Will Mason Rook put Grayson Waller in checkmate?

The Aussie Icon, Grayson Waller, has his first defense of the NXT Championship against a human tank in Mason Rook! Can Waller survive?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT Women’s North American Championship: ZARIA VS Thea Hail; Zaria wins and retains the title.
• 2026 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Opening Round: Uriah Connors & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo VS “Starboy” Chazz Hall & Mini Vikingo; Starboy & Mini Vikingo win and advance.
• 2026 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Opening Round: DarkState VS Fraxiom; Fraxiom wins and advances.
• NXT Championship: Grayson Waller VS Mason Rook EK Prosper; Waller wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

NXT mourns the loss of Benjamin Satterley, aka Adrian Neville.

BREAKING NEWS for the NXT Championship!

Mason Rook has sadly NOT been medically cleared, and could be out for a long time. However, there will still be an NXT Championship match, with Grayson Waller now defending against a mystery opponent from anyone here on NXT. Who benefits from Rook being off the board?

NXT Women’s North American Championship: ZARIA VS Thea Hail!

The Agent of Change has certainly changed her demeanor in pursuit of this title, but so has the Grown-Ass Woman. Thea’s made Zaria tap out once before, but will she do it with gold on the line? Or will Zaria ruin things for #DAD (Dangerous And Devious)?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who sets the tone for tonight!

The bell rings and Thea runs right up to jump right on! Zaria fights the Kimura, RAMS Thea in the corner again and again, then BROKEN ARROWS! Thea flounders, Zaria runs up, ELBOW! Zaria reels Thea in for another BROKEN ARROW! Thea clutches a foot as she flounders but Zaria brings her up. Zaria bumps her off buckles, then SLAMS Thea off the mat. The fans rally for Thea but Zaria brings her around. Zaria whips Thea into the corner, RAMS her again and again, and again, but stops as the ref counts. Zaria runs back in, but into a BOOT! Zaria tries again but Thea dodges. Thea runs up, but Zaria puts her on the apron, only for Thea to HOTSHOT an arm!

Thea GAMANGIRIS Zaria, climbs up, but cartwheels to dodge! Thea runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, BOOTS back, and jumps up to RAN- NO! Zaria stops the rana to pop Thea up! But Thea slips free, slips around, and sunset flips, but Zaria YANKS her right up! Thea goes for the arm! FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Zaria flails, rolls to a cover, TWO! ARM BREAKER! Thea HIP DROPS the arm, SPLASHES it, then clamps on for a cover, TWO! Thea is right back on the FUJIWARA! Zaria endures, fights up, and powers out. Thea CROSSBODIES, but Zaria catches her! Zaria swings Thea, but Thea uses that to arm-drag Zaria! And DROPKICK!

The fans fire up with Thea while Zaria bails out. Thea builds speed, DIVES, but into a FOREARM! Thea falls right outta the air, staggers to her feet, and Zaria LARIATS her back down! The ref hurries to check Thea, but Zaria talks trash while NXT goes picture in picture.

Zaria soaks up heat before she drags Thea up and into the ring. Zaria then ELBOWS Thea in the neck again and again, then ELBOW DROPS! Thea flounders away to a corner but Zaria stalks her. Zaria digs her boot in, but stops as the ref counts. Thea sputters but Zaria brings her around to bump off buckles. Thea falls back, but Zaria stalks her again. Zaria drags Thea up, whips her hard into a corner, and Thea falls again. Zaria looms over Thea, drags her up, and scoops, only for Thea to cradle counter! TWO, and Zaria swings, but into a wrench and backslide! TWO, and Zaria blocks a kick, only for Thea to ENZIGIRI!

Zaria goes to a corner, Thea runs up, but Zaria KNEES her down! Zaria then climbs up and reels Thea in for the HANGING SLEEPER! The ref counts, Zaria drops Thea at 4, then soaks up more heat. Zaria hops down, pushes Thea to a cover, TWO! Thea toughs it out, but Zaria clamps on with a neck wrench! Thea endures, fights around, rises up, but Zaria CLUBS her down! Zaria clamps on with a dragon sleeper! Thea endures all over again! Thea fights up, but Zaria inverted suplexes! Thea lands out, staggers away to a corner, but Zaria runs in. Zaria blocks boots, but not the KNEE! NXT returns to single picture as the fans duel!

Thea ROKCS, kicks, and fires more forearms! Thea then dodges Zaria to run, wheelbarrow, and- NO, Zaria shoves Thea away, then POP-UP HEADBUTTS! Thea sputters at the ropes, and Zaria runs in! But Thea DUMPS Zaria out! Thea builds speed and tries again, DIVE! Down goes Zaria! The fans fire up while both women are down! Thea crawls, pushes Zaria around, then ducks a shot. Thea reels Zaria in, TORNADO DDT to the floor! Thea puts Zaria in, then she hurries up the corner. Thea aims, leaps, CROSSBODY! Thea bounces off the cover but she rallies with ax handle after ax handle! Then a clinch for the EXPLODER!

Zaria flounders, Thea runs up, BACK BODY- NO, Zaria catches Thea! But Thea victory rolls through! TWO, and Zaria scoops! Thea slips free again, ducks an elbow, but Zaria blows past! Thea HEADBUTTS back! Zaria is down, Thea runs up, METEORA! Then Thea scoops to WORLD’S SMALLEST SLAM! SENTON! Then Thea goes to ropes! The fans fire up as Thea jumps, TRUST FALL GERMAN SUPLEX! Zaria turns things around, and she SPEARS, into a KIMURA!! Thea holds on tight as Zaria freaks out! Zaria fights the body scissors but that arm is caught! Thea pulls on as hard as she can and the fans are thunderous!

Zaria powers up, lifts Thea, and F- SUNSET FLIP!! Thea steps over, O’Conner, TWO! Thea HOTSHOTS off ropes! Zaria escapes, and she runs up! SPEAR!! But Zaria doesn’t stop here! She hauls Thea up, fireman’s carry! F5!! Cover, Zaria wins!

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

Thea pushed Zaria to her limit, just not past her limit! Zaria stays on top, what will it take to bring her down? As for Thea, what will it take for her to finally rise back up?

Noam Dar & Romeo Moreno talk with Los Hermanos Wagner.

The Scottish Supernova y El Freestyler are with Dr. Wagner III y Galeno, and Dar admits, he isn’t the best at Spanish. But what he wants to say is, it’d be an honor to meet them in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Romeo says now who’s getting ahead of themselves? But yes, they’re on the same page. Last week, they got a great win over Los Americanos, and now… They’re ready for a tag team name! Fraxiom steps in and Nathan Frazer says look at that! Wasn’t it his idea that Dar & Romeo team up in the first place? Axiom isn’t sure, but Frazer says doesn’t matter. They’re flourishing! Frazer’s very proud.

But just to let them know, once Fraxiom gets past DarkState tonight, then they’re getting past Dar & Romeo. Same as they did last time, remember? Axiom tells Frazer to not make enemies out of their new friends. Frazer defends his innocence, but Axiom says to just focus on tonight. It’d be very nice to win this Dusty Cup, especially against the AAA World Tag Team Champions. Wagner tells Axiom, with Romeo translating to Dar, that they’d be honored to face them, too. But then The Vanity Project has to step in. Brad Baylor says these boys need a translation. Ricky Smokes says Swipe Right is the number one seed because, well, duh! That means they’re on the same side as those goofballs over there.

Jackson Drake adds that Wagner & Galeno are more likely facing Swipe Right in the finals, champions VS champions! But that’s if you can even last that long. Vanity Project heads out, Galeno says they’re all a bunch of pendejos. That much Dar understands without translation. But will Fraxiom put pedal to the metal against Cutler James & Osiris Griffin? And what of both championship teams and their first-round byes?

Myles Borne is here!

The fans boo as NXT’s resident Two Face heads to the ring. Myles grabs a mic, and he says, “Everything that I said two weeks ago right here to Tavion, I meant it. I had no master plan to stick it to T! But when I apologized, it clicked. Dammit, I was back to being the man that I didn’t wanna be. Just one half Myles, one half Tavion. But this whole time, I wanted it to just be Myles Borne.” The fans boo but Myles says he was never gonna play the sucker for Tavion. But he was setting himself up in that position. The fans boo louder, but Myles says in that moment, he thought he could have everything. Then he lost his titles!

Myles could only think about one man: Ethan Page. Ethan tried to warn Myles! That he had to have a killer instinct. Ethan was right about this business: There can only be one face of a brand. Two people can’t be at the top together. There can only be one man, one boss. And that’s where Myles deserves to be. So Myles realized he was doing himself a disservice by just standing still. So he had to make a career-defining decision. He could either continue to be just one half, or he could be the star that he always knew he was. THe fans keep booing, but Myles says his decisoin was clear. Myles wrapped the steel aroudn Tavion’s ankle, and he STOMPED it!

The same way Myles did to Ethan Page. And it felt right! Better yet, it felt like Myles wasn’t just creating this new version of himself that didn’t already exist. No, no, he was becoming the REAL Myles Borne! But what does he get in exchange? The fans all try to make him feel guilty. But let’s call it for what it is. The only reason the fans all ever liked Myles was because they felt sorry for him. “Aw, I’ll support the deaf kid. I’ll buy his shirts.” Fans come to these meet ‘n’ greets, look him in the face, and tell him he was a big inspiration, when really, he was just another way for them to feel better about themselves! A way to fill some social justice warrior cup!

Myles says it’s the same way Myles was the only way for Tavion to become a champion. Because without Myles, Tavion could never win the one championship he’s gotten here. But without Tavion, Myles would still be standing here as THE North American Champion. Don’t feel sorry for Myles! He doesn’t. Matter of fact, he feels sorry for all of you. See, Myles is the deaf one, and yet he’s the one in the ring and you’re all watching him! And yet you were all so surprised that Myles became a double champ. Not Myles. Myles knew these shoulders were meant to carry that kind of a weight. See, Myles isn’t just beating the odds anymore. He flipped them in his favor!

Myles is not an underdog, he’s the favorite. So go ahead, crack jokes, make fun of how he talks, say you can’t understand him. But turn on the closed captions and read what he has to say! Or… He’ll just show us something we can all understand. he’s done being the bigger person, treating people the way he wants to be treated, because it’s gotten him nowhere but surrounded by a bunch of hypocrites! Nah, Myles will be the real version of himself that never breaks. He doesn’t have to sit here and listen to any of them anymore. Luckily, he knows they’re not deaf, so they can hear him real good when he says this: Go to Hell.

Mic drop from Myles and the fans boo more. But will Myles show he’s willing to go to any length and sink to any depth to reach the top of NXT?

Lizzy Rain meets with Robert Stone.

The Maiden of Metal knows Kelani Jordan’s gonna have something to say about her title, Lizzy wants to be part of the conversation. Stone knows she’s excited, but he’s been busy with the Mason Rook situation. But he’s pretty sure even Lizzy will like what he has to say later on tonight. And then Chazz Hall & Mini Vikingo step in. Starboy says hi to Lizzy, then brings up that Mr. Stone wanted to see them. Stone did. Starboy, Mini Vikingo, this is a big night tonight with the Dusty Cup, and it’s their first time teaming at all. He wants to let them know that when he and Rey Mysterio put this bracket together, they wanted a team that also represented Evolve and AAA, and that’s this duo.

Plus, Rey says he sees a bit of himself in each of them, so that’s a big deal. Good luck out there. Starboy says Mini Vikingo steals the show every time he steps through the curtain. TripleMania was insane, and then Worlds Collide was great, congrats on the win. Mini Vikingo says he’s been watching Starboy on Evolve, he’s excited to team up. Let’s go! They shake hands, Starboy thanks Stone, and they head out. Lizzy says those two seem like a lot of fun. Will it work? Stone says we’ll find out.

Backstage interview with Grayson Waller.

Emily Agard is with the NXT Champion and brings up that he is no longer defending the title against Mason Rook, but against any member of the NXT roster in an Open Challenge. How can he prepare for an unknown title defense? Waller says Rook was rightfully #1 contender. But wanting this championship and doing something about it are two separate things. Last week, he told Rook that he saw quit in those eyes, and lucky for Rook, the doctors did it for him. Two months ago, Waller came back for a reason, and he meant every single word he meant about the soft NXT Men’s Roster. But it seems hit lit a fire! He’s seeing hunger in these boys!

But Waller guarantees there is no man on this roster hungry enough to take this from him. But lads, tonight is your chance! They all say they wanna be the champ? Then do something about it! Because whoever’s the first one to step up and get in the ring gets that Grayson Waller Rub, and that’s all anyone really wants. Waller heads out, but who will meet him in tonight’s main event?

2026 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Opening Round: Uriah Connors & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo VS “Starboy” Chazz Hall & Mini Vikingo!

Speaking of wanting titles and doing something about it, BirthRight certainly thinks they’re worthy just from their lineages, but they’ve still got to earn what they want. Will their usual numbers game work it all out? Or will the Denim Dragon and The New Wonder becoming a winning combination?

The teams sort out and Mini Vikingo starts against Uriah. The fans rally up as the two circle, tie up, and Uriah puts Mini on the ropes. Uriah backs off, taunts Mini by holding up his hand and calling for the Test of Strength. Mini reaches up, but slips around to waistlock. Uriah switches, shoves, but Mini hurdles over! Then Mini wheelbarrows and victory rolls, steps over, turns Uriah over, then jumps over! Uriah avoids the stomp to scoop and SLAM! The fans boo but Uriah soaks up the heat. Uriah stalks Mini, drags him up, and tags in Stacks. They double whips Mini, Min duck s ‘n’ dodges to handspring over and superhero pose!

The fans cheer but Uriah runs up, only for Mini to arm-drag him out! Stacks waistlocks, Mini fights free, slips under, and trips Stacks for a DOUBLE STOMP! Mini wrenches Stacks, but Stacks powers free! Tag to Starboy and he RAMS low! Starboy DOUBLE STOMPS Stacks’ arm! Starboy wrenches, wrenches, but Stacks THROWS him down by his hair! Stacks soaks up heat, then reaches down, but Starboy pulls Stacks into a lift! Starboy leaps up, but Stacks torture racks, only for Starboy to swing through and arm-drag Stacks away! Starboy runs up, Stacks sweeps to cover, ONE! as Starboy goes Matrix! Starboy sits on Stacks, but Stacks gets up in a huff!

Starboy waistlocks, Stacks trips him, but Starboy kicks him away. Uriah tags in, Starboy hurdles Stacks but Uriah back suplexes Starboy! Starboy lands out, then TOSSES Uriah! Stacks runs up, Starboy wrenches and reels him in, then Starboy KICKS Uriah to hit a TORNADO- NO, Stacks slips free of the DDT! Starboy handsprings to dodge sweeps and lariats, then he JUMP SOBATS Stacks! Stacks tumbles out, Starboy tags Mini in! Mini & Starboy build speed, and they DOUBLE DIVE! Only for BirthRight to catch them! Starboy is sent into steps, Uriah POSTS Mini Vikingo! The fans boo as BirthRight stands by the trophy, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns as Starboy fights out of the BirthRight corner. He trades shots with Stacks but Stacks KNEES low! Stacks puts Starboy on the ropes, Uriah SUPERKICKS, then Stacks springboards to BACK ELBOW! Uriah adds a SWANTON! Cover, TWO! BirthRight is frustrated but Uriah puts Starboy back in the corner. Tag to Stacks, Uriah sends Stacks in, but Starboy BOOTS him! Uriah runs up, he blocks a boot, but Starboy ENZIGIRIS! Starboy runs up, but BirthRight keeps him back! They run up, Starboy goes Matrix to avoid the double lariats, then he DOUBLE PELES! The fans fire up as Starboy crawls, hot tag to Mini Vikingo!

The fans fire up as Mini DOUBLE SHOTGUNS! GAMANGIRI on Uriah! SHOTGUN on Stacks! Mini Vikingo SUPERKICKS Uriah, then runs the ropes to tilt-o-whirl and TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up for Mini as he then dodges Stacks and STANDING SPANISH FLIES! Cover, TWO! Stacks survives but the fans fire up for Mini Vikingo! Mini brings Stacks up but Stacks throat chops! Stacks runs up, Mini slips out! Stacks hits buckles, Mini leaps, but Stacks catches him! Stacks swings, Mini rolls him up, TWO! Min dodges, hot tags to Starboy and Uriah! Starboy SOBATS, KICKS, SOBATS, then cravats, but Uriah shoves him away.

Uriah runs up, Starboy dodges, then he sweeps the legs! STANDING SKY TWISTER! Cover, Stacks breaks it! Mini Vikingo runs up, but Stacks THROWS him up and out! Stacks hurries to TOSS Starboy! Starboy lands safe on the apron, DUMPS Stacks out, then slingshots, but Uriah dodges! Tag to Stacks! Uriah BOOTS Starboy, then adds PRIMA NOCTA! Stacks is up, MACHO ELBOW! Cover, but Mini Vikingo SPLASHES on it! The fans are thunderous as all four men are down! The fans cheer “N X T! N X T!” for making this match happen. Stacks & Uriah throw hands, but Starboy y Mini Vikingo hit back.

The fans rally as the fists keep going, cheering Starboy & Mini Vikingo while booing BirthRight. The shots go faster and faster, back and forth, but Starboy’s side gets the edge. BirthRight KNEE low! Starboy blocks Uriah’s kick, throws it at Stacks, but Stacks catches it! Stacks throws it back, Starboy ducks, Mini Vikingo takes the hit! Starboy SUPERKICKS Uriah! Stacks ROCKS Starboy! Starboy ENZIGIRS! Stacks LARIATS! Mini Vikingo hits a ROLLING CRUCIFIX on Uriah! Stacks TOSSES Mini Vikingo, hauls Starboy up, but Starboy slips free! Stacks BOOTS Starboy, springboards, but Starboy ducks the elbow!

Mini Vikingo is back, ROLLING CODE RED!! Starboy catches Uriah’s boot, spins him, but the DRAGON WHIP hits! Uriah hurries up top, but Starboy handsprings to PELE him back down! The fans fire up as Mini Vikingo FLIES! Down goes Uriah and the fans go wild! Starboy handsprings, Stacks catches him, but Starboy victory rolls it, TWO!! Stacks staggers up, Starboy runs up, but Stacks dodges! Mini Vikingo tags in, Starboy mule kicks Stacks! Starboy QUEBRADA, but Stacks catches him! It still ends up a TORNADO DDT!! Mini Vikingo up, PHOENIX 630!!! Cover, STARBOY & MINI VIKINGO WIN!!

Winners: Chazz “Starboy” Hall & Mini Vikingo, by pinfall (advance to the next round)

The fans are thunderous after that electric match! And in the end, the new duo on the block busts the bracket! But now BirthRight attacks! They’re all sore losers! The fans boo, but HELLO! Zilla Fatu is here! Charlie Dempsey still has a neck brace from last time, yet he’s the one running up on The Main One first! BODY BLOW for Charlie! Zilla DECKS Uriah, DECKS Stacks, DECKS Lexis, repeat! The fans fire up as Zilla Fatu is all fired up! But Stacks stops the thumb attack! Zilla HELL STABS Stacks, then THROWS him in! POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Zilla is still fired up, and TRIPLE Z for Stacks!! BirthRight drags Stacks to safety, but a little too late!

Zilla is not backing down from BirthRight, and he gets a mic to say, “HELLO! Hey, BirthRight. I’m done playing with y’all, man. The numbers game is not gonna cut it for me no more. You hear me? I’ma take you guys out one by one. I just took out Willy Wonka Charles, and I’m just not done yet. So tonight, I’ma enter Grayson Waller’s Open Challenge for the NXT Championship!” The fans love the sound of that! Zilla says best believe, that title is coming home to Zilla FA-TUUUUU~! Will The Main One be first in line? Or will someone slip past him to go after the Aussie Icon?

Cruz Montana speaks.

“Before I enter this Open Challenge tonight, I’ve got a few things I gotta get off my chest. I would say that Dion lit a fire under me, but that fire’s been burning forever. See, where I come from, I was always taught not to tolerate disrespect. So Dion, I want you to understand, and realize, and appreciate the fact that you got two in on me. Because by the third you was picking your jaw up off the floor. But the very next day, I got to go home and drop my girl off at school. And as she ran into that school building, I couldn’t help but smile. Because in that moment, I realized that I was blessed in this life to know that my daughter never has to worry about going through anything close to what I went through.

“Getting to school in itself was always a chess game of trying to maneuver through the different gang territories. Hell, on top of that, I ain’t even get to be a kid, cuz I had to help my teenage mother raise four other siblings. And yes, Dion… My mother was a drug dealer. But not one day went by that she was ever proud of what she was doing. My mother did what she had to do to make sure we had a roof over our head, food on our table, and clothes on our back. And I’ll tell you this: I am damn proud of that woman, because never a day was she ever addicted. She never spent a day in jail. That woman has survived things that are unimaginable, but I’m proud of her today. Because today, she’s the greatest version of herself.

“And then comes my father.” Santana takes off his sunglasses, and he holds up the necklace he wears. In the pendant is a picture of his father. Cruz is emotional already as he says his father had to walk into a doctor’s office at 12 years old, and have them tell him that by the time he was 25, he would be completely blind. At 17 years old, that’s when Cruz was born. Not one day did his father complain. Yeah, he drowned in his demons, but on top of that, he struggled with the fact that he felt he couldn’t be the father to Cruz he wanted to be. But Cruz is thankful that before his father left, Cruz got to tell his father that his presence was the greatest present he could ever give.

And little did Cruz know, that years later, he was gonna have his own struggles. Little did Cruz know that years later, he would have to sit his own little girl down and explain to her that her father was a drug addict alcoholic, that he’d have to check into rehab, and that when he came out, he’d begin to climb. These tears are because he is proud of himself for every day he gets to live and show his daughter a true, living, breathing example of using the bottom to climb to the top. Dion, understand this: Cruz’s past IS his power! His past IS that flame! You wanna start this? Cruz will be the finisher.

Cruz heads out, will he make sure to grab the NXT Championship on the way to settling things with a disrespectful outsider?

Zaria runs into Izzi Dame backstage.

The It Girl says great timing! Congrats, champ. Zaria grumbles and moves past Izzi. The other women of the locker room all look at Zaria, and she asks them what. But then surprise! Someone (Izzi) decorated Zaria’s locker with Wicked/Wizard of Oz items! Zaria says yeah, she’s not that little girl anymore! Quit looking! Zaria huffs ‘n’ puffs as she starts tearing the decorations down, but will she make sure Izzi feels the full force of gravity?

Kelani Jordan is here!

The fans are torn seeing NXT Women’s Champion, #OneShotLani, go to the ring. Lani smirks as she gets the mic to say, “One of the things I love about being NXT Women’s Champion is that I’m no longer an afterthought. I am the goal of every woman in that locker room. Step in the ring with The Standout and try to take this woman’s title! I dare you to! But you won’t. Because as I look towards Halloween Havoc and try to figure out who my next opponent will be, it’s actually pretty interesting. I mean, last week, Zaria dropped the ball. Kendal’s injured and no one knows when she’s coming back. Wren’s suspended, and as far as I’m concerned, Catalina may be the Reina de Reinas Champion…

“But she has a long, long, long way to go to be in the same league as Kelani Jordan. And now that I think about it, guys, I’m just that good! Because in a short amount of time, I’ve managed to clear out almost every single contender. And I’m not gonna be a champion that just hands out title matches. I’m not gonna be a champion that does open challenges like Grayson Waller’s doing tonight. No. Because no one ever handed me anything! Last time that I checked, I’m the Standout, not the Handout. Wanting something and earning something are two completely different things. And I earned this championship, so I’m not gonna put any more pressure on myself. No.

“So when a true challenger presents herself, then and only then will I put this title on the line.” Fans start chanting “We Want Wren!” but Lani reminds them, Wren is suspended! Lani then says it doesn’t really matter who’s up next, because the result will remain the same. Doesn’t matter if it’s at Halloween Havoc, or in two months, or even in two years, no one is gonna do it like Lani. But then Robert Stone steps out and gets Lani’s attention. Lani says she can’t even make this up! Not even the NXT GM can help but interrupt her moment. Stone says relax, please. Lani is right about something, she’s not choosing her next opponent. But neither is he.

The Women’s Division chooses, because next week, there will be a TWENTY WOMAN BATTLE ROYAL! The winner gets their shot at Lani’s NXT Women’s Championship at Halloween Havoc. Bu t hey, the battle royal won’t just have NXT superstars. There will be stars from Raw, SmackDown, AAA, Evolve, and even TNA! So hey, Lani, you wanted someone to step up, so- OH NO! REINA VOLCAN ATTACKS! The fans fire up as she short arm LARIATS Lani inside-out! And ELBOW DROPS! The Force of Nature says she is numero uno in the battle royal! Will nothing stop Volcan from washing away the competition to go after the gold?

Naraku talks with Robert Stone.

The King of Darkness tells the GM that he will deal with Shiloh Hill after he answers the open challenge and take the NXT Championship from Waller. Stone says everyone has equal chance, but then in steps Saquon Shugars. He says, “Whoa, whoa, excuse me, Mr. Naraku. But Up Next Saquon Shugars has an open challenge to accept. That NXT title is mine.” Stone says Naraku begs to differ. Shugars says Naraku can beg all he wants, but Shugars isn’t gonna beg for his Tristan Angels match. Last week, Stone said he’d have news next week, but “next week” is now this week, so what’s good? Stone says yes, he has good news, Shugars will have his match with Tristan in two weeks.

Shugars says c’mon! That’s not how to treat the future NXT Champion. Stone says future champ or not, next week is a big night with the Dusty Cup and the 20 Woman Battle Royal. Naraku steps back in and says Shiloh has a date with darkness. Yes, also “set in stone” is Naraku VS Shiloh. Shugars says he can’t put his finger on it, but Naraku is just evil, man. Like, blowing mist in people’s faces? And Shiloh might be creepy, too, but the difference is, Shiloh has a brain. Whatever Naraku’s cooking up to spit in Shiloh’s face, Shiloh will be ready. Naraku says we’ll see about that. HAHAHAHAHA! Naraku heads out, will Darkness Fall on NXT?

2026 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Opening Round: DarkState VS Fraxiom!

Cutler James & Osiris Griffin are former tag team champions that want to be back on top, but the same can be said for Nathan Frazer & Axiom! Will the giants stand tall over the Jersey Island Rocket and Undeniable Truth? Or will Fraxiom prove that speed kills?

The teams sort out and Axiom starts against Osiris. They circle, feel things out, and Axiom CHOSP! Osiris still storms up, and he corners Axiom, only for Axiom to BOOT again and again! Axiom runs, wheelbarrows, but Osiris blocks the rest and lifts Axiom up. Axiom slips free, Frazer tags in, and Axiom slides under to dodge. KICK, KICK, DOUBLE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Frazer stays on Osiris with a facelock, but Osiris THROWS him away! Osiris runs up, Frazer dodges and CHOPS! Osiris snarls, grabs Frazer by the neck, then THROWS him to the corner. Osiris CHOPS, but Frazer CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS, even MACHINE GUN CHOPS!

Frazer climbs up, the fans fire up, and Frazer rains down fists on Osiris! Frazer gets five but Osiris puts him on the apron. Frazer GAMANGIRIS, then springboards, but Osiris gets under. Frazer handsprings, redirects, and slides under! But Osiris RUNS Frazer over! Tag to Cutler, and DarkState DOUBLE LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Cutler looms over Frazer, drags him up, and whips him to the corner hard! Frazer hits buckles then falls, but the fans rally behind Fraxiom. Cutler talks trash, drags Frazer up, and bumps him off buckles. Osiris mockingly waves while Cutler stands Frazer up. Cutler UPPERCUTS Frazer, then drags him around.

Cutler scoops to SLAM Frazer, and Frazer writhes while clutching his back. Cutler drags Frazer around again, but Frazer BOOTS him away! Frazer goes to ropes, Cutler YANKS him up, but Frazer lands on his feet to then PELE Cutler away! Hot tag to Axiom! The fans fire up as they fire off on Cutler with forearms and a DDT! Osiris runs up, but he runs into kick, mule kick, and DROPKICK! The fans fire up for Fraxiom as they take aim, only for DarkState to rush right back in! They CLOBBER Fraxiom, then TOSS Frazer out! Cutler whips Axiom, but Axiom springboards, onto to jump into a SWINGING BACKBREAKER! The fans boo but DarkState is in control as NXT goes to break.

NXT returns as DarkState soaks up heat with Axiom down on the mat. Cutler drags Axiom up, but Axiom ROCKS him! Axiom reaches out but Cutler trips him! Cutler ducks the enzigiri, then he whips, but Axiom uses that to BLAST Osiris! Cutler runs in, Axiom goes up and over! Cutler POSTS himself, Axiom rolls to hot tag Frazer! The fans fire up as Frazer runs and ROCKS Osiris! Then runs and ROCKS him again! Frazer tries a third but Osiris scoops, only for Frazer to slip free! Fraer baits Osiris into a corner, thens pringboards to AX HANDLE! Frazer CHOPS, whips, but Osiris revrses. Frazer goes up and over, handsprings away, and comes back to CLOBBER Osiris!

The fans fire up but here comes Cutler! Frazer TOSSES Cutler, then FLIES out onto him! Down goes Cutler and Frazer keeps moving! Up, up, and away with a FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Osiris survives but Frazer stays focused. Frazer tags Axiom, they both climb up, and they DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, Cutler breaks it! Cutler drags Frazer up to whip, but Frazer stops short. Frazer & Axiom then DOUBLE LARIAT Cutler up and out! Axiom goes with Cutler, but Frazer DIVES! Cutler catches Frazer! And POSTS him! Axiom leaps in, avoids Osiris, but Osiris comes back to LARIAT! Then torture rack and NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!

The fans fire up as Axiom survives, but Osiris tags Cutler. DarkState hauls Axiom up, swings, but Frazer DROPKICKS Osiris! Axiom cradles Cutler, TWO!! Cutler runs up, but Axiom dodges! GAMANGIRI! Tag to Frazer! ENZIGIRI! They put Cutler up top, and Frazer goes to a far corner. Axiom goes up to SUPER SPANISH FLY with Cutler!! Then he DIVES onto Osiris! Frazer adds the PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, FRAXIOM WINS!

Winners: Fraxiom, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

They’re back, and they’re back to winning! Will nothing stop Fraxiom from making history? Or is returning to former glory going to be harder than expected?

Kendal Grey has another therapy session.

The therapist brings up the “homework” from last time, where he wanted Kendal to really think on who she is if she’s not competing. What has she been doing during recovery? What is life like outside the ring? Kendal says what life? Wrestling IS her life. She watches wrestling 24/7. She rewatches her matches, she studies her mistakes, trains… Well, she used to. But what about hobbies? Kendal’s tried a couple. She tried playing guitar, but she broke the strings a few times, and got so mad she almost threw it out the window. She also tried painting, but that lasted like ten minutes before she got bored.

Oh, and she used Duolingo to learn Spanish. Donde esta… Well, he gets it, she didn’t really learn Spanish. Perhaps he sees why she only focuses on wrestling. The therapist does ask about friendship, and perhaps relationships… Kendal says the PC is a bit crazy. Some say it’s like Love Island for wrestlers, but that’s just not where her mind is right now. Ever since she was young, she told herself to achieve abnormal goals, you can’t live a normal life. So she always sacrificed those kinds of things, even hanging out with friends, even now. She just wants to get back in the ring.

The therapist says her work ethic is commendable, but… Is that lack of work-life balance what makes her so good? Or is it the thing that’s breaking her? Kendal never really thought of it like that. Her whole life, the answer was to always work harder. If she wasn’t good enough, just train harder. If she lost, just train harder. If she got hurt, just keep going. That’s what she’s doing, but… it’s kinda scary. She doesn’t know how to stop. Her whole life is her proving she can handle more and do more. Right, but what happens when Kendal puts in all this work, but working harder just isn’t enough? Kendal says that’s a good question. What will the answer be?

Robert Stone talks with Izzi Dame.

He asks her what’s her deal with Zaria, and brings up that we all saw what she did to Zaria’s locker. Izzi says there’s nothing going on here, she just felt Zaria’s locker needed a little color. But it’s time to learn about who our NXT Women’s North American Champion really is: The most feared woman in the ring, and on stage! Zaria was such a good Glynda! Stone says we’re all different when we’re younger. But this is to let Izzi know that she is in the 20 Woman Battle Royal. Izzi says good, Lani needs some competition. Well, Zaria’s also in the battle royal, so good luck. Spirit of competition, right? But will Zaria make sure Izzi exits stage right the hard way?

NXT Championship Open Challenge: Grayson Waller VS ???

The Aussie Icon thought he was in for a fight with Mason Rook, but sadly, Rook is not medically cleared. But Waller’s willing to be a fighting champion, so he’s willing to take on the first man to get out to the ring. Waller still has to talk, though, as he gets a mic. The fans boo, but Waller says, “Hey, if anything, you should be thanking me. Because I showed up to work tonight, unlike Mason Rook.” The fans boo more, but Waller says Rook had his chance, he decided that the Grayson Waller Effect was too much to handle. But that’s okay, because now the men of NXT have their chance! They love tweeting, TikToking and Instagramming, but time to walk the walk! Tonight, they’ve all got a chance to do something about it.

So ladies and gentlemen, who do you think is ready for Waller? Who? It don’t matter who it is, because tonight, Waller finishes #AndStill. But here we go, boys! Step up! First one in the ring gets their shot. Waller puts the belt aside, and we see the men’s locker room watching this. Brad Baylor tries to be smooth and says everyone else can chill here, but everyone rushes the door! It is a traffic jam, and then we see in a separate part of the backstage area, Shiloh Hill, Tate Wilder, and even Elijah Holyfield are all pushing their way towards gorilla. Saquon Shugars catches up, as do Cruz and Zilla. Everyone says they’re getting at Waller!

It’s a mad dash at the ramp, and it just turns into a brawl! Zilla breaks through the pack, but Cruz found a shortcut! Cruz jumps in from the crowd, but he and Zilla step to each other! Cruz keeps Zilla from getting in, but then Zilla returns the favor! Waller loves what he sees, but then BirthRight AND DarkState all jump in! The brawling just gets crazier, but then EK PROSPER sneaks in the back! The fans cheer, Waller turns around and realizes what’s going on! Waller rushes up, the bell rings, but EK goes up and out to then ROCK Waller! EK springboards in and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Then he fires hands!

EK whips, Waller reverses, but EK flips up and over! EK ducks ‘n’ dodges to SHOTGUN! Waller bails out but EK aims, PLANCHA! Waller dodges, EK lands out! Waller slides out, EK dodges! QUEBRADA off the apron! EK puts Waller in, Waller bails out, but EK FLIES! Down goes Waller at the ramp! The fans fire up as EK then puts Waller right back in, goes right back up, and springboards to FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Waller survives this fast ‘n’ furious start, but the fans are all on EK’s side as NXT goes to break.

NXT returns as EK wrenches free of a headlock, throws body shots and forearms, but Waller kicks the shin! Waller reels EK in, suplexes, but EK fights free to roll Waller up! ONE, EK goes to a corner and Waller runs up. EK BOOTS Waller away, then goes up and over to backslide, TWO! Waller is in a corner, EK blocks the boot and DROPKICKS! EK scoops Waller to SLAM him into the drop zone! The fans cheer as EK then TIGER WALL MOONSAULTS, but onto knees! Waller turns things back around, then hurries to drag EK up. Waller ROCKS EK, ELBOWS him in the corner, then whips corner to corner. EK reverses, but Waller goes up and DOUBLE STOMPS!

The fans boo but Waller drags EK to a cover, TWO! EK reaches out but Waller stomps EK down. Waller soaks up heat, drags EK up, and ELBOWS him in the head! The fans rally for EK but Waller whips him to a corner. EK goes up, Electric Chair and victory roll! TWO, EK ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Waller LEG LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Waller shouts out Booker T, then he kicks EK around. Waller drags EK up to snap suplex! Waller mocks EK and the fans but the fans rally up. Waller drags EK up into a cravat and grinds him down. The fans rally as EK endures, but Waller talks trash that he’s so much better than everyone here.

EK fights up, but Waller fires knee after knee! Waller wrangles EK, but the fans continue to rally. EK rises up again, fires body shots, but Waller RAMS his shoulder into EK again and again! EK fires body shots but Waller KNEES him! EK dodges the lariat to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! And SOBAT! Waller avoids a boot to lift EK, but EK fires hands! But Waller pops EK up for a BIG BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! EK survives and the fans fire up again. Waller stomps EK, SLAPS him, then kicks him around. Waller scuffs EK, toys with him, and soaks up the heat. Waller grabs EK by the face and tells him he’s not ready. EK SLAPS Waller!

The fans fire up as EK CLUBS away on Waller, swings, but Waller ducks a shot to ROLLING ELBOW! Waller runs, but into a BOOT! EK runs, but Waller ROLLING ELBOWS! Waller then suplexes, but into a STUN-DOG MILLIONAIRE! EK hurries to a corner, he hurries to climb up, but Waller JUMP KNEES EK down! EK flops to the apron and Waller steps outside. The fans boo but Waller fireman’s carries EK. EK slips free to SUPERKICK! EK lines up a shot, and he waistlocks. Waller holds onto ropes to stop from being thrown to the floor! Waller drags himself up, grabs the crossbar, but the padding slips away! Waller ELBOWS EK, then POSTS him!

Waller fireman’s carries EK, goes to the corner, and he TKOS on the crossbar!! Waller uses some sinister savvy and the fans boo, but NXT goes picture in picture.

The ref checks on EK, and though EK coughs and sputters, he insists he can go. Waller steps on EK, eggs him on, then brings him up. Waller THROWS EK into the steel steps! Waller taunts the fans, reaches out for the toy title, but the little girl won’t let him get close. The fans cheer and Waller gets annoyed. Waller leaves EK behind for the ring count. EK sits up at 4 of 10, crawls his way over, but is still down at 8! Waller’s doing push-ups and burpies, but EK still makes it in at 9! Waller covers, TWO! EK survives, but Waller stalks him to a corner. Waller stands EK up, ROCKS him, but EK fires body shots back. Waller CLUBS EK, then stomps him in the corner!

The ref counts, Waller steps off, then he throws more hands. Waller CLAWS EK’s face, smothers him with forearms, then backs off as the ref reprimands. Waller huffs ‘n’ puffs and stalks EK. Waller whips EK to a corner but EK reverses! EK runs up, but into a HANGING HEADSCISSOR! The ref counts, Waller lets go at 4, but Waller hurries back in and LARIATS EK down! Cover, TWO! EK survives but Waller flexes as he soaks up heat. Waller then clamps onto EK with a chinlock and squeezes tight. NXT returns to single picture as the fans rally up. EK fires body shots, but Waller fires knee after knee! EK blocks to CHOP! And CHOP!

EK runs, TORNADO- NO, Waller powers out and UPPERCUTS! Waller puts EK up top, climbs up after him, but EK resists the lift! EK pries the hold open, CLUBS away on Waller’s back, and shoves Waller down. EK leaps, Waller gets under, but EK SUPERKICKS! EK puts Waller up top, climbs up after him, and the fans rally even harder. EK goes to the very top, but Waller slips under! Waller trips EK up, then torture racks EK! ROLLING SENTON! Cover, TWO! EK survives and Waller is frustrated but the fans fire up. Waller goes to the corner, climbs up, and he goes along the ropes. But EK jumps up to the UPPER ROOM!

The fans fire up as Waller goes tumbling away! EK runs up and LARIATS! And LARIATS! Waller shoves EK but EK SUPERKICKS! EK runs, TORNADO DDT! EK hurries to suplex Waller for a MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Waller survives, but even he is shocked! EK drags Waller up, but Waller throat chops! Waller fireman’s carries, but EK slips free to ROUNDHOUSE! EK runs up, but into  BOOT! JUMPING CURB STOMP!! Waller covers, TWO!! EK survives and Waller is beside himself! Waller drags EK up, whips, but EK reverses. EK runs up, Waller puts him on the apron, but EK SLAPS him! EK slingshots but Waller HOTSHOTS him down!

The fans boo but Waller builds speed, and he slides out to LARIAT EK inside-out! The fans boo but Waller huffs ‘n’ puffs over to the desk. Waller clears the desk, tosses Vic Joseph’s candy just to add insult to injury, and he drags EK up. Waller ROCKS EK, has him on the desk, and he climbs the corner! But EK hurries to trip Waller up! Waller tumbles, EK SUPERKICKS him! EK puts Waller on the desk, and now EK wants to do something even crazier than what Waller was gonna do! SUPER ASAI MOONSAULT down through the desk!! The fans go nuts while both men are down in the wreckage! EK clutches his leg, but he’s somehow still in this!

EK puts Waller back in the ring, he goes back up the corner, SKY SLICER LEG DROP!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Waller survives by a literal foot! EK is shocked but Waller bails out. EK hobbles, builds speed, and DIVES into a KNEE! Waller hurries to slingshot somersault and STUNNER! Waller is confident, until he sees EK getting back up! Waller runs corner to corner, SOMERSAULT STUNNER!! Cover, Waller wins!

Winner: Grayson Waller, by pinfall (still NXT Champion)

The Disrespectfully Athletic almost had the Aussie Icon, but close only works in horseshoes and hand grenades. Waller says no one breathing on this roster can reach him! EK was impressive, it just wasn’t enough. Will NXT continue to be under the Grayson Waller Effect?

Zilla Fatu storms around backstage.

“I can’t believe this. They don’t wanna see me win. They don’t wanna see me win! BIRTHRIGHT! You guys are the reason why I’m not standing here your new NXT Champion! So next week, Lexis King, I’mma eff you up!!” The Main One has put the Drama King on notice! Will Lexis be put to sleep with that Triple Z?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT, though I’m disappointed WWE didn’t have a better tribute to Neville/Pac/Satterley than the same image as Raw. Vic Joseph did manage to sneak a quote of Satterley’s in for the main event, so I appreciate him for that. Speaking of, quite an interesting turn of events. Rook being out is unfortunate, hopefully the injury isn’t as bad as it sounds given they used “for the foreseeable future” in describing it. But we got great promos from all the rising stars in the men’s division, and EK of course gave the match of his career for still being young and new to this. In the end, I figured Waller would retain, he himself has a lot to prove as champ still.

Speaking of those great promos, Cruz Montana/Mike Santana gave a powerful promo reviewing his family history to help all of us, not just Dion Lennox, understand what Cruz has been through. Cruz has to win out in the feud, then he can position himself for the top title at some point. And while I won’t go into detail here, there’s a big reason why Keanu Carver was nowhere to be seen despite everyone else wanting after the NXT Championship. It’s one thing to have behavioral problems as a character, it’s another to have them in real-life. Hopefully things are resolved quickly, but it seems like another bright star in pro-wrestling just ruined their own chances…

The Dusty Cup matches were awesome tonight, and I’m a bit surprised by Face teams won out. But at the same time, Fraxiom is really gonna keep things entertaining with their speed and energy. Starboy & Mini Vikingo (who really should think about changing his gimmick one day, it’s just so much to keep calling him “Mini Vikingo”) was a big surprise win. But at the same time, BirthRight has their feud with Zilla Fatu, and Zilla VS Lexis is going to be great stuff. Good promo from Fraxiom with Dar & Moreno, Los Hermanos Wagner and Vanity Project. It would be fitting if the tag team champions from NXT and AAA met in the finals, but I’d rather Vanity Project get humbled, and that other team moving on to be the winners of the whole tournament.

Great match from Zaria VS Thea, but given Izzi’s picking on Zaria, I figured Zaria was retaining. Poor Thea, I really do wish they’d give her a title push. Then we get the news of the 20 Woman Battle Royal that brings in all brands connected to WWE, hat’s going to be a lot of fun. Despite Reina Volcan attacking, I have a feeling La Catalina wins out, given her interaction with Lani before. Then that’d pit the NXT Women’s and AAA Reina de Reinas Champions against each other. They could even have a Day of the Dead match at Halloween Havoc to spice things up. Though, no matter who it is, I feel like Lani retains. Kendal had another good “therapy session,” I continue to appreciate them bringing in that realistic drama of her uncertainty, and her comeback story will be great, too.

My Score: 8.8/10