[introduction music playing]
[male narrator] Then…
[man 1] Woo!
[narrator] …now…
[man 2] Acknowledge me.
-[man 3] The King of kings. -[man 4] You can't see me.
[narrator] …forever…
…together.
-[Shawn Michaels' music playing] -[crowd cheering]
[female announcer] Please welcome two-time WWE Hall of Famer,
HBK Shawn Michaels.
[Vic] What?
Listen to this place, Booker.
Already kicking off with a bang. The driving force behind NXT,
which recently has become even more of a proving ground,
-as we just saw on the kickoff show. -[Booker] Huge pop.
-[Vic] You can say that again. -[Book] Huge pop for Shawn Michaels.
Hello, boys and girls.
[crowd cheering]
Welcome to NXT Deadline.
Now, this is WWE's final Premium Live event of the year.
So, I just have one question for you.
Are you ready?
[crowd cheering]
No, I said, are you ready?
[CM Punk's music playing]
[music fading out]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] CM Punk!
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to step all over your gimmick.
Do you want to tell everybody to suck it now?
-Or is that… We don't do that anymore? -Hell, I forgot.
Look at us.
Who'd have thought, huh? Me and you.
I just want to tell you something.
Nice hoodie.
Oh,
yeah, I didn't… I forgot my HBK merch. Sorry.
That hurts. That hurts.
No. You guys made up.
I made up with Triple H. This is all about healing.
Anything is possible, baby. Anything is possible.
I got good news and bad news, if I may real quick?
Do you want the good news? What was that?
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] CM Punk!
The brilliant thing about you forgetting everything you're supposed to say and me
forgetting everything I'm supposed to say is I get to do this.
I'm backstage, quite a few people come up to me and they say things like, I grew up
watching you, and they take selfies with me,
and now I get to do it with you, because I grew up watching you.
That's a beautiful thing. I missed my flight today, and I owe you a phone call.
I thought I'd come in person and
talk to you, because the big question is, is CM Punk going to be on SmackDown,
or is CM Punk going to be on Raw?
[crowd chanting] NXT!
Or is the newest NXT superstar named…
[crowd chanting] CM Punk!
[rock music playing]
[soft music playing]
[female narrator] NXT is a brand where iron sharpens iron.
A place where all challenges are about survival.
Where making the most of limited time has always been essential.
[Vic] Perez has realized a dream of a lifetime!
[narrator] A pedigree where promising superstars
sharpen their skill to sculpt indestructible careers.
[man] The next generation has arrived.
[narrator] Tonight, two new Iron Survivors will emerge.
[Vic] Who's gonna beat the clock?
[narrator] Ten of NXT's current prodigies must use their limited time wisely.
[woman] ♪ The clock is ticking ♪
[narrator As the clock ticks away, any misstep can lead to a costly penalty.
[woman] ♪ I think we're out of time ♪
[narrator] With Championship gold on their horizon,
these gladiators must survive the clock to forge an iron grip on their destiny.
[Vic] Who will stake their claim to a golden opportunity at Deadline?
[woman] ♪ The world is slowly sinking ♪
[narrator] Tonight, two survivors are destined to achieve an iron existence.
As the clock approaches Deadline.
[woman] ♪ I think we're out of time ♪
♪ Too late We're out of time ♪
[music fading out]
[male narrator] And now, WWE presents NXT Deadline.
[rock music playing]
[Vic] What a moment we just had on the final Premium Live event of the year.
As the hours have turned to minutes, the countdown is on. Welcome to NXT Deadline.
-[Rey Mysterio's music playing] -[crowd cheering]
-[Dragon Lee's music playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Vic] And there we see Dragon Lee alongside WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio.
Mysterio, of course, this past Tuesday left the whole world know,
including you and I, that Dragon Lee would be facing Dominik Mysterio here tonight.
That's because Wes Lee was supposed to be the challenger in this matchup.
We learned Tuesday Wes will undergo back surgery, be sidelined 8 to 12 months.
Best wishes go out to the cardiac kid. But is tonight Dragon Lee's night?
He has excelled on SmackDown. He's competed at Survivor Series,
Book, the last few. Just how special can he be?
[Book] He is special. I mean, Dragon Lee is truly that good.
Could be the next great mad superstar endorsed by one Rey Mysterio.
We'll see how this thing play out.
An awkward position being out here tonight, Rey Mysterio…
[Vic] What do you mean? What's so awkward about it?
[Book] No, no. Awkward position meaning he's
got to go out here and represent for one Rey Mysterio.
[Vic] Oh, he's in an awkward position. A lot of pressure.
I get what you're saying.
-[Dominik Mysterio's music playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Well, there is the NXT North American Champion.
And it's very interesting, as I'm looking around, I don't see Judgment Day
anywhere around right now.
But we want to welcome you to ringside, two-time WWE Hall of Famer, Booker T.
And we are joined by a fellow Hall of Famer, the greatest mask of all time,
Rey Mysterio.
-Book, good to see you. -You too, brother.
By the end of the night, you might be thanking him for some
of the things he's been saying about you. And we're going to get to that.
-[Rey] Hey, let's put it all on the table. -[Vic] We'll do that.
But we are set for the North American Championship to be decided.
[rock music playing]
[bell ringing]
The following contest, scheduled for one fall, is for the NXT
North American Championship.
Introducing first the challenger,
Dragon Lee.
[crowd booing]
And his opponent,
representing The Judgment Day,
he is the NXT North American Champion,
Dirty Dominik Mysterio.
[Vic] Well, there's no doubt who the NXT Universe is behind in this matchup.
Book, I'm sure you feel that Dom should have had the night off tonight.
-That his original opponent… -[Book] I welcome this contest, man.
I take nothing away from Dragon Lee.
But you gotta understand, this kid, Dominik Mysterio, he's like the wind, Vic.
You can feel him, but you can't touch him.
But you know he's there. That man, he's that good.
[Rey] Come on, you know there's no such thing as a night off in this business.
[Book] That's true, too. That's true, too. Oh, yeah.
[Vic] Dom looking over here at you, Rey.
Look, Rey Mysterio, you've had a lot to say about this matchup.
You've had a lot to say about Dragon Lee.
We mentioned you kind of made this matchup. But I gotta ask, how you feeling?
-Because we saw you on the crutch. -[Rey] I'm taking a day at a time.
[Vic] Well, right now, Dragon Lee throwing caution to the wind. Looking to fly!
-[Book] Wow. -[Rey] That's what I like to see.
[Book] Another big shot early in the matchup here against Dom Dom.
[Vic] Dragon Lee is coming out of the gates hot,
and it has been a surreal moment.
When you talk to Dragon Lee, just to be in your presence,
Rey, just to be around you, as Dragon Lee
right back in. Dom, able to stay ahead. Gets caught. Oh! Right to the face.
You got a wonder, Book, I don't see… Where's Mami?
Where's Judgment Day? Where's Priest? Where's Bálor?
[Book] Look. Who's the North American Champ?
Who's the North American Champ? It's Dominik Mysterio.
He's a man that writes his own ship.
He's one of the greatest, if not the greatest North American Champion
in the history of NXT.
[Vic] And we could have a new North American Champion.
-Mysterio, able to kick out at one. -[Book] Give him his props.
[Vic] What do you mean? I give him props all the time.
But I want to bring up something that you said about Dragon Lee.
Because now that Rey's out here, Rey, you anointed Dragon Lee
the future of Lucha Libre. What do you see?
[Rey] I mean, everything.
I see a lot of me in Dragon Lee. A young me. He's innovative.
Oh!
[Vic] Submission now. Mysterio, trying to navigate his way to the bottom up.
As you were saying…
[Rey] He represents Lucha Libre and the Latinos, the La Raza to the fullest.
And he's always willing to put it all on the line.
[Book] Rey, I mean, he's special. He's special.
But I wonder, I wonder how far this kid is going to go,
because he idolizes you. He lives in your shadow.
Something that Dominik was willing not to do.
[Vic] Oh, and Dragon Lee just got caught and a nasty, gnarly landing from the top.
[Book] Can I say this? Dominik Mysterio is the youngest veteran you've ever seen.
Wow, that's just taking it to the street, man. I love it.
Well, you know, as you mentioned too, when it comes to dirty Dom, I mean,
there is added pressure, don't you think, on Dragon Lee's shoulders, Book?
Because of the comments that were made by Mysterio.
[Book] Of course. I mean, Dragon Lee, he looks up to Rey Mysterio.
The pressure that he's under right now, I mean, it's got to be astronomical.
Me personally, I would have wished Rey Mysterio
would have stayed in the back of this match.
-Nothing against you, Rey. -[Rey] We know each other for a long time.
You know how I put it on the line every single night I step in the ring?
Dragon Lee is the same way.
[Vic] Dragon Lee in a bad way right now.
-And it was Mysterio… -[Book] Right there to the short rib.
[Vic] It was Mysterio who cost Dragon Lee in his match on SmackDown against
Santos Escobar in the United States Championship Tournament and is now
-systematically dissected. -[Book] That's another question I have.
Where was Rey Mysterio when Dragon Lee needed him?
[Vic] Well, he's here tonight.
And look, Rey could be providing extra motivation for Dragon Lee and obviously
an extra distraction, because Dom hasn't
taken his eyes off his father here ringside.
Into the cover, hooks both legs, kickout.
[Book] Still taking care of business like a machine right now, methodically
-taking care of Dragon Lee piece by piece. -[Vic] I want to apologize for Book, Rey,
because I know how much you love your son.
And I'm sure it's been hard for your wife and your daughter to see Dom slide deeper
-and deeper into Judgment Day. -[Rey] Of course, very hard.
But we all see the same thing.
You know, he's manipulated by Finn and by Priest, and controlled by Rhea.
[Book] You know, as a dad, I understand,
we all want our children to do better than we do.
And I must say, Dominik, no diss to you, has done almost, perhaps maybe more,
than you at this point in his career already. I'm just saying.
[Rey] Taking the wrong route and hanging out with the wrong people.
[Vic] You still stand by the stance that Dom has done more than his father?
[Book] Look, take nothing away from Rey Mysterio.
-[Vic] He's sitting right here, Booker. -[Book] Five time Cruiserweight Champion.
But you got to look at Dominik Mysterio.
[Vic] He's a former World Champion.
[Book] But it took him years to get there.
Dom did it in his first year, man, capturing the North American Championship.
That is a prize like none other, Vic. Come on, La Raza, baby. Oh, yes!
[Vic] Absolutely disgusting display,
as Mysterio up and over, into the cover to retain the title lead.
Able to kick out one more time.
[Book] Rey, again, you've been a great champion.
You've been a great ambassador for this business.
But you yourself, you got to admit that Dominik Mysterio has done something that
-nobody has ever done in this business. -[Rey] Has he done it alone?
-[Book] Yes. -[Vic] No, he hasn't.
That's the point I've been bringing up week after week, is that he's
won Championships, he's been victorious, but he's always…
[Book] Look at all the backup that Rey had back in the day.
He had so many people pushing for him,
looking for him to be in that spot. Come on, Rey.
[Rey] Nobody fought my battles, Book. Nobody did it.
[Vic] When it comes to fighting battles, Judgment Day has not had the best week.
It started with the former NXT Tag Team Champions, The Creed Brothers shocking Dom
and JD McDonagh.
By the way, The Creed's number one contenders to Bálor and Priest
in the undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles. And take another look at this, Rey.
[Rey] Be creative, be innovative. Don't steal people's moves.
[Book] Can I say this about The Creed Brothers?
Those guys are going to be a generational Tag Team. Many, many Championships.
Trust me.
[Vic] For a second Dragon Lee had it.
Mysterio got it right back. Dirty Dom into the cover.
[Book] Look at that uncanny strength by Dominik Mysterio.
It's my time!
[Vic] The distraction of Rey Mysterio out here.
Dominik has continued to lock eyes with his dad.
[Book] He's using it though.
He use that as fuel right now to just dismantle Dragon Lee.
I'm talking about surgically, man. Piece by piece.
[Vic] And again, no one has ever doubted Dom's ability in the ring.
But he made claims that his back… No, because I've always given him credit.
Except he needs help, just like his father said.
But now, evil intentions on the mind of Dom. Dragon Lee doing his best
to fight free out of desperation, able to create a little bit of separation.
As I was saying, it was Mysterio who's made claims that his back is hurt
from carrying the WWE.
The issue with that statement is he's making that comparison because of Wes Lee.
But Dragon Lee now, talking about back problems.
-Spine first, where steel meets wood. -[Rey] Did you see that?
Wow.
-[Book] Wow. -[Vic] But we all know…
But we all know that Dragon Lee has to get Dom back into the ring.
[Book] Wait a minute. This was gnarly.
-[Vic] Boom! It certainly was. -[Book] That was a big shot right there.
[Vic] Lee has to get Mysterio back in the ring.
The only way the championship can change hands is pinfall or submission.
The referee now up to six.
Dragon Lee could see the title opportunity slipping through his hands.
Referee is at eight. Referee continuing to count.
Mysterio looking for the win! Dragon Lee, though, continuing the fight.
-Both men break the count. -[Book] At the last second right there.
That just let me know that both of these young men are willing to fight for it.
[Vic] Well, this has been a very interesting night. CM Punk has arrived.
Shawn Michaels and CM Punk in the same ring at the same time.
The reason why trending number one is Deadline, not to mention the greatest mask
of all time, Rey Mysterio, joining us on commentary
for this opening matchup for the North American Championship.
The champion, Dominik Mysterio, just got laid out by Dragon Lee.
[Book] Dragon Lee right now trying to let it all hang out right now.
Maybe this could be that last gas.
[Vic] Mysterio, who said this week that he has nothing left to prove.
He certainly does this night.
-He's out. He's knocked out. -[Book] Oh, wait a minute.
[Vic] Dragon Lee trying to do this.
Trying to win his first championship in front of his mentor,
his idol, Rey Mysterio.
Another vicious kick from Lee.
[Book] Dragon Lee is on cruise control right now. Let me tell you.
[Vic] Mami's watching it. She's not happy.
[Rey] I'm enjoying this. I'm really enjoying this.
-[Vic] Second time! -[Book] Come on!
[crowd] One, two…
I gotta give it to him.
-Ring awareness, very big. -[Book] Uncanny veteran like skills, Vic.
[Vic] I think that ring awareness something that he learned from teaming
-with his father earlier. -[Book] No, that's not it.
-That it's just in his DNA. -[Vic] From his father again.
Do you not know how that works? The blood comes from his dad too.
-[Book] I give him that. -[Vic] Oh! What a dropkick from Mysterio.
Lee might be out, into the cover again, and another near fall.
[Book] A picture perfect dropkick.
The stamina that Dom Dom has at this stage of the game is unbelievable. Whoa!
[Vic] This is the first of two championship matches here tonight,
along with two Iron Survivor matches and the steel cage.
Dragon Lee looking for that powerbomb. Shifted away by Dom.
Dom now countering, looking for a powerbomb of his own.
Connects, cover, jackknife styled. Still not enough.
Woo woo.
[Rey] I just jumped out of my seat.
[Vic] Well, we don't want you to, we know you're still recovering.
[Book] Wow.
[Vic] Hats off to Dom in this matchup. But same goes for Dragon Lee. Lee!
-[Rey] Oh, no. -[Book] He's going to do it.
He's going to do that signature move that he made famous.
-[Rey] I hope he slips. -[Vic] Pointing right at you, Rey.
Looking to hit that six one… No!
Lee of course had it scouted.
Lee going up and over. Lee trying to continue, finds his balance.
Finds Dom, powerbomb!
-[Book] Oh, he got it. -[crowd] One, two…
-[Vic] No, you got to be kidding me! -[Book] I'm going to tell you right now.
Dom just slipped out the back door right there, bro.
[Vic] Dom was able to kick out. You give the devil credit when it's due.
Mysterio coming right… Gets caught this time. Dragon Lee, is this enough? Cover!
-Oh, my God! -We got a new Champion.
We got a new North American Champion.
[announcer] Here is your winner, and new NXT North American Champion,
Dragon Lee.
-[Vic] I haven't seen you this happy… -Oh my God.
You see what happens when The Judgment Day is not here?
That happens.
[Vic] Unreal. Dragon Lee has dethroned Dirty Dom.
And this was back and forth throughout the matchup.
Dragon Lee, though, was hitting high offense after high offense.
Dom was able to continue though, to push through in this matchup,
almost able to retain the championship right there in that moment.
But then Dragon Lee would stay focused on one goal.
It would be to drop Dirty Dom to capture his first piece of gold here in NXT,
here in the WWE, to the joy of his hero, his idol, his mentor, Rey Mysterio.
Dragon Lee has done it. What a match. What a match indeed.
And the future of Lucha Libre is now the new North American Champion.
[Rey speaking Spanish]
[hip hop music playing]
[Vic] What a moment.
[Rey speaking Spanish]
[rock music playing]
[Vic] Well, we've already crowned one new champion.
Will we have a new NXT Champion? There you see Ilja Dragunov, who is calm,
at least for right now, arriving earlier today.
His challenger, Baron Corbin, certainly knows how to push his buttons.
Or does he? Huge main events still to come here at Deadline.
And we'd like to extend a special thank you
to The Hives for "Countdown to Shutdown", the official theme song
of Deadline is from the album "The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons",
available now on Apple Music and Spotify.
[The Hives "Countdown to Shutdown" playing]
[Vic] And coming up next, these five women will battle each other and the clock
in an innovative concept that combines strategy, will, and determination.
Who walks out the new Women's Iron Survivor?
It's now time to go to our ring announcer, Alicia Taylor.
[bell ringing]
The following contest is the Women's Iron Survivor Challenge.
There is a 25 minute time limit with five superstars competing to become
the number one contender.
Two superstars will start the match. Every five minutes thereafter,
a new superstar will enter until all competitors are in the ring.
Falls can be won at any time via pinball, submission or disqualification.
When a superstar scores a fall, they will earn one point.
When a superstar loses a fall, that superstar is forced out of the ring
and into the penalty box for 90 seconds before she can reenter the match.
The superstar who has scored the most falls when the clock hits 25 minutes
will be named the Iron Survivor in challenge for the NXT Women's Championship
at New Year's Evil.
-[Fallon Henley's music playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Booker, look who drew number one.
[announcer] Introducing first, Fallon Henley.
[Vic] Certainly a point to start for Fallon Henley, who will be riding
an emotional wave into tonight.
She won the last chance match this past Tuesday for this opportunity.
[Book] You know, coming out number one, I call this the short straw,
because you're going to be fighting uphill all night long.
Stamina's gonna come into play
[Vic] There you see the penalty box.
This is what I want to highlight in this matchup.
Again, when you lose a fall, you go into this penalty box for 90 seconds.
The clock, by the way, for that starts as soon as the competitor's feet hits
the floor on that walk to the penalty box.
[Book] Of course, that's when you can really make some money, man.
Oh, yes. I'm looking forward to it.
Combos.
[Blair Davenport's music playing]
[announcer] Next, Blair Davenport.
[Vic] Well, this is a superstar believe is the favorite in this matchup,
based on the fact that she made it crystal clear on Tuesday she could
care less about any of these women in the field in this Women's Iron Survivor.
[Book] Yeah, she talked about Sol Ruca, Nikkita Lyons.
Even tried to take out Roxanne Perez. The motive aberrant.
She will take you out, man.
[Vic] Talked about some of the women that she has attacked during her tenure here.
She did get quite the surprise Tuesday with the return of Nikkita Lyons.
[Book] Puff, puff. But you can't blow that house down, man.
[Vic] This is one and two.
Would you rather start one and two like these two, or come out a little bit later?
Let's say four or five. So you're a little bit fresher.
[Book] No, no, like I said, coming out early, I feel like that's a short straw,
because you'll be going against an opponent that's just as fresh as you are.
When you come out late, you could just drop the hammer, man.
Let it all hang out, try to build up points quickly.
[Vic] You see the scoreboard at the bottom of your screen.
Going for the first fall was Henley.
You also see the clock that is ticking at 22 seconds.
As Blair into the cover and a kickout.
That clock, when it gets to five minutes, a new superstar
will randomly enter this matchup.
And again, the goal, as Alicia said, get the most decisions
at the end of 25 minutes. Pinfall, submission, disqualification.
Shoulders down one more time. And again, Henley would have been pinned there.
She would have been making her way to the penalty box where she would have been
-sitting out for 90 seconds. -[Book] But it goes back to my point, Vic.
Both of these opponents right now, they're fresh.
they're dry, they don't have any sweat on them or anything like that.
It's gonna be hard to get a pinfall this early in the matchup.
[Vic] Up and over, looking for the pinfall one more time.
Center of the ring was Henley, shifting the weights.
Davenport, shoulders down again. Referee getting some work in this matchup.
Another near fall.
[Book] He better get his cardio in tonight as well. It's gonna be a long night.
[Vic] Up and over one more time.
One…
[Vic] NXT Universe's trying to help out our official in this moment.
[Book] Just think about all the energy that's being used right here.
Trying to get a pinfall, to get a win, to get some points.
It's pretty hard. Going to be hard on these ladies.
[Vic] Again, this is what it's about. Get as many decisions as you can.
Take all the opportunities as they come. As both women back up.
-Another kickout. -[Book] Beautiful. I thought that was it.
I thought that was a three-count right here.
[Vic] When you talk to Fallon Henley, she's had a moment of career doubt,
was lost professionally when you actually talked to her.
When one day she was sitting in her family bar, she said she looked up, she saw
the top shelf spirits and realized that she wanted to be a top shelf superstar.
She said it began on Tuesday and she'll start to solidify
herself even more like a fine wine here tonight.
[Book] I think it started way before that.
I mean, Fallon Henley, you know, former Tag Team Champion, Champion
for about a hiccup, but she knows what it tastes like and she wants
a little bit more of it.
[Vic] The wicked witch of NXT focused right in.
And another nasty kick.
Will that earned her her first decision in the matchup?
As that clock just over 2 minutes, 15 seconds.
At 5 minutes, a new superstar will enter. And Blair Davenport is in control now.
And we know that she has evil intentions on her mind
in every match she's in, not just tonight.
[Book] Blair Davenport,
she's definitely wicked in a lot of different ways, but she's very, very
capable of going out here and getting victory.
Right now, she's just punishing Fallon Henley.
[Vic] Start to think of the other three superstars who are sitting right now,
who have been randomly selected.
They got to be sitting back and starting to watch for little bullseyes.
As you see Fallon Henley focusing on her back,
how they can exploit those weaknesses once they enter.
[Book] They're like the bull and the bullpen right now, just anxious to get out
and get in the middle of this ring and try to get a…
-[Vic] Oh! -[Book] Vic, this right here…
[Vic] Looking for the decision, looking for a pinfall and a kickout.
[Book] This match right here is a game changer, man.
It's a life changer winning a match like this. Trust me.
[Vic] It is an innovative concept, a revolutionary match.
And I just see you every now and again looking over here at the penalty box.
You're getting flashes back to the coal mine?
[Book] I wish Cole was in there so one
of these ladies could beat the hell out of him.
[Vic] Once one goes in, they will be in there for 90 seconds.
And that's really when strategy will come into play later on this matchup,
when all the women are in this match and someone's in that 90 second penalty box,
when they look at the scoreboard and the time,
because time will become a factor later on in this match as we're approaching
60 seconds, and then that next competitor will come into the matchup.
Fallon Henley might be thinking right now, just survive for this next,
what would you say? 70 seconds for some help to come out.
[Book] Any way you look at it, Vic, it's going to be a long night
for these ladies.
Whoever come out number five is going to have a hell of an advantage
in trying to win this thing, becoming Iron Survivors Challenge.
[Vic] Talking about the Women's Iron Survivor Challenge match,
we talked about Henley. Josh Briggs is in the Men's Iron Survivor matchup,
rooting interest as well for Brooks Jensen for both these matchups here tonight.
And Fallon Henley now trying to turn her luck around a little bit
here in these moments, because she has
a one-on-one matchup for the next 40 seconds,
which actually is down to 35 seconds.
And Henley, here we go. Big right hand.
[Book] Fallon just missed out on getting the cover right there, Vic.
She could have garnered some points perhaps.
[Vic] Now into a cover, looking for the first decision.
And a kickout by Davenport. 20 seconds left,
and this no longer will be a one-on-one matchup. Again, the superstars
were randomly selected to make their way into this matchup.
Who will be superstar three? We will find out in moments.
[crowd counting down]
-[alarm sounding] -[rock music playing]
[Vic] Oh, no.
[announcer] Making her way to the ring, Tiffany Stratton.
[Vic] It was about 35 seconds ago I said maybe Henley will get some help out here.
Certainly this is no help. This is no… Oh!
[Book] Beautiful, baby.
[Vic] And again, Henley's got to focus on the task at hand.
And this is not very good if you're Fallon Henley in this moment.
[Book] Tiffany Stratton knows what it's like to be under the bright light.
She knows about matches like this, experience, she got it all.
Can she come out here and become the Iron Survivor tonight?
[Vic] Does that give her the advantage being Tiffany Stratton, having been under
the Premium Live event lights most recently in the main event of No Mercy
against Becky Lynch?
[Book] You know, I don't think anybody has an advantage in a matchup like this,
you got to keep your head on a swivel.
But as far as experience goes, Tiffany Stratton, she's been there,
she's done that. I'm talking about to the nebula, baby. Oh, yes.
[Vic] There's no doubt in Tiffany Stratton's mind
who is number one in this matchup.
Believes she is going to become the Women's Iron Survivor.
Believes she's the favorite based on two characteristics.
What she told the media this week, being pretty and being privileged.
[Book] I like that. I like it a lot.
As far as my keys to victory, Vic, you can't rush a win for a pinfall.
You gotta look for those opportunities.
Earlier, Fallon Henley missed out
on a, perhaps a cover. And I'm talking about you gotta exploit
those mistakes being made in matches like this.
[Vic] Fallon Henley, it's been two on one, and she's looking to exploit some mistakes
here in this moment, because her back's against the wall for the next few moments.
Coming right back in. And now, oh, big clothesline by Stratton.
We talked about last year. We're going to crown two new Iron Survivors.
We're not going to have a repeat from Roxanne Perez here tonight.
Do you think anyone went back and watched
last year's matches for some sort of strategy?
As Stratton locking in a submission, as is Davenport.
[Book] No, no, definitely you want to go back and look at a matchup like this,
because it is so unique. I always talk about that preparation.
The only luck you're ever going to have. And right now they've prepared
to take down Fallon Henley. And I like it.
[Vic] I don't know how Henley is hanging on right now.
How she hasn't given up, how she hasn't tapped.
-[Book] She can't tap. -[Vic] She can say, I quit,
and get put in the penalty box. She's not doing that.
That is showing you the heart of a champion for Fallon Henley.
Got to wonder, is that discouraging to Davenport and Stratton, because they
could have been closing in on sending Fallon to the penalty box.
[Book] What do you think about this little Tag Team tandem right here?
-[Vic] It's bad for Henley. -[Book] It's all about winning.
It's all about trying to get points. Seem like somebody
would be trying to get a win here. A cover. Get on the board, man.
[Vic] Right now maybe working together. You can call it out again, Booker.
It is two on one.
And Fallon's going to have to hang on for the next two minutes, because in less than
two minutes, the next superstar will come into this matchup.
-Oh! Almost on cue. -[Book] That's what I'm talking about.
That's what I'm talking… It's about winning.
[Vic] To get back to the tippy top, she have to stab some people in the back.
-And that's the MO. -[Book] No, no.
She's gonna have to step on some toes and step on some toes and keep on walking.
[Vic] In 90 seconds, the next superstar will enter this matchup.
Still no decisions as of now here in this Women's Iron Survivor Challenge matchup.
-Oh. -[Book] Wow.
[Vic] Almost had a little extra rotation.
[Book] Catapulted over the top rope right there.
Tiffany Stratton about to take it to the tippy tippy top, man.
[Vic] So much strategy going into this matchup.
Stratton realizing she could have an opportunity to earn a decision.
Kickout by Henley.
You got to also feel that you're going to be at a little bit of peace
in this matchup, if you're able to get that first decision.
If you're able to go up 1-0 against the field.
[Book] No, no, no, Vic. You can't feel comfortable.
[Vic] You wouldn't tell me if you were in this match.
You'd breathe at least a small sigh of relief that you're on the scoreboard.
[Book] Into the last bail, I mean, to the clock run out, man.
You cannot feel comfortable in a situation like this.
[Vic] 40 seconds, next superstar will enter the matchup.
Tiffany Stratton, who entered third, has been in control this matchup
since she arrived. First she teamed with Blair Davenport to take out
Fallon Henley and now she's taking them both out by herself.
And take a look. Oh!
-[Book] Talking about innovative. -[Vic] Alabama slam cover.
Davenport breaking things up. And Davenport here.
Could she sneak a victory? Could she sneak a decision? She got one.
She's on the board.
[announcer] Blair Davenport has scored a fall.
[Book] Exploit those mistakes.
That's what Blair Davenport just did right there.
[Vic] Five seconds, we see the next superstar,
as soon as Fallon's feet hit the floor. The penalty box clock starts at 90.
-[Kelani Jordan's music playing] -[crowd cheering]
[announcer] Making her way to the ring, Kelani Jordan.
[Vic] I'm sure the butterflies are the size of eagles
inside this former Michigan State Spartan. Boom!
[Book] You know what I say about those butterflies?
You gotta get them to line up and fly straight.
And that's what Kelani Jordan is doing right now.
-I mean, she's a sensation, man. -[Vic] There you see the penalty box.
Fallon Henley now will be in there for 90 seconds.
Obviously started counting hits inside the final 60.
She can get a little bit of rest, because Fallon Henley joined this match
since the start. But the story now is Kelani Jordan looking
to drop Tiffany Stratton. She did so, into the cover, hook of the leg.
And Davenport breaks up the cover. And you gotta wonder too, as this matchup
has progressed throughout the week, a lot of these superstars
who have been around a lot longer than Kelani Jordan have spoke out about her.
Is there a little bit of jealousy that she's already in this position? Looking
for a moonsault, one of a kind, connects. And Stratton breaks up the count.
[Book] Of course there's got to be a little bit of jealousy there.
Kelani Jordan in the game for about six months and now she's in a position
right now to become the Iron Survivor here tonight.
Of course there's some jealousy, but she's ready for this moment I believe as well.
[Vic] What do you contribute though to the fact
that she's only debuted six months ago, Booker?
And now she's on a Premium Live event,
and she was in control up until a second ago.
[Book] They talk about the tumbling background,
but my daddy used to say something all the time. Creep to the top.
[Vic] 90 seconds is up.
Henley is finally gonna her hands on Stratton. And you know,
she's a little extra angry, a little extra pent up frustration
after getting locked in that penalty box.
[Book] Kelani, penalty box smoking. And she's on fire right now.
But just getting big shots in is not going to do… She needs to get a cover, Vic.
She needs to get on the board, some points, some numbers, man.
[Vic] Fallon would love to earn points by beating Tiffany Stratton.
-Blockbuster. -[Book] Beautiful blockbuster.
[Vic] Still don't know why Stratton was so upset with Henley dressing as her
for Halloween. Still don't get why she'd get upset. Rose with shining wizard.
Forget about Halloween. Let's focus on the here and the now.
And yes, she did it.
[announcer] Fallon Henley has scored a fall.
[Book] Money. Money, man.
[Vic] And Tiffany Stratton now heads to the penalty box.
90 seconds to see the clock on Tiffany Stratton counting down, into the cover
is Kelani, Fallon able to kick out.
There you see 12.5 minutes, and another cover.
Shoulders down one more time, another near fall.
And when that clock hits 15, we'll have the next superstar in this matchup.
-Whoa. -[Book] Wow.
The strength of this young lady right here, Kelani Jordan.
She shows me something week in and week out.
[Vic] Kelani said she wants to show the world
that she is a force to be reckoned with. As you take a look at the scoreboard.
One fall for Blair, one decision for Fallon.
They're the only two who have scored any sort of pinfalls.
Look at Kelani wisely turning around, keeping this one-on-one.
[Book] Kelani Jordan, she's definitely the underdog in this matchup, Vic.
But I tell you, when I look at her, I see star written all over her, man.
[Vic] That star could be shining brighter
here in this Women's Iron Survivor Challenge matchup.
Again, every five minutes, another superstar will enter.
And we have seen Tiffany, who's in the penalty box.
Kelani was the last superstar in. Blair, Fallon started this off.
So we know that the next and final superstar will be Meta-Four's Lash Legend.
[Book] Yes, indeed, and we know about Lash Legend.
We'll talk about that in a minute. Don't want to give away anything too soon,
but right now, Fallon Henley is in total control.
[Vic] And you see five seconds coming down. Tiffany Stratton is ready to pounce.
Out of the penalty box with a point to prove.
And look who Stratton goes right to, Fallon Henley, the woman
who put her in the penalty box.
And are these two just too focused on each other
to see past one another and the rest of the field?
[Book] That's possibility, Vic. But I must say this, being in that penalty box
gives you a little bit of extra time to suck it up
and get ready to come out and do business. I like the penalty box.
[Vic] Into the cover goes Stratton. And underneath the bottom rope.
Great job by the official, the count had to be broken.
But here, almost right in front of us, to our left, you see Blair Davenport,
you see Kelani Jordan. And you see the clock at almost 14.5 minutes.
We are 30 seconds away from Lash Legend entering this matchup.
Lash will be the freshest superstar entering the fray
for the final ten minutes of the match.
[Book] I talk about that five spot,
being able to come out and just let it all hang out.
I'm talking about put the helmet down, man.
I can't wait. How much time we got left?
[Vic] We got 15 seconds until Lash Legend will enter the matchup.
What's on the mind of Tiffany Stratton?
Stratton left Fallon Henry to make her way over to Kelani Jordan,
as the clock ticking.
[crowd counting down]
[alarm sounding]
[Lash Legend's music playing]
[announcer] Representing Meta-Four, Lash Legend.
[Vic] Lash with the luck of the draw. And Lash quickly is going to make her power.
And an impression in this matchup.
[Book] Man!
[Vic] Little two for one. And look at Lash, turns right around.
[Book] I'll tell you right now. Lash Legend
with the right expert tutelage, she's gonna be a monster, man. A monster.
[Vic] Think about this matchup. She's been trained by Heritage Cup Champion,
Noam Dar. And it was a valid point that she made. She can't do this.
-Two for one! -[Book] No, no, no. Not just Heritage Cup.
Four-time Heritage Cup Champion.
[Vic] I'm not doing this tonight. There's Legend now.
[Book] Oh, shucky, ducky, quack, quack. Here we go!
[Vic] Chokeslam on Stratton.
And the game has changed with the arrival of Lash Legend.
[Book] Lash Legend, seems like she's tapped into something right there.
-And I love it. -[Vic] Lash dragging Fallon.
Shoulders down. Shoulders down. Whoa!
-[Book] That's two points. -[Vic] That's what the officials say.
[announcer] Lash Legend has scored two falls.
[Vic] It took Lash Legend 70 seconds to earn two points.
[Book] Oh, my God, man. I'm loving it.
Lash Legend is looking like she's about to do it tonight.
But a little trouble.
[Vic] Davenport jumping on the back. Book, you start to think about Lyra Valkyria,
the NXT Women's Champion who said she was going to be here.
What would be going through your mind if you were champion watching this unfold?
[Book] I'll tell you that in a minute. We got to figure out what's going on here.
[Vic] Now we see a double sleeper center of the ring.
-But what would you think? -[Book] No, no, I mean, Lara Valkyria.
You got to understand, she's battle tested. She beat the man Becky Lynch.
She's looking for competition. This is perfect for her.
What are you talking about?
[Vic] What I see right now is Lash Legend in complete control of this matchup.
I see Kelani Jordan trying to switch around her fortune in this matchup.
And I take a look just to my right, and I see two women
in the penalty box for the first time.
And it's Kelani Jordan up and over that gymnastics back route.
Coming through! Holy…
[shouts]
-[Vic] Oh, and Davenport. -[Book] Wow.
-[Vic] Ever the opportunist. -[Book] My God, man.
[Vic] This sort of match certainly fits Davenport's mentality, don't you think?
-Not caring about anybody. -[Book] She's like a black widow, Vic.
She's looking to make sure when she strike.
-[Vic] Whoa, whoa. Wait a minute. -[Book] Wait a minute.
[Vic] Wait a minute. Meta-Four…
Meta-Four blocking the door from being open.
[Book] What a player.
[Vic] It's Stratton and Henley. They don't like each other.
They've been locked in this penalty box.
I can only imagine what these two are about to do.
[Book] Wow.
[Vic] Book, you may need to get out of harm's way.
[Book] Tried to get out of harm's way.
[Vic] Noam Dar out here screaming.
And again, Lash Legend has had the opportunity to work with Dar.
But what is Fallon doing?
Fallon at the top trying to escape this penalty box, because… No! Oh, my God!
Stratton now. Booker, look up.
[crowd screaming]
[Vic] Let the bodies hit the floor.
[Book] What the.…
[Vic] And look who's the superstar standing, Booker. It's Lash Legend.
And Lash right now is in the driver's seat.
-She is up. She has two falls. -[Book] As well as she's fresh.
Coming out number five.
All she needs to do is get in here, get another number.
Get that double up. Oh, here we go.
Blair and Fallon, each with one. And to your point.
Lash can rack up a couple more decisions off the splash.
Davenport able to kick out. Lash quickly turning her attention.
Bam! Over to Stratton. Another big splash. Another cover.
Another kickout. As Booker, take a look at the clock.
We're approaching the final five minutes.
Kelani Jordan now might have to start risking it all. Jordan to the top.
Coming off the top. And got caught by the powerful Lash Legend, and Lash now.
Using Jordan as a weapon.
-And maybe looking for a powerbomb. -[Book] Oh, crafty. That was crafty.
[Vic] Kelani trying to block. Trying to counter.
[screaming]
[Vic] Lash trying to hold her balance. Here comes Stratton.
-[Book] Wow! -[Vic] Into the cover.
-Oh. -[Book] So close.
[Vic] Fallon Henley breaking up the count.
[Book] Tiffany's still not on the board yet. We only got five minutes left.
[Vic] Tiffany is not. Blair Davenport is not either.
But look at Davenport, into the cover, and Blair Davenport
-just secured another decision. -[Book] Wow.
[announcer] Blair Davenport has scored a fall.
[Vic] Davenport has now tied this matchup with Lash Legend at two decisions apiece.
But take a look, Booker, because the clock is important.
This match ends at 25 minutes.
We have under 4.5 minutes left in this matchup.
And Kelani now goes to the penalty box for 90 seconds.
[crowd chanting] This is awesome!
[Vic] This is awesome. This is innovative. This is revolutionary.
This is only the second time ever
we've had a Women's Iron Survivor Challenge matchup.
As the clock continuing to tick, Stratton is in control with Davenport
and Henley working together for a moment. There's Lash Legend back into the match.
[Book] I'll tell you right now, Blair or Lash Legend can
just secure just one more point.
-This thing could be over. -[Vic] Take a look at this.
A little double dribble. Technically that would be a quadruple dribble.
And Lash just carrying around two women, until Stratton…
[Book] Wait a minute. She got a bit… Wow.
[Vic] Wise of Stratton to break up now. She's into the cover, shoulders down.
-Lash back into the fray. -[Book] Can you believe
Tiffany Stratton has got zero points
on the board and she's been in the matchup for quite some time.
[Vic] Kelani Jordan also has zero, and she's getting ready
to exit the penalty box in 15 seconds. And I just took a look
over to that penalty box. Jordan is focused looking in the ring.
She's jumping around, keeping herself psyched up. But there comes
Lash Legend, who again made a valid point that she's been training with Noam Dar,
-a master of time constraint matches. -[Book] We've about three minutes left.
-We got about three minutes left. -[Vic] The clock continuing to shrink.
The sand dials of time wearing out in this match.
As Kelani now, she knows what she has to do. Kelani Jordan, zero decision.
Tiffany Stratton, zero decision.
What do you think is going through their mind right now?
Because they know they got less than three minutes.
And Lash Legend right now is in the leaderboard along with Blair Davenport.
[Book] She just landed a big shot on Lash Legend, but let me tell you…
[Vic] Nice job by Fallon.
Fallon, by the way, is only one decision behind the leaders.
She's got one decision.
If she's able to knock this up, we'd have a three-way tie at two.
But the superstar standing right now.
[Book] You just said it a second ago. That sand in the hourglass.
The clock is running out, man.
[Vic] Bodies all around. And this just the first Iron Survivor Matchup of the night.
We still have the men's coming. And now there you see from the top,
hot cross body into the cover, Stratton breaking up the count one more time.
[Book] Kelani Jordan just can't get one up. I mean, just so close. So close.
[Vic] Oh, this is it. Prettiest moonsault ever committed on Lash.
Cover, Stratton's on the board.
[announcer] Tiffany Stratton has scored a fall.
[Vic] Tiffany Stratton is on the board. This is important, Book.
Lash legend, who is in the lead with two, is in the penalty box.
She's a non factor for the next 90 seconds.
Look how much time's left in the matchup. This match is over soon.
Blair Davenport now has to survive. She's got to survive.
But for Kelani Jordan, she's got to execute. She's down two falls, Booker.
-Two falls. -[Book] Could this be it?
-High from the ground, but God, man, -[Vic] 450.
Will it gain her one? And Fallon Henley right now in position
to tie this at two. And Davenport kicked out,
into another cover on Stratton. Hook of the leg and another near fall.
And, Booker, were getting into the final 60 seconds. Looking for a submission.
60 seconds left. Lash in the penalty box for 45 more seconds.
Blair Davenport's trying to hold on.
Fallon Henley trying to link into submission.
Kelani Jordan looking for her first fall here.
If she gets a submission…
[Book] She don't have enough time to try to pull something off like this.
-She needs to land a big shot. -[Vic] 45 seconds.
Kelani now trying to get a big kick in. Was able to knock down Davenport.
Looking for that one of a kind. Split leg. Davenport able to run interference.
Clock continuing to tick, almost the final 30 seconds.
Lash Legend now has 17 seconds. She's ready to get back into this matchup.
Oh, nasty landing for Kelani.
[Book] Wow, that was gnarly, Vic. Wow!
[Vic] Blair Davenport with two, looking for one more decision.
She's into the cover, hook of the leg.
And with 15 seconds to go, Blair just took the lead. Penalty box is over.
Lash legend is out. There's only ten seconds.
Blair's got to survive. She's running, Lash trying to catch up.
Last round a fall. Five seconds. Down to three.
[bell ringing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, and Iron Survivor,
Blair Davenport.
[rock music playing]
[Vic] Booker, you're sweating.
-[Book] Yeah. What a match. -[Vic] All five of these superstars
went toe-to-toe and left it all in the ring.
And at the end of 25 minutes, it's The Wicked Witch of NXT
who is this year's Iron Survivor.
Here's where Blair Davenport was able to get on the board.
Tiffany Stratton did the work. Blair Davenport reaped the rewards.
She was able to get her first fall, taking out Fallon Henley.
But then, as this matchup would go on, Tiffany Stratton
went from the tippy top of the penalty box to wipe out the field.
Take another look. This was after
she threw Fallon Henley from the top of the box through our announce table.
She was able to risk it all. So was Kelani Jordan,
the young upstart, who is looking to make an impact.
She certainly opened some eyes here tonight.
But for Kelani, she was not able to get a decision in that moment.
As this matchup would continue in the closing minutes,
Lash Legend was in the penalty box.
Lash Legend was tied with Blair Davenport at two falls.
Blair knew that his time was winding down. Bam!
She was gonna have to earn a fall to win this thing.
And with 15 seconds remaining, was able to get the third in what would be
the deciding fall for our new Women's Iron Survivor.
I am your Iron Survivor.
Lyra Valkyria, that clock is ticking,
and I will be seeing you at New Year's Evil.
[Lyra Valkyria's music playing]
[Vic] We knew she was here.
And the NXT Women's Champion making her presence known.
Because on the first NXT of 2024,
the NXT Women's title will be defended at New Year's… What the hell?
[Book] Whoa, hold the phone, Vic.
[Vic] Cora Jade,
-the resident mean girl of NXT is back. -[Book] It just got busy up in here.
[hard rock music playing]
[Vic] And Cora Jade picking up where she left off.
[crowd cheering]
Yeah. Hey, big night for you boys tonight. How you feeling, bro?
-I'm locked in. -That's what I'm talking about.
Gotta be locked in, man. The science of our challenge.
I'm telling you, it's no joke. It's timing, it's execution.
It's all of that, man.
Look, I'm hyping you. You got this in the bag, bro.
Yep.
You just make sure you take care of business tonight with Lexis King.
Man, you already know, he tried to frame me.
He tried to come in between Trick Melo Gang.
I'm not holding back on him. He's gonna get his.
[Lexis King's music playing]
[bell ringing]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, Lexis King.
[Vic] Well, now is the time if you're Carmelo Hayes
to silence some doubters, because there have been
a lot of people pointing fingers.
I'll raise my hand, Booker, as one of those at Carmelo Hayes for weeks.
But since Lexis King has arrived,
he has proven to be the living definition of an instigator.
[Carmelo Hayes' music playing]
[announcer] And his opponent, Carmelo Hayes.
[Vic] And to that point, I want to talk about Carmelo Hayes here, Book.
Because I don't think anyone can argue
he's been distracted over the last few months, and rightfully so.
[Book] Distracted, of course.
He's taking his eye off the ball and becomes this one man, Lexis King.
Unexpected entry, man.
And I'm must say, you got to deal with a man like Lexis King one-on-one.
It got to become personal, dog.
I like it.
Money green right there, look at money green tights right there.
Oh yes, I like those.
[Vic] You bring up the green. That also though is a very
mellow and mild entrance for Melo Gang.
[Book] Not the same, because this is a serious night.
There's no time for playing, no time for jiving around.
You got to take care of business.
Take care of this new kid on the block, Lexis King.
[Vic] He's got this matchup made on Tuesday, because, and this is his words,
he has something to prove.
And in order for Hayes to clear his name, he essentially has to beat an apology
-out of Lexis King. -[Book] Right now, I don't like
the attitude. Carmelo seems to be a little discombobulated,
maybe thinking in the wrong places.
I ain't shaking your damn hand. I'll slap the hell out of you.
[Vic] Carmelo Hayes does not want a handshake.
He does not want anyone thinking that there's even some sort
of working together. That's the thing, every time we hear
from Lexis King, he's always like, oh, me and Carmelo on the same page.
Hey, yeah, that's right, you and me. And Carmelo Hayes is tired of it.
[Book] Let's just say Lexis King, he stepped in and he's stirring the pot, Vic.
He's created a little kerfuffle between Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes.
[Vic] I want to bring back what I originally said about…
And what a right hand from Lexis King. And Carmelo Hayes having none of it.
And Hayes taking down King, quickly throwing hands, as you would say.
[Book] No, I always talk about Carmelo Hayes.
He's gonna have to graduate to just thinking about fighting, wrestling.
Sometimes you just gotta throw it out of the window, man.
[Vic] But did you see Lexis King? He started laughing
after he frustrated Carmelo. He took himself a little walk,
took himself a little jog. Carmelo turned his back,
King trying to take advantage.
But Hayes saw that coming, saw that movie two days ago.
And he's right back in, going right at King.
You gotta imagine too now, Booker, it's got to hurt Carmelo Hayes.
It has to hurt that he's doubted by his best friend, Trick Williams.
It has to hurt that he hears the NXT Universe
this past Tuesday chanting, "Guilty, guilty", at the top of their lungs.
[Book] And you got to understand, Carmelo Hayes always been loved
by the NXT Universe, in here now, of course it stings a little bit,
but you can't let that stray you from the mission, Vic. You can't do that.
[Vic] One also has to wonder how Hayes feels about Trick
being in the Iron Survivor Challenge.
And he slides to the outside, able to sidestep. And look,
Carmelo Hayes has been in control of this match because
he is focused on another level here tonight. Because this isn't,
I wouldn't say professional, it's personal. But how about that, Book?
And now, look at Carmelo Hayes, focusing on that right hand.
Did you hear that hand ricochet and bounce off that steel post?
Oh, come on, Carmelo. Carmelo. He's not gonna pull any punches tonight.
Carmelo Hayes probably want to break Lexis King's hand.
[Book] This is a different Carmelo. And like I said, I don't like this mellow.
He doesn't seem to be comfortable, doesn't seem to be just flowing.
He seems to be fighting out of anger. You don't want to do that, Vic.
[Vic] These chops certainly have a lot of anger behind them.
Lexis King now almost has his back against the wall.
There's a bullseye put on those five phalanges on his right hand.
And look at Hayes. Up and over, lands on his feet.
Nice step up enzuigiri.
You have to wonder too, when it comes to Carmelo Hayes,
how do you get back on track?
We've never seen mellow sidetrack. Oh, no! Landing on his feet.
[Book] Oh, wait a minute.
[Vic] Lexis King, though, take it to the air.
[Book] Talking about getting back on track. He's not gonna do it that way.
But, but, but to your point, Carmelo needs to just go back to what got him
to the dance as well.
Let's think about his friendship with one Trick Williams.
I mean, those guys did it together. Trick Melo Gang.
-You know what I'm talking about? -[Vic] Do know. And you can see now
the anguish on the face of Hayes.
Smile for the camera.
[Vic] As Lexis King soaking up the jeers of the NXT Universe
here in the Total Mortgage arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Shoots the half, into the cover.
What a victory this would be. Able to not only beat
former NXT Champion, this also is the Premium Live event debut for Lexis King.
[Book] And he's doing a hell of a job, Vic, to get a win.
Perhaps if he can get a win over Carmelo Hayes.
I'm gonna tell you, the sky's the limit for Lexis King.
[grunts]
[Vic] King right back in. Oh, a little combination offense now.
Seems that the hand was the focus for Carmelo Hayes,
but the back is the bullseye for King.
Into another cover and another kickout from Carmelo Hayes.
[Book] I must say, Vic, I'm very impressed with Lexis King tonight.
[Vic] That's interesting, because you have talked about,
let's just be honest, talked about not liking King's biological father.
You talked about it on NXT.
But do you see some of the same characteristic downfalls in Lexis?
[Book] I wouldn't call them downfalls at all,
but I do see a lot of traits from this man, Lexis King,
and one, you know, the late Brian Pillman.
But this guy, this guy right here, Vic. Oh, it's the little bitty things.
It's the in-between things. Oh, yes, I love it.
[Vic] Getting some combination offense for King.
King and his Premium Live event debut,
into the cover and a near fall on Carmelo Hayes.
And when it comes to Lexis King, some have also said flat out,
-this is a man who is addicted to drama. -[Book] You can call him a drama king.
-I like it. Huh? How you like that? -[Vic] I walked into that one.
But in all seriousness, what he's done between Carmelo Hayes
and Trick Williams, the things he has said to Briggs and Jensen,
I said it earlier, he's a living definition of an instigator.
-That's what he is. -[Book] No, no. Can I say this?
[Vic] I'm not going to stop you.
[Book] A lot of people say Carmelo Hayes may have a little bit of responsibility…
[Vic] Vicious blow into the back, and another near fall.
-It's getting closer and closer. -[Book] Back to my point.
A lot of people say Carmelo Hayes might have a little bit to do with the people
saying that he's guilty.
Because a lot of people say that Carmelo did not back the play of Trick Williams
wanting to go out on his own. That could be it.
-I've seen it happen before. -[Vic] I see what you're saying.
And that's part of what Carmelo Hayes has been talking about, why he
wants to get back into this. When you think about Lexis King, who now is trying
to negotiate a submission, single leg craft.
[Book] He's got it locked in.
[Vic] And the knee was up, creating a little bit for Carmelo Hayes,
a little bit of an opening to get to that bottom rope.
Take some of that pressure off the back, which went into those steel steps earlier,
and Hayes able to break through for just a moment here.
But when we talk about Lexis King, he has put doubt into people's mind
that he and Hayes are connected. There's no doubt about that.
[Book] The thing is, Vic, do we actually really know that he's not connected?
Do we know that? Come on, man.
We've been seeing what's going on in politics. You never know.
[Vic] King's post on X raised eyebrows when he said that he and Melo
were on the same page.
But that's the second consecutive backbreaker by King,
who has slowed this match down.
And one would believe this would be the pace King wants.
[Book] Vic, I'm always scouting talent around the world all the time.
And this kid, Lexis King, he definitely has something. He has that it factor.
Can he get a big win over that man? Oh, beautiful switch! Beautiful!
[Vic] Into the cover and a quick, quick kickout
by King, who just turned Hayes inside out.
And now you have to think for Carmelo Hayes, he came out firing an old…
-A handshake? -[Book] No, no.
I want you to shake my hand.
[Vic] Didn't work at the start.
Show everybody in this building the snake that you are.
[chatter and shouts from the crowd]
[crowd] Oh!
[Vic] Look at Hayes. Hayes is not working. You asked earlier. How do we know?
-We just found out, Booker. -[Book] No, no.
That tells me something right there. I don't know.
I'm not going to speculate, but Carmelo Hayes could be on the take.
I'm just saying.
[Vic] I know you don't ever want to be wrong.
I understand you're still trying to sidetrack,
but you got to call it what we see tonight.
It's Carmelo Hayes fighting for his innocence.
It's Carmelo Hayes fighting to prove to Trick Williams and the NXT Universe
-he's not in cahoots. -[Book] You just see what I saw?
[Vic] I did. Holy cow!
[Book] Wow.
Bad, bad spill.
[grunts]
[Vic] Booker, I'm more worried for Carmelo Hayes,
who came down with all his weight on that left leg.
Take another look at this replay.
Hayes landed on that hip, that left hip. Both superstars trying to get back up.
They do beat the count,
but we have seen a lot here tonight.
And after what we just saw in that Women's Iron Survivor matchup,
and now we're seeing this here right now.
I mean, Carmelo Hayes, now his back and his hip gotta have bullseye.
[Book] Not only that, he's been taking to the woodshed by Lexis King.
I mean, if this thing ended on points right now, I'd give it to Lexis King.
[Vic] Lexis King who comes off crazy like a fox.
Is now trying to fight back against Carmelo Hayes.
Hayes, though, has been in deep waters before.
He's trying to continue to swim and he just planted. King and Carmelo Hayes
getting that second, that third win in this matchup, sailing through the air.
I passed him in the halls today, Book, body language didn't see the same,
but this looks to be the Carmelo Hayes that we're used to seeing.
Rolling right through, Hayes coming right back in charging and goes up,
goes around and face first goes King.
Trying to capitalize is Hayes, center of the ring and King
getting the left shoulder off the mat.
Carmelo Hayes now looking around at what he needs to do in this match
of so much emotion built up in this.
[Book] I'm looking in the eyes of Carmelo Hayes, and tonight here at Deadline,
he's more unsure than I've ever seen him before. Trust me.
There is a different look in Carmelo's eyes.
[Vic] Hayes trying to block,
King trying to block, both superstars jockeying for position
and it's King with a jackhammer who overpowers Hayes.
It's not enough to keep the former NXT Champion down for three.
[Book] Are you impressed?
[Vic] I've never not been impressed by King.
-[Book] Give me some. -[Vic] I've never not been impressed.
I've always questioned the motive.
So to bring it up since we're on the top, you're a two-time WWE Hall of Famer.
What's King's end game? Because he keeps playing games.
[Book] No, I mean Lexis King, he's about the legacy.
He's about trying to make history in this business.
It starts right here in NXT.
[Vic] NXT Universe trying their best to get behind Hayes.
Hayes counters and just ripped down.
-[Book] Did you see that? -[Vic] Saw those two feet
to the face, and I see Hayes answering right back with a strike of his own.
[Book] What I see is Carmelo getting a little desperate right there, Vic.
[Vic] And a third, a third backbreaker.
But King didn't get all of it, and then got caught by Hayes.
King turning right around. Hayes now trying to climb.
Hayes trying to capitalize on this matchup in this moment.
Almost slipped, got his feet back and there it is.
-Nothing but net. -[Book] He got it.
[crowd] One, two, three!
-[Book] Wow! -[bell ringing]
[Carmelo Hayes' music playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Carmelo Hayes.
[Vic] This is a man who has won every single title that this brand has to offer.
But this might be the most personally satisfying victory
of his career. Hitting nothing but net and gaining a huge victory here tonight,
because now, Booker, Hayes has silenced
the doubters to prove his innocence to the Universe, to Trick Williams.
To all those here in NXT.
[Lexis shouting]
That was one hell of a match.
But I'm gonna make something a lot easier on you.
It wasn't me who attacked Trick Williams.
But thank you for that PLE spotlight, my friend.
[Lexis laughing]
[rock music playing]
-Cora Jade. -Yeah, I know.
Welcome back, right? Thanks, Kelly.
I know a lot of women in that locker room are definitely shocked to see me back,
because they damn sure were not ready to welcome me back.
But, I mean, I gave them four months off, and now I've returned to the deepest
division in all of WWE, the NXT Women's Division.
And now that I'm back, I'm gonna take this place to a whole new level.
And I think I've made my intentions crystal clear.
And I'm sure you want to know my next move, don't you, Kelly?
-Yeah. -See you Tuesday.
[rock music playing]
Hey, bro. Look, man, I owe you an apology.
I never should have let that dude get in between us.
Hey, man, it's cool. It's all good. For real.
-Wait, so we good? -Yeah, we good.
Good, man. Cause you whooped his ass tonight, man.
Look, bro, I'm trying to be on the same time tonight, man.
The Iron Survivor Challenge, it is my time
-and Trick Williams' night tonight, baby. -You know what to do, man.
What's that?
-Whoop that Trick. -I like it.
-Hey, bro, I appreciate you, man. -Yeah, handle that.
[Trick shouting]
[bell ringing]
The following contest is
the Men's Iron Survivor Challenge.
There is a 25 minute time limit with five superstars competing to become
the number one contender.
Two superstars will start the match.
Every five minutes thereafter, a new superstar will enter
until all competitors are in the ring.
Falls can be won at any time via pinfall, submission or disqualification.
When a Superstar scores a fall, they will earn one point.
When a superstar loses a fall, that superstar is forced out of the ring
and into a penalty box for 90 seconds before he can re-enter the match.
The superstar who has scored the most falls when the clock hits 25 minutes
will be named the Iron Survivor in challenge for the NXT Championship
at New Year's Evil.
-[Dijak's music playing] -[crowd cheering]
[announcer] Introducing first, Dijak.
[Vic] Certainly have to believe Dijak is gonna feel right at home among
the mayhem of this matchup.
[Book] Said the optimal word there, mayhem. You forgot one of them, though.
-[Vic] What was that? -[Book] Destruction.
Oh, yes, man.
[Vic] Are we feasting our eyes on the Iron Survivor?
[the music drowns out his words]
[Vic] Be interesting to see who draws number two.
[Josh Briggs' music playing]
[Vic] Right on cue.
[announcer] Next, Josh Briggs.
[Vic] Be real with me. I don't want to catchphrase here.
Be real, is Briggs being overlooked?
[Book] You know… Of course, he may be being overlooked,
but he's one of those guys. I want you to do me a favor.
-Ask me what I think about Josh. -[Vic] I'm not doing this.
We've done this enough. What do you think about Josh Briggs?
-He's a big guy. -[Vic] What about Bron Breakkker?
[Book] He's a big guy. That's my point.
-That's a lot of beef. -[Vic] What do you think about Tyler Bate?
-[Book] He's a big, strong boy. [laughs] -[Vic] We're starting off with these two.
And look, we saw a lot of chaos in that Women's Iron Survivor matchup.
These two will go at it for the first five minutes.
There you see the scoreboard on the bottom.
We talked about it earlier… Almost picking up the first fall.
It was Briggs, and it certainly was a close one.
After thinking about what you had been
mentioning in that first matchup, how would you strategize for the time factor?
Lash Legend got caught because of that penalty box.
She got out of the penalty box, down one with 15 seconds left.
[Book] Not just that. Lash Legend came out number five
and she put herself in the best position to come out the victorious Iron Survivor.
Didn't work out, but I feel the same way in this matchup.
Whoever comes out last, number five has the best chance.
Big guys working right now. Action by these two big guys.
[Vic] I want to talk about Josh Briggs again here just for a moment,
because you can speak on this better than me.
For Briggs to get an endorsement by someone like JBL, that's a big deal.
[Book] I feel the same way. I mean, JBL is a guy who perhaps sees a lot
of similarities in himself and Josh Briggs.
I went on the road with JBL, a young JBL, I'm gonna tell you,
couldn't have a better partner.
[Vic] I don't know if JBL can land on his feet and do some of the things
that Briggs and Dijak are pulling out right now.
[Book] They're just showing off right now, I think that's what that is.
Trying to one up each other.
[Vic] I was getting ready to talk about Dijak feeling even more at home
and extra motivated to send some to the penalty box.
Trying to serve up his brand of hard justice, which again,
that penalty box will come into play, 90 seconds if you suffer defeat,
and the clock starts as soon as your feet hit the floor.
I want to go over this one more time.
When you think about NXT, this is an innovative concept here on this brand.
[Book] History making match.
-And I'll tell you, no one would… -[Vic] That's a decleater.
Will it be the first decision? Kickout.
[Book] Almost a pounce like, big tackle there by Josh Briggs.
But like I said, this is a history making moment.
This is a life changing matchup right here in this Iron Survivors Challenge.
[Vic] For Briggs maybe a little bit hard to focus.
He can't be looking back at what happened to Fallon Henley earlier night,
and internally it may be hard for him to break away from his Tag Team partner
Brooks Jensen, even if for this one opportunity.
But as a former Tag Team competitor in your own right, you know you need to
-take that opportunity. -[Book] I like that.
Josh Briggs right now he's out here, he's out here all on his own. But that's…
[Vic] Another cover, another kickout.
[Book] When you really put yourself in that zone.
Because, like I said, this moment could be the biggest moment of Josh Briggs' career.
[Vic] Briggs' been in control, starting out one and two.
interesting to see how three, four and five will play out.
All those superstars randomly selected,
as you see, the clock in your bottom left corner closely getting to three minutes.
So we're two minutes away roughly from the third superstar entering this matchup.
The winner will become the number one contender, will face the NXT Champion
on the first edition of NXT in the new year
on New Year's Evil, and Dijak quickly turning things around in the moment.
But again, time becomes factor.
And you've talked about those slight moments in that Women's Iron Survivor
matchup, that just take it an extra breath and not going for a pin, not trying to get
a decision could play a huge factor.
Maybe not in minute 10, but certainly in minute 24.
[Book] Yes, indeed. As well, as you know, I talked about… Wow!
Talked about how much it's going to take out of these men early in the matchup,
because there again, no sweat on the body, it's is going to be a lot harder
to get a cover here early in this matchup.
[Vic] We have to remember too for Blair Davenport, she won
from the first position here tonight from starting.
Will the same fate be at the hands of one of these two? Dijak right now.
I would have thought he had the first decision in the matchup,
and he would have had a 60 second rest. Feel this impact.
Just see Josh Briggs's body bounce.
And I got to point out something too about Dijak.
He showcased some hell of strength right now.
-[Book] No, that was a lot of power used. -[Vic] Oh, big boot, Dijak's down.
Big boot. Is this enough?
[Book] This goes back to my point.
It's going to be so hard to get a cover when these guys are fresh.
Right now, the adrenaline is flowing through the body.
You're not going to kick out. You're not going to get a cover here
this early in the matchup, it's not gonna happen.
[Vic] I bring it up to you, because in 30 seconds, we're getting superstar three.
But are these two exerting too much energy here early in the matchup
that they'll be out of gas?
You talked about big guys, big guys don't last 25 minutes.
[Book] I agree. I go back to the suplex there a minute ago.
Just jousting for position.
Gonna take so much out of you making a matchup like this.
[Vic] Another elbow by Briggs. A little bit of separation. Ten seconds away.
Who is the third superstar to enter this matchup?
As Dijak looking for feast your eyes.
Connects, falls into the cover. This could be huge for Dijak, who gets the pin.
So listen to this.
Briggs is gonna go to the penalty box, and it's going to be one-on-one now for Dijak
and Tyler Bate.
And you know the big strong boy has his eyes locked on Dijak.
[Book] Yeah, but you got to think about the size difference in a match like this.
Dijak has all the advantages in this matchup,
and he got a lot of time to get another pinfall.
[Vic] What about this advantage for Tyler Bate? He's got one-on-one for the next
just over 60 seconds. Dijak not at 100 %.
That was a big first five minutes of this matchup as we were just talking about.
-And for Bate, he can capitalize. -[Book] Yeah, he capitalized that.
He's not the big strong boy for nothing, but he's going to have to pull out a big,
big missile to put this big man down, Vic.
[Vic] A very golden pass for Tyler Bate,
but he's had a tough time recapturing that success
of his early part of his career. Can he do it tonight?
[Book] Exactly what I'm talking about.
Going for that exploder suplex. But the big man Dijak is too big.
He's just too strong for the big, strong boy.
[Vic] Made the most of his last chance on Tuesday.
Universe online is viewing him as the underdog, but he just turned around Dijak.
And Bate got this singles one-on-one with Dijak for the next 30 seconds.
Into the cover to get a decision.
Dijak kicking out is that clock now approaching 20 seconds until Briggs
will be back into this matchup.
And Briggs right now, I just looked up over your shoulder.
Briggs is taking in big breaths right now, trying to get back into the match,
trying to recapture, refocus himself, so to speak.
[Book] That's what you want to think about in the penalty box.
You want to suck it up, try to get all the wind
back in the lungs, because you want to come out
as strong as you possibly can.
[Vic] They told me tonight he wants to remind people
of who the big, strong boy is.
But right now, and look at Briggs. Briggs didn't hit Bate.
Briggs just cleaned the clock of Dijak.
And this might be a little bit personal now for Briggs, who's looking to clean
the clock with Dijak.
JBL's clothesline for the first decision for Briggs.
[announcer] Josh Briggs has scored a fall.
[Vic] And how wise is this?
Briggs went right to the outside and he's picking up Bate. He's picking Bate apart.
He's not letting anyone get any breath.
[Book] I love what this big man is doing right now.
Just use that penalty box as a weapon, and that's what you got to do, Vic.
You can't be thinking about nothing but winning in a matchup like this.
[Vic] You used the word earlier.
It was destruction, that could be on the mind of Briggs.
And there comes Bate, throwing his body around.
What did you say, he needed to throw a missile, earlier?
Bate right now using his body.
[Book] He needs to drop the bomb, is what he needs to do.
[Vic] 60 seconds left for Dijak. And then, oh, getting caught.
Was Briggs, Bate looking to make him pay. Another uppercut.
Right under the jaw. And now can Bate tie this?
Can we have three superstars with one decision? And Briggs able to kick out.
So now Dijak in the penalty box for 40 more seconds. Again, I just peered over.
I don't even see Dijak. I don't think he's gotten to his feet.
Bam! In that penalty box.
And Briggs had to be helped to his feet from Tyler Bate.
[Book] Again, my point, Tyler Bate, he's going to be dealing with giants
in this matchup, and he's going to have to throw everything in
but the kitchen sink to get a victory here, Vic.
[Vic] And there you see Dijak, who's in that penalty box for 15 more seconds.
He could be joining him. Off the splash, Bate didn't have a lot on that kickout.
Again, when you get a decision, you earn a point.
If you're factored in the decision on the losing end like Dijak was,
you go to the penalty box. Clock starts when your feet hit the floor.
But the clock has hit zero and Dijak back into this matchup.
[Book] It wasn't just a kickout thing. It was the hard cover there by Josh.
[Vic] Tyler driver 97. Got him up, got him over, into the cover.
Oh, and Dijak just able to it back into the ring from the penalty box for…
Nope. And from behind, Bate!
Oh, Dijak's headed back into the penalty box.
[announcer] Tyler Bate has scored a fall.
[Vic] Wait a minute. The big right hand, Bate fell into the cover. Come on, ref.
[crowd] One, two…
[Vic] Bate almost was able to pick up another decision.
And Dijak would have had only himself to blame. But look at the scoreboard.
We're 30 seconds away from superstar four entering the matchup.
But three superstars, Booker, already with one decision.
[Book] Tyler Bate should have had another cover right there.
-The ref was just out of position. -[Vic] He did have the cover.
-No, he should have got a pinfall. -[Vic] Just caught up in the moment, Book.
As Tyler Bate now trying to prove everyone wrong. Trying to put to sleep Briggs.
Can he get Briggs down? 15 seconds, less than that. Excuse me.
Until the next superstar enters the matchup.
Dijak's on ice for the next 50.
[Book] Hanging on for dear life. But just too much beef.
-Too much beef there by big Josh. -[Vic] Who is it?
-[alarm sounding] -[Trick Williams' music playing]
-[Book] Uh-uh! -[crowd chanting] Whoop that Trick!
[announcer] Making his way to the ring, Trick Williams.
-[Book] I like it. Oh yeah, man. -[Vic] He just got caught in Williams.
[Book] Oh, beautiful!
[Book laughing]
-[Book] Wow. -[Vic] NXT Universe
on their feet for Williams.
Trick Williams is money wrapped in a six foot five frame.
[Book] Oh, camouflage. I mean, six foot five about 240,
carved out of granite. Oh yes!
[Vic] I don't know if Dijak wanted to get out that quickly,
because he might pay for what just happened. Look at Trick Williams.
He came in with a plan, and just got punched in the face.
I guess plans change when you get punched right in the mouth.
Excuse me. Turn that pack around.
Oh, little catapult. Trick had a little advantage.
Williams standing tall and a double neckbreaker. Wasn't pretty, was effective.
Looking for two, looking for two!
-Able to power out. -[Book] Too much muscle, Vic.
[Vic] Trick got two for one there.
Another big right hand to the big strong boy.
[Book] Yeah, he's feeling it. He's feeling it, Vic.
[Vic] And since he came out with everything going on,
do you believe Trick is more focused than ever in this match?
[Book] Trick knows. He told his partner
Carmelo Hayes, you're going to open the show, and tonight, I'm closing it.
-[Vic] What! -[Book] Wow!
[crowd] One, two…
[Vic] Oh, Bate just saw another decision get put up on the board.
Take another look. Again, Trick Williams using Briggs.
[Book laughing]
[crowd chanting]
[Vic] These are the superstars that embody what NXT is all about,
what you get every single Tuesday on USA.
And Tyler Bate showing you the power. Round and round they go.
Trick Williams stopped that, however, and Williams now. Round and round they go.
Where does it stop? Only Trick Willie knows.
I'm just going to stop, because apparently I don't know a thing.
[Book] Oh, man.
Oh, here we go, Vic!
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Unbelievable strength by Bate, who's looking to take
the lead to earn his second decision, and both Briggs and Dijak
sensing that. And I want to bring this up to you,
because we've been talking strategy through the Women's and now the Men's
Iron Survivor. Would you switch up strategies right now?
Because after what you just saw from Tyler Bate,
everything he's putting his body through. But the scoreboard, three at one fall.
[Book] You got to adjust.
Because I look at Josh Briggs, I look at Dijak, I look at Trick Williams,
but then I look at Tyler Bate. I must say, pound for pound,
Tyler Bate might be the strongest man in this ring right here.
[Vic] I was about to ask, are these two gonna try to get on the same page?
But it's Bate who flies through to wipe out Briggs.
Williams just got taken down by Dijak, who's up tall and now just got
sidestepped right into the steps. Tyler Bate's up.
Tyler Bate with one decision. He'd love to get a second.
He'd loved to take lead into the final ten minutes.
Big clothesline. Is that going to be enough?
-[Book] I don't know, Vic. -[Vic] Might need a bit more.
And it could come at the expense of a Tyler driver 97.
[Book] Beautiful combination.
-[Vic] And Bate is in the lead. -[Book] Wow.
[Vic] Williams to the penalty box.
-[announcer] …has scored a fall. -[Book] I'm surprised right now.
I'm totally surprised that Tyler Bate is on top of this mix up right now.
[Vic] He's looking to make the most of that last chance.
But look at the clock in the bottom left,
as Briggs goes into the cover, and able to kick out is Bate.
Bate, who's in the lead with two.
Trick Williams is in the penalty box for the next minute and change.
But in 40 seconds, the final superstar will enter the matchup.
We know who that final superstar is. It's the former NXT Champion,
-Bron Breakker. -[Book] Oh, yes.
I love me some Bron Breakker.
Can't wait for him to get into this matchup. But right now, Tyler Bate.
Tyler Bate is fighting, Vic.
[Vic] Trick Williams is trying to recover.
And this is… You kind of were alluding to it a little bit earlier,
someone can use that penalty box to their advantage.
[Book] No. You know, maybe you got to use that penalty box as an advance.
You got to suck it up and get ready to do battle, that's what it's about.
[Vic] Did you look at Briggs?
Briggs right now looked up at the clock, because he realizes it's at 15 minutes.
[Bron Breakker's music playing]
[announcer] Making his way to the ring, Bron Breakker.
[Vic] Well, Bron Breakker shot right out and hit a spear just like that!
-Bron Breakker changed the game. -[Book] No bread, no water, just beef.
[Vic] Not gonna work. Second spear. He's breaking everyone in half.
[crowd] …two, three!
[Vic] There is no one in this match who can stand toe-to-toe with the badass.
[Book] Bron said nobody in this matchup can stand with him toe-to-toe, man-to-man.
Right now have three points and on top of the board.
[announcer] …has scored the last three falls.
[Vic] And he did it in 40 seconds, as Trick Williams now looks on.
Trick doesn't have a decision. His back's against the wall.
Three superstars in the penalty box.
[grunts]
[Vic] And it's down to Trick. It's down to Bron for this moment.
For the next minute, Trick Williams gonna have to make the most of it.
Bron Breakker came out like a house on fire. We always talk about speed.
If you had your stopwatch ready, Bron Breakker looked like Tyreek Hill
in that ring. Swinging for the fences.
Swinging a miss, though, by Trick. Bron picking up speed.
And again, sudden impact.
[Book] You don't want to see this young man, Bron Breakker, on a move like that.
That could be trouble for you, man. Trust me on that.
[Vic] Jerry "The King" Lawler said if Bron got in, Bron was his pick to win.
And now looking to sit back and recline. And no one can help Trick Williams.
He's got to hold for at least 13 seconds. Whoa, whoa, Booker, over to your right.
Wait a minute. I'm trying to watch what's going on in the ring.
-Williams just trying to hold on. -[Book] What the hell's going on?
[Vic] The penalty box is almost getting destroyed by these guys.
Finally, the clock is out. Briggs is the one who is free.
The door is open, though, and all bodies are spilling out.
I don't feel very good for that official right now,
who's got to get two of them back in the penalty box.
Oh, Bron was looking for some… Wait a minute. Bron!
Able to roll out of harm's way.
[Book] That was smart by Bron Breakker having that lead, trying to hold on to it.
[Vic] But all penalties have officially expired.
The clock now, the next number of note is 25.
Whoever has the most decisions at 25 minutes is the Iron Survivor.
Bron Breakker is in the lead. Trick Williams is in the air.
[Book] Let it fly! Wow!
[Vic] Trick Williams is trying to prove to be that man.
And Bron trying to hold on. Briggs trying to fight back in.
Briggs is down two falls, behind two shots.
-[Book] Big shot. -[Vic] Dijak into the cover.
-[Book] Oh, man. -[Vic] Oh, wow.
[announcer] Dijak has scored a fall.
[Vic] 18 minute mark.
Trick Williams has headed back to the penalty box for 90 seconds.
Dijak, while laughing, is still one fall behind Bron Breakker.
But Dijak's the one standing.
[Book] Trick Williams, still no points on the board, Vic.
[Vic] You just felt the air come out of the NXT Universe with that last decision.
Whoa! Frankensteiner! Into the Tyler driver!
Oh, yeah, Bate! Wow!
[announcer] Tyler Bate has scored a fall.
[Vic] Bron doesn't get any bonus points. That was Bron Breakker's frankensteiner,
right into the Tyler driver.
And Bate just evens this at three.
Dijak to the penalty box. He's in for over a minute.
-Trick's got 45 seconds left. -[Book] No, Tyler Bate
is taking advantage of all those mistakes that I was talking about.
Taking advantage of all those…
Oh, man.
[Vic] That might have been a mistake by Bate, Bron into another cover.
Big strong boy able to kick out Dijak with less than 60 seconds to go.
Trick Williams less than 30 seconds to go.
But we have just under six minutes left in this matchup,
and you can see all the decisions. The leaderboard is filled.
Sitting atop it are the two men right now in the ring.
Bron Breakker, Tyler Bate, tied three decisions a piece.
[Book] He just kicked out of that big, big shot right there.
He just took but the leg strength of Tyler Bate, he's got big calves.
He's got big thighs. It's working for him here tonight.
[Vic] Well, coming out of the box is going to be Trick Williams.
Oh, Williams with the door… Back into the ring.
Bron Breakker from the top into the cover, Briggs wisely able to break that up.
And look, Grayson Waller won last year. We saw his stock skyrocket,
into the cover now, on SmackDown, we know what this matchup can do.
Not just about becoming the number one contender, which by the way, the NXT Title
will be defended at New Year's Evil.
The first NXT of the new year by whomever walks out as NXT Champion
against the Iron Survivor. Whoever wins this match.
All five men back into the matchup with less than five minutes to go.
[Book] Yeah. We're less than five minutes and right now Tyler Bate has three points.
Bron Breakker has three points. Who's going to pull this thing off? Wow!
[Vic] Oh, wait a minute.
This isn't good for Bate. Double chokeslam.
-[Book] Man, came down hard. -[Vic] And in the same two
that started this are the same two
that are looking eye to eye and seem to have some sort of agreement,
when two minutes ago, three minutes ago, they were smashing each other's heads
inside the penalty box. They're standing tall.
[Book] Wait a minute. Wait a minute, Vic. What the hell?
[Vic] I mean, it behooves them to work together, because they're both behind.
They both need the decisions. Dijak gets one. He ties it at three.
Double moonsault, double cover, double pin, double decision.
[announcer] Dijak and Josh Briggs have scored a fall.
[Vic] But Booker, look at the time.
Huge decision for Dijak, because it's tied at three with Breakker and Bate.
And Breakker now goes to the penalty box.
But again with Trick Williams for 90 seconds.
Here's Tyler Bate now. Bate with another decision
would be the leader in the clubhouse. Goes to the top. Tornado DDT.
[Book] Big shot landed, but smart by Dijak again to make an escape.
[Vic] Got to the outside. Here comes Bate.
And I think Briggs actually pushed Dijak into harm's way, so he…
[Book] Oh, wow.
[Vic] Because Briggs knows, with one more decision, he's tied this thing.
And then it's a four-way tie at three.
[Book] Josh Briggs just clean Tyler Bate's clock. And right now he's going for it.
He's going for that kill shot off the top rope.
[Vic] Dijak.
Superkick under the jaw. Dijak now looking to take the leaderboard,
because right now, with under three minutes to go,
these superstars are battling each other. They're also battling the clock.
And Tyler Bate now battling Dijak and Briggs! [laughs]
All superstars that are in this matchup are down.
The other two are in the penalty box for exactly the same amount of time.
[Book] Talking about the great escape. Wow.
[Vic] Take a look at the NXT Universe that has filed in to NXT Deadline.
I just looked over, Trick Williams now trying to get out of the door
as quick as he could. And here he comes.
And Bron Breakker now turning things around in a hurry.
[Book] Bate needs to try to get up. He needs to move and ride that… Oh!
Wow!
-Good night, Trick Williams. -[Vic] Wait a minute.
[crowd screaming]
[Vic] Bron is down. Dijak's down, Trick's down. Bate is standing.
Briggs is on his feet as well. We're under 90 seconds.
[crowd chanting] NXT!
[Vic] NXT Universe trying to rally these two steamers.
How the hell is Dijak on his feet? Looking for feast his eyes one more time.
Look at the clock, though, under 90 seconds. Bate just got taken out.
Roll up is Trick Williams. And Trick right now. Trick's got a fall.
Also a superkick. Second superkick from Dijak.
[announcer] Trick Williams has scored a fall.
[Book] Time is running out, Vic. Time is running out quickly.
[Vic] I haven't even seen Bron Breakker move. It's Dijak all the way to the top.
Oh, just dropped Trick. Feast your eyes. Under 60 seconds. Eddy, Eddy Thorpe!
Where the hell did Thorpe come from?
No love loss between Thorpe, who's staring a hole into Dijak.
And Dijak might be paying for his past. Just got kicked. Trick!
-Trick, Trick! -[Book] Oh, Trick's in the game.
-[Vic] Bate from the top. -[Book] Trick's out of the game.
[Vic] Bate from the top. Trick just got a second fall.
Bate looking for that… No, counter. Trick roll through.
You gotta be kidding me!
[Book] I like it. Oh yeah, man.
[Vic] Superstars going to the penalty box. We're tied at three. There's ten seconds.
There's ten seconds, Book. Spear, didn't connect. Oh, my God!
[crowd cheering]
-[bell ringing] -[Vic] He did it! How the hell?
[announcer] …and the Iron Survivor,
Trick Williams.
-[crowd chanting] Whoop that Trick! -[Book] Uh-uh. Uh-uh.
Yeah.
I like it. Oh yeah, man.
Oh, Vic, you gotta love it, man.
-Yeah. -[Vic] We gave Trick Williams no chance.
-No frickin chance. -[Book] Oh yeah, man. Oh yeah, man.
[Vic] I can't believe
-what we just witnessed. -[Book] Yeah, look at the people.
[Vic] I'm going to try to get back to some of this matchup.
Breakker entered this matchup.
It was a quick one, two, three.
And I don't mean one, two, three by the count.
I mean one, two, three decisions for Bron Breakker,
who changed the game as fast as he entered
the matchup in less than 60 seconds. And you know what?
Just bang, one for good measure.
Those were the three falls and Bron Breakker
was in the driver's seat for this matchup.
Trick Williams laid it all on the line. You brought up the point.
Trick Williams had no points.
Trick Williams was just trying to get back into this matchup.
But Trick kept finding his way into the penalty box right here for 90 seconds.
Double moonsault by superstars who shouldn't be doing moonsaults.
Their size, that athleticism, it's unheard of.
But they both got two points, which would send Bron and Trick to the box.
And when they came out, bam. It was an explosion.
And here, Book, you said no chance, he's out of it.
And we started looking around and bodies were falling.
First it was Bron, who went through the table.
And then as we started to look around and the clock was ticking,
Trick Williams picked up a couple of falls.
But in the final ten seconds, down to nine, it sat at eight, it was at seven.
But all Trick needed was three to become the Iron Survivor.
[Trick Williams' music playing]
-[crowd chanting] Whoop that Trick! -[Book] Uh-uh, uh-uh.
This is my time.
[Book] I like it. Oh yeah, man.
I love it. I love it.
[Book] Come on, Trick.
Give me some, dog. Oh yeah, man.
[Vic] A lot of congratulations go out tonight to Trick Williams moments ago,
but also Dragon Lee, the new North American Champion.
And he gets handed the gold from his hero, Rey Mysterio.
[rock music playing]
Hey, hey, hey. Sorry, man.
Look, I know how you're feeling right now.
-Do you? -Hey.
Sorry, ma'am. Tonight it wasn't my night.
What? You kidding me? You guys did great, both of you.
You should have had your heads held up high. Come on now.
[man] Hello, hello, hello.
Unlucky cowboys.
-You should be hanging your head in shame. -Zero for two, you foolish boys.
Wait a minute.
Did I miss when Lash so called Legend won the Iron Survivor Challenge?
Excuse you. I didn't lose.
-I ran out of time. Thank you. -Oh, that sounds like excuses to me.
She had two, you had one.
That means Meta-Four is twice as good, twice as nice. Oh!
[woman] Security! Security!
[shouts and grunts]
We're excited. WrestleMania is right around the corner.
Mayhem, destruction, WrestleMania. All those together.
But we also want to remind everyone that the first NXT
of the new year, it is New Year's Evil on January 2nd.
And we know that our Iron Survivors tonight will receive
their NXT Championship matches on that night.
Do not miss the first NXT of 2024, New Year's Evil.
Oh, yes.
[suspension music playing]
[Vic] Well, these two have brawled in parking lots, destroyed
each other on a Devil's Playground.
And this personal vendetta now locks these two inside a solid steel cage.
Right after this break for our subscribers on Peacock Premium Plus.
Let's take a look at where this all started.
-[crowd cheering] -[suspension music playing]
[screams]
[Vic] The parking lot. It's Roxanne Perez. It's Kiana.
[Ava] We're days away from Deadline and things are out of control around here.
You saw what happened in the trainers room.
And you're at Deadline. I'm at Deadline, Roxanne.
[Ava] Roxanne Perez and Kiana James cannot keep their hands off of each other.
So it's official. This Saturday at Deadline,
Kiana and Roxanne will finally settle their differences
in a steel cage match.
[crowd screaming]
[Roxanne] Kiana James has outed out for me since the day that we got signed together.
[announcer] Please welcome the NXT Women's Breakout Tournament participants,
Roxanne Perez.
Kiana James.
[Roxanne] And I know exactly why.
Because I won the Breakout Tournament and she didn't.
-[Vic] Perez has made history tonight. -[Kiana] Jealous of Roxanne?
No. But what I am is sick and tired of everyone around here giving her all
the praise. Roxanne Perez, Women's Breakout Tournament winner.
Roxanne Perez, Iron Survivor. Roxanne Perez, Women's Champion.
-[Vic] Congratulations, Roxanne Perez. -I want my women's title back.
And at Halloween Havoc, I'm taking it.
[Kiana] You think I was gonna let Roxanne Perez
get another chance to gain another championship?
No.
[Vic] Who the hell? That's Kiana James.
[Kiana] Roxanne Perez has been the golden child of NXT
since the minute she walked through the door.
-[woman] ♪ Three, two, one ♪ -[man] ♪ Yeah ♪
Ironically enough, the same day I walked through the doors of NXT…
Did everyone just forget that I was in the Women's Breakout Tournament?
I was also in the Iron Survivor Challenge.
I even captured my own Tag Team gold.
But where are my flowers?
It is now my mission to make sure the entire world sees me above Roxanne Perez.
Kiana James has been here, and it's about damn time you put some respect on my name.
[Vic] Hey, it's Kiana James!
[Kiana] Roxanne won't win the Iron Survivor Challenge this year,
because she's not in it. Courtesy of KJ.
[Roxanne] Kiana James came after me out of jealousy
time after time after time.
[man] ♪ They don't know how the dream were ♪
[Roxanne] And I'm done. I'm done.
-[hip hop music playing] -[Roxanne and Kiana screaming]
I'm Kiana James. I'm an entrepreneur.
I built my reputation on deadlines, and tonight I'll build my career on one.
[Roxanne] People try to underestimate me,
but I think I've proven that that's a pretty bad choice.
[Kiana] Everyone wants to talk about this edgy side of Roxanne Perez.
We'll see how edgy Roxanne is when I throw her ass in a steel case.
[Roxanne] Tonight, in a steel cage match, I'm going to end Kiana James.
[music fading out]
[crowd chatter]
[Vic] Well, Booker, we had two Iron Survivor matches. We've had North American
Championship match, and now we're getting settled in for a steel cage showdown.
[Roxanne Perez's music playing]
[bell ringing]
[announcer] The following contest is a steel cage match,
where the only way to win is by pinfall or submission.
Introducing first, Roxanne Perez.
[Vic] What do you attribute to Perez's change in aggression since this summer?
-You talked her more than anybody here. -[Book] This started a long time ago.
Roxanne Perez started training
with me at Reality Wrestling at 16 years old.
She has been hearing me say it many, many times over and over,
this is about business. Roxanne is thinking about history.
She's thinking about legacy.
She's thinking about going into the Hall of Fame one day.
That's what this is all about.
The Prodigy.
[Vic] Well, for Perez, she seems at home almost inside that steel cage.
Sometimes a little bit of trepidation when someone walks into a cage.
Roxanne Perez is smiling right now, Booker.
[Book] She's achieved so much, Vic, at only 22 years of age.
And she's only wanted this since she was just eight years old.
And now that dream has come to fruition.
Okay, okay, boss.
[Vic] A boss who means business here tonight.
[Kiana James' music playing]
[announcer] And her opponent, Kiana James.
[Vic] Talk about feeling at home in the cage, if you're Roxanne Perez.
Kiana James has never competed in this sort of match.
Has never competed in this sort of environment.
And when you hear from Kiana,
you get a sense that there's a lot of jealousy
in Kiana James towards the success of Roxanne Perez.
And there has been for quite some time.
[Book] No, no, you go back to the Breakout Tournament 2022.
When you get beat by a rookie, Vic, somebody you think is the rookie,
it makes you feel a certain way.
[Vic] Finally this matchup is official,
as these two, including Kiana James I should say,
Kiana James right off the bat was trying to get that knockout blow.
And we've seen what's been in that bag in the past.
These two have battled on a Devil's Playground.
They've had bras in the parking lot, in the training room, all over now here
in the steel cage. And there's nowhere to run, Booker.
There's nowhere to hide. Excuse me. Pinfall, submission, only.
Only ways to win.
[Book] It's about going out here and just letting it all hang out right now.
Roxanne Perez, she has a lot to prove.
But I must say, Kiana James has a little bit more to prove,
-she needs a victory tonight. -[Vic] It's hard to argue with you.
And again, that steel cage, which almost came into play for Roxanne Perez,
as Perez trying to turn things around.
Who will be the first to taste the steal tonight? It is Kiana James who blocked it.
I think Kiana's had enough.
I just looked at Kiana and she said, no, no, no.
You can't win by escape.
She's trying to run, create a little bit of separation.
[Book] Oh, man, bad fall there.
[Vic] But Roxanne Perez did just enough to rock Kiana James
and then rocked her right into the steel cage.
Into the cover again, pinfall, submission and a kickout.
[Book] You said that perfectly. The steel cage, the solid steel cage.
You look at those steel posts, you look at the iron fencing,
it could get gnarly, it could get unforgiving inside that steel cage.
For me, when you close that door, I'm claustrophobic, man. I can't stand it.
[Vic] What a night it has been. It all started with Shawn Michaels
and CM Punk in the center of the ring.
Live trending number one for Deadline all night long.
And you got to imagine those two have had an interesting conversation tonight.
I wish I was a fly on that wall.
[Book] You know, Punk said it in his first promo.
He said, you know, it's about money, man. It's not about making friends.
It's about making money.
I've said that to Roxanne Perez many, many times.
[Vic] She might be looking for a money move from the top.
Tried to use a little bit extra with the advantage of the steel cage.
And instead, spine first into the steel goes Perez in the cage designed to keep
others out while containing the competitors. Booker,
I look at you, because we've already seen the steel come into play.
What are the dangers of the steel cage?
[Book] No, no, just degrading right there.
Those poses is unforgiving inside this steel cage.
For me, I hate it being inside the steel cage, because there again,
-it takes years of a career. -[Vic] You just saw the hand
of James was caught into that steel mesh. Excuse me.
Roxanne Perez was caught in that steel mesh, and it was Kiana who was
taking full advantage. And this is all legal.
And there you see the face of Perez pressed up against that steel.
And Kiana, the conniving one, she doesn't give a damn what she does and who
she hurts. She wants to hurt Roxanne Perez tonight.
[Book] I was about to make a break right here, Vic. Being inside the steel cage,
you can use the cage any way you want. It's all legal in a matchup like this.
And Roxanne Perez, she's just gonna have to, so to speak, man up.
[Vic] That steel has ripped flesh. It's bruised a lot of egos.
And Kiana James right now, keeping her foot on the gas, getting a little fancy.
Oh!
Again, very impactful.
Kiana James into another cover, hooks the leg, and was able to kick out.
I can say a lot about the conniving attitude of Kiana James, because it's cost
her this year. She lost her Tag Team Titles because of her attitude.
She's had this rivalry with Roxanne Perez, which you could argue cost her a spot
in the Women's Iron Survivor Challenge.
But she's been holding onto this personal grudge, and it might work
into her advantage inside the steel cage.
[Book] You know, Vic, to get a win is one thing,
but to get a win over a rivalry is something different.
As well as to get a win over Breakout winner, Iron Survivor Champion,
former NXT Champion. Yes. Oh, yes. You got to go out here and do work.
[Vic] Perez right in. Oh, spinebuster.
[Book] Beautiful spinebuster.
[Vic] Perez able to power out one more time.
Perez, who is the winner of the first ever Women's Iron
Survivor Challenge match last year,
did capitalize, became the NXT Women's Champion.
We know it is Blair Davenport who will be facing Lyra Valkyria
on the first NXT of the new year, New Year's Evil.
But how about the Women's Division getting turned upside down just like Perez. Bam!
With that spine tingling spinebuster. The return tonight of Cora Jade.
[Book] [laughs] What bad, bad little sister. She's back and I love it, man.
[Vic] Gotta wonder what Cora Jade's thinking now, seeing her former bestie,
her former friend, her former partner Roxanne Perez
-get decimated inside this steel cage. -[Book] Get off of the friendship stuff.
I mean, Cora Jade, she got off of it. But why can't you?
[Vic] A big heart, Booker. We're friends.
And oh, there was nothing friendly about the steel cage
that Kiana James just ricocheted off of.
And we've already seen Roxanne Perez victorious in that Devil's Playground
match, right? We've seen her win when weapons were wild.
[Book] Just that Roxanne Perez,
that great anticipation just like you just saw right there. And trust me, you cannot
think for one second that Roxanne Perez is not going to find her way
-back into the game. Here we go. -[Vic] Perez looking for a little extra
on that Thesz press, and now maybe getting her second, her third win.
Weathered that storm up front. Big right hand, nice dropkick, taking down James.
Then The Prodigy is feeling it in Bridgeport.
[Roxanne screaming]
[Vic] You can just hear the rage coming out
of Perez. Oh, you might see the welt start forming on the body of James.
[Book] Turnabout is fair play in a matchup like this. And right now,
Roxanne Perez, she knows the end game.
She always talks about getting back to the championship. This is what it takes.
-Let it all hang out. -[Vic] It was Kiana James
who denied Roxanne Perez her chance to make more history here in NXT
by becoming a two-time Iron Survivor winner.
And she's using that right now as fuel.
[Book] And I talked about using that fuel,
using something that take you to that dark, dark place.
That's what Roxanne is right now, Vic.
[Vic] Big uppercut, followed it up with a nasty forearm.
And look at Perez rocking, rolling Russian leg sweep, floating right over.
[Book] Very, very fluid motions right now by Roxanne Perez.
And she's going for it all right here. Oh, yes.
[Vic] Right into the back. Will this be enough?
Perez into the cover, and another near fall again. Pinfall, submission,
the only ways to win tonight's steel cage matchup.
And maybe right now, Kiana James is starting to realize bad business deal
making The Prodigy her business.
[Book] I don't think it's a bad business deal.
I mean, right now she's down, Vic, but this is about the end game.
I mean, this is not a sprint. This is America. This is a cage match.
[Vic] Oh, what's…
Roxanne got to the top rope, looked up and got a smile on her face.
[Book] I don't like that. I don't like that at all.
One thing about these cage, I always go back to super fly Jimmy Snuka.
You just want that moment, just one time. Oh, no, man.
[Vic] Well, this could be another moment made here at Deadline.
Kiana James almost with… You gotta think,
James now has a sense of urgency, because she did not want what was about to happen.
But both these women are high up. Booker, how high is the cage? 20 feet?
-20 feet above the canvas? -[Book] Easy 20 feet.
[Vic] High above the NXT Universe.
This personal vendetta has brought these two to go to some extreme heights.
-And I literally mean that. -[Book] This is dangerous, Vic.
This is dangerous. 20 feet high upon the steel cage. Oh, my God, man.
Not just claustrophobic, but I'm scared of heights as well.
[Vic] James trying to hold on, doing her best. And Perez held by the ankle.
And Kiana out of desperation putting
and bringing in Perez, because Perez was looking to go very high rent. And oh, oh.
Off her footing for a moment.
And again, that hand caught dangerously in that mesh, face first.
But now there's another danger.
[Book] Oh, Roxanne's in a bad, bad… Oh, man!
[Vic] Powerbomb from the bottom rope off the cage.
[Book] The back of the neck, Vic, right in the back of the head right now.
[Vic] She got folded up. And Kiana falling into a cover to win it.
Perez able to kick out again.
And again, the lengths these two women are willing to go in this matchup.
Kiana, who has never been in this environment, and certainly, Booker,
entering a cage match for your first time can be intimidating.
I don't necessarily think Kiana James has been intimidated.
[Book] Not at all, Vic. I mean, only can win by pinfall in a matchup like this too.
That gives it extra added pressure.
You can't try to sneak out of the cage and give, you know, steal a victory
-or anything like that. You gotta earn it. -[Vic] Bouncing off… Oh!
Look, that was Pop Rox.
[Book] It was. But not able to make the cover.
-Took the worst wear out of that. -[Vic] Certainly did.
But that at least has now opened the door for Perez. Perez sensing it.
Perez realizing it, crawling over into the cover, hook in the leg.
[Roxanne screaming]
[Vic] A little bit too much time taken.
And you start looking around and it's a great shot, as Perez
in disbelief that James able to kick out of pop rox.
But it took her a little bit too much time to crawl into that cover.
You look up from the monitor, you're seeing the elbows are scraped,
the backs are bruised, the welts are forming. Pop Rox was countered by James.
Face first went Perez.
You can't win by escaping the cage.
Kiana's just trying to get the hell out of dodge.
Trying to get away from Roxanne Perez by any means necessary.
-Oh, Book, Book, Book. -[Book] Great plan, Vic. Great plan.
Wow, what a great strategy, Vic.
[Vic] Got her hands on that steel chair,
and it's all legal in this steel cage matchup.
But it didn't pay off. Oh.
Right to the… Uh-uh. Turnabouts. Fair play.
You can beg and plead all you want, Kiana.
[man] What are you doing? Come on.
It is what it is.
[Vic] That's Izzi Dame!
-Izzi Dame, what the… -[Book] Come on, Vic.
[Vic] She's been at the side. Oh, that conniving Kiana.
Deal breaker, with the assist from Izzi Dame and the steel chair.
-You gotta be kidding me. -[Book] Come on, man.
[announcer] Here is your winner, Kiana James.
[Vic] Booker, that just sucked the air right out of the NXT Universe,
that is packed into the Total Mortgage Arena here tonight.
Looking back, this is the best moment. Pop rox connected.
But again, the steel cage took so much out of both superstars.
Perez wasn't able to capitalize.
And then Izzi Dame, making her presence felt at the right time.
And that would open the door, bam! For Kiana James.
With the use of this. I'm in absolute disbelief
that Kiana James came to Bridgeport with a plan,
and she executed it to perfection alongside Izzi Dame.
[dance music playing]
[rock music playing]
Riley Osborne, the live wire that is going to cut through all the competition.
Keanu Carver. I didn't come here to break out.
I'm here to break bodies.
The name's Tavion Heights. So get with it.
We're coming from the top and we ain't leaving, that's where we're staying.
♪ This is my time to be way out the top Me and my guys gonna pay out the block ♪
Dion Lennox. A competitive theory, a ferocity, a passion,
work ethic unmatched.
[music playing]
[Luca] Outside of the ring I'm referred to as a legal eagle of the law.
And that will translate inside the ring when I file a motion to win.
I'm Myles Borne, I'm the last of a dying breed and 2024 will be my year.
I'm gonna make my mark.
Sweeping through the trees, uprooting, changing the landscape.
That is what Trey Bearhill is bringing.
[Oba] I am the ruler, the destroyer, and to every single man,
I will allocate my judgment accordingly.
[Vic] Well, get ready, Booker, because eight superstars looking to make a name
for themselves. This year's Men's NXT Breakout Tournament starts on Tuesday.
But what a night it's been here at Deadline.
And Tuesday is shaping up to be must see, because after Eddy Thorpe made
his presence felt earlier, this rivalry will right its next chapter.
Thorpe not at 100 %, but wants another crack at Dijak.
These two go one-on-one once again on Tuesday.
And tempers flared earlier tonight.
Well, this Tuesday we will have a six person mixed Tag Team matchup.
It's all live and it's all going down on NXT.
But it is main event time here at Deadline and Baron Corbin has
downplayed Dragunov's lifestyle in an attempt to frustrate the champion.
Is tonight the end of days for Dragunov?
Or can The Mad Dragon's fire burn down Corbin Schick?
Members of the WWE Universe subscribing
to Peacock Plus, let's reflect on how this main event came to be.
Dragunov off has done it.
[Ilja] I promised to push this brat to the next level with the fire that only
The Mad Dragon can blow.
I'm very proud to be the NXT Champion.
I traveled home recently and my son was holding
this title for the very first time. He looked at me with pride in his father.
This represents 30 years of sacrifice.
I will turn this championship reign into a symbol of incomparable passion.
[Baron] Incomparable passion. What the hell does that even mean?
-[Vic] That's Baron Corbin. -[Baron] Keep your head up.
That man's rage, his anger, his phony intensity doesn't fool me.
I'm the only man that has put Ilja down and that scares him. He's ducking now.
He's not giving the guy who actually deserves a title shot a shot.
[Ilja] Baron,
you want a NXT Championship match so bad, huh?
You got it. I'll see you at Deadline.
Baron Corbin, with this title on my shoulder,
I'm a different animal. Remember this,
the only person who can slay The Dragon is the dragon himself.
[Baron] Because I agree, Ilja, the life of a champion is lonely enough,
coming home to a cold, empty apartment, no one to share your day to day with,
Ilja, you turned your back on your son.
You walked out the door, you got on a plane,
and you left.
You only have one reason to be here and to set a title on your shoulder.
And that just so happens to be the one thing I'm missing in my life.
My life is better. I have generational wealth, expensive cars and a big mansion.
I kiss my wife and children every day and every night before going to bed.
So at Deadline, I'm taking that title from you.
And you will have nothing left. And me, I'll have everything.
[Ilja] Baron, you brought my personal life into this.
The sacrifices that I make for my son so he has a better life.
That is a line that you have crossed. Your body will pay for this.
What you're doing to your son right now,
well, that's exactly what your father did to you.
[Ilja] You materialistic son of a bitch.
That's it. That's it. Breathe the fire. You think that scares me, Ilja?
I have been through hell and back.
And I always find a way. Do it right now, for your family.
You're a coward. You'll find a way to stay.
The only one who can destroy The Dragon is the dragon himself.
-[Baron Corbin's music playing] -[crowd cheering]
[motorcycle sounding]
[Vic] Booker, this entire time we believed that it was Baron Corbin,
the challenger tonight, that's been playing Ilja Dragunov.
But as we witnessed this past Tuesday…
it might actually be the other way around.
-[Book] Wow, what an entrance. -[Vic] You did not hear what I just said.
-[Book] I'm sorry, I was checking out… -[Vic] I just said that Corbin's
been the one playing Ilja Dragunov, but it's actually
Dragunov who may have been playing Baron Corbin all along.
Did you not see that hug? Did you not see the look on Baron Corbin?
[Book] I did see Ilja Dragunov compose himself,
contain that Mad Dragon inside of him.
We'll see how this thing play out tonight.
Because we know all about this man right here, Baron Corbin,
came back to NXT to find someone, that lone wolf inside of himself.
Oh, my God, man. This is going to be a matchup for the ages.
[Vic] Can Baron Corbin capture the NXT Championship?
-[Ilja Dragunov's music playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Vic] The fire breathing Mad Dragon.
And I want to ask you on a serious level, do you feel for Dragunov when it comes
to someone else talking about your family like Corbin has done?
Talking about why you leave your house every day?
[Book] On a serious note, that's the one thing you do not do in this business.
You don't talk about the wives, you don't talk about the kids.
You don't want to bring mom into the picture.
That right there can take you to a place that you really don't want to go,
especially with someone like Ilja Dragunov, who's looking to conduct
his greatest symphony here tonight at Deadline.
[Vic] These two are a different breed of superstar.
I can only imagine what it's going to take
to keep the other down here tonight.
[bell ringing]
The following contest, scheduled for one fall,
is for the NXT Championship.
Introducing first the challenger,
Baron Corbin.
And his opponent, he is the NXT Champion,
Ilja Dragunov.
[Vic] All right, Booker, do you agree with Dragunov, going back to Tuesday,
that the only person who can slay The Mad Dragon is the dragon himself?
[Book] You got to think about the road that Ilja Dragunov took to get here, Vic.
He didn't get the easy route. It wasn't handed to him or anything like that.
He had to earn the NXT Championship.
And hell is going to freeze over before you give it up easily.
[Vic] Well, this one is underway.
It's official, and we'll see how Dragunov can contain himself in this matchup,
because take a look at the history of Ilja Dragunov here.
Baron Corbin's smart.
He knows that others have gotten under the skin of Dragunov that have forced his
intensity to work against him, that have made him go over the line,
whether it's to lose a match or to lose focus.
Dragunov, though, has learned to control his emotions, and we've seen in the past
his ability to topple unbeatable challengers.
[Book] Talking about making me a believer, Ilja Dragunov is the real deal,
but he's in there with somebody like Baron Corbin, a former Golden Glove boxer.
A guy that's played in the National Football League,
he knows about competition, Vic.
[Vic] To that point, you just brought up when talking about Golden Gloves.
Do you notice the right hand of Baron Corbin is taped tonight?
[Book] To land big shot you don't want to hurt your knuckles or anything like that.
And I get it, I get it.
[Vic] NXT Universe, like they've been since the start of the night,
split down the middle, voicing their opinions on their,
just on the edge of their seat all night long, from how the night started,
to two Iron Survivors, to a new North American Champion,
to now the NXT Title being on the line in our main event.
[Book] This truly is the main event right here.
I mean, Ilja Dragunov is a guy whose whale…
-Whoa, whoa. Wow, wow. -[Vic] Back in, here comes Dragunov.
Dragunov ducks a clothesline, picks up some steam.
And just got taken right back down by Baron Corbin.
And this is how Corbin can start to frustrate another superstar.
-He's so skilled. -[Book] The strategy of Baron Corbin
right now, he's just trying to slow down Ilja Dragunov.
Trying to take some of the steam off of Ilja Dragunov early.
I like the mindset of Baron Corbin.
[Vic] Coming into this matchup,
Dragunov had to realize that the challenger would have the size advantage.
And you could argue, it's Baron Corbin who has the power, the strength advantage
-in this matchup. -[Book] Not just that.
He's been playing mind games on Ilja Dragunov since Halloween Havoc.
I mean, you know, beat down here, beat down there.
Definitely trying to soften up Ilja.
-Oh, that was nothing soft about that. -[Vic] You heard that in New York.
And now a big knee by Dragunov.
And look at the champion trying to rally and then just gets turned inside out
and dumped over the top as Corbin looking down as his chest is turning a bright red.
But right back in comes Dragunov, and this is that perseverance, this is that
presence, this is that undying ability and will that Dragunov possesses
that we've seen since his very first day here in NXT.
[Book] The key to victory for Baron Corbin,
he's gonna have to separate Ilja Dragunov from his senses.
[Vic] They're getting a little bit too close.
And the way this night has gone, I'm getting out of the way,
because Dragunov, Corbin, referee using his discretion.
He obviously wants to see a victor in this matchup.
Countout does not do Baron Corbin any favors.
Has to win by pinfall, submission inside the ring to become the NXT Champion.
[Book] I like the referee's discretion, Vic,
because it should be a definitive victor in a matchup like this.
This is for the NXT Championship.
[Vic] But that was a German suplex on the floor.
And Baron Corbin is feeling the pain.
And look at Dragunov. Dragunov has heard what has been said about his son.
He's breaking the count, because he wants to inflict more pain.
He wants to inflict more damage onto Corbin.
[grunts]
[Book] Referee's done a hell of a job letting this thing play out, Vic.
I'm loving it. I'm loving it right now.
[Vic] Referee's at four, Corbin heard the official,
but Corbin looking to add a little extra damage.
[Ilja screaming]
[Baron screaming]
[Vic] Oh!
Corbin all smiles as the official checking on Ilja Dragunov.
And I don't know if it was the table or it was the rib that cracked.
Because our crew here has come out after the night we've had and they've reinforced
our table finally here tonight.
And it might be putting off for Baron Corbin, who's now focused on the ribs,
focused on the midsection, focused on becoming champion as Dragunov kicks out.
You can stop it, Ilja.
You can stop it.
[Vic] There is no stop in the champion.
[Book] No, it's no quitting Ilja Dragunov.
We talked about this kid, he could take all the pain you can dish out.
Seems like pain is his pleasure, Vic.
[Vic] And have some underestimated Corbin's desire?
We use this word for Dragunov, his will to become the NXT Champion.
We heard him on Tuesday, what his goals are.
We heard him talking about restoring order on this brand.
We heard all about WrestleMania matches and the main events, and the list goes on.
But did we all underestimated Corbin's desire to be the NXT Champion?
[Book] I think so, because Corbin came back here to NXT for one thing.
He wanted to fuel himself.
He wanted to find that warrior inside of him one more time, that lone wolf.
And I tell you, Vic, the NXT Championship put him right
at the front of the table again. I love it.
[Vic] And I think some do forget that one of the last individuals
to beat Ilja Dragunov was Baron Corbin.
[Book] In the middle of that square circle.
[Vic] One person who hasn't forgotten, by the way, is Corbin himself,
who just sidestepped the champion and now right back in, Dragunov in Corbin's grasp.
And face first over that top turnbuckle.
And you see the agony on the face of the champion and he's going right to his ribs.
How many times you see someone get hit in the face but grab another body part?
[Book] Yes. Right now, Baron Corbin is taking
Ilja Dragunov a piece. Excuse me. Apart piece by piece. And I tell you,
Baron Corbin is looking more dangerous than I've ever seen him
and more focused than I've ever seen him at this point of the game.
[Vic] Oh, and he almost has to be. Oh! Extra authority.
Buckling the knees as the smile again comes across
the face of this sinister Baron Corbin.
Booker, you have drawn a line in the sand that there is a line that you don't cross,
and that's talking about another man's family.
And Corbin has hurled insults about Ilja's lifestyle, his son.
That maybe is why Baron Corbin seems more dangerous than ever before,
-because he has to be. -[Book] No, no.
I think Baron Corbin actually feels like he's the most dangerous man in NXT
right now, because he's the one man that put Ilja Dragunov down, Vic.
[Vic] Well, if Corbin gets his way, he could put Dragunov down for the count.
But there's that fighting spirit of the champion, who's barely hanging on.
And you got to imagine right back, even holding himself up,
the damage that's been done to that midsection.
You see Dragunov holding on to the ribs, but he doesn't give… Oh, no.
No one home on the senton.
More damage is done. Corbin now, target acquired.
-Boom! Big clothesline. -[Book] That's just scouting right there.
[Vic] Turning Dragunov inside out for the NXT Championship. And a deep coverage.
Barely, barely kicked out, There wasn't much for Dragunov.
You talked about this move just second ago.
A beautiful clothesline. It was well scouted what was to come.
There was a payoff. But here, look again, Book.
There wasn't much on that kickout. There wasn't much for Dragunov.
[Book] That was a textbook cover right there.
But Ilja Dragunov still just got a little fumes left in the tank.
Baron Corbin just need to just keep the hammer down, man. Keep the hammer down.
[Vic] You talked about the rib injury.
I just looked up and I'm looking at the face and the body of Dragunov,
you start to wonder about what internal injuries could be happening.
Booker, you've had to compete, I'm sure, with injuries to your ribs in the past.
What's this going to do to Dragunov at the late stage of this matchup?
[Book] You can look at him and tell.
The body language of Ilja Dragunov, right now he's laboring,
and I think it's because of those ribs.
-[Vic] Trying so hard. -[Book] Couldn't do it.
[Vic] He couldn't. And Dragunov again. Tried
-and got turned right around into a DDT. -[Book] Man.
[Vic] Corbin has brought his best here tonight.
The former United States Champion.
[Book] We talked about those battles, Vic. We talked about those wars
that you go through that take a little piece of you every time we win.
Ilja Dragunov is at that point right now.
[Vic] We can go back and think that the turning point in this matchup had to be
when Corbin dropped Dragunov right on our announce desk,
which was reinforced. And you just heard that nasty… Oh.
You wanted a hug.
You got it.
[Vic] That was the hug he was counting on. And, oh, a little extra.
[Book] Man.
[Vic] Corbin insulted by what transpired on Tuesday.
[Book] Talk about laboring right now, I've never seen Dragunov in this much trouble.
The referee may have to have the wherewithal, I'm not sure.
[Vic] And you got to look. Baron Corbin's not looking just for a victory,
he's looking to embarrass Ilja Dragunov.
Because not only would he take his title, he would embarrass Dragunov in front
of his son, who we have to assume is watching or will watch this tomorrow.
Dragunov again, just getting over powered.
And down across the knee.
[Book] Man.
[Vic] And right back in goes Corbin, cinching in that dragon sleeper.
He would love to make the unbeatable, the unbreakable Ilja Dragunov quit.
[Book] Ilja just landed about three big knee strike
right to the temple of Baron Corbin to kind of slow the momentum down just a bit.
[Vic] What Ilja Dragunov's got to do, get back into this matchup, Book.
Because we've seen Dragunov in some wars and there's that loaded right hand,
could have been looking for end of days.
Dragunov had it scouted, knew what was coming.
A big right hand, this time to the throat.
Corbin is buckling the knees
of the champion. And the challenger in control.
Kick just rocked Corbin for a moment.
-[Book] That was another knee strike, Vic. -[Vic] How much is behind those strikes?
[Book] Right now, look at Corbin, he's down.
He's feeling it. It's got to be something behind.
[Vic] Big knee. He certainly felt that one.
-Did he, Booker? -[Book] Yes, indeed.
Right now Baron Corbin is down.
I'm wondering how much is left in the tank.
He's put out a lot early in the matchup.
[Vic] Got to wonder what's left in Corbin, what's left in Dragunov.
Dragunov just pulling himself up to the top rope, pulling himself with maybe
every ounce he has left for himself, for his family, for his son.
Looking for that senton. This time he connects.
But he bounced off Corbin to the opposite side,
and you hear the anguish and pain the champion is in.
Take another look. And as much damage as Dragunov did to Corbin,
did he do the same amount of damage more to himself?
[Book] I mean, those ribs, I mean…
I think he landed on Baron Corbin's hip right there, the hip bone area.
Right now, I'll tell you right now, that could really hurt.
[Vic] It is all about the NXT Championship,
the main event here at NXT Deadline,
the final Premium Live event of the year in the WWE.
And it's champion, it's challenger, slugging it out.
[Book] I don't think you want to throw hands with somebody like Baron Corbin,
who's a champion in boxing.
-[Vic] Are you kidding me? -[Book] Oh, wow!
[Vic] Dragunov got up. And with one more open palm drop.
Baron Corbin, champion, challenger down.
-Turning point possibly in this matchup. -[Book] In those deep waters right now,
in those deep waters.
We're gonna see who's gonna drown here tonight at Deadline.
[crowd chanting] NXT!
[Vic] Dragunov welcoming Corbin. But right back in goes the champion.
And let's not forget, it's a champion who says he welcomes pain. He loves pain,
but how much can he withstand
tonight here against Baron Corbin?
Corbin with a form that might have just caught Dragunov on the bridge of the nose.
Second one. Dragunov down, back up. Fires off with a clothesline.
Corbin somehow still standing.
And he might only be standing because those ropes are holding him up.
[grunts]
[Booker laughing] That's hot. That's hot.
[Vic] One extra for good measure.
[Vic] We mentioned these two being a different breed,
a different caliber of superstar.
They're showcasing that here in the main event.
-[Book] Dragons breathing fire right now. -[Vic] Certainly is. Oh, my word.
[Vic laughing] What a kick from Dragunov. But so much taken out of the champion.
Needs a little bit extra to get in to maybe his next sequence.
Finally delivered another German with a bridge,
into the cover, Corbin kicked out at two and a half.
Feel this kick. I mean, just look at Corbin's face.
Just get… Boom! What did you call that earlier? The snout?
[Book] Yeah, that was the snout. That was the snout.
[Vic] Dragunov got every bit of Baron Corbin.
We talked about the rib injury,
now we have to start wondering how much has been taken out of Dragunov.
Will he have any core strength left to execute some of his more high, powerful,
high caliber, high impact?
[Book] That answered your question right there.
[Vic] And now look at the official doing a great job.
Dallas Irvin checking on the superstar. That being Ilja Dragunov.
I've said it before, I'll say it again about Ilja.
Sometimes an official needs to step in to save a superstar from himself.
But in this moment, Dragunov is at least still fight.
[Book] I get it. Have the wherewithal. They understand, know how to do his job.
Right now, the referee is doing a hell of a job letting the thing play out.
Like you said earlier,
-we need a definitive victor here tonight. -[Vic] Look at this, Book.
Dragunov with Corbin, with all that pain shooting through his body.
Corbin right back to the ribs. That's where the bullseye is.
[Book] Talk about that core strength,
Ilja has zero core strength in this situation, but he's still fighting.
[Vic] Back to the stomach again. Back to the midsection.
Corbin, Dragunov.
Top rope. Oh!
A super chokeslam from the top.
-[Book] Wow. -[Vic] And look at Corbin.
Corbin right now is crawling, senses it.
Trying to get into the cover, championship on the line, center of the ring.
And Dragunov again, left shoulder just getting off the mat.
[Book] That was instinct right there.
[Vic] Look at the impact. I want to focus on the impact of Dragunov's body,
bouncing off the mat with all the damage that's been done.
And back to the live action. Looking for another submission.
Looking for another dragon sleeper.
Trying to get a body scissors is Corbin. But look at Dragunov,
who's able to slide a foot in between.
[Book] Dragunov, for a second, Vic, he thought about tapping.
-[Vic] I don't believe that. -[Book] I can see it.
[Vic] Dragunov's not trying to tap.
Dragunov just wiggled his body free from the grapevine of Baron Corbin.
Trying to counter the pressure. Certainly has done that.
-And now Corbin is losing control. -[Book] Still out of position right here.
[Vic] Back to his feet. Dragunov goes up, goes over.
Turning around, looking for another German.
[Book] That elbow right there was behind the head.
I'm gonna tell you, that shot right there is an equilibrium shot.
-That shot could knock you off the… -[Vic] No way.
-How? Dragunov dropped it. -[Book] Damn.
[Vic] And that was a nasty landing for Corbin.
And again, every second right now, unlike the Iron Survivor Challenges, this plays
in to Dragunov's favor, because he can get a little bit more breath,
-he can get a little bit back on his feet. -[Book] The back of the knee right there.
Baron Corbin looked like he whiplashed off of that second rope.
-Could be a hyper extension. -[Vic] And now look at these two.
The difference between them. Corbin's choices have been made for himself.
Dragunov's have been made for his family. Oh! Deep six!
To three is all Corbin needs for the title.
[Book] Let's go.
[Vic] No, no, no. Not to be done just yet.
[Book] The fight in that Mad Dragon, Vic.
-It's no quit in him. -[Vic] But there's no quit in Corbin.
Corbin quickly got right back up, and he just felt this moments ago.
Delivers a version of it. Back to Dragunov. Right back to his feet.
Hooking the front face. Looking for the suplex. Brainbuster!
Brainbuster by Corbin. Into the cover, another hook of the leg.
Does Dragunov have anything left? That may be it.
-That may be all Dragunov has. -[Book] Triple combination from Baron
Corbin, still doesn't get the job done. Wow.
[Vic] Corbin's got to be thinking right now, what the hell do I have to do
to keep down Ilja Dragunov?
And for Dragunov, he's got to remember that he didn't turn his back on his son,
like Baron Corbin has said, he's fighting to give a better life for his family.
That is what is on the mind of Dragunov.
That is what is in the heart of the champion.
But how much left does Dragunov have? Looking for end of days
is Corbin. Dragunov able to roll through. Back to his feet. Champion now.
Tried this earlier, couldn't hoist. He certainly does now.
-Corbin trying to counter. -[Book] Oh, no. He could do it.
Still can't do it. Still can't do it.
[Vic] So much to be taken out of Dragunov will the third time be the charm?
He's got to empty the tank. And he does! Powerbomb.
[Book] Wow.
[Vic] Jackknife style.
[applause]
[Vic] And just when we think this man has nothing left to give,
he finds a little bit more. He finds a little bit more.
[Book] Dragunov went deep, deep, deep down into tank
right there to pull that one out, Vic. And here we go. He's going up top.
[Vic] You got to question, what Dragunov's thinking about.
Because he's going all the way to the top.
He can't even keep his balance, Book.
Somehow able to go coast to coast. But again, he's holding on to the ribs.
So much damage has been done by Corbin. But Dragunov has done
the same amount of damage to himself.
[Book] You know, when Corbin dropped Ilja Dragunov
right here on this announce table, you say you heard a pop.
You don't know if it was the table. You don't know if it was a rib.
I'm thinking it's the latter right now. Vic.
[Vic] I know he loves pain. I know he's able to persevere.
Dragunov with his son on his mind.
Looking for that one final… Oh!
Almost caught again in end of days, counter though, by Dragunov.
Who gets hoisted. DDT's Baron Corbin.
Oh. And that now gave new life to Dragunov. H bomb!
A second. This is for everything that Corbin has said about his family.
That line you don't cross, Corbin crossed it. He ran by it.
Dragunov hasn't forgotten about it.
A third H bomb.
What?
[grunts]
[Vic] I don't know what Dragunov is saying.
But what the hell do you say to someone that you're about to obliterate?
Corbin is out on his feet.
Three H bombs and a torpedo Moscow.
[referee and crowd] One, two, three!
[Vic] Dragunov stands tall once again.
[announcer] Here is your winner, and still the NXT Champion,
Ilja Dragunov.
[Vic] I don't know if he's made a steal.
How do you break what quite possibly could be unbreakable
in Ilja Dragunov?
What a showcase in this matchup for both these superstars.
Take nothing away from Baron Corbin.
Corbin brought his A game, hit that deep six.
Dragunov was somehow able to kick out.
Dragunov's ribs, Dragunov's midsection
was decimated in this matchup, but it didn't stop Dragunov
from pulling off unbelievable feats, like that coast to coast,
which rocked Baron Corbin back for the second time.
He was able to connect on a big strike.
But here maybe was the turning point for Dragunov, this DDT, where he was able
to overpower Baron Corbin, which led to not just one, not just two,
but three H bombs.
And then bam! That torpedo Moscow,
which would be the decisive factor here tonight.
And unlike Corbin's prophecy, it's Dragunov who has everything.
Corbin left with nothing. Long live the Tzar.
-[Trick Williams' music playing] -[crowd chanting] Whoop that Trick!
[Vic] And there's the number one contender.
The Iron Survivor. Can Trick slay The Mad Dragon?
NXT title on the line. New Year's Evil.