[music playing]
[narrator] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[crowd chanting]
[Vic] Johnny Gargano is back
in NXT to finish his story.
[crowd chanting]
Fifteen months ago
my story ended on a cliffhanger.
[trainer screaming]
Johnny Wrestling is done.
He's done.
When I came back to Monday night raw,
it felt like a little piece of me was missing.
Yet, the last time you guys saw me,
I was laying face down on that announce table.
Johnny Wrestling, huh?
Johnny Wrestling ain't nothing.
A lot has changed in 15 months,
but one thing that will never change,
NXT is my home.
And Grayson, you do not screw
with a man's home.
-Johnny. -What?
-Grayson's at your house. -Johnny, I'm at your house.
Johnny, if I were you, I'd get home real quick, lad,
because that
is the Grayson Waller effect.
Welcome home, Johnny.
[yelling]
You are not anything.
-Johnny? -Go inside.
Go inside.
[yelling]
-This is your husband, huh? -Stop. Stop. Stop.
This is your dad, Quill?
He ain't the same no more.
Hey, hey, hey.
[baby crying]
Come on. Come on.
Careful, careful, careful. Stop, stop.
No, no, no.
[music playing]
[Vic] Tensions are running high because a week from Saturday
it's Stand & Deliver part of WrestleMania weekend.
Welcome to NXT.
[announcer] Please welcome Pretty Deadly.
Here comes a duo, Book, that has referred to themselves as…
I can't believe I'm saying this.
Two tasty snacks
that are the main course of Stand & Deliver.
[Book] Not just a duo, Vic,
but a debonair duo passing that airport test.
Look at the ensemble.
God, love it.
[Vic] Take a look at Pretty Deadly.
They, of course, are the hosts of Stand & Deliver
in Los Angeles
a week from Saturday.
[music playing]
-Attention, attention, attention. -Quiet, please.
Quiet, please.
It is us,
your hosts of Stand…
& Deliver.
Pretty Deadly.
-Yes, boy. -Yes, boy.
In our first official act as your hosts
of NXT Stand & Deliver.
We are officially wiping last week's footage
from the NXT archives. Gone.
You'll no longer be able to view
those neckbearded mouthbreathing
neanderthals gallus cheat to win against us.
-No more. -No more.
-Nor…
will we see Bron Breakker and Carmelo Hayes
jump us from behind and put us through a table.
I don't know what you're talking about. I didn't see anything.
I mean, the gall, the audacity,
the gumption of those two,
and if it wasn't for the fact that we're your hosts of Stand…
& Deliver.
Them two wouldn't even make it to La La Land.
Last week is history.
Today is a mystery.
Let me not get too far track from the point because
let's talk outfits for… guess what?
-Yes? -Stand…
& Deliver.
Now, wait. No, wait.
Because talking of outfits, did you see those horrid, dreadful ensembles
that Bron and Carmelo were wearing last week?
Yuck.
I mean, main event talent, absolutely,
but main event style…
[music playing]
[Trick shouting]
Melo, is my microphone working?
Good, because last week I told both of you bobbleheads
to mind your business while grown folk are talking.
You interrupted Melo, you interrupted Bron,
that's why we all had to order you both some table service.
[Trick laughs]
You interrupted me.
Hey, and don't get it twisted, man.
Last week, I was so Tricked out, I left puddles all around this building.
Let's talk about it.
Hey, as I'm preparing for the biggest match of my career,
you two are sitting here with my name in your mouth.
Well, well, well, to be fair, Mr. Melo,
I didn't say your name, it was Kit.
Hey, don't do all that cute stuff with me.
Hey!
We were born this cute.
We don't have to try.
How about you try to mind your business while grown folk are talking?
We're talking about the future NXT champion right here.
We don't need any of your bad juju rubbing off on him.
Pretty Deadly, in case you didn't know,
we are known to talk our talk.
How about you all just walk your walk?
[laughs]
-Got them. -Hang on, hang on.
I think there might have been a breakdown of communication here
because we only speak the king's English, you see,
so I don't know what you were saying, but if you were hinting at having a match,
if you are willing to jeopardize the main event
at Stand…
& Deliver.
Then we accept.
Well, good then.
Tonight it's official.
The main event tag team match,
Pretty Deadly versus the man,
the myth, the legend, the one and only Carmelo Hayes
and his tag partner,
Bron Breakker.
[crowd cheering]
Trust me. Don't I always got your back? I always got your back.
[Vic] I'm just as confused with what we just heard as Carmelo Hayes,
but nonetheless, look at Pretty Deadly
picking up the scraps… there's Breakker.
-[Book] It's on, Vic. -[Vic] NXT champion…
[Vic] is unleashing that dogfaced gremlin mentality.
[Book] Yes.
[gasp]
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Pretty Deadly isn't chewed anymore.
[Book] Elton Prince is going for the ride. Oh, my god.
What a nasty landing.
[crowd cheering]
I don't want anything to happen to you
between now and Stand & Deliver.
[music playing]
[Vic] Well, we got to see if this match
gets made official
for later tonight here on NXT,
because as you just heard,
Bron wants no excuses
at Stand & Deliver in Los Angeles.
Since we're talking about Stand & Deliver,
here's the question now we ask ourselves.
Who will qualify for NXT Stand & Deliver
for the NXT women's championship ladder match?
Will it be Indi Hartwell, or will it be Tiffany Stratton?
We're going to find out next live on NXT.
Shoot, man.
-What was that? -I don't know.
That was all Trick, Melo game. We had it.
We didn't need Born's help.
He wants me at my best, well, he's going to get me at best,
the new NXT champion, but you got me teaming with him.
Look. I always have your back.
Yes, but I'm not trying to do all that, can they coexist…
-Don't I always have your back? -Yes.
You need to know how Bron moves in the ring.
His speed, his flow, his body control.
Look, now you have a front-row seat to see how he gets down, man.
-Yes. -Yes.
Now you got the cheat code.
Bring your pen and your paper. You'll be ready for Stand & Deliver.
Thank you, Trick.
You're welcome, Melo.
Hey, as for tonight with pretty deadly, easy money, that's a dub.
We'll take care of business. I'll make sure of that.
At Stand & Deliver, the most important thing, you have the cheat code.
-You'll be ready. -Yes.
-That's all it is. -That's all it's going to be.
All right then.
I like the idea, Vic.
Look at Trick playing Don King's role tonight.
The thing is, I like it, I like it a lot.
We got a huge main event still to come tonight,
but we do know the main event, though,
it is Bron Breakker and Carmelo Hayes
for the NXT championship.
There has been a lot of questions surrounding the NXT women's championship.
Let's go back and see what transpired
with Roxanne Perez
who has provided a little bit of an insight on social media.
As you can see, she noted, Book,
she's frustrated, but she will be back.
But, here is the cliffhanger.
We don't know when for Roxanne Perez.
We do hope that Roxanne Perez has a speedy recovery, Book,
because you've talked about a lot left in her future and her career.
[music playing]
[camera flash sound]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following is a women's championship qualifier's match.
Introducing first, Tiffany Stratton.
[Vic] According to Tiffany Stratton, Book,
Los Angeles needs Tiffany Stratton.
[Book] Vic, you know what? I agree 100%.
-[Vic] Not surprised. -[Book] No.
[Book] Don't let the smooth taste fool you, Vic.
Look here, Tiffany Stratton, she is a special, special talent.
[Vic] If Tiffany Stratton can win here tonight,
she will become the third superstar
to advance to the NXT
women's championship ladder match.
[music playing]
[announcer] Her opponent, Indi Hartwell.
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Talking about the future of Indi Hartwell.
Is tonight the night for Hartwell?
[Book] It's a big match for Indi Hartwell.
I always say she has all the talent.
In a win tonight, she will hit the cash in on the eight-wheel.
I'm talking about black gold Texas steel.
I'm talking about mania, man.
[Vic] This is the first of two qualifying matches
here tonight on NXT.
A quick cover, hook of the leg, a quick kick out.
How equally matched are these two superstars?
[Book] I've worked with Indi Hartwell down at reality of wrestling.
She was someone that had the it factor from the beginning,
but it seemed like she stalled just a little bit,
but I think these two match up perfectly here tonight, Vic.
[Vic] Hartwell doesn't speak very highly of Stratton since Stratton,
of course, demanded her own locker room here in NXT several months ago.
Cover to go to Los Angeles.
A kick out by Hartwell.
[Book] If you look at Tiffany, you might think
she's at home on TikTok taking photos,
but a is the student of this game, Vic.
She's like I said a special, special talent.
-[Vic] Taking it to Stratton is Indi… -[Book] Big shot.
[Vic] Certainly had a strong into last year, she carries that momentum
into her Royal Rumble appearance this past January.
Would love to get her ticket to WrestleMania, but Stratton is in control.
Another hook of the leg off the suplex and another near fall.
Could you imagine, though, the demand Stratton have
in Tinseltown if she makes it to the Stand & Deliver.
-[Book] Yes. -[Vic] You think it's great.
[Book] No, no. I'm a big fan of Tiffany, but you talk about
the attitude of Indi Hartwell.
That's something that you need, Vic,
and we talked about that locker room leadership.
I've joked around a little bit, but that's something that's necessary
in Indi Hartwell taking that position.
I like that.
[Vic] We talk about these qualifying matches,
already headed to Los Angeles, to Stand & Deliver
on WrestleMania Saturday as Zoey Stark
and Gigi Dolin, the winner,
will join those two in that ladder match
for the NXT women's championship.
Book, it's well documented, you have strong disdain for ladder matches.
[Book] Oh, big shot.
Not that I don't like ladder matches, Vic, just not my cup of tea,
but so bitter… well, wait a minute.
[Vic] From behind, roll up, a near fall.
[Book] So many have made their Mark. I'm talking about made history.
Ala Razor Ramon, 1-2-3 Kid.
They're still talking about that ladder match, so yes, history-making moment.
[Vic] Hartwell trying her best to create a little bit of separation in this match.
[gasp]
She must have had a Tiffany epiphany.
Who is heading to Los Angeles?
Who is heading to Stand & Deliver?
[crowd booing]
[Vic] Back live on NXT, of course
Tiffany Stratton right now in control.
Who will advance to NXT Stand & Deliver
WrestleMania Saturday.
Part of that NXT women's championship ladder match.
I think in the excitement, you got caught up.
You were talking about Ramon and Michaels
in that history-making ladder match at WrestleMania tag.
[Book] I was talking about Razor Ramon and the 1-2-3 Kid.
I think that's what I was talking about.
[Vic] Into cover with Stratton, hook of the leg, a kick out by Hartwell.
We go back to a few things when we talk about this matchup.
I want to talk about something us kicked this off tonight.
Do you like Hayes teaming with Bron Breakker?
[Book] One thing about that, I like the move by Trick Williams,
because that's keep your friends close, but they say keep your enemies closer.
In that match right there… wait a minute.
[Vic] Into the cover, hook of the leg, and another near fall.
[Book] A matchup like that, Bron Breakker and that man Carmelo Hayes.
You need to know that man like a Book, like the back of your hand.
Check out Tiffany Stratton. Check her out.
[Vic] I asked you that because I've learned,
as is it official now, Breakker and Hayes will team to face Pretty Deadly
in our main event here tonight, champion and challenger
at Stand & Deliver will be teammates,
here this evening as Stratton swing and a miss.
This could be the moment for Indi Hartwell to start building
some of that momentum, to start building momentum
on her way to Los Angeles.
Because we know there's a lot to gain in this match up, Book,
but at this juncture, who has more to lose in this match?
[Book] Like I said, the one thing about this matchup
it's a high stakes matchup and the one thing about it,
if you lose this match, you go to the end of the line.
You got to rebuild.
You got to regroup.
That right there is a mind thing.
You don't want that. Oh, big shot.
[Vic] The one thing these competitors should think is
we still don't know the exact numbers of competitors yet
that will be competing in the NXT women's ladder match
a week from Saturday at Stand & Deliver.
Indi Hartwell right now is riding the momentum.
Could she ride the momentum to victory?
Another near fall.
[Book] She's trying to punch her ticket, Vic.
She put together a real good combination right there
from the hands to the feet and taking it to the mat.
Looking for that big shot right there, but Tiffany is right on top.
[Vic] Tiffany off the powerslam, and again, Hartwell able to kick out.
I think you bring up a great point, Book,
going to the end of the line, both these women know that.
That's why this is such a high-pressure, high stakes matchup
because there's so much riding on this matchup here tonight.
[Book] Tiffany Stratton was thinking like me
throwing caution to the wind.
[Vic] Looking to fly. Up and over Hartwell.
Able to get out of the way. Into a spinebuster.
This could be it for Hartwell.
Another cover and another near fall.
[Book] That's those butterflies flying around.
I say, if you're going to have them in a matchup like this,
you got to get those butterflies to line up and fly.
Oh, a big shot there by Indi Hartwell.
[Vic] Talk about all the butterflies you want,
impact like that, they will come right out of your lungs
because Indi Hartwell is showcasing
her own style of power in this matchup.
Hartwell knows what's on the line, but look at Stratton.
Almost out of desperation
showcasing her own power.
-[Vic] Nice roll through. -[Book] I like the position for Indi.
-[Vic] Stratton. -[Book] Beautiful.
[Book] With the greatest of ease, Vic.
[Vic] Stratton is headed to Los Angeles.
[announcer] Here is your winner, Tiffany Stratton.
We talk about fighting through adversity all we want,
Indi Hartwell did just that,
but in the end,
the spotlight is shining
on Tiffany Stratton.
Take a look.
First the strength, then the sense of balance.
The athleticism for Tiffany Stratton.
Perfectly planting that moonsault.
We can talk about her being high maintenance, she took high-risk
and got all the reward
in that moment to go to the biggest stage
this brand has ever seen
in Los Angeles on WrestleMania Saturday
at Stand & Deliver.
Stratton joins the field of Dolin and Stark
in the NXT women's championship ladder match.
[music playing]
-Heck of a scrap last week, wolfie. -Yes.
Pretty Deadly are behind us and it's still gallus boys on top.
-You want to break? -Oh, aye.
[music playing]
Gallus boys.
Funny seeing you guys here.
Everybody knows where to find us, Marky.
We're not exactly hard to find, boys.
-You fancy a game? -Yes.
It's your guys' turf, you can break.
Another round for us, and two glasses of milk for our pals here.
Milk? [chuckles]
I'll have what you guys are having, but this guy,
he's already too wild, so maybe stick to water.
[music playing]
-Hard luck, lads. -Great game though.
Yes. See, the thing is, eight-ball was never our game.
Darts,
that's more of our style.
Let's throw some arrows.
[music playing]
Hey, you boys want another round?
That then we'll go two out of three.
-Two out of three sounds good to me. -Let's do it.
You should've stretched before the game.
Pulls out for the win.
[laughter]
For the win.
I didn't take you two for a pair of archers.
Hey, we practice hard on the dojo, but we play even harder outside.
-Yes? -We're tied at one a piece.
We can do this all day, and keep going back and forth,
but I got a better idea for a tiebreaker.
I bet I know what you want and it isn't a game of pool.
-Yes. -Or darts.
Damn straight.
-Stand & Deliver. -Stand & Deliver.
Yes. We're finally over Indus Sher.
We're ready to retake our titles.
-Guess we'll see you in LA. -We'll be keeping the titles.
We'll see in LA.
-Let's go. -I'll shake your hand too.
Oh, boys.
Where are we going?
The next round's on the Don and the underboss.
We got business to discuss.
Stand & Deliver business.
That's right.
It's going to be a long night.
[chuckling]
After you.
[Vic] If anyone knows about multiple challengers, it's him.
He can pick his four opponents for Stand & Deliver.
Will we find out who?
Wes Lee is next.
[music playing]
[Lyra] Stand & Deliver.
Los Angeles,
get ready to soar.
Lyra Valkyria looking to qualify
for the women's championship ladder match,
but with me now is someone who has already qualified, Gigi.
What's your thoughts on the field so far?
It's too early to judge.
As unfortunate as it is, if it wasn't for Roxanne being hurt,
this match wouldn't even be happening.
Also sucks for Jacy and her shoulder, but sorry, not sorry.
She made my life a living hell, so she can sit at home
and watch Stand & Deliver as I climb the ladder
and become the next champion.
McKenzie, you remember the last time I was in a ladder match?
I won and I have been put through the ringer physically, but mentally?
Mentally, you have no idea.
I'm willing to do whatever I need to rip that title down.
Love the confidence you got going on, but did you see
that I just won and now I'm in the match?
You and every other woman's chances just went from possible
to absolutely screwed.
That woman's championship is mine.
Oh my gosh.
Another Tiffany epiphany.
I'm going to win by climbing the ladder all the way to the tippy top.
[chuckles]
I love it.
Toodles.
-[Vic] Do you approve that attitude? -[Book] Toodles.
[announcer] Please welcome, the NXT North American champion,
Wes Lee.
[crowd cheering]
Oh, yo.
Hey, things have been absolutely crazy around here, right?
Y'all have been enjoying these open challenges, correct?
Good. Me too.
I constantly get asked the question, why?
Why are you doing it this way?
Why continue to roll the dice?
Eventually, your number's going to get called, and to that,
I say I don't want to be a hypocrite.
Look, back when I won the championship
at Halloween havoc,
it was my first shot at it.
I knew I had to give it everything that I had,
because if I came up short, I doubt that I would get another chance at it.
Now as champion,
I vowed to give anyone the opportunity
that was in the exact same position that I was in.
[crowd clapping]
Now, secondly,
I know I'm looking deep within myself when I say this, but…
I have a chip on my shoulder.
I feel that I need to prove not only to the whole world,
but to the man in the mirror that I can and will compete
against the best athletes from around the world.
That I deserve to carry this title
and that I deserve to be your
North American champion.
[crowd clapping]
Now, many of you has seen a bit of this fire from that creepy video
that Shawn and I had, and…
you also saw that Shawn Michaels gave me
four spots.
Four spots for four superstars to compete against me
for the North American championship at Stand & Deliver in LA.
And when…
[music starts playing]
[Vic] Well, Book.
Wes Lee said he wanted the best.
It's Dragon Lee,
one of the newest signings to NXT.
The Internet has been a buzz about this superstar.
[Book] That's shucky ducky quack quack moment.
This is it.
[crowd chanting]
Thank you all.
Nice to meet you, Wes.
-Nice to meet you. -You know…
I've come to NXT for the same reason as you,
[speaks Spanish]
[crowd cheering]
But Wes, to me right now,
you are the best,
but you know what?
[speaks Spanish]
I love the chaos,
and at Stand & Deliver in Los Angeles,
I want to be part of that open challenge
against you.
See, this is what I love.
See, I've been following your career
all the way from Mexico to Japan,
and I have constantly wondered what it would be like
if you and I were to tangle.
I thought that once you signed here, it'd be like six to eight months
before you and I got to chop it up,
but everyone knows that I'm impatient.
Let's make it official.
You got the first spot. I see you in LA.
[crowd cheering]
[music playing]
Would you look what it is?
Wes Lee, Dragon Lee.
It's the Lees putting each other over.
It's funny, you two are out here running your mouths
about the best in the world.
I'm backstage warming up.
Dragon, you're new here, I'll give you a pass this week,
but I suggest you grab a chair,
sit your ass front row,
watch a grand master at work,
when I dismantle Ilja Dragunov.
[crowd cheering]
And you,
he's new here, what's your excuse?
My excuse? No.
What's your excuse going to be once Ilja rips you apart?
[crowd cheers]
I think you should count yourself extremely lucky
I haven't had my eyes on that title.
Because if I had, not only would you not be standing here
with that on your shoulder, you wouldn't be standing here at all.
[crowd cheering]
[music playing]
[Vic] One man that's tired of hearing JD McDonagh talk
is Ilja Dragunov.
We've been waiting all week
for this showdown
between these two superstars, Book,
we have to wait no longer.
It's Dragunov, it's McDonagh.
The next chapter of this rivalry
gets written next on NXT.
[yelling]
What are you looking at?
Definitely not the next NXT women's champion.
-Kiana. -Hey.
Looks like Indi Hartwell isn't going to Stand & Deliver,
but we are, tag team champ.
-Hey, we are really… -I've heard enough.
I know what's going on.
Fallon, don't worry. I'm not thinking about the…
That's not what I'm talking about.
What now?
Sebastian.
I have no idea what you're saying.
-This is probably… -Save it. I was in your office.
You were there? How did you get past security?
Yes. Last week.
-I saw your planner and the card. -Card? What card?
-How did you get past security? -That's not what matters.
I don't know how you sleep at night cheating on Brooks like this,
I shouldn't have trusted you, I'll tell him everything.
-Okay. -Yes. Run and tell him,
and screw up everything before this match…
I will, he is like my family,
and you might not care about him, but I do.
[Vic] Time might be up on this conniving Kiana James.
The time is now for McDonagh and Dragunov.
[Book] The fight's breaking out early, this thing is breaking down.
Dragunov has been salivating for weeks for this showdown.
You got to understand, Vic, these two men, their past just refused to go away.
They're going to settle it once and for all here tonight.
Oh, yes.
[Vic] This has been quite the intense rivalry between these two.
Right now, Dragunov just relentless.
Have you ever had such hatred towards someone like these two have
towards each other?
[Book] I always talk about you gotta have that killer instinct
they got there in the middle of that ring.
These make the best fights.
When you got two guys that want the same thing.
If these guys looked in the mirror, they won't see too far from each that.
They are mirror images of each other, Vic.
[Vic] According to Dragunov, he promised this ends tonight.
JD will be left in a pile of body parts as McDonagh now,
innovative takedown.
[Book] Oh, yes.
That's that man right there.
That's that man, JD McDonagh.
[Vic] Speaking of him, there is Dragon Lee who has taken up
JD McDonagh on his invitation to watch firsthand ringside,
have a front-row seat to this matchup.
How about the announcement Dragunov part of that open challenge
in Los Angeles?
[Book] Waiting and anticipating the arrival of Dragon Lee.
Can't wait to see him inside the ring,
that squared circle just because he is good.
He is real good.
[Vic] McDonagh as good as advertised,
Booker, so I'll ask you this.
Do you agree with McDonagh that Ilja is obsessed with him?
[Book] Like I say, they have a past.
Into the cover.
[Book] It's about taking it to the limit.
It's about going out there and finishing your opponent.
These guys are gladiators, Vic.
It's not about friendships or anything like that.
It's about history.
Off the suplex, float over to the cover, and another kick out by Dragunov.
I'm glad you bring up history.
There again, we see Dragon Lee, one of the new signees here in NXT
getting a first-hand look at what he called the chaos
that he loves so much here on this brand.
[Book] We talk about Dragon Lee and the skills of Dragon Lee.
Like I said, the guy is good, but he's here in NXT.
[Vic] A couple of strikes missing.
Finally, Dragunov connects.
And a big strike on both superstars' knees buckling, both men down.
Look at Dragon Lee right there and gently watching this competition.
I'm sure he wishes he was in the middle of that ring.
[crowd chanting]
[Vic] NXT universe loving what they see, but now, oh, McDonagh.
Dragunov answers back.
[Book] Oh, yes.
[Vic] You said these two were gladiators. Snap German suplex. Dragunov holding on.
[Book] You see the velocity of that snap suplex right there.
[Vic] Ilja going for the ride one more time.
McDonagh trying to block, just gets overpowered by Dragunov.
[crowd chanting]
The intensity in the eyes of Dragon Lee almost as intense as Ilja Dragunov,
who's trying for a third German suplex,
and McDonagh able to break the hold able to counter.
Now, looking for Constantine's good night.
[Book] Let me say, it's not going to be about technique
or IQ in this match right here,
this is going to be about intestinal fortitude.
[Vic] Take one more. Dragunov into the cover, a hook of the leg,
Irish ace able to kick out, but feel the impact.
Dragunov. Ilja has talked about, he needs to rid himself of the Irish ace.
[crowd chanting]
[Book] He knows JD McDonagh inside out.
Dragunov is thinking about being on the shelf for a few months
at the hands of this man right here, JD McDonagh.
Redemption is sweet.
[Vic] That's a great point.
Right now, Dragunov thinking about going higher
to inflict more damage.
More pain.
McDonagh back to his feet.
[Book] Talk about JD McDonagh.
This kid's a sniper.
We talked about JD McDonagh.
If he gets you in his sights, Vic, it could be over with quick.
[Vic] McDonagh said that this match would be hard to watch.
Compared it to putting a scalpel to your eye.
As both superstars right back.
Wait a minute, McDonagh now overpowering Dragunov
with a little help,
and now, the complexion of this matchup has changed.
[Book] Yes, get out the latex for this one, Vic.
[Vic] Oh, my god.
JD McDonagh has turned this match around.
[crowd clapping]
Back on NXT, Ilja Dragunov, JD McDonagh.
The next chapter of this rivalry being written here tonight,
and it has been a hard-hitting affair as we saw
throughout the commercial break, and even in a national poll,
JD McDonagh is pushing Ilja Dragunov to his limit.
Right now, Book, Ilja's willingness to sacrifice his body
has been his greatest attribute, but it also is the greatest downfall
according to JD as Dragunov looks on from the inside.
[Book] I agree 100%.
Throwing caution to the wind. I get it.
Doing anything necessary to go out there and get a victory.
I get it, it's his greatest strength and also his greatest weakness.
[Vic] Will McDonagh tap out?
As Dragunov able to counter and McDonagh able to slither his way to the rope.
[Book] Beautiful counter, but Vic, is he worse for wear right now?
Has the damage's been done to Ilja Dragunov?
[Vic] It's a million-dollar question.
Dragunov welcomes pain each and every week,
and I think that answered your question
because who's the first back to their feet?
[Book] Tell you something. JD McDonagh, he knows exactly what he's doing.
He's taking this thing. Like I said,
he's being surgical right now, Vic.
[screams]
[Vic] A swing and a miss.
These two know each other so very well.
McDonagh having it scouted and another slap right to the face.
Again, just relentless kicks
one after another to Dragunov.
Looking for that devil inside.
[Book] JD McDonagh, he knows that Dragunov is his most dangerous
when he's in position right now.
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Dragunov, see, great job by our camera crew,
you can see blood blisters, welts forming on the neck
and chest of Ilja Dragunov
who just connected with McDonagh, and finally,
they may be back to an even playing field here at this moment
because when you look at these two,
they have been standing in each other's way
from accomplishing their own goals.
There's Dragunov right on top of McDonagh raining down elbows.
[Book] This rivalry will go down as one of the greatest of all time.
Hopefully, one day they can sit down and talk about it,
but right now, it's war, man. It's war.
[Vic] You might be sitting on A&E, on an episode of Rivals
talking about McDonagh, talking about Dragunov.
[Book] Exactly what I'm talking about.
[Vic] Swing and a miss.
Oh, and a nice elbow.
That time countered from McDonagh, but look at Dragunov
rising through the pain.
[Book] Two of the best in the business. Two of the best in NXT.
To be the best, you got to compete with the best.
I love it.
Oh, yes.
Rapid-fire chops.
[Vic] Unloading is Dragunov
and the Irish ace's chest bright red.
These two may just fight forever.
Dragunov now again trying to use that unbridled strength.
Cover, count.
Give the devil credit where credit is due.
[Book] That was instinct that kick out.
Look at the power, and then boom.
Bad landing. That was a stiff, stiff landing.
[crowd chanting]
I agree, Vic.
[Vic] This is everything we have come to expect from these two superstars.
As throat first goes McDonagh.
Excuse me, Dragunov.
As McDonagh big powerbomb.
Cover, another count, and another near fall.
[Book] Dragunov needs to be careful
because he's dealing with a mercenary, he's dealing with a professional
inside that squared circle in this man, McDonagh.
[Vic] This is a Stand & Deliver worthy matchup
here tonight on NXT.
One more time Dragunov.
You can see in his eyes, it's not all there.
He's on rubber legs. As another suplex.
What the…?
Back to his feet.
Swing and a miss, and the third one, will it keep Dragunov down?
[Book] Dragunov is dazed and confused right now, but there's no quit,
there is no quit in this young man.
[crowd cheering]
Talk about sucking it up.
Did you hear that shot, Vic?
[Vic] You can hear it from los Angeles,
and the NXT universe is on their feet.
[Book] It's personal, Vic. This is a personal beef.
[Vic] McDonagh is caught.
No! He caught Dragunov.
[Book] Ran right into it.
[Vic] Now trying to lock the hands. JD McDonagh looking for the twister.
Trying to lock it in.
This is what McDonagh locked Dragunov the last time they met,
and it put Dragunov on the shelf for months.
[Book] Trust me, if McDonagh get it locked in, it could be over, but no.
[Book] Dragunov able to turn.
Now Dragunov raining down rights and lefts,
and let's not forget when Dragunov detached the retina
of McDonagh with one of these strikes.
[Book] This is personal right now. It's personal.
[Vic] What are these two willing to do here tonight
to destroy the other?
[crowd chanting]
This is nothing short of amazing, and Dragon Lee
has the best seat in the house.
He wanted to see chaos.
He's seeing it right now.
[Book] Oh, yes.
This thing is breaking down by any means necessary.
Oh, yes.
You wanted to get in the action.
Dragon Lee, welcome to NXT.
[Vic] I don't think he wanted to get this close.
What a cheap shot.
[Book] Yes.
[gasp]
[Vic] Wait a minute.
[Book] Oh, no.
[Vic] You talk about the chaos, it's breaking down.
[Book] No, not this way, Vic.
-[Vic] Incoming. -[Book] The hell?
[Vic] The North American champion.
[crowd cheering]
We need more officials.
[Book] You think?
[Vic] Watch out, Book.
[Book] I'm watching out.
Bron, Bron.
Hey, I didn't need you coming out there to save me.
In this tag match, we're not doing this, will they get along, or don't crap.
-I'm not trying to do it either. -Good.
The Carmelo Hayes that I want to face is the best Carmelo Hayes.
You said it, we have an opportunity to make something special here.
I'm not going let two clowns,
Pretty Deadly,
or you two screw it up.
What do you mean by that?
He is always up to something.
You know it. Hey, hey, hey.
I ain't up to nothing.
I just want you to share the ring with the future NXT champion.
Is that right?
Hey, you want the best at Stand & Deliver, so do I.
Let's finish this.
-All right, bet. -Bet.
Yes, tag match tonight, tag match tonight.
-Yes. -Good doing business with you.
We good.
Wes Lee, you're riled up after what we just saw.
It seems like chaos follows you everywhere.
I really had to throw myself into the fire on this one.
Look, Ilja and JD are never going to be done with each other.
For two weeks, JD has been in my face
and I am sick and tired of it,
so he's got the second spot.
Ilja is known as Europe's finest.
Only one way to put that to the test,
he's got the third now.
JD McDonagh, Ilja Dragunov, and you've already agreed to Dragon Lee.
There's only one spot left.
Who's it going to be?
Hey, Wes.
Got room in the car for one more?
All right, Axiom.
Look, I know you really want this, and you have been close
so many times, but unfortunately, so have many others.
Look, Kenzie, if I really want to give everybody the shot,
it's only one way that I could truly think about it.
Next week, the chaos continues.
We about to have ourselves a Battle Royal, y'all.
The winner gets the fifth and final spot.
That's cool with me.
All I wanted was an opportunity.
Now I have it.
[Vic] Certainly some high stakes as the chaos continues to follow Wes Lee.
[announcer] Please welcome, Johnny Gargano.
[Vic] When we talk about chaos, we…
[crowd booing]
Wait.
Booker, it's obviously not Johnny Gargano.
Javier Bernal.
[Book] Big Body Javy to you, Vic. Big Body Javy.
[Vic] This is not the time in playing fun and games
on the road to Stand & Deliver.
[Book] Why not? Johnny Gargano he loves playing games.
He loves haha.
Why can't Javier, Big Body Javy have some fun?
[crowd booing]
Party pooper, man.
When that music hit, when that music hit,
you all thought Johnny Gargano was coming out,
but you were wrong.
Just like I thought I was going to Stand & Deliver,
the biggest event of the year,
but I was wrong.
You know who's to blame for that?
Johnny Gargano.
Johnny Gargano took my spot.
Who the hell does this guy think he is?
He's been out for, what, 6, 8, 10, 12 months.
Has he been watching?
I am the heart, I am the soul of NXT.
I have been busting my ass for seven years…
seven months.
What does this guy have that I don't have?
Johnny Wrestling, huh?
Johnny Wrestling.
Big Body Javy's better.
I will take Big Body Javy
over Johnny Wrestling any day of the week.
How many Christmas albums has this guy sold?
Zero, none, zilch.
Between the two of us,
we're a triple crown champion in NXT.
Shawn Michaels, HBK, let me tell you this.
You picked the wrong guy…
[music starts playing]
[Vic] I think Javier Bernal picked the wrong time
to mess with Johnny Gargano.
[Book] Talking about a party pooper.
[Vic] Don't accept a copy.
He can't be a 100% after what we saw in raw against Dominik Mysterio,
but I promise you, Johnny Gargano is not in a good mood.
I told you he wasn't in a good mood, Book.
[Book] I like the fight in this kid. I like the fight in him.
[Vic] Gargano is unhinged and rightfully so.
[Book] You know what? I love this Gargano. I like this kid.
[crowd cheering]
Talking about attitude.
[Vic] There is a different look in the eyes of Johnny Gargano tonight.
[Book] You didn't tell me about this guy.
[crowd chanting]
Grayson,
Grayson, Grayson Waller.
I know you're somewhere around here.
I know you're listening.
You want to make things personal?
You want to raise the stakes?
Let's raise the stakes.
In my hand
is a contract
for a type of match
I know very, very, very well.
April 1st, Stand & Deliver,
Grayson Waller versus Johnny Gargano
in an unsanctioned match.
[crowd cheering]
No rules.
Anything goes.
No one is liable for what I do to you.
Grayson,
all you have to do…
-[Grayson] Johnny. -is come down here and sign it.
-Hey, Johnny. -Yes.
-Right here. -Pretty fired up tonight, huh?
You're looking a bit better
than when I left you a beaten man on your front lawn.
I get it, you're upset about last week,
but an unsanctioned match?
You want to embarrass yourself again on the biggest stage NXT has?
That's too far, even for you.
Not far enough.
Come on down here and sign it. Come on. Face to face.
Come on. Now. Let's go.
You think I'm going to come down?
You're crazy lad, but here's what I will do.
You hand that piece of paper to your best buddy Vic,
and next week
I'll sign it,
under one condition.
-What? -I need you banned from the building.
If I even catch a glimpse of you, I ain't signing, lad,
and then you don't get what you want.
[crowd screaming]
If that's going to get you here, fine.
Deal, let's do it.
Vic, come on.
Give this to him.
Next week give that to him.
You know what to do.
[crowd screaming]
[Book] Oh, yes.
It's on.
It's going to be on.
I cannot wait.
Vic, you need to mind your distance, bro.
You need to stay out of that, man.
[Vic] Well, I got the contract in hand.
Will Grayson Waller sign it next week?
[music playing]
[Eddy] There's more to us than you think.
I appreciate the significance of my heritage,
but I must carry the responsibility of progression.
I will hold my people up,
and lead the way forward.
[music playing]
Ivy Nile, last week Tatum Paxley walked out on you,
I can only imagine how devastated you are.
Yes, I was surprised like everyone else.
It took me a long time to trust someone like I trusted Tatum.
I let my guard down and I got burnt.
She's a little out there, so Julius, and Brutus, and I
just let her do her own thing,
but we really felt she was a part of Diamond Mine.
So for her to say that we were never a team just really…
but tonight it's not about her.
Tonight I have a huge opportunity.
If I beat Lyra,
I get a chance to go to Stand & Deliver,
and possibly become
the new women's champ,
and even Tatum can't ruin that.
[music playing]
[Vic] Well, there is obviously a lot on the kind of Ivy Nile
who has a very positive attitude heading into this matchup.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following is a women's championship qualifier match.
Introducing first, representing Diamond Mine,
Ivy Nile.
[Vic] We're about to find out who earns the fourth spot
in the NXT women's championship ladder match
at Stand & Deliver.
Will it be Nile, or Valkyria? Next.
A revolution started in the WWE,
led by every woman to step foot
inside the squared circle.
The superstars and the headliners,
all of you have inspired people all over the world.
We've set the standard so we have to keep going,
it's one thing to get to the top, then it's a whole other thing
to stay there.
What do you say, ladies?
Everyone's journey's unique,
and mine's been one hell of a ride.
[Vic] The butterflies have to be the size of eagles inside Walker.
[Book] Guy's a damn security guard.
He is a rent-a-cop in NXT.
He's got no music.
He hasn't got any gear.
He's nowhere near ready to get in the ring.
Hank the tank unleashed.
[Vic] Into the cover, could it be?
[crowd] One, two, three.
[Vic] You got to be kidding me.
[Book] Security guy set this place on fire.
Congratulations, big win.
I'd like to take this time to offer you an official NXT contract, big man.
I've always been an athlete,
I was a three-year offensive lineman in NC state,
but no sport in the world
prepared me for the WWE.
Been a lot of ups and downs in the past months,
from being a security guard, making new friends,
finding a mentor in Drew Gulak.
Saw a lot of missteps last week, but it's nothing we can't fix.
How much has Walker grown under the tutelage of Drew Gulak?
We're building a superstar.
Then being left by my mentor.
[Vic] So close, Book. He's not going to tap.
He finally had to.
Had no choice.
Hey, this is uncalled for.
[Book] This kid is in a lot of trouble.
[Vic] Wait a minute. What's Gulak doing?
Guys like Drew Gulak, Charlie Dempsey, they can't see.
I came here to find the best of the best,
and that's not Hank Walker.
They say I'm not good for this.
I'm going to work my ass off to prove them wrong.
All I got is myself, and contrary to popular belief, that's enough.
I don't need to change who I am. I need to continue evolving.
Luckily for me, that's what NXT is all about.
[crowd chanting]
That was cute.
Yes, it's definitely one way of putting it,
but Walker still lacks any killer instinct.
Yes, exactly.
A teacher can only open the door, but it's on you to walk through.
That's why he'll be nothing more than another nice guy.
[music playing]
[announcer] Making her way to the ring, Lyra Valkyria.
[Vic] The fourth superstar to qualify
for NXT Stand & Deliver
on WrestleMania Saturday, will it be Ivy Nile,
or will it be Valkyria?
-[Vic] We'll find out. -[Book] Yes. It will be a good matchup.
[Vic] You've gotta know Ivy Nile over the last month or so, a lot.
She came down, trained with you in Texas.
Can she block out the noise? Can she focus on tonight?
Can she punch her ticket to LA?
[Book] I hope so, because she is a student of the game.
She has the capabilities, Vic,
to be a next-level superstar.
[Vic] Shoulders down. What a pinning combination and a kick out.
[Book] Valkyria, Vic. Talk about talent.
[Vic] You talk about outside noise, Valkyria seems to be
one of the few that has nothing to be… nothing distracts her.
She's focused on one thing.
[Book] Valkyria, she's not here to just take part here, Vic.
She's here to make a Mark in NXT, WWE, as well as move to that next level.
I see nothing but stars for this young lady.
Oh, wait a minute.
[Vic] You talk about star power, about NXT,
the superstars of tomorrow here today will get the opportunity
to shine in Los Angeles, at NXT Stand & Deliver.
We could be on the verge of a breakout moment for one of these two,
as Nile into a submission, looking for the tap.
If there is a tap, she'll go to Los Angeles,
she'll go to the ladder match, and Valkyria coming out.
[Book] You can tell right now, Ivy Nile's taking that training
in Diamond Mine very serious.
Always question the training, because training to win
is very, very definite in this business.
Oh, yes.
[Vic] We've seen Valkyria deliver some strikes, look at Nile,
Nile saying, "Hit me. Bring it.
I want it. Let's go."
Nile answering right back.
[Book] Training to win right there.
Willing to take it to that next level, to go through anything to be the best.
That's what she is trying to do.
[Vic] Talking about perseverance,
the reason for the ladder match is due to the help of Roxanne Perez,
as you see Tatum Paxley looking on.
Obviously her own issues with Ivy Nile.
We heard from Perez earlier, we saw the tweet you have no doubt,
that she will be back stronger than ever.
[Book] No doubt…
[Vic] Into the cover, hook of the leg, near fall.
[Book] Take you down that road is going to make your life stronger.
She's going to be back. Yes.
[Vic] Now fighting right back into this matchup is Valkyria.
We saw Tatum Paxley, we know how much it had to hurt Ivy now to have…
Paxley turn her back on Nile last week, but look at Valkyria,
the combination the quick offense rocking Nile and now Valkyria
could be looking for that northern light's suplex, blocked by Nile.
[Book] When I look at Valkyria, she's only been here a few months,
Vic, like you said, no distraction,
you haven't had a whole lot of time to make friends.
She's thinking about trying to cash in and move to that next level,
get on that radar of the upper offense.
Look at Nile now.
We've seen Nile tap out so many in the past.
Valkyria though so close to the ropes.
Up and over able to break the hold, nice counter.
German suplex from Valkyria, these two women competing at a high level,
three are in, who will be the fourth, who will head to Stand & Deliver?
[Book] Beautiful spin kick. Beautiful. That's it.
[Vic] Into the cover and Valkyria
secures the fourth position in Los Angeles.
[announcer] Here is your winner, Lyra Valkyria.
[Vic] Valkyria's done collecting feathers,
she wants gold,
and she's one step closer to that goal.
[Book] Let me say one thing, Lyra Valkyria said, a simple dream
is more powerful than a thousand realities.
She's looking to make that dream come true
here in NXT, Vic.
[Vic] Take a look, feel the impact,
right under the jaw
for Valkyria who is headed
to NXT Stand & Deliver.
Valkyria is ready to soar in Los Angeles,
as she is the fourth entry
into the NXT women's championship
ladder match one week from Saturday.
[crowd cheering]
[yelling]
Where's your pal?
Where is she?
[yelling]
Break it up. Hey.
Come on. That's enough.
[yelling]
[referee] Hey you two, knock it off.
Relax, wait till next Saturday.
-You good? -Yes.
Listen, Fallon, you can't tell Brooks,
it's got to come from me.
Okay.
What the hell was that?
[Vic] Well, we have seen a lot of chaos here tonight.
When we come back, these two teams
will meet in the great debate.
It happens on NXT.
Hey, Wes.
Hey, who you got winning the Battle Royal next week?
I don't feel you could predict something like that.
You sit back watch it and enjoy like I plan on doing
-just like each and every one of you. -Wes?
I'll see you at Stand & Deliver.
All right.
Don't think that I forgot about you.
All right.
I was stopped once,
but there's no one that will stop me
in this Battle Royal.
[Book] Oh, Vic.
[Vic] What are you laughing at?
I respect Wes Lee, man,
because he's putting himself,
I'm talking about his back's against the wall, Vic.
I mean. Come on. Come on.
Everybody wants an opportunity at the North American championship
and everyone wants the opportunity to be heard
and our newest backstage correspondence
is ready for the great debate.
Welcome everyone to the great debate.
I'm Blake and we're here with two groups that feel
they have the best teaching methods in NXT,
The Schism
and Andre Chase university.
Yeah!
[crowd cheering]
Our first two debaters.
How does your group approach the topic of inclusion.
Rip?
Togetherness has always been
the founding principle of The Schism.
Whilst others hide behind their masks,
we have removed ours
and prospered together.
Duke Hudson,
Ava presented you with a gift,
an opportunity to remove your mask
of phony school spirit
and The Schism
will welcome you with open arms.
Duke?
I…
Yes,
Ava did give me a mask.
I don't know.
Our university has passion.
Give me a sense of belonging.
Right?
It's nice to feel included in things,
I guess.
That's what I think about inclusion.
What the hell was that?
Our next debaters?
How does your group make you feel safe?
Ava?
The world is a harsh and uninviting place,
but I rest comfortably in loving arms
knowing that there is safety
under The Schism's tree.
Andre Chase University
offers a false sense of security
made up of cement walls,
but The Schism raises invisible walls
that block out the world's negativity.
It allows our minds and bodies
to wander freely beyond.
Thea?
Webster's defines safety as the condition of being safe from hurt, injury or loss.
Protection from that comes from healing
and I've learned how to heal through the connections made at Chase.
The Schism while claiming safety
brainwash you into believing in safety
and that is hazardous to the mind body and soul.
Thank you.
Good night.
[crowd cheering]
-Where did that come from? -Who knows. I blanked out.
Our next debaters.
You got it, Chase. You got this.
How would you rate the preparedness of the other members of your group
to lead the nest, Andre?
Thank you, Blake.
Mr. Chase, your students already answered that for you.
They are not prepared.
A marbled mouth doubter
and a reprogrammed wind up toy,
they don't know which way is up.
Moderator, tally the scores.
Pardon my tardiness, Mr. Chase.
Mind if I toss my cap into the ring on this one?
By all means.
Thank you.
How would you sum up the experience of your group?
Jagger.
It's simple. Four roots…
one tree.
Tyler?
I can objectively say
that to excel in NXT,
it takes more than just physical prowess
inside the squared circle.
It takes a big strong mind
open to new ideas
to collaborate and learn, willing to listen to what others have to say
just as they would for you.
Now, the Chase University experience
is one of growth and constant evolution.
It's ignited a career in Thea Hail,
rejuvenated Duke Hudson,
and fortified Andre Chase himself.
Now, the growth of Chase University
is the growth of NXT
and that's something that The Schism
has never and will never achieve.
[crowd cheering]
Thank you. That was great.
Now that we've beaten you philosophically, how about we beat you physically?
-Yes. -Right. How about a match?
You four low lives versus us,
Schism versus Chase U and Tyler Bate
at Stand & Deliver?
We're going to give you an Andre Chase University-sized ass kicking.
[crowd cheering]
No. No. No. No.
The Dyad beat Chase U as a tag team,
and Andre,
I beat you one-on-one.
The Schism is far superior to Chase University
physically and philosophically.
You know what,
there's nothing left to gain here.
We'll put up the school.
What did you say?
Duke, what are you doing?
You heard me, Gacy.
Stand & Deliver,
winner gets control of Chase University.
You're on.
[Vic] What did Duke just do?
As we now turn out attention
to the host of Stand & Deliver
and the main event of Stand & Deliver.
It's tag team action.
It's next on NXT.
[music playing]
Oh, boys, will you look at the time.
It's been great and all,
but me and stacks got a thing we got to take care of.
Nice place you got, though. Might need a broom.
Don't you guys know a cleaning service?
We do, but not the one you're thinking of.
Man, that was fun.
Well, why does it got… why's it got…
why's it got to stop?
We got everything we came for.
Yes, and then some.
Well, let's bring all that fun to Stand & Deliver.
Have ourselves a triple threat match?
See you boys in LA.
Don't forget to tip the bartender.
[Vic] Well, we will set the tone at WrestleMania weekend.
As you can see, the field as it currently stands.
Who will climb the ladder?
Who will retrieve the gold, who will call themselves
the NXT women's champion
in Los Angeles?
The feel-good return of Johnny Gargano by the hands of Shawn Michaels
ruined by Grayson Waller,
who attacked Gargano
at his home a week ago.
The rules may be thrown out the window come Stand & Deliver
if Waller signs the unsanctioned contract next week.
The Wes Lee open challenge heads to Los Angeles,
as the champion has handpicked the field
except for one spot still remains.
Can Wes Lee overcome the odds
on WrestleMania Saturday?
It is official,
the fate of Chase University
hangs in the balance
of this eight-person showdown.
Who's principles will bring them power
at Stand & Deliver?
The NXT women's tag team titles will be on the line,
as the champions have their own inner turmoil
while the unholy challengers
look to bring darkness to NXT.
Could it happen in LA?
This championship matchup
also just made official,
as the NXT tag team titles will be defended
under triple threat rules.
Gallus does not need to be factored in the decision
to lose the gold on WrestleMania Saturday.
Since their arrival,
they have been on a collision course.
Two of the best in this brand will team tonight,
but in Los Angeles,
it's the match we have all been waiting for.
Breakker, Hayes for the NXT championship
at Stand & Deliver.
[music playing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is tag team match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, kit Wilson, Elton Prince, Pretty Deadly.
[Vic] Of course, when we talk about Pretty Deadly,
when we talk about Los Angeles,
when we talk about NXT Stand & Deliver,
on WrestleMania Saturday,
as they have referred to themselves,
I mentioned earlier, the two tasty snacks
of the main course will be with us.
When the lights are the brightest, on the biggest state of them all,
the biggest weekend of the year,
WrestleMania NXT Stand & Deliver,
we are taking a look at the two superstars
who are going to be driving this ship on Saturday.
I can't believe I'm about to say this, Book,
Pretty Deadly are the hosts
of NXT Stand & Deliver.
They're going to be essentially
in control to a certain degree of things.
[Book] Not just that, Vic. They've got a chance to knock off
two of the biggest stars in NXT
right here in the middle of this ring tonight.
That's what I'm looking forward to.
[Vic] Of course, Stand & Deliver special start time of 1:00 pm eastern,
and 10:00 am pacific.
[music playing]
[announcer] Their opponents, first, accompanied by Trick Williams,
Carmelo Hayes.
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Are you as confused as the rest?
Even Pretty Deadly was confused
by Trick making this pairing tonight in Breakker.
[Book] Trick Williams putting his Don King hat on tonight,
being a matchmaker.
Let me tell you, he's done a good job.
[music playing]
[crowd cheering]
[screams]
[announcer] His tag team partner,
he is the NXT champion, Bron Breakker.
[Vic] Earlier tonight, the NXT champion say
he wants Hayes at 100%.
Bron Breakker wants no excuses
in Los Angeles.
He wants no excuses after Stand & Deliver.
[Book] Give the man his proper entrance, Vic.
No bread, no water, just meat.
That's that man, Bron Breakker,
the NXT champion.
[Vic] Him and Hayes looking at Pretty Deadly.
I got to go back to them for a moment.
You have to admit they're a little neurotic to think
that last week is forgotten.
Everything that happened with Gallus is forgotten.
The NXT tag titles… you wipe it away, you don't wipe away what happened
at the end of last week when they were put through the table,
after the contract signing.
Things aren't just taken away because you say so
just because you're the host of the show.
[Book] Kit Wilson, Elton Prince,
they know exactly what I'm talking about.
Right now, they've put themselves in a great position being the host.
That mean they're going to see everything, not just see it…
But oversee everything going on.
I love it.
[Vic] Now, quickly into the cover. I got to ask you this much.
You hear a lot of trash talk coming, but when you take a look
at Breakker and Carmelo Hayes, a champion team with the challenger.
It's not unprecedented.
It happened last night between Asuka and Bianca Belair.
You go back to Cena, Michaels facing the undertaker,
Batista ahead of their respective match at WrestleMania.
Cena, Michaels were world tag team champions
when they collided at WrestleMania.
[Book] It's great to be in the ring
with a guy that you'll be mixing it up real soon.
The thing is, Vic, there's no honor among thieves.
This thing could break out at any time, man.
[Vic] Well, Wilson tagging out quickly.
Right now, Pretty Deadly in control.
I mean, you had a really good point earlier.
There's a lot to gain for Pretty Deadly right now.
No. No, like I said, just being the overseers…
Stop. You're not going to ruin Stand & Deliver for us.
I promise you. Come on.
[crosstalk]
Breakker doing nothing wrong,
but did issue the warning, as he said earlier.
[Book] That goes to my point, Vic. Honor among thieves.
-This kid, Bron Breakker… -Imminent cover, hook of the leg.
[Book] He's a stand-up dude. I like that.
[Vic] Pretty Deadly in control, as we talk about Hayes able to reverse.
What a kick from Carmelo Hayes.
The same could be said… and just turning it around is Wilson.
In comes Prince.
[Book] Kit Wilson and Elton Prince, these guys are a hell of a tag team
looking to get back in that position.
They've been a little bit combobulated lately,
but tonight all of that could be rectified.
Here we… [surprised expression]
[Vic] A little bit of a standoff, but right now, Pretty Deadly swinging.
Hayes and Breakker… on the same page.
-[Book] Good tag teamwork. I like it. -[Vic] Just getting long darted.
[Vic] Breakker now taking out Pretty Deadly wiped out.
[Book] Breakker stunned them.
[Vic] Challenger at Stand & Deliver in control.
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Well, maybe not on the same page in that moment.
The champion and the challenger continue to stand tall.
Back on NXT. Pretty Deadly in control
of Breakker and Hayes as you witnessed
throughout the commercial break here on NXT,
and before the break, the champion and challenger were rolling,
they were on the same page, take another look,
the athleticism mixed with the strength.
It was all on par.
It was all going together, and then all of a sudden,
Pretty Deadly up to their old Tricks,
and able to turn things around in this matchup,
and right now, Bron Breakker trying to turn things around in this moment,
but unable to do just that.
You're talking about Gall and Gumption when it comes to Pretty Deadly.
All these guys have done is mock and make fun of everyone
as Hayes opening the door here
for Bron Breakker.
[Book] Vic, they're a true tag team, and right now, they got Bron Breakker
in a bad situation over the wrong side of town, but here we go. Quick tag.
[Vic] A tag was made to Carmelo.
You see Trick Williams on the outside pad of paper in hand.
He has been taking notes. He has been watching Bron closely,
but Breakker now getting up close look at his challenger
at NXT Stand & Deliver.
A week from Saturday.
WrestleMania Saturday.
The youngest main event in WrestleMania weekend history.
Take a look at the innovative offense from the challenger
who's in the cover, hook of the leg and a near fall.
[Book] This young man right here, this young man is unbelievable.
[Vic] Take another look at Carmelo Hayes,
who's so seamlessly
has quite the offensive playbook, but Book, I want to ask you,
if you take a look at Bron and Carmelo, what does that say to you?
[Book] Wait a minute, Vic. Wait one second.
Right now, Carmelo is down.
-[Book] Could be out. -[Vic] Into the cover goes Prince.
-[Vic] Hook to the leg, and near fall. -[Book] No. No.
[Vic] When we talk about Stand & Deliver the winner will advance.
It's the last chance women's championship qualifying triple threat match.
One of those three women will advance, one of those 20 superstars
will also advance to the North American championship match.
At Stand & Deliver the Wes Lee open challenge,
but Book, I'm holding it in my hands right here.
That contract for the unsanctioned man,
will Grayson Waller sign
what I'm holding in my hand?
[Book] Vic, that's a big question right there, will he do it?
Will he want, but the thing is, Vic, you need to mind your business though.
I don't know how you got in the middle of that,
but you need to mind your business, bro.
[Vic] For the moment, I'll focus on what we are witnessing here in the main event,
watch Pretty Deadly, we've talked about the championships,
about Stand & Deliver.
How about a triple-threat tag team match for the NXT tag team titles in LA?
[Book] It's going to be a matchup of all matchups.
I tell you, let's get back with the action here.
Let's stay with kit Wilson.
Let's stay with Elton Prince, the debonair duo about to get a win.
[Vic] Bron into the covering.
Kick out by Hayes.
[Book] Back to your question.
What does this mean for Bron Breakker and Carmelo Hayes?
Two of the pillars here in NXT.
You look at Bron Breakker, a guy who's been training for this moment,
a guy who has been trained to be champion,
and then you look at a kid like Carmelo Hayes,
a guy that looking to go past the stars to the nebular,
that's going to be our hell of a matchup at Stand & Deliver.
[Vic] That's going to be the main event,
-[Vic] but now, Pretty Deadly taking… -[Book] Oh, yes.
[Vic] The challenger for the title come out, lay in another near fall.
That right shoulder just getting up off the mat.
I talked about Pretty Deadly all fun in games.
You don't like this or that, you've called me a party pooper,
you're as bad as me, you look at them,
all they want to do is have fun.
You condone their type of fun?
[Book] They do have fun, but in that grass circle,
it's all about business.
No playing, no jiving.
Look at them right now, technical as they can be.
[Vic] They have been in control for the last minute,
and now Breakker and Hayes trying to get it together.
I just peeked up and looked at Trick.
He's put his pad of paper down.
He's as focused as Hayes and Breakker.
Tag was made.
Prince is back into the matchup and is right back on top of Carmelo,
and I wonder what's on Bron's mind right now,
Because he said he once met a 100% into the cover,
hook of the leg, another kick out.
Bron Breakker doesn't want an excuse, an injury, he wants to get back.
[Book] It's a unique situation.
You say Bron Breakker don't want Carmelo Hayes
to make it to that match a hundred percent.
-[Vic] He said it. -[Book] Do we really?
That's the question. I'm just saying. I'm just saying it's about keeping up…
[Vic] Up and over, and a near fall.
[Book] So close.
[Vic] Right back down into the cover for Prince
hook of the leg and another kick out.
You're talking about the eye test,
you're talking about passing the eye test, so to speak.
Every time I've looked up, every time I've seen Bron Breakker,
he is winced with every elbow, every slam, every leg drop.
-[Vic] He doesn't… -[Book] I get it.
[Vic] For the challenger.
[Book] Give some credit to this tag team of Pretty Deadly
the tag team powers of this team right now.
Isolating this man Carmelo Hayes about to cash in on a big victory.
This is a moment, man.
[Vic] Don't assume anything early.
Looking for the tag, reaching out, and now Hayes.
Enzuigiri didn't connect.
You have to wonder how much is left in Carmelo,
and, oh, there's a separation.
There's the tag, and in comes the NXT champion, Bron Breakker.
The man who has a chip on his shoulder who's main event
his second Stand & Deliver
on a WrestleMania Saturday.
[Book] This guy right here, like I said, he was made to do this.
He was born to be in this ring throwing hands,
and right now he's picking up momentum, he's picking up…
Oh, my god.
[Vic] Just dropping Wilson is Breakker.
Look, Melo has faced the best of the best, but Bron Breakker
is showing you he is different than anyone that Carmelo has faced.
The hips.
[Book] The hip action right there on that big throw right there.
Check this out right there. Look at this beef. Look at that.
[Vic] Look at that impact,
and then take a look at the nasty landing here
for Wilson.
Face first and now a bulldog.
[Vic] That is something that Carmelo must face.
[Vic] Into the cover, hook of the leg.
[Book] The strength, the explosiveness of this young man, Bron Breakker.
[Vic] I wonder what Trick has been writing down
about Bron, now Hayes back into it,
and this is that competitive spirit in Carmelo Hayes.
He wants to win just as bad…
[Book] Oh, so close.
[Vic] Carmelo just tossed Breakker out of the way
to open the door for the spear.
[Book] Crushed him.
[Vic] Breakker…
making the tag,
opening the door
for nothing but net.
[Book] Yes.
[Vic] When Hayes shoots, he don't miss,
and will the same be said a week from Saturday?
[announcer] Here are your winners,
Carmelo Hayes and the NXT champion,
Bron Breakker.
[Vic] I'm sure Trick Williams filled up that notepad from ringside,
what a win for Breakker and Hayes
here tonight over Pretty Deadly.
I take nothing away from a Pretty Deadly brought here tonight
because they almost were able to outsmart the champion and challenger,
but somehow, someway, champion and challenger
fell on the same page.
[Book] Man, that spear was nasty.
[Vic] Bron Breakker made the tag
to let Carmelo Hayes fly through the air
to hit nothing but net, but we always wonder,
we know what Carmelo Hayes was doing here tonight,
but look at Bron Breakker.
He looked up, he saw Carmelo Hayes,
he's put together his own notepad
in the back of his mind
for what's going to take place in Los Angeles.
[music playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Somewhat of a sign of respect
between both superstars,
the two hand-picked superstars
to lead this generation of NXT.
The showdown finally happens
for the NXT title Breakker or Hayes
at Stand & Deliver.
Subtitles: Cecilia Rios er or Hayes