[WWE intro music plays]
[male voice] Then.
[bell tolls]
[male voice] Now.
Forever.
Together.
[energetic music plays]
[Vic Joseph] Next up is Hollywood.
Welcome to the final NXT before Stand & Deliver.
[Beth] Apollo Crews.
[Vic] Twenty superstars in total.
They're competing to face this man to earn that fifth and final spot
at the open challenge, Wes.
First off, welcome back to the announcer desk.
[Wes Lee] Oh, thank you very much for having me back, Vic.
[Vic] It's over the top rope. Both feet must hit the floor once that happens.
-[Vic] Whoa. Oh. -[bell rings]
[Vic] Look at that Scrypts, the bell's rung,
and there's already the first elimination. Quincy, is he gone?
[Quincy Elliott] Yes, he's been sent to the back.
Once you go over to the top, both feet hit, you are out.
Wes, I got to ask you, as the chaos has begun,
that's been your word the last few weeks,
is this the most pressure you've ever felt not just as champion
but since you laced your boots for the first time?
[Lee] Oh, 100% but it's pressure that I enjoy.
This is not my first Stand & Deliver,
but this is my first one that I'm going into alone and as a champion.
[Booker T.] It's a plethora of talent in that ring but my question is
why didn't you give Axiom that fifth spot? Why?
[Vic] He's got to earn the fifth spot by winning this Battle Royal.
He opened the door--
[Booker] What I'm saying is, is it something you fear about Axiom?
[Lee] No, not necessarily fear, Book.
I mean, I just want a fair opportunity for everybody.
[Vic] There's a lot of bodies as Booker, man, look at Dempsey over the top rope.
That's Jinder Mahal, of course,
the former WWE champion who's made a career of shocking victories.
We see Axiom and Scrypts, Dante Chen, hoisted high above the ring.
Chen down.
What an opportunity indeed for any of these superstars,
even Damon Kemp, to make their way to Los Angeles.
But Booker does bring up a pretty good question
as now Chen teetering over the top rope.
Dempsey again, he's teetering and Chen, if both feet hit, he has been eliminated.
Why make it self-imposed?
Why do this to yourself? I think that's what Booker was trying to say.
-[Lee] Understandable. I mean-- -[Booker] Oh. Wow.
[Vic] Oh, the boot from Dijak eliminates Chen.
[Lee] But even though it is self-imposed,
I need this pressure to make myself better.
I want to prove that I can compete against any and everyone.
Period.
[Booker] I get it.
Preparation is the only luck you ever going to have, young man,
and to make it on that next level, you need that.
I get it and I respect that.
[Vic] Well, see, this is-- Oh, and another elimination
as the field starting to shrink, as Jinder Mahal in control.
Obviously, Jinder Mahal has to be the odds-out favorite
to head to Los Angeles.
[Booker] Jinder Mahal. I mean, you got Dijak, you got Dabba-Kato.
Can you imagine one of those guys getting that fifth spot?
[Vic] Damon Kemp now is teetering and again,
I mean all these superstars, they're fighting for that final spot.
-Kemp is out. -[Booker] Wow.
[Vic] Nasty landing for Damon Kemp.
Booker's over here, he thinks it's funny.
[Booker] No.
[Vic] He's talking about money. He's talking about cash and checks.
You're about Championships, you're about putting in the hard work.
You're about giving opportunities--
-[Booker] Vic. -[Vic] What?
[Booker] Those two go together, checks and Championships.
Those two go together.
That's exactly what I'm talking about here.
[Vic] Oh, what a knee from Enofe.
Dijak now is rocked and Dijak, Enofe, Blade. Oh, whoa, whoa.
[Booker] I'll tell you something, guys, my expectation--
[Vic] I think only one foot hit. Oh, one foot was just one.
Now, it's two. Dijak's been eliminated.
[Booker] I'll tell you something.
The one guy you better keep your eye on in this match-up is Dempsey.
That kid right there, he's like an octopus.
-[Vic] Look at-- -[Booker] Oh, wow.
[Vic] Well, Dijak, come on.
-What's the meaning behind this? -[Booker] Retribution.
-[Vic] Odyssey Jones. -[Booker] That's what it's about, Vic.
-[Vic] This is uncalled for. -[Booker] What are you talking about?
[Vic] Well, Dijak got eliminated so he takes Odyssey Jones out.
Jones can barely get back to his feet and there's Jinder Mahal.
Obviously, the opportunist sees the window open
and eliminates Odyssey Jones.
[Booker] You talk like that's a bad thing.
[Vic] Mahal. Oh, the former WWE champion, trying to get back in Blade.
Enofe is holding on.
What a way to kick off the final NXT before Stand & Deliver
this Saturday in Los Angeles.
Mahal, Enofe, Blade.
Whoa. Trying to-- Oh, Crews.
[Booker] Wow.
[Vic] You talking about seeing a window, Apollo Crews just saw one
to eliminate a superstar and there goes Scrypts who's out.
[Booker] Wow. What a great opportunity right there.
You're talking about that window being open.
If you can see a window open,
you better slide in and quick because it can open.
-[Vic] Big body Javi-- -[Booker] Whoa.
[Vic] Gets tossed for a big elimination.
[indistinct]
[Vic] Who's going to earn the fifth and final spot at Stand & Deliver?
We are back and Axiom over the top rope and able to hold on.
This started with 20 superstars.
The winner, the last one standing will advance
to the north American Championship match and Stand & Deliver.
The open challenge held by our guest on commentary at this moment,
the north American champion himself, Wes Lee.
Look at Walker, trying to wear down Drew Gulak.
-Dempsey from behind. -[Booker] Check it out, Vic.
[Vic] Walker and Gulak eliminated. Gulak doesn't seem to care.
He's going right ahead to Walker.
We are down to six superstars.
Oh, there's no love loss now between Crews and Dabba-Kato.
Well-documented history between those two superstars.
Oh, Crews now rocking Dabba-Kato just catching Apollo.
[Booker] Oh, the big man got him. Oh, wow.
[Vic] See you later Crews.
Obviously, he didn't have the vision for what was going to happen here tonight.
We are down to just five superstars left.
[Booker] The one guy I'm talking about Charlie Dempsey.
He's pretty much hiding in plain sight.
Let me tell you, if he gets his hands on you,
he's going to stick you like gorilla glue. Oh, wow.
[Vic] Little extra courtesy of Axiom for Frazer and Axiom right in on Mahal.
Mahal the former WWE champion goes up, goes over.
-[Booker] So close. -[Vic] Able to hold on.
I'm looking at our guest this moment who is jumping and cringing
in every moment as Mahal taken out.
[cheers and applause]
[Vic] Talking about a double team, tag team action.
[Vic] Wes, you were looking at the final four.
Dabba-Kato, the big man teetering.
-[Booker] Oh, he's close, Vic. So close. -[Vic] They're working together.
It took three men to eliminate Dabba-Kato.
-[Booker] Wow. -[Vic] Three.
[Booker] They had to band together to eliminate that--
[Vic] Hey.
-[Booker] One big man. -[Vic] What's going on, dawg?
[Booker] What a great combo.
He's looking at you, dawg.
[Vic] But there ain't nothing he can do about it.
[Vic] You're really hearing it from the NXT Universe
but three superstars remain.
You're taking a look at Frazer.
You're taking a look at Axiom and Dempsey.
Right now, one of these three is headed to Los Angeles.
Axiom trying to keep his feet on the floor.
He loves to fly high, but he's got to stay grounded.
[Booker] Oh, wow.
Axiom all he wanted was the opportunity, Vic.
He's getting the ultimate opportunity to get--
-[Vic] Frazer. -[Booker] Oh, whoa.
Wow.
[cheers and applause]
[Vic] Who is going to be added to the field this Saturday afternoon?
[Booker] Oh, there goes Dempsey with the balance. The balance of Dempsey.
[Vic] Four are in, one spot remains, and what a way to choose
that fifth and final competitor and what way to kick us off on the final NXT
before Stand & Deliver.
[Booker] Wow.
[Vic] This 20-man over-the-top-rope Battle Royal.
[Booker] Big shot there by Charlie Dempsey. Whoa.
[Vic] Oh.
He is out.
Dempsey went over the top rope and Axiom, presence of mind,
I mean, a great effort throughout this match-up shown by Charlie Dempsey.
You can't take anything away. Nathan Frazer, right here.
Bam. Pinpoint accuracy, and then not to be outdone just a little--
Oh, Axiom realizing it and now we are down to two.
[crowd chanting] NXT!
[Booker] Oh, yes.
[Vic] You can forget about sportsmanship. These two want to go to L.A.
These two want to be on the grandest stage of them all,
-Wrestlemania Saturday-- -[Booker] Oh, yes.
[Vic] At Stand & Deliver and the pace is quick between Axiom and Frazer.
Axiom now for moment was is teetering.
Frazer comes back down, gets his right foot caught, spins around, and connects.
[Booker] When I first stepped into the doors here at NXT,
it was these two right here, Axiom-Frazer.
[Vic] It doesn't matter about pins. He's got to eliminate Axiom.
Axiom able to catch himself. Look at the quickness on display.
Wes, you are going to have to compete against one of these 2 men and 3 others.
[Booker] Talk about Axiom, Vic, this Axiom personified at his highest peak, on high.
-Oh, yes. -[cheers and applause]
[Vic] NXT Universe on their feet. One of these two.
[crowd chanting] This is awesome!
[Vic] This Battle Royal will determine who the fifth and final entry
is into Wes Lee's open challenge this Saturday in four nights.
Will it be Axiom? Will it be Frazer?
Two men that had been friendly with each other in the past
but Book, as you like to say, friendship thrown out the window.
[Booker] Yes, indeed. I like it. I love the competition of these two
because we know they're going to throw everything out the window,
throwing caution to the wind, no doubt.
[Vic] You can throw it out the window, but you got to throw your opponent
-over the top rope. -[Booker] Wow.
[Vic] Axiom might be out.
If Frazer can get to his feet,
he might be able to dump Axiom over the top rope.
-[Booker] That was a one-shot. -[Vic] How the hell is Axiom moving?
[Booker] That was the one shot right there.
[Vic] I think Axiom realizes he had to get back to his feet.
He had to get back to a vertical base but now is in a precarious position.
[Booker] Yes, right there. Axiom is seeing the stars, Vic.
Right now, he's about to go to the nebula if Nathan Frazer can finish it right here.
[Vic] Look at Axiom trying to turn it around, looking to lock in a submission.
Frazer, though able to block and able to create some separation.
One shot at immorality to win a Championship at Stand & Deliver,
to win a Championship on Wrestlemania weekend.
-[Booker indistinct] -[Vic] Frazer rolling through.
Axiom realizing it, saw that top rope.
Nice counter right back to his feet, got caught again.
[Booker] Great vision, but he didn't see that one coming.
[Vic] Frazer's moment.
Frazer's opportunity, looking to dump over Axiom who sidesteps, Frazer.
Frazer's two feet, no. They didn't hit.
-[Booker] Wow. -[Vic] Bam.
[Booker] Oh, right back inside there, Vic. Right back inside.
[Vic] Frazer's momentum. Wes, your eye just got really big.
You saw the momentum carry Frazer back in but this time, he's taken out.
Axiom is headed to Stand & Deliver.
[victory music plays]
[Beth] Here is your winner, Axiom.
[Vic] Standing ovation from all those here in the NXT Universe
and that includes our NXT champion, Wes Lee,
who now knows that Axiom is headed to Los Angeles.
These are the closing moments.
Frazer was able to hold on and his own momentum carried him back into the ring.
But then Axiom not to be outdone would eliminate the final hurdle
on his way to Los Angeles.
You can see the look in Axiom's eyes.
He knows he can hit a Golden Ratio
and be in for a golden moment at Stand & Deliver
as Wes Lee is realizing the competition that surrounds him
are the five superstars that will compete for the north American Championship
this Saturday afternoon in Los Angeles.
Dragunov, McDonagh, Dragon Lee, Axiom, and Wes Lee.
Who will be the north American champion?
Which of these five will have their golden moment in Los Angeles?
[music continues, then ends]
Ladies and gentlemen. Sit back, relax.
Grab yourself some delicious snacks and get ready--
-For a one-of-a-kind-- -Exclusive--
Stand & Deliver Pretty Deadly preview show.
Oh, boy. What a star-maker performance by Axiom tonight.
Winning himself the Battle Royal, and earning the fifth and final spot
in the north American Championship open challenge.
What a gavel of vicious competitors he will be joining in this one, Elton.
The Mad Dragon Ilija Dragonuv, the devilish gentleman JD McDonagh,
the audacious champ Wes Lee, and finally,
The Masked Mystery from Mexico, Dragon Lee.
A match formed from carnage comes full circle with an encounter
that's likely to be as unpredictable as the events of its creation.
My question is how is Wes Lee possibly going to retain his title?
I don't think he will.
I'm going for the man as smart as you, JD McDonagh.
-You're going intelligence? -I am.
Well, I'll go Dragon Lee.
We know nothing about him, and that's what makes him dangerous.
-A wild card if you will. -Oh, you love danger, don't you, kitty?
-I do. -We love--
[both] You.
We'll be back with more Pretty Deadly hot takes throughout the evening.
-As we continue on the road to Stand-- -& Deliver.
He's fired up.
-Tyler, tell them you're fired up. -I am fired up, Mr. Chase.
-Can you feel it? -I can feel it.
You were incredible in the great debate last week,
and now we're four days away from Stand & Deliver
where the future of Chase U hangs in the balance.
But tonight, you step in the ring with Von Wagner.
Someone who has trashed Chase U time and time again
and we've never been able to beat.
But you're going to right those wrongs.
We're going to ride that momentum like a lightning bolt
-straight to Stand & Deliver. -Yes!
And with Von's sheer mass and my speed, momentum will surely be created.
I'm going to harness that momentum
and bring home a victory for the University.
I like the way your brain works, Tyler. Duke, you're coming?
I wouldn't miss it for the world, Mr. Chase.
All right. Let's take the field. Let's go.
[everybody] Let's go. Yes, let's go, Chase U.
[crosstalk]
Usually, she answers after five voicemails.
-This time, it was only three voicemails. -Oh, man.
-See that? -It's looking up for you.
Oh, Kiana messaged me. They're on their way.
Do you know what she wants to talk about?
I don't, but buddy, whatever it is, we're going to get through it.
It's not the end of the world.
The sun is always going to come up tomorrow.
Okay. Hey, ladies. Kiana is everything okay?
-Your message seemed a bit off. -Well--
Go on, tell him.
These past few months, I've really gotten to know you guys.
Especially you Brooks. What you guys have it's special.
I don't know how to say this. I feel horrible.
Hey, it's okay. You can get it out. It's all right.
I feel horrible that you guys aren't a part of Stand & Deliver,
so I pulled some strings
and I got you guys a match tonight.
If you win, the triple threat match at Stand will become a fatal four-way.
-What? -[both] What?
-Really? -Yes.
Fallon and I were tag team champions and I want you guys to be tag champs with us.
-I can't stand you. -Surprises.
I know you hate them Falon, but I love them.
Kiana, you've knocked this one out of the park, brother.
We got a chance at Stand & Deliver, Briggs.
-It's huge, Brooks. -Kiana, I cannot believe you.
-Yes, Kiana, I cannot believe you. -It's unbelievable.
First, we win the match and then on to Stand & Deliver
-to become tag team champions. -Hell yes.
-Kiana, you are the best. -Sounds great, baby.
-Come here. -Group hug.
-Group hug. Come on, come on. -Come on. There you go.
[Vic] Kiana just keeps digging deeper holes.
[bell rings]
[energetic music plays]
[Beth] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied by Mr. Stone, Von Wagner.
[Vic] Well, with Von Wagner, there is something to be said
that he's had a pretty good record against Chase University in the past
when you take a look at everything he has accomplished.
Maybe this is the match that he and Mr. Stone can get back on the same page.
[Booker] Yes, I hope so. I mean, Von Wagner is a hell of a talent.
In my estimations, when I look at this kid, he checks off every box,
but is there something missing? I think so.
[energetic music plays]
[Beth] His opponent representing Chase University, Tyler Bate.
[Vic] There's a lot going on in Chase University right now
but the one thing that has brought the Chase U Student Section
along with the rest of Chase U together, I think it's been Tyler Bate.
His calmness has brought a certain amount of zen to the campus.
[Booker] Yes. This kid, he's a winner.
He's a born winner. Youngest single champion in WWE's history.
That don't happen by accident.
That don't happen by osmosis or anything like that.
That happens by putting in the work.
[Vic] You've heard from Chase U, they know that a win here by Tyler Bate tonight
could really add some momentum heading into this Saturday's--
[bell rings]
[Vic] Eight-person matchup.
Can you imagine Book-- I want you to imagine.
Can you imagine Schism is in control of Chase University?
-What they would do to that institution? -[Booker] They would burn it down.
That's the first thing they would do. You know what?
I wouldn't be against that, but that's another story.
Let's get back to Mr. Stone not believing that this man, Von Wagner,
right now, he's in a identity crisis.
I believe that you got to believe in yourself, Vic.
You got to think you can do it. You got to know you can do it.
[Vic] Is that part of the problem?
Is that why Von Wagner hasn't been on the same page with Mr. Stone?
[Booker] I believe so. One big win can give him that hope of invisibility.
That's something he needs.
[Vic] Well, this could be that win you're talking about,
beating a superstar the caliber of Bate.
We talked about a lot on the mind of Chase University,
a lot on the mind of Tyler Bate heading into Stand & Deliver.
But speaking of Stand & Deliver, Book, I'm looking down,
and I've been holding this contract for this NXT unsanctioned match for a week.
Is Grayson Waller going to sign this tonight?
[Booker] I hope so just so you can get it out of your hands, Vic.
[Vic] We'll also find out that last chance triple threat qualifier.
We'll find out who will earn a spot in Los Angeles
in the NXT Women's Championship ladder match as Bate trying to battle back.
Bate goes up, goes over but as you mentioned the strength,
the power, and the size of Von Wagner.
[Booker] You can't overlook the size difference of this matchup.
[Vic] Oh geez.
[Booker] Von Wagner is an imposing-- Whoa.
[Vic] Into another cover off the clothesline
and just getting that right shoulder up.
[Booker] Imposing at 6'5, about 250, 260 lbs but this kid, Tyler Bate,
he's a fighter, man.
[Vic] This has been all Von Wagner.
Maybe Von does have Chase University's number.
Maybe that's true.
[Vic] Now, let me tell you something.
This kid Tyler Bate, he's the ultimate wrestler
but he can turn into the ultimate pugilist at the drop of a hat.
This kid will fight you, Vic.
[Vic] Right now, not a lot of fight in Tyler Bate.
Von Wagner has beaten down Tyler Bate in front of Chase University,
in front of Andre Chase, Duke Hudson, Thea Hail.
Whoa, this might be that turning point because when it comes to Tyler Bate,
the one thing we've learned, Book, is his positive energy is contagious.
Can he start to string together some offense in this matchup?
[Booker] Never say die, Vic. Not willing to just quit.
He's not going to just sit back and just take it.
He's going to go out there and get some,
whoop some up because he's big enough, bad enough to take some.
Here we go.
[Vic] Bate just getting tossed and Bate coming right back in,
and there's some of that textbook offense with a big knee lift rocking Wagner.
Now trying to drop on Wagner.
Von staying on his feet and boom.
[Booker] Oh, caught that shot right there but not all of it. Von--
[Vic] Little bop and bang still hasn't taken down Von Wagner.
Oh, wait a minute.
[indistinct]
[Vic] Mr. Stone.
This is what you get for sticking your nose in Chase U business.
-Get him, Thea. -[Vic] Yes.
[Vic] Taking out Mr. Stone in those ridiculous gold shoes.
[Booker] I don't condone this, Vic, but I like it.
[crowd chanting] Thea!
[Vic] Andre Chase doing his best to re-calm down.
[Booker] Oh, wow.
[Vic] We still got a matchup going on. Von Wagner trying to pay attention.
Oh, a little help from Duke Hudson wiping out Mr. Stone.
Everyone's on the same page for Chase U.
[Booker] Duke Hudson right now he's looking very relaxed for some reason.
I don't know what it is
but maybe he has something up the old sleeve of Chase U.
[Vic] Oh, look at Tyler Bate.
Quickly, all the way to the top looking to hit a spinny boy.
-[Booker] Wow! -Cover by Bate.
Hook of the leg and Chase U picks up the momentum heading into Saturday.
[victory music plays]
[Beth] Here is your winner, Tyler Bate.
[Vic] I'm telling you
Tyler Bate maybe should become a counselor at the University.
Getting everybody on the same page.
Everyone working as one tight-knit unit, this Chase U.
[Booker] Maybe just an advisor, Vic. Not a counselor, Vic.
Maybe just an advisor. Here we go.
[Vic] I mean, look at this. Duke Hudson with the assist.
Tyler Bate wiping out Mr. Stone.
That would open the door as Bate realized it in this moment,
the high five, everything was coming up Chase U.
Tyler Bate would finally string together some offense in this matchup.
[Booker] Check this out, Vic. Check this out.
-How beautiful is that right there? -[Vic] Bam.
Bate got all of it.
Picks up the victory
and Chase U heads into the biggest match
in Chase University history this Saturday.
If they win, they keep control, if they lose--
I don't think they want to--
Attention students of Chase University.
[suspenseful music plays]
As of this Saturday, The Schism will be in control.
The curriculum is changing.
Time to open your minds to a different way of looking at the world
through a different lens…
[suspenseful music plays]
…under The Schism's tree.
[music in crescendo]
Take out a pencil and pay attention.
Deprogramming starts now.
Don't worry.
We'll save a place for delinquents
in the Andre Chase memorial detention hall.
This Saturday at Stand & Deliver,
the world of Chase U will fall
when The Schism takes over.
When the bell rings, the new class begins.
[crowd booing]
Hey, Andrea. Is Shawn still in there?
He was but he just stepped out to go to his office.
Okay, cool. So he's in his office?
-Yes. -Okay. Thank you.
[Vic] Book, it's always good to see Roxanne Perez but why is she here?
[door knock]
-Come in. -Hi, Shawn.
-Roxanne. -Hi.
-How are you feeling? -Do you have a minute to talk?
Of course.
As of this afternoon, the doctors have cleared me to return to action.
-That's great to hear. -Yeah.
They told me that basically after all the tests were concluded,
it was a mix of body exhaustion and my anxiety.
It was through the roof that night but I'm back and the only thing
that's on my mind is my Championship and Stand & Deliver.
Look, Roxanne, first of all, I'm thrilled you're feeling better.
More importantly, I'm glad they found out
why you collapsed in the ring but girl, Stand & Deliver, I don't know.
Look, your health is the biggest priority right now, okay?
I don't think defending the Championship in a ladder match
at Stand & Deliver is the best thing for you, okay?
We can crown a new champion at Stand & Deliver,
get a couple matches under your belt,
and then right after Stand & Deliver,
you get the first title shot.
I won't lie.
Being the NXT women's champion has been unlike anything I've ever experienced.
Saying you want to be champion and actually being champion day in
and day out is completely different.
Look, I struggle with anxiety.
This year has been incredible
but when you accomplish your dream so fast it's like,
"What do I do now? Is it all downhill from here?
Did I peak at 21?" Then my anxiety just goes insane.
That right there.
Look, I know you're better physically but mentally, you're just not sure.
Roxanne, you're 21 years old.
You've got a long, wonderful career ahead of you.
Look, there's going to be other Stand & Delivers.
Will there be? I can't think like that. Did you think like that?
Wrestlemania was the most important night of the year for you.
I know that you never had the mindset of, "Well, there's always next year."
It was here and now and you stole the show every time
and that's exactly what I want to do at Stand & Deliver.
My anxiety is crippling but I can't run away from it.
I have to confront it.
The only way that I can do that is by facing it head-on.
The only way that I can win this battle is by climbing that ladder,
retrieving my title, a title that I never lost.
Please, please let me do this.
Please, let me do this for me
and for everyone out there that struggles with what I struggle with.
That they can overcome it. They don't have to be a prisoner of this.
Please, please.
I want tests. All right?
I want a meeting with the doctors and I want you to get follow-ups
-and stuff like that, okay? -Okay. I got it. Thank you.
You deserve the right to defend your Championship at Stand & Deliver.
-You're in the match, okay? -Thank you, Shawn.
Thank you so much. Thank you.
I will get everything for you. Everything, I'll get it for you, I promise.
Look, you're going to give me a nervous breakdown, okay?
Roxanne, you can beat this.
Good luck.
Thank you, Shawn. Thank you.
[energetic music plays]
[Vic] You know, man, I'm excited. I wouldn't advise it but I'm excited.
[Vic] We will find out with Roxanne Perez.
[bell rings]
[Beth] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first Valentina Feroz.
[Vic] We talked about positive energy with Tyler Bate.
Same can be said for Valentina Feroz, standing on her own two feet.
Let's go back to last month here on NXT.
We had seen Elektra Lopez time and time again cut corners.
Well, Valentina Feroz would do the right thing
opening the door for Sol Ruca
to pick up a huge victory here on NXT.
It's more about what transpired after the matchup for Valentina Feroz.
All you're ever going to be is a little loser.
[Vic] Tired of the disrespect, bam,
that massive right hand with the brass knuckle silencing Elektra Lopez.
[challenging music plays]
[bell rings]
[Beth] Her opponent, Elektra Lopez.
[Vic] The one thing we've learned though about Elektra Lopez,
Book, after witnessing what transpired at the end of last month,
she's not going to sit back.
-She's not going to be embarrassed. -[Booker] Let me tell you something.
Elektra Lopez is what's called a ride-or-die chick.
She's going to go out there and win by any means necessary.
Feroz, just to buy into that, maybe she should have,
which may hinder a much better place.
[Vic] Wait a minute, hold on a second. Feroz isn't about cutting corners.
[bell rings]
[Vic] It's about stooping to lower levels, as both superstars going right at it,
but look, Elektra Lopez remembers that right hand from Feroz.
Do you think, though, Feroz made the right decision, truthfully?
Do you think she made the right decision to stand on her own two feet?
[Booker] I like standing on your own two feet, Vic.
I like not being bullied, not letting someone push you around.
I get that, I totally get that, but sometimes in this business,
you got to cut corners if you want to make it to the top quickly.
[Vic] Oh. A takedown by Lopez who certainly has a mean streak within her.
Oh, and certainly can spread some negativity as well.
[Booker] Elektra Lopez, she wasn't trying to make friends or anything like that.
She was trying to mentor this young lady,
trying to put her in the right position to make some money.
[Vic] Mentor?
[Booker] Yes, that's what this thing is all about.
[Vic] Many in the NXT Universe were excited for Feroz,
who's trying to counter a submission with one of her own,
that she stood up for herself,
that she was able to look Elektra Lopez in the eye and say, "No, you're wrong.
I'm going to do it the right way,"
as Lopez continue to apply the pressure to the ankle of--
-[Booker] Vic, Vic. -[Vic] What?
[Booker] You know what they say about good guys, right?
You know where they finish, right? They finish last.
They don't finish at the top, and we're talking about winning.
That's what Elektra's talking about.
[Vic] Feroz might prove you wrong here tonight
as she goes into the cover, a hook of the leg, and a kickout.
The conscience of Feroz took over.
I, for one, I'm happy that she was able to step up and stand up for herself.
[Booker] If Valentina wins, this match is still not going to prove me wrong.
It's about checks. It's about Championships.
It's about making it to the top. You know what I'm saying?
[Vic] Into that cover and a kickout again by Lopez.
[Booker] Oh, so close.
Well, right now Elektra Lopez isn't looking that great, is she?
It's Feroz who's in control, and she's doing it her own way.
[Booker] Valentina has talent.
She didn't make it to NXT by accident or anything like that,
but right now she's in with one of NXT's finest, one of NXT's pillars,
and that's Elektra Lopez. Oh, yes.
[Vic] Oh, Elektra shock through the spine, into the cover, and Lopez--
[bell rings]
-[Vic] Is the one who stands tall tonight. -[Booker] Should've listened.
[Beth] Here's your winner, Elektra Lopez.
[Booker] She should've listened, right?
[Vic] Yes, yes, whatever you say, Book.
[male voice] Music is celebration.
When I make music, I can feel the spirit of my people behind me.
It is my honor to lead the way.
Like an Alpha Wolf, I will conquer this territory and everything in it.
[mysterious music plays]
[bell rings]
[Beth] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing Eddy Thorpe.
[Vic] Well, this is a highly anticipated debut here on NXT.
You can hear the NXT Universe already.
Again, it's showing that the best of the best come to NXT.
[Booker] I don't know a whole lot about this kid, Vic.
Wise me up. Tell me a little something about this kid.
[Vic] Oh, this is one of the biggest stats about Thorpe that we all need to learn.
A lot of success internationally.
A lot of success in Japan as he gets ready to face Myles Thorne.
[bell rings]
[Vic] Those are some big stats for Thorpe, and I bring it to you now.
How does that international success transition to NXT?
[Booker] That world-traveling experience becoming that grizzle veteran is very,
very important.
My first trip out of the country was to Japan.
The respect, the honor, is totally different there.
I'm sure this kid is on top of his game.
[Vic] A nice takedown by Thorne, of course, who has caught the eye
of the NXT coaches.
Thorne shouldn't be a superstar that is overlooked.
Would love to play the role of spoilers, so to speak,
here tonight in his debut, but look at Thorpe.
Oh!
A nice high crossbody.
Oh, nice follow-up dropkick by Thorne, taken out Thorpe.
Thorpe, of course, we've seen talks about
that he carries a lot of responsibility on his shoulders.
There's been a lot of buzz surrounding Eddy Thorpe.
How does one stay composed in such a high-pressure situation as tonight is?
[Booker] Myles Thorne, he's in a situation right here.
He's in a sticky situation.
If he could get a win here over this kid, Thorpe,
it's going to put him right up under that light
that he's going to be looking for,
and that's the picture that you want to be in, Vic. Trust me.
[Vic] Well, for Thorpe, when it comes to the bigger picture,
we start to think about this Saturday, four nights.
NXT Stand & Deliver in Los Angeles.
Both these superstars want one day to be on that stage.
For Eddy Thorpe, he'd like to have it happen sooner rather than later.
[Booker] Look at these kids, Vic, and you can tell
they both want to get into that main event one day--
[Vic] Oh, nice.
Belly to belly into the cover, hook the leg, Thorpe kicks out.
[Booker] Take a lot of patience. It's going to take a lot of training.
I always say, preparation. Preparation, Vic,
is the only luck you're ever going to have in this business.
That's what these young men are doing right now.
[Vic] NXT Universe trying to rally Eddy Thorpe in this moment.
This is when you talk about, Book, that journey,
going through to Japan, going through Mexico.
[Booker] Yes, indeed.
[Vic] Oh, nice takedown.
Now Thorpe charging right back in,
and this is where we're starting to see what Thorpe is about.
Starting to see what all that buzz about Thorpe is.
What a stinging kick to Thorne.
[Booker] Educated feet from this kid, Eddy Thorpe.
[Vic] Oh, right back in, and Thorpe now looking to toss Thorne.
[Booker] Beautiful high hip block right there by this young man.
[Vic] What we're seeing here with Thorpe is a lot of going to the basics,
going to the well-- into the cover and a kickout.
Nothing flashy from Thorpe, but he is all business in the ring here tonight.
[Booker] Yes. I'm watching this kid, Vic.
He still has a lot of training to do,
but right now he's on the right path to get
to that next level that he's looking for. Oh.
[Vic] Trying to create a little separation. Thorne swinging wildly.
Oh, gets dropped.
Saito suplex connects, and Thorpe now right back to his feet.
-Oh, wow. -[Booker] Wow.
[Vic] High-impact offense, into the cover, and welcome to NXT.
[bell rings]
[cheers and applause]
[Booker] Look at the eyes.
[Beth] Here is your winner, Eddy Thorpe.
[Booker] The eyes of that young man, Vic, tell the story.
[Vic] They say it takes you to the soul, Book.
[victory music plays]
What a big victory. What a debut.
Look, Thorpe was in control of this matchup.
Whether it was strikes, whether it was going down to the mat,
or whether it was his high-impact unique style did Eddy Thorpe
open your eyes here tonight on NXT.
I'm coming for everything.
[Booker] Yes.
Now, I like this kid. This kid has a future.
-Oh, Elton, what a night to headline. -Yes, quite so.
A very impressive debut victory for Eddy Thorpe there.
-I must say it's not all smiles. -Right you are, kitty.
Here we are on the Grayson Waller effect.
Grayson Waller versus Johnny Gargano has now become more than personal.
I'd say that's putting it lightly, boy.
You know what they say, never mess with a man's family.
That certainly gave a new meaning to the phrase viral moment.
Johnny Gargano has now got to do everything in his power
to exact revenge on Grayson Waller.
On top of that, he wants an unsanctioned match.
Which begs the question, will Waller sign the agreement?
Would you sign it?
Would you agree to the stipulations knowing the danger that awaits you,
a match so brutal it could take years off of your career?
I would but only to defend your honor.
You're so selfless, so brave.
Well, as you know, that is my middle name, Kit Bravery Wilson.
Well, well, I'm here for it, and you are here for more Pretty Deadly talk.
-Coming up as we head towards Stand-- -& Deliver.
[rock music plays]
[bell rings]
[Beth] The following is a last-chance triple-threat match.
Introducing first, Sol Ruca.
[Vic] We just saw Thorpe moments ago.
When we talk about breakout superstars,
we're looking at one right here and right now.
Three women, one spot, the last-chance triple threat to go to Stand & Deliver.
Who's headed to L.A.? We'll find out next.
Gallus, we only saw the aftermath of what happened last week at the bar.
Yes, well, I think it's pretty obvious we're not interior decorators.
We were pretty banged up after that fight.
At this point, it's a triple threat match at Stand & Deliver.
I have to ask, why would you want to defend your titles against not one,
not two, but potentially three other teams?
You're asking why. We're saying why not?
The Creeds, they made a good case.
Tony and Stacks, they made a good case.
The Gallus boys, we're all about equal opportunity.
If Briggs and Jensen do win tonight, then the more the merrier.
Whether it's four, six, or eight guys, doesn't matter.
Wolfy, you do love a good fight.
How confident are you
that you'll walk out of Stand & Deliver still the NXT tag team champs?
McKenzie, Mark here likes to try and wind me up.
Tries to get under my skin but see, when you're the NXT tag champs
and you're heading into the biggest show of the year
against a bunch of guys that are ready to fight,
they don't need that much railing up. The odds, they don't matter.
At Stand & Deliver, the Creeds, Tony and Stacks--
Even if it's Briggs and Jensen as well, they'll find out the hard way.
-It's Gallus boys on top. -On top.
[cheers and applause]
[energetic music plays]
[Vic] I cannot wait for Stand & Deliver.
[Beth] Next representing Diamond Mine, Ivy Nile.
[Vic] If we take a look at the field in this matchup, these are three women.
This is their second chance to make a dream a reality
to head to Wrestlemania Saturday.
This is a big pressure matchup,
much like we saw with the 20 superstars
to kick us off tonight in that Battle Royal.
[Booker] No, Vic, this is not their second chance.
-This is their last chance-- -[Vic] That's a good point too.
[Booker] …an impact here in this matchup here tonight.
[music continues]
-[Beth] And Indi Hartwell. -Thank you.
[Vic] Look, you see Hartwell looking up trying to take in a deep breath,
realizing as you just pointed out last chance.
Book, I want to put you on the spot. Here's the three women.
This is the triple threat match.
Who in this moment can stand and deliver?
[Booker] Just watching Indi Hartwell make her way to the ring
and she looked like she said a little prayer before she got in there.
Let me tell you, prayer is not going to help.
You're going to have to go out here and get the work done.
You are out here with two of the NXT's finest Ivy Nile,
Sol Ruca looking to come up and make a name for herself.
-[Vic] Sol Ruca-- -[bell rings]
[Vic] …has a lot of hype. Hartwell is the "Veteran" of this matchup,
but Ivy Nile really has grown leaps and bounds over the last year.
Into the first cover for Nile, she was able to get a two count.
First one to secure a pinfall or a submission is headed to Los Angeles.
Nile's realized that, Niles knows that
and she's already gone for two quick covers.
[Booker] A lot of action going on right there.
Ivy knows exactly what this could do for the career.
[Vic] Hartwell from behind.
[Booker] A win right here gets you in that spot and to win that spot
is what we're trying to do here tonight.
[Vic] Hartwell up and over,
she was frustrated after the last week's loss.
Now, look at Nile coming right back in. Look, Sol Ruca hitting the dropkick.
Look, this could be a huge moment for Sol Ruca if she can advance.
Can you imagine Ruca what she would risk in Los Angeles
much like she's doing right now?
[Booker] Oh, yes.
Sol Ruca, coming from the top with the greatest of ease she's like the wind.
You can feel her, but you can't touch her, but you know she's there.
She is a special type of athlete.
[Vic] Ruca into the cover to put away Hartwell to advance to Los Angeles.
Hartwell getting that right shoulder up at one and just take another look.
[Booker] Look at the style, look at the grace, look at the finesse, oh my God.
[Vic] How about the landing, Book?
Wiping out everyone in this matchup for Sol Ruca.
Look, how has the field changed now with the addition of Roxanne Perez?
[Booker] Oh man, Roxanne,
I wasn't expecting her to make a comeback,
especially this soon or anything like that.
It just showed the toughest of that young 20-year-old young lady.
[Vic] I'm seeing the toughness right now of Ivy Nile
who's trying to bounce back in this matchup.
Look, she's happy for the Creeds as she goes into the cover.
Ruca on another near fall.
She's happy for Julius and Brutus and her brothers,
but she wants her own title match this Saturday.
[Booker] Oh, wait a minute.
That's that training from Diamond Mine right there trying to lock it in.
So close.
[Vic] Was looking for that submission Hartwell into the cover
-and another kickout by Nile. -[Booker] Yes, indeed.
This one, Hartwell has been so close to finding that comfort zone,
but those setbacks, Vic, those setbacks could to be devastating.
[Vic] Heartwell again has had a bad taste in her mouth for a week
since Ruca breaking up the cover.
This is why triple-threat matches are so dangerous, so difficult.
When we think about triple threat matches,
there's going to be one this Saturday for the NXT tag team titles.
Oh, but Sol Ruca not worried about Saturday.
She's just trying to get to Saturday.
-She's worried about that. -[Booker] Oh, yes.
[Vic] A big splash. Cover for her big moment-- Nile.
-[Booker] Yes, indeed. -[Vic] Breaking it up at two.
[chuckles]
[Booker] The unpredictability of these triple threat matches.
[Vic] Unreal.
[Booker] You always got to keep your eyes in the back of your head.
[Vic] Look at the height. She jumped out of the screen.
Ruca jumped out of the screen to hit that splash.
[Booker] She's an athlete. Like I said, one thing about this young lady,
training is not gonna be the problem. Just trying to get that mental game intact,
that's what Ruca is all about.
[Vic] Up and over shoulders down and Nile not able to keep Ruca down
on a count of one. We have seen a lot of quick covers in this matchup as Nile
into another one, hook of the leg, a deep hook, and another near fall.
[Booker] Talking about fast pace Vic.
Right now, we're going down at 45, at about 70 miles per hour.
-Oh whoa, wow. -[Vic] Oh, nice super kick by Ruca.
Again this Saturday,
the winner of this matchup advances to the ladder match.
No pins, there's no submissions, there's no count outs.
It's the first superstar to climb the ladder
and successfully retrieve the gold.
[Booker] Hartwell trying to cash in. We're going to--
[Vic] Spine buster cover and a kickout.
[Booker] Whoa. So close to the heat right there.
[Vic] Oh, what a kick by Nile. Nile now, Ruca is hurt.
Hartwell is on the back foot.
Could Ivy Nile make her way to Los Angeles to join Brutus, to join Julius?
She's locking in a submission.
[Booker] Referee's got to get in there and do his job.
[Vic] Sinking it in. Is Hartwell going to tap? Hartwell could be closing in.
-[Booker] So close, Vic. -[Vic] Also close to the ropes.
Wait a minute. Ruca. Soul snatcher.
[cheers and applause]
Hartwell with the big boot. Oh, wait a minute, bam.
-[Booker] Wow. -[Vic] Right to the back.
Hartwell shoots the half. Indi's about to cash in.
-Into the cover. -[Booker] Indi's going to cash in.
-[Vic] Indi is going to Los Angeles. -[bell rings]
[victory music plays]
[Beth] Here's your winner, Indi Hartwell.
[Vic] Oh, how good must that feel for Indi in the 11th hour
to make it to her dream to try to fulfill her destiny
of becoming a champion.
Indi Hartwell is headed to Wrestlemania Saturday Los Angeles.
She is headed to Stand & Deliver.
[indistinct chatter]
[Vic] Let's go back to some of this, bam, action in the matchup.
This is where it comes from being a veteran popped up on her feet
to full advantage of the opportunity and then collected.
She went to the pay window, as you like to say, Book,
and punched her ticket to Hollywood.
[Booker] That's the attitude, Vic. That's by any means necessary.
That's going out there and taking it. That's Indi Hartwell.
[Vic] Well, will Wrestlemania Saturday be the day for Indi Hartwell
to finally realize her dream or will it be Zoey Stark
the one to climb the ladder, retrieve the title,
and walk out of L.A. as champion?
[tense music plays]
[Vic] It also could be Valkyria
who looks to add gold to her black feathers.
[music continues]
[Vic] You can't forget about Gigi Dolin.
She has been a champion in the past.
Can she do it again this Saturday in Los Angeles?
Can you imagine the posts, the demand,
the bragging Tiffany Stratton would do if she became champion?
That could become a reality in four days.
[music continues]
[Vic] Or as we learned earlier, will it be our champion?
Can she retain?
Roxanne Perez is medically cleared and ready to prove
why she's indeed The Prodigy.
There you see the field.
Who will be the first to climb the ladder, retrieve the gold,
and call themselves NXT women's champion at Stand & Deliver?
Yes, boy.
[both pants]
[upbeat music plays]
Indi Hartwell makes good on her last chance
-and snatches the final spot-- -…at the 11th hour.
-The field is set. -Six women put their bodies on the line.
In a ladder match to crown a new NXT women's champion.
Uh, that's not entirely correct now, is it, Kit?
You're right.
Roxanne Perez, the plucky Prodigy herself,
she's in and since she never lost the Championship,
this will become a title defense then.
Precisely, my dear.
May I ask Elton, who do you predict is coming out with the gold?
I'm so glad you asked because just recently I had an epiphany.
-Los Angeles, the city of stars. -Hollywood, baby.
There's only one woman with the star power suited for the City of Angels.
The Buff Barbie herself?
[both] The third-best dress superstar in NXT, Tiffany Stratton, yes girl.
Oh, Elton, I predict this could be a show-stealer.
Do you really?
Well, if you want to find out if the kitster is right,
-join us on Peacock this Saturday-- -For Stand.
& Deliver.
[music fades]
[Vic] As Pretty Deadly continue their preview of Stand & Deliver,
we will take a special look at the NXT Championship match with prime target.
Bron Breakker versus Carmelo Hayes is next on NXT.
Johnny Cosplay you're so close to finally getting what you want,
Grayson Waller in an unsanctioned match.
In fact, I'm going to the arena right now.
I got security to do one last sweep and just in case
because I know you're a sneaky little hobbit,
they're going to be surrounding the ring tonight too.
If I were you, Johnny, I would tune in because you just never know
what I'm going to say.
[energetic music plays]
Book, we know Grayson Waller now is on his way here
because as I've been holding for a week,
it's this contract to the unsanctioned match.
At Stand & Deliver, will Grayson Waller sign this contract?
We will find out but this is what we do know,
we know the NXT Championship is going to be on the line in four nights
in Los Angeles, it's Stand & Deliver.
It's going to be Carmelo Hayes, the challenger,
and the champion, Bron Breakker.
[dreamy music plays]
This match is like destiny,
the youngest main event in Wrestlemania weekend history.
Carmelo and I, we came in, in the same class,
these two Alpha males that are just undeniable.
Bron, do you know what it takes to be a king?
I don't think you do. Heavy lies the head that wears the crown.
Make some noise for the 2021 breakout superstar.
Bow to the king.
The NXT board game-winner.
[male voice] Bow to the king.
The longest combined north American Championship.
[male voice] Bow to the king.
-The unified north American champion. -[male voice] Bow to the king.
Him.
[cheers and applause]
[male voice] Bow to the king.
This has been a whole different training camp to get to this point.
I'm not just doing my high-flying stuff, I'm not just doing mad wrestling,
I'm covering every aspect of the game.
I'm hitting those ropes a little harder, I'm taking less steps,
I'm making less mistakes.
We worked out for four hours, we went to the club.
We partied for three hours, after-party, I chose not to go.
Hey, man, y'all do your thing. Man, listen I got to go to work, man. I'm locked in.
I got this match with Bron coming up in a couple of days,
man, I'm locked so I got to go to work. All right take care, man. [crosstalk]
-All right. Y'all do your thing. -All right.
Y'all do your thing, I'll call you though, but y'all do your thing.
-Good, man. -We're some good looking [crosstalk]
[tense music plays]
I don't need to go now, I'll celebrate when it's finished.
I'll celebrate when I'm the champ,
when I'm at the top of the mountain.
The job is not done, it's far from done.
[music continues]
It's funny because I've been doing it.
I've been in the gym, I've been training, I've been not going to the clubs,
not going into the party scene and being focused on this.
I train weights two and a half hours a day.
I'm in the ring two and a half hours a day
because that's what it takes to be the champion, to be the guy.
[suspenseful music plays]
A lot of people think matches are won and lost in the ring
or won and lost in the weight room, but in my opinion, I think
they're won in here, in the film room.
There's nothing better to do to prepare yourself than to watch film.
He's fast, he's going to try to get in my head.
He's going to try to blow me up.
He's going to try to get me to implement his game plan
and take me to deep water, but the reality of it is,
I've been taken to deep water so many times it's become my home.
I have carried this brand on my back for almost two years now.
The NXT Championship is everything to me.
This brand means everything to me.
I respect everyone who's been a champion before me,
but there is a difference,
I am the most dominant NXT champion of all time.
[Vic] How could you not be blown away by what this man has done?
Bron Breakker is the present, and he's paving a way for the future.
Bron, celebrating on his road to Stand & Deliver.
In L.A., I'm going to take some of that weight off your shoulders
when I knock your head off and I take that crown
because I am him and the Kingdom of NXT is mine.
Now give me my-- crown.
This one is a little bit more special.
It means a little bit more to me.
It's Bron Breakker all day. He's the future.
I don't know about all that.
Bron is good, but I think Carmelo is [indistinct]
Bron Breakker, I don't think you understand.
I don't think you want it the way that I want it.
I don't think you're willing to go the limit
that I'm willing to go for this Championship.
When I get going in that full three-speed
and I steiner-line him in the center of that ring
and he doesn't know what planet he's on or where he is,
he'll see.
At Stand & Deliver, I'm going to take everything from you, Bron.
I'm going to take it because it's mine because I am him.
I promise I will walk in and I will walk out, Stand & Deliver,
still the NXT champion.
[cheers and applause]
Who will stand, who will deliver, who will be the NXT champion?
[energetic music plays]
[Vic] It's the youngest main event in Wrestlemania weekend history
and it happens Saturday.
[bell rings]
[Beth] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, Hank Walker.
[Vic] I'm sure Hank Walker has some extra motivation.
Of course, Walker and his opponents here tonight
were both part of the 20-man over-the-top-rope Battle Royal
that kicks off here tonight.
For Hank Walker, it's a different sort of business here
in a matter of moments.
Here Hank Walker is looking to prove he learned enough from Drew Gulak,
and now he's looking to surpass the teacher.
It's happening next.
[suspenseful music plays]
When the sun goes down at Stand & Deliver,
a darkness will rise over NXT.
The internal portal of gullible force cannot be contained.
Kiana James and Fallon Henley's fate has already been sealed
as if carved into stone.
Two spirits in turmoil do not deserve to be champions.
Isla, we bond together to connect our past
and forge our destiny.
This Saturday at Stand & Deliver
we burn our opposition to the ground.
From their smoldering ashes, our message will spread far and wide.
It is always darkest before the dawn,
and where there's smoke,
there's fire.
[energetic music plays]
[Vic] Hank Walker waiting very patiently for his opponent.
[Beth] His opponent, accompanied by Charlie Dempsey, Drew Gulak.
[Vic] Lesson one is not really about merchandise,
-it's more about respect and pride. -[bell rings]
You can see the look on both of these superstars' faces
wasting no time trying to rip the other apart.
[Booker] Yes, indeed. Let me tell you right now, this kid, Hank Walker,
he's about to get a lesson, trust me.
[Vic] Oh, you might have spoken a little bit too soon again.
What do you mean? Hank Walker is in full control.
[Booker] He's strong.
I'll give him that he's a big kid, but as far as being technical,
as far as being a precision tactician like this man, Drew Gulak,
like I said he's in a lot of--
[Vic] Can you believe this takedown?
You're talking about a technician, look at the submission
trying to lock it in Walker, but look at Gulak he's very savvy on the mat
trying to counter, now looking for a camel clutch of sorts.
Another counter, now Hank Walker in control.
[Booker] You can tell that Drew Gulak has taught this guy a few tricks.
Yes, he's taught him a few tricks, but he didn't teach him everything, Vic.
Come on.
[Vic] It's Gulak kind of locking in a stretch muffler of sorts here
as Walker is trying to counter and certainly does.
I don't think you give Walker enough credit
as Walker now with a stretch muffler.
[Booker] That's not it,
I just think this kid is getting a little too big for his britches.
Let's just face it, this kid is still a rookie.
He should be packing bags and making sure I get my coffee.
-That's what he should be doing. -[Vic] Wait a minute.
Whoa, he's in there with his trainer, his teacher.
So many thought he was his mentor and friend
and then he got stabbed in the back. Gulak turns his back on him.
[Booker] Let me tell you now what he is, he is an insubordinate student,
that's what he is. He's insubordinate.
Now Drew Gulak has someone like Charlie Dempsey.
[Vic] Yes, Charlie Dempsey ain't helping right now in the single-leg Boston crab.
[Booker] He's not going to help because he knows
that Gulak is going out here and take care of business in just a minute.
[Vic] Gulak lied to Hank. He dumped Hank as soon as Charlie--
-[Booker] What are you talking about? -[Vic] What are you talking about?
He's, "Oh, I'll mentor you. I'll help you. I'll teach you this.
I'll show you the ropes. Here's my boots." Oh, a neck breaker. He lied to him.
[Booker] No. It's about paying your dues. Let me tell you something.
Walker, he shouldn't even have on that singlet that's like a black belt.
You have to earn that singlet.
[Vic] Again, it goes back to you don't give Walker enough credit.
This is a former division one offensive lineman at NC State.
This is a former member of the Atlanta Falcons.
[Booker] Have you ever heard about paying your dues?
We ain't talking about football, in the middle of the squared circle.
We talking about their 20 by 20, that's what.
[Vic] He started as a security guard, he worked his way up to get a contract.
What do you mean it pays dues?
[Booker] I mean like I say it's about to get surgical right now.
Gulak is about to do some surgery on this kid right now
he's about to dissect him piece by piece. That's what's about to happen.
[Vic] Oh Gulak off the top and now it's Drew Gulak into the cover
and Walker just able to kick out but there's Gulak holding on
and now transitioning into a cross-face.
[Booker] This kid has got to be strong, but right now he's in a bad, bad way.
-He's on the wrong side of town. -[Vic] Boom.
It's one way to take Hank Walker down but look at the knuckle
into the cheekbone into the orbital socket of Hank Walker.
[Booker] Vic, the pain this kid is going through right now is excruciating.
I'm surprised he hasn't tapped out by now, that tells me a lot about this kid.
He's got a lot of heart.
[Vic] There's Charlie Dempsey, who you've mentioned, came along,
and finally as a partner that Drew Gulak wants to work with.
[Booker] He's a great student. He's a great student of the game.
That's what he is.
[Vic] Hank Walker has built up some anger.
He's built up some aggression over the past few weeks
and now it could be Walker trying to unleash it.
Gulak with a handful of hair but Walker not to be denied.
Big right hand, and now look at big Hank swinging for the fences,
going into the body now Gulak, going right back up top
and Walker-- Oh! A modified thesz press wasn't pretty
but was effective and now Walker right back on top.
[Booker] Nothing pretty about this kid but he's getting the job done right now.
Like I said, he's country-strong, Vic.
He's got a lot of heart but he cannot match toe to toe,
he could not match up with this man technically, that's the problem.
[Vic] Look, it was Gulak.
It was Dempsey who said Hank Walker lacked killer instinct
and right now Hank Walker could be putting that to bed.
-[Booker] Oh, wow. Right now Hank Walker-- -[Vic] Starting to come around, huh?
[Booker] This is what I'm talking about.
This kid is getting a little too big for his britches, he thinks he knows a lot--
He's nowhere near where he needs to be. Nowhere near it.
[Vic] This is the best we've seen from Hank Walker,
it could be the biggest victory of his career and just kicking out was Gulak.
[Booker] Take more than that to take Drew Gulak out of the game.
It is going to take more than that.
[Vic] The power on display then some speed,
some intensity by Hank Walker.
[Booker] Like I said, I give this kid Hank Walker a lot of credit.
[Vic] Now you give him credit?
[Booker] I give him credit for wanting to get into this business
makes his mark, but he's just not doing it the right way.
[Vic] Roll through by Gulak, was-- And right back into the cross face for Gulak.
Gulak now this is the right shoulder before it was the left shoulder
when you talked about surgically dissecting a superstar,
Gulak doing it on both sides looking for the submission, looking for the tap out.
You see Dempsey from behind trying to cheer on Gulak,
maybe try to coach him up a little bit.
But look at big Hank. Big Hank into a submission.
-[Booker] What the hell. -[Vic] Lock it in, Hank.
Trying to break the grip of Gulak
and trying to muscle his way into the submission.
Oh, this could be it, how embarrassing would this be for Drew Gulak?
[Booker] Gulak needs to move and he needs to move quick.
[Vic] Gulak trying desperately to navigate his way to the bottom rope.
Oh, and he finally was able to and has to break the hold is Hank Walker.
[Booker] That kid has been studying his ground game.
I saw Demetrius Johnson pull up that same armbar.
[Vic] Oh, wait a minute.
The referee was in between Gulak and Walker.
-No, no. -[Vic] Yes.
-[bell rings] -[Vic] Come on.
[Vic] Beautiful cradle.
[victory music plays]
[Beth] Here is your winner, Drew Gulak.
[Vic] How did they get in a cradle, Book?
A cheap shot from Charlie Dempsey when the referee couldn't see.
-[Booker] What are you talking about? -[Vic] What do you mean?
You wore glasses you didn't see it on the monitor.
[Booker] Let me see the replay. I didn't see anything.
[Vic] Let's talk about some innovation by Walker who gave it his all here tonight.
Look at the strength, look at everything he learned
to try to lock into submission. Hank Walker gave his all, got to the rope,
the referee was separating the superstars,
didn't see the cheap shot that led to that nice inside cradle,
as you put it, which gave Drew Gulak the victory.
Gulak snakes one here tonight.
[Booker] Beautiful cradle.
Not today.
Ever since we joined the division,
the tag team scene has been a bustling hive of competition.
At Stand & Deliver the NXT tag team Championships will be contested
in a triple-threat match.
The Creed Brothers have found their mojo, baby.
I can't stand the three brothers but I have to admit
recently they've shown that they've got a little bit more personality
than this dirty bar right here.
Good for them.
The champions Gallus.
Well, they're the champions. Move on quickly.
A new tag team bonded through family loyalty, Tony D'Angelo and Stacks.
Could you imagine if The Don on the underboss win?
-Oh, I would love to see it. -Oh.
Speaking of love, Briggs and Jensen have an opportunity
to make this tag team title match a fatal four-way.
Could you imagine if Briggs and Jensen, Kiana James, and Fallon Henley
all leave Stand & Deliver as tag team champions?
-Oh, so magical. -Right.
Such a perfect fairytale ending.
But that's the thing Elton, about fairytale endings.
There's always a witch or in this case witches right behind.
Very nice.
Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre have been a dangerous duo as of late
but if they get it their way it'd be a sinister Stand & Deliver.
This fairytale could be one of heartbreak and tragedy.
[Vic] So we will see you on Saturday afternoon for Stand & Deliver.
[lively music plays]
[Vic] I already know what you think, Book.
You think Pretty Deadly are going to be great host
for Stand & Deliver on Saturday?
[bell rings]
[Beth] The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, the team of Channing Stacks,
Lorenzo and the Don of NXT, Tony D'Angelo.
[Vic] Now, this is a little warm-up for the family
ahead of Saturday's triple threat match for the NXT tag team titles,
but tonight's been all about pressure
because if Stacks and D'Angelo lose
that match will become a fatal four-way on Saturday.
The pressure is on for both these teams next on NXT.
[rock music plays]
[Beth] And their opponents, the team of Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen.
[Vic] For Brooks and Jensen, this is a huge opportunity.
On one hand, they should be thanking Kiana James, but Book, on the other hand,
a lot of questions surrounding the conniving Kiana.
[Booker] Oh, what a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive.
I think that what's it is.
[Vic] Your heart kind of goes out to Brooks and Jensen here,
but also you got to wonder where Josh Briggs' mind is at.
You've seen him flash a couple of looks over to his partner
both these guys got to focus, this is a huge match.
A huge opportunity love lights got to go to the background.
-[Booker] You've been cheating on before? -[Vic] That I didn't know of so let me.
-[bell rings] -[Brooker chuckles]
[Vic] I'd have to go through the diary to figure that one out
but nothing comes to mind.
Into the cover, and a kickout.
[Vic] Is that a good thing? I've been cheated on before.
It's not a good thing.
It takes you to a place that you never would have imagined--
[Vic] Shoulders down one more time. Oh, nice counter.
[Booker] Oh, wow. Now looks like he's totally on point, Vic.
He looks like he's got his mind in the game and that's step one.
[Vic] A lot of pressure on the shoulders of D'Angelo and Channing Stacks Lorenzo
because if they lose their chances, there is another cover, another kick out,
their chances dropped to 25% on Saturday.
Whoa, at Stand & Deliver.
[Booker] I don't think they're planning on losing, Vic.
That's Tony and he's the Don of that, flanked by that man stack ready,
deliver that passion. Oh, yes.
[Vic] The Don does seem hoping that the family delivers here tonight.
That would also be Gallus hoping to keep that match a triple threat.
A win tonight could be just what Briggs really needs
to soften the blow for Jensen.
[Booker] Let me tell you something Briggs is thinking about one thing, man.
Briggs is thinking about tag team gold and he needs his partner Jensen
to have his head in the game because he's ready, look at the big man.
-Look at the big man, he's ready to go. -[Vic] Briggs has to be torn, though.
He's the bigger brother to Jensen for lack of a better phrase
and he knows it's Wrestlemania, he knows how big this match is,
but he also knows a little bit of information
he doesn't want to share quite yet.
[Booker] As well as he knows his brother got his nose wide open.
You can't be thinking about the ladies in situation like this, Vic.
You just can't do it.
[Vic] Now Tony D'Angelo checking into The Don in control.
Who could forget last year in Dallas when Tony defeated Tommaso Ciampa,
the first step to becoming The Don?
This could be the second step for Tony D'Angelo this year
at Stand & Deliver to call himself champion.
[Booker] Tony D'Angelo is very, very capable.
Since he's been back, you look at the body,
you look at the guy, he's in shape, he's been training.
Look at the quickness. Oh, yes.
-[Vic] Oh. Did you hear that? -[Booker] Yes.
[Vic] Briggs and Jensen right now in control.
We saw Indi Hartwell make the most of her opportunity earlier tonight.
Briggs and Jensen trying to do the same here this evening
to punch their ticket to Los Angeles, but Stacks and D'Angelo in control.
Now it's Lorenzo into the cover and a quick kickout at one.
-I can't believe you did this. -Oh, yes.
I'm so horrible, Fallon.
I got them a chance to be on Stand & Deliver.
-So terrible. All right. -When this is over, I'm telling him.
-Fallon, let's talk. -[crowd cheers]
[Vic] I don't think right now that Jensen and Briggs need another distraction
after what we just witnessed because Briggs right now isn't looking the best.
Jensen right now, like a caged animal.
They realize that that Championship opportunity
could be slipping through their hands here tonight for this Saturday.
Briggs back to his feet, tag was made. D'Angelo's back in.
D'Angelo's legal, but so is Jensen.
Things starting to break down, but look who's standing tall.
Briggs and Jensen on the same page.
Bam. Looking to punch their ticket to Los Angeles.
Looking to make it to Stand & Deliver.
[indistinct chatter]
[Vic] Back on NXT, huge tag team matchup here this week
because if Briggs and Jensen could win,
they'll be added to the NXT tag team title match at Stand & Deliver this Saturday.
As you can see, Kiana James and her Championship partner, Fallon Henley,
who have a Championship match of their own in Los Angeles,
have made their way at ringside, but the last thing, Book,
that Briggs and Jensen need is a distraction in this moment.
[Booker] Definitely, getting congested out here with the ladies being at ringside.
The focus is definitely not going to be where it should be in a matchup like that.
This is huge. High stakes, Vic. Oh, yes.
[Vic] Bam, from behind.
Stacks and D'Angelo want to keep Saturday's tag team matchup
a triple threat match and we talk about the success of the Don
-who has really turned-- -[Booker] Take the shot. Whoa. Wow. Wow.
[Vic] With the addition of Lorenzo over the last several months,
nearly a year,
that win against Ciampa led to the arrival of Stacks,
who then has grown into an underboss.
On Saturday, both Stacks and D'Angelo can wear gold for the first time.
[Booker] Yes, indeed. Now look at a team like Briggs and Jensen,
you can't tell me these guys can compete in this tag team division though
with teams like Pretty Deadly, the Creed Brothers, [indistinct]
Champion, Gallus, they got to feel a certain kind of way
seeing Gallus just slip in there and take those tag team Championships.
-[Vic] Now, oh. -[Booker] Oh, yes.
[Vic] Tandem offense, this is going to be a nice--
[Booker] Dude, thank you.
[Vic] Saturday a triple threat. Jensen just got that left shoulder up.
-Take a look. -[Booker] Check this out, doom's day.
Doom's day right here. Oh, yes.
[Vic] Feel that impact across the chest, across the jaw.
I'm looking up at Briggs right now, you see Briggs leaning over,
he's sensing it.
That right now it's got to be desperation for Briggs and Jensen
who want to taste success, who want to be champions one more time.
[Booker] He's feeling right now, it's now or never.
We got to go out here. We got to cash in.
We got one shot and we got to do it tonight. Oh, yes. Oh, yes.
[Vic] We talking about the pressure all evening long.
The pressure of the start tonight with 20 superstars,
try and earn that fifth and final spot.
The pressure of that last chance triple threat match
where Hartwell was able to secure her spot in Los Angeles
and now both these teams feeling the pressure here tonight to find out
will be a fatal four-way or will it be a triple threat match.
Briggs made the tag, Briggs is in, and Briggs is taking control of this matchup.
[Booker] Briggs, you don't want to let this big man right here on the move
because once he does, he gets excited, he gets hyped up
and he gets ready to do it. Here we go.
[Vic] Briggs turning into a one-man wrecking-- Brooks, wants a tag?
Oh, he's got Kiana out here. Uh, oh.
All the way, tippy top, spinning heel kick to go to Los Angeles.
[Booker] That's it.
[Vic] The Don breaks it up at the last moment.
Wow.
[Booker] Talking about the last second is correct, Vic. Wow.
[crowd chanting] NXT!
[Vic] You can feel the love from the NXT Universe for both these teams,
all four of these superstars because we all know what's on the line.
[Booker] It's about sucking it up right now.
[Vic] This Saturday it's Stand & Deliver--
-[Booker] Oh, here we go. -[Vic] It's Wrestlemania Saturday.
It's the biggest stage for all these superstars,
and it's all about the NXT tag team Championships. Oh.
[Booker] Oh. Big mistake right there by that big man Josh Briggs.
[Vic] Look at the Don, he goes out, he tags himself into the matchup.
Now in control, Stacks and the Don, the family.
Oh, oh.
Bada bing bada boom.
Into the cover, and Saturday will remain a triple threat.
[bell rings]
[victory music plays]
[Beth] Here are your winners,
Channing Stacks Lorenzo and Tony D'Angelo.
[Vic] Stacks and The Don get the job done tonight.
Can they do it again on Saturday?
We talked about the pressure on, well,
the family stood and delivered here tonight.
A big win to keep Saturday's tag team match-up a triple threat
and it will not be a fatal four-way.
I'm sure a sigh of relief from The Creeds and from Gallus.
Brooks, I know this is not a good time, but this has gone on long enough.
There is something Kiana needs to tell you.
Fallon's right.
Brooks, there is something that I should probably tell you.
You better tell him. Tell him.
I'd rather show you.
-[crowd cheers] -[Vic] He did it. Book, he did it.
[Booker] Suggy ducky quack quack.
[Vic] He's in the game.
-[Booker] Oh, yes. -[Vic] Brooks is on base.
[Brooker chuckling] That boy about to do this thing. It's about to get harder.
Did that [indistinct] Green up in here, man.
[music continues]
[Vic] I've been holding this unsanctioned contract all week.
Gargano isn't in sight and Waller is making his way to the ring.
We have been waiting all night to see
if the arrogant Aussie will sign on the dotted line. We'll find out next.
[energetic music plays]
[Vic] Welcome back.
We want to send a special thank you to turnstile for their song blackout,
the official theme for NXT Stand & Deliver from the album Glow
on available now on Apple music and Spotify.
Speaking of Stand & Deliver,
it's the youngest main event in Wrestlemania weekend history,
two of the best this brand has.
In Los Angeles, it's the match we've all been waiting for,
Breakker, Hayes for the NXT title.
The return of Roxanne Perez sent shockwaves through the locker room.
The rules remain the same, who will climb the ladder?
Who will retrieve the gold?
Who will call themselves the NXT women's champion in Los Angeles?
The Wes Lee open challenge heads to L.A. as the champion has hand-picked the field.
Can Wes Lee once again overcome the odds on Wrestlemania Saturday?
The bait of Chase University hangs with the balance
and this eight-person showdown whose principles will bring them power
at Stand & Deliver.
The NXT women's tag team titles are 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 four days in Los Angeles?
The NXT tag team titles will be defended under triple threat rules,
Gallus does not seem to be factored in the decision to lose the gold
in four days at Stand & Deliver.
It's 16 months of frustration that has come to an end
as Johnny Gargano battles Grayson Waller, and we're moments away
from finding out if Waller will sign the contract to make this match
an unsanctioned one at Stand & Deliver.
On the topic, there you see Waller's security, Booker, here tonight.
They've gone through the building,
they've ensured that Johnny Gargano is not present.
We've heard off and on from Waller all night long.
On cue here comes the arrogant Aussie.
[energetic music plays]
[Beth] Please welcome Grayson Waller.
[Vic] What's running through your mind, Book?
[Booker] Well, there's one thing I like about Waller, the guy has star quality.
I got to say that, I got to give him props.
He set himself up to be one of the greats in this business.
He's doing all the right things, he's making all the right moves
and he's getting under the collar of all the right people.
So, yes, I like him.
[Vic] You can say that again.
Obviously, I've been holding this contract for a week, waiting for Grayson Waller.
There you go.
You're going to sign it?
Whatever happens in this match, I want to do it in front of you.
Whatever happens to your boy, it's on your hands.
[Booker] Told you, didn't I?
Mind your business. I told you that, right?
You in trouble. Don't get caught in the parking lot.
Listen, just let me say that. Okay?
Hey. You folks better watch my back
because Gargano is known for his cheap shots.
He could come from anywhere, right?
[boos and cheers]
I'm staring at this piece of paper and I still can't believe it.
Grayson Waller versus Johnny Gargano at Stand & Deliver.
[crowd chanting]
Mello and Bron think they're the main event,
but it doesn't matter when I'm on, Grayson Waller is the real main event.
Because this is a full-circle moment.
Two years ago, I was trying to stand out in front of this new wave of NXT talent.
I was even trying to build a relationship with you idiots.
I was singing, I was dancing, all the things you pretend you don't like
but you secretly love.
Then came WarGames.
At the time, I was considered the fourth-best member of Team 2.0.
[crowd chanting] Shut the hell up!
So I went out there because I took it personally,
I stepped in that cage and I jumped from the top.
I put my body on the line because that was going to be my viral moment.
My launch pad into superstardom.
I was wrong.
Because at the end of the night after WarGames,
all anyone could talk about was Johnny Wrestling.
Two nights later, in a night I know you remember very vividly,
you walked to this ring,
and everyone couldn't wait to hear what you had to say.
[crowd chanting]
Because you kiss his ass so much,
Shawn Michaels gave you as much time as you wanted,
but it only took me 30 seconds.
I saw my mark and I hit it, and let's be real Johnny,
you are the biggest mark in this business.
I stepped out there and I hit you with that steel chair and I sent you home.
I sent myself into the stratosphere, which is funny
because only moments before, you told the world, "Bet on yourself."
If you want to talk about the last 15 months,
no one has bet on themselves more than Grayson Waller.
If you want proof, my proof is right here.
I have the greatest big-match superstar in NXT history
begging me to kick his ass at Stand & Deliver.
Don't forget that Johnny, you're begging me,
I'm your golden ticket right now.
To be fair, Johnny, you are the greatest big-match superstar in NXT history.
You've done it all.
The records, the titles, the matches, the moments, Johnny Gargano is Mr. NXT.
Just like your idol, Mr. Wrestlemania, Shawn Michaels,
you are going to lose at Stand & Deliver.
You bleed black and gold lad, I bleed green.
Fifteen months ago, I used you to put myself on the map.
At Stand & Deliver, I use you one more time.
[upbeat music plays]
[Vic] Book, wait just a moment.
Waller ready for a fight.
[Booker] Let's do it.
Come on. Let's go.
[cheers and applause]
[Vic] Gargano's here!
And Waller realizing it.
[Booker] Oh, yes. These two can't get along.
-Let them get it on. -[Vic] It's all breaking down.
[Booker] Let's do it.
[crowd chanting] Let them fight!
[Vic] They can't be separated, Book.
What's going to happen this Saturday?
[Booker] I can't wait. I can't wait, Vic. I can't wait. Oh, yes. Oh, damn.
Come on guys save it. Save it till the big night.
[crowd chanting] Johnny!
[Vic] We're going to need a little bit more security I think out here, Book.
[Booker] Save it for the big night, guys.
There's money to be made here.
[crowd chanting] Let them fight!
[Vic] These two absolutely despise each other.
[crowd chanting] Johnny Wrestling!
[Vic] We might find out if Waller indeed bleeds green.
There's going to be no rules, no liability, it's unsanctioned.
Who will be the one to Stand & Deliver this Saturday in Los Angeles?
Subtitles: Jessica Fanelli d & Deliver this Saturday in Los Angeles?