[WWE's music plays]
[narrator] Then.
[man] Woo!
[narrator] Now.
-[man 1] The king of king! -[man 2] You can't see me!
[narrator] Forever.
Together.
-Still, we had a good holiday season. -Oh, yeah!
Man, that green bean casserole. Wohoo!
I wouldn't know. You ate it all.
The cookies were good though, but we got to get back on track.
We got to get a big win tonight. Indus Sher, I hope you're watching.
JD McDonagh, you're about to get a receipt.
It's Creed time, baby. Let's go.
Let's do it.
[rock music plays]
I am so glad the holidays are over.
Everyone stopped pretending they enjoy time with their family,
and the gifts, I always think it's better to give than receive anyway,
so I have one more gift for Julius Creed tonight,
a loss, and he can share that feeling of defeat with his brother.
[announcer] Not going to have to wait long for this slug fest.
Welcome to the final NXT of the year.
[rock music plays]
[bell rings]
[announcer 2] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, JD McDonagh.
[announcer] After what we just heard, Book, he's the definition of a grinch.
[Book] Yes. Yes, he is.
I'm going to tell you, this dude right here, JD McDonagh--
-[announcer] What are you doing? -[Book laughs]
[Book] He is that man that's willing to take on anybody
in the middle of that squared circle. That's what I like about him.
[announcer] Trying to get your new year's party set up? Put the phone down.
[Book laughs] Oh, man. I'm looking forward to this.
JD McDonagh, this guy slipped out of my fave five.
-[announcer] He slipped? -[Book] He slipped out of it
but just because of a couple of bumps in the road,
but I'll tell you right now after that last victory over that kid Creed,
he's moving back up quickly.
[announcer] He's taking on the other half of the Creeds here tonight.
[music plays]
[announcer 2] And his opponent, representing Diamond Mine, Julius Creed.
[announcer] A focused Julius is a dangerous Julius.
-Do you not agree? -[Book] I agree. 100%.
This kid, he has the pedigree, he has the background.
Check him out, he has that wrestling look.
When he gets into the ring he displays it.
Vic, I mean, he's looking to get you on the middle of that mat
and ground and pound, take you out, take you to that deep water,
draw you in, draw you in and drown you, but that man,
that man, JD McDonagh, he's a hybrid, Vic.
[Vic] Let's not forget what happened the last time these two went one-on-one.
It was McDonagh who went right to work as he is right here against Julius Creed.
Focusing on the ribs, focusing on the lower body, and--
[Book] Good to see this right here.
JD McDonagh just slowing the pace down just a little bit.
That's what that's all about, Vic.
[Vic] I want to get back to that first meeting.
We're not going to slow down out here at this desk.
What should Julius taken away from that first one-on-one meeting?
-Right now McDonagh is just trying to-- -[Book] There again, Vic,
just trying to pause the action.
-Just trying to throw Julius Creed off. -[Vic] He's trying to frustrate Creed.
[Book] He's trying to just throw him off his game just a little bit,
and that's all it takes for this kid, McDonagh.
[Vic] I want to go back to the question. What should-- Whoa!
That time there was no doubt about it Creed had a handful of hair,
but what should Julius have taken from that first meeting against JD McDonagh?
[Book] The thing is, he needs to know exactly how good this kid, McDonagh,
really is and after that first meeting, after that first contest he knows.
He knows tonight he's got to stay focused from the beginning to the end, Vic.
[Vic] Nice take down by Creed.
Shoulders down and McDonagh just got that right shoulder up.
You look at Julius, he has been overcoming odds his whole life.
He was told in high school he was too small so all he did was go out.
-[Book] Small? -[Vic] All he did was go out
and get a scholarship at Duke University
and run through the ACC before he came to NXT.
[Book] First thing I noticed when I first met him, I said, "This is a big kid."
He has a lot of muscle on him and tonight, you can tell he's been training,
getting himself prepared.
Preparation is the only luck, you're going to have preparing
for this match up with JD McDonagh.
[Vic] Not only that, he's been having to shake off some injuries
as we already mentioned, to the ribs, to the knees
and this goes back to the first match up
when McDonagh was able to get Julius to the mat.
That's when he was able to inflict pain.
[Book] McDonagh, he's honed in on that tape.
Something's got to be going on in that area right there
and he's going to work on it, he's going to test it.
[Vic] Nice counter, nice reversal by Julius who charges in. Whoa!
And McDonagh able to sidestep just at the last possible moment.
[Book] I'd say this kid, McDonagh, he's a hybrid, Vic.
[Vic] He just got caught.
-[Julius] Sorry, Vic. -[Vic] And right here-- Whoa!
[Book] Goodness.
[Vic] Just got planted.
-Book, you good? -Yes, I'm good, I'm good, I'm good, dawg.
[Vic] I think he's trying to get in your fave five.
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Oh! Right into the post, and now a bullseye is on the body of Creed.
That's the last thing you want to do against McDonagh.
-[man] Come on, JD. Come on, let's go. -[they groan]
[Book] Wow, beautiful shot right there by McDonagh.
Almost somewhat of a uppercut to that rib area.
[Vic] Whoa!
[they groan]
[Vic] McDonagh continuing to apply the pressure on Creed.
[cheers and applause]
[Vic] Back on NXT, McDonagh one-on-one with Julius Creed.
As you saw throughout the break, it has been all JD McDonagh
and now we're seeing the power, the will, the grit of Julius Creed.
And both these guys, Book, both of them, they just got a certain moxie about them.
[Book] Yes, they do.
Julius needed this right here because-- He needed this big shot
because JD McDonagh was in total control.
I'm talking about putting on a clinic in the break.
[Vic] Oh, and again that strength. Oh, that was an innovative back breaker.
And Creed now trying to get some feeling back into that left arm.
The ribs have been damaged as well.
Let's not forget about the steel post before the commercial break.
McDonagh trying to dissect Creed.
Creed having none of it.
[Book] Yes, the power play coming into effect right now with Julius Creed.
[Vic] Up, over, down. Creed back up. Turning now McDonagh inside out.
[both] Whoa!
[Vic] Devil inside countered, knee right to the jaw.
Julius Creed had it scouted. Charging back in. Gets caught.
[Book] Oh, baby.
Did you feel that? Man!
[Vic] I didn't just feel it, I saw it,
and look at Brutus on the outside trying to rally his brother.
Take another look.
Connected by McDonagh.
McDonagh said the last gift he was going to hand out this year
was an L to Julius Creed.
[Book] Oh!
[crowd chatter]
[Vic] Oh!
Uh-oh.
With every slap, every chop, every punch, every hit, it's not keeping Julius down.
He's continuing to persevere, to push forward and he answers right back.
[Book] It's about the long game right now, Vic.
One thing about JD McDonagh, he may be a little undersized right now
with Julius Creed, but his IQ is a little different, Vic.
[Vic] Step-Up Enzuigiri connected from McDonagh.
And what is it going to take to keep the other superstar down as McDonagh--
-Brain buster. -[Book] That's what I'm talking about.
-The IQ of this man JD McDonagh-- -[Vic] Creed could be out.
Into the cover and-- Oh, just getting that right shoulder up.
[Book] So close.
So close by McDonagh but on thing about-- Check this. Check it out.
[Vic] Bam.
[Book] One thing about JD McDonagh, he don't get frustrated.
He stays composed and stays right there in the middle of the game, Vic.
[Vic] Now taking a lot of time to get to the top.
Looking at-- Wait a minute.
-Julius. -[Book] Talking about the athleticism.
Wow.
[Vic] McDonagh trying to block. Both superstars teetering high up.
And Creed, Creed's not moving.
This could be that moment.
McDonagh looking for the Moonsault.
Nobody there.
No one home and now Creed quickly, bam.
-[Book] Wow. -[Vic] That's step one.
Come on, let's go!
[Vic] This is step two.
Into the Clothesline, into the cover, and Creed exorcises some demons tonight.
[announcer] Here is your winner, Julius Creed.
[Book] Look, let's just call it, the best man won tonight.
Give it up for Julius Creed.
[Vic] The will to win and survive for Julius Creed,
but this could've been the turning point of the match up.
There's no one home for McDonagh and that opened the door
for Julius Creed to take advantage.
That's step one, as we mentioned, and then step two,
just the viciousness, bam, that unbridled strength of Julius Creed
to knock McDonagh into next year.
And how good-- Wait a minute.
-Sanga and Veer? -[Book] Hold the phone, Vic.
Congratulations, Julius.
You have proven yourself.
Now, we're willing to face you and your brother.
In two weeks at New Year's Evil, we will finally get the respect
that we deserve…
[crowd cheering]
…when we destroy the two of you.
[crowd cheering]
[music starts]
[Vic] Certainly, Book, respect's going to be earned one way or another
on January 10th at New Year's Evil.
[Book] Shucky ducky quack quack. I can't wait.
[crowd chatter]
Tony D, tonight you get your opportunity at Wes Lee
and the North American Championship. How are you feeling?
McKenzie, I'm feeling great.
On the last NXT of 2022, I win my first title,
other than the title of being a Don, right? You get it. You know. [laughs]
Look, McKenzie, I've been waiting on this moment for a long time now.
Wes took a few months off my career, but I'm going to hit him where it hurts
tonight by taking that North American Championship.
You not only have to worry about Wes Lee, but also the looming threat of Dijak.
Looming threat? Threat? Dijak?
Come on, give me a break. Stacks took care of that last week.
Tell him what you do. Come on.
It wasn't pretty, but I laid down the law to Dijak.
A closed door meeting is a closed door meeting, you know?
Let's just say Dijak won't be an issue.
And tonight, the Don will win the North American Championship.
Now, if you would excuse us, McKenzie, the Don has a title to win.
Let's go, Don.
[woman] Welcome to the generation of Jade!
[Vic] Is tonight the night the D'Angelo family finally gets gold?
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, Cora Jade.
[Vic] We're going to call it like we do.
Cora Jade has brought this all on herself for this match up here tonight.
The resident mean girl of NXT may be in for a rude awakening
when she takes on Wendy Choo next on NXT.
[metal music plays]
[tense music starts]
We understand that our lifestyle is intimidating to other groups in NXT.
Anyone who has crossed our path in 2022…
…have fell to our mercy,
and they have not been treated very favorably.
Edris Enofé, Malik Blade, Odyssey Jones,
we can see the emotional disturbances that we have elicited in you three.
Letting your emotional states control your actions does not serve you.
It merely digs a deeper cavity of anguish for you to try and repair.
Your attempts to fill that void are temporary solutions
to long-term insecurities.
This is the definition of living your best life.
You three wear masks of fake happiness, but we see through the charade.
Real joy is supposed to be fruitful and multiply.
Not consumed and discarded for social clout.
Edris, Malik, Odyssey, to your credit, there are redeeming qualities within.
There is loyalty between you, but you must continue to nurture that bond.
Tonight, we show you that togetherness above all else
is what binds us and allows us to grow beyond our individual limits
because we are four roots…
[together] One tree.
[Vic] What a huge six-man tag team match still to come here tonight on NXT.
[soothing music plays]
-[Vic] Whoa! Choo not wasting any time. -[bell rings]
[Vic] Didn't even wait to hear her name.
Heard the bell, and is swinging for the fences.
[Book] High stakes in this match up for Wendy Choo.
She knows what it's about, and sometimes, Vic, you got to turn it up.
[Vic] Sweet mask is off.
[Book] Just throwing everything out the window. I love it.
[Vic] This is not the same whimsical Wendy that we're used to seeing.
She is angry. She is mad.
She's had all that bottled up emotion of her younger years
overtaking herself in recent weeks.
[Book] Sometimes, Vic, you just got to hit the bully right in the mouth
to just let them know exactly where you're coming from.
Trust me, I know, man.
Ray Ray was a bully when I was a kid, and I couldn't wait to--
-[Vic] Who? -[Book] Ray Ray. Ray Ray.
I used to know him when I was a kid, but he bullied me,
and Wendy knows exactly what I'm talking about.
[Vic] Come on, ref.
[referee] Hey, you hit her, I'll disqualify you.
[Vic] Whoa! No one there, and look, Choo right back in.
Jade now. Jade realizing she is in for a long night.
Is she going to regret her decision she's made?
[Book] Different Wendy Choo right here.
Sometimes, Vic, you make those enemies that you regret it sooner or later.
[Vic] Shoulders down. Kick out!
You got to think too, Book, every time she sees, Jade,
with every punch, with every kick, with every move,
she sees every girl from grade school, every high school mean girl.
As now Jade finds the opening and turns it around in her own way.
[Book] One thing about Cora Jade, she's a nasty little individual.
She do not care how she gets the victory, Vic.
It's all about winning for this young lady right here.
[Vic] Off that Double Stomp to the lower back.
Hook of the inside leg, and Choo able to kick out at two.
You know, we all know, it's been well documented your relation
with Roxanne Perez, so I want to ask you this.
Honestly, is Jade too focused on Perez?
Is she too focused on the NXT Women's Champion?
[Book] You know I hate to say it, Vic.
I hate to say it. She needs to be focused.
She wants to be laser focused when it comes to the championship.
When you're thinking about gold, Vic, you can't think about nothing else.
I understand Cora Jade's problem.
[Vic] Another cover off the elbow, and another kick out by Choo.
A lot of those on the Internet, a lot in the locker room area
believes it just comes down to one thing lately, that's jealousy.
That's jealousy where Roxanne Perez has gone and she has it.
Jealousy to some is just a lack of self-confidence.
[Book] As much as I love Roxanne Perez, I have to beg to differ with you, Vic.
When it's about improving career, when it's about making history,
sometimes it's just about you and nothing else.
I don't think it's about Roxanne.
I think it's about Cora Jade wanting to step up
and crash that glass ceiling for these jenzelles.
That's what I see.
[Vic] Choo, trying to fight back, trying to get back into this match up.
She came out and able to weather the storm was Jade, but now Choo a big forearm.
Now, Choo starting to fight back.
She has a little extra fire in her tonight, does Wendy Choo,
and, Book, it's for good reason.
[Book] Choo's ready to fight tonight.
Like I say, Cora Jade is perhaps regretting like you said.
-Oh, wow. -[Vic] Oh, my. That was nice by Jade.
Nice side step with a knee. Pinpoint placement.
Is Choo out?
No, Choo able to kick out one more time.
[Book] Look in Cora Jade's eyes, man, she likes this, she wants this,
she needs this.
[Vic] Cora's knee right to the face of Wendy Choo,
and this could just be moments away.
Jade though trying to lock in a submission. Looks like a Full Nelson.
[Book] Right now, Wendy Choo needs to scramble.
She needs to do something to try to change the momentum
because right now, Cora Jade is in total control. Wait a minute.
[Vic] Book, you mentioned it. How do you change the momentum?
You execute a Power bomb sit-down style.
Into the cover, and Jade able to kick out at two.
[Book] Again, Wendy Choo I must say--
[Vic] One more look at it, Book.
You talked about it almost on cue, change the complexion of the match up.
That's what Choo just did.
[Book] Choo's letting it all hang out tonight.
I thought the referee was a little slow on that count, Vic.
Perhaps just a smidgen.
[Vic] And now, this is breaking down into just a slug fest between these two.
And look, we got to remember, Choo came out the gates hot
at the start of this.
She's been really focused in her own right on getting back at Cora Jade.
The one thing Jade has done, she's got to let all that emotion,
all that anger that's been boiling inside of her,
she's got to let it out right now. An Overhead Belly-to-Belly Toss.
[Book] If this match was won on points, of course she would be up ahead
in this match, but Vic, it's not about that.
It's about getting the victory how slim it may be, and you got to watch Cora Jade.
[Vic] Jade right now is rocked. Choo looking to roll.
Into the cover, into the count, and still not enough to put away Cora Jade.
You got to give credit where credit is due as well to Jade.
She has been able, as we mentioned already,
weather that storm from Choo in this match up.
As now the NXT universe coming to life here in this match up.
[Book] You talking about Roxanne Perez and the way she learned
-in reality of wrestling this Cora Jade. -[Vic] Able to step through.
[Book] That freelance wrestling brute.
Wait a minute. Into the cover for Jade. Whoa! That was close.
That's as close as any pinfall attempt that's happened in this match.
[Book] Look into Jade's eyes. That's what I'm talking about.
She's enjoying every bit of this.
She grew up this way in this business.
Right now, she's just trying to solidify that she's one of the best.
This is my company and nobody is--
[Vic] Jade saying, this is her company. Whoa! An Inside Cradle.
Shoulders down. Jade just able to get up and right back on the offense.
Able to buckle over. Looking for that DDT.
Choo had it scouted, had it countered,
and now face first goes Jade into that middle turnbuckle.
And again, Jade on the back foot. Gets planted.
[Book] That could be it, Vic.
-[Vic] Don't waste any time, Choo. -[Book] One last shot.
[Vic] This is your moment to get back at all those girls
that made you feel the way they did years ago.
And finally, Choo puts away the mean girl of NXT.
[Book] Congratulations.
[announcer] Here is your winner, Wendy Choo.
[Vic] How good must that feel for Wendy Choo to finally put Jade behind her?
But as you go back to some of this match up, you got to give credit,
as we mentioned, to Jade. Bam!
Jade putting on all the stops in this match up to put down Wendy Choo,
but here Choo was able to kick out, continue to fight.
Then take a look at this combination.
First, bam.
Showcasing her strength, then showcasing her athleticism,
boom, with a big splash, Vader style off the top.
And what a victory for Wendy Choo here tonight on the final NXT of the year.
[crowd chatter]
[Wendy] That's what you get, Cora.
[crowd chatter]
Everyone knows my jacket is part of who I am.
[speaking Japanese]
So tonight I'll beat Scrypt and take back what's mine.
And tonight, everyone smile.
[speaking Japanese]
This ain't just any match, mama, this is for the bar.
That bar has been in your family for decades.
Think of all the childhood memories you made there.
-Yeah. -Right, Brooks?
Yes, childhood memories.
Enough with the shirt, man. Whose side are you on anyways?
I'm on her side.
Her? Who's her?
I meant you. You, Fal. I'm on your side. Yes, I'm on your side, Fal.
Fal's side all day, right? Right?
Good. Keep it that way.
Enough with the kidding, right?
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, Ikemen Jiro.
[Vic] Well, Book, Jensen better get his mind right.
And it's a different state of mind for Jiro tonight,
it's not that trademark smile, and Book, it's for good reason.
Let's go back two weeks ago, he was attacked by Scrypts.
And after a win for Jiro, Scrypts would pounce,
showcasing his aerial insanity, then show a sign of disrespect.
And to make matters worse, bam.
Delivering the final stanza at his most recent masterpiece.
[music plays]
[Vic] Well, we saw a new side of Wendy Choo,
it looks like we'll get a new side of Ikemen Jiro as well here tonight.
-[music plays] -[crowd cheering]
[announcer] And his opponent, Scrypts.
[Vic] You just never know where Scrypts is going to come from.
[Book] Wow, caught me off guard right there, Vic.
-[referee] Ring the bell. -[bell rings]
[Vic] Jiro almost beside himself too, as he sees his jacket, but for Scrypts,
Scrypts going right in on Jiro.
Look, there's a lot of unknown when it comes to Scrypts,
-so why attack Ikemen Jiro? Why? -[Book] Very unknown is Scrypts.
But I'm going to tell you right now, I like him a lot.
He's all about getting out there and getting right into the vibe.
But right now, Ikemen Jiro about to make a big comeback.
[Vic] Yes, Jiro takes pride in his style. 101 jackets in his closet.
Now, right in it, we talk about that new style.
This is a very aggressive Ikemen Jiro.
[Book] Ikemen, he loves the strong style.
And right now Scrypts is feeling it, man.
[crowd chatter]
[Vic] Srypts on a little bit of rubbery legs here. Jiro taking it right to him.
Jiro who defeated Javier Bernal two weeks ago looking for another victory.
Would love to get a streak going, Scrypts though,
able to flip the script, so to speak.
[Book] Very athletic this Scrypts.
Very well-versed in the art.
[crowd booing]
[Vic] The NXT universe not showing their appreciation for Scrypts.
I thought his beef was with the institution, not one man.
[Book] That man is the institution, Vic.
You got to start somewhere. You start one by one.
Right now, Ikemen Jiro he's just in that line of fire.
Scrypts now measuring Jiro.
This is what we saw on Scrypts' debut, this high impact.
Yes, you break the quickness.
And the quickness stands out to you, Book, it stood out last time.
Into the cover, off the kick, and a kick out.
[Book] Very detailed the Scrypts in going about his work. I love it.
[Vic] Now look at this submission right here, and it is applied,
and Scrypts has it in deep.
Cinching in, and Jiro right now in agony.
[Book] That triangle, he's not going to go anywhere, he's going to have to tap.
[Vic] Scrypts right now just squeezing.
Jiro trying to navigate his way around.
Jiro trying to figure out. Srypts, though, is he going to have to relinquish?
Right into another submission.
[Book] Had a little bit of a scramble right there by Jiro,
enabled him to find this position right here.
Let's see what he'll do with it.
[Vic] While we focus on this match up, a huge championship match up still to come.
The North American Championship will be on the line.
Wes Lee taking on Tony d'Angelo.
[Book chuckles] The Don. I can't wait to see that.
[Vic] But here Jiro turning Srypts inside out.
And now for Jiro, can he get back in this match up?
[crowd] Ikemen! Ikemen!
[Vic] NXT universe trying to rally Ikemen Jiro.
[Book] Wow! That ridge hand right to the jaw.
[Vic] Not just one.
An extra one for good measure.
It's showing you don't mess with the champ, it's very simple.
Whoa!
[Book] Ikemen Jiro showing me a little bit of something,
but I can say this strong style maybe-- Oh, man. So close.
[Vic] Not only strong style Jiro about style strong,
but you talk about strong, how about the striking ability of Ikemen Jiro?
Almost was able to put Scrypts down, and what a victory this would be for Jiro,
and, really, for Scrypts, this wouldn't be
what he would write in his journals that he's been using.
[Book] Scrypts is here for a mission.
And right now, he do not want to be dwelled tonight by Ikemen Jiro.
That would not be good for the campaign. No.
[Vic] No one home for that Standing Shooting Star for Scrypts.
And Jiro has had a counter for a counter, and now zeroing in,
but Scrypts one more time-- Oh, again.
[Book] Scrypts being taken to the limit tonight here, Vic.
[Vic] He certainly is, and Jiro trying to put Scrypts away.
[crowd chatter]
[Vic] One big right hand. And another big kick.
[Book chuckles] This could be it right here.
This match is playing out in Jiro's favor here tonight, Vic.
[Vic] A little extra oomph on those strikes.
Now looking for a Superplex is Jiro.
Scrypt sensing it.
Trying to fight out of it.
Trying to create and…
…will roll through, land on his feet, but whoa!
Scrypts out of nowhere.
-[Book] You got to be kidding me. -[bell rings]
[Book] What a move.
[announcer] Here is your winner, Scrypts.
[Vic] Not only the move, how about the presence of mind,
the balance, the composure of Scrypts?
[Book] Precision and precise as far as the timing goes, Vic.
Check this out right here.
[Vic] Time in slo-mo.
I mean that was as perfect as perfect can get
if you're Scrypts to pick up another victory here on NXT.
-[music plays] -[crowd booing]
Scrypts obviously happy with the outcome here tonight against Jiro.
-[music plays] -[crowd booing]
[R&B music plays]
[Oro] Where's Oro?
I'm in the middle of the action, that social phenomenon,
because the nightlife maximizes all your senses.
And when the music is hitting right, it's not about your work week,
your problems, your stresses.
It's about that moment.
That interactive environment can only be duplicated in that ring.
I'm bringing that vibe to NXT.
[music starts]
[Vic] After a successful debut two weeks ago, Valkyria descends
once again onto NXT, next.
[dramatic music starts]
[woman] Isla Dawn,
your mystical darkness has pushed me to my breaking point.
Trying to blind my vision, practically fracturing my hands.
But you've awakened an unfamiliar yet barbaric fire inside my soul.
The light of my ancestors is more powerful than the darkness
of your spirits.
We'll see who's laughing last.
Because next week, anything goes.
It's going to be an Extreme Resolution not just to end the year
but to end Isla Dawn as well.
[music plays]
[Vic] Alba Fyre laying out the challenge, but there's Wes Lee.
Focused on the moment and the task at hand,
as he looks to take on the Don tonight, with his North American title on the line.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, Lash Legend.
[Vic] A superstar that never wants to share the spotlight with anyone.
[Book] Yeah.
She could be great.
[dramatic music starts]
[announcer] And her opponent, Lyra Valkyria.
[Vic] Valkyria victorious over Amari Miller two weeks ago,
but Book, against Lash Legend, this is a different test.
This is a different type of superstar that she's going up against here tonight.
[Book] Like I said, Lash Legend, she could be great.
She could be great if she could just focus.
Stay out of the club hanging out with the Megan Thee Stallion
and the stars of the Hollywood world.
She could be great, but Valkyria, she's something special.
Her debut was very, very successful.
[bell rings]
[Vic] Legend, right in and is going to have to use her power
in this match up against Valkyria. Oh!
You know, Legend doesn't care about feathers,
she doesn't care about heritage, either. Oh, and just took Valkyria for a ride!
[Book] If Lash Legend could just focus on things other than the champagne wishes
and the caviar dreams, man, she could be great.
[Vic] Well, Valkyria now waiting and, oh!
[Book] Big shot.
[Vic] I don't think anyone here in the NXT universe thought
Legend was going to come out and start the match up the way she is,
in just utter dominating fashion.
[Book] Legend is looking to make an example out of Valkyria.
[Vic] Into the cover. Into the count, and a near fall.
[Book] Oh, so close.
[crowd chatter]
[Vic] You could almost feel the set from the NXT universe in this match up,
the wind's kinda been taken out.
[Book] Lash Legend just needs to keep the helmet down.
That one little mistake right there, just left her with an opening.
Valkyria just slipped inside right there.
[Vic] Valkyria now hoisted high above, able to land on her feet,
showcasing that athleticism, and now--
Going to have to figure out a way to take Legend down.
Pump kick, swing and a miss, right back in.
Valkyria, a little wheelbarrow, trying to get a roll through.
Certainly able to do so and able to get through.
Valkyria believes the Lord of the Ravens choose the winner,
that's why she keeps them close,
and that's why she flies with the best of them.
[Book] Got Legend off her feet there for a second,
to pull that maneuver off right there, but she needs to keep it moving, man.
Keep it moving.
[Vic] Love to add another feather to her arsenal here. Oh!
Picked up another one after defeating Amari Miller.
For feathers, for victories, those that she has defeated,
she wears with pride.
She is going to be earning every inch of this tonight.
[Book] Vic, does it look like a different Lash Legend to you tonight,
because right now she's in control of this match up.
[Vic] She's into the cover.
This would be certainly a statement win for Lash Legend.
That's what I said at the start of this. Came out of the gates.
No one thought she'd come out of the gates as dominating as she did.
She wasted no time bringing out her best.
And right now it's Valkyria trying to answer back.
[crowd] Let's go, Lyra!
[Vic] And again gets caught.
Again, showcasing the strength, and what a back breaker.
[Book chuckles] Look at the knockout, the flavor of the month.
[Book chuckles] Oh, I love it, man.
[Vic] You said she could be a star, and she right now, that being Lash Legend,
who was looking for that exclamation point tonight couldn't connect.
Is this the opening for Valkyria now?
[Book] Pulled the trigger just a little too soon.
You got to soften Valkyria up a little bit more than that.
[Vic] The fighting warrior who embraced that mindset
while training in the fight factory is fighting here tonight,
and has been in for a tough test.
We knew it would be tougher because she's taking on
a different breed of athlete in the women's division,
but Valkyria now going up, going around to take down Lash.
It wasn't pretty, it was effective.
[Book] That was a hard shot right there.
Lash Legend is dazed and confused right now after that DDT.
[crowd] Let's go, Lyra!
[both] Whoa!
[Vic] What a Roundhouse.
And it's Valkyria who said every time she flies she feels alive.
Bam, again, from the top.
-[Book] That's it. -[referee] One, two, three.
[Vic] And that's certainly a huge win for Valkyria.
[announcer] Here is your winner, Lyra Valkyria.
[music plays]
[Vic] Coming off her debut, she answered the challenge
once again again here tonight.
And this was a match where she had to weather a storm early on.
Boom, vicious Roundhouse Kick.
Possibly could have had the match there.
Picture perfect, Vic, and check that splash out.
[Vic] But for good measure, from the top, Valkyria flies with ease.
And it's Valkyria who is starting to soar in the NXT Women's Division.
[music plays]
2022 was the year of Toxic Attraction.
We built an empire, the greatest women's group in NXT history,
and in our opinion, the greatest women's faction in WWE history.
Name another faction, that despite our ultimate success,
didn't experience a heartbreaking loss.
Even at our lowest points, the eyes of the entire world haven't shifted
from the attraction of NXT.
I know what they're all saying, "What are they going to do?
What's their next move?"
But this group was created by doubt, motivated by those people
writing us off, but we reached superstardom,
stepping on the backs of non-believers.
We will rebuild, reconstruct,
and return to glory,
and it starts by taking down the woman that took down our empire.
[Vic] Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne with renewed focus here on NXT.
["On the Other side" plays]
♪ Love is blind ♪
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is a six-man tag team match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, Schism.
[Vic] Always a chill in the air when Schism arrives.
The vibe always changes,
but we've been waiting all week for this six-man showdown that going down,
when we come back on NXT.
Excuse me, Bron.
Last week Grayson Waller baited you into spearing him
while he was wearing a protective vest and unfortunately knocked you out.
How are you recovering from the impact?
I fell right into Waller's trap, all right?
I'm all recovered now.
This is what's going to happen, I'm not in the mood for games,
I'm going to the ring, and I'm calling his ass out tonight.
Bron, I hate to be the one to say this, but Grayson's not here.
And however, he did leave you this video message.
Bron Breakker, I bet you're still pissed at me, lad, for last week,
embarrassing you in front of the whole world.
I can't believe you fell for that, but that's okay.
Bron Breakker is hands down the most dangerous man in NXT,
and it's not close.
He's big, he's fast, he's strong, he hits harder than anyone else.
As good as you are, I'm smarter,
and as much as I'd love to be there to go face-to-face with you one more time,
unfortunately for you,
I've come home because what better place to get ready
for Grayson Waller to be the next NXT champion
than the most beautiful place on earth, Sydney, Australia?
[music starts]
So I'm down here at Sydney Harbor standing in front of the iconic
Sydney Harbor Bridge.
I might be a little biased,
but I'm pretty sure there isn't a more beautiful view in the world.
This harbor, your Grayson Waller standing in front of it,
it's pretty good-looking.
Cheers, lad.
The Sydney Opera House, for decades the greatest artists
in the entire world have performed at this venue,
but it wasn't till today that a real superstar showed up,
and that is because of Grayson Waller.
Australia, you're welcome.
I'm down here at Bondi Beach today,
because what better way to get ready for Bron Breakker
than to have a nice little swim in the ocean?
I know a lot of people are thinking, "How is Grayson Waller
getting ready for Bron?
How is Grayson Waller going to be the one to dethrone Bron Breakker?
No one can beat him."
This is how.
Australia has the best athletes in the world that's who I'm working with.
I'm taking care of my mind, I'm taking care of my body.
On January 10th at New Year's Evil, I'm taking care of Bron Breakker
and I'm bringing the NXT championship home to Australia, baby. [laughs]
This is my backyard, lad, but I gave all this up.
I sacrificed all of this to come to NXT to show the world who I was
because even though this is fantastic, I'm bigger than this.
I have to leave to show the world the superstar that I am
and it's all going to be worth it when I become NXT champion,
January 10, at New Year's Evil.
Don't worry, lad, I'm going to be there next week and we can sign the papers
for New Year's Evil in person, face-to-face on a very special episode
of the Grayson Waller Effect.
[laughs]
[Vic] Oh, the Arrogant Aussie continuing to frustrate the champion.
♪ Love is blind ♪
[Vic] Looking to grow their roots stronger tonight is Schism.
-[music starts] -[crowd chatter]
[announcer] And their opponents, the team of Malik Blake, Edris Enofé
and Odyssey Jones.
[Vic] This is a tight knit trio.
All they tried to do, Book, was invite Ava Raine out.
What is wrong with extending an invitation to a co-worker?
[Book] They better understand what they're getting themselves into tonight.
This Schism, the Dyad, Joe Gacy, they're different.
They don't look to just go out there and make magic, Vic.
They go out there to dismantle you.
Take you clean out of this game.
They better be ready, dawg.
[Vic] Jones locking eyes with the Dyad and Gacy.
I believe Jones, Enofé and Blade are ready.
[crowd chatter]
[Vic] Been waiting for this six-man tag team match up.
You take a look at Jones, Enofé and Blade.
These three complement each other so very well, do they not?
[Book] Come on, Vic.
They look good together, but that's not what this thing's about.
It's about going there and taking care of yourself.
It's about going out there and getting a victory, and tonight,
they're in there with some tough, tough, diabolical customers, trust me.
[Vic] Why are you so negative when it comes to talking about
all things friends in there?
You have Briggs and Jensen, these three superstars.
The new day.
-[Book] It's not about that. -[Vic] Sometimes it is, isn't it?
[Book] I'm looking at Schism.
I say these guys aren't here for a reason, they're out here for a mission.
It's not about friendship or anything like that.
It's about getting the job done.
It's about taking care of business.
[Vic] You don't think Schism is friends?
Roll through. Kick out.
[Book] No, that's a business, Vic.
[Vic] Gacy now turning around and doing his own business for the Dyad and Gacy
and Blade is not going to like where he's at in the ring,
far away from his partners, is in the ring at this moment, Reid,
and Reid just as dangerous as anyone in NXT.
Look at Blade, as quick as anyone in NXT.
Almost able to take him down, able to go through again.
It's unorthodox, but it's effective.
[Book] I'll tell you what, Blade looks a lot better here as of late.
I must say that seems like he's got a lot more focus.
I talked about that security blanket.
He doesn't have it anymore, and he looks better. Don't you agree?
[Vic] Yes. With a little pep in his step if that's what you're saying,
it fired him up, it lit something inside of him.
Enofé with a cover and a kick out.
[Book] You do agree with me, right?
[Vic] I very rarely disagree with you.
[Vic] He doesn't have that anchor around his neck anymore.
Right now he's free to go out and perform at his highest level
that I can see.
[Vic] He came to the ring with his father on his mind, what's wrong with that?
[Book] Enofé's in trouble right now. He's in the wrong side of town.
[Vic] You switched gears again, Book.
I'm going to focus back in on the action.
We will agree to disagree.
[Book] You're seeing there the Dyad is willing to follow Joe Gacy
the end of their-- That is deadly.
That is scary right now.
Like I said, word to the wise, "Watch your back, son."
[Vic] Nice Suplex by Fowler floating right over,
grinding the forearm in the face. Able to kick out is Enofé.
When it comes to-- Another kick out-- Another by Enofé.
When it comes to Schism, they believe they are an unbreakable family,
not three individuals as they see their opponents.
They're one unit.
[Book] A well-oiled unit as well, Vic.
This team knows all about watching your man and your woman to your left.
That's what it's all about.
[crowd chatter]
[Vic] Liver buckling shot and again showcasing some power.
Up and over though.
It's Enofé showcasing that speed here on Fowler.
[Book] Enofeé perfect there-- Whoa!
[Vic] No one there.
Fowler now right back in and got caught.
You think Enofé is being bothered by something right now?
I'm trying to see it.
[Book] I thought he was playing possum for a second on that right knee maybe.
[Vic] Trying to wiggle around.
And again, this has been an evenly matched six-man tag.
Oh, and you talk about someone who can change the game in a moment.
Talking about Odyssey Jones.
[crowd chatter]
[Book] Big man right there. Just put some stink on that boy, man.
[Vic laughs]
[Vic] And another tag. In comes Blade. This is what I'm talking about.
When you're friends you just know what the other one's going to do.
So many similarities.
And take a look. Blade's way up there.
Oh, comes crashing down.
[Book] What do you think is good about that move? See that right there?
That was a mistake, Vic.
That was a huge mistake.
[Vic] We got a stalemate in this six-man tag team match.
[Vic] Back on NXT, six-man tag team match continuing.
-[Book] See that? -[Vic] Fowler is grinding. Yes, I see it.
[Book] Odyssey Jones came in messing around.
Now we're in this position. Did you see that?
Right now Blade is in big, big trouble.
[Vic] I saw Gacy turning things around as we just saw moments ago.
[Book] What the hell?
This is the definition of living your best life.
Four roots, one tree.
[Vic] She talked to you, not me.
Looked like you've seen a ghost, Book.
[Book] I don't know what that was all about.
[Vic] She wanted to tell you the messages of Schism.
I'm a little bit uneasy getting that--
I don't know why everyone's picking on you.
You all right?
[Book] Yes, I'm good, man. Let's get back to the action.
[Vic] As we focus on this match up
Ava Raine just came over to talk to you.
It was Raine who also said that Jones, Blade and Enofé,
they're just trying to fill a void in their life.
That's why they go out. That's why they try to hit up the town.
That's why they try to have a good time. Now Blade trying to find a tag.
[Book] You see what a good time will get you, right?
Having a good time get you going out to party. Not focusing on the job at hand.
You got to focus, man. Stay in the game.
[Vic] Cheap shot by Fowler. Blade goes up,
goes down, gets around to make a tag, and back in comes Jones.
There's one. There's two.
Oh, got Gacy some too.
He's making up for the mistake in a big way, Book.
[Book] Like I said, he came in messing around earlier.
He could have been already at the hotel, but right now he's moving quick.
[Vic] Someone who's not moving quick. Look at this.
Look at the strength.
Double Sidewalk Slam.
[Book] Wow! Ask me what I think about the big guy.
[Vic] I know where this is going, but I'll do it.
-What do you think about the big guy? -[Book] He's a big guy.
[Vic] Now looking to fly, Enofé.
Up and he almost stopped in time to deliver that elbow.
-Cover. -[Book] Oh, man!
Gacy was able to break it up as Fowler got cut off by Jones,
but look at the height and almost stopped.
[Book] Got caught up in the lights of that one right there by Blade. Blade--
[both] Wait a minute.
[Vic] Blade was and the same can't be said for Jones.
Trying to isolate Jones and-- Whoa!
Jones somehow still on his damn feet.
Again!
Fowler, Reid, Gacy.
How many times?
How many men is it going to take the big fella off his feet?
[Book] Like the pinball. Listen, what the hell?
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Relentless…
…was the Schism.
-[Book] Just pounced. Oh, wow. -[Vic] Watch out, Book.
We said we've been looking forward to this six-man tag team match up.
[Book] This thing is breaking down, Vic!
[Vic] It certainly is, and these six right now are going for broke
in this moment.
[Book] Enofé! Enofé, here we go!
[Vic] Got the knee right under the jaw, and that's going to rock Reid.
Reid right now.
Down, look-- Enofé.
Oh, look at Enofé showcasing that power.
[Book] The ring is clear.
All we need to do right here is land that coup d'etat and it could be over.
[Vic] Oh, Gacy made the tag.
Gacy legal. There's nothing Enofé can do.
[Book] Here we go, Vic. They're here.
Enofé is in the wrong side of town, man.
[Vic] Fowler on the other side.
Jones is down here at our feet.
And whoa! Double Doomsday.
[Book] Doubled up one time.
[Vic] If he didn't take his first trip, Enofé about to take his second
to the upside down.
[Book] Goodnight, Enofé.
[Vic] And those roots are growing stronger.
[Book] And sleep tight.
[announcer] Here are your winners, Schism.
♪ Grass is always greener On the other side ♪
♪ I'll never leave ya ♪
[Vic] I'm still looking to my left right here at Odyssey Jones.
I mean, Jones was taken out by all of them.
Enofé and Blade was taken out by Reid, and then the--
Exclamation, so to speak, right here by Gacy.
Bam!
And no doubt about it, Schism grows stronger tonight.
[Book] Give that boy my pillow.
[Vic] As they continue to spread the message that all NXT superstars
are buying into a false sense of reality.
♪ I'll never run, my risin' sun ♪
[Vic] As she typically is, Kianna James all business tonight.
Will she win and stake claim to Fallon Henley's family establishment?
And for Henley, she can't let her family down this holiday.
The Battle for the Bar next on NXT.
Trick Williams, Carmelo Hayes, next week's a big week
for the Trick-Melo Gang. Trick, you face Axiom.
And Melo, in a marquee match, you go one-on-one with Apollo Crews.
Hold on, McKenzie. Let me stop you right there
because you're on Trick-Melo time, and we do not get paid to listen to you talk.
Now, next week, I have Axiom and we all know he can fly, he can flip,
he can wrestle, he can submit.
But there is one thing he cannot do, and that is whoop that trick.
That's right.
This size 15 right here, it's going to send him straight to Comic-Con, dawg.
[laughs]
Listen, I've been saying the year 2023 is the year I become the NXT champion.
-But there is one man standing in my way. -Who's that?
And his name is Apollo Crews.
He's accomplished so much here.
It's admirable, it truly is, but one thing he hasn't accomplish is beating me.
So he's got two choices, Trick.
He can move out of the way, or I can move him out of the way.
I'll feel really heavy on moving him out of the way, okay?
Because that NXT championship, it's got one man's name on it,
and it is not Apollo, it is Melo.
Hello. [laughs]
And next week, we're going for two.
-Swish. -Swish.
-Nothing but net. -Everything.
["Saddle Up" starts]
[Vic] Sign me up for those showdowns next week on the first edition
of NXT in the new year.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is a battle for the bar.
Introducing first, accompanied by Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen,
Fallon Henley!
♪ We're in the sky ♪
♪ Yeah, it's gonna be alright Yeah, gonna be alright, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ Oh, saddle up and go ♪
♪ Can't back out now, we run the night ♪
♪ Get up, get up Get up and go, get up and go ♪
♪ Saddle up, saddle up ♪
♪ In the country Where me and my team hang ♪
♪ Life is always wild So I ride it like a 'stang ♪
-[music starts] -[crowd cheering]
[announcer] And her opponent, Kiana James!
[Vic] A lot on the line tonight for Fallon Henley in this Battle of the Bar.
There's a lot of meaning in that bar.
It's been in her family her entire life.
For James, there's no meaning.
There's no emotional investment.
Just a transaction.
[Book] Did you see the credentials? Did you?
[Vic] You keep talking about these credentials.
[Vic] I'm not talking about emotional investments here, Book.
-[Book] Did you see the credentials? -[Vic] Yes. Great.
[Book] That's all you need to know, Vic.
That's all you need to know. It's Kiana James.
[Vic] What we need to know is it's not about family.
-Here we go. -[Book] That's who that is.
[Vic] What are you trying-- what are you doing here?
This is about legacy. This is about family.
And for Fallon Henley, the only thing her family has had is this bar.
[Book] That bar can raise a whole lot of money, Vic.
[Vic] And oh! It was James, of course, who paid off the taxes.
Was able to keep the bar open for a little bit, but this is coming down
these two has reached a fever pitch for this match up.
I can only imagine the thoughts and the feelings within Henley at this moment.
[Book] Yes. It's a whole lot of little country songs, Vic.
You don't know when to hold, know when to fold. That song--
[Vic] Hold them and fold them, that's the words.
[Book] Kenny Rogers has done that.
I think that's who it was. That's what this thing is all about, man.
Henley need to know when to call it in.
[Vic] You know, I bet that song got played in the Henley Bar time and time again.
[Book] Exactly.
[Vic] The tough conversations that Henley's had to had with her family.
She's got all that on her shoulders in this match up.
[Book] What you're saying, Vic, is she should know, right?
that she's heard the song, you know what I mean?
[Vic] You're telling her she just roll over and hand the bar over?
The bar's going to get turned into condos, Book.
[Book] She's going to hand it over and she's going to get a big check.
[Vic] It's not about money.
[Book] I'm talking about generational money.
I'm talking about taking care of the kids.
I'm talking about taking care of the grand kids.
I'm talking about taking care of the family, man. That's what it's about.
[Vic] Oh! Well, all those credentials didn't help her out there, did they, Book?
All your B's, and N's, and A's, and all those letters.
-[Book] Stick around here. -[Vic] Into the cover.
For the bar, and kick out by James.
[Book] Kiana James definitely knows what she's doing in the middle of that ring.
Trust me.
[Vic] We see Briggs and Jensen looking on. Jensen, where's his head at?
You see the shirt that he's wearing actually was a Christmas gift from James.
As Henley right now gets caught in an awkward position and planted.
[Book] Coming down right on that knee area.
Right now, Kiana James is about to turn up the heat.
-Oh, beautiful. -[Vic] Right back in.
For James, it's simple. She wants to destroy the memories
of Henley's family for condos, I'll say it again, for condos.
As she goes into the cover for the bar, and Henley just able to
get her right shoulder up.
How can you turn a blind eye to that, Book?
You're talking about a big check?
Money doesn't buy everything, Booker.
[Book] You're talking about condos, you're talking about big business,
you're talking about the Starbucks over here where you can just hang out
and have a latte and all that.
-Not thinking about some stinking bar. -[Vic] That's what Henley thinks about.
[Book] We're not thinking about some smoky bar with a bunch of bikers running in,
messing up the neighborhood.
We're trying to improve the neighborhood, Vic.
[Vic] Not what it is about for Henley, not what it's about for her family,
nor Briggs and Jensen.
As James now, again, focusing on the ribs, focusing on the midsection.
Driving the air, and Henley again just getting the right shoulder up.
You got to imagine every kick out, family watching at home
and seeing that bar, and seeing that just slip through--
[Book] You just said it, Vic.
Family needs to have a nice neighborhood where they don't have to think about
a bar at the corner messing it up. That's what I'm talking about.
[Vic] That's where the family and the friends went.
That's where she went with her father. That's where she lost her first tooth.
Her shoulders are down again. Henley's got to kick out and she does.
[Book] What the hell was she doing in the bar losing a tooth?
[Vic] Where she grew up. Some of her greatest memories, Book.
This is a family bar. This is a family neighborhood.
That's what it's about for Henley. That's not what it's about for James.
And Henley now starting to remember, starting to feel those emotions.
Does she have anything left in the tank?
-[Book] Wait a minute! -[Vic] Shoulders down.
Look at that, James having to relinquish the hold.
As Briggs and Jensen still on the outside, out here for emotional support.
[Book] Fallon Henley just trying to steal one right there, Vic.
[Vic] Not stealing, she'd have earned it. She's able to battle back in this match up.
You can only imagine the pressure on her shoulders and a big right rocks James.
[Book] Big shots, big shots. Back and forth action right here.
Whoa! Who's going to fold here, Vic?
[Vic] Whoa! Big right!
And now Henley starting to feel that momentum,
and she is taking it to James.
James, a woman who doesn't like to hear the word no,
is getting a lot more than that from Fallon Henley here tonight.
Is this going to be it, Book? Is this going to be it for the bar?
-[Book] Oh, man. -[Vic] Man, that was close.
[Book] Kiana James going to have to figure out a different blueprint here
tonight in this match up.
[Vic] Briggs and Jensen on the outside conversating.
Henley in the ring realizing that might have been her best opportunity.
Right back in. Whoa! Again, to the injured ribs.
And going up, and again another gut buster this time by James.
Is this going to be it enough for-- Briggs almost entered the ring.
Briggs and Jensen are starting to feel--
[Book] You talk about those ribs, you talk about those ribs, Vic.
It's not just the bone, it's cartilage.
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] James talking a little bit of trash, looking for 401, couldn't connect.
[Book] Beautiful drop down right there. It was very effective.
[Vic] And boom, connects. It was effective.
-Into the cover. -[referee] One, two, three!
Yes! Henley's family holds on to the bar.
-[music starts] -[Book] Wow.
[announcer] Here is your winner, Fallon Henley.
[Vic] Get another round.
Look at Briggs.
Look at Jensen.
What a match for Henley.
Take a look. There's the trip around the ankle.
You mentioned a little hiccup, but it opened the door.
Boom! What the--
Not sure who Jensen was talking to, but in the end,
Henley able to secure the victory,
and secure the rights to the family bar.
-Jensen's a little bit conflicted. -[Book] Oh, come on.
But Henley is not.
Henley with a victory not just for herself.
That's right, it is your bar. It's your family bar.
What a way to ring in the new year for Fallon Henley.
I'm now joined by the new NXT Women's Champion, Roxanne Perez.
It hasn't sunk in yet hearing NXT Women's Champion, Roxanne Perez?
Honestly, no. [chuckles]
It's a dream I don't want to wake up from,
but NXT moves so fast,
and I know that this honeymoon phase is going to wear off real quick.
So as new champion, I need to be on point on my game every single night
because as hard as I worked to get this title, I could lose it just as quick.
I mean, have you seen the talent in this locker room?
[sighs]
You look at the list of past champions and every single one of them
is going to be in the Hall of Fame one day.
I'm not even close to that.
Nowhere near those ladies.
So I have to live up to the history of this championship.
It's a pressure I don't take lightly,
and I'm going to do everything I can to represent this championship.
[sighs]
-Thanks, champ. -Thank you.
[Vic] Are you ready, Booker?
A technical tactician Drew Gulak is going to host the Drew Gulak Invitational
next on NXT.
[rap music plays]
[dramatic music plays]
[woman] Oh, Alba Fyre.
[chuckles] Oh, now we're really having fun.
[laughs]
I just know that evil is inside of you
and I-- I'm reaching in and dragging it to the surface.
[laughs]
Your challenge is just another step in this process.
And next week, this extreme resolution will happen.
but it won't be for me.
[laughs]
It will be for you.
[laughs hysterically]
[music starts]
[Vic] It's time for the first ever Drew Gulak Invitational.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 2022 Drew Gulak Invitational.
[crowd cheering]
Now behind me, I'm joined by three very promising
up-and-coming young grapplers who look to sharpen their skills.
[applause]
Hank Walker who I've asked to be here as a personal favorite just to observe.
Okay, so…
Hank, do you want to back up a little bit there?
[crowd] Hank! Hank! Hank! Hank!
Now, Hank, one of the first lessons you'll learn here in NXT
is that you're going to face competitors of all different experience levels.
Each one of these gentlemen are going to get a hands on lesson from me, alright?
So first up, we have a newcomer, Luca.
[crowd cheering]
Hi.
-Luca, you're a newcomer here, right? -Yes, sir.
Okay, cool. What we're going to do, we're going to do a little demonstration.
-Cool. -Okay?
Yeah.
So if you wouldn't mind, could you just turn around?
-Sure. -Okay. Great.
Turn around, okay. Just relax. You're okay.
Just relax. Yeah. It's all right.
You watching closely? Okay.
-So this hold here involves the arm. -Cool.
Okay. Just relax because you might feel some pressure in here
-right on the collarbone there. -Cool.
All right, cool.
So any kind of hold you can take control.
This one is a chicken.
You take control of a chicken one just like that and all--
It doesn't take much. It's a basic hold.
You got to cinch it in here. Cinch it in here.
Okay. Okay. Okay. All right. Good job. You're okay?
You did great. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you, Luca.
[cheers and applause]
Now, notice how I released the hold right away as soon as he tapped.
As soon as he tapped out, I released the hold right away.
It's very important.
Now, next up we have someone with a little more experience, Tavian.
Yeah. Come on in, Tavian.
[applause]
Now Tavian, you have a little more experience.
-You are an amateur wrestler. -Correct.
Okay, great. So let's roll around.
All right, cool. Roll around. Okay. Great. Here we go.
If we can get in here, you can change position.
Being with amateur wrestlers is that we know their body is very good.
They're very strong.
Sometimes all it takes is the right opening and you can take control.
That's it. All it takes is the right opening there.
[cheering and applause]
-[Taivan groans] -[Drew] Okay. All right.
[crowd chatter]
All it takes is the right opening there.
Once again, as soon as you feel that tap, you release the hold.
When he taps.
[sighs]
Next up we have someone who's really been stepping up his game
in recent months, Myles Borne.
[crowd] Myles! Myles! Myles!
Thanks for being here.
We'll show them some stuff. Okay?
-All right. -Okay, great.
Shoot.
Yeah. There you go. Let's move around here.
Oh! Okay. There he's behind. Behind him. Pretty good.
Okay. Good here. Good here.
-[Drew groans] -[crowd cheering]
All right. All right there.
Okay. That's pretty good. Pretty good.
Pretty good.
[they groan]
[crowd cheering]
He tapped. Drew, he tapped. Drew, he tapped.
-Drew, he tapped. -Yeah.
-He tapped. -Yeah.
Good job there.
Good job. Good job, Myles.
You did great.
Hank, I just want to hammer home a point.
Sometimes you got to really grind the man down.
Right, right, right.
Now, hopefully you were taking some really good notes.
-I was paying attention. -Okay. You did a great job.
[rock music plays]
[Vic] Oh, looks like there's someone else who wants to join
the Drew Gulak Invitational, Charlie Dempsey.
Gulak, you want to step up to a real wrestler?
[crowd] Yeah!
How about I give you a run for your money?
[crowd cheering]
[Charlie] Come on, let's go.
You want to give you a run for my money, flower. Yeah?
Is that so? You want to do it right here in the invitational.
You weren't invited. I didn't hear you invited.
Hey! Drew, it's just an exhibition.
It's just an exhibition, man. It's just an exhibition.
[crowd chatter]
Next week I'm going to make an example out of your students.
All right. All right. That sounds good.
He'll be ready.
[rock music plays]
[Vic] Book, next week will not be an exhibition of any kind.
[inaudible]
[Vic] And this will be no exhibition.
As you can see, Stacks Lorenzo alongside Tony d'Angelo.
Will the family's quest for gold end tonight, or will the calm,
cool, collected champion retain?
North American title is on the line, next.
On the first NXT of 2023, Grayson Waller will host the Grayson Waller Effect
and his guest, the NXT Champion, Bron Breakker.
What sort of mind games will the number one contender play next week?
And after a lot of trash talk,
a pair of matches have been made official for next week.
As the walk and talking hype man Trick Williams will go one-on-one
with the high-flying Axiom.
What tricks will Williams have up the sleeve?
In addition to that match up, Carmelo Hayes will face Apollo Crews.
After an intense back and forth between the two,
who will emerge with a victory and some momentum
on the first NXT of the new year, live next Tuesday?
And we heard from these two bitter rivals earlier tonight.
And next week, Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn will meet
in the first-ever Extreme Resolution Match.
We ring in the new year with some unforgettable action next week on NXT.
[Italian music plays]
[Vic] And Book, there you see Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo and the Don.
And is it finally time gold is added to the D'Angelo family?
It's a simple question.
[Book] Look at the main man.
Looking to come out here and do something tonight
which is beat one of the best here in NXT,
the North American Champion, Wes Lee.
I don't know, man, it's going to be good.
[Vic] And if he's able to do so will finally put championship around his waist,
has been very close in the past.
[Book] It's a family business, Vic.
It's a family thing.
-[music starts] -[crowd cheering]
[Vic] And the energy picking up for Wes Lee who worked so hard this year.
wants to go into the new year obviously still champion.
He said it was one of the toughest yet one of the best years of his life.
[Book] Talking about working hard.
You got to talk about the Don working hard
to get back off of that injury who he blamed this man, Wes Lee.
It's on tonight, Vic.
We going to see something special.
[Vic] NXT universe on their feet for Wes Lee,
on their feet for this main event.
on their feet for the North American Champion.
The confrontation is next.
[Book laughs]
[bell rings]
The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the NXT North American Championship.
[crowd cheering]
Introducing first the challenger, the Don of NXT,
Tony d'Angelo.
It's mine!
[fan] New champ!
And his opponent,
he is the NXT North American Champion,
Wes Lee!
[Vic] We saw a new champion crowned two weeks ago in Roxanne Perez,
will we see a new champion crowned here tonight?
[crowd] Wes Lee! Wes Lee! Wes Lee!
[Vic] And it is all about the NXT North American title.
And D'Angelo, let's not forget this, Book, laid Wes Lee out two weeks ago,
Wes Lee has spoken about the new adversaries,
the new challenges he is facing as champion.
This is another hurdle for Lee.
[Book] Look at Tony D, man. I must say he looks in great, great shape.
Look at the tan. Look at the tan.
[Vic] What has the tan has to do with being in great shape?
[Book] Has a lot to do with it.
Have you ever been in shape before?
[Vic] That was a low blow.
Back to the action, back to the main event.
You're embarrassing yourself. You're the champ? Come on.
What do you think, you're the Don?
You think you're the Don?
Come on! One more time.
[Vic] You mentioned D'Angelo.
Do you really believe Lee has been living off the rep
of taking D'Angelo out as D'Angelo has claimed?
That was a nice Belly-to-Belly Release,
followed it up with a German Suplex with a bridge.
Shoulders down. The champion just got up.
-[Book] Man. -[Vic] Wow!
[Book] Back to my point. Wes Lee has earned this championship.
He's thinking about one thing and that's holding on to this championship
but it's going to be hard with this man tonight.
Tony D looks like he is ready, looks like he is a force to be reckoned with.
Your legs and your title!
[Vic] D'Angelo coming out strong here tonight.
Minor setbacks of course but it has been, as you've already mentioned,
a strong year for D'Angelo, let's give credit where credit is due.
Wrestlemania Saturday, Stand & Deliver, defeated Tommaso Ciampa.
Tonight, though, taking on Wes Lee.
He became the Don this year, he solidified his family,
but can he win the North American title?
[Book] It's about sometimes you got to go out there and get the job done yourself,
and that's what the Don is about tonight.
[Vic] Swing and miss. Look at Lee, so elusive, so evasive, so quick,
so innovative and able to buckle the knees one more time of D'Angelo.
Oh, wow.
What an uppercut from Lee.
When we talk about setbacks, you will not see Wes Lee sit back.
He will not just lay down.
He's not going to lay.
[Book] He's not a quitter. He won't quit.
He's going to go out there and he's going to fight to the end.
-Go sweep the leg. -Sweep the leg?
-Sweep the leg! -Give me a break.
Go sweep that leg. Take his leg out.
[Vic] Lee's not going to lay back.
He's not going to rest on the past,
and he is staring a hole through the Don at this moment.
The thing about Stacks on the outside coaching up the Don.
-[Book] I like that. -[Vic] He went for the leg, didn't get it.
0 for 2, and Lee trying to hold on now.
I don't necessarily know if he wants to grapple with the Don.
[Book] The Don just put himself in a bad position,
especially on that second shot
because Wes Lee was anticipating that shot.
[Vic] Of course, he's anticipating.
You just heard Stacks on the outside go, "go for the leg.
Go for the leg!" What did you think he was going to do?
[Book] He's on front face right now, in a bad position for the Don.
[Vic] Now Lee just Don down to one knee trying to wear D'Angelo down.
[Book] Trust me, Vic.
Let me tell you something. Time off.
Time off is your worst enemy in this business.
[Vic] Great point.
Of course, Don has had a chance to get back to the ring just a little bit,
but he is in there, as you mentioned, with a top-caliber athlete
in Wes Lee who has had the toughest battles this year
have been within himself and he is in for a tough one tonight.
What a right hand, now going to the body, driving the air of the lungs,
trying to crack the ribs, is D'Angelo, and if a man can't breathe,
a man can't move and if Wes Lee can't move he's going to be a sitting duck.
Oh!
[Book] Not just a tough challenge here, Vic.
We're talking about the North American Champion.
We're talking about a guy who knocked out the number one guy, Carmelo Hayes.
What a task at hand.
D'Angelo still continuing to talk-- Oh, and no one there.
And Lee now, oh, nice kick!
This can be the strategy he's focusing in.
Bom! On the knee!
And now the Don has a gripe if he wanted to say Wes Lee was targeting his leg
because there's a bullseye on it.
[Book] Come on, Vic. Come on!
[Vic] Standing Shooting Star!
Come on, give me the cover.
Trying to retain, and D'Angelo able to roll free.
[Book] Compromise right now.
[Vic] You said smart. That may not have been a wise move.
Look at Lee, wiping out the Don.
North American title on the line.
Back on NXT, huge main event, huge stakes.
North American championship is on the line Wes Lee, the champion,
defending against Tony d'Angelo "the Don"
looking for his first piece of gold here in NXT.
Lee trying to hold on to end the hardest year of his life,
of his career on a high note.
[Book] Come on, Vic. You've been around here longer than I have,
and you know how hard Lee worked to get that championship around his waist.
And once you taste that gold, man, you work for it,
you don't want to give it up, man.
[Vic] D'Angelo just took a couple of kicks to that knee
and just turned Lee around, high-angle landing.
And it was as awkward as it was tough to watch.
Take another look.
Bam!
[Book] That looked like some payback right there, Vic.
[Vic] There's evil intentions in the mind of Tony d'Angelo.
Stacks still on the outside.
And now, look at D'Angelo, just trying to stomp away.
And now right back on top, it was D'Angelo who blamed Wes Lee
for taking months off his career.
He said he would give Lee the ultimate payback tonight
when he takes his north American championship.
[Book] I like the sound of that,
but right now the Don is going to have to do one thing
and that's compose himself right here in this situation,
because right now, he's in a prime position to walk away
and be the new North American champion.
[Vic] He is trying to break Wes Lee.
So much anger, so much rage in D'Angelo.
And D'Angelo now just trying to inflict punishment.
Still talking. Shoots the half, into the cover to become champion.
Lee just got that left shoulder up off the mat.
This is so personal for the Don because he truly believes
that Wes Lee targeted him several months ago.
[Book] I don't believe that.
The Don, like I say, he needs to stay laser-focused if he plans on
walking out tonight the new champ, bringing that title home to the family,
which I know is a big, big thing, but tonight-- Oh, man!
[Vic] Short-Arm Clothesline with authority.
Into another cover off the elbow, and not yet time to celebrate.
[Book] Tonight, Vic, it won't be easy to take that championship
off this young man, Wes Lee.
[Vic] Listen to this.
It's hard to watch the second time as well.
Stacks was ready to come out of his shoes a moment ago.
Jumping up and down here right in front of us,
trying to cheer on and rally D'Angelo.
[Book] Vic, what I'm actually seeing right now on left leg,
right now, Wes Lee is in dire straits, man.
[Vic] We got to remember, Lorenzo was on the wrong side of Lee
several weeks ago.
And right now it's D'Angelo just pulling, yanking Lee back to his feet.
[Book] Yes, Vic, but he's wasted a whole lot of valuable,
precious, precious time with this kid.
I don't know if he's trying to make an example of.
I don't know if he's trying to-- I'm not sure, but this is not the plan.
[Vic] This I believe is the plan for D'Angelo.
Let's keep Lee grounded.
Lee has done a lot of damage throughout the year in his career.
D'Angelo knows that. D'Angelo wants to become the North American Champion.
Stacks can almost taste it.
Could you imagine if the Don was able to bring gold to the family,
how the family would rise to be even stronger than they already are in NXT?
[Book] Talk about a celebration. There's going to be a parade for this young man.
The Don would bring the championship home to the family.
You've got to love it, man.
You got to love it. Who's cooking? Who's cooking?
That's what I'm wondering.
-[they groan] -[crowd cheering]
[Vic] This is our main event here on NXT.
The NXT North American Championship is on the line.
Wes Lee, the champion. Tony d'Angelo, the challenger.
And for Wes Lee, he has heard everything out of D'Angelo mouth,
that Lee targeted his knee, that Lee tried to injure him,
that Lee put him on the shelf, and all-the-while
Lee was able to capture the North American title.
[Book] Get the fettuccine ready, man.
Looks like we're getting ready to have a party.
I'm talking about a celebration. Oh, my god!
[Vic] We talk about that game plan for D'Angelo, it's been pretty simple.
He came out of the gates extremely strong,
and right now he's been able to chop Lee down.
I ain't done with you!
[Vic] This is what you brought up, as you hear D'Angelo, "I'm not done with you."
He's got to remain focused. He can't win the championship here on the outside.
[Book] Taking his time. Vic, he's enjoying this right now.
It's not about just the victory right now.
It's about inflicting pain and punishment on Wes Lee.
[Vic] No, no, no!
-Whoa! -[Book] Oh, man!
Like I say, Vic? You talk about a championship right now.
It's about pain.
[Vic] And look at what D'Angelo did.
He just dropped Lee knee-first on the side of our announce desk.
A message is being sent because Lee can't even get back to his feet.
We talk about an eye for an eye, it's almost a knee for a knee.
D'Angelo into the cover to win the title, and Lee just got out.
Oh, man, that was close.
[Book] What he's doing, Vic, is he's taking Wes Lee out brick by brick.
He's breaking him down. He's done for.
He's not going to be able to fly.
He's not going to be able to get to that top rope.
Those aerial maneuvers, they go out of the window at this point.
[crowd] Let's go, Wes! Let's go, Wes!
[Vic] NXT universe trying to rally Wes Lee.
You wonder how bad that knee is of Lee.
And there's no doubt about it in this match up, D'Angelo targeted the knee.
-[Book] He's all busted up right now, Vic. -[Vic] Oh, able to counter, Lee, DDT.
And this is precious seconds for Wes Lee.
Precious seconds to regroup, refocus, and get back into this championship match.
[Book] That was a close call right there, Vic. That was desperation from Wes Lee.
He pulled it off, but right now, still the worse for wear, in my opinion.
[crowd] Let's go, Wes! Let's go, Wes! Let's go Wes!
[Vic] There you hear the NXT universe, and this is what has fueled Wes Lee.
Lee said it was because of the NXT universe he was able to overcome
all the obstacles this past year.
Can he overcome one more here tonight, that being the Don,
that being Tony d'Angelo?
[they groan]
[Book] Adrenaline rush just kicked in. Adrenaline rush just kicked in, Vic.
[Vic] Adrenaline will make a man do crazy things.
Look at Lee right now, blocking out all the pain, continuing
to push right into D'Angelo.
Could be looking for that knockout blow.
[Book] Big kill shot right there, but the Don is not quite fully down just yet.
[Vic] Look at Stacks trying to scream to the Don, the Don is fading.
The knees buckling.
Lee listening to the official, but Lee is not going to stop.
[crowd] One, two, three, four!
[Vic] Whoa, whoa, whoa!
I might have spoke too soon because that Power bomb stops Lee
in his tracks, but so much taken out of the Don over the last 45 seconds.
D'Angelo not able to crawl over to the cover.
Not able to capitalize. Not able to become champion.
Lee though hasn't moved.
Will this be enough?
[crowd] Wes Lee! Wes Lee!
[crowd chatter]
-[Vic] Book? -[Book] He wants to finish this thing.
The Don wants to finish it, and he wants to do it right now.
[Vic] Whoa!
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Distracting. I think that was Dijak.
Lee though just caught D'Angelo. It is Dijak.
[Book] What the hell is going on?
[Vic] Well, obviously, what was said last week didn't sit well.
[Book] Oh, no!
[Vic] Lee turning himself inside out to take down D'Angelo and retain his title.
[bell rings]
[Book] Wow.
[announcer] Here is your winner and still the NXT North American Champion,
Wes Lee!
[music plays]
[Vic] What a victory for Wes Lee here tonight,
retaining the North American Championship.
And Lee in this moment had turned things around, but truly,
boom, D'Angelo was able to stop Lee's momentum.
This is what got all of our attention, Dijak taking away Stacks.
D'Angelo took his eye off the ball.
Bam, Lee was able to turn the match around in that moment.
Rocked D'Angelo back, and then Lee composed himself, and wham,
right to the side of the face, into the cover to retain his title
through a hard-fought battle in our main event tonight.
[music plays]
What a year it has been and what a way to close out 2022 for Wes Lee
and for NXT!
[crowd] Wes! Wes! Wes! Wes! Wes!