BACKBREAKER! Tatum flounders away while Zaria snarls. Zaria storms up and brings Tatum up.

Zaria whips Tatum to the corner hard, then watches her flounder. Zaria stalks Tatum, CLUBS her, then RAMS her in the corner again and again. Zaria whips corner to corner but Tatum goes up and over. Tatum keeps moving, goes up but Zaria stays back! Zaria runs in, Tatum dodges, but Zaria JUMP KNEES! Cover, TWO! Tatum survives but Zaria clamps onto her for an armlock. Zaria grinds the arm, then shifts to have the other arm! Tatum endures, even as Zaria pulls back! Tatum fights up, but Zaria reels her into a facelock for a GUILLOTINE! Tatum endures again, wrenches free, and she ROCKS Zaria! Zaria ROCKS Tatum back!

Tatum fires a flurry, then kicks low. Tatum runs, sunset flips, but Zaria stays up! Zaria mockingly waves her arms, then YANKS Tatum up! NXT returns to single picture as Zaria gut wrenches, but Tatum slips free this time! Tatum goes to ropes, BOOTS Zaria, then she runs up, SATELLITE DDT! The fans fire up while both women are down! Tatum rises, she pounds the mat, and the fans rally again. Tatum moves around like a wild animal, but she CLOBBERS Zaria again and again! Then a wrench, ROUNDHOUSE, ENZIGIRI, and Zaria tumbles to the apron! The fans fire up for Tatum as she runs up. Tatum avoids the shoulder thrust to KICK Zaria in the ropes!

Tatum then goes to the corner, runs in, and ROLLING AX KICKS! Tatum slips outside while Zaria wobbles, and Tatum STEP-UP ENZIGIRIS! Tatum hurries after Zaria, ROLLING AX KICK again! Cover, TWO!! Zaria survives but the fans rally up again. Tatum brings Zaria up, around, and hooks her up, but Zaria fights free! Zaria GERMAN SUPLEXES and that sends Tatum tumbling! Then POP-UP HEADBUTT! Zaria roars before she GERMAN SUPLEXES, but Tatum lands on her feet! The fans fire up as Tatum brings out the dark side! Zaria still runs in, but Tatum DOUBLE STMOPS the Spear down!!

Tatum hurries to hook Zaria up, LIGHTNING SPIRAL! Tatum goes up, up, and 450- NO, she has to roll through as Zaria moves! SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!!! Tatum survives and Zaria is beside herself, but the fans fire up again! The fans duel as Zaria and Tatum rise up. Zaria SMACKS Tatum, Tatum ROCKS Zaria! Zaria ROCKS Tatum, but Tatum kicks low! Zaria mule kicks Tatum, but Tatum ROCKS Zaria! The forearms keep flying and the fans fire up! The shots are fast ‘n’ furious until Zaria shoves Tatum away! Tatum KENE SMASHES, then runs, but into a forearm smash! Zaria runs but Tatum ROCKS her in return!

Tatum runs, but Zaria follows, only for Tatum to SUPERKICK! Tatum hurries to a corner, climbs up, but Zaria SHORYUKENS! Zaria climbs up, turns Tatum around, but Tatum clings to the corner! Zaria CLUBS Tatum, HAMMERS her, but Tatum slips down! SUPERKICK! Zaria is in the Tree of Woe! Tatum hurries to the adjacent corner, climbs up, and as Zaria struggles to sit up, Tatum goes COAST2COAST!! Dressing up like Rouge the Bat helped Tatum fly, and she covers Zaria, TWO!! The fans fire up as Tatum brings Zaria up, hooks her up, but Zaria powers out! Fireman’s carry, F- NO! Tatum lands out, ROLING LIGER KICK!

Zaria wobbles, but she rises up! Now Zaria unleashes her anger! But Tatum DUMPS her out! Tatum hurries to ASAI FLOP as Zaria moves! Zaria hurries to fireman’s carry again! F5 on the floor!! Zaria shoves Tatum in, hurries to get moving, SPEAR!!! But that’s not all! F5!!! Cover, ZARIA WINS!!!

Winner: Zaria, by pinfall (NEW NXT Women’s North American Champion)

Even Zaria is shocked, but she finally did it! She finally has gold that is truly her own! And of all the titles to win, it was the one that started her descent into the darkness! Zaria holds it high overhead, will nothing stop her now that she has her vindication?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT as we head for Great American Bash, and what a surprise in the main event. That was an awesome match from Tatum VS Zaria, bordering on PPV/PLE level. Great win for Zaria, truly a long time coming. Maybe Tatum gets a rematch for GAB, maybe not, really depends on how stacked that card ends up being. Naraku VS Rook was a great match, too, but of course Kam got involved because of how Rook kept him from cheating last week. Rook VS Kam 1v1 can be a great match on the side, and we’ll get a good face-to-face from Tony and Naraku before their title match. Keanu will tear through whoever he faces, and surely he gets a shot on the other side of GAB, perhaps closer to SummerSlam season.

Awesome opener from Fraxiom VS Dar & Moreno. Dar & Moreno sticking together as a team is fun, and the hint of Legacy & DVD being a team is fun stuff, too. Good promo from Vanity Project with Myles & Tavion. Tavion VS Drake will be a great match, but for the sake of story, I hope Tavion finds a way to win so he can face Myles for GAB. Thing is, Vanity Project will be ringside, so they’ll of course cheat to help Drake. Good promo from Tate Wilder, it rehashes a touch of what he said in Evolve, and it at least puts his thrill seeker side back into perspective. I wonder if Tate is the one who faces Keanu to get torn up again…

Very good match from Dion VS Troy, and while Saquon couldn’t cost Dion the match, him pulling the prerecorded message decoy was good stuff. This is obviously for Dion VS Saquon at GAB, and the winner could move on towards a title match if NXT so chose. Great match from Kendal VS Lani, but I’m a little surprised Kendal won out. I suppose this guarantees Lola is winning at GAB, but they could shock us and have Kendal win, which means Kendal would make history as the first woman to be Evolve Women’s Champion, Women’s Iron Survivor, and NXT Women’s Champion. Feels like something that should happen for a later date, really.

And perhaps the most entertaining yet most obvious result was the Mr. NXT Pageant. Good stuff with Rourke, Kit and Matt Mathews as the judges, too. Pretty sure Shiloh solving the Rubik’s Cube that fast was kayfabed, but that’s just cuz of the editing where we didn’t watch Shiloh the entire minute. But he legit had to juggle the diabolo and that was fun stuff. Great win for Shiloh here, but just as I guessed, Tristan attacked Shiloh and that will set up a match. Depending on who has what title past GAB, that match could go either way to send the winner after a title.

My Score: 8.9/10