[WWE music plays]
Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[presenter] The bottom line, The Great American Bash, is now on the air.
It's hot, hot, hot in public, if you will.
The Great American Bash is the realization of a dream.
My brother's going to kick some Booty this summer, baby.
From the creation of this very event to building the foundation of NXT,
the influence of Dusty Rhodes is palpable.
The Big Dusty is coming home tonight, baby.
In a city where the American dream was born
NXT has returned to the lone star state.
It's time for this generation of NXT superstars to show the world
that their desire, their will, and their ambition is Texas-sized.
"Dirty" Dominik Mysterio is your new North American champion.
Championships are on the line.
You best believe I want my rematch.
I warned you not to take the match, but you're too stupid.
Mami said I'll fight both of you.
Champ coming through.
Under triple threat rules, who is walking out of Austin
with the North American title?
History is within reach.
Tiffany Stratton, I know I can win and become the youngest
women's champion in history.
Everybody loves Thea Hail, but you will not tap me out.
[presenter] Can I get a Hail, yes?
Hail, yes.
Careers will be defined.
This is a different game, and you, you don't belong here.
[presenter] The Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson
will have his in-ring debut match against Baron Corbin.
Destiny is on the doorstep.
My advice, hold on to it and shoot for the stars.
[Carmelo] When Carmelo Hayes shoots, I don't miss.
When I step into this ring, it means something.
They feel something.
Ilja, you are not taking my NXT championship.
All I will make you feel is defeat.
Welcome to NXT's midsummer classic.
Welcome to The Great American Bash.
[presenter] Now, WWE presents NXT Great American Bash.
[music plays]
For nearly four decades, this event has been a summer staple.
Tonight, live in Texas, for the first time as a premium live event.
We welcome you to the time-honored tradition known
as The Great American Bash.
[rat sounds]
[Tony D'Angelo's music plays]
[bell rings]
[presenter] The following contest scheduled for one fall is for
the NXT tag team championship.
Introducing first the challengers, Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo
and "The Don of NXT" Tony d'Angelo.
[Vic] Well, it took three months of scheming some rats to get here
to this championship opportunity.
By the way, those were Don's words, not mine Booker.
Scheming some rats.
[Booker] What does that mean? [Vic] It means scheming some rats.
[Booker] I'm just wondering, if you know.
[Vic] It means they pulled the wool over the eyes
of the rats that were gallus, and locked up Tony D'Angelo for months.
As we walk him in ringside, Vic Joseph alongside with a two-time
WWE hall of famer, Booker T, we're back in Texas.
[Booker] Dusty Rhodes country, baby.
It is hot outside, but it's about to get a whole lot hotter up in here tonight.
[Vic] We're ready to kick things off with our first of four
championship matches here at The Great American Bash.
Tonight, empty the tank, leave everything in between those four posts.
Make them regret ever going toe-to-toe with this firm.
Let them know it's our kingdom, boys.
We are experts in revenge.
Leave your Mark because it's always and forever
Gallus boys on top.
[Gallus boys' music plays]
[crowd screams]
[presenter] Their opponents, accompanied by Joe Coffey, are the NXT
tag team champions, Mark Coffey and Wolfgang Gallus.
[Vic] You asked about scheming rats.
What does it mean? Do I know?
Go back to April.
It was despicable of Gallus to plant evidence on Tony D'Angelo
to get the Don locked up.
[Booker] Now you're a part of the innocence project.
[Vic] The what? [Booker] The innocence project.
He wants to make sure everything's right around here.
[Vic] The evidence project? [Booker] Yes.
[Vic] You're so flustered it's The Great American Bash.
You're back making your face to Rey Mysterio.
We'll just get back on track here and we'll talk about the D'Angelos
because, Tony D'Angelo, Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo,
they're looking to finally bring gold to the family.
[Booker] That's what it's all about.
It's about gold and stepping up to the plate,
but we're talking about them Gallus boys and the Gallus boys
are always thinking about being on top.
[Vic] Wait a minute.
You see Wolfgang just run Stacks into his corner.
Inadvertently stacks knocked down Tony D'Angelo.
And this Gallus getting a little bit of payback on Stacks
because it was Stacks who came up with the plan to pull the wall
over the eyes of all members of Gallus, including Coffey,
who's on the outside.
[Booker] Stacks did that job because he is loyal to the Don.
He grew up in the hood.
He knows about the code of the neighborhood.
Snitches get stitches. Yes, he knows.
[Vic] Well, and again, right now, it's just Gallus taking
some frustrations out on Stacks.
Oh, that's a little bit of a de-cleaner, followed by a nice drop kick.
Have you ever seen someone as loyal as Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo is?
The Don's in.
[Booker] Stacks, he knows his time is going to come.
He's going to have his own crew.
He's going to have his own time.
Now, it's all about the Don. He's in great shape.
That three months, that three months behind bars did him a lot of good.
He's been hitting the weights man.
[crowd cheers]
[Vic] Well, no doubt who the NXT universe is behind in this matchup.
And you see the Don right now wearing the orange,
the jumpsuit, a little bit of extra fuel, as right now
just throwing some rights and looking back, tagging in Stacks.
[Booker] Let me tell you, Vic, I don't wish no man behind bars,
but it is a great time to think.
[Vic] Into the cover, title's on the line.
[Booker] It's a great time to train, get your mind right,
and when you get out
in what they call the free world, it's time to go to work, man.
[Vic] Look at these knees, right now.
Speaking of going to work, Stacks is going to work it.
[Booker] A little distraction. That's all it was. He didn't do anything.
[Vic] He opened the door now for Mark Coffey.
Wait a minute, he got countered.
Stacks is ready for it, because if you go back and you think about
when Gallus won the titles, all the way back
to Los Angeles, it was because of antics like this that opened
the door and Gallus was able to take full advantage like they are one more time.
[Booker] I agree with you. I agree with you 100%.
But you can't be crying over spilled milk.
You got a shot to be redeemed here tonight and you better do it, man.
Wow.
[Vic] Stacks has said over and over that he and the Don
would have won the titles at Stand & Deliver
And let's not forget it was Joe Coffey who returned
that afternoon to make Gallus full strength.
[Booker] You're thinking about old stuff.
Right now, Stacks and Tony D'Angelo need to be thinking about… Wow.
[Vic] Again, the Gallus boys off of that continuing to stay in rhythm
to stay on top.
Are now back out in front of this match.
Look, we can't deny, I can't even deny Gallus has been
the top team this year in NXT.
[Booker] Yes, and do you know why?
It's because that boy Joe Coffey, when he made his return,
this team just became good to the last drop.
Yes, that's why.
[Vic] There's Mark Coffey, he's the legal superstar.
He's the calm one of the three if you can believe that
as a Wolfgang truly is the wild card of the three
and he makes his way back into this match.
[Booker] Gallus boy just isolate Stacks.
[Vic] Referee didn't see the cheap shot into the covering Stacks, kicking out.
This is like a glorified handicap match with Joe Coffey on the outside.
[Booker] Oh no, what this is is great tag team work, Vic.
Look at the operation that's being displayed here tonight.
[crowd chants, "let's go, Stacks"]
[Vic] D'Angelo getting fired up, he knows what's at stake.
He knows everything beautiful that the under-boss risk.
To get this opportunity as Mark Coffey flies through the air,
takes down Stacks, into the cover to retain the titles
and another kick-out.
Gallus wants to make the family regret every decision
they have made over the last few months.
[Booker] I like Stacks, I like everything about him,
but when somebody like Stacks is soaked, just for lack of a better word
double cross you got to go out there and get pay back
and that's what these Gallus boys are thinking about right now, Victor.
[Vic] Stacks right now thinking about making a tag to the Don
and another nasty knee for Mark Coffey.
Let's go back to what you just said, the Don was taken away
for suspicious circumstances, let's call it what it is,
Gallus scared, did they view the family as a threat which is why we are
here tonight at The Great American Bash?
Every tag team in that locker room is a threat, trust me.
Tony D, he wants gold, man, he wants top billing,
he wants all the bosses to look at him as the main guy, yes.
[Vic] Right now it is the under-boss trying to pull himself back to his feet
Mark Coffey Wolfgang, tag, and in comes the Don.
[Booker] Oh, look at the muscle coming in just mowing down the competition.
[Vic] You got to think that Don thought about this moment,
every day he was locked up.
[Booker] Oh, yes.
Belly to belly and he is going to follow that up with you yet another.
Gallus said they're experts in revenge, but I'm pretty sure
that Don has thought of a great game plan.
[Vic] Big spine buster.
Cover for the titles and… Oh, set up by the Don.
[Booker] Miscommunication.
Call it whatever you want, Book, right now it is the family in control.
[crowd screams]
Things starting to break down in this tag team matchup,
And what now is on the mind of Stacks?
Stacks just tagged himself in, and Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo
to the top, so is the Don.
[Booker] I don't like this.
The Don looking for a superplex.
[Booker] Wow. [Vic] That's got to be it.
Whoa, Wolfgang just was able to get in and I mean just able
to break up that count as now… Oh, both superstars same thought,
all four superstars are down, what a way to kick off the great
American Bash, but right here this combination Stacks, boom,
off the top, the family almost had it.
You saw Joe Coffey almost come out of his shirt but Wolfgang
is able to break things up.
[Booker] Great tag team action.
Another tag made… Oh, he saw Wolfgang push Mark Coffey
out of the way, but Wolfgang is the legal superstar.
I don't believe Stacks realizes Wolfgang actually is legal.
Oh, and just picked up and planted.
Now Mark flying to wipe out the Don, and things not looking good
for the family.
[Booker] Oh, here we go. Beautiful.
[Vic] Moonsault.
Cover to retain.
Stacks got the left shoulder up, and look at Wolfgang, Mark, Gallus.
They're shocked.
[Booker] Vic, it's a lot of… [Vic] Oh, wait a minute.
Same thing.
Oh, whoa.
Referee doing his job and turning around.
Wait a minute, the referee, Joe Coffey.
Finally after the two on one, and Don breaks the count.
[Booker] Come on, that was it.
What a way to kick off the night, NXT trending number one
because of the action to kick us off big here on The Great American Bash.
[Booker] Vic, that was a master plan right there that Wolfgang
and the Gallus boys tried to pull off, just didn't work.
[Vic] That worked for the Don, that could have worked for the family.
This is the golden opportunity and wait a minute,
the referee checking on Gallus… oh, this time that plan didn't work
like in Los Angeles for Joe Coffey.
Stacks.
And the Don knows the only way to win the titles,
inside the ring, tag, Don is legal.
Bada boom, bada bing.
[Vic] Don into the cover. [Booker] It's going to happen.
[crowd counts "one, two, three"]
Gallus is going to sleep with the fishes. [bell rings]
Here are your winners and new NXT tag team champions,
Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo and Tony D'Angelo.
What a moment.
After months of torment, after being locked up,
put away that Don's homecoming, the Don returns.
And now the Don and the under-boss are the tag team champions.
[Tony D'Angelo's music plays]
Let's go back to some of the action in this matchup.
The Don had a plan, divide, conquer, he wiped out Gallus.
The official, though, would check on the champions.
Joe Coffey tried a replay of what took place in Los Angeles,
but the Don, the under-boss, they were ready this time around.
They were prepared, they were ready to take on anything
Gallus had to throw at them, and in the end the Don and Stacks were able
to bring their a game here tonight.
If we thought the homecoming party was something just a man
known as D'Angelo's pasta, oh my, what a party it's going to be.
[Booker] Pasta? What are you talking about?
[Tony D'Angelo's music plays]
Earlier today the challenger for the NXT title, Ilja Dragunov, arrived.
He believes it's his destiny to win the NXT championship here tonight.
But while he believes it's his destiny, our champion,
Carmelo Hayes, and Trick Williams believe the Melo dynasty
will continue to grow here in Austin, that's our main
event here at The Great American Bash.
Next, we've been preparing a brutal, chaotic, deeply rooted
personal fight so wild that tonight Roxanne Perez and Blair Davenport
will compete in a weapons wild match.
[Blair] Enemies of Blair, beware.
[Vic] We have seen her leave a path of destruction wherever she goes.
[Blair] Got the woman so worried.
My road to the top is a lot easier.
[Vic] The top gaijin is back in NXT.
[Roxanne] Blair Davenport, I'm not afraid of you.
You've hidden in the shadows for months.
[Blair] My capacity for savagery it's boundless.
[Roxanne] I'm looking for you and I will hurt you.
[Vic] Blair Davenport, Roxanne Perez, what is going on backstage?
[Blair] Game on.
[Vic] This is a showdown that is in months in the making and…
Oh Roxanne Perez coming right out of the gate, she has been wanting
to get her hands on Blair Davenport.
[Blair] Roxanne was a decorated champion until I arrived.
[Vic] Falcon arrow.
[Blair] Girls like Roxanne, they don't beat people like me.
This division, it's for grown women
not fragile little girls with ribbons in their hair.
[Vic] A second one leveling Perez,
and Davenport will pick up the victory.
[Roxanne] You know what?
I'm sick and tired of everybody thinking that I'm some easy target.
Blair Davenport, she's cold, she's calculated, she will take you out.
[Roxanne] There's been a rage building inside of me.
Blair, you've only added to it.
I don't think you know what's coming to you.
[Blair] I am cold. I am collected.
[struggle noises]
[Blair] This live is over.
[Vic] Blair Davenport and Roxanne Perez will compete in a weapons wild match.
[Blair] I'm going to hurt you.
But this time in front of your friends and your family.
When I'm done with you, just go home.
[Roxanne] This is just a taste of the Roxanne Perez you're going to get
at The Great American Bash.
[Roxanne Perez's music plays]
[bell rings]
[presenter] The following contest is a weapons wild match.
Introducing first, Roxanne Perez.
[Vic] Well, this personal issue between these two was taken
to another level yesterday here in Austin.
It took place at dream con.
Roxanne, what about you tomorrow at The Great American Bash?
You have a weapons wild match.
Yeah, weapons wild. It's going to be wild.
[laughs]
How wild?
I mean, I'm willing to go as far as possible.
Blair Davenport has…
[Blair] you've got some nerve, haven't you?
[Roxanne] You have a problem.
Hey. Hey.
Yo, we don't do that here.
We don't do that here.
You've got tomorrow for that.
[Vic] Booker, there's been fire in the eyes of Roxanne Perez,
but this is just escalating.
Family and friends are here tonight.
She is a Texas native.
There's her sister and her mom.
She's ready for this matchup, she's ready for this moment,
but when is too far too far?
They're fighting all over the place.
They're fighting around the… Oh.
[bell rings]
Again, and this is what we're talking about.
[Booker] Fights on, Vic. Fight's on.
An ambush by Blair Davenport.
Anything to get the upper hand in this weapons wild match.
[Booker] Well, Roxanne has to understand. This is this.
It's going to be like this.
We talked about days like this right here, Vic.
Everything is legal.
Pinfall, submission, center of the ring.
Blair Davenport was looking for the knockout blow,
but there comes Perez fighting back.
Have you seen this side of Perez before?
Honestly, I haven't, but sometimes it takes that one person
to bring something like this out in you,
and Blair Davenport may be that one person.
Oh, bang. Beautiful back elbow.
[Vic] Well, we know you've been giving advice.
NXT anonymous saw you talking to Perez on NXT.
How would you tell her to get ready for the unpredictability
of a weapons wild match?
I mean, I look at Blair Davenport.
She's unpredictable, she's uncanny.
You've got to be on your toes.
You're not going to slip on a banana peel and win this match.
You've got to go there and be ready for the fight.
[Vic] Davenport revealed herself as a mystery attacker,
who has wreaked havoc, much like Roxanne Perez is doing now.
Think about everything Davenport has done.
Took out Nikkita Lyons, Sol Ruca, Wendy Choo, Dani Palmer,
tried to take out Roxanne Perez, and I'm sure Perez is thinking
about every single one of those females, and every single blow in this matchup.
[Booker] All those ladies are trying to make their way up
the ranks to a title shot as well, and Blair Davenport
has put herself right in the perfect prime position.
[Vic] Perez looking… [Booker] Oh, my god, man.
[Vic] Perez looking for high risk. There was no reward.
Now Davenport has turned things around into her favor.
Take another look. Bam.
[Booker] The thing about Blair Davenport. She's a sniper, man.
She don't mind going out there going that extra mile.
[Vic] Let's call what…
[Blair] Look at me.
[crowd boos]
I think Davenport is coming round to everyone that is meaningful
in Roxanne Perez's life whether it's friends, whether it's yourself.
Now, everything again legal in this matchup, and you've got to wonder
what's going through Roxanne Perez's mom's mind,
what's going through Roxanne Perez's little sister's mind
seeing this happen almost right in front of us, Booker?
[Booker] Man, I can't take anything away from Blair Davenport.
She's earned her spot in this business.
Right now, she's trying to take Roxanne Perez's spot.
As well as she started when she was 16 years old.
You could say she's a prodigy as well, so I can't take anything away from her.
[Vic] I get it, but there again, the mom, the sister of Perez,
having to sit back, and can't do anything about
what Blair Davenport is doing to Perez.
I know Perez said she wasn't scared of Blair, that she would
hunt, that she would hurt Davenport, but Roxanne's mom right now
with a look of worry.
You're a parent. You'd have the same worry.
You can't do, she can't do a damn thing to help her daughter right now.
[Booker] As a coach I'm worried, but we've talked about,
moments like this and those obstacles, and sometimes
you've got to go over, around and under.
And sometimes, Vic, you've got to go straight through that obstacle.
That's where Roxanne Perez is tonight.
God, man.
[Vic] Referee doing his best at this point to check, but Roxanne Perez
is not going to quit in this matchup.
For Blair Davenport, what sort of barbaric concepts has she drawn up in her mind
over the last week or so as… Oh, just driving that steel chair
into the ribs of Perez.
[Booker] I'm just looking at the veteran savvy that's coming into the ring.
Hell, Vic.
Like I said, that mentality where you just want to go out there.
Kill shot, kill shot every time. Oh, yes.
[Vic] Davenport showing she is just a different breed of superstar.
[Booker] She's cold, Vic.
She's very calculating, and right now she's, I must say it,
Roxanne Perez has run into a buzz-saw here tonight.
[crowd chants "let's go, Roxy"]
[Vic] I see everyone's trying their best to rally behind the Texas native.
But even for Davenport, who called Perez a little girl
said she should go home after tonight and never come back
is starting to systematically dissect Roxanne Perez.
Davenport, slowly, methodically, almost as if she's getting some sort
of sick pleasure of having of being able to take out all
her frustrations on Perez.
Finally, Perez starting to strike back.
For Perez, we've always questioned that killer instinct.
[Booker] Oh, here we go, Vic.
Right now, Roxanne Perez is sucking it up.
[Vic] We talk about the killer instinct, the mentality,
the environment… Oh… that we're in, as Davenport now… Oh.
[Booker] You give Davenport an inch, she's going to take a mile.
Right now she's…
[crowd boos]
[Vic] Again, Perez's sister, mom, and they are helpless.
They can't do anything.
As Roxanne Perez's sister pleading, was screaming just a second ago,
and all they can do is watch.
[Booker] It's a one-sided affair right now, Vic.
This thing is going downhill quick for Roxanne.
I don't like it.
[crowd chants "you suck"]
[Vic] What sort of person does that?
What sort of person goes up and threatens her mom and sister?
And a cowbell.
Oh, Dusty would be proud.
[Booker] Got to bring some to get some, Vic.
That's what it's all about in life.
Oh, yes.
[Vic] Well, I asked you about that different side of Roxanne Perez,
and it's boiling and it's bubbling over now.
We talk about too Blair Davenport thinking of concepts.
What sort of offense has Roxanne Perez thought in her mind to bring out tonight?
[Booker] This is the Roxanne Perez we've never seen before.
But, like I said, you back someone into a corner, you have no choice.
When you bring family into play, oh, yes, it can get real ugly and quick.
[Vic] Blair Davenport.
[crowd screams]
I was saying Blair Davenport might regret bringing the evil out in Perez.
[Booker] You're right about that, Vic.
This is where she needs to go.
This is the mentality that she needs to step into a fight like this.
This is The Great American Bash, man.
[Vic] I peeked up for a moment.
Dallas Irvin the official is only here to count to three or hear someone say
they quit, because there's no stopping anything.
Everything legal in this weapons wild match.
Oh, and you can start to see the welts forming on Blair Davenport.
Oh, there's Perez.
[Booker] Beautiful.
[Vic] Out of desperation Perez. One after another.
Spine, ribs, driving the air out of Davenport.
That's how personal this has gotten between these two, deeply rooted issue.
Oh, crash and burn for Perez.
You got to imagine for Davenport after that first meeting.
She left with a sickening smile after driving her knee into Perez's face
not once, but twice.
Now, the sinister mind starting to figure a couple other things
out in this matchup, and it's almost as if there's not enough
in the ring for Davenport.
She wants more.
She wants to hurt Roxanne Perez.
[Booker] Davenport is looking to put Roxanne Perez in the rearview mirror, Vic.
She wants bigger and better things, and the only way to get there…
Could be looking for pop rocks.
[Vic] Countered, though. [Booker] Wow, beautiful counter.
[Vic] As we say, we talk about dream con, about the locker room,
about at the store on Tuesday.
Things between these two getting out of hand.
It has to come to an end tonight here in Texas.
Into the cover through the trashcan, and that is still not enough
to keep down Roxanne Perez.
[Booker] I'm watching Roxanne Perez's body language.
This is a different Roxanne Perez that I've ever…
The 16-year-old girl, no more, no more.
[crowd chants "Roxy"]
[Vic] Home state trying to really Perez, and now it's Davenport
looking one more time.
Counter.
Perez here now fighting for the match because right now
she's back up against it could be looking for pop rocks.
Countered for the second time.
Everything that Perez throws at Davenport,
Davenport has had an answer for.
Oh, and again the nasty landing by Davenport.
She didn't get all of Perez.
I think Perez was just able to get out of the way and quickly
able to turn around into a Russian leg sweep.
Now for Perez this is what I was talking about,
being on the back foot, that survival, that killer instinct now
has to come out in Perez.
This is that moment.
[Booker] You're watching Roxanne Perez grow into a woman right before our eyes.
She's been champion before, but going to that extra level.
[Vic] Booker, Booker.
Whoa.
You just heard the thud of Perez.
I believe Perez bounced off the steel steps,
but that's not going to keep Perez down.
Perez a little bit of payback with that running knee.
[Booker] Wow.
[Vic] Perez knows what that feels like, and now Davenport does too.
[Booker] Davenport is on dream street.
[crowd screams]
[Vic] While she is on dream street,
she might be getting ready for a nightmare.
[Booker] Oh, here we go.
Texas cyclone, baby. Oh yes.
[Vic] Relief in the eyes of a mother and a sister.
As Perez going to the place not many have.
Eyeing up Davenport.
Will the third time be the charm?
Pop rocks.
[crowd chants "one, two, three"]
[bell rings]
[Vic] Perez survives weapons wild.
[Roxanne Perez's music plays]
[presenter] Here is your winner, Roxanne Perez.
[Vic] Perez staring right over at you, Book, for that brief moment.
[Book] Wow.
[Vic] I can only imagine the relief in the heart and the mind
of Perez's sister and mom ringside, because it was after Roxanne Perez
said hi and was greeting fans, it was a sneak attack,
it was an ambush by Blair Davenport.
Sure, you can call it whatever you want.
Strategic. I'm sure it was.
She didn't even come to the ring.
She ambushed Perez before the bell, and it was nothing
but strategy for Blair Davenport.
As this weapons wild match would continue to play out,
Perez would turn the tables on Blair Davenport.
While it was a sense of relief for just a moment, there was
where a big sigh of relief from the sister and the mom of Roxanne Perez.
As Perez laid it all on the line to open the door to possibly
shut the book on Blair Davenport with pop rocks.
As Perez victorious here, and there again Perez's sister
and mother breathing that sigh of relief after everything
they witnessed here tonight.
It's all smiles for Roxanne Perez.
[Carmelo] I called my shot, and when Carmelo Hayes shoots, I don't miss.
[presenter] We got a new NXT champion.
[Carmelo] Let's talk about it.
[energetic music]
[Booker] Hayes is like the wind.
You can feel it, but you can't touch it.
This is the him era.
[Vic] And still.
[Carmelo] There is no question on who the man is because I am
the NXT champion and I am him.
I want to face you at the great American bash.
Ilja, you are not taking my NXT championship.
At Great American Bash, you will feel me because I am Mr. Ple
and I will hit different.
[Vic] Hayes, Dragunov, NXT title on the line at The Great American Bash.
[Carmelo] For one of us, it's going to be champagne,
and for the other it's going to be just pain.
[Vic] What a matchup that is going to be.
Will Melo's dynasty continue to grow or will Dragunov's destiny be achieved?
NXT championship on the line.
Our main event still to come at The Great American Bash.
Also, coming up tonight, the NXT women's title will be on the line.
There you see a woman in Thea Hail looking to make history here in Texas.
Putting in a couple last minute kinks into her offense with the kimura lock.
There is the champion starting to warm up as well ahead of their submission matchup
here at The Great American Bash.
What a night it has been already thus far, and what a debut we're going to see
in a matter of moments.
[Baron Corbin's music plays]
[bell rings]
[presenter] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, Baron Corbin.
[Vic] For Corbin, he said he's taking control of his own destiny, Booker.
Is it time to do that in your opinion if you're Baron Corbin?
[Booker] Oh, yes. Time is ticking.
Sand in the hourglass is running out, but we look at Baron Corbin,
he has that feel.
Trying to find that lone wolf mentality.
Oh, yes.
This is the Baron Corbin I'm looking for.
[Vic] It's a new look, new music, it's a new feel for baron Corbin.
[Booker] You feel that? [Vic] I do feel it.
We're also about to feel something else.
A highly-anticipated debut in a matter of moments.
[Gable Steveson's music plays]
[presenter] His opponent, Olympic gold medalist.
Gable Steveson.
[Vic] There is a lot of hype surrounding the Olympic gold medalist,
as he walks into his very first match.
[Booker] You know as well, it should be a lot of hype around Gable Steveson.
He's NCAA all-American, and he's a gold medalist.
He's done a whole lot outside of the WWE, I give him that.
[Vic] It's events like tonight at The Great American Bash
where heroes are created.
You also just saw a big, almost exhale
from Gable Steveson.
As he realizes now the bell has sounded
and this is it, and for Corbin, he warned gable this past Tuesday.
[Booker] You know why?
He's in there with a professional.
This is a grown man.
This is baron Corbin, a guy that went out there and retired Kurt Angle
another Olympic gold medalist.
[crowd chants "let's go, Corbin"]
[Vic] You hear the NXT universe in this matchup.
I want to come with this question
of who's feeling more pressure?
Is it Corbin or is it Gable?
[Booker] Gable Steveson, he's an Olympic gold medalist.
Baron Corbin is a guy that's been here in the WWE for quite some time.
I think Gable Steveson's got more pressure on him than Baron Corbin.
[Vic] There's Corbin going right in, and as he has said,
they don't throw rights, or lefts and they don't smash you down
in the ground in the Olympics.
As Corbin trying to keep up in this early going.
We'll see what Baron Corbin brings to the table because
Gable is coming back in.
I'm glad you brought up Kurt angle because Corbin has gloated for years
beating Kurt angle in his final match at Wrestlemania.
Gable idolized Kurt Angle, and I wonder
if Gable's going to use that as fuel tonight.
[Booker] This could be some fuel, maybe some payback for Kurt Angle.
But that right there could be the wrong, wrong plan to go into
with a man like Baron Corbin, trust me.
[Vic] Corbin swinging wildly, and look at Steveson, picking the leg,
going right down, and we said Kurt angle, looking for the ankle lock.
Cinched in, and Corbin is able to get to that bottom rope, and it was Corbin
who predicted on the kickoff show that he would bury
his second Olympic gold medalist in… Oh, no.
A German suplex on the floor.
The only other Olympic gold medalist,
the hall of famer Kurt Angle, said gable's an incredible
athlete for his size, he is super impressed with Steveson.
[Booker] The man is good.
If you look at this guy, he's a monster.
He's about 250 pounds.
As far as balance goes, he has all that, but right there Baron Corbin
just lured Gable Steveson outside so we could use a little furniture right here.
There you go, son, that's called a shucky ducky quack-quack moment.
[Vic] Corbin just broke the count of the official so he can continue
to inflict damage to Gable on the outside.
Corbin said he wants to be feared.
He wants to be respected, you know he wants to spoil
this highly anticipated debut as well.
[Booker] You know what?
He only needs one of those right there.
He needs these guys to be feared, and the respect will come along with that.
Oh, wow.
[Vic] Corbin promised a new version of himself that he would destroy
his past and he would do everything moving forward as his true self.
[Booker] They don't teach that in the Olympics right there.
[crowd boos]
[Vic] Corbin wants to make everyone in NXT regret signing a contract.
He said it starts tonight with Gable Steveson.
[Booker] Corbin understands one thing.
Wait a minute, listen to the people.
The people about… Wait a minute. [crowd chants "Baron Corbin"]
[Vic] The people in the NXT universe voice their opinion.
It's The Great American Bash.
They've been fired up since the start of the night.
There is no doubt that this has been Corbin's night.
He has taken it to the Olympic gold medalist
since the start because Corbin knows his back's against the wall.
[Booker] It's not just that.
Baron Corbin knows it's about two things.
It's about checks, it's about championships,
going out there and knocking off this kid Gable Steveson.
Oh, yes.
[Vic] There's the power of Corbin, and just planted Steveson.
Into the cover and it could be an early night for both,
and just able to kick out at two, is Steveson.
Take another look, feel the impact.
All the air driving out at the loins.
[Booker] See, guys like Baron Corbin, they don't care about no gold medal
or anything like that.
The jury is still out on this kid, Gable Steveson,
as far as I'm concerned.
[Vic] Face first off the top rope.
[Booker] Right to the nose.
[Vic] Falling right up.
Corbin came in with a game plan, another cover, another hook
of the leg, and another near fall, Baron Corbin will not be
embarrassed here tonight.
He's gone so far over the last several weeks,
as saying he's going to destroy anyone that threatens his future.
[Booker] People don't understand, those ropes are unforgiving right there.
That one shot right there got Gable Steveson in dire straits, man.
[Vic] You saw Steveson for a moment start blinking a little bit,
trying to get himself back to where he's at,
but now turn in the tables right now on Corbin.
[Booker] Yes, but Corbin blocked it a bit. That's the pro in Corbin.
[Vick] Steveson helped Eddy thorpe overcome Damon Kemp
in NXT underground.
He generated a lot of fanfare in the locker room
and in the NXT universe, but he's finally stepping into the ring and learning.
This is a new ballgame against a new version of Baron Corbin.
[Booker] Like you said, guys like Eddy Thorpe,
they're going to respect Gable Steveson, but not somebody like Baron Corbin
[Vic] Corbin has now Steveson, trying his best to fight back in this match.
We knew it'd be an uphill battle somewhat for Steveson to try
to get used to the environment, to what's going to happen
inside the squared circle, but now throwing a couple of rights,
catching and tossing Corbin, and this is the wheelhouse
for the Olympic medalist.
[Booker] Take a break here, Corbin.
Try to find some space, try to find a little space, Baron.
[Vic] Baron can't find any space, because Gable is closing the door.
He's not allowing Corbin to get around.
He's not letting Corbin get a second wind, a third wind.
He's keeping Corbin real close to continue his own offensive onslaught.
[Booker] You can't win the match outside. That's very smart by Baron Corbin.
[Vic] Oh.
One more time, Corbin up and over.
We've seen these two, and I can't imagine.
This is what Steveson wanted and now just… Oh, knocked around.
[Booker] It's called taking it to the street.
This is what I'm talking about.
They don't teach this in the Olympics.
That not NCAA.
[crowd boos]
[Vic] Trying to listen to the official, the official is at it.
Gable trying to get back in the ring, but Corbin taking to the air
and these two slugging it out. [bell rings]
As the referee.
Oh.
Oh screw the countdown for a moment, these two are destroying each other.
[crowd boos]
Probably going to need some more help.
Book, are you all right?
[Booker] Yes. I'm good.
[crowd chants "Corbin"]
[Vic] Corbin and Steveson taking it to one another.
[crowd boos]
[Booker] Oh.
[Vic] We're going to need more than just a couple officials out here.
We got to get a lot of help out here to keep these two separated.
[Booker] I like it. [Vic] You talk about thoroughbreds.
[Booker] I like it. [Vic] They are taking it to each other.
[crowd cheers]
[Booker] There goes security.
[Vic] They can't keep them apart, Book.
[Booker] I'm liking this kid, Gable Steveson, a bit more down.
I'm liking him a little bit more.
[Vic] These two. [Booker] Oh. Oh, yes.
[Vic] Corbin just dropped security.
Oh.
You can say what you want, Book, about the Olympics,
about not being ready for the Olympics.
Gable Steveson just laid out Baron Corbin.
This went from a debut to a fight here tonight.
[Gable Steveson's music plays]
[Vic] Right now let's go back to last Tuesday at NXT.
It was Lyra Valkyria going one-on-one with the women's world champion.
While Ripley brought her a game, so did Lyra Valkyria.
She pushed Rhea Ripley, Booker, to her limit.
In the closing moment, it was "dirty" Dom getting involved,
helping out, and boom, still not to be denied was Valkyria
who was this close to pinning the women's world champion.
But for Ripley, she was able to overcome the odds to hit Valkyria
with a riptide, but it's not the matchup, it's what happened afterwards.
[bell rings]
[Rhea Ripley's music plays]
[Rhea] Prove me right and beat Jacy Jayne.
Show me.
[Lyra] I will.
[Mackenzie] Lyra Valkyria, your match on Tuesday night with WWE women's
world champion, Rhea Ripley, was one for the books.
How are you feeling after it?
[Lyra] Honestly, I'm thirsty for more.
That match lit such a fire under me because now I know
that I can go toe to toe with the very best there is.
I'm very curious about this NXT women's championship match tonight.
[struggle noises]
[Vic] That's Jacy Jayne.
We just needed security out here moments ago.
Looks like we need security in the back, Book.
[Booker] Oh, rock star in the house, man.
[struggle noises and screams]
[Rhea] That's what I was waiting for.
[security] Get her out of here.
[presenter] For 269 days, that title represented hard work and opportunity.
[Wes] I lifted that title.
I put my heart and soul into that title.
[Wes Lee's music plays]
[crowd cheers]
[Vic] You can feel the love for Wes Lee and you just heard.
We saw what happened on Tuesday.
Booker, do you believe that Wes Lee will be in a different zone
in this triple-threat match here at The Great American Bash?
[Booker] This kid has made me a believer since day one.
I looked at the guy that was totally on board, but week after week,
match after match, contest after contest, this young man, Wes Lee,
proved to me that he is perhaps the greatest North American champion
in the history of NXT.
269 days?
[Vic] Yes.
[Booker] Oh, yes.
[Vic] He remembers every single one, he cherished every single one of those days
as he looks to reclaim the North American title
tonight in a triple-threat match where we got to remember,
the champion, which is "dirty" Dom, doesn't need to be factored
in the decision to lose the North American title here
tonight in Texas.
[Booker] Dom Dom.
[Mustafa Ali's music plays]
[Vic] Here comes a superstar who was not happy with Wes Lee
this past Tuesday.
[crowd cheers]
[Vic] When it comes to Mustafa Ali, he saw his one-on-one opportunity
change to a triple threat.
Do you move on from that?
How do you? You have your chances go from 50 to 33.
[Booker] I'm looking at Mustafa Ali. He's put in a lot of hard work.
You look at the body, you can tell he's been in the gym
training, but none of that matters if you don't have a championship gold
around your waist.
[Dominik Mysterio's music plays]
[Vic] Speaking of which, here is the man who has that gold around his waist.
[Booker] Wow.
[Vic] Lee and Ali are staring a hole through "dirty" Dom.
Booker, does it irk you that "dirty" Dom proclaims
he has made the name Mysterio relevant?
Think about this event.
Think about what you and his father Rey Mysterio did in the main event
of The Great American Bash.
[Booker] I get exactly where you're coming from, but there's always been
a buzz around the Mysterio name, but not like this.
Never before have we seen the buzz like we see with this young man, Dom Dom.
Oh, yes, the North American champ.
Come on, Vic.
Give him his props, give him a pat on the back.
Stand up, man.
Stand up.
[Vic] Well, he has no champion's advantage.
He does have mami.
The women's world champion, Rhea Ripley,
can be a difference maker as we have seen for judgment day time and time again.
[Booker] Talking about the ultimate motivator, mami.
[Vic] All three with something to prove in this triple-threat match.
[bell rings]
[presenter] The following triple threat match scheduled for one fall is
for the NXT North American championship.
Introducing the challengers, first, Wes Lee.
Next, Mustafa Ali.
Their opponent, with the women's world champion, Rhea Ripley.
Representing the judgment day,
the NXT North American champion.
Dominik Mysterio.
[crowd boos]
[Vic] That person with the Dom is my hero sign right there.
He might need a new hero, Book.
[Booker] People love Dom.
[Vic] Who are you listening to?
A triple threat match.
For Wes Lee, he hasn't been a challenger for the North American title.
Think about it, he hasn't been in the challenger's shoes since last October.
And realization may be starting to set in for Dom.
Dom on Tuesday said these two could fight it out, these two…
[Rhea] Give me the title.
[Vic] What's mami… [Rhea] Give me the title.
[Vic] Well, Ali is done playing around.
[crowd boos]
[Vic] Dom trying to hightail it out.
What's going to happen now, Book?
[Booker] Oh. A beat down.
That's what going to happen.
[Vic] Dom, look.
Mustafa Ali wants to get him some, Wes Lee wants to get him some.
[Rhea] Dom, come on.
[Vic] Look at him.
The back and front.
Everybody's trying to get to "dirty" Dom, but we got to remember
it's every man for themselves.
Triple threat rules between these two, between these three now.
Wes Lee's got to focus.
Ali's got to focus as well.
I still don't feel bad for "dirty" Dom.
[Booker] They need to focus.
[Vic] Hold on a second. Let's watch this.
[Booker] Oh, man.
[Vic] Look, Wes Lee set a new standard of what a champion should be in NXT.
You think about what he did as the North American champion.
Most defenses most successful title defenses inside of a month.
He raised the bar, he kicked in the door last year.
[Booker] But we talk about when that champion's going to run into
that brick wall, and Wes Lee definitely did that
with Dominik Mysterio as champion.
[Vic] Ali from behind, shoulders down, and we could have a new
North American champion.
I don't know what match you were watching. Now, up and over.
Another near fall because for "dirty" Dom to win that title,
he needed the help of Mr. Money in the bank, Damian Priest.
He needed the help of Finn Balor and needed the help of mami to defeat Lee.
[Booker] Look, Wes Lee didn't have to take that match.
[Vic] He's not going to say no.
[Booker] He set himself up for failure.
[Vic] You can call it what you want, what we can say still
trending number one, the great American bash, and look at Ali.
[Booker] Wait. Where are we trending at? [Vic] Number one.
[Booker] You call it. On X.
[Vic] As Ali turning things around in this match.
I talked about frustrations for Wes Lee.
Do you understand the frustration of Mustafa Ali?
He battled Gunther for the intercontinental title at night
of champions, was close as anyone to dethroning the ring
general and has become obsessed with being champion.
He was so close, Book. So close.
[Booker] Of course. Wes Lee definitely was in a position.
Of course Mustafa Ali he wants to be in that position.
He may be the guy that needs to get this match more than any.
[Vic] Gets irritated, does Ali, knowing he was so close, and crash and burn.
[Booker] Oh, yes.
Just like that, "dirty" Dom turned things around.
What the hell is he flexing for?
[Booker] The playa, Vic. That's what that is.
That's a playa.
[Vic] A wise man once said, don't hate the playa
[Booker] Hate the game.
[Vic] Getting Ali back into the ring. Take another look.
Nasty landing for both, as wait a minute, back into the ring.
Going for the cover to retain the title, and Ali able to kick out.
[Booker] One thing I like about Dominik Mysterio is that
he isn't going to go out there and throw his weight around.
He's very smart, very meticulous as far as going out there
and taking care of business.
Check it out. Here we go, here we go.
[Vic] Now trying for the three amigos. [Booker] Amigos.
[Vic] "Dirty" Dom is eyeing up Wes Lee and now turning his attention to him.
He's played these two against each other on Tuesday,
and now taking it to Lee.
He didn't like Ali, that being "dirty" Dom.
Saying that he stole his daddy's 619 and his other daddy's frog splash.
[Booker] Yes, right now it's coming into effect, the 61…
Wait a minute, three amigos, three amigos.
Four amigos now about to look real good.
[Vic] I think you spoke a little bit too soon.
Turning things around, the challengers.
[Booker] Oh, wow.
[Vic] Mami not liking what her latino heat is going through.
[Booker] Come on, ref.
[Vic] What the hell you saying come on ref for?
It's all legal. It's triple threat.
Mami's scared.
Ali into the cover.
Oh, Lee breaking it up.
Dom, though, did get that left shoulder up.
Lee is trying to get a cover to win the title back,
and Ali able to break things up.
Pace starting to slow in this matchup.
Again, though, Ali going right to "dirty" Dom.
Is he more focused on Dom than he is Wes Lee?
[Booker] He should be focused on Dom, Vic.
That's the champion.
If you beat Dominik, you get bigger props, man.
[Vic] Look at Wes Lee combination offense.
A little two-for-one special here.
For Wes Lee, he has stated that being champion allowed him
to discover more about himself.
He grew as a person when he was the champion.
He needs the title back.
As the combination offense starting to light up "dirty" Dom.
[Booker] Yes, indeed.
Dominik Mysterio right now look like he's in a little trouble,
and Wes Lee could capitalize right here.
[Vic] Cover, cover, cover.
Title on the line, and from the outside inside for Mustafa Ali.
Got to keep your eyes going.
The action is fast, it is furious in this triple threat
matchup here at Great American Bash.
Now, look at Ali.
Ali patiently waiting.
Charging right in and dropping Lee.
We'll go back to Ali.
He's a superstar who gets irritated because he believes
that no one sees the work, no one sees the sacrifices.
When they see the results, they say it's luck.
[Booker] Not just that.
Mustafa Ali feel like he's been the odd man out.
Many, many times he felt like politics has come into play,
but I'm going to tell you now.
He has a chance to win the North American championship.
[Vic] DDT.
[Booker] Right now, he can do it if he can just cash in.
[Vic] Just spiked Ali.
Trying to turn him over, trying to get into the cover, and Dom.
Ali saw it coming.
[Booker] Wow, so close.
[Vic] I'm glad you brought that up, about Mustafa Ali.
He thinks he finally needs to win the gold.
He's been close at Wrestlemania.
There's always been something that has stood in his way
which is why he didn't want Lee to face "dirty" Dom on Tuesday two weeks ago.
[Booker] There's not going to be excuses.
[Vic] Neckbreaker.
[Booker] Right now he has a even chance at going out here
and walking out north American champion tonight.
[Vic] Taking down Lee, and it's Mustafa Ali who is in control.
First with the Boston crab, now looking for the camel clutch.
If either submits, if either taps, Ali will become the North American champion.
Oh, and Dom biting Ali.
[Booker] When you go to jail… [Vic] Oh, don't start this crap.
[Booker] You learn all kind of tricks, man.
When you been on the yard, you know exactly
how to work this situation out.
[Vic] He walked through the yard. He was there for two hours maybe, tops.
You know what he has learned?
He's learned from his hall of fame father.
Looking to dial up that 61, no, Crescent kick.
[Book] I think he learned more from his uncle than his dad.
[Vic] Oh, another one. Ali now.
What's Ali thinking?
Ali's out.
Dirty Dom's out.
And Mustafa Ali, he can't win the title on the outside.
He's got to put one of the two in the ring.
What's he thinking?
[Book] Making sure he doesn't slip off that top turnbuckle right there, Vic.
-[Book] Oh! -[Vic] Forget about the 619.
-Ali just went for a 450. -[Book] Wow.
[Vic] We talk about a nasty landing.
Hardest part of the ring, where steel meets wood.
[Book] They're throwing all caution to the wind.
Mustafa Ali is trying to cash in tonight here, Vic, at the Great American Bash.
[mouthing inaudibly]
[Vic] Realization maybe setting in for Dom
and also for Wes Lee.
Oh, there you saw-- See Mami. Mami said, "Pin him." Dirty Dom!
Oh, no, and Lee able to kick out.
Lee was looking over almost and look concerned for Ali,
but he's got to remember, this is for the North American Championship.
This is his opportunity to reclaim gold.
This is the Great American Bash!
Throwing caution to the wind,
Wes Lee just…
locked eyes. Oh!
-Again, no disqualification. -You better not do that again, Wes.
Don't you do it.
You good?
Do not!
[Vic] Knowing anything about Lee, you tell him not to do something…
-[Book] Ooh… -[Vic] He's probably gonna do it.
I said no!
-[crowd chatter] -[inaudible berating]
[Vic] Now…
Up and over! And he stuck the landing.
Give that man a 10.
[Book] Wow,
wow.
[Vic] Whoa, whoa. Yes, you better get going.
I'd agree with Wes here.
I don't know what-- Wes looked like he was doing a little parkour.
Hopping over everyth-- Oh, no!
Book, Mami got her hands on Lee.
-Riptide! -[Book] Oh, yes.
[crowd cheering]
I told you not to do it, Wes! I told you!
[Vic] Booker, there's no disqualification.
-[Book] It's all legal, Vic. -[Vic] It's all legal.
There's no DQ.
Oh, and Dom's going to steal another one here in Texas.
Oh, no, no, no.
-No! No! -[Vic] Keep fighting, Wes.
[Book] The resilience of this young man, Wes Lee, Victor.
[Rhea] Get me the title.
Give it!
[Vic] Again, the referee's helpless. There's no disqualification.
Everything's le--
-[inaudible conversation] -[crowd chanting] This is awesome!
Well, the referee turning around and just didn't see that.
It wouldn't have mattered because there's no disqualification.
-[Book] Master plan. -[Vic] The Women's title.
-[Book] He's going to steal another one. -[Vic] That's how Dom won
-to begin with, but not tonight in Texas. -Ref! One! Two! Three!
[Vic] Now what does the playbook say, Booker?
[Book] Plan C, that's what it says.
[Vic] Dom wouldn't be in this match if not for Mami.
-He's going to the top ro-- Ali! -[Book] Ooh!
[Vic] Ali back to his feet, and you talk about momentum changing.
The momentum has swung maybe for Mustafa Ali.
Wes Lee is down, Wes Lee is out, Dom is tied up.
[Book] Mustafa's going to get that 455. He's going to go for that 450.
He's going to do it, Vic.
[Vic] Ali, target set. Up, down. 450 connects this time.
Cover, count, and-- No, wait a minute.
Ripley. Oh, no, believe it or not, frog splash!
-Dom. -[crowd] One! Two! Three!
[bell ringing]
[crowd cheering]
-[Book] Wow. -[ring announcer] Here is your winner
and still the NXT North American Champion,
Dominik Mysterio!
[Vic] Can Dominik do anything by himself, Booker?
-[Book] What are you talking about? -[Vic] Can he?
[Book] He just retained his Championship.
He just went out there and did it all by himself.
[Vic] Table went down, you don't got a monitor, but what were you watching?
Oh, your heart goes out for Ali, who was so close.
Back to the action. Wes Lee went up and over Ripley.
Was cruising in this matchup until… What do you mean?
What do you mean what do I mean? Do you not see?
Rhea Ripley planting Wes Lee with the riptide through the table.
Then, after interfering with the North American title,
would slide over the Women's World title.
Bam! That's how Dom won the title on NXT several weeks ago.
Tonight, he was close to retaining,
but Wes Lee showed you the heart of a Champion.
A true Champion.
A Champion that could be considered the best ever in NXT.
Ali, though, would come back after being wiped out for a 450.
Didn't connect earlier, connected here, and in this moment,
we all thought for Mustafa, this was his golden moment,
the moment he has fought his entire life and career for.
Again, Ripley would interfere, and then Dirty Dom doing dirty things,
hitting that frog splash from the top.
Bam!
To survive the Triple Threat match
to retain the North American Championship.
-While Ripley is all smiles… -Here's your…
-[Vic] Judgement Day continues to run… -…NXT North American Champion!
-[Vic] …things in the WWE. -Get used to it! [laughs]
Like it or not, we're taking over.
[Ilja] Is it the pain that keeps searching for me,
or am I the one who searches for pain?
-[rock music] -[screaming]
[Ilja] Maybe I am the pain.
[Book] Dragunov, he's on a different level,
he fights with a furious passion.
[Vic] Dragunov is headed to the Great American Bash
against Carmelo Hayes for the NXT title.
[Ilja] In the end, it doesn't matter
because tonight the world shall know pain.
Carmelo, when I step into this ring, these people, they feel something.
All I will make you feel at the Great American Bash is defeat.
[Vic] It's one man's dynasty versus one man's destiny
under the bright lights of the Great American Bash.
[Ilja] Carmelo Hayes, at the Great American Bash,
Trick will be all you have left
after I take your NXT Championship.
Trick Williams, Ilja Dragunov said he respects the friendship
between you and Carmelo Hayes, but tonight he's made it clear
he has his sights set on winning the NXT Championship.
Dragunov says he respects this Trick Melo friendship?
I call cap. Dragunov,
you may respect our friendship,
but you will never understand.
Trick and Melo go way back like this young pundits whopping
on USC and winning the national Championship.
Trick and Melo go way back like Kevin Durant coming in
and flipping that log home program and turning it upside down.
Trick and Melo came into NXT and put the program upside down.
As for tonight, Melo is gonna show the world,
Melo is going to show mad dragon why he is him.
-We're good on that, McKenzie? -We're good.
Let's show some love.
[Vic] We'd like to extend a special thank you
to the 100 Gecs for Hollywood Baby,
the official theme song of the Great American Bash.
It's from the album 10,000 Gecs, available now on Apple Music and Spotify.
Booker, we could be moments away from history being made,
or will the Champion remain the center of the NXT Universe?
What we do know, to win the gold tonight, you must make the other tap out.
[Tiffany] When a superstar is born, no one sleeps on it.
[hip hip music]
[Tiffany] You don't need to take classes to learn it,
you're just it,
and I'm it.
I run faster, I jump higher, I lift heavier,
and I look way hotter than everybody else.
[Vic] Prettiest moonsault ever.
Stratton makes history tonight.
[Tiffany] I'm 24 years old. I am nowhere near my prime.
It is Tiffy time.
I'm the epitome of what a Woman's Champion is.
[announcer] Tiffany Stratton.
One of the most natural talents this industry has ever discovered.
[Tiffany] The Great American Bash.
My first premium live event as Champion.
I didn't come this far for it to be taken away by some 19-year-old brat.
[man] Rise and help me welcome the next NXT Women's Champion.
Give it up for the one and only, Thea Hail.
[crowd cheering]
Thea, we believe you can do it.
I know I can do it. I can do it. Let's [bleep] go.
[Vic] Hail did it.
The top of the class looking to topple Tiffany for the gold.
This is the awesomest day of my whole life.
I didn't want to go to college because I was too busy training
to become what I always wanted to be.
I'm going to become the NXT Women's Champion.
[Tiffany] Everybody loves Thea Hail.
[Vic] Hail! Center of the ring.
Stratton's tapping.
Come on, ref!
[Tiffany mocking] She is so adorable.
Really?
[Vic] Oh, Stratton.
Oh, Stratton steals it.
At Gold Rush, I didn't tap out.
My hand grazed the mat a couple of times,
but the referee didn't see it, so it never happened.
Rematch! Rematch!
Out of the goodness of my heart, I gave the people the rematch they wanted.
It'd be the easiest title defense ever since I already beat you.
Thea, we're days away from you becoming
the youngest Women's Champion of all time.
-Of all time. -Days away from you
-making Tiffany tap out. -Let's go.
I want to make it a submission match.
When people are attacking me and forcing me into a submission match
I don't call that adorable, I call that despicable.
Payback is coming. Thea Hail can bring Mr. Chase, bring Duke,
bring the student section because it won't matter.
All I need is a chance to prove people wrong.
After the Great American Bash,
the universe will still revolve around me, the NXT Women's Champion.
[Thea] I know I can win and become the youngest Women's Champion in history.
Let's go.
Toodles.
-[marching band music] -[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Chase U is here.
The representation. Just take a look to your right, Book.
-[Book] I see it. -[Vic] Everyone with their Chase U signs
for Thea Hail.
-[marching band music] -[screaming]
[crowd cheering]
-[marching band music] -[crowd cheering]
[Vic] With a win here tonight, Thea Hail would secure her position in history.
-She would become the youngest… -My time!
-[Vic] …Women's Champion ever.
[Book] She got a hell of a lot of support.
-[inspirational pop music] -[cameras clicking]
[Vic] Here comes NXT Women's Champion, "Barbie" Tiffany Stratton.
-Does Tiffy time end tonight? -[mouthing inaudibly]
[Book] I don't know about that, Vic. I'm loving that.
Can you pass me that cup?
-[Vic] No, don't start. -[Book] Can you please pass me that cup?
-[Vic] I'm going to move on because when-- -[Book] Hottie biscotti!
Oh, yes, Tiffany Stratton is in the building, y'all.
Great American Bash. Tiffany Stratton.
That's a tag team that can't lose, man.
-We about to get busy up here, Victor. -[cameras clicking]
[Vic] Can the challenger lose because she believes
she has the advantage in this submission match
because of the kimura?
[bell ringing]
The following is a submission match
and is for the NXT Women's Championship.
Introducing first, the challenger, representing Chase University,
Thea Hail!
And her opponent,
she is the NXT Women's Champion,
-Tiffany Stratton. -[crowd booing]
[Vic] Already assume history is being made here.
This is the youngest Women's Championship match
in WWE premium live event history.
As it is a submission match, the only way to win,
make your opponent submit and you hear the NXT Universe
already chanting "You tapped out" to Tiffany Stratton, who certainly did.
You can make the argument that Thea Hail should already be
the NXT Women's Champion.
[Book] I must say Chase U has a potential Champion in Thea Hail.
She's a raising star, Vic, I must say that.
[Vic] I'm glad you bring that up because… Again, for Tiffany Stratton,
pinfalls don't matter. She has to lock in a submission.
There has to be a tap. She has to get Thea Hail to say "I quit."
I'm glad you talked about that because, Thea Hail, I think a lot of people forget
she graduated high school just over a year ago.
She has handled the pressure of the WWE, of NXT.
What do you think of that rise, honestly, as somebody who's 19 years old?
[Book] It's been a great rise but under the bright lights
like it is here tonight at the Great American Bash…
And you see all the Chase U signs,
that premature celebration might come into play.
I don't like that, Vic. I don't like it at all.
[Vic] Both these superstars have had their differences, of course.
Stratton defeated Thea Hail after a little bit of a distraction
-if you remember. -[Book] Oh, yes.
[Vic] Nice job picking the foot, dropping Hail, and now
look at the submission possibly being locked in by Stratton.
Oh, pulling the hair, gaining the leverage and now stretching Thea Hail. Ooh!
[Book] Oh, early in this match right now Tiffany Stratton one, two steps ahead.
-Beautiful. -[Vic] In a normal matchup,
you'd be worried about the shoulders of Stratton,
but not in a submission match. A nice reversal,
and you got to think of all the work that Thea Hail
puts in the gym as now she's looking for an arm trying
to hyperextend the elbow of Stratton. There's Andre Chase always
on the outside, someone who loves his students, always worries about them,
and has put the Chase U students first and foremost in his mind.
There's Duke Hudson, the MVP, who's trying to rally everyone.
[Book] You talk about Chase, you talk about Hudson,
who should get the credit for Thea Hail's come up?
Who should get the credit?
Should it be Charlie Dempsey? Drew Gulak? Who taught her that kimura lock?
[Vic] To your point, yes, Gulak had a little bit of a hand,
but it was Hudson who made sure Hail believed in herself.
It was Chase who first gave her that belief.
[Book] Why aren't they part of this big party
that's going on with Thea Hail? Can you answer that?
[Vic] We'll have to go back and watch NXT on Peacock
to relive the action, and we can go through all the events that transpired.
Now Thea Hail looking to go to the outside and, oh, nasty landing.
I think Stratton was able just to duck her shoulders
out of the way and Hail rolled right off, and now Stratton is going to make her pay
-spine-first into the post. -[Book] That was a counter.
Tiffany Stratton almost spotted that sault before it actually happened
and made do on it. It was a great move.
-[Vic] There again Hudson-- -[Book] Oh, yes.
Who gets credit? Them. They've been in Thea Hail's corner
since the beginning. Andre Chase recruited Thea Hail.
[Book] I'm not talking about cheerleaders, Vic,
I'm talking about who's hit the gym with Thea Hail
giving her that expert tutelage. Who was it?
[Vic] You can talk about tutelage whatever you want,
Tiffany Stratton has come in with a game plan. She is focusing
on the lower back, the spine, after driving Hail into that post.
Now taking a moment to soak in the cheers from the NXT Universe.
Can you believe Tiffany Stratton believes she's underappreciated?
[Book] Of course. Listen to these fans.
These fans should be 100% behind Tiffany Stratton,
she's the Champion of NXT. What are you thinking, Vic?
[Vic] She's athletically gifted, she's picked up this industry,
she won the title but she's self-righteous.
That attitude, no one wants to be around that.
[Book] You need to be self-righteous in this business.
It's not about having a bestie.
[Vic] Now again, two knees into the back, and Hail, nowhere to go.
Thea Hail roughly is in great position in this submission match,
but the only way to win, the only way for Stratton to retain
is to make Hail quit the match.
A nice counter by Hail, able to break the grip, but right back up,
but now Hail has got to get some offense. She's got to put something together.
She's got to take away the momentum from Tiffany Stratton.
[Book] Hail, like I said, is a rising star--
[Vic] Oh, tilt-a-whirl backbreaker.
[Book] The pressure under the lights at the Great American Bash,
you can feel it, Vic, you can cut it with a knife.
[Vic] First premium live event as Champion, I would ask you,
does that change your mindset?
For Tiffany Stratton, she doesn't seem bothered by the pressure.
[Book] Oh, yes. I always talking about having a Championship, Vic,
it gives you that cloak of invincibility, and you look at Tiffany Stratton,
she's strutting, she's looking real good here tonight.
[Vic] Of course Stratton always wanting the attention,
and now, again, looking for another submission.
I don't know if the hands are locked underneath but if they are
this certainly is painful for Thea Hail.
Great job by our crew, the hands are locked.
Stratton right now trying to break the back of Hail.
-[Book] Not just a pretty face. -[Vic] Nowhere for Hail to go.
[Book] She puts the work in, week in, week out.
She said she works harder than every woman in that locker room
and I believe her.
[Vic] Oh! Hail does and is able to counter.
-[Book] Whoa. -[Vic] With a backdrop
that might just have rocked Stratton, trying to follow up-- Oh, the back.
The back of Hail just giving out and Stratton knows it.
Stratton senses it, another tilt-a-whirl backbreaker,
counter with an arm drag.
[Book] A hard knee by Tiffany Stratton to break that lock also, Vic.
Oh, yes!
[Vic] There's something the Champion does not have,
she does not have the support
of Andre Chase, the MVP Duke Hudson or Chase U.
-[man] Come on, Thea! -[Vic] That time the suplex connects.
[Book] Can you tell me when the last time cheerleaders won the match?
Never. You got to get in there and do it yourself.
That's what Hail is gonna have to do, and she needs to move, man.
[Vic] Sometimes it takes a little extra
but this time, a little bit too much time wasted.
Hail got caught and now she's getting squeezed around the ribs
and if you can't breathe, you can't fight.
[Book] That kimura lock, you got to be in the right position
to actually lock it in. Right now Thea Hail is in a lot of trouble.
[man] Thea!
[Vic] The Chase U students.
You asked, when was the last time cheerleaders won?
They haven't, but you know what Chase U does?
They can give you a little extra motivation.
They can get you to dig down a little bit deeper.
When you don't think you have anything left,
you can find a little bit extra and that's what Hail needs right now
-because she's fading. -[Book] I agree.
It's like homecourt advantage, it does help a little bit,
-but Thea Hail is on another level, man. -Give up! No!
[Vic] While Stratton wants to be the center of attention,
if she loses, she'll be in the record books.
Hail will become the youngest Women's Champion ever.
-That's not a stat… -[Book] Wow.
-[Vic] …that Stratton wants to be a part of. Stratton again driving--
Uh-oh, counter. Bulldog.
Can Hail rally now in this moment? Able to knock down Stratton.
-[Book] Beautiful counter by Hail. -[Vic] Is this wise, with the back?
It didn't work earlier,
but it works now for Hail.
Thea Hail said she doesn't need a miracle like Stratton believes,
-she only needs a chance. -[Book] Adrenaline, Vic.
-You're going to need that. -[Vic] Uh-oh.
[Book] Thea Hail now, a lot of adrenaline going for her.
[Vic] Remember earlier when we talked about the back into the post?
Did you just see Stratton's shoulder pop off the steel?
And now Hail to the top.
The challenger looking down, the Champion able to roll through.
-Ooh… -[Book] Oh, look at the strength.
[Vic] Remember the post, is there enough strength
in the shoulder of Stratton?
-Thea! Oh, can she counter? -[Book] Ooh…
[Vic] Trying to lock in the kimura, and, oh! Last-ditch effort desperation.
[Book] Wow.
[Vic] Stratton sensed it, she realized it and is able
to create a little separation. Take another look.
Thea Hail close to locking in that patented kimura, and then bam!
Stratton able to break the hold and continue this matchup.
It's a submission match, the only way to win
is to make your opponent tap.
Stratton was looking for that moonsault, Hail, though, trying to get to the top.
Both these superstars have put in the work,
you can see they've put in the film study, they know what to expect
from the back-and-forth battles these two have had.
-What now is on the mind of… -[Book] Oh, Vic.
-[Vic] …Thea Hail?
-All the way to the top. -[Book] Oh.
[Vic] Anxious moment here at the Great American Bash.
Oh, they exploded from the top!
Hail, though, can't go for a pin, goes for a submission.
[Book] Oh, she's close.
[Vic] Trying to lock in the kimura. Is the arm totally bent up?
[Book] Tiffany needs that bottom rope.
[Vic] It doesn't matter, shouldn't have to break the hold,
there's no disqualification. Is she going to make a tap?
-Was that a tap? -[Book] No.
[Vic] Referee in great position.
Oh, Stratton reaching out.
Look at the official. He's telling her.
-There's no rope break. -[Book] She's just using the rope,
Vic, for leverage.
[Vic] The official telling Thea Hail, "Back up,"
and right back into another kimura.
-And… Oh! -[Book] Oh, man.
[Vic] No, no. The corner of the barricade back into the spine.
How much of that lower back is on fire of Hail?
[Book] Talk about the fire in this young lady, Tiffany Stratton,
breaking two kimura locks to be in this position right here, Vic.
Give it up, man.
[crowd chanting] No, she didn't! Yes, she did!
[Vic] The NXT Universe has been very vocal as now looking for the prettiest moonsault
ever right into that lower back.
The back that has been a focal point for Stratton,
who's trying to possibly lock in a Boston crab.
Book, you've been in this hold. You know the pain.
[Book] Oh, it's excruciating, Vic. Pain on the lower lumbar right now.
It's, oh, man, unbelievable.
[Vic] Thea Hail is in a lot of trouble.
There's Andre Chase trying to give some words of encouragement,
trying to help Thea Hail.
[crowd chanting] Thea! Thea!
[Vic] Chase U trying to rally Thea Hail.
[Vic] Reaching out. Hudson as well.
Hudson trying to reach, and Stratton pulling Thea Hail back in.
Oh, the pain has got to be excruciating. Look at the face of Hail.
-Fight! -[Vic] Trying to reach out.
Hudson is right there. Chase right there.
Come on, Thea. You've got to keep fighting.
[Vic] One more time, Stratton-- Look at that.
The body of Stratton giving out a little bit.
So much has been taken out of her throughout this match.
She's back up and almost like she reloaded.
She recharged, had she's right back in.
[Book] Digging deep. You got to cinch it. You've got to lean back real.
Come on. You can do it.
[Vic] Spine being bent of Hail one more time.
[Book] Think about the damage being done, though, Vic.
[Vic] There's nowhere for Hail to go.
Thea Hail is in a lot of trouble right now.
One more time, Stratton is trying to get back up or reposition herself
to inflict just that much more damage.
-[Duke] Fight! -[Vic] Wh--
-[Duke] Fight! -[Vic] Chase screaming "Fight."
-[Duke] Fight! -[Vic] Chase screaming-- Whoa, whoa!
[Book] Oh, wow.
[bell ringing]
-[Vic] Chase throwing in the towel. -[ring announcer] Here is your winner
and still the NXT Women's Champion,
-Tiffany Stratton! -[Book] Wow.
-[inspirational pop music] -[crowd booing]
-[Book] Wow. -[Vic] We see the look on…
-[Book] You've got to be kidding. -[Vic] …Hudson's face.
-I understand what you're thinking. -[Book] wow. All that hard work.
All that hard work this young lady put in for that?
[Vic] Well, back to the matchup here, which again was a submission matchup.
This really part of the best chance for Thea Hail. Off the top.
It was high-risk, and it paid off for Thea Hail, who was in control,
was able to roll through, was able to lock in somewhat of a kimura.
Didn't have it in all the way as she wanted.
Had it in right here.
Look, right here, Book, able to reach out was Tiffany Stratton.
Back in the ring, Stratton was able to hit the prettiest moonsault ever
to the lower back of Thea Hail.
The pain shooting through Thea Hail's body would lock in this deep Boston crab,
switch to a single leg crab, and then no choice…
-[bell ringing] -[Vic] …for Andre Chase
but to toss in the towel.
Tiffany Stratton remains the center of the NXT Universe.
[Vic] It was on the Great American Bash kickoff show.
What an eight-person Tag Team matchup we had. We've got to give credit, Booker,
to all eight of these superstars, who brought it from the very beginning…
For some, it was the first time on a premium live event,
and they certainly brought the heat to start the night.
[Book] Yes, indeed. Did they bring the heat.
Check out that move right there by Nathan Frazer.
[Vic] Nathan Frazer, the true Heritage Cup Champion,
would wipe out the counterfeit Cup Champion, that being Noam Dar,
which would open the door for dragon Lee to take down
Noam Dar's main man, Mensah, here
on the Great American Bash kickoff show early on tonight.
What a night it has been for those four.
[ring announcer] Dragon Lee…
[unintelligible crosstalk]
[speaking Spanish & Portuguese]
[chuckling]
Dom, look. It's the wannabe Rey Mysterio.
It would be my honor to be anything by Rey Mysterio because he's a legend.
[speaking Spanish]
I have my own story. [speaking Spanish]
You know who I am.
Like I said last week, I made the Mysterio name relevant.
My dad, he's just a hypocrite, a deadbeat who only likes to help
others that look like him, not an original like me.
[speaking Spanish] Mami. Let's go.
[speaking Spanish]
-What happened out there? Who interfered? -Who told them to get involved?
-They went rogue. -Who's in control here?
-There is a wolf in sheep's clothing. -There is no wolf, it's just
-two followers that made a mistake. -Come on.
-You know it was them. -It was not them, they're gone.
Don't let one match ruin our harmony.
If I wasn't shoved into Carmelo last week, this wouldn't be happening.
Are you trying to suggest that had anything to do with us?
-Someone is trying to start something. -It was them!
That's enough. I'm not going to let this divide us.
We will put an end to this problem next week
-because there will be an interrogation. -I like that.
We'll line each member up one by one.
We will make all of them remove their masks until we find out
exactly who these two sheep are.
Okay, now you're talking.
[Vic] Well, it seems Schism has more questions than answers.
This Tuesday will be very interesting for these four on NXT.
Also, this Tuesday live on USA, Lyra Valkyria will look to prove herself
to the Women's World Champion, Rhea Ripley,
while Jacy Jayne will look to take more than just feathers from Valkyria.
These two go one-on-one again in a rematch, Tuesday, on NXT.
Dijak not impressed with Eddy Thorpe in his recent victory.
Well, Tuesday, Thorpe has the chance to leave a lasting impression.
These two set for a collision course Tuesday on NXT.
When we talk about collision courses, in a matter of moments
these two alphas will face as one looks to fulfill a destiny
while the other looks to grow his dynasty.
[tense music]
[Vic] Final moments for the challenger as there you see the Champion,
swag in full effect, with Trick Williams by his side.
It is main event time at the Great American Bash.
-[epic symphonic music] -[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Let's call it what it is.
No one has been better, in recent months, than Ilja Dragunov.
He's beaten a former NXT Champion,
he's defeated WrestleMania-caliber superstars,
not to mention that victory he had at battleground.
[Book] I love everything about this kid, Ilja Dragunov.
Look at him, keeping pace with the music right there
looking to play his greatest symphi-- Excuse me, symphony here tonight.
-[Vic] Excited since the beginning. -[Book] No, I'm serious.
This kid, right here, is one of my favorites.
Tonight, he's got a battle in his hands like no other
against that man, and we know who that is.
[Vic] Well, one thing that we have seen time and time again,
with the challenger, is his ability to dish it out--
[Book] wow. Look at the eyes.
[Vic] And also the fact that pain makes him feel alive.
[Book] Scary, man.
Oh, yeaaah!
This is it, Vic!
[emotional piano music]
[recorded male voice] Get a dream,
hold onto it
and shoot for the sky.
[crowd cheering]
[piano fades into rap music]
[Vic] The American dream certainly being lived by the NXT Champion,
but we just ran through Ilja Dragunov. You talk very highly of the challenger.
After Tuesday, Booker, there's something that keeps popping up
in my mind, something that you see on social media,
something-- maybe there's a whisper in the locker room.
Can Hayes hold up physically against the challenger?
Can he withstand everything that Ilja Dragunov is willing to do
to win the title?
[Book] It's going to be a hard road to hold here tonight with this man,
Dragunov, because every advantage Carmelo Hayes has,
it cancels out tonight with this young man.
[Vic] Trick called cap on Dragunov, respecting he and Carmelo.
Just so you know, "Cap" means lying.
-[Book] I do know that. -[Vic] I'm just making sure.
Trick Williams focused on Dragunov as well as Hayes.
[bell ringing]
The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the NXT Championship.
Introducing first, the challenger, Ilja Dragunov!
[crowd cheering]
And his opponent, accompanied by Trick Williams,
he is the NXT Champion,
Carmelo Hayes!
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Melo! Melo!
[Vic] NXT title on the line. Booker, take a look in the ring.
Neither man is backing down. Limits tonight are going to be tested.
-[bell ringing] -[Vic] One man's destiny
versus the other's dynasty. You wanna leave your mark?
This is the stage, this is the atmosphere.
It's the main event of the Great American Bash.
[Book] Yes indeed. It's not going to come down
to who's got the better cardio. It's going to be who lands
that big shot and who lands it first. That's what I think, Vic.
[Vic] You've been around Carmelo Hayes a lot, let's pull it back a little bit.
Carmelo Hayes has asked for your advice time
and time again over the last year.
Have you noticed any sort of change in the last week in the Champion?
[Book] Not at all. He's a student of the game.
He knows exactly what it's gonna take to go out
and compete against like someone Dragunov.
Beating him, that's a totally different game, man.
[Vic] Carmelo Hayes also is a superstar, and we think about who embodies NXT,
he's lived up to the-- First title he won within four months of his debut.
He's the first to unify two titles.
He's the first and only to hold three different singles titles in NXT.
[Book] Carmelo, he is truly that man. He's him.
I always say, it's like the wind with this guy.
You can feel him, but you just can't touch him,
but you know he's there. Look at that beautiful arm drag.
[Vic] All night long trending number one, the Great American Bash.
This the main event, and for Carmelo Hayes--
-[Book] Where we trending at? -[Vic] On X.
-[Book] On X. -[Vic] We're trending on X.
For Carmelo Hayes, you have to assume he went back
and studied Ilja Dragunov.
The fights that we talked about moments ago.
but also that hellacious slug fest Dragunov had with Gunther.
[Book] Look, you cannot walk into the unknown with someone
like a Ilja Dragunov not understanding his ability, how far he's willing to go.
You better understand he's a killer, man.
[Vic] We talk about Trick Williams who's on the outside.
-Had a little fun-- -[Book] Oh, beautiful hip lock.
-Wow. -[Vic] …quickly Hayes able to kick out.
Trick was upset Tuesday.
He let Hayes know his feelings, but then he lead Hayes
into dangerous territory.
Think about how we went off the air Tuesday night on USA.
[Book] Beat him like he stole something, that's right.
My thing is, you don't concern yourself with business that don't concern you, Vic.
[Vic] You told me that time and time again.
Maybe you should tell that to Trick Williams, here,
supporting his friend, the NXT Champion, Hayes.
Hayes right now trying to navigate his way free
from Dragunov and certainly does.
[Book] I like that he's trying to slow the pace down with Dragunov.
Trying to wrestle Dragunov. I like the strategy.
[Vic] Oh, and just kicked in the face, and that might just change the strategy.
Trying to turn things around, Carmelo feeling the effects
but he's staying composed.
[Book] Carmelo's trying to keep Dragunov--
Trying to keep him close to the body right now early on this match.
[crowd chanting] Melo! Melo!
[Vic] NXT Universe chanting "Melo" here in Texas.
You talk about the pace, Booker, a second ago too.
Carmelo Hayes, we usually see try to have a faster pace in a matchup.
Do you think it's wise for him to maybe go outside his norm?
[Book] He's learning, Vic.
Even though Carmelo Hayes has been multiple Champion,
he still in his learning stage. I like that right there.
Just slowing the pace down.
Dragunov, we know he likes to go all out, Vic.
[Vic] He certainly does. Now look at Hayes.
We talk about bringing the pain, just putting his forearm
right across the cheek bone time and time again of the challenger
who has stated he loves pain, it makes him feel alive as we have seen.
Now it's Hayes, and now the pace starting to quick though
between Hayes and Dragunov. Dragunov from behind trying to lift up.
Hayes trying to counter.
Champion trying to get back to his feet, able to counter.
[Book] There you go. You got to land a shot here or two there.
You just can't wrestle someone like Dragunov.
[Vic] Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa.
That, though, may have just awakened something inside Dragunov
who's charging right at Carmelo Hayes.
We said, neither man's going to back down in this match.
[Book] Here we go. Fight just broke out, Vic.
[crowd] Ooh!
[Vic] Dragunov trying to shake feeling back. Look at Hayes.
We questioned if Hayes could stand up physically to everything
that Dragunov was going to bring.
Early on in this matchup, Hayes really hasn't had
to absorb too much punishment. Springboard caught Dragunov.
[Book] Talked about this man right here, Carmelo Hayes.
He's going to fly, he's going to go out there and showboat a little bit,
but you got to be able to fight with someone like Dragunov like that.
You got to land big shots.
[Vic] That was a big pump kick right under the jaw, and look at Hayes,
though, feeling the effects of just one chop from Dragunov.
We can see Trick Williams talking a little smack.
Back into the ring on the replay.
Bam! That's that quickness we talked about in Hayes.
You said it's a grown experience for Hayes who now--
[crowd chanting] Melo! Whoop that trick!
You can hear it from the NXT Universe.
[Book] I like this, Vic. He's not rushing into anything.
Could've got lured into a big shot by Dragunov outside. I like that.
[Vic] Dragunov puts on the brakes. Right to the midsection now of Hayes.
Dragunov, a few extra seconds
on the outside might've helped him as well.
Big clothesline. Didn't even take Dragunov off his feet.
[Book] Yes, but it was a big shot, though, Vic.
[Vic] It was a big-- And, oh, trying for a second, but this time
the challenger catching the Champion.
Couple of short forearm shots from Hayes not really doing too much.
Oh, that kick certainly did a lot.
Williams concerned, and Dragunov just landed his first big blow of the matchup.
[Book] I think Dragunov just woke up, Vic.
[crowd chanting] NXT! NXT!
[Vic] Huge main event, huge fight feel, big-time atmosphere here in Texas.
Hayes, though, starting to sense he's got to break the grip, create separation.
Just that little forearm to the back rocking-- Oh, no, well, forget that.
Just caught, just dropped the Champion.
German suplex, and Hayes back to his feet, but not for long.
[Book] Momentum has changed dramatically.
One thing about Dragunov, Vic, you got to separate
this young man from his senses in order to beat him,
and he's nowhere near that.
[Vic] Dragunov said he's not afraid to get ugly in the ring.
Called himself a scrappy individual, and right here catch and then the landing.
Bam!
Driving the wind. Oh, my gosh, what a kick.
[Book] No, no, this is what Hayes is gonna have to go in a match.
He's going to have to endure a lot of punishment in a matchup
like this, but this is what Champions are made of.
[Vic] We talk about Championships too. As UK Champion,
as the United Kingdom champion, Dragunov had to relinquish
the title due to injury. He never got a one-on-one rematch.
That has to eat at a man's soul, and that's certainly something
that Dragunov is gonna be thinking of here tonight.
[Book] Of course it does, Vic. Dragunov is so close.
He's one match away from cashing in, and I wonder if this is gonna be
that night here at the Great American Bash.
You want this. Come on, you want this, dawg, come on.
You said that before. You straight. You still got your energy, man. Come on.
[Vic] You hear Williams trying to remind Hayes, but look who's on their feet.
We take a look up from the monitor.
-Dragunov is stalking Hayes. -[Book] Yes.
Right now look like Carmelo Hayes, his equilibrium may be off or something.
Looks a little confused, and that's not going to help.
Oh, yes.
[Vic] We talk about a plan for the Champion for this matchup.
Would he be able to physically stand up against the challenger?
Would he be able to absorb everything that Dragunov
would be able to throw at him at any given moment?
Right now Carmelo Hayes, as you said, being tested.
He's getting into deep waters that he hasn't seen often
not only as Champion, but even in NXT.
-Oh, man. -[Book] Different kind of fight right now.
[Vic] Another suplex with a bridge. Shoulders down.
Title on the line, and the Champion just able to kick out.
[Book] …take Hayes like you said to those deep waters.
Draw him in and drown him. That's what he's trying to do, Vic.
[Vic] We talk about the plans too.
Dragunov has had an answer for everything that Carmelo Hayes
has thrown at him in this matchup, but Hayes in the moment
able to fight, able to continue.
As we say about Dragunov, Hayes is the one that's now having to push through.
[Book] He is, but getting dropped on the back of your head,
over and over, it's going to wear on you. It's gonna wear on you.
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Dragunov said, he would break Trick on Tuesday, he did.
He said he would break the Champion tonight and he could be on his way
-to doing so. -[Book] Mean, mean, mean, Vic.
[Vic] Senton right back into the ribs. Another cover and another near fall.
Hayes able to kick out, but look at Dragunov,
I think this is what you alluded to earlier.
Dragunov is able to keep Hayes so close,
Hayes isn't able to get a breath, Hayes isn't able to regroup.
[Book] Ultimate pressure right here.
Right now he just grinding on Carmelo Hayes.
He's trying to suck all the oxygen out of the lungs,
and right now, Carmelo Hayes, he needs to move, Vic.
[Vic] Dragunov keeps the weight on, and Hayes trying to shift the body weight
a little bit to get back to his feet. He has done so.
Now trying to break the hold, but Dragunov let him out
-just to try to knock him out. -[Book] Wow.
Talking about a knock out blow, Vic.
[Vic] You look up, I don't think Hayes even realizes where he's at in the moment,
and another massive shot from Dragunov.
[Book] Carmelo might be out, Vic.
[Vic] The eyes of Carmelo Hayes telling the story as are the eyes
of Trick Williams who is seeing his friend, his partner get decimated.
[Book] Oh, man.
[crowd] Ooh! Ooh!
[crowd] Ooh!
[Vic] If the turnbuckle wasn't there, Booker, will Hayes be on his feet?
[Book] Oh, that man still got fight left in the body, Vic.
[Vic] He does, but there's also a fight in the challenger
who now is just even more angry,
more determined and more pissed off.
[Book] Rapid fire. Oh, my god.
[Vic] Dragunov off the chop. Cover. Hook of the leg.
Title on the line, and again Hayes able to kick out
and Hayes just screamed in agony.
[Book] Carmelo Hayes is at that moment where he's gonna have to suck it up, dawg.
He's going to do it. He's gonna have to suck it up.
[Vic] Look how bright red Carmelo Hayes' chest.
If you could see the fingerprints of Dragunov,
the hand print left on the chest of the Champion.
[Trick] Gotta bring more Melo!
We can feel now why Ilja Dragunov was seeing red in his entrance.
He is focused, he is fueled in this matchup.
For Hayes-- Oh, another one, Booker.
Not often we see Carmelo Hayes drop after just a body shot.
[Book] That forearm shiver, Vic.
That forearm shiver don't get enough credit.
I tell you, when Dragunov deliver it, you feel it. Oh, yes!
[Vic] Able to stay in front, and now again chopping down the Champion.
[Book] Wow.
[Vic] You wonder-- Look at Dragunov. How much has been taken
out of Dragunov who just got caught? Dragunov, momentum.
-Constantine special. -[Book laughs excitedly]
-Into the cover again. -[crowd] One! Two! Th--
[Vic] Ooh! Carmelo Hayes is showing you why he's the NXT Champion.
You see the welts forming on his back, on his chest, on his side,
but he's not being held down.
We are live in Austin, Texas.
The main event of NXT's Great American Bash.
NXT title on the line.
The Champion has absorbed a lot of punishment here tonight
courtesy of the challenger, Ilja Dragunov, who doesn't look to be slowing down.
[Book] You got to give the Champion a lot of credit
because I didn't think he could go toe-to-toe with Dragunov,
but he's doing a hell of a job, Vic.
[Vic] Said he might be out, look at Dragunov,
look at the position in which Dragunov is in.
Dragunov right now is just punishing Carmelo Hayes.
[Book] Ooh. Right now, Carmelo's in a bad spot.
[Vic] Oh, the body scissors is locked.
[Book] He's in a bad spot.
His oxygen gonna cut off here in a second if he don't do something
and you can see it.
[Vic] Look at Hayes, look at Williams. Hayes though fading so close.
Trying to reach out.
The body scissors, though, squeezing the air.
Dragunov trying to hold on.
Hayes doing anything he can to bend back a digit,
but Dragunov rolling Hayes to the center, and things are looking bleak.
[Book] Yes, but now Dragunov got a little high.
Right now, Carmelo's able to escape. Oh, no.
[Vic] Right back down. Hayes though rolls.
Shoulders down, and Dragunov had to relinquish the hold,
and Hayes charging right in.
Oh! Just when Hayes gets going, just when you think the Champion
has some momentum, the door gets shut. Challenger cover, and a kick out.
[Book] Man, talk about a fight, Vic.
[Vic] I'll say this though, because we're seeing
the reaction now from the challenger.
He has thrown everything at Carmelo Hayes. Carmelo Hayes has continued to persevere.
Do you think doubt is starting to set in Ilja Dragunov, like,
"Man, what the hell do I gotta do to win?"
[Book] Doubt maybe setting in, but we know Dragunov.
He loves this. He love the art of combat.
He loves pain, and right now he's in his zone.
Oh, yes.
[Vic] Short-arm clothesline.
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Dragunov just peeling Hayes off the canvas.
Looking for a second.
-[screaming] -[Book] Man.
Let's go!
[Vic] You can hear that clothesline in Houston.
Trying for the trifecta, but Hayes.
[Vic] For Hayes…
Every kick from Hayes, Dragunov still hasn't let go off the Champion.
[Book] All headshots too, Vic.
[Book] The Champion now holding on to the challenger,
and look at Hayes go.
[Book] Love that man. That young man, Vic.
[Vic] Hayes is answering questions tonight about his own durability,
but Dragunov
-right back up. -[crowd] Oh.
[Vic] Hayes right back, in, up and around the challenger.
-[Book] Wow. -[crowd cheering]
[Book] Did you see the momentum on that, Vic?
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] NXT universe fired up. Take another look.
First it was a kick, and it's almost like the momentum
coming off that middle rope of Carmelo Hayes.
[crowd chanting] NXT. NXT. NXT. NXT.
[chanting continues]
[Vic] These two giving it all.
Look at Hayes coming in. Hayes going right to work to the body.
Trying to chop down Dragunov, but Dragunov answering right back.
Again, Booker, is it going to be the dynasty?
Is it going to be the destiny here tonight in the main event?
[Book] It's this Carmelo Hayes I was looking for right here, Vic.
We always watch Carmelo fly, but I'm looking for that Carmelo Hayes
that's going to get in the fight and throw hands.
That's what I'm looking for, man.
[Vic] Hayes has been in a fight, Hayes is trying to throw hands.
Dragunov is trying to chop Hayes down, but look at Hayes coming right back in.
Now he's going to the body again. Hayes.
[Book] That's what I'm talking about right there, Vic.
When you get in there and go mano a mano,
that's what this business is truly made of, man.
[Vic] We might be in Austin, Texas right now, but Dragunov answering right back.
Hayes trying to show he's got a heart the size of Texas.
Going up, and this is the Carmelo Hayes we've seen in the past.
[Book] Yes.
[Vic] Is Carmelo Hayes now, maybe Hayes getting that second,
maybe that third wind, and maybe, just maybe Trick Williams
on the outside is going to give him that extra boost, so to speak.
[Book] Not just that third wind, he's getting that third, fourth gear, Vic.
This is what we talk about. You got to be able to shift gears,
especially with somebody like Dragunov.
[Vic] So much taken out of Hayes. He knew he couldn't get the cover.
Again, look at the blood blister forming on the chest of Hayes who's going in.
Oh, was looking for that first 48.
Got countered, and Dragunov right back on top like a pit bull.
Like a madman possessed raining down those elbows.
Dragunov could be looking for the knockout.
Referee might have to use his discretion.
If Hayes is out, we're going to have a new champion in Texas.
[Book] Carmelo needs to move. He needs to put a hand up on those elbows
that are getting rained down on him like that, Vic.
[Vic] Hayes swung wildly and missed, but now Hayes has got the neck.
Hayes is raining down elbows, Hayes breaking the hold,
breaking separation.
In and around. Hayes one step ahead. Big DDT.
-[Book] You got to be kidding me now. -Cover that man.
[Book] He got all of it.
[Vic] Oh. He did, but didn't get enough.
[Book] Wow. People just came out of their seats on that one, Vic.
[Vic] What is it going to take to keep the other down?
[crowd chanting] This is awesome. This is awesome.
[chanting continues]
-[Vic] This certainly is. -[chanting continues]
[Vic] I can tell you, Dusty Rhodes would be proud of this main event.
[Book] Dusty's looking down right now and he's so proud of these young men
in the middle of this ring leaving it all in the middle of this ring.
[Vic] Look at Hayes.
-Hayes right now one after another. -[crowd cheering]
Hayes is going to a different zone, a zone we haven't seen.
[Book] He's going up top, Vic. He's going up top looking down.
Oh, no.
[Vic] A little too much time, Dragunov made him pay.
And a little bit extra from Dragunov who somehow is on his feet
holding himself up.
Could be looking for that exclamation point.
[crowd booing]
[Vic] Dragunov. Big senton, and he got all of it.
-Into the cover. -[crowd counting]
[Vic] What a kick out, what a fight.
If there was doubt about Carmelo Hayes, he's answering that right now.
[Book] I'm wondering about Carmelo Hayes. I'm wondering, is he at that limit?
What does he have left in the tank?
Because Dragunov is looking to finish it right here, Vic.
[crowd clamoring]
[Vic] Dragunov looking to go coast-to-coast?
-Got caught. -[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Hayes the match, Dragunov the fuse.
-Boom on that first 48. -Wow.
[Book] Look likes he's going up for it, Vic.
[crowd chanting]
[Vic] Wasting no time, trying to get to the top, starting that climb.
Because when this man shoots, this man don't miss.
-Oh, he got caught. -[crowd cheering]
-[Book] Wow. -Dragunov hit a powerbomb.
[Vic] Hayes was waiting for nothing but net, but found nothing.
[crowd cheering]
[Book] Are we looking at a new champion, Vic?
[Vic] Boom.
-[Vic] One more time, Hayes is out. -[crowd counting]
-[Vic] No, he's not. -No!
[Vic] I just looked over, Alicia Taylor, the ring announcer
just came out of her damn seat.
She was getting ready to make the announcement.
[Book ] I thought that was it, Vic. I thought we had a new champion here.
[Vic] We talk about, we question, can he hold up physically?
Nothing more physical than this.
-Boom. -[crowd cheering]
Dragunov has won countless matches, but not tonight.
Not enough to put out the champ, not enough to keep down Carmelo Hayes.
[Book] He's resilient, Vic. He's resilient.
He's using everything in his body that God possessed him with.
Oh, my God, man. Come on.
[Vic] He's answering all the questions, but Ilja Dragunov now…
[crowd chanting]
…as he has in the past, pushing through, persevering.
Will not be stopped, will not be denied.
Believes it's his destiny to be the next NXT champion,
willing to lay it all on the line.
Willing to destroy himself to destroy Carmelo Hayes.
[Book] Yes, indeed. We know how far the mad dragon is willing to go.
Way up top, Vic.
[crowd cheering]
-[Vic] Oh, cutter. -Wow.
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] A cutter, a craw,
-a cover, a count. -[crowd counting]
Oh, Booker, what the hell is it going to take?
What is it going to take to keep these men down?
[Book] You got to be kidding me. I thought that was it. No way.
You got to dig deep right now.
You got to make up in your mind what you're doing this for.
Give me the title, give me the title.
-[Vic] Trick's beside himself. -[crowd chanting]
This is what you do it for, this is what you do it for.
Make up your mind right now. Are you a fraud?
Are you a champion? Are you a fraud? Are you a champion?
Come on, dig deep.
It's fourth quarter, come on.
[Vic] It is the fourth quarter. Time is running out.
The sand in the dial, there's only a few grains left maybe for Hayes,
same could be said for Dragunov.
I've asked this before, Book.
Is it the dynasty?
Is it the man's destiny?
-Oh. -This is war, Vic.
[Vic] Again, referee taking a close look at Carmelo Hayes.
Hayes though continuing to fight,
continue to keep those hands up, continuing to strike.
[crowd] Oh.
[Book] What it means to be in the trenches right here, Vic.
-What champions are made of. -[crowd] Oh.
[Book] You got to love it.
[Vic] Hayes's just reached back to Boston here in Austin for that chop.
[Book grunting]
[Hayes groaning]
[Vic] You got to wonder if that motivation of Trick Williams
is what's going to be able to carry Carmelo Hayes
over the finish line tonight.
[Book] Carmelo Hayes has all the tubes. We know that.
We know that this is about endurance, this is about who wants it most,
and this is about the championship.
[Vic] Oh! These boys letting it all hang out here tonight.
[crowd clamoring]
[no audible dialog]
[Vic] One more time, Williams trying to hype up Carmelo Hayes.
[crowd chanting] This is awesome.
[Vic] Williams reminding why Hayes does this.
[crowd continues chanting]
[Vic] Once more, the generation-- Oh, no.
Dragunov was looking for that torpedo Moscow.
Carmelo Hayes, presence of mind, got out of the way.
Trick may have shoved him to the side seeing it come.
-[Book] Wow. -Referee starting his count.
[referee] Two.
-[Vic] Dragunov could be out on his feet. -Three.
[Vic] But Hayes realizing he's got to go for it,
he's got to get that knockout blow.
He's scaling to the top looking to shoot nothing but net.
-[Boo] Wow, he got it. -Oh, he got all of it and then some.
[crowd counting] One, two, three.
-[Vic] Hayes retains the title. -[bell rings]
-[Carmelo Hayes' music plays] -[announcer] Here is your winner
and still the NXT champion,
Carmelo Hayes.
[Vic] Don't take nothing away from Ilja Dragunov tonight
as taking a look around standing ovation from some in NXT universe
for both these superstars.
But on this very night,
it's Carmelo Hayes who has his hand held high.
[music continues]
-[Book] What a war, Vic. -Yes, it certainly was.
Some of the action throughout this matchup.
Ilja Dragunov looking for Constantine Special,
for the second time got caught with that DDT,
wasn't enough as we came to find for Carmelo Hayes
because these two brought every heavy shot they could,
including this giant top rope senton.
Bam. Down across the chest of Carmelo Hayes.
Wouldn't keep the champion down,
but then Ilja Dragunov went deeper in the playbook.
Look for that coast-to-coast, Hayes had it scouted.
Delivered that first 48 right under the jaw.
Boom.
Did you see the ricochet from Ilja Dragunov?
Carmelo Hayes, though, couldn't keep him down.
From the top, Dragunov looking for that superplex,
instead a nasty cutter from Carmelo.
[crowd cheering]
These two are able to go inside, outside,
but it was on the outside, right here torpedo Moscow.
Book, upon a second glance, I'm not 100 percent sure,
Dragunov then bounce off that NXT title,
but in the end, it was nothing but net and splash.
-[crowd cheering] -The man shoots, he don't miss.
He's got another name in the rafters here tonight,
that being Carmelo Hayes.
[Carmelo Hayes' music playing]
[Vic] Hayes' will, his desire, his ambition,
it was tested sized tonight,
and it's the Melo dynasty
that continues to grow in NXT.
[Carmelo Hayes' music playing]
Subtitles: Rocio Dikun, Rocio Sileo & Patricia Eguren Maxwell erse