[theme music playing]
[narrator] Then.
-[Ric Flair] Woo! -[The Rock] If you smell…
[narrator] Now.
[Roman Reigns] Acknowledge me.
-[Lammy] The King of Kings. -[John Cena] You can't see me.
[narrator] Forever.
Together.
[Vic] It's a big fight field days before the Elimination Chamber in Perth.
As there is Smack Down's Shotzi
who has arrived for her first one-on-one NXT Women's Championship opportunity.
All it took was one social media post
to ruffle the feathers of our champion, Lyra Valkyria.
Who leaves tonight with the gold? It's our main event.
Welcome to NXT.
[Alicia] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the NXT
North American Championship.
[audience cheering]
[Alicia] Introducing first, the challenger,
Lexis King.
And his opponent,
he is the NXT North American Champion,
Oba Femi.
[Vic] Who will sit atop the throne
as the North American Champion by the end of the night.
Can you believe that King believes
he's owed a thank you from Oba Femi.
Let that sink in for a moment. It's a thank you.
[Byron] I had a week for it to sink in, Vic.
And listen, one of the foundational premises of this industry
when you're trying to make it.
You have to understand how to sell yourself,
how to market yourself for big time opportunities.
And as outlandish as it may seem, that Oba owes Lexis a thank you.
It was a smart marketing strategy.
[Vic] The last time King had a North American title opportunity,
a fortune teller's prophecy came true.
And that's when Oba began his takeover of NXT.
[Byron] I almost feel like Oba Femi is a human being that transcends time.
A figure of mythological proportions.
[Vic] Byron, when you competed in the ring,
can you imagine being a champion at this level in less,
in less than ten matches, as you check out the height
and then the nasty spill for Lexis King?
[Byron] Ten matches in, I was still trying to decide
whether or not I should wear trunks or tights,
let alone winning championships.
What Oba Femi is doing right now is super rare, almost unheard of.
[Vic] I should have worn a mask, but I'll digress.
[Byron] You should have what?
[Vic] I should have worn a mask, but I'll digress.
As King charging back in and got caught,
and then just tossed outside by the champ.
[Byron] Were the words of Oba Femi last week,
don't send someone you don't want back?
The NXT universe may not get Lexis King back,
and I'm not quite sure anybody's gonna compete here.
[Vic] That's where I thought you were gonna go with that.
As King, nice dropkick, just rocked Oba Femi.
[Byron] I'll be doing us all a favor.
[Vic] Femi's down, and I suppose as you mentioned,
you have to tip your cap to Lexis King for this championship match up and…
King duct.
Oba into the post, and Oba now, for the first time in his young career,
which we've talked about, there's a bullseye on his body.
There's a mark… That also is quite the right hand.
[Byron] That's how Oba Femi responds to having a bullseye on his back.
[Vic] Well, Oba Femi's shape thing, and look at King stopping right away,
going right to work on that left elbow, that left shoulder as well,
and sound strategy.
I mean, you take away one arm from Oba,
you're gonna be able to take away his power.
-You know what? I'll be right back. -Where are you going?
Out there.
Stone, I told you he's not worth it.
[Vic] Lexis King had a few choice words for Mr. Stone's children last week,
but he refocused himself on this championship match up.
You were trying to get into it a little bit earlier.
What are your honest thoughts of Lexis King?
[Byron] Lexis King is like a blind pimple. It's deep beneath the skin.
Yeah, it's hard to see at times,
but when it arrives, it makes you feel uncomfortable,
and it's hard to get rid of.
And again, that's another compliment.
Lexis King finds himself in this situation.
He's stirred the pot. You don't see him coming.
-Speaking of seeing him coming. -[Vic] There's Mr. Stone.
Lexis King, he saw, but it didn't even stop what King had in mind,
trying to hyperextend the elbow of Oba Femi,
who now is down to just one arm, swinging wildly.
-Oh, my God. -Get in here, Lexis.
Maybe King did take his eye off the ball.
I don't know how wise that was from the challenger
-as the champion was waiting. -[Byron] Not wise at all.
I understand Mr. Stone getting offended
and hurt by Lexis King's defamatory comments.
[Vic] I know what you're trying to say.
And Lexis King now can't be worried about Stone.
Can't be worried about Mr. Stone's children.
He should be worried about Oba Femi.
And he's finding out why it's not wise
to get in the face of someone 6'6", over 300 pounds,
who talks about immortality, that we all exist as footnotes,
and Oba Femi is overpowering Lexis King.
[Byron] Lexis King may live to regret the day he challenged Oba Femi.
[Vic] Pop Up Power bomb might have just sealed the fate
as Oba Femi continues to sit on the throne as North American Champion.
[Alicia] Here is your winner, and still the NXT North American Champion,
Oba Femi.
[Vic] Maybe it's Lexis King who should seek out a fortune-teller
before making any more promises.
There was a distraction, though. Lexis King, though, it's his own fault.
He was in control of the match up. Mr. Stone came out.
They had a little war of words last week.
Lexis King, though, paid the ultimate price.
First that lariat, and then this pop-up.
Bam! Power bomb, which sealed the fate for Lexis King.
And Oba Femi continues his dominance here at NXT.
And while he may be backed by destiny,
Oba Femi continues to ascend to new heights.
-You okay? -Riley hasn't answered me all week.
-Please tell me you haven't texted him. -No, I did what Tracy told me to do.
-It was hard to get on the date. -Okay, we get it.
You and Riley went on a Valentine's date. Just tell us what happened.
Well, he opened the car door for me.
I told him, no, don't open the car door for me.
I'm a grown-ass woman. I could do it myself.
Okay.
Okay, well, we went to dinner,
and he asked me what it was like to start at Chase University.
And I stayed on my phone most of the time
because I couldn't be too available, you know?
Couldn't be too available.
Oh. That's how you took it? That's not what I meant.
Excuse me, ladies. I couldn't help but overhear.
-Where did you come from? -Would you mind?
What?
Thea, a true lady is never afraid to come off as daring.
I, for one, have been on many, many dates.
-Okay. -And it sounds to me like,
-you may have scared him away. -Oh, no.
When a man opens the door for you, you welcome it.
When he shows interest in the little things you do,
-you engage and reciprocate. -Reciprocate?
I don't think it's too late for you. You should talk to Riley.
-And do what? Look desperate? -That.
Respectfully, ladies, I don't see how she would.
-But Jacy told me that I need to… -Don't look at me.
I didn't mean it the way you executed it. I can't do everything for you, Thea.
No, you're right. I have to do better.
-And she's your best friend? -Yeah.
Stop. Stop filling her head up and stay out of our business.
Or else Jacy will make an example out of you.
-Exactly. Ladies, let's go. -I'm coming.
[Vic] There's the NXT Tag Team Champions, Bron Breakker, Baron Corbin,
and they're here to celebrate once again.
We're gonna hear from the Wolf dogs next.
You took a pretty vicious beating from Lola last week. You good?
I mean, yeah, everything hurts.
And I've only been able to eat soup the past week.
But you came to my aid, and that's all that matters.
I wouldn't say that, but…
Someone had to tell you to tap out, Tatum.
-You shouldn't try to be a hero. -You're my hero.
[sighs] Look, I feel bad about last week.
But if you can do something for me, I promise I'll make it up to you.
Anything for you. Attack Shotzi from behind
-with a baseball bat? -That's not it.
Green mist to match her green hair? Anything. Just say it and I will do it.
Okay, here it is.
I need you to stay away from ringside today.
But, but, but…
But, but, but, you keep your little butt back here.
That's my one request, okay?
If you can do that, I have a very special surprise for you.
-A surprise? -Mm-hmm.
-For me? -Mm-hmm.
-Okay, okay, yeah, I will stay here. -Okay.
-Yes. -Great.
If match happens, you are nowhere to be seen.
-Yep, I will stay right here. -Great.
Yep, right here.
[sighs] This will be the hardest thing I've ever done.
["Barking" playing]
[Vic] Our NXT Women's Championship on the line in tonight's main event.
[Alicia] Please welcome
the new NXT Tag Team Champions,
Baron Corbin and Bron Breakker.
[Vic] Well, Byron, there's a lot for Bron Breakker to celebrate
because this past Friday, he put pen to paper
alongside General Manager Nick Aldis.
Bron Breakker, the newest superstar on Smack Down.
[Byron] You know what?
I was like a lot of people in the beginning, Vic,
when the idea of Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin came up as a tag team.
I said, no way.
You'd have a better chance of starting a fire in the snow.
But yet, I've been proven wrong. Critics have been proven wrong.
[audience chanting] You deserve it.
[Bron Breakker] Wow, man.
If you would have thought way back in September at No Mercy,
when you and I were beating the hell out of each other. Remember that?
And we'd be standing here today in our alligator skin boots…
and new NXT Tag Team Champions.
Yes, yes, yes.
Hey, I remember No Mercy like it was yesterday
because didn't I beat you?
[audience booing]
-It's not funny. -It's a little funny.
All right, you know what?
You wouldn't be standing here today with that belt around your waist
if it wasn't for me carrying this team.
Listen, if I remember right,
I did set you up pretty nicely, though. I was like, boom, into days.
Right here in the middle of the ring.
Or…
You set me up with the End of Days.
And I hit the Spear.
So that's Spear of Days.
[audience cheering]
[audience chanting] Spear of Days! Spear of Days! Spear of Days!
Yes, yes, yes. I love it. I love it. Look at this.
A couple of A-holes standing right here in the middle of the ring
with brand new hardware,
and we are good with being the new Tag Team Champions.
["Accomplished" playing]
Hold on just a second. Hold on just a second.
Now, you might not care who your next challengers are,
but we certainly do.
Should I spell it out for you?
No, we gotta hand it to you, boys.
Beating seven other teams to win the Dusty Cup,
winning the NXT Tag Team titles, that's not easy.
But guess what?
Chase University is back at 100%, and it's Chase U's time to shine.
You guys can take your school spirit and your calendars,
shove them up your asses. [laughs]
Easy, Duke. Easy, Duke.
Because I think what we have right now is a teachable moment.
[audience cheering]
You see, the former champs,
they promised us a shot at those NXT Tag Team Championships,
and we're not taking no for an answer.
So, Wolf dogs, we are going to get our championship match,
and we are going to give you
an Andre Chase University-sized ass-whooping!
["Never Slow Down" playing]
No, no, no. I don't think so, pal. That's not how this works.
Yeah, yeah. Hate to break it to you, Mr. Chase,
but that agreement that you had with the former champions,
yeah, null and void.
And that, my friend, is the hard-hitting home truth.
Yeah, and in case you don't remember,
we were the closest to beating Bron and Corbin
out of any other tag team in the Dusty Cup.
So, if there's anyone that deserves this chance…
-It's us! -Yeah!
-And, and… -Yeah?
These two wanted to jump us from behind two weeks ago,
and trust me, you will pay for that, you pieces of shit.
-Hey, hey, hey, no, no, no. -Dude, you've got to stand up for me.
Oh, okay.
Look, I don't know who invited you two to the party,
but in seriousness, all guys, it was good to see you,
but grab a ticket, get to the back of the line,
because the future two-time NXT Tag Team Champs
were about to place the Chase U flag firmly where it belongs.
Hey, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, listen, listen.
This sounds like a you guys problem,
and the new Tag Team Champions, we got stuff to do and places to be.
So why don't you guys take your little problems
and go tell somebody who cares?
[Ava] Baron, Baron. Baron, Bron.
You're right. It's not up to you to decide
who are your next challengers are gonna be.
That's up to me.
But it's so easy when I see two very deserving tag teams
right in front of me.
So I think that it should be Nathan and Axiom
against Chase U to decide exactly who the number one contender is
for the NXT Tag Team Championships.
And I also decided that that match is going to happen tonight.
[Byron] Yeah.
[Vic] Championship implications.
Tonight, who will be the first to challenge the Wolf dogs
for the NXT Tag Team Titles?
Roxanne Perez, you're just moments away from facing NXT newcomer Wren Sinclair
after a heated altercation last week.
Look, Wren shows a lot of promise.
She actually reminds me a lot of myself, just happy to be here.
But once she's in NXT for a while,
being happy to be here just won't cut it anymore.
You'll see other superstars getting opportunities that you deserve.
The spotlight that was once shining on you
will be ripped away by every single girl in that locker room.
You try to make sense of everything, but it just doesn't.
Opportunities that you work an entire year for,
your whole life for, being handed to main roster superstars.
After a while, you just build-up this callous towards people's feelings
and realize that the only person you can make happy around here
is yourself.
Shotzi and Lyra, I hope you're watching my match,
because I'll be watching yours.
["All Fall Down" playing]
♪ Rise up before we all fall down ♪
♪ Rise up tonight, rise up tonight ♪
[bell rings]
[Alicia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, Roxanne Perez!
[Vic] Different tone in the voice of Roxanne Perez,
but it was The Prodigy who punched her opponent
in the face last week in the middle of the locker room.
Roxanne Perez's getting ready to go one-on-one with Wren Sinclair,
and that match up takes place next on NXT.
♪ I can do this in my sleep ♪
♪ And I do it so casual ♪
♪ Yeah, you know it comes natural ♪
[Alicia] And her opponent, Wren Sinclair!
[Vic] You typically see things better than I do,
and give people the benefit of the doubt.
-[Byron] I appreciate that compliment. -[Vic] I'm just being honest here.
Three weeks in a row, this is my last week with you, thankfully.
But am I wrong, or was Wren just trying to help Roxanne Perez?
[Byron] You're not wrong at all.
I've had the opportunity to talk to Wren Sinclair.
She's talked about her nerves, being a newcomer here at NXT,
the pressures that come with that.
But she has been as sincere as I have seen a person being.
I thought she was just trying to be there for Roxanne Perez.
I thought Roxanne Perez overreacted.
I thought there was no reason why Roxanne Perez
had to punch Wren Sinclair.
And fist bump of respect to Wren Sinclair for going to Ava and saying,
I want the former NXT Women's Champion.
[Vic] Wren Sinclair right now has Roxanne Perez for the moment,
and there comes Perez.
And this now is starting to break down,
and I feel bad for the official in this match up.
Perez has to watch not to get disqualified,
and this all boils down to the NXT Women's Championship.
Is Roxanne right in voicing her displeasure,
you talked about Ava, of the NXT Women's Title?
[Byron] Yes.
[Vic] Backslide, shoulders down, kick out.
[Byron] It's not fair to Roxanne Perez, but…
[Vic] Another showdown one more time. Almost a big upset.
[Byron] Vic, you know as well as anyone,
anyone who has spent significant time in this industry knows it's not fair.
There are some opportunities you think you deserve and you don't get.
It doesn't mean you go around punching anybody in the face that you want.
[Vic] The main event will be Shotzi-Lyra for the NXT Women's Championship.
Right now, though, Wren Sinclair, big match for Sinclair.
Could have been a massive upset, a milestone victory as well.
And Perez pointed out the similarities between herself and Sinclair,
or should I say the lack thereof,
last week when Sinclair was trying to help out The Prodigy.
[Byron] Roxanne Perez has been in a position of Wren Sinclair.
She should know. But right now, Roxanne Perez
is on an emotional warpath.
And she's treading on that line between extreme focus and self-implosion.
She's got to get control of her emotions or she's going to make a bigger mistake.
[Vic] Her intentions, having Wren Sinclair was not to anger Roxanne Perez.
But for Roxanne Perez, she is at a different point in her career,
different point in her life perhaps right now.
[Byron] To that point, as we take another look here.
[Vic] Bam!
[Byron] Attack on the left arm is Roxanne Perez.
-Roxanne is actually… -[Vic] Another cover.
[Byron] …is actually dared the entire women's roster here in NXT
to come after her.
She's placing herself on an island, all by herself,
daring challenges to come after her.
And again, that's something that could come back to bite her.
[Vic] Let's break this down a little bit more
because for Roxanne Perez,
is this more about the NXT Women's Championship
or is this about the lack of compassion she's had for management
for everything she went through this time last year?
[Byron] I think it's about the NXT Women's Championship
to your point a little bit. It's about other past situations.
Losing titles without being involved or having…
[Vic] Into another cover and another kick out.
[Byron] Having partners turn on her, being backstabbed.
All these situations that have cost Roxanne Perez.
Situations that were outside of her control.
That is what has been building for weeks, perhaps months for Roxanne Perez.
[Vic] We know the championship story from Roxanne Perez.
We know she did the media rounds.
She's ripped this brand twice in the Women's Royal Rumble match.
But it's very telling.
Her feelings more so was the statement made about Shotzi,
who just had to go on social media to receive a championship opportunity.
At the end of the day,
is Roxanne harnessing too much resentment towards others?
[Byron] Yeah. Lately, yes, I do think so.
Because you have to understand… Look, let's look at a guy like Logan Paul.
How many superstars in that locker room were ticked that Logan Paul came to WWE,
dared to enter our industry,
and then go on to win a championship?
How many guys in that locker room are going,
-he's just a social media phenomenon? -[Vic] Good point.
[Byron] But he backed it up. That's just what happens.
So what do you do about it? You win.
You win, and you win, and you earn another chance.
You don't cry about it. I love Roxanne Perez,
but I don't love what I'm seeing right now.
[Vic] I love what I'm seeing out of Wren Sinclair, though,
because as you talk about that fight,
that is what Wren Sinclair is bringing to Perez.
Nice counter and a nice, unique take down.
[Byron] And someone like Wren Sinclair is playing with house money right now.
She's got nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Only a handful of matches here in NXT,
and now you have a chance to defeat a former women's champion?
[Vic] Right, wrong, or indifferent,
it's Sinclair who has been thrown into the fire.
But here is Roxanne Perez looking for Pop Rocks! Connects.
-She got all of it, but… -[Byron] Oh, wow.
[Vic] …rolling out of the cover to continue to punish Wren Sinclair
-with a Crossface and immediately a tap. [bell ringing]
[Alicia] Here is your winner by submission, Roxanne Perez.
["All Fall Down" playing]
[Vic] That was a message being sent.
She focused on the injured shoulder that she damaged earlier in the match-up.
We've seen Roxanne Perez win a plethora of matches
with that Pop Rocks,
but this is where Roxanne Perez is different.
-She wanted to hurt Wren Sinclair. [bell ringing]
[Byron] I think the message, Vic, the message to Roxanne Perez,
to the entire Law Crew, is that I am not to be messed with.
I want my championship back,
and I'll hurt anyone I gotta hurt to get there.
[Vic] I'll give credit to Sinclair, who gave it her all,
but falls to The Prodigy,
who now turns her attention to our championship main event.
But in moments, Brooks Jensen seemed lost until Josh Briggs told him to grow up.
Former partners collide next on NXT.
Lash, tonight, you're gonna take care of Kelani Jordan.
-Yeah. I know it. -But, Mensah,
what are we gonna do about no quarter catch through?
Wanting to come for the cup because of the sport and the tradition.
The sport and the tradition belongs to me!
That's my brother, and he brings money, you know!
-[inaudible]! -Oh, hell no!
-Don't ruin the handshake! -Come on. [laughs]
Miss Jackson, Miss Legend.
[inaudible] this cup,
it symbolizes over 100 years of traditional British tradition…
Hey, shut up, Charlie. You're boring!
I'm from the UK, even I don't want to hear your history lesson.
So, less talkie-talkie.
In fact, that's two weeks in a row that you guys have stunk up this lounge.
Hey, once we win this cup, we ain't ever coming back here.
Okay, who am I fighting? Which one is it?
-What would you like to know? -That's what I'm asking.
No, I'm your poor soul, man.
Catch clause means you'll find out who your opponent is,
-once we're all in the ring. -Catch clause.
Yeah, we'll see you next week.
-Catch clause. Catch clause. Catch clause. -[speaking in Nigerian]
-Catch clause. What's a catch clause? -Oh, my God. Come on. Forget them.
-What's that? -Because there's no rules.
So I need to prepare for all four of them because of a catch clause?
-I guess so, my brother. -How is that allowed?
[Vic] Meta-Four hasn't quite caught on to what the catch clause is.
["Journey Ahead" playing]
[bell ringing]
[Alicia] The following contest is schedule for one fall.
Introducing first, Josh Briggs!
[Vic] Be blunt. Throw it out there.
Was Briggs correct that Brooks Jensen needed to throw up?
[Byron] This is a tough one for me.
I say that because we all heal at different rates.
Obviously, Brooks Jensen is still trying to heal
from the breakup with Josh Briggs and Fallon Henley.
And Josh and Fallon have been able to move on a little faster.
So I don't think it's a matter of Brooks needing to throw up, so to speak.
But I do think Brooks has an opportunity to reset next level of maturity.
-Does that make sense? -[Vic] I think so.
["Big Hair Day" playing]
-[Vic] I just nod and smile at you. -[Byron] You did very well.
-That's all you need to do. -[Vic] Dynamite drop in Monty.
[Alicia] And his opponent, Brooks Jensen!
[Vic] And Brooks Jensen, talking about throwing up,
throwing a pair, throwing a set.
He came right at Briggs just a week ago.
Briggs looking right in the eyes. These are former partners.
These two have worn championship gold together.
And it's come to this.
You've worn a lot of different hats in the WWE.
What advice would you give to Brooks Jensen,
who just got knocked out?
[Byron] Brooks needs to take the advice of Josh Briggs with a grain of salt.
Tap in more to who you are. And prove Josh wrong.
That's what this business is all about. You gotta prove people wrong.
[Vic] Going into the first cover of the match up, Jensen able to kick out.
We kind of already alluded to this,
but this is comparable to that older sibling.
Just telling you the way it is. These two have fought before.
As you mentioned, siblings fight. That's what it's about.
[Byron] You bring up a great point.
It wasn't that long ago that these two were fighting
when Brooks Jensen got a little consumed with Kiana James.
[Vic] With conniving Kiana, let's call what it is, but nonetheless.
[Byron] But it was Josh that had to utilize some of that tough love.
Let Brooks Jensen kind of found a lot of zone and learn the hard way
So this is the case for maybe Josh, knowing Brooks Jensen as well as he does,
better than we do, perhaps realizing this is what has to happen.
He's gotta tick Brooks Jensen off a little bit
in order to open the eyes of Brooks Jensen.
[Vic] I know, it's a lot of combination offense from Jensen.
Briggs, though, just overpowering Jensen to the outside.
[Byron] And then we think about someone like Fallon Henley,
it's gotta be hard for her to sit back
and watch this relationship just disintegrated.
[Vic] And big right hand!
And, oh, we've seen that in the past from these two.
But it's from the right hand of Jensen.
And look, it's tough love at the end of the day.
And Brooks Jensen now is delivering his own form
of tough love to Briggs.
[Byron] You know, watching Brooks Jensen the last few weeks,
I thought he was really finding his own lane.
He was digging into his love of the history of our industry,
his locker room,
adoring the photos of the likes of Brad Armstrong, The Free birds.
But you never know what somebody is struggling with inside.
And maybe this is the wake-up call that Brooks Jensen needs.
[Vic] Another take down. Jensen in firm control of this match up.
A match up that you could argue Briggs wanted.
He wanted to wake up whatever's inside Brooks Jensen.
And he may have just done that, as Jensen taking it to Briggs right now.
And this is starting to spill out all over.
Referee's being very lenient in this moment.
[Byron] Good, let him go. Let him fight.
[audience chanting] NXT.
[Vic] Stomping away on Briggs is Jensen.
[Vic] Back on NXT,
Jensen, Briggs one-on-one.
It is tough love that has been shown from Briggs towards Jensen.
Some say maybe Briggs has been too tough on Jensen.
What do you say?
[Byron] I'm gonna hearken back to the American Dream, Dusty Rhodes.
I spent a lot of time with the late, great Dusty Rhodes
during my career,
and the one thing he knew was how to tailor his approach
to every single athlete differently.
He understood what made him pick.
He understood that some people need a kick in the butt, others need a hug.
So in this case, Josh Briggs knows Brooks Jensen
better than anybody, and maybe he knows,
giving him the benefit of the doubt that this is what Brooks Jensen needs.
[Vic] Your heart just kind of goes out to Brooks Jensen
because you can sympathize with Jensen.
It's his friends, that being Briggs, that being Fallon.
They were those he went to dinner with, those he worked out with,
the people that he traveled with. They moved on.
The norm will change, and some people fear change.
[Byron] It's tough. It's like breaking up with your girlfriend
but then you're still checking her Facebook page.
You're still trying to figure out who she's with.
It's hard to get over sometimes. Similar situation here with Brooks Jensen.
[Vic] Are you speaking because of… And how this [inaudible]?
Briggs now trying to re-control this match up here with Jensen.
And maybe deliver that one final knockout blow.
[Byron] Ooh!
[Vic] Follows up with a big splash.
Into the cover to put down his former partner,
and Jensen rolling that right shoulder up.
Look, Jensen brought the fight last week.
[Byron] He brought it this week, and he's shown his resiliency,
or last week, he's shown his resiliency this week against Josh Briggs,
and if nothing else, I would think that Brooks Jensen
is earning the respect of Josh Briggs in the process.
I'm doing this for you.
I'm doing this for you, kid. Show me what you have made.
I'm doing this for you. I'm doing this for you. Come on.
[Byron] Oh, yeah, there you go, Brooks. Show him you're a man.
[Vic] Rubber legs for Briggs,
we know that Josh Briggs likes to get hit so that he can hit you back twice as hard.
[Byron] Sick, disturbing smile, but you're right, Vic.
Josh is loving this.
[Vic] But Jensen staying right out in front,
and now for Jensen, all that rage that he's had built up.
He's got to let it out now. He's got to let everything go.
This is his moment to unleash!
[Byron] Unleashing is exactly what Brooks Jensen is doing.
[Vic] Nice dropkick, and Briggs is out. Jensen now in control.
[Byron] Another level of aggression that was encouraged,
brought out by Josh Briggs.
[Vic] Missile dropkick connects, and Jensen into the cover.
Two…
[Vic] Powering out was Briggs. That was a unique cover too, by Jensen.
Around the neck, around the arms, really made it harder for Briggs,
but also made Briggs have to use a little bit more energy.
[Byron] Absolutely right. Very smart strategy from Brooks Jensen,
who maintains his aggression on Josh Briggs.
[Vic] Remember too, Josh Briggs had a few more one-on-one solo matches
recently on NXT TV than Jensen.
Briggs might be conditioned just a little bit better.
And now just hoisting a big choke slam, into the cover…
[audience cheering]
Briggs' eyes tell the story, almost in disbelief.
And for a man who challenged Brooks Jensen to grow up and grow a set, ah!
Brooks Jensen is showing that in just a little bit more.
[Byron] Brooks Jensen is showing you his heart, his grit,
in the face of being challenged by a man
who has been like a brother to him, and Josh Briggs.
[Vic] And they start breaking down into a fight.
[Byron] Similar to what we saw last week.
[Vic] The difference is there's no one here to stop it.
It's all legal. Big boot by Jensen. Briggs is rocked.
He answers back with a boot in his own right.
Spinning heel kick.
Briggs is rocked. Down for the moment. Gonna be hoisted up.
Does Jensen have enough in the tank? Big suplex.
Float over into another cover. Didn't hook the leg.
And maybe, just maybe, that was the difference.
[audience chanting and clapping] This is awesome.
[Byron] Look, no matter how this match turns out,
I think one thing we can be sure of is that Brooks Jensen and Josh Briggs
are going to physically feel the effects for weeks.
[Vic] Shoulders down and a straight right fist
between the eyes.
That's one way to kick out. Bam! Big lariat laying out Jensen.
I did this for you. I love you.
[Vic] And followed up by another.
A brutal conclusion to this match for Briggs.
[Alicia] Here is your winner, Josh Briggs!
I love you. I love you.
[Vic] That tells a story right there.
Josh Briggs yelling to Brooks, "I did this for you. I love you."
That was the second lariat from Briggs
who put a brutal end to this match up.
[Byron] Is this what Brooks Jensen needed?
[Vic] Brothers fight, but brothers also reunite.
What is next for Jensen and Josh Briggs?
I did that for you. I did that for you.
I did that for you. I did that for you, Brooks.
♪ Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall ♪
[grunting]
♪ Humpty Dumpty had a great fall ♪
♪ All the king's horses And all the king's men ♪
♪ Couldn't put Humpty together again ♪
There's no decency in you, Gacy.
I admire your efforts in trying to stop me,
but this train is on a never-ending track.
I have many instruments of peace to derail your train.
[Gacy cackle]
Just so you know, what you're doing here is false imprisonment.
Go to hell, Crusifino. I can do whatever I damn well please.
Look, I really don't care, but I'm telling you, this is illegal.
He violated my law.
Well, the world doesn't work the way you want it to.
This isn't over.
[Gacy scoffs]
[upbeat music playing]
[Vic] Look who's entered the barbershop. What's on Melo's mind? Find out next.
[Carmelo Hayes] Trick. You see where I'm at?
This is where it all began.
-Trick Melo gang. That's all it is. -And that's all it's going to be.
[all] Yeah.
Good memories. Great moments.
But here I am. All alone.
I ain't lonely. Let's talk about it.
[audience cheering]
I'm here with my pride.
Knowing my principles stay intact.
Knowing the fact that I didn't have to snake my boy out of his spot.
I didn't get too big for my own boots.
[audience chanting] Whoop that Trick.
It's a shame, man, because you played your role so well.
I wanted you to experience everything there is to experience
of being a top guy.
Because you were my boy, I wanted to lift you up with me.
I said, yo, Trick. I said, are you about it?
Oh, I'm about it, about it.
This is how you repay me?
By trying to be the number one guy in NXT?
Hey, you could have been number five. You could have been number three.
Hey, because you were my boy,
I wouldn't have even allowed you to be number two.
But you wanted to come for the one-on-one.
And when you come for the one-on-one,
you realize that Melo ain't second to nobody.
I let you stand next to me.
I let you put Trick before Melo and Trick Melo Gang just to amuse you.
Whole time it was to amuse myself
that you would think that Trick would be ahead of Melo at anything.
To stay at the top, you have to be ruthlessly ambitious.
You have to have that killer instinct.
You think I'm stupid? You think I didn't see the signs?
I knew you were gonna want your shine sooner or later, Trick.
I saw you side-eye in my championship. I felt the envy with every accomplishment.
I am your biggest competition.
So I knew that sooner or later,
unfortunately, I'd have to get you before you got me.
[audience jarring]
So, Trick, wherever you at, stay there, because your 15 minutes is up.
Back to business.
Ilja, you want to see me? Get in line.
Because if you ain't talking about that NXT Championship…
you ain't got nothing to talk about.
[Vic] Honestly, Byron, how selfish could one man be?
[bell ringing]
[Alicia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, Arianna Grace.
[Vic] Those watching right now, I got a little sax man fact
that you may or may not know.
-Byron used to be a pageant judge. -[Byron] Oh, yes.
[Vic] As a former pageant judge, how do you score Arianna Grace?
[Byron] You can see I'm looking at the poise of Arianna Grace,
the elegance, the confidence, the dexterity, the overall presence.
I would rate Arianna Grace. I'll watch it here. But I would watch…
I would rate Arianna Grace a ten out of ten, Vic.
♪ Jacy Jayne ♪
[Byron] Actually, 11 out of 10.
["One Of A Kind" playing]
[Vic] Probably, why you don't do pageants anymore.
["One Of A Kind" continues]
[Alicia] And her opponent, accompanied by Jazmyn Nyx and Thea Hail,
Jacy Jayne!
[Vic] I, however, will not ask you to score the dating advice given by Jayne.
-[Byron] Why not? -[Vic] Well, all right.
[Byron] You want to hear something?
[Vic] Sax man hit me with some dating advice.
-[Byron] How about Sax Lover? -[Vic] Excuse me.
[Byron] That's my street name. Don't call me Sax Lover.
[Vic] No one has ever called you Sax Lover.
[Byron] They're out there. They know.
-So, what's your question? -[Vic] Let's move on.
[Byron] Let's move on ahead of the pressure. Love advise.
[Vic] Maybe the dating advice wasn't sound by Jacy Jayne,
so how would you rate the dating advice given to Thea Hail?
[Byron] I think perhaps it was misinterpreted.
[Vic] Okay, that's fair.
[Byron] This is new ground for Thea Hail.
I gather she doesn't go on many dates,
I think Jacy Jayne has her best intentions,
but I think perhaps Thea Hail took it a little to the extreme,
making super awkward for Riley Osborne.
-[Vic] Sax Lover, huh? -[Byron] Sax Lover.
[Vic] I can't wait to get a text message from Corey Graves here
in about ten minutes,
but there's a lot on the plate for Jacy Jayne as well,
and you can take a look at the advice, you can agree with it,
you can disagree with it, but you can't argue the fact.
Jacy Jayne single-handedly saved Chase University.
[Byron] And I said it last week, and I'll say it again this week,
in my humble opinion,
-Jacy Jayne is the… -[Vic] Cover.
[Byron] …new MVP of Chase U,
because of the fact she was able to save this institution of higher learning.
[Vic] Chase University is able to become the new number one contenders
for the Tag Team titles, thanks to the two putts,
and I don't think this has ever worked out well
for Grace who goes throat first
over that middle rope right in front of Nyx and Thea Hail.
-[referee] Two… -[Vic] Jacy Jayne…
[Byron] Hoping for a little assistance there.
[Vic] She doesn't wanna get disqualified. The official's looking right at Thea Hail.
[Byron] Smart from Thea Hail. Yeah, don't put your hands on Arianna Grace.
[Vic] Well, Jayne now going to the outside.
She's going to get Grace back into the ring.
Go on. What's up with me?
I want to talk about Thea Hail, though, for a second.
She should be worried after her date with Osborne, Valentine's Day.
[Byron] There is a little room for concern,
but I feel like if they have another outing together,
they can clear up some misunderstandings.
Thea Hail now has a lay of the land a little bit,
and will have a much better experience.
[Vic] I don't know, man. I told you two weeks ago, cuffing season.
[Byron] No, and what did I tell you? Mini golf.
[Vic] Oh, that was a senton.
That's a cover, a hook to the leg, and a near fall.
[Byron] Never been on a mini golf date that went wrong.
[Vic] Well, shoulders being shifted here by Grace,
and when it comes to this match up, Grace talked herself into it.
And it's one more time as her shoulders down again.
Nice job by Jacy Jayne not to have to relinquish
the hold and cover of her own.
Crucifix-esque kicking out was Grace.
She again talks herself into issues that maybe she doesn't need to be.
[Byron] Well, despite my scorecard, yes, that is a slight flaw of Arianna Grace.
Sometimes her mouth and mind are not on the same page.
[Vic] Well, why not just stay quiet?
I mean, you don't always need to voice your opinion,
off the elbow, into the cover. Jayne kicks off.
Like Booker T says, "Mind your business."
[Byron] This is a world where you are judged
and graded on your verbal ability as well as your invulnerability.
So Arianna Grace is using all of her attributes
to succeed in our world.
Why are you looking down on her?
[Vic] Well, it's quite a match up we have had here,
and to be fair, Grace has really answered the bell since the beginning,
but just unceremoniously dumped by Jacy Jayne,
who goes back to the outside,
of course, NXT Women's Championship match up still to come,
Shotzi challenging Lyra Valkyria.
Nice sharp elbow by Jacy Jayne.
Come on, Jacy. Get in the ring.
Right in front of Nyx, in front of Thea Hail.
-Jayne again charging out. -[Byron] Oh. Jacy gotta chill.
[Vic] One more time. She's trying to… Jazmyn Nyx!
[Byron] Apparently, Jazmyn got the message from Jacy Jayne.
[Vic] Thea Hail did not… It's really not her MO to cut corners,
but the door open in this match, just got slammed shut.
-[bell ringing] -[Byron] Now you see why.
[Alicia] Here is your winner, Jacy Jayne!
[Vic] Jayne tried to run the play twice.
It didn't work the first time, but she probably executed the second.
[Byron] Need a new player to get it done.
You would think that Jacy would know Thea Hail by now,
and that Thea would… Oh, that was interesting.
Thea would not opt for those antics but…
[Vic] And Jacy Jayne continuing to come up roses here at NXT.
Jazmyn Nyx to the rescue, and to be fair,
that's just the first win possibly for Chase U here tonight.
[ominous music playing]
-Don, you wanted to see us? -Yeah, sit down.
Don, I gave everything I had out there last week.
I know, Riz, I know.
Look, it was your first singles match.
It was a pretty good showing, all right? Don't get down about it.
-Stacks? -Don, last week was on me.
But we're gonna get the titles back.
-No, we're not. Not now. -What?
Look, after we lost, I was doing some thinking,
and over the past six months, I lost track of the bigger picture.
Don, what do you mean?
Look, we've been playing small ball, all right?
Taking bets from Chase U,
that crap with OTM over who runs the streets,
destroying the restaurant in the process.
I mean, what the hell are we doing? We're the D'Angelo family.
So, listen, it's time I lead the family in the right direction, all right?
In a new direction.
No more community vote.
No more feedback, no more opinions. We do this thing my way.
And if you don't like it, too bad.
I need you to inform the rest of the family.
And if they don't like it, let me know.
It's time for me to really be the Don of NXT.
[all sigh]
["Accomplished" playing]
[Vic] What does the Don mean by that? Time for… Time for what?
[Byron] I guess that's what it's like.
[Vic] That was interesting.
[bell ringing]
[Alicia] The following is a number one contenders match
from NXT Tag Team Championship.
Introducing first, accompanied by Riley Osborne
representing Chase University,
Duke Hudson and Andre Chase.
[Vic] Big stakes here tonight.
Who will be the first team to challenge Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin,
the Wolf dogs, for the NXT Tag Team titles?
We find out next, right here on NXT.
Ridge, we sat down about a month ago
where you poured your heart out to the WWE universe.
We got an inside look at your life.
We talked about some of the unfortunate events
in your career.
Now we're back here after the Gallus Gauntlet match
where you took a chair to three men.
What do you have to say a week afterwards?
Sarah, when we spoke last, people saw a different side of me.
But I still can't get that smell, that…
That stench of misfortune off me.
Gallus took my surgically repaired leg,
put it in a chair, and they smashed it.
[audience jarring]
But that's fine. That's okay, right?
But when I get that chair in my hands and I use it, it becomes a weapon.
I can't even fight fire with fire.
I can't even defend myself without people judging me.
So I'm gonna try this once more. But this isn't the forum to do it.
I'm sorry, Sarah. So next week on NXT,
I will address the WWE universe.
And I will apologize for all of my actions even if no one cares,
even if no one gives a damn.
Because the man that I am, with that chair in hand,
is not the man I am in everyday life.
I guess we're done.
[Vic] Obviously, a lot on the mind of Ridge Holland,
as Shotzi is trying to clear her mind,
focused on her championship main event here tonight.
["Never Slow Down" playing]
♪ Never slow down ♪
-Come on. -Come on.
[Alicia] And their opponents, the team of Nathan Frazer and Axiom.
[Vic] Byron, both teams, they made cases for themselves.
They made very good cases for themselves earlier tonight.
And for Axiom and Fraser, they believe they're due a title opportunity
because they pushed the Wolf dogs to the limit
in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Chase U, they believe they're owed a title opportunity
because of a deal made with the previous champions.
[Byron] Okay, so Axiom and Nathan Fraser, I believe, have a stronger argument.
Yes, they were the ones that lost to the eventual Dusty Cup winners
and now current Tag Team Champions.
As it relates to Chase U, yeah, you made a deal with The Family.
The Family are no longer the Tag Team Champions.
This isn't the NBA where a new team adopts the player's contract once you get traded.
That backdoor deal is done. It is finished.
So, therefore, Chase U has to earn that chance like any other team.
[Vic] Okay, so we got a match up.
Number one contender's match up was Ava fair
-and her decision-making here tonight. -[Byron] Yeah.
Ava could have come out here and said, "No, Chase U,
I don't care about the previous deal. You're not getting an opportunity."
She's doing them a favor by saying, you win this match,
you'll get what you want.
[Vic] And there, of course, Riley Osborne on the outside.
We saw him come down to the ring with Chase University
and for a moment had an exchange. He's for a half second with Thea Hail.
You gotta wonder what happened on the Valentine's date
from his point of view.
[Byron] He's probably a little perplexed, a little confused. He thought…
[Vic] You should go help him out. You've been in his shoes.
[Byron] Look, I'll tell him the same thing I told you.
Take the girl out for some mini golf.
-Why is that hard to understand? -[Vic] Mini golf is not the answer, Byron.
This could be the answer and a quick cover but a quick kick out.
There's Axiom picking the ankle one more time back on top.
Quick kick out by Chase.
Both men had the same idea of the dropkick.
And right now, a little bit of a stalemate.
[Byron] It's good to see this. Good to see a healthy tag team competition
with Axiom, Nathan Frazer.
Good to see Chase U back in the mix.
[Vic] Well, I'm glad you bring that up because how good is it
to see Chase U back at full strength, as they declared earlier tonight?
[Byron] I'm just happy to see that Andre Chase finally got a haircut.
[Vic] [laughing] What do you mean by that?
[Byron] Saw him the last…
[Vic] Well, that is true. He was pretty disheveled.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. You're right. Tag made and committed.
And Frazer and Andre Chase now, before mentioned, is in a lot of trouble.
And look at Axiom. Look at Nathan with a quick DDT.
They're coming right back in. Standing shooting star, got all of it.
Will it be enough? And Duke Hudson almost had to run some interference.
And a kick out by Andre Chase.
And granted, Jacy Jayne did cut a corner earlier tonight.
But she has some bonus points right now with Chase U.
This could be a big Chase University night as the MVP into the ring.
[Byron] Well, the current MVP in some people's eyes. I mean, Duke Hudson.
But this could be an incredible, redemptive story for Chase U.
Facing debt. Coming back.
And now Duke Hudson, Andre Chase could be on the verge of…
[Vic] Into the cover. Becoming the number one contender.
And a kick out.
[Byron] Could be on the verge of regaining the NXT Tag Team titles.
[Vic] Be a two-time Tag Team Champions.
Nathan, though, with a different vantage point
of what he wants to do in this match up.
He's going to have to quicken the pace in there.
With a superstar much larger than him.
And big Duke Hudson. And Axiom the same way on the outside.
That's the game plan. And here comes that pace starting to quicken.
Never slow down. That's the motto of the man.
Who moves like a blur and strikes like a cobra.
But just got ran over by a bulldozer.
[Byron] No replacement for brute strength.
Axiom and Nathan Frazer perhaps the fastest tag team currently in NXT.
But he ran into a brick wall in the form of Duke Hudson.
[Vic] Frazer goes up and over. I don't know if you realize it.
A tag was made. Axiom is legal. Hudson realized it. He pays the price.
[Byron] That's how quick they are. I didn't even realize it.
[Vic] Andre Chase trying to get back to a vertical base.
Axiom now looking for a two-for-one special.
Takes down Chase University.
And the former Tag Team Champions right now are reeling.
It's all about becoming the number one contenders.
First there was Axiom. Andre Chase. There goes Frazer.
-Look who's standing tall. One more time. -[Byron] Jeez.
[Vic] They said they never slow down. They never back down.
They got the heart of a champion.
And they're three seconds away from becoming the number one contenders.
Can Axiom and Frazer do it tonight?
Back on NXT.
These two Tag Teams Chase U, Axiom and Frazer
competing to become the number one contenders
to challenge Bron and Baron for the NXT Tag Team titles.
Nice half and half. Snap suplex. Double super kicks under the jaw.
And this could be the moment to face the Wolf dogs.
And Andre Chase just kicking out.
This match up was made earlier by our General Manager Ava,
after both teams confronted the champions, center of the ring, made their case,
which has brought us to this match up.
And look, these are two teams that just have a lot in common.
[Byron] Both extremely hungry to be tag team champions
who made the point that there wasn't a whole lot of time
to get ready to prepare for this match.
They both came out here, made their case.
Ava made the call. They had to quickly adjust
and take advantage of the opportunity that's presented before them.
[Vic] And the speed in this match up from Frazer and Axiom
has been on display.
But there was heads up from Andre Chase to drop Frazer.
And this now, the pivotal point in this match up.
[Byron] The race is on. Who's going to get tagged first?
-Axiom, no, Duke Hudson. -[Vic] Both want gold.
Both say they never quit.
Only one will become the number one contenders
to the NXT Tag Team titles.
And it's the MVP mowing down the competition.
Axiom tried to fly in. He gets caught, swatted.
But wait a minute, able to land on his feet.
Charging right in and just got caught and dropped.
And that's just the power that Duke Hudson possesses.
[Byron] Axiom and Frazer getting a taste of it.
[audience chanting]
[Vic] And Chase U is rocking it.
This is a side of Chase U we haven't seen in such a long time.
A senton, gut buster combination, whatever the hell it was.
Will it be enough? And Axiom kicking out.
[Byron] Almost worked well enough to win this match.
[Vic] And there's Riley Osborne.
Shouting out words of encouragement. Great job by our camera crew to catch.
I mean, that was innovative.
[Byron] Sometimes that's what you got to do.
Bring out new maneuvers. Done the final stretch to secure the win.
[Vic] And speaking of securing the win, Hudson looking for that Razor's Edge.
Countered!
Axiom wisely makes the tag.
I don't think Hudson realizes. Frazer's legal.
If he didn't know it, he knows it now for that missile dropkick.
Another quick tag was made.
[Byron] It's a commoner to keep track of Axiom and Nathan Frazer
as quick as these guys move.
[Vic] But it's interesting that Axiom and Frazer
just put Hudson in Hudson's own corner.
Riley Osborne beside himself.
I think he's trying to get Andre Chase back to his feet
because this is a dire situation if you're Duke.
[Byron] Axiom's got to understand he can't waste any time.
He's got to have a sense of urgency against Duke Hudson raising the stakes.
-[Vic] Byron, Byron, Byron. -[Byron] Top rope.
[Vic] Can Axiom hit the Spanish fly?
He got all of it to become the number one contender.
-[Byron] Nope. -[Vic] [laughing] Ow.
[Byron] Nope.
This is a gift for us, okay? This battle continues.
[Vic] You can see it in Axiom's eyes.
He hit this picture perfect Spanish fly on Duke Hudson.
It didn't keep Hudson down. Back to the live action, though.
Hudson is rising in the ashes, trying to get to his feet.
And he's absorbing. He's absorbing all these kicks, Byron.
[Byron] For how long, though, Vic?
[Vic] Double clothesline.
Showing you why he is the MVP of Chase U.
High cross body. Andre Chase. Frazer rolled through.
-Frazer rolled through. -[Byron] Oh.
[Vic] Chase able to kick out. Big kick upside the noggin.
Backfist, though, connects right on the jaw.
Counter for a moment. Sit down. Sit down.
Another counter. Another near-fall.
Jackknife cover this time. Chase rolls through.
He's got the feet. Is it enough? And Frazer.
[bell ringing]
[Vic] Andre Chase did it.
["Accomplished" playing]
[Alicia] Here are the winners, Chase University.
The momentum continuing to build
for Chase U.
[Byron] Everything is falling in the right place for Chase U.
And now these two are one win away from their championship aspirations.
[Vic] Axiom, though, is so close. Hit that Spanish fly.
Duke Hudson would kick out.
And then here, the closing moments of this match up.
Andre Chase, Nathan Frazer back and forth.
And right there, Nathan Frazer just got caught for a hair.
-Second for our new number one contender. -[Byron] What the…?
[Vic] That's Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson from Smack Down.
-[Byron] The OC just dropping everybody. -[Vic] Literally everyone.
Both teams. And now…
[audience chanting]
…Magic Killer.
And for a team that has dominated around the world,
Gallows and Anderson.
But why are they here in NXT?
Carmelo Hayes.
Since day one, I saw right through you.
The jealousy of your best friend consumed you.
And you pointed the finger at me? You are the complete opposite.
You are a coward.
Attacking Trick from behind and doing the same thing to me.
Melo, you are the lowest form of life.
A rodent emerging under the cover of night.
But I have what you seek.
Though I will see you at Roadblock under one condition.
Show up next week and meet me face to face.
Melo, come for this championship.
Because I'm coming for something more important.
Your soul.
[Vic] Melo may regret firing up the Mad Dragon.
[Alicia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied by Jakara Jackson,
representing Meta-Four, Lash Legend.
[Vic] Lash Legend goes one on one with Kelani Jordan.
This match up is next.
I don't know what's gotten into them. They're supposed to be like brothers.
[Thea sighing]
-You too? -Yep.
How are you?
Well, tonight I watched my two best friends
beat the living hell out of each other.
And I can't seem to get my feet under me to save my life.
-So, yeah. Rough. -That sucks.
The only positive thing in my life right now
is that Mr. Chase and Duke have a shot at the Tag Team titles.
But the OC already knocked them on their butts.
So, Mr. Chase probably deserved it. Don't get me started on Mr. Chase.
But everything else sucks.
My best friend's acting weird with me.
She gave me advice. I probably took it a little too literally.
Because I do that apparently.
I went on a date with Riley. You probably know him.
It didn't go so well. It was for Valentine's Day.
It went worse than that, so it was awful.
I think I ruined everything.
Valentine's Day strikes again.
If there's anyone that knows anything about a terrible Valentine's Day, it's me.
Really?
If I could erase February 14th, 2023 from my memory forever, I would.
-Why don't we go take a walk? -Okay.
So last year, Brooks, he was dating Kiana James,
and it turned into a terrible situation.
[Vic] Now that is a locker room leader.
[Alicia] And her opponent, Kelani Jordan.
["Out Of This World" is playing]
[Vic] WWE is proud to support the Ad Council
and their Love Has No Labels campaign.
Celebrate this Black History Month and visit wwe.me/bhmshop
or scan the QR code on the screen
to purchase pure WWE Heritage Month merchandise.
$7.50 will be donated from each sale to support Ad Council.
You know, for Kelani Jordan, a lot of shade
was thrown in the locker room last week.
A lot of shade thrown her way.
That's not very easy for someone like Kelani Jordan and others to handle.
[Byron] But it is to be expected.
You know, for someone like Kelani Jordan,
who's received a lot of praise for what she's been doing in that ring.
Every time you try to succeed,
there's always a Lash Legend that's there to knock you down a peg.
To try to humble you.
[Vic] There's that trash-talking continue from the Lash Legend.
Kelani Jordan's not going to stand by.
She's not going to listen to any of it. She's not going to stand for any of it.
I talked about Fallon Henley becoming a locker room leader.
Kelani Jordan somewhat has established herself
at a very short time also as a leader in the locker room.
[Byron] And the reason that is, is that when you look at very early,
which is still kind of early in Kelani Jordan's career,
she had the opportunity to team up with veterans,
to pick their brains, learn how you should carry yourself early.
And that's why Kelani Jordan has not only earned a lot of respect.
[Vic] Roll through, shoulders down, and a quick kick out by Lash.
[Byron] That's why we've also seen immense growth from Kelani Jordan.
[Vic] And now crucifix pin, shoulders down
and another kick out by Lash Legend in Kelani Jordan.
Full of positive energy.
It's truly hard not to gravitate towards someone like that.
-[Vic] Oh, man. -[Byron] Wow.
It's also hard to breathe after you get kicked right in the gut.
As I was talking about, it was Kelani who stood up for others
in the locker room like Brinley Reece.
But right here, there's no standing for Kelani Jordan.
And that's the way Lash Legend likes it,
because she's not used to someone snapping back at her.
[Byron] And think about the other aspect of this.
It was Kiana James kind of put Kelani on the radar by saying,
we want to take Kelani out to achieve our goal
to become NXT Women's Champion.
So someone like Lash Legend, her ears poked up.
Her radar went up and said, "Wait a minute.
You should be talking about me like that as a threat,
Kelani Jordan."
[Vic] Lash Legend now, big splash center of the ring.
Hook to the leg and Jordan able to kick out.
I mean, both women have that alpha mentality, though.
And whether it's in the ring, whether it's in training,
whether it was in college, it's what's in their DNA.
Not to back down from anyone,
but Lash Legend right now certainly is in full control.
[Byron] The attitude that Kelani Jordan had in college as a gymnast.
The attitude that Lash Legend had during her basketball days at Texas A&M.
[Vic] When you look at Meta-Four and I'm sorry to cut you off,
but when you look at Meta-Four, do they seem at edge?
And I don't just mean Lash Legend, Jakara Jackson.
I'm also throwing in Noam Dar, the Heritage Cup Champion.
I'm talking about Main Man Mensah
because No Quarter Catch Crew is eyeing up that Heritage Cup.
[Byron] You don't have a numbers advantage against a No Quarter Catch Crew.
That Meta-Four dominance that all four of those competitors hope to establish.
Yeah, it's getting tested. It's getting questioned.
[Vic] Kelani Jordan being tested right now for her will and her spirit.
She's being bent in half in the center of the ring.
And you just got to imagine Lash Legend was able to grasp her hands tightly.
She could have done some severe damage, but right there,
Lash is able to catch much of the smiles of Jakara Jackson,
but the second splash doesn't work.
And this for Kelani Jordan is that deep water moment.
Kelani Jordan has plenty of big match experience.
Women's Iron Survivor match.
She's been under the premium event bright lights.
She's battled through the breakout tournament all the way to the finals,
but she's got to maybe find a different gear here against Lash Legend.
[Byron] We're seeing that different gear right now, Vic.
We're seeing what Kelani Jordan has learned
from all the previous experience that you've mentioned.
[Vic] Oh, Kelani gets caught.
Lash Legend now trying to overpower Jordan.
Ooh. Landing on her feet.
That's that background you talked about from college.
That gymnast background of the Big Ten.
In the fighting Spartan to the top, looking down.
And a little extra "omph" taking Lash Legend up and over.
[Byron] That back and all.
Got to be impressed with what we're seeing from Kelani Jordan.
[Vic] Kelani back to her feet. She's locked. She's reeling.
But she looks determined to take down Lash Legend.
And the kick catches Lash under the jaw.
Oh. Look where Lash is at. Pinpoint. Hey!
[Byron] There goes Jakara Jackson.
[Vic] Oh, Jakara sticking her nose where it doesn't belong.
And a big, massive Slam Dunk choke slam from Lash Legend.
[bell ringing]
["What U Want" playing]
[Alicia] Here is your winner, Lash Legend.
[Vic] Brought up basketball earlier. We'll give the assist to Jakara Jackson.
Momentary hesitation. Momentary distraction, if you will.
Open the door. Bam!
With extra authority from Lash Legend to put away Kelani Jordan.
Look who's here.
[Byron] Is she Kiana James?
For what?
Oh, I've… I've heard what Kiana James has said about Kelani Jordan in the past.
[indistinct chatter]
[Vic] Look at Kelani. Taking on both.
Outsmarting Izzy and Kiana.
[Byron] Uh-huh. Okay. Okay, Kelani. Fending off a two-on-one advantage.
["Out Of This World" is playing]
[Vic] Well, for those searching for an opportunity
to a woman who has one,
Smack Down 's Shotzi looking for her first singles championship in WWE,
while our champion looks to add another black feather to her collection.
It's our main event for the NXT Women's Title next.
-That's what we do. -Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson.
A shocking return to NXT.
Yeah, sweet. Kelly, listen. The boys are back in NXT.
And basically, we're gonna stay as long as we want.
-Tell them, Big LG. -I'm absolutely thrilled about it, Kelly.
I don't know if Chase U is very thrilled about it.
But I was always a terrible student.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. You know, me too.
Although, I did enjoy the calendar they put out.
Hey, Big LG.
When it comes to the NXT Tag Team Championships,
-we're going to separate the men… -That's us.
From the boys.
That's exactly right.
You know, Baron Corbin, I didn't realize you came to NXT
-to become the world's largest comedian. -Yeah.
And Bron Breakker, maybe the Good Brothers can be something for you
that Big Papa Pump and the Dog Face Gremlin never could.
A couple of heroes.
But before we do that, Kelly, we have to crush their dreams.
And we're going to win those NXT Tag Team titles
because it's that same old recipe.
It's a Magic Killer, a one, two, three, and a just too sweet.
Hey, Kel-Kel, if you need us, we'll be over there, brothering.
I hope you brought the cooler.
[Vic] Anderson and Gallows not in the mood to play around.
And the same could be said for our NXT Champion,
who heard Melo's ultimatum earlier and, in turn, issued his own.
So if Hayes wants a title match at Roadblock,
he must come face-to-face with the Mad Dragon next week.
And Noam Dar defends the Heritage Cup under the No Quarter Catch Clause.
So who will Dar face?
Who walks out with the prestigious Heritage Cup?
We find out live next week.
["I Am A Psycho" playing]
[Vic] Main event time on NXT.
♪ …get your ass kicked Off the top, backflip ♪
♪ Hit you with the ax quick ♪
And some say these two are equals,
-but only one, Byron, will be superior. -It's my turn.
[Byron] Two ladies who have traveled unique paths in their career,
have stuck to their guns, have stuck to their unorthodox style.
But again, like you said, it's all about who wants it the most.
Whoever wants it the most will leave here tonight
as the NXT Women's Champion.
[Vic] For Shotzi, this is her first opportunity
at the NXT Women's Championship.
Yeah! Let's go! Come on.
["Triumph" playing]
[Vic] And there's no doubt that the Women's Champion,
Lyra Valkyria is battle-tested.
Is she up for the challenge tonight of Smack Down Shotzi?
[Byron] Lyra Valkyria proves she was up for the challenge
when she defeated Becky Lynch to become NXT Women's Champion.
What I love about Lyra Valkyria is that when the pressure is on,
the lights are the brightest, all eyes are on her.
Lyra Valkyria delivers.
[audience chanting] Whoa! Whoa!
[bell ringing]
[Alicia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall
is for the NXT Women's Championship.
Introducing first, the challenger, Shotzi.
And her opponent,
she is the NXT Women's Champion,
Lyra Valkyria!
[audience cheering]
[Vic] I don't know, but the last several weeks
that you've been sitting here at commentary with me,
when it was Wade Barrett at Vengeance Day with Booker T before that,
Lyra Valkyria constantly has had something else on her mind,
that being Tatum Paxley.
Was it wise of the champion to make a deal with Paxley earlier tonight?
[Byron] I think it was necessary for Lyra Valkyria.
As much as Tatum Paxley has tried to be a support system for Lyra Valkyria,
there have been times when Paxley has become problematic,
when Paxley has become a liability to ensure that there are no distractions
against a very game Shotzi.
That's the last thing Valkyria needs are distractions.
You had to make that deal.
[Vic] Nice roll-through and submission applied here early on
by Shotzi, Lyra Valkyria, though.
Whether it's through the air, whether it's on the mat,
she can do it all, which has led her to be the NXT Women's Championship.
Nice take down of Shotzi in her own right, and going right at Shotzi,
and both these women have come in with a game plan,
and it's, I can do better.
[Byron] Well, and this match just speaks to the prestige
around the NXT Women's Championship.
For all superstars on any brand, think back a few years ago,
when Charlotte Flair won the Royal Rumble, she had a choice,
go after the champion on RAW, go after the champion on Smack Down.
She wanted to become NXT Women's Champion again,
even though she already had a Hall of Fame career.
So it should be no surprise that a competitor like Shotzi comes back
to NXT saying, "I won that title on my resume."
[Vic] A lot of people question why Shotzi deserved the championship opportunity.
She's now being turned around, upside down,
shoulders down, and a quick kick out.
And we talked about earlier the Tatum Paxley situation.
I do need to remind everyone that Tatum did say staying away from this match
is going to be the hardest thing…
Shoulders down one more time, and a kick out.
…that she has ever done.
But Lyra Valkyria has to be fully focused. Shoulders down on the champion.
One second away from a new champion here tonight,
and a little bit of a stalemate between these two.
And we said it earlier, these two are equals
when they step into the ring.
[Byron] Absolutely. They've all kind of gone against the grain of expectation.
But now the opportunity is here for Lyra Valkyria to say,
"I defeated Shotzi on my resume."
Shotzi can say, "I followed the ranks
of the likes of Charlotte Flair," like I mentioned.
Like a Becky Lynch, who also came back, won the NXT Women's Championship.
Add that to my resume, and take my career to greater heights.
[Vic] Shotzi charging right in, going up, going around,
and not able to take down Valkyria, who openly knocks the challenger.
[Byron] There you go. Mind games. I love it, Vic.
[Vic] NXT Women's Champion.
Nice hip toss as well, and charging right back in.
Eating a second one with Shotzi. And look, Shotzi's a different breed.
She's unlike anyone Lyra has ever faced,
let alone defended the NXT Women's title again.
[Byron] The reason why Shotzi is so dangerous
is that she's not going to sit there and spend hours doing film study.
Shotzi operates on a whim.
If it pops up in her head, she would do it.
And that's extremely challenging to prepare for if you're her opponent.
[Vic] Lyra, for the most part, has been ready for every obstacle
that's been thrown her way as Shotzi now.
Raising her game, face first goes the champion.
Both superstars spill to the outside, but look at Shotzi.
[Byron] [inaudible] the left knee.
[Vic] Who's walking out NXT Women's Champion?
We're back on NXT.
NXT Women's Championship match up was Lyra Valkyria versus Shotzi.
However, right before the break,
we saw Shotzi drop Lyra Valkyria face first on the hardest part of the ring
and had a nasty landing.
Here it is, and you see immediately grabbing the left knee, Byron.
Shotzi in obvious pain, obvious discomfort.
WWE medical has not cleared here to compete any longer in this match up.
Here's our general manager has a decision.
Due to the injuries that Shotzi has suffered,
she is no longer allowed to compete.
But we promised you an NXT Women's Championship match,
so that is what you're going to get.
[audience cheering and applauding]
Lyra, this is now an open challenge,
so whoever comes out is going to be your next opponent.
-[Vic] Well, Byron, who is this gonna be? -[Byron] Your guess is good as mine, Vic.
["What U Want" playing]
[Vic] And you gotta imagine, she didn't get very far after her match.
[Byron] No, no.
Lash Legend, what an opportunity.
And this, you know, I credit the decision-making from Ava
to want to still give us all a championship match.
[Vic] And look, if you're Lash Legend, you just competed.
You've already picked up a victory. You're ready, you're warm.
Lyra Valkyria just had to stop and go
with everything going through her mind right now.
Now she has to switch gears completely.
Byron, there's no way in hell that our champion is prepared,
and she just got decked.
[Byron] Lyra Valkyria just went through an emotionally turbulent situation,
and now she's got to turn around and defend this title against Lash Legend?
[Vic] She's not prepared right now. And look at this right hand.
Bam! Right between the eyes. Lyra Valkyria is on the back foot.
Our champion is in a lot of trouble right now against Lash Legend.
[Byron] And the flip side is Lash Legend, yes, competed earlier, won earlier.
Lash Legend is on cloud nine.
[Vic] Shoulders down, championship on the line.
That right shoulder is off the mat, though,
and I want to reset real quick because Shotzi came into tonight.
She was prepared to take on Lyra Valkyria.
I actually should say Lyra Valkyria was prepared to take on Shotzi.
Unfortunate happenings in this match up tonight.
Referees came out, medical deemed her unable to continue.
That has brought us to this match up, an open challenge, if you will,
a decision made by Ava.
Lash Legend, right place, right time.
[Byron] Look, in many circumstances, you would rule this match in no contest,
and that would be it.
And that's probably what Lyra Valkyria was thinking in the midst of her emotions.
But all of a sudden now,
she has to put that competitive hat back on
and have the fight of her life against Lash Legend.
[Vic] Our thoughts go out to Shotzi in this moment,
but right now we are focused on the main event
for the NXT Women's Championship.
And Lyra Valkyria, I don't think is gonna be able to overpower Lash Legend.
And you gotta think, again, I bring it back to Lash Legend.
She just had a highly competitive match up with Kelani Jordan,
but she's riding the wave of momentum. She picked up a big victory.
She now sees a golden opportunity, and this is the power that Lash possesses,
this is the power that Lash displays,
and this is the power that could make her the next NXT Women's Champion.
[Byron] Lash Legend has felt overlooked for quite some time here in NXT.
[Vic] Into the cover, title again on the line,
and just able to kick out.
[Byron] Lash Legend has felt for a long time
she should be at the front of the line
when you talk about the NXT Women's title picture.
This is Lash's chance to prove all those claims right.
[Vic] I just come back to Lyra Valkyria. I feel so bad for Shotzi.
I feel so bad for Lyra, but this is what it's like
to be champion here at NXT.
You have to be prepared to defend your title
at any moment at any time
When you are the champion in Lyra Valkyria,
I would say she's at a huge disadvantage.
[Byron] A huge, of course she is.
Like I said, you're having to go from 0 to 100
if you're Lyra Valkyria.
You think you're in one match, you got one challenger,
your challenger's out, you think you're going home, no.
Now you have the most physically imposing woman
on the NXT women's roster.
[Vic] Into another cover, another near-fall.
Just able to kick out.
And look, when you're prepared for one competitor, when you've scouted,
when you've game planned for Shotzi, who's unpredictable in her own right.
Shotzi's a whole different ball game than Lash Legend.
This is now a new game for our champion.
And then you think about the rest of the locker room.
I'm sure Roxanne Perez right now is pissed.
She goes, I don't know where she's at.
And she's probably saying, "Woe is me when Lash Legend
was standing behind the curtain,
probably getting high fives and drinking out of the cup.
And now she's moments away
from maybe putting a title around her waist."
[Byron] Hey, credit Lash Legend.
A quick decision was made by our general manager Ava.
Open challenge, Lash Legend was the first one to answer.
-What's going on? -They have to stop the match.
Shotzi got hurt.
-What? -Medical stopped it.
Yeah, Ava came in and she issued a championship open challenge.
-What? -And Lash just took it.
-Whoa! -Whoa, Roxanne!
[Vic] Well, no doubt Roxanne Perez is beat, Byron.
and it's just another missed opportunity
for the former NXT Women's Champion here tonight.
[Byron] This was key for Lyra Valkyria, able to withstand the early storm.
Well, she's able to come in with one thought process and switch it,
but got caught, got overpowered.
Lash Legend now could be looking for that Slam Dunk Choke slam.
And that's gotta be it. Title's on the line.
And Valkyria somehow kicking out at the last moment.
This is our main event on NXT. It's about the NXT Women's Championship.
The night started, the match started with Shotzi versus Lyra.
Unfortunately, Shotzi not deemed medically cleared to continue.
An open challenge was issued.
Lash Legend answered the bell
because she had just competed victorious against Kelani Jordan,
which she's found herself in this championship match up.
A golden opportunity. High cross body from the champion.
Challenger kicks out.
[Byron] Went for a great deal of this match.
It seemed very bleak for Lyra Valkyria.
She has bounced back. And I don't know about this.
[Vic] Where is Valkyria?
-[Byron] No, no, no. -[Vic] She needs new strength.
[Byron] You are not hoisting up Lash Legend.
[Vic] Big pump kick under the jaw.
And we've seen Lash win with that pump kick in the past.
Jackknife cover. Title on the line. Champion able to kick out.
And now frustration building in Lash.
And now I'm gonna throw this to you, Byron.
Lash Legend's never been in these sort of waters before.
Championship match and a main event. Lyra Valkyria has.
[Byron] Major psychological advantage for Lyra Valkyria.
But if this trend continues, Vic,
we are going to see a new NXT Women's Champion.
[Vic] I go back to earlier tonight.
Obviously, she didn't know what would happen.
But is she now regretting the decision to ask Tatum Paxton to stay in the back?
-[Byron] Can't worry about that now. -[Vic] Looking up.
Big splash off the top.
Is this gonna be enough to retain the NXT Women's Championship?
Valkyria overcomes the odds.
[Alicia] Here is your winner, and still the NXT Women's Champion,
Lyra Valkyria.
[Vic] And the NXT universe coming to their feet.
A standing ovation for the NXT Women's Champion.
Who is able to flip her own game plan.
Stay in the match up because Lash Legend answered the open challenge.
And it seemed early on bleak.
But Lyra Valkyria showed you the heart of which she possesses,
which is the heart of a champion.
She soared through the air like she's done on so many nights
and retained the NXT Women's Championship.
And I am proud to say that Lyra Valkyria is our champion on this brand
as she continues to soar to new heights in NXT.
Yes!