[WWE's music playing]
[announcer] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[Indi] One thousand three hundred thirty days ago,
I stepped through the doors of the WWE Performance Center
for the very first time.
I was a freshly turned 23-year-old
with a hope and a dream.
No one ever thought that I was gonna achieve this goal.
They counted me out.
People doubted me.
-[exciting music playing] -[Vic] This is Indi Hartwell's moment.
Indi Hartwell is the NXT Women's Champion.
[Indi] A lot of people say
that they wanna be a fighting champion, but
you don't always get an opportunity to prove that.
I was about to be taken out of the match,
and I thought,
"hell, no."
[crowd cheers]
[Indi] I got my arse back here against two of the very best.
I wasn't gonna let my championship run end
on the medical table.
[Vic] One word, impressive, for Indi Hartwell.
[Indi] And then came Friday.
Raw selects NXT Women's Champion, Indi Hartwell.
[Indi] I get drafted to Monday Night Raw.
But right now, just like when I was 23,
the most important thing is NXT and this title.
Starting next week,
there'll be a tournament to crown
a new NXT women's champion.
Culminating in four weeks at NXT Battleground.
A quote that I live by:
"Don't cry because it's over,
smile because it happened."
[audience] You deserve it!
[Indi] Ladies, good luck.
[Vic] The Battleground is being prepped
with possible champions taking claim to the gold.
Who will be the next to hold
the prestigious NXT Women's Championship?
-[rock music playing] -[crowd cheers]
[Vic] Well, the journey to crown a new women's champion,
it all begins tonight.
Welcome to NXT.
While we take a look at the NXT women's title,
there is the field of eight,
which was selected by Shawn Michaels
and the coaches in the Performance Center.
They are the top eight women on our brand.
And Booker, let's not waste any more time.
The first round starts now.
[Alicia] The following is a quarterfinals match
in the Women's Championship Tournament
to crown a new women's champion
at NXT Battleground.
[Tiffany Stratton's music playing]
-[camera clicks] -[crowd boos]
[Vic] There's a superstar who believes
she is too good for the tournament.
[crowd boos]
I can't believe I have to compete in this tournament.
Like, I should have been handed the women's title.
Now, I have to go through three grueling matches,
starting with Gigi Dolin.
She's so deranged.
I don't even know what the hell she's gonna do.
I need this like I need a pair of fat jeans.
Gross.
Survive [indistinct] tonight, then two more,
and then go on to become the NXT women's champion.
Toodles.
-[crowd boos] -[camera clicks]
[Alicia] Introducing first, Tiffany Stratton.
[Vic] Tiffany Stratton always oozing confidence
but as she just stated,
she's gonna have to go through three superstars to win.
[Gigi Dolin's music playing]
[Alicia] And her opponent, Gigi Dolin.
[Vic] For Gigi Dolin, as she looks at the NXT women's title,
she's also looking to turn things around.
Jacy Jayne, what you did last week was disgusting.
Talking to my little brother the way that you did.
You may have won the match,
but I got my pound of flesh, literally.
And bitch, I hope you make it to the semifinals.
But for tonight, I'm gonna use Tiffany Stratton
as my personal punching bag on my way
to becoming the new NXT women's champion.
[Vic] Dolin's gonna have to bottle up the emotions.
You see the left shoulder heavily taped.
Can't be 100% after the match last week with Jacy Jayne.
I wanna talk about the tournament.
What will be the biggest struggle for everyone
in this championship tournament?
[Booker] Oh, Vic, what a night we're in for here tonight.
I think it's gonna be understanding all those variables.
Preserving the energy, pacing yourself,
trying to stay focused throughout the night.
That's gonna be it.
[Vic] Win, you advance. Lose, you go home.
Two weeks from Sunday, the finals take place
at NXT Battleground, Lowell, Massachusetts.
[shouts]
[Vic] Dolin in control early on in this match,
but as we mentioned, not at 100%.
She's gonna have to bring her A-game here tonight.
[Booker] Stratton, she knows
everything about the middle of this ring.
What I think I like about Stratton is she knows her weaknesses.
[Vic] Cover.
A quick kick out by Stratton, oh.
Coming out of the gate hot, going into another cover.
Hooks both legs to advance.
And Stratton able to kick out.
Last night on Raw was the start
of the World Heavyweight Championship Tournament.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins emerging from Raw.
Who will be the superstar that emerges at SmackDown?
We'll find out on Friday.
Then we'll find out at Night of Champions
in Saudi Arabia, on May 27th,
who will be the new World Heavyweight champion.
This is the first matchup
in our NXT Women's Championship Tournament.
High impact, into the cover, hook of the leg and a near fall.
[Booker] So close right there, Vic.
So close to a victory.
[Vic] One more look at this impact.
Bam.
And you talk about the shoulder.
Right now, Tiffany Stratton
has found a bullseye on the body of Gigi Dolin.
[Booker] Gigi's going through it, mentally as well as physically.
She's going through a tough match. My question is,
I wonder if Gigi's gonna be able to bounce back?
Wow, so close.
[Vic] That is a good question.
Outside of her physical well-being,
there's some emotional scar tissue as well, with seeing
not only what Jacy Jayne did to her last week,
but also what Jayne had to say to her brother, Miles.
Stratton into another cover,
after continuing to work on that left shoulder.
Another near fall in this match.
I wanna get in on Stratton for a second.
Thinking about what she said.
How could she believe the title
should just be handed to her?
She continues to work on the shoulder, Dolin keeping her right shoulder up.
[Booker] I believe Stratton believes she's the best
in that locker room bar none.
My thing, I've been there,
you gotta think it in order to believe it
and I think that's what Tiffany Stratton's best assets are.
[Vic] You agree with Stratton, she shouldn't be in this tournament?
She should just be handed the championship?
Another cover, hook of the leg, and another near fall.
[Booker] That's mind games.
Stratton, she's playing chess.
She's not playing checkers with these ladies out here.
[Vic] NXT Women's Championship Tournament has begun.
How about this massive main event?
Breakker and Williams.
Dolin, into a cover,
and almost was able to advance to round two.
Also Ilja Dragunov, Dijak, we're talking about hard-hitting affairs.
All still to come on NXT.
Stratton into another cover.
Another hook of the leg and Dolin continues--
There wasn't much more on that last kick-out from Dolin.
[Booker] Gigi's got more than this match that she's thinking.
You can't come into a match like this totally not 100%
as well as totally not focusing on your prey here.
I think that's what it is.
Oh, big shot right to that shoulder.
[Vic] Again to the target.
Dolin, this time, able to roll through.
Coming right back in.
Dolin knows what this is about, this is about her dream.
She was fingertips away in Los Angeles
from becoming the NXT women's champion,
if not for Jacy Jayne.
She has a second chance now to win this tournament.
[Booker] Gigi, she got a bad hand,
but she's playing that hand that she was dealt.
It makes you stronger, Vic, trust me.
When you grow up not having a whole lot,
you don't miss what you never had.
But once you get it, man, you never wanna give it back.
[Vic] Stratton, you can say what you want,
it's hard to argue that she doesn't check all the boxes.
Look at the athleticism.
Following it right up.
Stratton coming right back and, oh, missed.
Dolin trying to roll up. Stratton's momentum carried her over.
[Booker] Wow.
[Vic] Walked right into that roundhouse kick
as Gigi Dolin, now, trying to shake off the pain.
[Booker] I think Tiffany's a little over confident.
Gigi is taking total advantage
of this situation right now.
[Vic] Dolin looking to put the finishing touches on Stratton.
You've gotta wonder if the shoulder coming into play, Book,
or she's not 100%, couldn't pick up Stratton.
Oh, Stratton, no problem.
[Booker] Oh, wow.
[Vic] Hoisting up, dropping Dolin.
And now, Stratton setting up for what she calls
the prettiest moonsault ever.
[Booker] My God, man.
-One, two, three. Ring the bell! -[bell rings]
[Vic] Stratton, the first to advance
in the NXT Women's Tournament.
[Alicia] Here is your winner,
Tiffany Stratton.
[crowd boos]
[Vic] And what Stratton said,
she's gotta go through three superstars to wear gold.
Dolin will be the first.
Take another look, Book, you said it.
Oh, wow.
She calls it the prettiest moonsault ever,
and for Tiffany Stratton,
she picks up the first victory in this tournament.
As we get an updated look
at the NXT Women's Championship Tournament bracket.
Stratton advances. Who will be next?
Our second quarterfinal matchup,
Valkyria, James, still to come
later tonight here on NXT.
[Booker] Vic, Tiffany, she doesn't look like she broke a sweat.
She's looking great.
[crowd boos]
[Vic] We said it was a golden night.
Coming up in a matter of moments,
the NXT Tag Team titles will be on the line
as Gallus defends against the Dyad.
Last week, I sacrificed myself
for your opportunity to grab glory
and I have no doubt
that you will bring gold back to us.
Four roots, one tree.
-I've taken your words to heart. -Good.
I will not be joining you at ringside.
My attention will be directed elsewhere,
but guide them as I would.
[Vic] Tag Team titles on the line, next.
-[hip hop music playing] -[male voices] Yeah.
Josh, get my fave right now.
I gotta beat the brakes off of Breakker tonight.
Change his name to "Urr."
[laughter]
Sick, bro.
Hey, Melo, how are you feeling, man?
I'm all right. Medical charts say I need to be 100%
before they can clear me and let me loose, but it's all good.
Trick, I appreciate you standing up on my behalf last week.
Letting Bron know you ain't the one, or the two.
Straight up.
Man, you don't have to do this tonight.
But I do.
Bron is a bad boy, I get it, I respect that.
-Yes. -But I'm on a whole new level now.
I'm training harder than ever. I mean, don't I look good?
-Yes. -Ain't I been working?
Yes.
Ain't I gonna whoop his ass tonight?
[cheers]
You hear the people.
Right. You know what, pass on my cut, take care of my boy.
We gotta get out of here soon.
No, I need to take care of Bron Breakker tonight.
Yes, I'm doing this for you, but I'm doing this for me.
I'm about to prove that I am everything
that I ever said that I am.
Your biggest test is defending your title at Battleground.
-Facts. -My biggest test is tonight.
[Melo] All right.
You already know, bro. We're gonna be watching.
-That's all it is. -And that's all it's gonna be.
Let's go!
[cheers]
[Vic] Get ready. Huge main event tonight.
[Joe Gacy's music playing]
[Vic] Fowler and Reid earning this championship opportunity
after Joe Gacy defeated Joe Coffey last week.
But it just seems odd
that there's no Gacy ringside
for this championship match.
-[Gallus' music playing] -[crowd boos]
[Vic] But there are the champions.
[Booker] Oh, yes.
[Vic] Mark Coffey, Wolfgang, with the aforementioned Joe Coffey.
Both of these teams have history with each other.
They've talked about it in the past.
Do you predict that one of these teams
has got to switch their strategy that they typically use tonight.
[Booker] Having been a coach myself,
I'm all about preparation and preparation is the only luck
you're ever gonna have.
This team right here, I think they need the stick
that got them to the dance.
Grounding and pounding, brawling tactics, oh, yes.
[Vic] With Joe Gacy not out here, is that gonna affect the challengers?
[Booker] I'm gonna tell you something.
Ava was very instrumental last week
in getting that victory.
I wonder if she's gonna be able to control the--
She whispered something in my ear, Vic.
Four roots, one tree.
Oh, my God.
I'm getting chills up and down my spine now.
-Liar! -Come on, Joe, back up.
[Booker] Here we go.
[Vic] We couldn't even hear from Alicia Taylor.
I haven't heard a bell.
NXT Tag Team Championship match breaking out.
Finally, there it is. And this match is official.
[Booker] I had a feeling this thing was gonna break out somewhere,
so I'm gonna start packing early here tonight, Vic.
[Vic] You've turned into a magnet at ringside in recent weeks.
Look at Mark Coffey right now.
The Tag Team champions, Gallus,
named after the Scottish Gallows, a no-nonsense trio.
They're not gonna fall
for schism's shenanigans tonight with the gold on the line.
[Booker] You're talking about a trio. I love these guys.
A throwback to Michael P.S. Hayes,
buddy Jack Roberts, Terry "Bam Bam" Gordy. The fever.
They had the same thing. Bad to the bone.
Now, the Gallus boys,
I think they can corner that phrase.
[Vic] You can say that again.
NXT Tag Team titles on the line, in this matchup.
Gallus, the champions. Dyad, the challengers.
Mark Coffey in control.
You can already see the welts starting to form on Reid.
[Booker] It's a fight. That's what I like about these guys.
Gallus boys are gonna give a damn scrap, but I'll tell you, Dyad,
you cannot turn your back on these guys for a second, Vic.
[Vic] Oh, nice takedown.
And into the cover goes Wolfgang.
Near fall.
[Booker] He barely sneaked out the back door.
That was a quick cover.
[audience] Four roots, one tree!
[Vic] You can hear the NXT Universe fired up.
Wolfgang in control.
You know what? The thing you said,
wait, did you see in that back corner?
Stacks, Tony D'Angelo.
All eyes are on the NXT Tag Team titles.
[Booker] Oh, yes. This is getting interesting now.
You know I like the family, Vic.
[Vic] You do. I wanna get back to Gallus.
You brought up something that was on point.
They don't care who's standing in proximity,
even if it was the fam.
Even if it was the Dyad. They just want to scrap.
[Booker] This team's all about business.
Joe Coffey made the business boom last week.
Didn't pay off for him,
but if I was Gallus, I would be mad at him. I'm serious.
Could have saved a lot of time here.
Oh, wow, big shot.
[Vic] Fowler tagging in, making an impact. Gets a one count.
You take a look, Gacy, as he put it,
sacrificed his body for the well-being of schism.
We just saw the first quarterfinal.
The second quarterfinal matchup still to come.
Valkyria, Kiana James, the second woman
to punch her ticket to the second round
of the NXT Women's Championship Tournament?
[Booker] Rip Fowler, Vic,
when you look at this guy and I'm telling you,
you won't believe how big, how massive,
and how impressive he really is.
And tonight, he's showing me a little something.
[Vic] He's trying to restump Wolfgang.
[Booker laughs] That's a test right there.
Oh, wow, coming down from the top floor right there, baby.
[Vic] Wolfgang quickly realizing and making the tag.
And in comes Mark Coffey.
We talked about the history of these teams.
We mentioned, earlier on, Gallus were the longest-reigning
NXT UK Tag Team champions.
Their opponents, the challengers here tonight,
were the first ever team
to hold those NXT UK Tag Team titles.
[Booker] Having Joe Coffey back in play,
everything right now is gonna be good to the last drop
as far as this team going that X-factor thing.
-That's what I'm calling it. -[Vic] Tag was made.
Mark Coffey does not realize that Reid is in the matchup.
Here is some textbook Dyad offense.
[Booker] Some beautiful Tag Team defense.
[Vic] Right now, Mark Coffey is all by himself.
Tag Team turmoil.
Enzuigiri into the flatliner.
Crawling into the cover. Titles on the line,
and Mark Coffey just able to kick out.
The Tag Team titles on the line.
[crowd claps]
[Vic] Back live on NXT, the NXT Tag Team titles on the line.
The champions, Gallus. The challengers, the Dyad.
Fowler and Reid have been in control of this match.
Ava on the outside has kept the Dyad in line
and focused on the task at hand here tonight,
as Joe Gacy is not ringside.
Tag was made. Reid is now legal.
Will we see gold be added to the schism?
Can the roots become stronger
as Mark Coffey trying to make his way to Wolfgang?
Oh.
Just gets dropped into the cover.
Hook of the leg, and it's not enough.
Another near fall.
[Booker] So close, Vic.
Big Ive, guess who we are?
-Two brains. -One team.
What have I told you guys?
-Stop messing around. -Hey, stop!
-Quit. -Big Ive.
-It was just a joke. -My goodness. I know, it was a joke.
[Vic] All eyes are on the Tag Team titles.
They were The Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile.
And Ivy Nile has had some tension building
between her and Ava, who's on the outside right now.
Look at Joe Coffey, trying to fire up the Gallus.
Coffey's coming over to Gallus
since his return from suspension,
he's only added to the confidence of Gallus.
He's made them harder to defeat.
As you see the family continuing to look on.
The Dyad trying to figure out what it's gonna take
to keep Mark Coffey down,
as the NXT Universe rally the Tag Team champions.
[Booker] You can say what you want about the Gallus boys,
but the Dyad is giving these guys all that they can take.
Tag Team Championships are on the line, Vic.
That's what makes the difference.
[indistinct]
[Vic] Here comes Wolfgang.
You see Joe on the outside, still shouting at Wolfgang.
Wolfgang, now, swinging through the fences.
Hey, let's go.
[Vic] Wolfgang, right now, it's two-on-one.
Wolfgang don't care.
[Booker] Wolfgang, Gallus boys. You get some, want some,
you just better be big enough
and bad enough to take some.
Because these boys, they can go all night.
They can go all-- They don't have a certain style
or anything like that, but they can go all night long.
[crowd cheers]
[Vic] And it's down to Wolfgang and Reid.
-[Booker] Yes. -[Vic] Reid gets planted and now splat.
[Booker] Wow.
[Vic] Mark Coffey, back up, quick tags.
Mark Coffey back into this matchup.
Gallus, looking to put this one away.
Cover by Coffey.
That being Mark to retain the title.
Reid just was able to get that left shoulder up.
Another tag was made.
Take another look. Bam.
First the nasty landing,
and then, I mean, it was so close.
[Booker] Not hooking that back leg.
That extra half of a second
may have been the difference maker.
[Vic] Mark Coffey now--
And Fowler. Wait a minute.
Back into the ring. Reid.
Shoulders down and Wolfgang able to power.
Watch out, Book.
[fans shout]
[Vic] Wolfgang looking around.
Tables have turned quite quickly.
Fowler down at our feet. Tag was made.
Coffey's back in the matchup.
[Booker] When I think about the Gallus boys, they might not--
[Vic] Wait a minute. There's Ava.
Again.
And Wolfgang finally able to launch.
Big DDT.
That gave enough time for Reid to get back into the match.
[Booker] Hell of a counter.
Hell of a counter there by Jagger Reid.
Here we go, Vic.
We could have new Tag Team champions
in just a second.
[Vic] There's Nile.
Ivy Nile.
We said Nile despised Ava.
Things are breaking down.
Book, we still got a Tag Team Championship?
Back in the ring.
[Booker] Oh, here we go, Vic.
[Vic] The gallow gate connects.
Wolfgang into the cover.
And Gallus able to retain.
-[Booker] Yes. -[Gallus' music playing]
[Alicia] Here are your winners
and still the NXT Tag Team champions,
Gallus.
[crowd boos]
[Vic] Ava beside herself.
Tried to stick her nose into this matchup.
Ivy Nile was not gonna have that.
We said all eyes were on these Tag Team titles.
All eyes were on these Tag Team Championship matchup,
and they certainly were tonight.
As this was the distraction.
This is when Ava tried to turn
the complexion of this matchup into the challengers.
For a moment, Book, it worked.
Big DDT.
Fowler's able to isolate Wolfgang.
And The Dyad, this was their best opportunity,
but you talk about an equalizer.
Ivy Nile, the pitbull herself, had enough.
Creed Brothers tried to restraint Nile
and that was the turning point for Gallus.
The gallow gate connected
and continuing their reign as champions.
Wolfgang and Mark Coffey,
Gallus boys on top.
[indistinct]
[chants] Champions again.
Champions again.
So much going on.
I wonder when Mr. Chase's gonna get back,
but Duke stepped in,
so we're not gonna fall behind the semester.
It's cause by the draft. My goodness.
Could you imagine getting drafted? My goodness.
Keep on dreaming, kid.
-Thea, let me ask you a question. -What?
Does University offer classes
on how to get into the Women's Title Tournament?
Well, you're not in it,
so I'm guessing you probably failed that one, huh?
-Maybe some day. -[Duke] Thea!
Sorry I'm late.
Grading papers takes a lot longer than I thought it would.
Hey, tell me this.
Is spell check just an australian thing?
Wait, how did I do on the quiz?
Hail. Eighty-eight.
[yelling] An 88. Oh, my God, it's an 88.
An 88.
Grading papers, lesson plans.
You're really deep into this thing, aren't you?
I see what you're doing, you're operating from the inside.
Look,
when you unveil your final plan,
I know Mr. Chase is not gonna know what hit him.
Okay, Javi. First of all,
you don't even go here.
Secondly, I think you misunderstood somewhere along the way
because I'm simply filling in for Mr. Chase until he gets back.
-Is that right? -Yes, that's right.
Oh, come on.
Okay, look, everyone thinks they can get away with what they want
when the substitute teacher's here, but this is not gonna go that way.
How dare you
disrespect the good name of Duke--
of Chase University.
I see what you did, a little bit of a freudian slip.
Listen to me, you little dweeb,
here's how it's gonna go down.
I'm gonna go get a match made between Javi and the MVP, Duke Hudson.
And tonight, my friend,
you are gonna get a little bit of a…
Andre Chase University
sized-ass whooping.
[yelling]
[tense music playing]
[crosstalk]
[bell rings]
[Alicia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
Javier Bernal.
[Vic] Just trying to dissect what we just witnessed.
As there is Javier Bernal,
Javi suggesting that Duke is playing the long game.
[Booker] Yes.
[Vic] Do you agree?
[Booker] If Duke Hudson's smart, and I think he is,
he'll be thinking about the end game, Vic.
He'll be thinking about the takeover,
the takeover of Chase University, yes.
[Vic] You buying in to all this?
[Booker] I know this man.
I know this young man, Duke.
He's smarter than that.
We'll talk about that in a minute.
[Vic] I don't know if I want to at this point.
[Chase University's music playing]
[Alicia] His opponent, accompanied by Thea Hail,
representing Chase University,
Duke Hudson.
[Vic] There is the MVP
of Chase University.
Two weeks from Sunday,
it's NXT Battleground in Lowell, Massachusetts.
[cheers and boos]
[Vic] What a Memorial Day weekend it will be
for the WWE and for NXT,
but I wanna refocus on this matchup.
You know what, Book? Maybe you need to go help Duke Hudson.
Maybe you need to help Hudson with the grading.
You should volunteer at Chase U.
[Booker] If Hudson take over at Chase U, trust me,
I will be an adviser.
I'd try to teach these young kids
how to go out and dominate.
Take over this business.
[Vic] I heard at Chase U,
they serve a great Chicken Korma in the cafeteria.
[Booker] I might be getting in there a little bit.
[Vic] Duke Hudson trying to use his size advantage.
Look, to Duke's credit though, he's trying to step up.
[audience] MVP!
[Vic] Trying to step up for Mr. Chase.
[Booker] If I was to say, let me tell you something.
He's much more worthy than MVP.
He should've been graded Presidency of Chase U,
or something like that.
This guy is the reason Chase U
is still in existence today.
[Vic] Bernal taking advantage, and right now big body
putting the boots to Duke Hudson.
[Booker] I don't know about this big body Javi.
This is the kind of guy that get caught up in those Ponzi schemes
or get rich quick schemes.
He's one of those guys that will find himself on a cereal box,
or a milk carton, or something like that.
[Vic] You just agreed with Bernal.
[Booker] I do--
[Vic] …Duke operating from inside out, taking down Chase U.
[Booker] This guy will lie to you. You know what they say about liars.
People that lie about small things
are to be disbelieve with big things.
That's what this kid Bernal-- You can't trust him.
[Vic] You should be a lawyer, you just talked us all into a circle
over the last two minutes.
As Duke Hudson is in control of Javier Bernal,
and it's nice to see Thea on the outside
using those breathing exercises that Tyler Bate taught her.
Bernal going low, trying to chop down Hudson.
-Into a DDT. -[Booker] Oh, wow.
Take advantage of it, kid.
A window just opened.
You better sneak in there.
[Vic] Hook of the leg,
and Hudson's own momentum able to carry him out at one.
For Javier Bernal, you said that window has opened.
Do you think he should've backtrack from the comments he made
before he found himself in this match?
[Booker] Bernal's trying to come up here, man.
You got to put yourself in position to come up,
and what a better way to do it than to go out there and beat the MVP,
the guy that I think should be President of that University.
Yes, I think it's a great idea.
[Vic] Bernal, he's always talking himself into a mess.
As there you see a young member
of the Chase U student section
rallying on Duke Hudson,
Thea Hail on the outside.
[Booker] Think about it.
If Duke Hudson take over this University and turn it around,
really make it something special with this University.
[Vic] It is something special.
[Booker] I'm talking about something special.
I'm not talking about the way it's been looked at
over the past few months.
[Vic] Andre Chase has made it special.
Chase hasn't return to campus following a beating by Bron Breakker.
One that Trick Williams is hoping to avoid later tonight
in the main event, but look at Duke Hudson.
-[Booker] Oh, he's just getting mad. -[Vic] Oh, he is.
[Booker] I know a little bit about this kid, Duke Hudson.
When he came to the States, first place he stopped
was Reality of Wrestling.
He knows about going out there and grinding.
He knows about being a leader.
He's not a follower, Vic.
[Vic] Oh, what a clubbing blow from Hudson.
Followed by another right.
Hudson rolling.
Big sidewalk slam.
[Booker] Giving those students somebody to be proud of.
[Vic] They're proud of Andre Cha--
[Booker] …proud of this man.
Going out here representing.
[loud thud]
[audience] Ooooh!
[Booker laughs] Yes.
[Vic] I finally think after that senton Bernal might be wishing
he took a few steps back after this tournament tonight.
[Booker] That's a leader you can be proud of, Vic.
A leader you can be proud of is Duke Hudson.
He's rolling right now, Vic.
[Vic] Hudson. German suplex.
Hudson doesn't wanna be president.
Hudson's happy being the MVP.
[Booker] What are you talking about? Nobody's happy with that.
You'd be happy with that, but not Duke.
[Vic] And Hudson
looking to put the final grade
on Javier Bernal.
[Booker] Oh, yes.
[Vic] And somewhere right now Andre Chase is smiling.
[bell rings]
[Booker] You think?
[Chase U's music playing]
[Alicia] Here is your winner, Duke Hudson.
[Vic] What a victory for the MVP,
Duke Hudson.
It's so nice, Book, let's see it twice.
Look at this picture-perfect placement.
[Booker] Yes.
[Vic] You gotta think the students were looking on.
You mentioned learning.
[Booker] Yes, they're proud of this young man.
[Vic] …everything Duke Hudson knows,
he learned from Andre Chase.
[Booker indistinct]
You know what?
I'm feeling good because the weather is nice,
and that can be a powerful thing.
I never thought about it like that, but you know what?
Rapid-fire answers. Give me your favorites.
Go.
-Hamburgers. -Bacon burger.
Fries.
Oh, that's a good one. Chili cheese.
-Ice cream. -Mint chocolate chip. No, wait.
Cookies and cream all day.
All right now, roll on. Mine's pistachio.
What do you see when you look at this picture, Von?
Stone, I told you--
Hey, Von. I couldn't help but overhear
you're trying to get ahead with some of your answers. Right?
-No, that's rude. -What do you mean?
Von, stop.
No. I'm sorry.
Von, I'm sorry.
-You think you're funny? -I apologize.
I'm sorry.
Freak.
Pistachio.
[Vic] At least Mr. Stone could get some answers
to the questions he was looking for.
[Eddy Thorpe's music playing]
[bell rings]
[Alicia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, Eddy Thorpe.
[Vic] You can see Thorpe fired up for tonight
as this is the NXT Universe.
Thorpe has been preparing for the last week for this showdown
as he goes one-on-one with Damon Kemp live next on NXT.
[singing]
Oh. Tell your bud to keep out
of Gallus' business in future, okay?
-Yes. -No, it's fine. What?
I don't know what you said, but you need to watch your mouth.
And you two need to watch those tag titles.
Or what? You're looking for fight?
[crosstalk]
Good idea. [indistinct]
Champions only.
And you two aren't welcome.
Shut up. Gallus boys don't care.
You don't want us there. That's right.
Thanks, guys.
Nobody's allowed to mess with you except for us.
We're only allowed to mess with you.
[Vic] It's been a busy night for Ivy and the Creeds.
[Damon Kemp's music playing]
[Alicia] Making his way to the ring, Damon Kemp.
[Vic] Damon Kemp has had his eye
on Eddy Thorpe for quite some time.
[indistinct] to the fact that challenges last week
which I don't know if he was expecting Thorpe to answer.
[Booker] Damon Kemp is looking for some fresh meat right now.
He thinks Eddy Thorpe may be it.
[bell rings]
[Booker] That might be a problem, Vic.
[Vic] Thorpe got disrespected last week and you gotta understand
he didn't like being called a kid by Damon Kemp.
[Booker] I get it. It's a couple of words you don't wanna use, kid, boy.
Because you're the man's business, Vic.
And this man right here, he thought he's a grown man.
[Vic] He also interrupted my Damon Kemp interview last week
as we saw Kevin Bass take down control on the mat early on,
but both superstars, let's talk about it.
Both superstars are confident
because they have something to prove in this matchup.
[Booker] Of course. Kemp right now,
he feels like this man, Eddy Thorpe,
is the flavor of the month, he's getting a lot of attention.
How can I come up?
Go out and beat this young man tonight.
That's the way you do it.
[Vic] You don't wanna get Damon Kemp down on the mat.
Round game for Kemp, seriously, it is strong.
You've talked about it, his amateur background,
as now Kemp trying to get back to vertical base.
Thorpe switches strategies early on in this matchup.
Kemp… They're too cocky, no?
[Booker] You don't wanna just put in anything with this.
[Vic] Oh, nice.
[Booker] He's a striker, he comes from that mixed martial arts background.
He's very well-rounded in all disciplines.
[Vic] Talk about the amateur background
of these superstars who work hard in the gym.
That's where we typically find Eddy Thorpe, he is a gym rat.
[Booker] It's all about putting the work in,
see what kind of results we get,
because this thing's just about levels
we're gonna see if Eddy Thorpe can level change
here tonight with this man.
Oh, big hip takeover. That's neat.
[Vic] We talk about when they were in the gym with each other.
Did Kemp overstep by asking Thorpe
to put all his-- Big high crossbody takes Kemp down.
[Booker] Come on, man.
If you play [indistinct] you get a rookie in the locker room.
It comes with the territory.
You get it one fight like this right here
you ain't a rookie no more.
[Vic] Thorpe trying to take it to Kemp.
Kemp keeping a low center of gravity.
Big uppercut from Kemp. You talked about switching gears.
Kemp certainly has done that in this moment,
a little extra jackhammer-esque
into the cover, hook of the leg,
and Thorpe just got that shoulder up,
I mean, he barely was able to get the shoulder,
but now, Kemp could be looking for that knockout blow.
[Booker] Look at the dirty tactics right there, but guess what, Vic?
I like it. I like everything about those tactics.
[Vic] You see Kemp continuing to talk some smack,
and this is what Kemp was doing last week.
You talked about Damon Kemp, you've said it,
he has every attribute that you want in a superstar
but what is the missing piece?
[Booker] Staying focused. You gotta stay focused in situations,
and right now he's doing a hell of a job [indistinct]
dogging Eddy Thorpe just trying to make this man
feel a little pain right here and I'm loving it.
[Vic] Thorpe trying to get back up, to create a little bit of separation,
but Kemp showing that power, hoisting up, and then dropping.
Kemp hit him so hard he almost knocked himself out of the ring.
Cover and Thorpe again was just able to kick out.
[Booker] That's the resiliency of this kid, Thorpe.
He's gone through pain before, it's gonna take a whole lot.
You're not gonna go out there and put this man's shoulders to the back
and get the three-count, it's not going to be that easy.
[Vic] One more time Thorpe trying to get up
and this really is turning into a brawl.
Look at Thorpe, reaching back.
Devastating rights and Thorpe not at 100%, favoring that midsection,
but he's fighting.
This is the fight you were talking about, Book.
[Booker] This is adrenaline right here, Vic--
[Vic] Oh.
[Booker] …all the pain seem to just melt away and right now
Eddy Thorpe is rolling,
big shot by Thorpe.
[Vic] Nice combination offense rocking Kemp.
Oh, big boot by Thorpe.
Turning around, German suplex.
Didn't maybe get the height he wanted,
but he's able to get the cover
and a kick out by Kemp.
Eddy Thorpe, really you can see the physical toll
of this hard-hitting matchup taking effect.
[Booker] Vic, right now, he's using a lot of energy
and I'm wondering, if you just use it all up
in that last big class,
trying to get Damon out of there.
[Vic] Kemp going up, going over. Thorpe, though,
able to roll through and now can he turn?
Can Thorpe turn Damon Kemp center of the ring?
From two he goes to one and he's locked in that single-leg crab.
[Booker] Double-leg into a single.
[Vic] That's certainly going back to Thorpe's roots
as Kemp trying to do anything he can
to just claw his way free from this hold.
Wait a minute.
The referee trying to get some sort of control,
and finally breaking the hold is Kemp.
Kemp turned around,
gets caught then gets dropped.
[Booker] Wow, this is what I'm talking about.
It's gonna take a whole lot to beat this kid.
You gotta separate this man from his senses.
He's got a lot of resilience, Vic.
Big shot there.
-[Vic] Into the cover. -[bell rings]
[Vic] And what a hard-fought win.
[Alicia] Here is your winner, Eddy Thorpe.
[Vic] Eddy Thorpe
got a second or third win in the matchup
and was able to take out Damon Kemp.
Damon Kemp trying to talk to the official.
[Booker indistinct]
Kiana James, you've had an incredible first year here in NXT.
You've been hand selected by Shawn Michaels
and the coaches as one of the top eight women
to compete in the NXT Women's Title Tournament.
Tonight, you face Lyra Valkyria.
Yes, McKenzie I get it.
I have the most difficult first round opponent for this tournament.
Whoever put this bracket together did me no favors,
but luckily, I thrive under pressure.
My last 12 months speaks volumes,
especially the last five to six.
I have laid out every single thing that I've wanted to do,
and one by one I've checked them off my list,
except for the NXT Women's Championship.
Like you said, my first year here was incredible.
Can you imagine how much bigger year two will be
as the NXT Women's Champion?
I can.
[Vic] Our second quarter final matchup
for the NXT Women's Championship Tournament
still to come tonight.
[bell rings]
[Alicia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
Ilja Dragunov.
[Vic] We thought the last match was hard-hitting,
we better buckle up
because it's Dijak and Dragunov next.
[Ilja Dragunov's music playing]
[boos]
Excuse me, Bron Breakker.
Tonight you face Trick Williams in the main event,
but I wanna ask the question that's on the minds
of everyone in the WWE Universe.
Why the change in attitude?
There's no change in attitude, I just stopped caring.
For over a year,
I carried the NXT Championship on this shoulder,
the NXT flag on this shoulder,
and the weight of this brand on my back, and what did it get me?
Nothing.
The WWE Universe, they made their choice, and it was Melo.
That's fine, because Melo is probably still picking splinters out of his ass
from when I speared him through the wall a couple of weeks ago.
So you or anyone else for that matter doesn't like my attitude,
the door's right there, I didn't ask for this interview.
You did.
You know what? I'll give you something.
Come here.
Melo, tonight,
I'm gonna put your buddy,
your best friend, Trick Williams,
in the same hospital that I put you.
See you at Battleground.
[Vic] You are not gonna wanna miss
our main event tonight on NXT.
[Dijak's music playing]
[boos]
[Alicia] Making his way to the ring, Dijak.
[Vic] This superstar promised to break
Ilja Dragunov.
[Booker] Ooh, Vic.
That's gonna be a hard nut to crack, but I'm gonna tell you something.
This man right here, Dijak,
all about mayhem,
all about destruction.
This is gonna be good.
[Vic] Finally after weeks of physical confrontation between these two,
they meet one-on-one.
There is Dragunov
laser focused on Dijak.
[bell rings]
[Vic] Right off rip, there goes Dijak,
but Dragunov coming right in.
Dragunov, a superstar who welcomes the punishment.
Dijak loves the chance to hurt.
Who's got the advantage in this slug fest?
[Booker] Vic, it's the pain game, man.
Now, look, I like everything about this man, Dijak,
but he needs to pick his wars a little bit better
because this man right here,
Dragunov, he's on a different level.
He fight with a furious passion, Vic.
-[Vic] I think you would too if you-- -[Booker] Oh, wow.
[audience] Oh! Oh! Oh!
[Booker laughs]
[Vic] You see the blood blisters forming on Dijak's chest.
Book, I think you'd be upset too
if you were viciously attacked
like Dragunov was by Dijak.
Don't forget the [indistinct] slammed on his ribs.
[Booker] You gotta pick your poison.
This man right here, Dragunov,
pain is pleasure with this young man.
Pain is his friend, Vic.
He wouldn't know what to do if he woke up
and something wasn't hurting on him. Trust me.
[Vic] Dragunov again and this time Dijak seen that movie.
Didn't like the way it ended, and didn't want to see a sequel.
[Booker] Oh, my God, man.
[Vic] You mentioned for Dragunov waking up not feeling any pain.
He loves pain. He says it makes him feel alive,
but it was Dijak who told him he was gonna make him immortal
with the amount of pain he put him through.
Dijak into the cover, and Dragunov able to kick out at two.
Take a look at the chest of Dijak.
[Booker] Not just the chest, Vic.
His back is all welt up.
This thing [indistinct] early.
We just got started here, Vic.
[Vic] Even the chest of Dragunov a beat bright red,
and Dragunov not wanting to hide.
He's been waiting for this fight since Dijak showed up last month.
But you heard Dijak as he's screaming into Dragunov's ear.
He warned all of NXT that justice was gonna be served
and it was gonna be swift and severe.
[Booker] Dragunov right now, like I say,
he's different and more focused than ever before
because he don't have JD McDonagh to worry about.
That right there just puts this man
on another level in itself. Trust me, Vic.
[Vic] Oh.
Bouncing right back comes Dragunov.
I mean, Book, have you ever seen red
like either of these men do where they see the other?
[Booker] My God.
Dijak is one of those type of guys, Vic,
when he come out to this thing, he sees blood red.
That mission is search and destroy, but with this man,
this man right here, Dragunov,
he can run into something big.
[Vic] These guys are coming out of the gate very hot
and just slugging it out,
but for Dragunov, you gotta wonder if that [indistinct]
if he's still feeling the affects deep down.
As trying to turn right back around.
Gets caught. Comes right back into Dijak.
[screams]
[loud thud]
[Vic] It's not often you see someone
deliver a blow and then go down.
These two coming into this matchup throwing haymakers.
[Booker] One thing about Dragunov, he's technically sound, Vic.
He don't mind getting into a war,
but he's always looking to set you up
with something big, Vic.
Could this be it?
Whoa.
[Vic] Dragunov trying to fight through the pain,
and Dijak trying to create a little separation.
[Booker] Yes, but like a pitbull, Dragunov just holding on.
Oh, wow.
That's where the strength and the size
is gonna come into play in a matchup like this.
[Vic] Big discus boot, and that could be enough
to put the lights out here tonight--
And just able to kick out is Dragunov.
[Booker] Dragunov can go toe-to-toe with any man in this business, Vic.
[Vic] Take one more look. Listen.
[indistinct]
[Vic] Wow.
That's our timekeeper.
[crowd boos]
[Vic] Look, in Dijak's mind, this is about brutally beating Dragunov.
He's risking disqualification here, Book.
[Booker] Why would you disqualify for doing that to the timekeeper?
[Vic] I'm talking the steel chair, Booker.
And now, oh, come on.
[boos]
-[Vic] Oh! -Ring the bell.
-[Booker] Oh, man. -[bell rings]
[Booker] Come on.
[boos]
[Alicia] The winner of the match via disqualification,
Ilja Dragunov.
[crowd boos]
[Vic] Dijak seems to be more
angry than before,
and that's not gonna be good for Dragunov.
[Booker] You think?
You think that?
[Vic] We gotta--
we gotta get some help out here.
Oh!
[Booker] He snapped.
Dijak snapped, Vic.
[crowd boos]
[Vic] Now what's Dijak doing?
[Booker] Like I say, he snapped.
We need to get some help out here.
[fans shout]
[Vic] The diabolical intentions going through the mind of Dijak.
We know Dragunov welcomes the punishment we said,
but Dijak welcomes the chance to hurt.
I don't think anyone thought…
He's gonna crush Dragunov.
[Booker] You wanna talk--
[Vic] He's gonna crush Dragunov.
[Booker] Oh, no.
[crowd boos]
How does that feel?
[indistinct]
How's the pain feel? Do you feel alive?
[Vic] We need some help.
I can break any man.
Including [indistinct]
[loud metal crash]
Woohoo!
I haven't seen this much smoke since I was hanging out with Riddle.
[coughs]
Hey, yo, Tyley.
Ty-- I know you're getting your head right
for your match with Dempsey tonight,
but look, I've got to thank you for last week, dawg.
You were like a majestic leopard
taking out Charlie and it was beautiful, dawg.
Look, you have my back, so tonight, I got yours.
Gulak and Dempsey are determined
to sap all of the joy out of NXT,
and we ain't going to let that happen, right?
You're on next, so you can probably get going too.
Get going.
Tyler?
You all right, mate.
Sorry I was miles away then.
Did you say something?
Because when I meditate I'll go into a deep trans-like state,
like I'm on a higher plane of existence.
You know what I mean?
Dope.
-You ready? -Let's do it.
Let's get this.
What's up, guys?
Congratulations, you did great.
Thank, man. Say hi to the fans.
[laughing]
-What's that? -TikTok, yes.
So I watched the match back.
What can I do to get better?
Just hard work, man.
Keep busting your ass and reps. That's everything.
The more you get in there, the better you're going to be.
Trust the process.
That's what I'm saying, bro.
To get into Tag Team thing, we should need to practice more.
Hell, yes. You're right.
We need reps, and I think Hank and Tank
need one of those reps against the big boys of NXT.
What do you guys say? This Tuesday?
I think our schedule is free.
-Tuesday it is, boys. -Sounds good to me.
-Yeah! -See you Tuesday.
[Vic] Hank and Tank have a riff coming.
Tag Team matchup still to come tonight.
[bell rings]
[Alicia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied by Drew Gulak,
Charlie Dempsey.
[Vic] Now we heard from Tyler Bate earlier.
Right now let's go back to the turning point in last week's
North American Championship matchup
as Wes Lee was in action.
It was Tyler Bate who was in the right spot
at the right time to open the door
for Wes Lee to drop Drew Gulak
and retain that North American title.
[Booker] Yes.
[Vic] Book, what do you mean by "yes"?
You said that sarcastically.
[Booker] Yes, I did.
[Vic] Here we go.
[Booker] We'll talk about that.
[Tyler Bate's music playing]
[Alicia] His opponent,
accompanied by the NXT North American Champion, Wes Lee,
Tyler Bate.
[Booker] Man, this match, I'm so looking forward to.
But let's just go back to that matchup last week.
What a hell of a North American Championship match.
We were so close to crowning a new champion,
and then people getting into business
that don't concern them.
Oh, yes, I'm talking about Tyler Bate.
My thing is, what is the method to the madness of Tyler Bate?
Why is he being so friendly to Wes Lee?
You know what they say,
you know, keep your friends close
and keep your enemies closer. Could that be it?
I don't know. I'm just saying,
[Vic] I'm going back to the first thing you said about
sticking into someone's-- What did you say?
Nose or business?
[Booker] Concerning yourself with business that don't concern you.
Look here, it was a great match going on.
It was a great championship match going on.
But then this man right here, Tyler Bate
had to stick his nose and this is what happens.
You run into somebody like Charlie Dempsey when that happens.
[Vic] You're spreading fake news now.
Look, it was Tyler Bate who had Lee's back last week.
Who knows how things could've played out last Tuesday.
As big suplex by Bate.
[Booker] …a new champion. We're on an agreement on something.
[Vic] Standing shooting star. Cover, hook of the leg,
and Dempsey able to power out.
You might need some meditation tips from Bate.
That's what you need, you need to do some woosah.
[Booker] All I need to do is sit out here and watch this man,
Charlie Dempsey do work,
because Charlie's looking for a moment.
Charlie's looking for that big moment,
and tonight could be that moment
with a victory over this man right here, Tyler Bate.
[Vic] Dempsey's looking for a full Nelson or some sort of suplex.
[Booker] Beautiful knee.
[Vic] Nice double underhook suplex.
Look at the bridge, look at the pin,
and a nice kick out, though, by Bate.
How about some unique offense
from Charlie Dempsey, who really is a master of the mat.
[Booker] No. What is he called, Vic, is a precision tactician.
He's the type of guy that will wake you up
just to put you back to sleep.
That's what I like about this kid, Charlie Dempsey.
[Vic] You would have to agree
because we have disagreed a few times here.
-[Booker] Oh, yes. -[Vic] Wait a minute.
Nice counter by Bate. Dempsey getting right back up.
Looking for a Boston crab, wow!
Nice counter by Bate.
Shoulders down again, another reversal.
These two know each other so very well
and it's Bate who's on his feet
in a little bit of a stalemate between these two, I was about to say.
[Booker] Oh, wow.
[Vic] These two are quite evenly matched.
[Booker] We're being treated to a mat classic.
I don't know if they evenly match, but we're going to find out tonight.
This kid, Charlie Dempsey, he's looking for a moment.
He's looking for a breakout moment to make that statement.
[Vic] There you see Drew Gulak
who is watching this matchup very closely.
Of course, Wes Lee out here to show support for Tyler Bate
much like Bate did last week.
Now this is breaking down.
Book, this is been hard-hitting NXT.
[Booker] Yes. What a night, Vic.
I tell you right here.
Charlie Dempsey is in great position,
and I tell you, he's coachable.
That's why he got this man Drew Gulak in his corner.
You couldn't have a better coach than Drew.
[Vic] Gulak you could see barking at Dempsey
as Bate trying to counter.
Hoisting up Dempsey.
Uh-oh.
[audience] Oooh!
[Booker] The thing about Tyler Bate, he's strong kid.
[Vic] Around and round they go.
When Bate stops only he knows.
[Booker laughs]
[Vic] Whoa. Wait a minute.
Joe Gacy.
He's not your friend.
What are you doing?
Hey, what is going on with y'all two?
Why-- This is on you.
You got no business being out here.
[Vic] Things breaking down.
-Bate wiping out everyone. -[Booker] What was that all about?
[Vic] What do you mean?
Joe Gacy came out.
Drew Gulak, as you said,
stuck his nose in something that wasn't his business.
Swing and a miss.
[Booker] Oh, wow.
[Vic] Gulak again.
Oh, cheap shot from Gacy,
the official didn't see it.
A devastating dragon suplex,
and Dempsey's gonna steal one tonight.
[Charlie Dempsey's music playing]
[Alicia] Here is your winner, Charlie Dempsey.
[Booker] You know what my mama say, Vic?
You big enough to pass a licking, you big enough to take it.
That's what that was.
Gacy had nothing to do with this.
[Vic] He certainly didn't. Gacy's all smiles.
Same can't be said for the North American Champion.
[crowd boos]
[Booker] You okay?
I'm fine. I'm a little confused which side you're on,
you're talking in circles, but I wanna talk about later on tonight.
It's a huge main event, Bron Breakker, Trick Williams.
I actually wanna go to something that was posted
just a few moments ago on Twitter.
[Breakker] Your best friend, Trick Williams--
You see this dude, man?
[Breakker] …in the same hospital that I put you.
I can't stand him.
-What are we gonna do? -You know what, Josh?
-I'm going to take off. -Oh, Melo, where you going?
Look, man. You already know, man. Come on.
-But Trick said. -Trick is fam, man.
I'm not gonna let him do this by himself.
[indistinct]
All right, Melo.
[Vic] There is a sense of urgency
in the NXT champion, rightfully so.
[Briggs and Jensen's music playing]
[bell rings]
[Alicia] The following contest is a Tag Team match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied by Fallon Henley,
Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen.
[Vic] Old saying, back together and it feels so good.
Tag Team action next.
Dragon Lee, a tough loss last week
in an instant classic with JD McDonagh,
but I want to talk about what happened after the match with Noam Dar.
Noam Dar [speaking Spanish]
He sees me as a threat and he's right.
That's why he wanted JD McDonagh to injure me.
Noam Dar only cares about two things, himself and that--
Hello!
Dragon Lee, hear me now.
It's me, Supernova 11, Noam Dar,
the longest-reigning NXT Heritage Cup champion.
Now, Mr. Dragon, I come bearing gifts.
You and I have gone off in the wrong foot,
but please allow me to be the bigger and the better man
and offer you a prestigious opportunity.
You're going to be the envy of the entire locker room after this.
Dragon Lee, I choose you
to be the first official guest
in the relaunch of the Supernova Sessions talk show.
Please join me for the return of the most loved,
the most revered talk show in the WWE Universe,
Supernova Sessions.
Live from the moon, so cut and edge, so unique.
After this, your career will skyrocket
from the ground floor where it currently resides.
Mr. Dragon, I await your response.
Thank you. Bye-bye.
Check, please.
I will be there.
[Vic] It didn't take long for Lee to respond.
Supernova Sessions coming to NXT.
[Hank and Tank music playing]
[Alicia] Introducing the team of
Hank Walker and Tank Ledger.
[Vic] Hank and Tank, they should be thanking
Dani Palmer and her TikTok.
They issued this challenge.
They wanted more reps.
As that old saying, be careful what you wish for.
[Booker] They want more reps.
Let me tell you.
I don't know a whole lot about Tank Ledger and Hank Walker,
but not the sharpest tools in the shed.
-[Vic] Oh, come on. -[Booker] You know what they say.
Even a rusty blade can send you to the ER.
[Vic] Oh!
This started out a bit different.
All the fun and games out the window.
[Booker] Hank Walker, Ledger,
I thought this was going to just be a friendly competition here,
but this thing's breaking out quick.
[Vic] Tag was made, and look at Tank,
look at Hank bringing the fight.
[Booker] Briggs and Jensen thought this was gonna be a friendly competition,
somewhat of a exhibition.
Right now, Ledger and Walker, they're trying to come up, dawg.
[Vic] This has turned into an old-fashioned hoss fight.
[Booker] No. This is a donnybrook. That's what this is.
-[Vic] And look at the strength of Briggs. -[Booker] Oh, yeah!
[Vic] Nice to see that Briggs and Jensen
have move past the events of the last couple of weeks.
Props to Jensen who just tagged in
for being so mature, being able to really grow up.
[Booker] Look, man, when a hot woman coming to play,
sometime things get a little tricky, Vic.
It's the pheromones, man.
[Vic] Jensen looking for a win.
Hook of the leg, and a kick out.
The thorn in their collective side
that being Jensen, Briggs, and Fallon Henley, Kiana James.
She's gonna face Valkyria in the quarter finals
of the NXT Women's Championship Tournament
later on here tonight, look at Jensen right now.
-[Booker] Jensen's bringing it. -[Vic] What is in the water here in NXT?
Everyone is laying in.
[Booker] This kid's got a lot of testosterone.
He didn't make it to mount Everest,
he didn't make it to that summit if you know what I'm saying.
Right now, he's got a lot of energy.
[Vic] I can hear you on that one, Book.
As the tag was made. Big tank coming in off the tag from Hank.
Do you know that Tank and Hank bonded over meatloaf?
That's a true story.
They bonded over sharing meatloaf, as a kick out.
That brought this team together.
A pair of Division 1 linemen who dominated the gridiron.
Why couldn't they dominate the ring together?
[Booker] Meatloaf is real good. I love meatloaf.
I don't care, man. You could be a D1 athlete.
You know how many D1 athletes--
[Vic] Oh!
[Booker] …this is the WWE, Vic.
Oh, my God.
[Vic] Cheap shot. Cover in the ring, and a kick out.
[Booker] Go again.
[Vic] Action flying all over the place.
[crowd chants]
[Vic] Did he just spit out a tooth?
Did Tank just spit out his tooth?
Did you see that?
[Booker] Yes. He put it back in his singlet too.
[Vic] This isn't a donnybrook.
I don't know what to call this.
A man just lost a tooth and he's right back on his feet.
Tag was made. He doesn't realize that Jensen is legal.
Oh, he just found out the hard way.
-Bam. -[Booker] Wow.
Did you hear the impact right there, Vic?
…three!
[Vic] No trust issues tonight for Briggs and Jensen.
[Alicia] Here are you winners, the team of
Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen.
[Vic] Maybe what took place over the last several months
has made them better as a team,
but let's go back to this moment here.
A vicious kick, and that's the moment
when Tank was able to kick out.
Lost his to-- Look at this.
Great job. He spit his front tooth out.
Did you hear gagging right now?
Big clothesline, big win, and back in their winning ways,
Briggs and Jensen.
[Briggs and Jensen's music playing]
[Vic] It's a great point you brought up.
Thought it was gonna be all fun and games, sportsmanship.
This was a hard-fought battle.
Big win, but take nothing away from Hank and Tank.
[Valkyria] You either evolve or you get left behind.
This place, this skyline
doesn't resemble the lands that made me,
but I am evolving,
adapting,
and sharpening my weapons.
I'm not the same person who crossed the Atlantic last year…
but I am still Valkyria…
shadow of the maragon.
As I preside over this concrete jungle,
three women have been marked
in my route to the NXT Women's Championship.
Kiana James, you are the first.
[rock music playing]
Ah! Welcome to the latest edition
of Hard-Hitting Home Truths
with yours truly, Nathan Frazer.
Now, the WWE draft has just been and gone,
and a staggering 17 NXT superstars
were just drafted to the main roster.
Seventeen, that's crazy.
The Hard-Hitting Home Truth about this situation
is that spots have just opened up,
but for who?
We don't know and that's the fun of it.
You see NXT is like a melting pot
of all these incredible talents from around the globe.
My mate Axiom from Spain,
Dragon Lee from Mexico,
Oba Femi from Nigeria,
Ghana, Poland, Brazil,
Columbia, Ireland, Chase U.
Chase U isn't a country,
but Duke goes to Chase U and Duke's from Australia.
Anyway, the list goes on and on and on.
Then you got yours truly from Jersey.
Obviously, not New Jersey, but the OG Jersey.
It's like a tiny little island in between England and France, but anyway.
All this talent from all walks of life battling it out,
and it certainly does give a new meaning to the term
"world domination".
And in this era of global localization,
there's this one guy who has created a spot for himself,
a Scotsman, the NXT Heritage Cup Champion,
Noam Dar, who happens to have a fancy little talk show of his own
called Supernova Sessions, which you'll see next week.
Interestingly enough, my first-ever WWE television appearance
was on Supernova Session,
so I could tell you with absolute certainty
that that show serves no other purpose
than for Noam to stroke that fragile little ego of his.
Whereas, Hard-Hitting Home Truths
was born out of a design to bring certain things to light,
and to expose all the lies of these frauds
like Noam have been telling themselves
so they don't have a freaking leg to stand on.
Speaking of which, roll the clip.
[Vic] Look at Dragon Lee wisely getting McDonagh back into the ring.
[Booker] That was a kill shot.
Oh, yes.
[Vic] Dar trying to stick his nose in Lee's business.
[chuckles]
Oh, you love to see it.
Now that Heritage Cup is Noam Dar's baby,
metaphorically and literally.
Again, roll the clip.
It's okay. He didn't mean that.
He's just mad because he has to work Mondays.
[Nathan] I get that you're proud to be the NXT Heritage Cup champion.
Who wouldn't, but…
Even for WWE standards,
it's just strange behavior, isn't it?
Just know this, pal.
It's entirely likely that somewhere in the very near future,
you won't have your baby anymore,
and your entire world comes crashing down.
For now, though, I'm gonna love you and leave you.
I've been Nathan Frazer and this has been enlightening.
Peace.
[bell rings]
[Alicia] The following is a quarter finals match
in the Women's Championship Tournament.
Introducing first, Kiana James.
[Vic] What is worse than Hard-Hitting Truths?
We just got served up a few minutes ago
about another truth that no one can argue,
about how impressive James has been
in her rookie year here in NXT.
[Booker] Very impressive.
Let's talk about when I saw Kiana James at the airport,
she had a hair up in a bun, she has some dark shades on.
I say, who is that?
Oh, yes, she's passed that airport test, Vic, right off the bat.
[Lyra Valkyria's music playing]
[Alicia] Her opponent, Lyra Valkyria.
[Vic] This is the second quarter final matchup
in our NXT Women's Championship Tournament.
Could one of these two women be in the finals
of the Women's Championship Tournament?
The finals take place at NXT Battleground, May 28th.
Valkyria who has been focused
on evolving, on adapting.
Can you agree that she's done that?
That she's taking those steps forward?
[Booker] Valkyria has done a hell of a job,
showed up in December.
She has been laser focus.
Thinking about one thing, and that's getting to the top
of this division here in NXT, Vic.
[Vic] One thing I think that does get lost--
Shoulders down, looking for a quick win to advance
to the next round.
You heard from her earlier,
she's talk about evolving into a whole different person
and she's a different person from the one who crossed the Atlantic.
Another cover, this time by James. Another kick out.
She's a totally different person, a superstar who arrived here a year.
[Booker] I agree, Vic. She's evolving,
but she better keep her head on a swivel
because Kiana James, let me tell you something.
She's fierce inside that squared circle.
She took Fallon Henley to the top, man.
To the top of the rung here in NXT,
the Tag Team Championship. Did she appreciate it?
[Vic] So Henley had nothing to do with it?
I'm going to leave this one alone
as I want to focus back in on another championship.
It's the NXT Women's Championship, and this is the quarter final.
Cover and a nice counter by James.
Shoulders down now of Valkyria, and a near fall.
The winner of this matchup advances to the semis.
Another near fall. Look at the counter for counter.
Valkyria this time gets the shoulders down.
Look at James now.
A couple of near falls.
Valkyria right back on top
and look at the core strength from Kiana James,
who's trying to counter into maybe a backslide.
Valkyria though able to-- Oh.
Kiana is shutting the door quickly.
We talk about the tournament,
it started earlier tonight.
Kick us off here on the next team, Tiffany Stratton,
who was able to advance as Valkyria going up, going around.
What a unique takedown into a crucifix.
Shoulders are down and a near fall.
[Booker] You gotta know your strengths, your weaknesses.
One thing about Kiana James is that she's a boss.
For the fellas out there, she's single.
[Vic] Here you go. You know what?
I'm just gonna continue to move on
as Kiana James hanging Valkyria out.
This is the sort of attitude
Kiana James needs to have in this tournament.
As someone who sits on premium live event panels,
is this the toughest first-round matchup, when you look at the bracket?
[Booker] Vic, the nerves excitement going into something like this.
This could be a moment, but it also could be
that thrill of victory or the agony of defeat.
[boos]
[Vic] Tournament continues here on NXT.
NXT Women's Championship Tournament quarter finals
continuing the second quarter final matchup here tonight.
Tiffany Stratton advanced earlier tonight.
Who will be the next to punch their ticket to round two?
Valkyria or Kiana James?
As James in control.
I still can't believe she publicly broke up with Jensen the way she did.
[Booker] I feel bad for Brooks Jensen because let me tell you.
When you're dealing with a woman like Kiana James,
a hottie biscotti, man.
[Vic] Inside cradle, shoulders are down.
Referee in great position.
[Booker] Come on, ref. Referee just missed that right there.
When you're dealing with somebody like Kiana James, Vic,
you gotta know how to hold on to her.
You gotta just keep your mouth shut, man.
Just go along with the ride.
[groans in pain]
[Vic] Going into another cover as Valkyria went for the ride.
Hook of the leg, and no, not quite ready
to make it to the semi-finals yet,
but Kiana James fully focusing on a body part,
and it is the ribs, bam.
Driving the air out of the lungs.
You know that she's single. Get your phone on.
[indistinct]
[Booker] That's not where my head is now.
Kiana James, she said something earlier, Vic.
She's about one thing right now.
That's to the top of the ladder here in NXT.
That's the championship, and right now she has a chance to do it.
She's looking really good.
[Vic] A big dropkick from Valkyria, who knows she needed to change.
She noted that inside herself was a major hurdle.
Can she get over this hurdle here tonight?
Get to the semi finals
of this NXT Women's Championship Tournament.
Feeling the energy, feeling the love
and trying to feed off the energy to the NXT Universe.
[Booker] The thing about Valkyria, unlike Kiana James,
she don't have any outside distractions.
No friends, just laser focused,
trying to keep her eyes on that prize,
which is that championship, Vic.
[Vic] Valkyria has always talked about her striking ability
and there she's putting her strikes on display here tonight.
[Booker] Still laboring a little bit.
Those ribs still affecting her chest a little bit, Vic.
Big shot there by Kiana James.
[Vic] James who said she believed she was handed
a bad draw in this first round.
It sounded like an excuse,
but she's gotta get into the moment as now for Valkyria
looking like she is going to fly right--
[Booker] Oh, wow.
[Vic] These two fighting for the NXT Women's Championship.
Can they get through the quarter finals?
Can they make it to the semi-finals?
Can they make it to the finals at NXT Battleground?
[Booker] That's the question.
Right now you talking about iron man stuff.
You talking about taking it to that next level,
and right now, Lyra Valkyria, she's doing a hell of a job, Vic.
[Vic] Valkyria buckling the knees of James,
hoisting up James, [indistinct] with a bridge.
Not enough, as James was just able
to keep her championship dreams alive.
[Booker] They're letting all hang out right now.
It's about who's gonna have that stamina,
that intestinal fortitude to weather this storm.
They're taking into the deep waters right now, Vic.
[Vic] Fallon Henley, Cora Jade,
one of those women will have their hands full
because they will meet the winner of this matchup
if they're able to advance in their own right as Valkyria to the top.
Got caught.
James shocked herself.
And Kiana now,
hoisting up Valkyria.
-Big powerbomb. -[Booker] Wow!
[Vic] This could be a shocker. Cover and a kick out by Valkyria.
-Wow. -[Booker] You gotta be kidding me, Vic.
[Vic] Desperation.
[Booker] Kiana got all of that powerbomb.
I can't believe Valkyria kicked out.
[Vic] The two matches we've seen tonight,
the two other quarter finals,
all eight of these women picked by Shawn Michaels,
picked by the Performance Center coaches
and the two matches tonight.
These four have showcased why they are at the top of the division.
What a tournament.
[Booker] Kiana James real smart, Vic.
She's staying on those ribs, she's trying to make sure
she put as much pressure on Valkyria as possible.
She got caught, Vic.
[Vic] Valkyria into the cover, and Valkyria advances.
[Booker] Wow.
[Alicia] Here is your winner, Lyra Valkyria.
[Vic] What a back-and-forth matchup between these two.
Two quarter-final matches in the book.
Let's go back to some of the action.
Right back to the midsection, right back to the ribs.
Kiana knew in that moment, this was her opportunity.
Bam, huge powerbomb.
Into the cover, but it would not be enough
as Valkyria was able to power through,
and then Valkyria presence of mind to counter James,
then bam, knockout blow to punch her ticket--
…two, three!
[Vic] …to the next round
in the NXT Women's Championship Tournament.
And there is the updated bracket.
Earlier tonight it was Tiffany Stratton,
and now Lyra Valkyria has made it to the semi-finals
for the NXT Women's Championship.
Look, it was Valkyria who proclaimed
three women have been marked on her route to the championship.
Kiana James was just the first.
How about those Creeds?
Forget about them.
Let's toast to another successful Gallus title defense.
Champions again.
Can we help you?
Oi. Lads.
Congrats on the big win tonight, mates.
We made some scratch with your win.
You guys showed why you're the champs.
Yes. What's your business here?
Oh, you wake up angry there, Joe?
[laughs] Look,
last time me and Stacks came in here,
we left with a Stand and Deliver Agreement
That was some scrap.
If this guy wasn't involved,
you two wouldn't even be holding those titles.
-What'd you say? -Whoa.
-Pump the brakes. -Listen.
Before things get out of hand,
we understand you got your whole crew here.
We just want to come in here
and tell yous we want the next crack at the titles.
Yes.
Things, they're a little different now.
Those days are over.
I'm here and Gallus is at full strength.
We handle business a little differently.
I suggest yous two leave while yous can still walk.
Joe, we'll leave. All right?
But you don't wanna go down that road.
You're stateside now.
You don't wanna threaten me, so don't worry.
We'll get our title match.
I suggest both of yous see yourself.
Yes? Is that what you want me to do, huh?
Enough.
Dom.
We're outnumbered.
Let's go.
[Vic] Smart decision by Stacks.
Odds were not in the favor of the family.
[Trick Williams' music playing]
[bell rings]
[Alicia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, Trick Williams.
[Vic] Trick Williams said that this is the biggest test
he has faced in NXT.
Said he was going to mollywhop Breakker here tonight.
[Booker laughs]
[Vic] Is Trick ready for this sort of matchup?
[Booker] Trick is looking to prove something to himself, Vic.
All he has to do is beat
Bron Breakker here tonight.
Oh, yes.
[Vic] It's a little bit easier said than done, Book,
but Trick Williams, is he up to the task?
As William goes one-on-one with Breakker.
Our main event next.
[NXT's music playing]
[Vic] Lyra Valkyria, Tiffany Stratton has already advanced
in our NXT Women's Championship Tournament.
Two more first-round matchups next week.
Who will be the next NXT Women's champion?
Not only that, Booker, get ready because for the first time domestically,
the Heritage Cup Champion, Noam Dar,
will host the Supernova Sessions and his first guest, Dragon Lee.
It's all going down live next week here on NXT.
[barking]
[boos]
[Bron Breakker's music playing]
[Alicia] Making his way to the ring,
Bron Breakker.
[Vic] We talk about championships.
In two weeks from Sunday, the NXT title on the line
as champion, Carmelo Hayes, wants to silence the challenger,
Bron Breakker, once and for all.
You do not want to miss this championship clash,
Sunday, May 28th.
What a Memorial Day weekend it's going to be in NXT.
[Booker] Oh, what a matchup this is gonna be, Vic.
I can't wait till the bell.
I look at Trick Williams, he's a specimen,
he's carved out of granite,
but then I look across the ring and I see Bron Breakker,
the pedigree, the DNA.
Aside of all that, Vic, no bread,
no water, just meat.
[Vic] Williams has not taken his eye off of Breakker.
Quickly right on the bell, these two going right at each other.
Bron in his own words said, tonight, it's not about a W,
it's about putting Trick in the hospital.
[Booker] He's gonna try to prove something to himself here tonight, Vic.
Trick Williams wants to go out here and prove that he's not a follower.
He's a leader, man.
Tonight he's got a hell of a chance to do it.
Oh, big dropkick by Trick.
He needs to slow down a little bit.
He needs to slow down just a little bit.
[Vic] He's playing with a lot of emotions.
Oh, and look at Williams go. Just unleashing on Breakker.
[Booker] Trick Williams, he's moving at a high pace,
and that's when you run into something big, Vic.
[Vic] You saw that video from NXT anonymous on Twitter.
The NXT champion, Carmelo Hayes,
seemed worried about tonight,
seemed worried about Trick Williams,
but Trick Williams has come here
and is handling business right now.
[Booker] It's always the shots that you don't see coming
that knock you right out, and right now,
Trick Williams, he's rolling.
He's looking real good.
He's representing.
[Vic] A big pump kick and--
[Booker] Wow!
[Vic] …rocked all the way out right in front of us.
Williams is on fire right now.
[Booker] I like it, Vic.
I like the attitude from Trick Williams.
[Vic] I don't like where this is headed,
right out here in front of us.
Book, you have quite the magnet
when it comes to this type of action.
Oh, yes.
This is a fight, Vic.
This is a fight. Trick is taking it to the limit.
[Vic] What's on Williams' mind right now?
Williams looking around.
Vicky, move your ass.
Wiliams.
Oh!
[fans bark]
[Vic] But Breakker was able
to weather that early storm.
An emotional storm, I want to add,
of Trick Williams and Breakker. Now, look at Bron.
Instead of going for the cover,
he's beating the hell out of Trick Williams.
Take another look at this impact, Book,
right in front of us.
Busted our one monitor up,
but I'm more worried about the well-being of Trick Williams.
This is a different Bron Breakker.
[Booker] This is a brutal beatdown. This is vicious right here.
Bron Breakker is proving why he's the man here in NXT.
[Vic] Something has been unleashed
within the former NXT champion.
We heard him earlier tonight.
Do you side with Bron that he hasn't had
an attitude change, he's just stop caring?
[Booker] Yes. I agree with him 100%.
Sometimes you come in here
and you represent for the NXT Universe.
You can't do that.
[Vic] You can hear the NXT Universe,
as Breakker off the suplex, floats over and…
[crowd boos]
[Booker] Breakker--
[Vic] Looks a little familiar, does it not?
[Booker] Bron Breakker is turned into what I see as himself, Vic.
This is the real Bron Breakker.
This is the most dangerous, the most vicious Bron Breakker
I've seen since I've been sitting at this desk.
[audience] You still suck!
[Booker] That's motivation, Vic.
That's fuel for Bron Breakker.
[Vic] He has been blaming,
and he did so earlier tonight the NXT Universe.
Do you stand by him with those comments as well?
[Booker] That's fuel. You hear the fans.
They turned against him.
They didn't buy into the Bron Breakker machine,
and Bron Breakker is breaking it off of the fans.
[Vic] Trick Williams now trying to fight back and instead
Breakker just slamming the door shut, and now Williams.
Williams trying to get that second wind.
Firing right back, and Williams grew up with Hayes.
Says it's almost like a sense of duty.
He needs to stay-- Oh, he's trying to stand up and got drop.
Cover by Breakker, hook of the leg,
and Williams just able to continue to fight.
[Booker] Trick Williams more of a street fighter.
He's dealing with a guy that's been discipline his whole life
to go out there and wreck shop. Oh, my God.
[Vic] Sudden impact.
[crowd chants]
[Vic] NXT Universe is on top of Bron Breakker in this moment.
As I was saying, for Trick Williams,
something to prove tonight.
[Booker] The fans, the Universe is all on Bron Breakker,
but that's bad news.
That's bad news for Trick Williams, Vic.
[Vic] Breakker just got caught,
and Williams following it right up.
Nice combination for Williams.
Booker, can this be the moment now for Williams?
This is deep water.
It's a position Trick Williams hasn't been in too often.
He said he wants to prove he's everything that he says he is.
This is now maybe the best opportunity.
Listen to the NXT Universe.
[audience] Trick!
[Vic] No doubt who they're behind tonight.
As Trick Williams trying to chop down Breakker.
[Booker] Yes, indeed.
Trick landed a modified neckbreaker.
Got him back in the game and he's got a lot of momentum going.
Right now, you want to cash in.
Don't waste no time, son. Don't waste too much time.
[Vic] NXT Universe on their feet for Williams.
[audience] Whoop that, Trick.
[Vic] Look at Williams just planting Breakker.
This could be it.
Cover, and Bron kicking out
just before the count of three.
Maybe it was that moment of hesitation,
but Trick Williams showing the world something here tonight.
[Booker] Beautiful book end there by Trick Williams.
[Vic] Gets caught. Hoisted, planted by Breakker.
[Vic] And Bron…
Williams trying to fight through one more time.
Breakker holding on. Nice kick.
Nice little separation here for Williams,
and maybe even knock those cobwebs free.
[Booker] Trick Williams is fighting for his life, Vic.
[Vic] Say that again.
[Booker] Do what you gotta do in this situation.
Oh.
[crowd boos]
[Vic] Monster spear,
but Breakker not going for the cover.
[Booker] Recliner.
[Vic] Reclining back.
Is Williams going to tap?
Williams trying to fight.
Pain etched on the face of Williams.
Oh, and now it's cinched in deep. No choice, but to tap.
[bell rings]
[crowd boos]
[Bron Breakker's music playing]
[Alicia] Here is your winner by submission,
Bron Breakker.
[Vic] Williams brought his best here tonight,
but Bron Breakker was able to really counter
just about everything Williams threw at him.
First, there was the spear and then instead of going for the pin,
he wanted to make Williams tap out.
Come on, ref. Breakker's not done.
Don't forget what Breakker promised.
He promised to put Williams in the hospital.
But the champ is here.
Hayes couldn't stand by.
He couldn't see what was gonna happen to Williams.
Look at Hayes flying through the--
[Booker] Oh, my God.
[crowd cheers]
[audience] You still suck!
You got something that belongs to me.
NXT Battleground,
this is gonna be mine.
[Bron Breakker's music playing]
[Vic] Booker, take another look.
Bron Breakker trying to break.
Carmelo Hayes in half, not 100%, is Melo.
But for Bron Breakker, he has made it crystal clear,
he's headed to Battleground in Massachusetts
to maul Melo in front of his family.
To humiliate Hayes in front of his hometown,
and to once again,
become the NXT champion.