[WWE intro music plays]
[narrator] Then.
[man yells]
[indistinct]
[narrator] Now.
-[man] The King of Kings! -[man 2] You can't see me.
[narrator] Forever.
Together.
[crowd cheers]
[announcer] For some superstars, this is the last opportunity
on their journey to the bright lights of Los Angeles.
Who will make it through their road block?
Dijak, me and you in a jailhouse street fight.
[announcer] You have to put your opponent in the jail cell.
[announcer 3] Oh, my god.
[crowd cheers]
[announcer] Closed and latched.
Jacy, bring everything you have, it won't be enough.
I will hammer the final nail in the coffin of Toxic Attraction.
[man] Where are my dogs at?
[announcer 2] It's time to take care of business.
[rap music plays]
[crowd cheers]
It's time, Carmelo Hayes.
Hey, Bron Breakker, it is time.
There's nowhere else for us to go except me and you.
That NXT Championship, put that on the line,
and I'll see you at Stand & Deliver.
Welcome to the most important Grayson Waller Effect of all time.
I'm sick of NXT.
I am NXT, without me, it's nothing.
Enough!
Do not run this brand into the ground.
Do you love this brand?
Show everyone you've got one left.
Me and you, Stand & Deliver.
Your opponent won't be "the Heartbreak Kid," Shawn Michaels.
Grayson Waller, your opponent at Stand & Deliver is this man.
[announcer] He's back.
[announcer 2] Johnny Wrestling, you've got to be kidding.
[announcer] Who will be the NXT women's champion following tonight?
Meiko Satomura or Roxanne Perez?
I pushed myself past my physical limits,
but I'm ready to keep this championship.
-[crowd cheers] -[bell rings]
[announcer] Perez retains, defeats the final--
[dramatic music starts]
-Medical! -Come on!
Come on!
Stay with us.
You're going to be okay.
[indistinct]
[man] Get her on now. Get her on now. Come on.
[man] We got to move.
[man] Up high.
[siren wails]
-[music plays] -[crowd cheers]
[announcer] Well, it was an emotional way to end things last week,
but what a way to kick things off here tonight.
[announcer 2] Please welcome
Johnny Gargano!
[announcer] From the Judgement Day last night on Raw to tonight.
For the first time, Book, in 15 months,
we will hear from a superstar who was the cornerstone of this brand.
The first triple crown winner in this brand's history,
and he returns to an NXT ring, Wrestlemania Saturday at Stand & Deliver.
[Book] Man, the fans, why do they love this guy so much, Vic?
-Why do they love this guy so much? -[Vic] Look at him.
All he has done is bleed for this brand, bleed for this company,
bleed for this industry.
He gives everything he has every time he steps through that curtain,
for them, for the universe.
Ah, It's so good to see him back in NXT.
[crowd] Johnny Wrestling! Johnny Wrestling! Johnny Wrestling!
So let's see, where did we leave off?
[crowd] Welcome home! Welcome home! Welcome home!
Hey, I need you guys to do me a favor.
Last time I was in this ring, Grayson Waller jumped me from behind
with a steel chair, so hey, do me a favor and watch my back for me, okay?
You guys got me?
You guys got me? Yeah? We good?
We good?
[crowd chatters]
The last time I was in this ring, I said that I was going to teach my son
to be the best man that he can be, and to be the best man you can be,
you need to finish what you start.
It's Wrestlemania season!
[crowd cheers]
And there's a lot of talk lately about finishing your story.
Well, Johnny Gargano is back in NXT to finish his story.
[crowd cheers]
15 months ago my story ended on a cliffhanger.
And when I came back to Monday Night Raw in August,
it felt like a piece of me was missing, because the last time you guys saw me,
I was laying face down on that announce table
with Grayson Waller standing above me.
[crowd booing]
Grayson Waller didn't just take my last moment from me,
he took closure away from me.
He took out the heart and soul of NXT in my last night in the company,
and you know what?
I hate to say this, but I kind of respect it.
[crowd chatters]
I kind of do.
That's why I gave you a gift, Grayson.
I waited.
I wanted to see what you'd do with that moment,
because the last guy who took me out, his name was Tommaso Ciampa.
[crowd cheers]
And he went on to become one of the greatest NXT champions of all time.
[crowd cheers]
So I sat back and I watched you, Grayson.
What did you do?
[crowd] Nothing! Nothing! Nothing!
You had two chances.
[crowd] Two! Two!
And you failed.
[crowd chatters]
Then what'd you do?
You whined, and you cried, and you complained,
and you blamed everyone but yourself.
You started disrespecting these people.
[crowd cheers]
You started disrespecting the locker room.
And then most importantly, you started disrespecting NXT.
[laughs]
A lot has changed in 15 months, but one thing that will never change,
no matter what brand I'm on, NXT is my home.
[crowd cheers]
And Grayson, you do not screw with a man's home.
[crowd cheers]
-For seven years. -[Vic] Book, do you see this?
-[Book] What? -Seven years of blood, sweat,
and tears in this building, in front of you people.
-You guys know exactly-- -[Vic] Johnny.
What?
Grayson's at your ho--
Grayson's at your house. That's your house.
[crowd chatters]
That's your house, dude.
[fan] Johnny, you better go get him.
-He's in the house? -Is Candice home?
-Yeah. -[fan] Kick his ass Johnny!
[Vic] They're both home.
[fan] Kick his ass Johnny!
[crowd cheers]
Whoa, let's get today started.
This about to be a good old time.
-Hey, Wes. -Oh, whoa. What's up, Axiom?
I'm following you everywhere today.
No one is taking my title match.
Yo, the match is eight hours away, what are you going to do until then?
Well, whatever you want to do.
All right. You hungry?
I could eat.
-[music starts] -[crowd cheers]
[Vic] I'm trying to get myself resituated, Book.
We got to focus on the task at hand.
The NXT tag team titles will be on the line.
Pretty Deadly, Gallus, next.
-I can't believe he did all of this. -[Book] Wow.
-Don't open the door. Waller is outside. -Excuse me, Johnny. Is everything okay?
I can only imagine what you're going through.
McKenzie, I got to go home.
Andrew, he's going home. Stay with him.
Follow him, follow him.
[tires screeching]
[music starts]
[Vic] Book, what would you do if you were Johnny Gargano?
This is appalling.
[Book] Let me just say this, that's called crossing the line, Vic.
I can't say what I'd say, what I'd do on the air. I can tell you that.
[Vic] We focus back in on here tonight, the NXT tag team titles
will be on the line here in just a matter of moments.
And again, the winner of this matchup got a clear path towards Los Angeles,
NXT Stand & Deliver.
Tickets are available now.
Join us Saturday, April the 1st, Wrestlemania Saturday,
the biggest Stand & Deliver of all time.
[Book] Yes, indeed, but this matchup right here,
how important is this matchup tonight for Pretty Deadly?
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the NXT tag team championship.
[crowd cheers]
[announcer] Introducing first the challengers,
Kit Wilson and Elton Prince, Pretty Deadly.
[crowd booing]
[announcer] And their opponents, they are the NXT tag team champions,
Mark Coffey and Wolfgang, Gallus.
[crowd booing]
[Vic] As we mentioned, a huge matchup for Pretty Deadly,
a huge matchup for Gallus as well.
Both these teams know each other so very well,
and it is all for the NXT tag team titles.
And when you take a look at-- I mean, Pretty Deadly,
they caught quite the break for this championship matchup.
[Book] A shot, an opportunity, Vic. That's what it's all about.
The problem started with the New Day for these guys,
and they got to get past that.
Let me just say this. It's a new day for Pretty Deadly, no pun intended.
[Vic] You've been sitting on that one, haven't you?
[Book] I just want to get that out there.
-[Vic] Whoa! -[Book] Oh, yes.
I like that attitude right there.
It's not about passing that airport test tonight, Vic.
It's about going out here and get business done
inside that squared circle, that 20 by 20.
[Vic] Some might be questioning that last slap.
Not many believe it was wise to rile up the champions
with that congratulatory cake if you remember a few weeks ago.
[Book] You know, I like that attitude.
That little slap right there, just let me know that
Pretty Deadly are going to be in the mindset of going out here
winning by any means necessary. That's what I like.
[Vic] Mark Coffey back in control of this matchup.
Still to come, pen to paper.
The NXT championship contract signing for Stand & Deliver,
Wrestlemania Saturday.
The challenger, Carmelo Hayes, the champion, Bron Breakker, face-to-face.
And you talk about a collision.
How about Apollo Crews, Dabba-Kato collision course
here tonight between those two?
But this is all about the tag team titles right now, and you can see Gallus.
And Mark Coffey trying to keep Wolfgang composed for the moment.
A little bit easier said than done.
[Book] I like everything about these Gallus Boys
because they're very intense, Vic.
[Vic] Up and over, shoulders down.
[Book] With one month back here in NXT, and they are the tag team champions.
-[Vic] Inside Cradle. -[Book] Oh, yes.
That right there just let me know, these guys are about business, Vic.
So close! So close!
[Book] See that? See that?
[Vic] A little back and forth. We got to give credit where credit is due here.
Wilson and Prince, they ended the recorded title reign in the UK
but I guess I have to ask this right now.
As Wolfgang back into it.
Why has that loss, which, by the way, took place over a year ago,
stuck with Gallus?
[Book] I mean, Gallus Boys, they had to take a lot of time off.
We talked about that, Vic.
Time off is your worst enemy, but this team, put that time off
to some good work to come back, and do some good work,
and now they're the tag team champions.
[Vic] This is the continuity we talk about with Pretty Deadly,
always seem to be in the right place at the right time,
and now the tables have turned in this matchup.
As Pretty Deadly taking it to Wolfgang, as Wilson on his feet.
Oh! Right back to the stomach.
And now-- Oh, well, might have been an error on his part.
Look at the strength of Wolfgang.
Tag made. Back in comes Mark Coffey.
And look, they tried to one up the champs in a game of pool,
failed miserably and they're failing again right here tonight.
[Book] I'm telling you right now, Vic. We're early in this competition right now.
We got a long way to go.
And right now, Pretty Deadly is not looking to good.
[crowd chatters]
-[Vic] Look at this from Gallus. -[Book] Oh, yes!
One thing about these Gallus Boys, it ain't pretty or nothing like that,
but they get the job done.
Get him in here! Get him in here!
-[Vic] Gallus Boys on top. -Why are you doing this to us?
[crowd cheers]
[Vic] Back live on NXT. The NXT tag team titles on the line.
The challengers, Pretty Deadly, the champions, Gallus.
And look, when it comes to Gallus, they don't care if you like them,
they don't care about-- Oh, cover, cover. Don't like them.
They're in for a good scrap.
And they have been in for a fight here tonight against the challengers.
[Book] Great tag team action there, Kit Wilson, Elton Prince is on the move.
I told you, Vic. We got a lot of time left.
[Vic] And right now we see Prince and Wilson,
this is what has made them champions in the past.
The ability to cut corners, and now can they cut the biggest corner
to once again become the tag team champions?
-[Book] Not just that, Vic. -[Vic] Cover, hook of the leg. Near fall.
[Book] Getting past those early brawling tactics of these Gallus Boys.
I think right now we are in prime position
to perhaps see a brand new tag team champions here tonight.
[Vic] You know a thing or two about tag team wrestling, Booker.
One of the greatest tag teams of all time, Harlem Heat. Yes, I said it.
Don't hate me for it. And right now we're seeing Pretty Deadly in the ring.
Another cover, another hook of the leg, another kick out.
They kinda went around the process to get this title opportunity.
[Book] Sometimes you got to do what you got to do. If a window open,
you got to slide in that window,
and that's what Pretty Deadly is doing here tonight, Vic.
[Vic] Both these teams know the opportunity to be a champion
on Wrestlemania Saturday in Los Angeles at Stand & Deliver.
Both these teams want that opportunity,
both these teams want to call themselves champion.
The Pretty Deadly, Book, do they just have the number of Gallus?
Cover, count, and another kick out.
[Book] Let me tell you something.
These Gallus Boys they wanted a fight, and trust me, they got one
because a fight just broke out.
[Vic] Certainly did. And again, it is Prince on top.
Mark Coffey has taken a beating, as you witnessed throughout the picture break.
And as I mentioned, both these teams know, Book, a win tonight,
there's nothing bigger than a championship match at Stand & Deliver.
Another cover by Prince, and Coffey again kicks out.
[Book] You look at Elton Prince, you look at the mane they brought,
mane, he's looking good.
He's very, very dapper now, but this kid can get down
and he can get dirty, dawg.
[Vic] We saw Wolfgang for a moment. He is frustrated.
He wants to get back into this matchup.
You can see almost a look of desperation on the face of Mark Coffey,
but if we've learned anything about Gallus in the last two months,
you can't keep them down. They're not afraid to fight.
They're going to keep coming at you with everything they got left.
[Book] They're not going to quit.
[Vic] Another cover, and another kick out.
[Book] The one thing about these Gallus Boys, that European style.
Very unpredictable, ala Fit Finlay or William Regal.
I never liked working with those guys.
[Vic] Just one shot to the stomach buckling the knees.
[Book] Yes.
Yes! Right now, look at my man right here, he's stalking him, stalking him.
Kit Wilson looking real good right now.
[Vic] Can you imagine Pretty Deadly once again NXT tag team champions?
Continuing to wear down Mark Coffey.
[Book] It's all about getting that momentum.
The new day broke that momentum, and now they're trying to get it back.
[crowd cheers]
[Vic] You hear the NXT universe trying to rally Mark Coffey,
trying to rally Gallus here in this moment.
Mark Coffey has taken a lot of punishment in this matchup.
[Book] Oh, yes!
[Vic] Seems to possibly be turning things around.
[Book] One-man wrecking crew right now, Vic.
[Vic] Oh, you can say that again, because in comes the unhinged Wolfgang.
Boom!
Look at the rights and the lefts.
Wolfgang loves being champion.
[Book] Beautiful, beautiful Leg Lariat.
[Vic] The more money he has as champion, the more pints he can buy. Oh!
[Book] Yes!
Right now, Vic, this thing is getting wild and loose.
Here we go, up top. The big man's up top.
[Vic] Everybody feeling the pressure as we aim towards Los Angeles.
Look at the strength on display.
[Book chuckles] Here we go.
We going for-- Good god.
[Vic] Will this be enough to retain the title?
[Book] So close.
[Vic] You got to give credit to Pretty Deadly too.
If I give credit to Gallus, I got to do to Pretty Deadly.
Able to kick out, stay in this matchup.
As this is what they have been waiting for.
This is what they have been positioning themselves for, a title opportunity.
Another cover, another count, and this time Wilson breaking things up.
[Book] Kit Wilson in at the right place at the right time right there.
It would have been a three count right there, Vic.
[Vic] It was close.
But right now Pretty Deadly. Oh!
How about this strategy?
Trying to isolate Wolfgang.
But look at Wolf again, taking out both members of Pretty Deadly.
[Book] Wolfgang about to-- like I said, a one man wrecking crew.
-[Vic] Watch out, book. -[Book] What the-- God.
[crowd cheers]
Kitty, kitty, kitty, kitty!
[Vic] Wolfgang taken out.
Booker getting back to his feet.
Oh, look what Pretty Deadly is doing in the ring.
Oh, the referee didn't see Mark Coffey get dropped.
-Pretty Deadly is going to steal one. -[Book] Oh, yes.
-[Vic] Whoa. -[Book] Hold on.
-[Vic] No, uh-oh, uh-oh. -[Book] Hold on. Wow.
[crowd cheers]
-[Vic] Glad to see you back on headset. -[Book] Talking about resilience.
What a kick out.
[Vic] Looking for some Spilt Milk-- Wolfgang.
[crowd cheers]
[Vic] Gallus is still in this.
I think Pretty Deadly realizing their tactics are not going to work tonight.
[Book] Big back elbow there.
[Vic] It doesn't matter how many tricks you have up your sleeve,
the Gallus Boys came to play tonight. Bam.
[Book] They came with a purpose, Vic.
And their purpose was to hold on to those tag team championships.
[Vic] And the Gallus Boys remain on top.
[music plays]
[announcer] Here are your winners and still the NXT tag team champions.
-Gallus! -[Book] What a match, Vic.
-[Vic] Are you all right, Book? -[Book] You okay?
-[Vic] I'm fine. Whoa. -[Book] Yes, you're good.
[Vic] Wolfgang coming at us.
You said what it was.
What a matchup this actually was.
Taking place throughout this matchup right here. Bam.
-[Book] Wow. -[Vic] Right to the back.
The referee was distracted. The door was open. Couldn't keep Mark Coffey down.
Speaking of not being able to keep someone down, Wolfgang was at our feet,
he was able to crawl back into this matchup.
And just, bam, as quickly as we were realizing it
Gallus was able to divide and conquer in their own right to retain
the NXT tag team titles as the NXT tag team division
remains Gallus' kingdom.
[Book] Yes!
-What are you wearing? -You said covert ops, Fallon.
-Yeah. -And you can only see my face. Right?
If we were in the woods, not an office.
-Well, we're here anyways. -Hold this.
Okay. You got a lot of stuff here.
-I used to do this when I was a kid. -Why?
Don't worry about it.
[man clears throat]
Hold this.
It's open, Fallon.
-Well, how did you know? -The cleaning ladies let us in.
You ever think to just try the door handle there?
-Just go look. -Okay, I will.
There's a safe back here.
[Fallon] What the hell?
-What? -Come look at this.
Wow, a piece of paper in an office. Whoopdeedoo, Fallon?
[door knocking]
Can you see me, Fallon?
Dude, focus. It's a match contract.
Oh, who's fighting?
"NXT Women's Championship qualifying match?"
-And it's tonight? -Tonight is the night.
So much for being a team, but why stop at one title, one guy, one anything?
Doing the Fallon thing again, huh?
Keep looking. Has got to be something here that shows she's cheating on Brooks.
I'm looking. I'm looking.
Oh, Brooks, I hope we're wrong about this one, man.
Did you get a good look at the card from the flowers?
Barely. Kiana snatched that out of my damn hand and threw it in the planner
before I could even look at it.
You mean like this one?
Bingo!
Bust that thing open, girl.
[Fallon] "Operation Boyfriend?"
"Ongoing", Fal.
[Fallon] "Get Brooks to have Fallon tag with me?"
-I thought that was your idea. -It was.
[Fal] "Call home, speak to Mom and Zack."
Oh, that's good. That's good. Zack is her brother. Right? That's proof.
Oh, yeah, she told the truth about one thing.
Yes, it's good.
[Fal] "Drinks with Sebastian."
Who's Sebastian?
"Dinner with Sebastian." What a bitch!
Maybe they're in a work relationship, like co-workers or something.
-Come on. -I'm trying, Fallon.
[sighs]
Oh, there's the card from the flowers.
-Why do y'all keep doing that to me? -"Thanks for the date.
It was truly an unforgettable night and morning.
Sebastian?"
Oh, man. Poor Brooks.
His little heart is going to break into a million pieces.
Sebastian. [chuckles]
You have got to be kidding me. That's all we need. We got--
Shush, let's try and leave quietly, please.
-Let me get a picture. -It's all the proof we need.
-[camera snaps] -Right. Let's go.
Let's roll. I have got to close the thing.
Okay.
[man] As of Friday morning, Roxanne Perez was discharged from the hospital.
However, after numerous tests, Roxanne's health is still in question.
With Stand & Deliver in less than three weeks,
I have the obligation to announce, we possibly may have to crown
a new NXT women's champion.
Starting tonight there will be a series of qualifying matches
with the winners advancing to Stand & Deliver to compete
to become the NXT women's champion in a ladder match.
[crowd cheers]
[music plays]
[crowd cheers]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following is a women's Championship qualifying match.
Introducing first, Sol Ruca!
[Vic] That was a huge announcement made by Shawn Michaels.
And this is the first qualifying match for the NXT women's championship
ladder match at Stand & Deliver.
Sol Ruca or Zoey Stark. Who advances? We find out next.
A revolution started in the WWE led by every woman
to stepped foot inside the squared circle.
[music plays]
[woman] The superstars and the headliners.
All of you have inspired people all over the world.
[woman 2] Now we've set the standard, so we have to keep going
because it's one thing to get to the top
and then it's a whole other thing to stay there.
[woman 3] What do you say, ladies?
My team and I have been carrying out a variety of tests on Miss Perez.
When it comes to Roxanne's situation, we check three potential areas,
the head, the heart, and the vessels in her body.
All of Miss Perez's blood work came back reassuring.
She was not identified as being dangerously dehydrated.
Her initial CT scan showed no abnormalities on the brain
and furthermore, Miss Perez's EKG showed no heart arrhythmia.
At this moment, Roxanne is symptomatically stable.
While this is all very encouraging, it does, however, unfortunately,
present us with a difficult issue in that we are unable to identify
what caused Miss Perez to collapse.
It is my recommendation that we conduct further testing
and consult with other professionals, possibly including a clinical psychologist
to investigate this issue further.
As a result, I am unfortunately unable to provide an estimated date
for Miss Perez to return to in-ring action.
Booker, following that, after what transpired last week,
have you been able to reach out and talk to Roxanne or her family?
Yeah, everything right now is touch and go
and this business is about those highs and those lows
and right now we're going through perhaps the ultimate low. Yeah.
Oh, well, we send our best wishes and speedy recovery to Roxanne Perez.
[music plays]
[announcer] And her opponent, making her way into the ring,
Zoey Stark!
[Vic] Again, as we heard from Shawn Michaels,
and as we just heard from Dr. Becker, that is the reason for this matchup.
We're going to start figuring out who will head to Stand & Deliver
and compete in a multi-women ladder match for the NXT Women's Championship.
We're looking at Zoey Stark, she's a superstar who believes, Book,
she should automatically be involved in any type of match.
[Book] Championship qualifier, Vic. Two of NXT's finest in the square circle.
Let's go.
[Vic] Two that has some deep-rooted issues.
It's a huge match on many different emotional levels.
Who will be the first to qualify for the NXT women's championship
ladder match in Los Angeles?
And I want to focus on Sol Ruca for a moment because all she wants to do
is compete in the ring.
[Book] I mean, She's an athlete, Vic. She's a 21st-century athlete.
She's a future star, no doubt, Vic.
She's going to be in that one-man ship one day,
but tonight I wonder if it's that time.
[Vic] She's been asking for this matchup against Zoey Stark.
One, by the way, Stark has repeatedly denied.
[Book] Let me tell you something, Zoey Stark is a player,
she is going to pick the time and place to get the work done tonight.
Like I say, this is a qualifier.
This a big match for both of these ladies.
[Vic] Sol Ruca said she'd come accomplish Stark if given another opportunity.
And not only could she do that here tonight, she can also earn her way
to the biggest stage of the year, Stand & Deliver on Wrestlemania Saturday.
[Book] Oh. Whoa, whoa.
[Vic] Can you imagine what Zoey Stark could do a ring with a ladder?
It'd be unreal.
[Book] Let me tell you something, Zoey Stark--
The mission has changed for Zoey Stark.
It's about that next level, and right now she needs to pass this test.
[Vic] Into the cover, and a kick out by Stark.
[Book] And what a test it's going to be in Sol Ruca.
[Vic] And of course, extra bragging rights for these two superstars.
And Sol Ruca just got laid out by Zoey Stark, and I'll bring this up.
Zoey Stark talks a big game, but over the last few months,
she's certainly has backed it up.
Into the cover, and a near fall.
[Book] Yes, you think? Did you see that super kick right there?
And Sol Ruca walked right into it.
She compounded that shot, Vic. Trust me.
[Vic] To your point earlier, Stark stepped up her game,
has stepped up her game in a big way.
Take another look. Feel the impact. Bam, right under the jaw.
Is this the best Zoey Stark we've ever seen?
[Book] Let me tell you something, Vic. Zoey Stark has been here in NXT
for about two years, and it's great to be here in NXT.
We are NXT, but she's all about making it to that next level.
She wants that Wrestlemania moment, and I get it.
[Vic] She realistically according to some, and we've talked about it off air,
she could be considered the new measuring stick
in the women's division.
When you take a look at everything she's done,
her body work over the last 12 months.
[Book] I feel that way too and then you feel like you paid your dues,
you know, when you feel like you've done your time, you want out, man.
You want out, and I think that's what Zoey want.
And tonight she's going to have to go right through Sol Ruca,
but she's a tough customer.
[Vic] Of course, these two-- Another cover, and another kick out.
No strangers to one another.
We don't know how many participants, by the way,
are going to be in this ladder match.
How many women realistically, Book, do you think have the right
to a championship opportunity?
[Book] It's a plethora of talent in that locker room, but right now,
we got to concentrate on business at hand.
I don't know if you notice what's going on right now,
but Zoey Stark is grinding on Sol Ruca so differently than most.
[Vic] Sol Ruca right now being dragged into the deep waters of this matchup.
And Stark holding on. And again, these two have faced each other in the past.
Sol Ruca wanting another opportunity, and what an opportunity this is
as we talk about for many different reasons.
Not only for a little bit of bragging rights,
but also to make her way to Los Angeles.
The biggest stage Sol Ruca would ever compete on
in her aspiring career here in NXT.
Swing and a miss by Stark, but Sol Ruca didn't miss.
[Book] Yes, indeed. Talk about the balance style, the finesse,
the grace of Sol Ruca, but the fight in Sol Ruca is coming out here tonight, Vic.
[Vic] That Step-Up Enzuigiri didn't get all of it, but rocked Stark just enough.
[Book] Beautiful. Look at the timing on that right there.
[Vic] And now, look at the strength.
Powerslam center of the ring to move on to Los Angeles
and another near fall Stark.
[Book] Like I say, this business, every time you step in that ring, Vic,
it's a test.
[Book] And right now, Sol Ruca is passing perhaps the ultimate test
if she could get past Zoey Stark here tonight.
Oh, oh, oh. Here we go, Vic.
[Vic] This is going to be a big risk for Sol Ruca.
Moonsault connects, and she stuck the landing.
-[Book] That's a 10. That's a 10. -[Vic] 10 across the board.
But Ruca now getting Stark back into the ring.
Starting to build momentum. Could be looking to close the door.
Oh, gets caught. Wait a minute. Boom.
-[Book] Good night, good night. -[Vic] You can say it again.
Stark into the cover, and Zoey Stark the first to go to Los Angeles.
[announcer] Here is your winner, Zoey Stark.
[Book] That had cholulua green on it, Vic.
[Vic] The first superstar to advance
in the NXT women's championship ladder match.
Zoey Stark setting the tone for Stand & Deliver.
[metal music plays]
[distorted man voice] They say give a man a mask
and he will show you his true face.
From my corner of darkness, my eyes scan across NXT to see metaphorical,
physical, and emotional masks.
Cloaking the ideals, faces and true feelings of many,
but my gaze
is drawn to one man.
Sincerely, Scrypts.
-[music plays] -[crowd cheers]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following is a triple threat match
where the winning tag team will advance to Stand & Deliver.
Introducing first, the team of Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn.
[Vic] High stakes matchup coming up.
Three teams will enter, only one will advance to Stand & Deliver
for the NXT women's tag team titles.
Who will it be?
[music plays]
[announcer] Introducing the team of Kayden Carter and Katana Chance.
[Vic] Second of the three teams in the ring.
Again, big stakes in this matchup.
The winning team advances to Los Angeles in Stand & Deliver
with a golden opportunity.
[music plays]
[announcer] And their opponents, the team of Tatum Paxley and Ivy Nile.
[Vic] Book, I want to take us back to last week after another mysterious message
from Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre.
You know, these two are getting to me a little bit.
They're like vultures. They'll prey on anyone.
They could prey on whoever they want to, but they're definitely
not preying on any of us. Isn't that right, Iv?
Tatum, where's Ivy?
Ivy is celebrating with the Creeds right now.
Hmm.
[Book] When it comes to Ivy Nile and Tatum Paxley, Book,
I got to ask this question.
As you see Isla Dawn and you see Chance and Carter.
Are Nile and Paxley on the same page?
[Book] You know, I think they're just trying to figure it out, Vic.
Unlike Kiana James and Fallon Henley, it didn't happen overnight.
[Vic] It certainly did not. And again, this is a triple threat matchup.
One member of each team will be legal at all times.
Up and over. There's the shoulders.
Paxley able to run a little interference there.
Looking to showcase her power.
Inside Cradle, is it going to be enough?
And this time Isla Dawn has to break things up.
Again, the winner faces Kiana James, Fallon Henley
who you just talk about at Stand & Deliver for the NXT women's tag team titles.
[Book] Talking about action personified, Vic.
[Vic] When you take a look at Chance,
of course, Chance and Carter, the longest-reigning
women's tag team champs in all of WWE at one point.
Looking for another opportunity to call themselves champions.
But no doubt, they're the most complete team in this matchup.
[Book] I'm going to tell you. If I was a betting man,
I'd be betting on Carter and Chance,
the most dynamic tag team, male or female, here in NXT.
I just want to put that on record.
[Vic] You certainly did, and Paxley now trying to get back into this matchup
for her team. Goes up, goes over, shoulders down.
Nice reversal. Looking for a submission.
Swing and a miss, but now Dawn is caught by Carter who kicked out.
She had a double pin. Carter almost eliminated both.
[Book] Isla Dawn was in a lot of trouble right there.
[Vic] And Dawn able to turn things around in a big way.
And look, when it comes to this matchup-- Again, another pin,
Another kick out.
The wrath of Dawn and Fyre has been felt by both these teams.
[Book] Let me tell you something.
Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre, I have a quote.
Twin demons of destruction, twin demons of evil.
They're out here to burn this division down.
[Vic] You could say that again. They can't be reasoned with,
they can't be negotiated with.
Some people just want to watch the world burn at the end of the day,
as another tag was made.
A little two for one for Carter as Chance is legal,
and here is that tag team continuity.
We talk about Pretty Deadly, but we've seen it from this duo,
which brought them gold before.
Almost another opportunity in Los Angeles.
[Book] I tell you, Vic. Right now former tag team champions,
they're looking to find their way back.
And right now, a win tonight will advance them right back to that point.
Oh, yes, so close.
[Vic] Look, Ivy Nile reaching out for a tag.
And you know, they have some issues.
You mentioned also the issues before with the champions themselves,
but look, some have to wonder where the focus is in Diamond Mine.
As another cover by Nile and another kick out.
There's a lot going on in Diamond Mine, and that includes the Creed Brothers.
[Book] Just stay in dojo, Vic. That's what it's all about.
It's about grinding, it's about learning from your mistakes.
And right now, Ivy Nile, trust me, she's a diamond,
she's a diamond in the rough. Trust me on that, Vic.
[Vic] You see her first hand.
You've had a lot of good things to say about Ivy Nile.
Can she get to Los Angeles with her tag team partner, Tatum Paxley?
-[Book] Look at the strength. -[Vic] There is that strength that you--
-Oh, Super Kick from Fyre. -[Book] Wow.
Right place at the right time, Alba Fyre.
[Vic] Another tag was made. In comes Dawn,
and this is just a duo that loves to ruin the lives of others,
and another near fall.
[Book] You can see right now, Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre
very capable inside that squared circle.
[Vic] Look at that, kick connects by Nile, and now the door's open
to make a tag and there's only one--
[Book] Whoa!
We're never a team!
[crowd chatters]
-[Vic] Did you hear that? -[Book] Yes, I heard it.
[Vic] Oh, this matchup obviously continuing.
[crowd chatters]
[Vic] NXT universe in shock as trying to get back into this matchup
is Chance and Carter.
-[Book] Carter and Chance. -[Vic] Tag was made.
[Book] The number one seed if i'm speaking on it.
[both] Oh! Whoa!
[Vic] And now, Carter left to fend for herself just got rocked by Isla Dawn.
[Book] Big shot there. Oh, whoa!
-[Vic] You talk about a big shot. -[Book] What is going on?
[crowd cheers]
[Vic] That sinister smile on the face of Isla Dawn.
Tag. Ivy now is legal.
[both] Oh, no! Oh, no!
-[Vic] Fyre is legal. -[Book] Picture perfect.
[Vic] Cover and we have new-- Oh my gosh.
[music plays]
[announcer] Here are your winners, the team of Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre.
[Vic] I can't believe what we just witnessed because it's official,
new number one contenders, the NXT women's tag team title match
is now set for Stand & Deliver.
-What the he-- -[Book] Yeah.
[Vic] We got to continue to focus, what a night it has been.
I can't imagine what's on the mind of Ilja Dragunov,
but we're all going to find out.
Hey, Bron, what's going on?
Tony and Stacks, what's up?
That jailhouse street fight, last week, was a war, man.
You're telling me.
It was good, but that's not why we're here.
Tell him.
You have this big contract signing tonight with Melo,
and we was thinking, maybe we can take him out for you.
That's not what I had in mind. What were you boys thinking?
Oh, well…
Wait, I got it, we could do like Sopranos stuff or like the Godfather.
Maybe we can give him a pair concrete shoes or like
we can hit him with the Bowski, hit him with the Jim Brown, Ella Fitzgerald.
Oh, oh, Ella Fitzgerald?
I think you've been watching too many movies.
All right. What do you want to do?
All we were going to do is take him to the parking, right?
A little fight to the kneecap.
Yeah, a little crowbar to the bicep, that's it.
A little bada bing, bada boom, bada bing bing bing bing bing bing.
What?
Look, all seriousness, guys, I appreciate the offer, but I got this.
Thanks.
Stacks, I think it's time we add some gold to our fame.
We're going to take the winner of Bron and Melo?
No.
Wes Lee open challenge tonight, that's your title.
No.
Stacks, I said we, tag team gold.
Look, you've been sticking your neck out for me for months, right?
You almost tore your arm off in that jailhouse street fight,
that kind of stuff doesn't go unrewarded.
What do you think?
-D'Angelo family tag team champions? -Mmm.
[chuckles] Let's go.
[Tony] All right. We got this.
[Vic] It seems like the Don has some big plans for the family.
-[music plays] -[crowd cheers]
[announcer] Please welcome Ilja Dragunov.
[Vic] Well, Ilja Dragunov, no fun, no games, always means business
when he enters the squared circle.
My career at WWE has been life-changing
for me, for my son, for my wife.
We have had opportunities that we never felt happening.
With every success, there was a blemish because with every step I take,
there has been JD McDonagh cut my legs out from under me.
[crowd booing]
This could have been avoidable, but now I have no choice.
To keep my autonomy and to continue my ascension at NXT,
I need to rid myself of JD McDonagh once and for all.
-[crowd cheers] -[music starts]
Ilja, please do not come out here and pretend this was ever
going to be avoidable because it never has been.
You and me we're two sides of the same coin.
And whether you want to admit it or not, whether you can see it or not
we're a lot more alike than we are different.
[Ilja] Oh, you're wrong.
You're wrong, and your obsession with me will ultimately
-lead to your devastation. -My obsession with you?
My obsession with you? You drove me out of the UK.
You followed me here, and when you got here,
you put yourself in my chase for the NXT Championship.
And because of that, we both failed, Ilja.
Every time you draw us together, we both suffer.
Look in the mirror, you can't quit me.
This friendship was suffering, it's something that you can talk about,
but this is something I possess.
Pain makes me feel alive.
Pain makes a difference in my life,
and I choose that life.
It's funny you say that, I've actually figured that out about you.
You think that you choose pain and that puts you in control of it, right?
You're in control of your life.
Well, I'm here to tell you that you could not be more wrong.
And that is just not the way things work around here.
Your greatest strength, Ilja, is what you're willing to
put your body through, right?
But it's also the reason that you're standing in that ring
with no title over your shoulder.
[crowd booing]
We've been doing this you and I for years now.
You've been chasing me down because you want to suffer, and me,
I will never ever get tired of thinking up new ways to make you suffer.
[crowd cheers]
I think you and me are destined to do this for a long time together.
No, no, no because I promise this will end next week.
And there will be no more JD McDonagh because when I'm through with you,
there will be nothing left but a random pile of body parts
and a smear of fluids that just spells out,
"Here lies the Irish Ace."
[crowd cheering and booing]
[crowd cheers]
I look forward to our symphony of sadism more than you can ever imagine Ilja.
I'm going to commit it to memory, because like a scalpel in my eye,
it will be hard to watch.
[crowd] Fight! Fight!
You and me, next week.
[crowd] Fight! Fight! Fight!
[Vic] Oh, we heard the NXT universe,
they want to see these two destroy each other.
[Book] I want to see it.
-[they groan] -[crowd cheers]
[Vic] Dragunov becoming almost unhinged.
-[crowd cheers] -[they groan]
[Book chuckles] Oh, yeah.
[crowd cheers]
[Vic] Next Tuesday, if it gets made official, whether you call it obsession,
both love the suffering, both love the pain,
both are trying to rip each other apart.
[they groan]
[Book] This is getting taken, Book, to a whole another level.
[Book] Let them fight. That's what men do.
[they groan]
Kit Wilson, Elton Prince, a tough loss to Gallus.
You're no longer in tag team title contention,
and at this point not going to Stand & Deliver.
Hang on a minute, that's a bit harsh, isn't it?
Are you trying to pour salt into our wounds?
Yeah, really classy, McKenzie.
I can't believe we lost to Gallus, boy.
Bang on, Elly.
[Elly groans]
Hang on, hang on, we're universally adored, are we not?
We are.
Elly, we don't need Stand & Deliver,
Stand & Deliver needs Pretty Deadly.
Of course, we can't deprive the NXT universe of seeing us in LA.
That would be dreadful.
Hear me out.
What match could possibly-- No match could contain this amount of star power, right?
-Right. -It's Hollywood-- Ah.
It's Hollywood, darling.
So why be on the show when you can be the show?
It's a no-brainer.
[both] We should host Stand & Deliver.
[both] Yes, boy! Ah!
Stand & Deliver, more like snack and delicious.
That's really good.
Excuse us, McKenzie, we have to go and pay someone a very special visit.
Yes, boy.
[crowd cheers]
[Vic] Pretty Deadly maybe a little delusional.
But there is the Wes Lee, time for yet another open challenge--
They're still going at it, Book.
[Book chuckles] I told you! I told you!
[they chatter]
You better watch out, that man is going to mess you up
if you keep messing around around.
-[they chatter] -[Vic] Whoa!
[they chatter]
[Vic] Book, all hell's breaking loose.
We still have this open challenge.
[Book] Yeah! Yeah!
[they chatter]
Like bamboo.
You can allow it to bend, but you don't want it to break.
-I'm going to get it, i'm going to get it. -It's okay.
Sorry, guys. Can me and Duke have a minute?
Yes. Sorry.
Thank you.
Well.
Well, I'm clearly not over the win-loss record of Chase University.
I think wins are everything and people are going to judge us by that.
I think you're right.
It doesn't matter which field of sports you're in,
anybody who's worth a damn believes that,
but then Chase U was born.
And for the first time ever, it became about so much more
that what the record books say.
Chase U is more than buildings, and books, and desks.
Chase U is a feeling.
It's where students can come to learn, and grow, and prepare for their future.
Chase U is where I found my purpose in life.
A place that I belong, and the same thing goes for you too, Duke.
-Me? -Yeah, think about it.
Before Chase U, you were happy just skating by, but now look at you.
You are living and dying with every single win and loss.
You know why that is?
Because for the first time in your career, you actually care,
and you know I'm right. Think about it. Think about before.
You were the guy that was just happy to deal cards at the poker table,
getting his head shaved.
So you might think Chase U is done nothing for you, but maybe,
just maybe,
Chase U's done more for you than anything else in your entire life.
[applause]
[crowd chatters]
Wow, so this is what main roster money gets you, huh? Look at this.
[crowd booing]
This place is like a palace.
It must be at least six bedrooms in there.
That's so much room for your action figures. Wow.
You are living the high life, Johnny.
Of course not, you're not here.
But hey, you know, it's a bit of a dangerous neighborhood.
What if you left the door unlocked?
Whoa.
I better go check that out just in case. You know?
Do you a favor.
[door opens]
[Vic] Grayson Waller maybe asking for a fight he's not ready for,
but look at all these superstars fighting for one reason, Book.
To face the North American champion, the Wes Lee open challenge.
[they chatter]
-[music plays] -[crowd cheers]
[announcer] Please welcome the NXT North American Champion,
Wes Lee!
[Vic] Everybody wants the North American Championship, Book.
You can't blame them. It's an open challenge.
[Book] Vic, It's about that gold along that young man's waist.
[Book] This situation is unpredictable each and every time Wes Lee--
Oh, Axiom broke through. This is what we've been waiting for.
Holy--
-[Book] What the-- -[Vic] That's Scrypts.
Yo, I need somebody get in there!
[they chatter]
[Vic] Turmoil in the locker-- McDonagh's back.
[Book] Oh, yes!
[Vic] Oh, there's Dragunov right on his heels.
[they chatter]
[Book chuckles] This thing's breaking down.
[Vic] You can say that again, Booker. Look at Lee.
[crowd] NXT! NXT! NXT!
[Vic] Oh, wait a minute. Uh-oh.
[Book] Whoa, incoming!
[they chatter]
[Vic] And now, Wes Lee going right into the fray.
What the hell is going on?
[they chatter]
[crowd] NXT! NXT! NXT!
Joining me now is one of our newest superstars, Dragon Lee.
Welcome to NXT.
Thank you, McKenzie.
You know, I've been around the world, but to finally get here at the start
of the biggest journey in my career is really exciting.
[speaking Spanish]
Yeah. What can the NXT universe expect to see from you?
So much.
I came here to be a great example of this [speaking Spanish].
And I want to show the world that Dragon Lee [speaking Spanish].
[speaking Spanish] open challenge.
McKenzie, believe me, I'm going to love it here.
-Nice to meet you. -You as well.
-[music starts] -[crowd cheers]
Apollo Crews know what he did, that's why I dropped his ass.
[Vic] Dabba-Kato back with vengeance.
Dabba-Kato, you thrive of intimidation, of fear,
but look deep into these eyes, my old friend, and you see none of that.
[Vic] Apollo Crews more dangerous than ever.
[Apollo] The respect, the trust, the loyalty, it's all gone.
Apollo Crews, it's not about you anymore.
I've waited eight long months to get my hands on you.
And tonight, I finally get my chance.
[Vic] A motivated Dabba-Kato is a dangerous Dabba-Kato.
[Apollo] And yeah, you're a titan of a man.
With that headbutt and that Powerbomb, you woke up a beast inside of me.
I will destroy you, and then move on like you never existed.
Just like you tried to do to me.
-[Apollo] Tonight-- -Tonight--
-You will pay. -You will pay.
-For your betrayal. -For your betrayal.
[Vic] This grudge match is next.
[crowd booing]
Jacy Jayne, last week your longtime best friend turned biter rival,
-Gigi Dolin defeated you and I wanted to-- -You know what?
I'm not even going to wait for a question here.
Gigi Dolin did absolutely nothing last week.
Even on her best day, she's not one-tenth as good as I am.
But she did beat you at Roadblock.
[imitates] "But she did beat you at Roadblock."
McKenzie, why don't you report real news, real facts instead of your paid gossip.
[sighs]
One minute into the match last week, Gigi Dolin separated my shoulder
because she couldn't handle me at 100%.
She had to take a shortcut
because that's just the kind of person Gigi Dolin is.
I could barely even lift my arm in that match, let alone lift it now.
[chuckles]
So if Gigi wants to consider that a victory,
[chuckles] she's even more pathetic than I thought she was.
Gigi, everyday, every hour, every minute, every second
that I'm away from this place, I'm going to be thinking of you
and what you did to me.
And when I return, I promise I'm going to break your heart and your face, again.
[music starts]
[Vic] Quite the warning from a vengeful Jacy Jayne.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, Apollo Crews!
[Vic] We learned on Raw that Edge will again enter hell,
this time against Finn Bálor at Wrestlemania.
Don't miss the WWE Hall of Famer on an all-new After the Bell.
But we're taking a look right now at Apollo Crews
who has been asking why to Dabba-Kato.
We heard from Dabba-Kato, we heard what he had to say,
and that focus in Apollo Crews is now focused on revenge.
[music starts]
[announcer] And his opponent, Dabba-Kato.
[Vic] Dabba-Kato now making his way to the ring.
Just look at the size of Dabba-Kato, but wait a minute.
Apollo Crews, it didn't take long for this to pop off, Book.
[Book] Taking that first shot, which is important with a big guy like Dabba-Kato.
[Vic] Talking about the size, how is Apollo crews going to overcome
the size of Dabba-Kato?
[Book] Vic, I want to know the real story.
I want to know what's really going on between Dabba-Kato and Crews.
It's deeper than we know about.
[Vic] Okay. Both have talked a lot about the past.
-Whose side do you believe? -[Book] I'm still wondering.
I mean, I don't want to pick sides or anything like that.
I don't want to be bias or anything like that.
I just want to know the real deal.
[Vic] As you could see right now, though, that the real deal of Apollo Crews,
the anger boiling out of him.
Look at the eyes of Apollo Crews trying to chop down Dabba-Kato.
He said there will be no fear in his eyes tonight, did Apollo Crews.
[Book] You know what? I like the mindset, but I don't like the game plan
going toe-to-toe with this big guy Dabba-Kato, 6'9", 300-plus pounds, 350.
[Vic] I'm taking a look around. Did we hear a bell?
I don't know if this-- Whoa! I heard that, I heard that.
Looking around. I don't think this matchup has officially begun.
-Taking a look. -[bell rings]
[Vic] Finally, the bell has sounded. This is official.
Look at Crews, right back to the outside.
[Book] Tell you something, Apollo Crews is taking the fight
to Dabba-Kato here tonight.
[Vic] You got to believe that Crews is just seeing red since Charlotte,
even interrupting Dabba-Kato's attempt
at the North American Championship weeks ago.
And going right at Dabba-Kato, his former friend as he called him.
[Book] He's going to need to lean on his athletic powers here tonight, Vic.
He's just going to have to have that military mindset
-and just get in the zone. -[Book] Uh-oh.
Crews is in the zone, believes that Vengeance Day was his chance.
If it was not for the shocking return of Dabba-Kato, we might be talking about
Apollo Crews facing Bron Breakker in Los Angeles!
-[Book] Oh, man! -[Vic] At Stand & Deliver.
[Book] Talking about taking it to him.
Apollo right now is looking real good, but it's still early.
You cannot count this big man out.
[Vic] Book, you've seen Apollo Crews on Raw, on Smackdown, at Wrestlemania,
have you ever seen this state of mind of Apollo Crews?
[Book] I always looked at Apollo Crews different.
He's a special talent.
He's an unbelievable athlete, but tonight, Apollo Crews is getting a little dirt
on him and that's what I like.
You've got to be able to get in there and throw hands. Oh, big shot.
Big shot.
[Vic] You talked about throwing hands, you see Dabba-Kato trying to do
his best to create a little separation, and that is one way to clear a path.
[crowd booing]
[Vic] Can Apollo Crews get back in?
[crowd booing]
[crowd cheers]
[Vic] Back live on NXT.
The NXT universe in a frenzy now trying to rally Apollo Crews,
because as you saw throughout the break, Dabba-Kato has been in control
and he said before the matchup, Book, Apollo Crews is too focused on the future
he forgot his past, but listen to this right here.
[they groan]
[Vic] Do you see where Dabba-Kato-- Whoa!
Look at Crews trying to showcase that strength,
trying to hoist up Dabba-Kato, could not, but Dabba-Kato with ease picking up
Apollo Crews, and now planting Crews right to the midsection.
[Book] The thing is, Vic, now back to your question, I understand
what Dabba-Kato means, but my thing is,
I really want to know exactly how far
the rabbit hole goes between these two. What is the real beef? I got to know.
The people want to know.
[Vic] Dabba-Kato said he's been waiting eight months, Book,
eight months to get his hands, and decimate Apollo Crews.
[Book] You can tell by the way Dabba-Kato handled his business
inside this squared circle, this guy's a leader, Vic,
he's not a follower, maybe that's got something to do with it.
[Vic] Dabba-Kato certainly has brought the fight to Apollo Crews here tonight,
but whoa, breaking news. You talk about a fight earlier tonight.
How about this matchup made official? McDonagh, Dragunov,
the next chapter gets written next week here live on NXT.
[Book] I like the sound of that, but right now these shots from
Apollo Crews right now.
He's throwing uppercuts, he's throwing right hands.
He's doing what he needs to do to try to get a victory over this big man.
[Vic] Well, we talked about Apollo Crews being focused.
We talked about him seeing red.
He also had to listen to what Dabba-Kato had to say
where Dabba-Kato credited himself for the success of Apollo Crews,
those Wrestlemania victories, that Intercontinental Championship.
[Book] You know what? That might be true. That might be true.
Just sitting back, watching the parade go by.
Maybe Dabba-Kato said, "Look, I want my champagne wishes,
I want my caviar dreams."
Maybe that's what it's about.
[Vic] The only thing these two men have in common--
Huh? Huh?
That's what you get!
[Vic] Is the anger that has been built up inside of both these superstars
towards one another.
[Book chuckles] Dabba-Kato right now.
I don't know, man. I don't know.
I don't know, right now Dabba-Kato looks like he wants to finish this man,
Apollo, tonight.
[Vic] Well, he said he was going to destroy Crews.
Look at Crews.
[Book] Did you see the whip action on that shot?
[Vic] Crews said bring the fight. Crews has been waiting for this moment
since Charlotte, since Vengeance Day to get his hands on Dabba-Kato.
He's been asking himself why.
Why Dabba-Kato has said the things he has? Whoa!
Why Dabba-Kato has done the things he's done.
And Apollo Crews now is bringing the fight to the monster.
What a combination right there by Apollo Crews, but right now
he's going to have to keep it moving.
Can't give this big man any area to--
-[Vic] Whoa! -[Book] Oh, yes!
-Oh, yes! -[Vic] Look at the strength.
[crowd cheers]
[Vic] Apollo Crews, where did he get that strength from?
[Book] That window of opportunity, Vic. Here we go.
Right now up top, here comes Apollo with the greatest of ease.
Oh, yes!
Big cover, big hook of the leg, and a big kick out
by Dabba-Kato,
but take a look at the height, bam, from Apollo Crews,
and stuck the landing, didn't get the job done.
But now Crews, we talk about being focused.
Crews is focused on finishing the job here right now.
[Book] It'll take a whole lot more to keep this big man down,
but let me tell you something, the blueprint in there for Apollo Crews
is just keep on-- Oh, no.
I don't like that.
[Vic] Oh, I don't think that was part of the blueprint.
[crowd cheers]
[Vic] Spine first across the steel steps,
and now the referee starting the count.
Dabba-Kato said he was going to take Apollo Crews out
and he may certainly have just done that.
As the referee to five, Crews just starting to move.
Referee still counting at seven.
Crews isn't going to be able to get back in the ring. At eight!
The referee's at nine, referee's at-- no!
He broke the count.
Crews just broke the count, but how?
[Vic] A lot of heart from Apollo Crews, but just think, Vic,
that just a couple of seconds ago he took the stairs on that lower back.
-[Vic] Oh, no and now-- Oh! -[Book] Oh, wow.
[Vic] That Sit-Down Powerbomb.
And Dabba-Kato gets the job done tonight.
[music plays]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Dabba-Kato.
[Vic] Book, you can't take anything away from Apollo Crews
throughout this entire-- I mean, this was nothing short of a fight.
He got caught, did Apollo Crews, he got planted
on the steel steps, but somehow was able to get back
into the ring, beating the count.
But then just sustained more damage and more of a beating from Dabba-Kato,
and this time, Crews couldn't answer to the count.
[Book] A lot of heart from Apollo Crews, but Dabba-Kato definitely
got the job done.
[music plays]
[Vic] Dabba-Kato the one standing tall here tonight.
Wes. Wes, look.
You know I love you, right?
But these open challenges are killing us. It's chaos every week, man.
You got to help me out with that. Come on.
All I wanted was a chance, and you gave me that in spades,
so I'm just trying to pay it forward.
I want to give as many shots as I possibly can.
Look, you don't have to prove yourself. You've already proved yourself.
You're the North American Champion.
You're worthy to wear that championship.
With all due respect, sir, I disagree.
I have to prove myself, and you more than anyone should understand
what I'm going through proving yourself day in and day out,
especially after you became a champion.
As a matter of fact, I felt like I needed to prove myself even more
and at Stand & Deliver, I want 10 of the best.
Wes, I can't give you 10. All right, look.
I'll meet you halfway, all right?
Four guys, we'll make it a fatal five-way, Stand & Deliver, all right?
You pick the four.
We got a deal?
-We do there. I appreciate you, sir. -Come on.
You're definitely my man.
Come on, Briggs, answer.
Fallon, where are you?
I need my partner.
-No word from Briggs either. -My match is next.
I can go out there if want me to.
No, I think I need to be alone.
Oh. Oh.
No, sweety, not like that, just for the match.
-Oh, okay. Well, good luck. -Thanks.
[sighs]
[music plays]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following is a women's Championship qualifying match.
Introducing first, one-half of the NXT women's tag team champions,
Kiana James!
[Vic] Well, Book, who will be the second woman to enter the field
at Stand & Deliver?
Here tonight, Zoey Stark, of course, is headed to Los Angeles
to compete in a multi-women ladder match for the NXT women's title
as was announced by Shawn Michaels earlier tonight.
We're looking at Kiana James who could be competing twice
at Stand & Deliver because the NXT women's tag team titles will be on the line
as she and Fallon Henley will defend against Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn.
-[music plays] -[crowd cheers]
[announcer] And her opponent, Gigi Dolin.
[Vic] Or will it be Gigi Dolin heading to Stand & Deliver?
Because it is the biggest Stand & Deliver ever and it takes place
on Wrestlemania Saturday. Tickets available now.
Don't miss your chance to be a part of NXT's Stand & Deliver.
And when you take a look at Gigi Dolin, Book.
she was the one left standing last week,
put that final nail in the coffin of Toxic Attraction.
-How good that must feel. -[Book] Yes, it must've felt good.
I'm talking about good, oh, real good, but let me tell you something.
This is that championship qualifier.
We talking about distractions.
Kiana James has been having a lot of distraction,
but Gigi Dolin has been putting all of those distractions behind
-and moving forward. Oh, yes! -[bell rings]
[Vic] Talk about that triple threat match that took place earlier tonight.
And I'm still stunned by the actions of Tatum Paxley
stabbing Ivy Nile in the back.
[Book] How many times I've talked about it, friends? Friends?
You don't need friends when you got people like that in your corner, bro.
Trust me.
[Vic] That's very true. Look, Gigi knows all about being stabbed in the back
by her former friend Jacy Jayne.
As up, over, shoulders down, near fall.
We heard from Jayne earlier. At this point, do the words of Jacy Jayne
really affect Gigi Dolin anymore?
[Book] Let me tell you something, Gigi I really think the obstacles,
the life that she's led, put her in a position to overcome things like that.
[Vic] James from behind.
[Book] Whoa, whoa, and that's what I like about Gigi Dolin.
Right now, it's onward and upward.
It's the sky's the limit, man. Check her out.
She's looking good.
[Book] With this combination offense here as Dolin that time connects.
Into the cover, hook of the leg, and a near fall.
Again, the winner of this matchup would be the second superstar
to advance in the multi-women ladder match for the NXT women's Championship
in Los Angeles at Stand & Deliver.
Book, is it true that the ladder match is your least favorite match to compete in?
[Book] Oh, man. You know what? Just because I'm claustrophobic.
You know, I'm afraid of heights.
[Vic] Claustrophobic doesn't have anything to do with on a ladder.
[Book] Just being in that confined space, it's not one that I really appreciate,
but my thing is this.
You got to just throw everything out of the window in that kind of matchup.
[Vic] Into the cover to advance, and a near fall.
[Book] Just like a matchup like this.
I talked about Gigi Dolin in life, those obstacles,
being able to go over, around, under.
Sometimes you got to go straight through those obstacles,
and this is that time right here tonight for Kiana James, a boss.
[Vic] Both women out here without backup.
No one for Gigi Dolin anymore.
And for Kiana James, there's no Fallon Henley,
there is no Brooks Jensen, as we saw, is bending the rules, not breaking them.
If she gets disqualified, Gigi Dolin would advance.
But for Kiana James,
is she too focused on things outside the ring right now?
[Book] Like I say, love is in the air, and that's one thing.
Passion and business don't go together.
[Vic] Nice pump kick, and now Dolin is starting to rock and roll in this matchup.
-Look at the strikes from Dolin. -[Book] Big shot!
[Vic] And Dolin now turning things around. Turning Dolin inside out.
Into the cover, and another near fall in this matchup.
[Book] Gigi is that type. People telling her she can't do it her whole life.
And when people tell you that, what do you do?
You make them a liar.
You go out there and make yourself something special. Oh, yes!
[Vic] A near fall.
And again, huge opportunity for both these women, but Dolin caught
and dropped Kiana James.
And just like that punching her ticket to Los Angeles is Gigi Dolin.
[music plays]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Gigi Dolin.
[Vic] Dolin headed to Los Angeles in Stand & Deliver.
The second woman to advance in that NXT Women's Championship ladder match.
Take a look at some of this action.
I mean, Dolin, bam, was rocking throughout this matchup.
Certainly has put Jacy Jayne in the rearview mirror
because she is now fully focused after this on Los Angeles.
[Book] Abdominal stretch into a snap.
Oh, my goodness.
And becoming the next NXT Women's Champion.
-[Book] What does she call that move, Vic? -[Vic] I don't know. Whoa! What the--
Dawn and Fyre!
[crowd chatters]
[Book] Like I say, eliminate the competition, Vic.
[Vic] They know Fallon Henley's nowhere around.
Brooks Jensen finally answering the call.
[Brooks] Are you okay?
[crowd] Who's Sebastian? Who's Sebastian? Who's Sebastian?
[engine stops]
[they groan]
Welcome home, Johnny!
[they groan]
Came to my house?
Who do you think you are?
[they groan]
Your house, huh?
I guess it's mine now.
[they groan]
It's your house? It's your house? Come on!
It's your house? Who the hell do you think you are?
You are not anything.
-[woman] Johnny? -Go inside, go inside.
[they groan]
Daddy's home, Quill.
Daddy's home.
[they groan]
Go on, Johnny.
-Go home. -[woman] That's enough.
Go home, Johnny. There she is.
[they groan]
[woman] Get out of here. That's enough. Stop.
[they groan]
Hey, hey, stop, stop, stop. Stop!
[woman] Stop! That's enough.
[they groan]
This is your husband, huh?
This is your dad, Quill, and you're proud of this man,
you're proud of this man.
[they groan]
He ain't the same no more.
-[they groan] -[baby cries]
Come on, come on. Careful, careful, careful.
Stop, careful.
[he groans]
No, no, no.
I know you want daddy right now. I know you want daddy.
Hang on, buddy. Hang on.
[Vic] Waller took it too far tonight, and on Wrestlemania Saturday
he will pay for everything he's done over the last 15 months,
as he faces Johnny Gargano at NXT Stand & Deliver.
And the field has begun to be built. Stark, Dolin advance tonight.
More superstars will gain entry in the coming weeks.
All trying to compete for the NXT women's title in a ladder match in Los Angeles.
And we all heard moments ago from Shawn Michaels,
Wes Lee will have an open challenge.
Four superstars will answer that challenge.
Who will they be? North American title on the line at NXT Stand & Deliver.
And Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre earned the opportunity earlier tonight
for the NXT women's tag team titles against Henley and Fallon
who don't appear to be on the same page.
Can they get there two weeks from Saturday to retain the gold in Los Angeles?
We can't forget to mention our damper hosts, Pretty Deadly.
They will be there gracing us with their presence in Los Angeles.
And it finally happens on Wrestlemania Saturday,
Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes go one-on-one for the NXT title.
It's all going down Wrestlemania Saturday at NXT Stand & Deliver.
When we talk about that main event, it's time to put pen to paper.
There you see the challenger, Carmelo Hayes,
flaked by Trick Williams, a man who calls himself a generational talent,
it's coming up in a matter of moments against a man
who has held the NXT title longer than anyone but one.
What's going to happen when these two go face-to-face next?
Honey, why would they go out there and jump you like that?
Do you need anything? Do you want me to get you anything?
What I need is to know why I was jumped by those two witches alone.
What is going on? I have nine missed calls. Are you okay?
-What are you wearing, Fallon? -Fallon? What about him?
-Oh, my god. -It is not what it looks like, buddy.
I promise, I promise.
You saw the bear movie without me.
Yeah, I did, I did. It was really good.
-I'll watch it with you-- -Hello?
To answer your question, no, I'm not okay. Where the hell were you, Fallon?
Yeah. We kept calling you because these redhead ladies jumped Kiana
because you weren't there.
-Buddy, we're real sorry. -Hang on a second.
I didn't even know you had a qualifying match tonight.
Shouldn't partners know something like that?
Yeah.
I'm not passing up an opportunity at the NXT Women's Championship.
That's done. Now, I have to deal with Alba and Isla.
-At Stand & Deliver. -What do you mean? Stand & Deliver?
-What? -Yeah.
You and Kiana defend your titles against Alba and Isla
because they won a triple threat match earlier,
and that's why we were trying to call you.
Yes, so whatever you have going on here, you need to handle it.
Oh, it will be handled.
So maybe next time you should answer the phone.
[Vic] Booker, they better be on the same page and quickly.
[rap music plays]
[announcer] Please welcome, accompanied by Trick Williams,
Carmelo Hayes!
[Vic] We know the NXT women's tag team titles
will be defended at Stand & Deliver, also the NXT Championship.
We are looking at a man who says he is one of one.
He has waited patiently, Booker, for this moment.
He's waited patiently for this match.
[Book] That man looking to shoot his shot, and trust me, he will not miss.
He's looking for gold.
He's looking for immortality, that man, Carmelo Hayes.
[Vic] Can he get that in Los Angeles?
When we talk about the match, it's a match the universe has been wanting
and it's also a match that his opponent has been wanting too.
[music plays]
[announcer] Please welcome the NXT champion,
Bron Breakker!
[Vic] Only Finn Bálor has held the NXT Championship more than Bron Breakker.
Let that sit in.
In the history of NXT, there's only one man to hold the title longer,
no matter how many reigns, it's been Bron Breakker,
and there's one word to describe our champion, dominant.
[Book] He don't want no buffalo sauce, just--
[Vic] What are you talking about?
[Book] No bread, no water, just meat. Yes!
[cheers and applause]
Well, I guess it's just going to be us. I don't--
Isn't somebody supposed to be here to host this thing or conduct this thing?
No, but we don't need it. Let's make this official, all right?
You know what? I'm with you, bro.
The faster that we sign this thing, the faster the countdown to new champ is.
Huh? It's going to be like that, huh?
I didn't think this was going to be like any other contract signing,
but you're about to change my mind, man.
-[music starts] -[crowd cheers]
[Bron] Is this you? Is this you?
[Vic] What is-- Oh my gosh.
As your hosts of Stand & Deliver,
it only makes sense to come out here and host the contract signing
for the NXT Championship match at Stand & Deliver.
[laughs]
But don't mind us, guys, you'll hardly know we're here.
Ah, come on, Eli.
We're just here to host. We're just here to host.
Don't mind us.
Just-- Just here to host.
[crowd chatters]
I don't mind, bro.
Please.
Please, gentlemen.
Anyway, Bron, listen.
I meant no disrespect with that last comment.
You carried that NXT Championship with all the weight that comes with it,
the responsibility, the legacy of all the past champions.
Man, you did that and you deserve to be recognized.
You really do.
[cheers and applause]
But listen, April 1st, you could feel it.
It's a changing of the guard, man, because I'm taking that championship
and I'm taking that championship way further than you ever could.
Just like I took that North American Championship
and I made that the A Championship.
[crowd cheers]
Okay? So listen, Bron, respectfully at Stand & Deliver,
you come in second to me.
-Ooh. -Ooh.
[Melo] I said respectively.
All right. Well, I don't agree with that last bit, but what I do agree
with you on is that you took the North American title
and you made it in your head what you thought was the A Championship.
You made the North American title the A Championship
because you knew that you weren't ready for this yet.
And that's fine because, listen, that's not the Melo that I want to face.
All right? I want to face the Melo that comes out here
and these people get on their feet for.
I want to face the Melo that comes here and these people chant your name.
I want to face the Melo that beat Ricochet.
I want to face the Melo that beat Apollo Crews,
the guy that knows deep down in his heart and his freaking soul knows
that you're ready.
[crowd cheers]
Melo Don't Miss.
I think it's pretty fitting.
Because on April 1st,
there's going to be a first for everything, my man.
I just-- Whew. He's getting so angry, Kitty.
It's so fun to watch.
Well, for me, it's the backhanded compliments that's just next level.
Hey, I thought you said you weren't going to talk.
-Oh, you're right. Sorry. Carry on. -Shut up.
That's on us.
[Trick] Hey, don't go talking!
All right. You know what, Bron?
In Los Angeles, here's what I want.
Actually, you know what? Here's what I don't want.
I don't want Bron Breakker with all the anger management issues.
I don't want Bron in a tux, inducting his father and his uncle
into the Hall of Fame.
I don't want Fisherman Bron.
I don't want Bron that's smiling on all the posters.
I don't want him, leave him at home.
I want the Bron Breakker that runs through walls.
I want the Bron Breakker that won at War Games.
I want the Bron Breakker that made Tommaso Ciampa tap out.
As I say all these things, how can I deny your greatness, Bron?
Because when you're that guy, you're unstoppable.
[cheers and applause]
Okay?
Which is going to make it all so much sweeter
when you give me ever everything you got and it's still not good enough.
[cheers and applause]
And I don't just say this because it sounds good, Bron.
I say this because it's true.
I am him.
[crowd cheers]
[Kitty] Oh, false.
Look, you are him.
I believe you. I believe that you're him.
But you got to show me, you've got to show me
that him isn't just something that you put on a front of a t-shirt
or something that you-- Some arbitrary thing that you made up
to further your character.
You've got to show me that it means something.
If you do, I promise you, you'll get everything you want out of this
and I'll get everything that I want.
I'll get the smooth, the cool Melo-- Trick and Melo Gang
that everyone here has come to grow and love, all right?
The Melo that's probably flying first class to LA
because LA's more your vibe anyway, right?
You're going out, I'm staying in.
You're out late, I'm in bed early. It's like--
They are the ying to each other's Yang, aren't they?
Have you noticed that?
-I-- -Hey!
Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry. Please continue.
-Sorry. -Elton?
-Sorry, sorry. -Stop, stop.
[Trick] That's two.
Look, man, this is 18 months in the making, all right?
This has the potential to be the biggest match in NXT history.
-And it will be, Bron. -I mean, you've unified titles.
And you've unified titles as well, okay?
You've almost had that championship for two years.
And if somebody knows anything about a long title reign, man, it's you.
Listen, Bron, you got to understand, both of us need to understand
that this is big.
This is the youngest main event in Wrestlemania weekend history, okay?
There's a lot of pressure on us.
There is a lot of eyes on this match, but you know what the truth is, Bron?
That is nothing new to either one of us.
So I know that at Stand & Deliver, I'm going to deliver.
I just need to make sure that you are too.
[crowd chatters]
[Bron chuckles]
[crowd chatters]
I guess something's got to give then, my dude.
[crowd chatters]
I'm not giving an inch, Bron.
[crowd] Save us, Melo! Save us, Melo! Save us, Melo!
[crowd] Save us, Bron! Save us, Bron! Save us, Bron!
Neither am I.
Whoa, it's official!
Here we have it!
Bron Breakker versus Carmelo Hayes for the NXT Championship
at Stand & Deliver!
[cheers and applause]
Wait, wait, wait. Where are you going?
No, no, no. People come here for drama.
That's not enough. You can't just leave.
No, no, no. Come on, we need see something.
Give us some drama. Give us some drama, please.
Give the people what they-- Oh, oh, oh.
Oh! There it is. There it is.
-You want to see something? -Oh, a little bit of drama.
Come on. Come on. Come on.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd] NXT! NXT! NXT!
[Vic] Well, there's your drama, anything you can do, I can do better.
The ink is dry.
The hosts are laid out.
Who will be the better man in Los Angeles?
Who will stand?
Who will deliver?
Who will be the NXT champion?
May the best man win.
Subtitles: Faruk Berk ampion?