[male announcer] Then…
[rousing music]
now…
forever…
[music intensifies]
together.
[music stops]
[female announcer] NXT Universe, get ready for a mind blowing night.
-[Vic] All hell is breaking loose! -[Book] It's a fight. I love it.
[drums bang]
[announcer] For the first time,
a global sensation brings her beautiful madness to NXT.
Nobody is gonna tell me that I am not the number one contender.
[Vic] Giulia has arrived on a Tuesday night.
[female announcer] The Young OG begins to carve his legacy
while Charlie Dempsey aspires to maintain his Heritage Cup.
I gave Je'Von a cup match next week, so get ready, you're in a cup match.
[female announcer] A familiar face returns to make an impact.
For the first time ever, I'll be defending my TNA Knockouts Championship
in an open challenge match on NXT.
[Vic] Huge news from Jordynne Grace.
Duke Hudson is a smug, arrogant [bleep].
[Vic] Ridge Holland, Duke Hudson, they throw down on NXT.
[female announcer] And in the main event, which superstar will figure it out?
Trick Williams.
I'm still looking to be the man here at NXT.
I'll figure your ass out.
-[announcer] Pete Dunne. -[Pete] I'll force you to figure it out.
And tonight he's gonna learn the lesson of a lifetime.
[female announcer] Last man standing.
[Vic] The winner will become number one contender to the NXT Championship.
I have some unfortunate news.
Due to somewhat conspicuous circumstances, the rascals are unable to compete.
However, Nathan and Axiom will still defend their NXT tag titles.
And the team that will challenge for those titles are former NXT Tag Team Champions
and two time WWE Tag Champions The Street Profits.
And that match will kick off NXT.
[Vic] Oh, what a night it is going to be here on NXT.
And there you see earlier today the arrival.
Trick Williams for his last man standing match as he's getting prepared
to take on Pete Dunne.
It is our main event here tonight
and of course the winner of that matchup will head to Chicago to face Ethan Page.
There is international sensation Giulia,
who has her highly anticipated in-ring debut tonight
against Chelsea Green.
Can't wait to see her, Booker, in action here live.
And there is the Knockouts champion,
Jordynne Grace, waiting to see who will answer her open challenge.
One of three championship matches tonight live here on NXT.
-[upbeat music playing] -[crowd cheers]
[recording with crowd] Never slow down.
[thunder sounds]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the NXT Tag Team Championship.
Introducing first, they are the NXT Tag Team Champions,
Nathan Fraser and Axiom.
[Vic] I want to note something. Trick Williams, after he arrived,
he has been surrounded by security, as has Pete Dunne.
These two have been completely separated before our main event tonight,
but we're kicking things off with the NXT tag team titles again.
The first of three championship matches here tonight.
["Bring the swag" plays]
And Book, let the party begin!
[Book] We're back!
[announcer] Introducing the challengers, a team of Angelo Dawkins
and Montez Ford, The Street Profits.
[Vic] Challengers from Smackdown here tonight.
It was supposed to be Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz in this matchup.
They're unable to compete here tonight. Disappointed to say the least.
They earned that title opportunity last week.
But our general manager, Ava, making a great decision,
as she does week in and week out, bringing The Street Profits back to NXT.
[Book] Ava, like Beyoncé, let me come and play with you.
Oh yeah, man. We got The Street Profits.
-[Vic] You like The Street Profits? -[Book] Who doesn't?
[Vic] I don't know. Some people you're gonna like, and you don't.
You didn't like The New Day. I like them.
[Book] I'm unbiased. You got to get in there and show me something.
[Vic] We'll see how long that lasts.
This is WWE week continuing tonight with NXT on USA.
The first 30 minutes commercial free, tonight, of NXT.
[crowd cheering]
You can feel the love from the NXT Universe to Dawkins, to Ford.
-[Vic] And if you´re… -[Book] This is the moment, Vic. Oh, yes.
[crowd chants "Welcome back"]
[Book] Oh yeah, I've been waiting on this all week.
[Vic] "All week"? We just learned of this.
[Book] I'm talking about the action.
[Vic] Just making sure. I'm trying to keep you on your toes here.
But I do want to say this, Book…
[crowd chants "We want smoke"]
[Vic] I think the NXT Universe is echoing your statements. They're ready.
They've been waiting patiently all week long.
But the champions are really going to have to live by their motto,
"Never slow down", when getting ready to take on Smackdown's Street Profits.
[Book] Oh, man. That's the beauty of Axiom and Fraser.
Always on the move. Two times two top NXT tag Team champions.
I don't think we thought it would happen, but look at 'em.
Big match tonight, though. Big fight for you.
[crowd cheers]
[Vic] Let's not forget The Street Profits
once held the NXT tag team title for less than 90 days.
Do you feel there's maybe some unfinished business
if you're the profits coming back to NXT?
[Book] Definitely unfinished business.
Like Ava said, two-time WWE Tag Team Champion, one time NXT Tag Team Champion.
They want more, man. They want a whole lot more.
[Vic] One of three teams to be WWE Tag Team Triple Crown champions.
The most recent is your other favorite tag team, The New Day.
[Book] I hate those guys. Beautiful, beautiful!
-[Vic] Oh wow! -[Book] Wow. That was different.
[Vic] Talking about winning the tag team titles less than 90 days,
take a look at Montez Ford. He's a little bit bigger and thicker.
Said he's put on 50 pounds of muscle since his NXT days.
He said that in an interview several months ago.
[Book] I talked to Montez about that some time ago as well.
He was going to have to beef up just a little bit
if he wanted to compete with the top notch.
Oh, big shot! Big shot by Angie.
[Vic] Dawkins just rocked Axiom into a tag.
Oh, he said light work.
[Book] I don't like the mock he's making.
Look at the quickness. Look at the quickness. Whoa. The hell?
[Vic] Look at Dawkins swinging a miss. Fraser picking up steam.
Fraser turns it in. He caught Dawkins, rocked him
and knocked him off the ring.
This is now where Fraser's in his wheelhouse.
[Book] Dawkins trying to keep up for a second.
-He got caught behind the eight ball. -[both] Whoa!
[Vic] Big right hand.
And Dawkins again showing that athleticism.
A flying elbow connects.
[Book] Angie is sure to be something. Now keep it down, keep it down. I like it.
[Vic] You know, you feel the energy. Oh, nice counter by Fraser.
There's all that extra excitement right now in NXT.
With the CW launch coming on October 1st
we could crown ourselves new NXT Tag Team Champions.
But it's the champions looking to retain. Dawkins is just able to kick out.
[Book] Oh, Axiom.
I said it when I first got to NXT. This guy's a special, special talent.
And tonight he's gonna have to prove something special
because he's in there with the top dog tonight.
[Vic] And this is a huge opportunity for the champions to really step up.
Axiom and Fraser are able to test themselves
with one of the better tag teams in the WWE.
[Book] You said the right word: Test themselves.
They'll always be testing themselves, always be the underdogs
In a matchup against the major players…
Here we go!
[Vic] And another kickout. Look at that combination offense.
Two super kicks off of the half and half German.
This is just Axiom and Fraser in their wheelhouse now.
Axiom on the back, looking for a submission.
[Book] Now, there's one thing about Axiom and Fraser.
Their styles fit each other perfectly, Vic.
Like twin sons from different mothers.
-You gotta love them, man. -[Vic] Ford…
desperately wanting back into this matchup.
Dawkins now overpowering Axiom.
But Axiom is so close. I think, again, his momentum carried him into his corner.
He makes the tag, but so does Dawkins.
And in comes Montez Ford.
And hen it's Dawkins and when it's Ford,
they both have showed the ability to break out on their own.
[Book] That extra muscle coming into play, and the quickness.
-Oh, Montez is quick as a cat. -[Vic] The NXT Universe fired up.
[Vic] Swing and a miss, though, by Ford.
Oh, he got caught by Fraser. And here's the quickness of Fraser.
He's looking to pounce, looking to springboard off the top.
-He got caught! -[Book] Got caught short right there.
[Vic] And Ford just stared a hole right through you, Booker,
when he delivered that book end.
But now he's looking to electrify the NXT Universe.
[Book] I don't like the showboating right here, Vic.
Oh, yeah. Oh, wow.
[Vic] Standing moonsault center of the ring, title's on the line,
and the champion is able to kick out.
I brought up the ability to break out on their own
because we've seen Dawkins push it to the limit.
We saw Montez Ford again a few years back
in the elimination chamber.
The champions have tested the waters like the challengers.
But what can the challengers learn from The Street Profits about unity?
[Book] I think it's about a year ago,
the rumblings of Montez and Angie was going to break up,
but these guys stuck it out because they're here to prove the point.
[Vic] High impact combination offense isn't enough in a near fall.
[Book] This is a brotherhood, man.
[Vic] Street Profits stopped in the hall of Champions today
here at the performance center. They went down memory lane.
The NXT Universe does not agree with the official's call.
But I believe the shoulder was up in time.
[Book] I'm going tell you, I can see…
[Vic] Take another look. Hold on a second. Bam! Take a look right here.
Dawkins made the cover, and again a kickout by Axiom and Fraser.
-[Vic] Oh! -[Book] Wow.
Ford may not be kicking out after that last kick.
[Book] Don't tag.
[Vic] Frog splash connects. Fraser, though, is legal.
Can he get to three?
[crowd] One, two…
-[Vic] No! -[Book] Damn.
Man…
Let me tell you,
Street Profits was a little overconfident
coming into this match, I think, Vic. I think they realize it now.
[Vic] You gotta think the challenge for the champion…
Oh, nice combination!
High-low with a missile dropkick into the… Oh, Dawkins just broke that up.
All four men down. NXT tag team championship's on the line.
And you know, how often is it, Book, when you think about the champions…
being the underdogs?
They also only had 24 hours to pivot to get ready for this matchup.
[Book] If anybody can pivot and get ready for a match
it's going to be Axiom and Nathan Fraser.
Because I'm gonna tell you, Vic, this team has made a believer out of me, man.
Trust me.
What is going through the mind of Angelo Dawkins?
He's being egged on by the… And Axiom quickly back to his feet!
Might've been playing possum.
He was able to rock Dawkins for a moment. And we've seen this in the past.
[Book] Are we going to see it? Are we going to see it? Oh, yeah.
[Vic] Finisher drop!
Ford is knocking Fraser off the top…
Back into the live action in the ring.
-Look who's legal. -[Book] Door opened.
[Vic] It's Dawkins. Fraser's legal as well.
Ford's now legal.
Axiom's not moving. I'm trying to get a look at him to our right.
To the top!
Blockbuster! Title's on the line.
Ford trying go for the cover. Who in the…
Tama!
-[Book growls] -[bell rings]
[Book] God, man.
[crowd boos]
-[Vic] Oh, my God. -[Book] Is that…?
-[Vic] The Bloodline's here. -[Book] Oh, yeah.
Business has just picked up, Vic.
[crowd cheers and claps]
[Vic] The WWE Tag Team Champions…
decimating the field.
Jacob Fatu.
[Book] Oh, baby. Oh, baby. Victor, are we going to see it?
[Vic] There's been deep rooted issues with The Street Profits.
[Book laughing viciously]
[Vic] I'm in utter shock.
[Book] What?
[Vic] Bloodline continuing to seek and destroy
As Solo Sikoa will be locked inside a solid steel cage this Friday
for the undisputed WWE title on the USA premiere of Smackdown.
But here right now, The Bloodline has utterly destroyed
The Street Profits and the NXT Tag Team Champions.
I mean, Booker, I'm absolutely beside myself
thinking about what we just witnessed here to kick off NXT.
Like my daddy said, get some, want some.
Your ass better be big enough and bad enough to take. My God, man.
It's been a huge night. It's been a huge week.
WWE week continuing here on USA. We heard the big news yesterday.
Starting Monday, October 7th,
through and including RAW's USA finale on Monday, December 30th,
Monday night RAW moving to two hours, eight to ten Eastern.
First 30 minutes are commercial free. The bloodline just wreaked havoc.
We got a last man standing match in our main event
between Pete Dunne and Trick Williams.
And Oba Femi is going to be in action here tonight,
but we don't necessarily know against who.
But NXT Anonymous might have given us a glimpse.
I don't know you, but you got a reputation.
You're not afraid to get your hands dirty.
My kind of guy.
Listen, Oba's a wrecking machine.
He disrespected Adriana. I need you to take him out.
I'll put a little extra in here, all right? Get it done.
[Vic] The surprises keep coming. The rumors are true.
The speculation is over. Giulia "The Beautiful Madness" has arrived.
[Giulia speaking in Japanese]
[crowd chants "Giulia!"]
[Vic] And Perez's reign continues
-Giulia has arrived. -Giulia, baby.
This is literally why I watch this show.
[Vic] If there's anyone that can keep Perez from more records,
we could be looking at her.
As NXT looks towards its future,
is the NXT women's champion, Roxanne Perez, staring into hers?
Chelsea Green gonna be black and blue tomorrow.
Me, you…
CW.
[tense music with vocalizations playing]
[crowd] Giulia, Giulia!
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, Giulia.
[Vic] We will all remember this moment.
A highly anticipated debut of an international sensation.
The time for talk is over. Giulia has arrived.
And she's getting ready to step foot
to compete in an NXT ring for the very first time.
[Book] You know, Vic, they say when your name arrives before you do,
you got something good going on. That's Giulia.
We'll find out a whole lot about her tonight,
and I cannot wait for the bell, baby.
[Vic] The aura surrounding Giulia is absolutely unreal.
Shhh…
It's Chelsea.
["Hot Mess" playing]
[announcer] And her opponent…
Chelsea Green!
[Vic] On her X account,
which I'm sure you follow. and check out daily,
on her X account,
Green posted she did not approve of this matchup.
[Book] Really, talking about not having time to prepare.
But it doesn't matter.
-[Vic] What? She's had a week. -[Book] A week? A week.
[Vic] What will you give her, a year?
[Book] For Giulia, somebody that is so talented. A week? Are you kidding me?
-[Vic] That's what you got. -[Book] Like going up against Mike Tyson.
[Vic] How long would you need to take before you face Mike Tyson? A lifetime?
[Book] At least a couple of months.
[crowd] Giulia, Giulia!
[Book] Oh! Just another night of…
[Vic] That's probably not the smartest move to make.
And answering right back. Look, Giulia's known for her striking ability,
as we saw last weekend. Well, as Chelsea Green fell, I mean,
what are you expecting out of Giulia tonight?
[Book] She loves to delve into the strong style of professional wrestling.
I think it's going to be hard hitting
In the case of Chelsea Green, she's about to get beat up.
[Vic] Well, Chelsea Green was not happy.
Very upset that it is Giulia headed to Chicago for our CW debut
to face Roxanne Perez for the NXT women's championship and not her.
What a missile dropkick!
Chelsea Green has not gotten out of the gates.
I guess this goes back to what you said about preparation.
Into the cover, hook of the leg and a kickout.
I mean, look, it was Giulia who dominated in Stardom.
She held the World Wonder Stardom Championships.
She was the strong women's champion in New Japan.
[Book] Now you talking my talk, right? Now you see what I'm talking about.
When your name gets there before you,
that says you have done just about everything.
Tonight she's going to show Chelsea Green.
And then she wants to show the prodigy a little something.
-I cannot wait. -[Vic] That'll happen in Chicago.
And it's Chelsea Green trying to get back into this matchup.
And can you imagine if Chelsea Green ruins Giulia's debut?
We will never, ever hear the end of it.
[Book] Chelsea, like I said, this is just another day at the office.
[Vic] Got caught once more. Giulia charges back. Goes up.
[Book] Oh, baby.
[Vic] She goes around. You might think that's an octopus stretch.
It's not. It's the spider web. The feet lock, the pressure on the body…
Chelsea Green is in desperation. She's in a lot of trouble right now.
Green is trying to find her way, navigate her way to the rope.
She's able to get to the rope. Shoulders down, kick out.
[Book] Oh, man. Let's not talk about it. Giulia being 1, 2, 3 steps ahead.
[Vic] That knee almost…
was felt again by Chelsea Green.
[Book] Giulia's a special talent, Vic.
[Vic] There's only so far Chelsea Green can run.
She just got caught and felt that knee one way or another.
Oh, and I actually feel bad now.
Oh!
[Book] I like Giulia. I like Giulia.
-[Vic] What's not to like? -[Book] Don't trust anyone.
You can't get one over on her. She's smart.
[Vic] I've noticed, looking around for Chelsea Green, there's no Piper Niven.
Last Friday on Smackdown she helped Green steal a match against Michin.
But it's Chelsea Green who wanted that opportunity,
wanted to face Roxanne Perez one more time.
While on the topic of titles,
the NXT Heritage Cup will still be defended later on tonight.
[referee] Knock it off.
The second of three championships to be defended here, of course.
We just saw what happened in the NXT tag team title matchup.
Giulia, though, hoisted up.
Chelsea walking to the center of the ring and looking at plant Green,
who slithers down the back, German suplex connect.
Throwing Giulia inside-out.
And what about Chelsea Green bringing her a game here tonight.
This could be a massive upset. Can Green shock the world?
And Giulia able to kick out.
[Book] I like the attitude. Wait!
[Vic] Another cover, another kickout.
Think about what Chelsea said.
She's been talking about it on social media.
She should be facing Roxanne Perez. Take another look at this offense.
This beautiful German suplex really has changed the complexion of this matchup
for Chelsea Green, who now has Giulia tied up in the center of the ring.
But is Chelsea right to be upset?
[Book] I mean no…
[Vic] Cover and a kickout! She got that shoulder off the mat.
[Book] She has the right to be upset, but more…
[Vic] Shifting the weight.
[Book] More importantly than that, she has a chance to prove it here
by beating Giulia in the middle of this ring, Vic.
[Vic] This now starting to break down and I don't know, Book,
if you want to get in to a strike for strike contest with Giulia.
People think about Giulia, they think about her striking ability.
She can go toe-to-toe with anybody.
Referee in great position. Chip Danning telling Chelsea she's got to move
or get her hands up, a little bit of separation.
Giulia charging right back in.
[Book] That's what I'm talking about Giulia's always one step ahead.
Seems like she's clairvoyant. Like she could see into the future.
What's next? What's next? Now she's just pacing.
Stalking.
[Vic] We've all been waiting for this matchup, for Giulia's debut, this moment.
And the NXT Universe serenading…
[crowd sings]
…the newest superstar to the NXT women's division.
[Book] Oooh, man.
[Vic] What did you say earlier? Messages. Sending messages.
Giulia's sending one. And she's sending it to one woman.
The prodigy, Roxanne Perez, the woman holding the NXT women's championship.
Tell you, if Roxanne is smart like I know she is, she's watching this match,
she's taking notes.
She's going to be totally prepared.
Cuz preparation, I taught her this,
preparation is the only luck you're ever going to have in this business.
[Vic] Well, when Giulia came face to face with Roxanne Perez last week,
it certainly was a goose bump moment felt here on NXT.
But now the action is right out here in front of us.
And look how quickly Chelsea Green has turned this matchup around.
-[Book] Oh baby, yeah. -[Vic] Completely around, one more time.
[Book] I like it.
Now the thing is, Chelsea just lured Giulia in to take that shot right there.
-I'm liking the action. Here we go! -[Vic] A third time!
The referee…
Booker, you better get out of the way.
You see that look Chelsea gave you? She's not happy with you right now.
She's not happy with her opponent.
She's not happy with a general manager on any brand in the WWE.
And it's Chelsea climbing to the top.
Could be looking for her missile dropkick to connect into Giulia.
Giulia is able to side step and get out of the way.
Lands that knee under the jaw. Good night, Green.
Got to give it up for Chelsea Green laying out all the stops, Vic.
Give it up for Giulia.
Giulia now locking in…
and just planting with that Northern Lights Bomb.
And The Beautiful Madness creates her first beautiful masterpiece on NXT.
[announcer] Here is your winner…
Giulia.
NXT Universe rising to their feet.
And it was Giulia
who was trying to keep Chelsea Green off her feet in this match.
But it was actually Chelsea Green
who would turn up the aggression in this matchup.
She knew what was at stake.
But in the end, it was Giulia showing you why she's an international sensation,
why she's won so many championships around the world.
And with her first victory here on NXT, she now sets her sights
on another piece of gold.
Because three weeks from tonight in Chicago,
on her highly anticipated debut on the CW
Perez vs Giulia for the NXT Women's Championship. Tickets on sale now.
You do not want to miss this.
What an amazing debut that was for Giulia.
Trick, tonight is your opportunity to get back to the NXT Championship.
But first, it's a last man standing match with Pete Dunne.
Look, I ain't gonna lie to you.
I never had a last man standing match before.
Look, I know it takes grit, I know it takes determination,
but I've never done it before. But don't get it twisted.
That's not gonna stop me from getting my NXT title back. Yeah.
CW, October 1st, Chicago. Ethan Page.
I want that. Not even Pete Dunne is gonna stop me.
And just to be clear, I want the world to know.
Pete, you are undoubtedly, undeniably a Class 1 butch.
I respect your game. You break fingers. You're bad.
You're one of the best opponents I ever seen.
But tonight, I will be the last…
man…
standing.
For the past 15 years, this TNA Knockouts Championship has represented the best
women's wrestling outside of WWE.
Legends and future Hall of Famers have held this.
And now I carry it and its legacy proudly.
So why an open challenge as part of WWE Week on USA?
Well, the NXT women's division is stacked from top to bottom.
And the more formidable the opponents that I defeat,
the more prestigious this title becomes. So NXT, bring your best,
because I always bring mine.
Knockouts Open challenge. Still to come,
["Who want it" playing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest
is for the NXT Heritage Cup Championship.
Introducing first the challenger, accompanied by Cedric Alexander,
Je'Von Evans!
The TNA Knockout Championship will be defended later on tonight.
The Heritage Cup is on the line. Next.
My, oh my. It appears that some of my loyal and creative intellectuals
put together a little compilation of the King's greatest hits.
Give me a new king.
[King] Tough luck, Oro. I mean, who's your daddy now?
That's right, me. And everyone loves the King.
And speaking about what people love,
why don't we check out the most talked about beard in the WWE
fresh as
al--
[indistinct]
[indistinct conversations]
Jordynne's the real deal. You ready?
If I didn't have the title, I'd be first in line.
But I'm excited for you and everyone for this opportunity.
-You guys really deserve it. -Yeah, you have that title. Well, for now.
So cute. Everybody warming up.
So who's gonna step up to the plate and challenge Jordynne Grace?
For all that complaining you do, tonight's your chance. Who better to face
Jordynne than the self-proclaimed leaders of the locker room?
-So tell me who's stepping up. -You don't tell us what to do, right?
-Who does she think she is? -I thought that.
Because if you did, Fatal Influence would be making a fatal mistake.
-I never liked you. -Yeah?
[indistinct arguments]
[announcer] For No Quarter Catch Crew, he is the NXT Heritage Cup Champion,
Charlie Dempsey!
Maybe it'll be Lola Vice who answers Jordynne Grace's challenge later tonight,
but it's all about the Heritage Cup Championship right here, right now
as WWE week continuing tonight on the USA Network.
And you see Je'Von Evans, I mean, he's looking to prove the haters wrong
and earn his first gold in the WWE.
[Book] Opportunity knocks, Vic.
You want to make sure you answer that door.
You want to do it quick.
[Vic] As for Charlie Dempsey, he can't be happy with Wren Sinclair
just handing out cup matches.
Of course, Sinclair on the outside, she could be the one that answers
-the TNA Knockouts Championship Challenge. -She's the talk, a chatterbox.
[Book] My mother always said, "Don't let your mouth overload your behind."
I think that's what she needs to understand, Vic.
[Vic] Well, Charlie would love her to understand that
so he's not finding himself in championship matches week in, week out
[Book] He's quick!
[Vic] 30 seconds off the clock in round number one.
And how will Evans fare in this style of matchup?
This is someone who stays full throttle.
But it's not just the style of match, but of the opponent.
And Charlie Dempsey is a throwback.
A lot of Dave Taylor, a lot of Fin Finlay. He's looking to hurt you. He's dangerous.
[Vic] Certainly has a blue-blood pedigree as we're 60 seconds off the clock
in round number one.
The biggest thing that I thought about this matchup
is a learning curve with the start and the stop
due to the round format for Je'Von Evans.
[Book] He may have a few hiccups as far as that go, but one thing about him
is that he's ambitious. He's hungry more than anything.
[Vic] Going for a fireman's carry.
Good takedown, but not able to escape the wrist lock by Je'Von.
And we talked about Bourne and Sinclair on the outside for Charlie Dempsey.
Cedric Alexander on the side of the ring, right in front of us,
supporting Je'Von Evans, who continues to hang on, with 90 seconds left.
[Book] I like that the young OG is smart enough to know
that he's gonna need backup
a situation like this because it's a numbers game.
[Vic] Well, with Cedric in his corner, Alexander has been lending
advice to the young OG since Alexander arrived back here in NXT.
Another quick escape from Je'Von Evans.
[Book] I like the strategy of this young man right now.
That's not trying to rush anything. Don't want to run into anything big.
I like that.
[Vic] Look at the clock. It's at 60 seconds. Round one.
And really this has been a feeling out process of sorts.
And I don't know if it's Je'Von not wanting to make a mistake
or if it's Charlie Dempsey trying to bait Je'Von Evans into a mistake.
Take a look at Dempsey's unique style of offense.
[Book] It's chess, not checkers, Vic, like I said,
you don't want to run in and try to throw everything out in the first round.
-[Book] We got a long way to go. -[Vic] Charlie Dempsey now starting
to dissect Evans, focusing on the upper body. Referee, great position.
Right shoulder coming off the mat with under 30 seconds here down to 25.
Evans again shoulders down. This time the left shoulder's coming off the mat
with 20 seconds left in round one. Evans trying to bridge his way out.
He did. Dempsey trying to put his weight down.
Look at the neck strength by Evans who pops up.
In that boy bouncy Dempsey doesn't break the hold.
Rolling back through inside the final 10 seconds. Dempsey answering.
Evans lands on his feet looking to pump back into the ring with an extra umph.
But the time has expired here in round number one.
[Book] Even round, right there, Vic.
Evans with a smile on his face because remember it was Je'Von Evans who heard
what Dallas said. They don't believe that Evans is suited for this style
of matchup as he takes a couple of deep reps. Wren Sinclair, Miles Born.
Talk a little bit of strategy.
[Book] I don't agree. Je'Von Evans is a special talent.
He brings so much to the table. Vic, he's different. He's different.
-[Book] That's all it is. -[Vic] We take a look at Dempsey's eyes.
Oh, Evans trying to get a quick maneuver into this round.
Dempsey was able to get out of the way, rolling through. Evans back to his feet.
Dempsey from behind. Evans holding on.
[Vic] Evans flying up. Over. Shoulders down.
-[Book] Beautiful. -[Vic] Evans did not get a fall.
Almost the first decision.
And again, first superstar to two decisions will be victorious
in this matchup. If there's a disqualification, it ends like that.
Those rest periods, as you're seeing in between the rounds, so crucial.
Dempsey doesn't connect. Evans coming in, going up and over. Can he get a backslide?
Trying to get down, trying to get the advantage. Dempsey trying
to overpower the young OG in this moment to get his way over the turnbuckle.
And he did in the back of Evans. Neck just snapped.
[Book] That was crafty right there by Charlie Dempsey
right now looking to bounce on Je'Von Evans.
Flying suplex connects and Dempsey just picked up the first decision.
[announcer] Charlie Dempsey has scored the first ball.
[Vic] That look of seriousness has escaped the face of Dempsey, who has a big smile
because up 1-0. Who's walking out tonight with a Heritage Cup?
Don't miss a second of the action in our picture-picture break.
[Vic] In the final 45 seconds in round three.
Je'Von Evans inside cradle, shoulders down, trying to tie at one fall.
Dempsey able to kick out as we're inside
the final 40 seconds and Charlie Dempsey continuing to apply
the offensive pressure. Evans right now fighting on the back foot,
getting back into the matchup in the final 30 seconds
as Cedric Alexander on the outside
throughout the break has been trying to fire up Evans for this matchup.
We're approaching the final 20 seconds here in round number three.
And it might be go time for the young OG looking to fly.
Got all of his cover and Evans ties it at one.
[Book] Wow.
[announcer] Je'Von Evans has scored the second ball.
[Vic] That is huge for Je'Von Evans in this match.
But I want to bring something up to you as we think about this.
Heading now into the next round, Dempsey does such a great job of making
his opponents adjust to his style instead of him having to adjust to theirs.
Has Je'Von Evans now just changed the game?
[Book] No, you know, I don't think so because in the break the fans
didn't get a chance to see Charlie Dempsey was putting
on a master class and just got caught.
Maybe the kid caught a second wind or something, but he's on the move.
[Vic] But to my point, it's now Je'Von Evans who has
a little bit more freedom because he's not on the back foot.
He's tied at one. He's one decision away.
He's just three seconds away from the Heritage Cup.
And Charlie Dempsey worked so hard to recapture this cup.
But could tonight be the night for Je'Von Evans?
[Book] Think about it. Je'Von Evans's been in many high stakes situations
at such a young age.
This kid is looking, he, he's hungry. He wants more than to capture that cup.
-[Book] How big would it be? -[Vic] It would be huge.
[Vic] And now it's Evans forcing Dempsey to have to be on the back foot.
-[Book] He's coming! -[Vic] Defense! Uppercut!
[Vic] Under the jaw. And Dempsey… oh!
pulling the young OG right through almost that middle rope.
And turning this right back around here in round number four into the cover,
does hook the leg, but puts a lot of body weight on Evans' upper body,
having him use even more energy to kick out.
[Book] The thing about Dempsey, he knows the rules.
He knows he can take a fall and still get the job done.
I think that's why he's so comfortable in these matches.
Go back to earlier in this matchup when it was Evans
whose neck snapped on the top turnbuckle.
And it's now Charlie Dempsey who is focusing with a second
neck breaker on Je'Von Evans.
Surgically, Vic surgically taking Je'Von Evans apart piece by piece.
And another cover and another kick out by Evans Again, the next decision will win
this matchup and would win the Heritage Cup.
Charlie Dempsey right now raining on elbow after elbow.
The referee right there in position.
Je'Von Evans trying to continue to defend himself, turn his body in.
Charlie Dempsey wisely locking in this front face lock.
And look at the grip by Charlie Dempsey right now. He's got this cinched in.
[Book] Just that he's leaning on this kid right now, trying to make him use
every ounce of energy he possibly can. Baby, put this kid to sleep.
[Vic] The Clock right now could be a friend for Je'Von Evans or an enemy.
He's got to hang on for 50 more seconds to force around five without a…
Body scissors squeezing the air out of the body of Je'Von Evans.
[Book] Trying to take him out, tap him out.
But this kid right here, he's got a little bit left in the tank.
-[Book] Here we go. -[Vic] Evans broke the hold
-[Vic] with a suplex. -[Book] Wow.
[Vic] Under 30 seconds now. And a look of determination in the eyes of Evans.
Cedric Alexander right now peering through, trying to coach up Evans.
Wren Sinclair, Miles Bourne on the No Quarter Catch Cruise side
side for Dempsey. Slugfest breaking out.
Just 15 seconds left in round four. We're tied at one. Who wants it more?
-[Vic] Down to the final 10 seconds. Ooh! -[Book] Wow.
[Vic] Dempsey, double underhook, suplex, connects shoulders.
Referee no near fall into another submission.
And Evans is saved by the bell.
Come on, ref.
And Alexander doing the right thing.
[indistinct arguments]
[Vic] Things starting to break down.
Cedric Alexander was protecting his friend. Charlie Dempsey heard the bell
and didn't relinquish the hold. He's lucky.
-[Book] Maybe he didn't hear it. -[Vic] What do you mean?
[Vic] Not Miles Born up there not hearing it.
Talk about Charlie Dempsey.
He held on, of course he heard the damn bell.
I will say this about Dempsey.
Only one other man has held the Heritage Cup more than once.
As Dempsey might just lose it here.
And a kickout five seconds into round number five.
And the boy, as you said earlier, getting bouncy, the young OG.
Je'Von Evans taking it to Charlie Dempsey. Dempsey answering right back.
As strong as Evans.
[Book] Championship rounds right now, Vic, we're in those deep, deep waters,
Who's going to survive? Sink or swim?
-Not right now, Vic. Here we go. -That could be the knockout blow.
It's 30 seconds into round five. Again, this is a six-round matchup.
If Evans can survive.
Looking for that Dragon suplex again. Doesn't work. Counter.
Draw it down. And Evans couldn't hold Dempsey.
[Book] Man, what a hard hook, too. Almost had it.
-[Book] God, man. -[Vic] Well, he got all that one Booker
Now it's Dempsey who's gotta worry about the clock.
But he's got over two minutes to survive. Flying through the air, Evans,
but look how wise of Dempsey. Rolling to his stomach, to the rope.
Evans finally getting into a cover. And what the…
The referee saw what was happening.
I will rule you out.
The clock's running.
Cedric's flying.
Alexander's had enough.
No Quarter Catch Crew has stuck their nose in this match one too many times.
-[Book] The hell was he thinking? -[Vic] That he got to even the odds.
[Vic] Now there's no one here for Je'Von. German suplex doesn't connect.
Evans lands on his feet.
Just 90 seconds left in round five.
Dempsey up and over. This could be that moment for Je'Von Evans.
Buck 21 and counting.
Round five tied at one. Going for it!
[crowd screams in excitement]
Evans just wiped out Dempsey. Dempsey backing.
What the hell is Wren Sinclair doing? Hey!
[crowd screams in commotion]
Booker,
that's Tavion Heights!
Heights is back from Japan. Into the cover. The referee didn't see it.
Dempsey is going to steal it.
[announcer] Here is your winner and still the NXT Heritage Cup champion,
Charlie Dempsey.
[Vic] Dempsey, with the help of others, just retained his cup.
This was the first decision that Dempsey actually earned off that dragon suplex.
You see that clock winding down.
Je'Von Evans made the most of his time in the air to pick up at that point
a match-tying fall. Referee distracted by Wren Sinclair.
Cedric Alexander wiped out Miles Bourne.
And the returning Tavion Heights from Japan wiped out Je'Von Evans.
The referee didn't see what happened.
Charlie Dempsey did, slithered his way into the cover
and retains his Heritage Cup.
And now that Tavion is back from Japan, Dempsey looks to take
the No Quarter Catch Crew possibly to new heights.
Who you thought it was, baby? I'm back.
[ominous music playing]
[female narrator in a scary voice] Once upon a time,
the hive cried out and demanded to know why their demon assassin
and the sleepy psycho had united under the shadow.
[high-pitched distorted sounds]
There are, of course, several reasons, one to be revealed tonight,
another to be saved till next week. And one…
serves as a warning to Lyra and Tatum.
You've made your bed,
but did you happen to take a look
at what's hiding
beneath it?
[screechy sounds]
You never know what's creeping behind that door.
Perhaps it's not just the glimmering moonlight
lurking outside your bedroom window while your eyes are shut.
A lot can go wrong when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed.
But what's scarier than all that?
Not having anyone to play with.
[narrator laughs scarily]
[Vic] From a demonic duo to a destroyer. There is the North American champion.
Who will the ruler of NXT face? Find out next.
[crowd boos]
-Welcome back to… -To NX me.
Now, before Sarah here asks me about tonight's last man standing match,
I'd like to ask everyone at home to take a good look at the NXT champion.
The same man that should be thanked for the era we are all currently living in
and will continue to live in after October 1st
when we make our debut on the CW Network in Chicago.
And the man to thank for the Era of Ego is me. All ego, Ethan Page.
Last man standing match. Who are you rooting for?
Trick Williams or Pete Dunne?
Well, everyone in this locker room is deathly intimidated and afraid
of Pete Dunne but not Ethan Page.
I've already kind of figured out the Bruiserweight to be honest with you.
So, Trick Williams, then?
No, Trick Williams is… He's still chasing ghosts.
The man was lucky enough to collect lightning in a bottle once.
He had the Whoop That Era, which…
took this entire company by storm.
But if you're asking me if I think Trick can collect lightning in a bottle twice,
you must be joking.
-I'm confused. Who then? -Am I rooting for?
Oh, me. Myself. Oh, Sarah.
Truly, I get to watch both of these men absolutely demolish each other.
It is a last man standing match, after all.
But after that. Oh, all I have to do
on October 1st is pick up the scraps of whoever truly is the last man standing.
You're welcome,
Vic, Booker, back to you.
[Vic] Thanks, Sarah. Huge main event still to come. How about this interaction?
All eyes on NXT.
Everyone wants to be part of our highly anticipated launch on the CW.
WWE Women's Tag Team Champions freshed off their defense last night
with a back and forth with Shawn Michaels. It looks like Jade and Belair
are gonna be in Chicago with us on October 1st on the CW.
["Hands of Fate" is playing]
And speaking of the CW,
there's no doubt that Oba Femi is part of the excitement surrounding NXT.
["Hands of Fate" continues playing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, he is the NXT North American champion.
Oba Femi!
[Vic] I don't know who will be able to take the title off Oba Femi
before we get to Chicago. And NXT becomes the only WWE brand
on broadcast television on the CW starting October 1st.
What a time to be Oba Femi because tonight he's not here to defend his title.
He's here to continue to prove that he is, in fact, the ruler of NXT.
And the question is, who has Tony D'Angelo found?
Who has he paid to try to conquer the unconquerable?
[Book] You see that envelope? That was a grip dog.
[heavy rock music playing]
[crowd cheers excitedly]
[announcer] And his opponent,
-Hammerstone! -[Vic] Look who the Don found.
Certainly a man with a reputation.
TNA wrestler Hammerstone.
Take a look. What's the thing you say about meat?
[Book] No bread, no water, just meat. That man. Oh, my God.
[Vic] I mean, I'm just in awe staring at these two individuals.
And I mean, Booker, at first glance,
how do you see this one playing out? I mean, this is power versus power.
[Book] I tell you, both of these guys got a lot of strength, Vic.
But I'm gonna tell you this. This Hammerstone, he's…
…different. He's been around a while.
He's been champion everywhere he's going, and he chiseled out of granite.
Oh, big shot.
[Vic] Quite a right hand by Oba Femi.
Not afraid of any challenge. No fear ever in Oba Femi.
Remember when he sat at The Don's table at The Don's restaurant?
No fear in Oba.
Oh, Oba might be done playing games. Blocking the hip toss, Hammerstone
now gets hoisted up, able to slip down the back.
And this time, if at first you don't succeed, try again.
[Book] It's going to be a big test for global Femi here tonight.
He's had that cloak of invincibility since day one.
Tonight it could be a little different.
Well, speaking of which, there is the Don, there is the Family looking on.
They paid a lot of money, it looked like, as you mentioned, the size of that
-envelope, what you call it, a grip? -A grip. Oh yes. Gloom green Duncan man.
Juicy headstone. I mean the size of this man.
Just flying off the top and then rocking Oba Femi to the outside.
Say, this is going to be the ultimate test for Obi.
We see him line up and Oba Femi just knocked him down.
I don't think we've ever seen Oba in this type of trouble this early, Vic.
-[Book] Oh, big shot. -[Vic] And with one slap,
Oba Femi just dropped what appears to be about 250 pounds of armor.
-And then just from behind. -Yes, indeed, he's a specimen.
[Book] This, this hammer.
Now, Oba Femi just doing what he does best, breaking the pain, man.
I want to bring this up after what you said.
Is Oba Femi continuing to decimate Hammers?
I mean who can you honestly, after seeing moves
like this, who can you honestly compare over to.
And I don't mean size, I don't mean strength, I mean confidence.
I mean in what he has accomplished. He won
the North American title, Booker, in five matches.
Can you compare him to anyone you've been around?
[Book] No, I was just talking about this inside… Whoa, big shot.
I was talking about this in the Hall of Fame.
Just last week, that one guy came along and took this business by storm
the unpredictable, indestructible Goldberg. That, that will be the guy.
He's doing it differently, though, a little bit different.
Longevity. That's what I think he's thinking about.
[Vic] Only now just wearing down.
I mean that's a hell of a comparison from you of who you just said Oba
reminds you of early on in his career. And he's continued
to prove yourself right. I mean last week he dropped Stacks, right?
-[Vic] He dropped him in front of The Don. -[Book] That was a message to the Don.
You want some, you got to come get some.
But like I said, you better be bad enough to take. You gotta back it up.
[Vic] Not an easy task here tonight for Hammerstone, who accepted the pay.
He just yoked up Oba, who got to his feet, slithered down the back.
Now he picked up Hammerstone and just tossing
his opponent tonight into the cover Hooks the leg.
and another near fall, that right shoulder just coming
off the mat. Again, the power of Oba Femi.
[Book] Big shot right there. That was a lazy kick out by Hammerstone.
Oh, wait a minute, wait a minute.
[Vic] Hammerstone showing some power. Now showing some elusiveness.
Back to his feet.
Can he hoist Oba?
[Book laughs wickedly]
[Book] Yeah.
Battle of strength early on and it's Oba Femi
who comes out on top for a moment.
Don did not take kindly to how Oba Femi has shown a lack of respect
to the Family.
Has hired a henchman tonight in Hammerstone who could be on the verge
of making the Don a very,
very happy individual.
Starting to bring the fight now, Hammerstone. Nice reversal by Oba.
Oba, though, couldn't connect. And Hammerstone just dropped Oba Femi.
[Book] I like the physical attributes of Hammerstone.
And the thing is, he's elusive as well.
He's not just one truck, one trick pony or anything like that. Oh, big shot
[Vic] Showing that power.
A couple overhead belly-to-belly suplexes.
What could be on Hammerstone's mind?
Maybe that nightmare pendulum
instead hits a choke slam. Cover, count and almost.
Handing Oba Femi his first taste of defeat.
[Book] That was close, Vic.
[Vic] And now maybe looking for it over though, sensing it.
And like we always see from North American champions, able to overpower.
-And now just toss it. -Wow, the power. The power of Oba Femi.
-[Book] Oh, here we go. Here we go. -[Vic] In his zone.
[Vic] And it appears another plan of the times has a fall from grace.
[bell rings]
[announcer] Here is your winner, the NXT North American champion
Oba Femi.
[Vic] Even with the target on his back, you see Tony D'Angelo.
The Don not happy with the results here tonight on NXT.
Hank and Tank don't make excuses,
but we want our mitts on Gallows and Anderson.
The Good Brothers are on the track and the Hank & Tank train
-is coming through and it sounds… -Wait.
Look, I will talk to Ava. I'll take care of this for you, all right?
-Honk, honk. -They want to do the honk.
Ridge Holland, you were nothing more to me than low life scum.
Your words against our university. Your actions against Andre Chase.
Inexcusable.
Now, before I get my revenge on you, I need to speak to one man:
Andre Chase. Chase, I know you lay there
uncomfortable in your hospital bed, but I need you sat up.
I need your eyes glued to the TV,
because I am about to give Ridge Holland one hell of an Andre Chase University
sized ass whipping!
-Girl, Jordynne who? Let's get it. -All right.
Let's go.
Knockout's title or your title? Which one should I go for first?
Connie, have you ever thought about doing one of these open challenges?
It's a good idea, but unfortunately, Rin, I'm not holding an open challenge tonight.
So maybe you should focus on the girl that is.
Wren QCC.
Bye. Remember, you're a cage fighter.
-You got this. -Y'all seen Fatal Influence in here?
Nah, they dipped after I called them out.
But listen, I've got a big problem with them.
-And clearly you do too. -Baby, right now I'm not looking for help.
I am looking for them.
Well, after last week, it obviously looked like you needed some.
I'm gonna deal with you later.
Somebody needs to hammer those Fatal Influence girls.
And you and Jaida are the perfect ones to do it.
-But you heard her, right? -I did.
[Vic] We've talked about all eyes on NXT. What if the best in the world
who was impressed with Giulia's NXT debut earlier tonight?
And am I reading this right, Booker?
I wonder how that phone call is going to go between CM Punk and Ava,
our general manager here in NXT.
[Book] Something's a'brewing.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first Ridge Holland.
Go ahead, Book.
Hello!
-[Book] What are you talking about? -[Vic] Tell me how I was wrong.
How we were all foolish. Speak your mind.
Tell us you were right. Pat yourself on the back.
[Book] I can't say this. This proves my point.
It proves, man, but I was just telling them like it is. And that's fine.
That's fine, dog.
You heard Duke Hudson say that.
-Andre Chase… -[Book] You want to give me an apology?
-You want to make an apology right here? -[Vic] For what? That you were right?
-Yes. -You were.
-Thank you very much. -Is that what you wanted?
Does that make you happy? You want me to kiss your rings?
[Vic] Get that out of my face. Get out of here. I didn't… Stop.
[announcer] And his opponent, representing Chase University.
-Duke Hudson! -[Vic] Can the MVP step up tonight?
[Book] I'm going tell you right now the MVP has no choice but to step up
because Andre Chase's nowhere around to step up.
The only person that steps up in, in this, in this,
in this university is this one man who should be the president.
[Vic] Here we go.
Referee's going to have his hands full.
And you saw the MVP trophy handed over to Riley Osborne on the outside.
Hudson wants some extra motivation
after Ridge Holland destroyed his trophy last week.
And as I was saying, Duke Hudson said Andre Chase's still in hospital.
Very little is known about the injury status to Andrew Chase.
Chase U though keeping it close to the fest.
All we know is Chase is still in hospital and thanks the NXT Universe
and gives everyone a thank you for their well wishes as right now
it's Duke Hudson just looking to… Whoa!
Beat the hell
out of Ridge Holland, and it's Duke Hudson
who could be seeing
Chase U red and oh,
Ridge Holland.
I don't know where to go. You're not letting me out, left or right.
They're right here in front of me. You get up.
I don't want to get caught in this.
Ridge back into the ring as we try to regroup ourselves here ringside.
We did say it would be Duke Hudson who would be seeing red tonight.
Hudson now looking to go up, to go over, to hit that German suplex.
And if I'm to give you credit, I got to give Hudson credit. He was right.
Riley was right.
Ridge duked a lot of people.
But Duke is still fighting for his university.
Duke is still fighting for his profession.
[Book] Anybody you can blame, but it's Thea Hail, Andre Chase in the whole damn
university for letting this man into the university from the beginning.
-[Book] Do you agree with me on that? -Thea Hail does not want Duke Hudson
again disqualified and Ridge Holland taking advantage.
I won't agree all night. You had your time. You got your due.
Leave it alone.
As Ridge Holland now right in to the lower back of Duke Hudson
spine first and take a look, Booker.
Take a look at Riley Osborne. Look up from the monitor.
Something happened to Osborne,
our official from the back helping Riley and now it is Ridge Holland
who is going to unleash hell.
I'm sure on Duke Hudson it was Holland who called Duke a spoiled threat.
And instead of going for the cover instead of going for the three,
he's right now just beating down Duke, liking it.
[Book] You got to give him some credit. He took the university to gold, man.
Something that they hadn't done in quite some time.
And who messed it up? Who messed it up?
I see where you're coming from.
And obviously you agree with what Holland said last week,
that he wasn't appreciated by Chase U, he wasn't welcomed on the campus.
I don't buy that.
[Book] Nobody wanted him. Nobody wanted him here.
And then all of a sudden, he was a great guy. Come on, Vic.
[Vic] Another knee right to the side of the face.
And you wonder how he felt watching those titles be defended earlier tonight.
That being Ridge Holland.
Took him six years to finally win a championship.
And as you pointed out, it only took one night for Chase University to lose it.
As Hudson fighting back.
-[Book] Would you be upset about that? -Rolling, shoulders down. Near fall.
Yeah, I would be upset. But, you know, maybe hindsight's 20 20.
Probably feeling better after what The Bloodline did
when they came out of nowhere and wreaked havoc.
Just like Ridge Holland did. At No Mercy. But it's Duke Hudson now. Swing it.
-Got caught, though, by Ridge. -[Book] Oh, wow.
And there comes Ridge Holland again, showing that strength. Ooh,
and Holland not to look in the eyes of Ridge.
You remember the look in Ridge's eyes in Denver. It was scary.
And now, center of the ring, Ridge Holland with that redeemer and all by himself,
he continues to destroy Chase University.
[bell rings]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
Ridge Holland!
[Vic] And he's not done yet.
-[Book] It's personal. -[Vic] Come on, ref.
We're gonna need more referees. We need some of that security
that was with Trick Williams and Pete Dunne.
[Book] Pack it up.
[crowd exclaims in amazement]
I feel bad for Thea having to watch this because she believed in Ridge Holland.
Ridge Holland made her believe in herself but now is destroying everything.
This unhinged,
rageful, remorseless Ridge Holland.
Come on, ref!
Stop it!
[Referee] Come on. I need help!
[Vic] While we try to get things figured out here ringside,
we are set
for the TNA Knockouts Open Challenge. Who will answer Jordynne Grace? Next.
True. This all started when I told you to figure it out.
Well, look at my face.
This is the face of a man who's been figuring it out his whole life.
Last night, I took on three geezers, flew all night, rocked up, ready for a scrap.
And you can hide behind your distracts, and you can hide behind those people
out there that you think have your back. But when I leave, head held high,
and they pull you out of here on a stretcher, you can lay there
and you can just think to yourself that no matter how hard you tried,
you just couldn't figure it out.
And then watch me. I go on to Chicago, I beat Ethan Page and become
NXT champion. Because I'm not just the last man standing tonight.
I'm the Bruiserweight. And I'm NXT's Last Man Standing.
[Vic] Massive main event still to come. But Booker, this is some breaking news.
Our CW debut keeps getting bigger and bigger
as the most must see talk show in WWE history.
History is coming to Chicago Miz TV on NXT.
And to steal a quote from the Miz, it's going to be awesome.
Something that wasn't awesome to some happened earlier tonight, of course.
We kicked off tonight with the NXT tag team titles on the line.
Smackdown's Street Profits taking on Axiom and Fraser.
And just as Montez Ford looked to be closing in on the NXT tag team title
don't adjust your screens because the Bloodline arrived.
They wreaked havoc and they destroyed everything in their path here tonight.
The bloodline making their presence felt here on NXT.
And it was not the way we thought we were going to start the night.
With the Bloodline arriving and decimating not only the NXT tag team champions,
Nathan Frazer and Axiom,
but also Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins.
We know the issues run deep between the Bloodline and The Street Profits.
And they continue here tonight as we kicked off NXT.
We talk about the tag team championship match earlier tonight, as the Bloodline
stood tall as we started the evening,
there was no one standing after that.
[Book] It's about to get busy. I love it. I love the action. I love it.
We talk about the tag team matchup. Street Profits we talked about.
It was supposed to be,
if you remember, Trey, Miguel and Zachary Wentz.
The Rascals earned that championship opportunity last week to have the…
championship matchup tonight.
Hey, Zack!
Zach? So you and I both know why Trey has not competed tonight.
And I'm that reason. See, it started with you and I.
It's going to end with you and I in Chicago. CW matchup.
I end this in a street fight.
That's a call out, Vic. That's what that is.
I couldn't hear what you said. He ripped my headset off. What'd you say?
[announcer] The following is a TNA Knockouts Championship open challenge.
Introducing the TNA Knockouts Champion, Jordynne Grace!
[Vic] Why don't they ever mess with you?
[Book] Cuz of 250 miles of stomping, grave digging, destruction Jack.
[Vic] Jordynne Grace, you have to give her credit. She knows it's WWE week.
She issued an open challenge for the TNA Knockouts Championship.
Who will it be? The locker room has been buzzing all week.
[Book] Buzzing for a reason too, Vic. A shot at the gold.
[announcer] And her opponent, Sol Ruca.
[Vic] Sol Ruca calling her shots here tonight.
[Book] Like Wes Lee just did. He called the shot.
That's what I was saying. You didn't know?
Oh, beautiful. It's going to be a big night for Sol Ruca.
Step up time.
I mean, Jordynne Grace is stepping into the backyard of all of NXT.
And you got to love the confidence in Jordynne Grace.
[Vic] Jordynne Grace,
no stranger to crossing the line here on NXT, was in the Women's Royal Rumble
this past January, of course made history this past June
at Battleground, and once again making history here tonight.
The TNA Knockouts Championship being defended on NXT.
Sol Ruca answering this challenge.
How is Ruca different than those who have challenged Jordynne Grace?
[Book] Honestly, Sol Ruca's a special talent. She's moving up quick,
but I don't think it's anything that Jordynne Grace hadn't seen before.
[crowd chants]
[Vic] Very vocal. NXT Universe here tonight.
And Grace just able to roll out of the way.
Of course, Grace has successfully defended the Championship against superstars
such as Izzi Dame, Tatum Paxley, most recently Karmen Petrovic.
[Book] I like how Jordynne Grace just slowed down the momentum right there.
Seemed like Sol Ruca was trying to get a little momentum and stopped.
[Vic] That's Ruca's game, right?
To pick up the momentum, keep moving, never stop
use that athleticism, use that tumbling ability and… Oh!
Just got flipped inside out by Jordynne Grace.
[Book] Showing a little tumbling ability of her own.
[Vic] The Queen of the Mountain, the first Knockouts Triple Crown winner
in control of this matchup early.
And she seemed ready for anyone and anything here.
Big spine buster floats into the cover, hook of the leg, and a near fall.
[Book] One thing that Sol Ruca's gonna have to combat tonight
-is the power of Jordynne Grace. -Jordynne Grace, we talk about history.
[Vic] According to
my knowledge, this is her 15th defense of that Knockouts title.
The record would be 17. Is now trying to overpower Sol Ruca.
Ruca doing her best to drop her hips, shift her weight,
-and she trying to overpower Grace. -[Book] Jordynne Grace talks about how,
how much the championship means to her.
And her representing that championship at the same time.
[Vic] Grace had one idea. Sol Ruca was able to flip it on in and then flip
Jordynne Grace up and over.
And now it's Sol Ruca who's looking to flip in her own right. Moonsault lands.
-[Vic] She sticks the landing. Gets a 10. -[Book] Beautiful
[Book] It's Sol Ruca's wheelhouse here.
Going up top, trying to put Jordynne Grace in position to land that one big shot.
[Vic] Looking to fly one more time. Big splash.
Will it be enough for the title? And Grace just able to kick out.
Who's walking out tonight with the TNA Knockouts Championship?
[Vic] Back live on NXT, it was Sol Ruca who answered the open challenge
for the TNA Knockouts Championship from its champion, Jordynne Grace.
And as you saw, throughout the commercial break,
this has been a competitive matchup. But if Sol was on the water.
Oh, and a nice counter
No more surfs up. She's gonna have to find an alternative route. She goes back up
Oh! Neck first off that top turnbuckle.
And take a look at Jordynne Grace to your point, Booker, trying to turn…
Sol able to land on her feet, able to counter once more.
Ruca coming right back in.
She has steadily been improving on her game.
Another superstar that came to the center and climbed the ranks quickly.
Springboard caught Jordynne Grace.
Maybe didn't get everything she wanted.
She goes to the well one more time on the high cross body.
And the momentum starting to swing to Sol.
[Book] Sol Ruca's on the move, Vic.
This is when she's at her best, at her finest. Right here. What is it?
Whoa, whoa. Big shot.
[Vic] She's had a few setbacks in her career.
Some ways, though, that could be good to sit back, to reevaluate,
to start to pick your spot.
And she certainly has picked a spot here tonight.
High cross body and the roll to it.
[Book] I said she was gonna come in to play.
[Vic] DDT by Sol!
-[Book] Beautiful counter. -[Vic] To become TNA Knockouts Champion.
-[Vic] And out. -[Book] That's one thing.
[Book] If I could give Sol Luca any advice, work on your playbook.
Think about thinking one, two steps ahead. Just like that right there.
[Vic] Jordynne Grace in some ways has been in Sol Ruca's shoes for that title.
She called her own shot back on January 13th of this year when she won
and began her third reign as Knockouts champion.
But can Sol Ruca put the Knockouts title around her waist here tonight?
This, by the way, if you do the math, is the third Championship matchup
of the night.
[Book] Sol Ruca is showing something tonight and she's feeling confident.
She doesn't have that knee brace on anymore as well.
-[Book] Oh, right there in the drop zone. -[Vic] Certainly is.
[Vic] And then Grace under pressure.
The Champion got it all into the cover. And the challenger able to continue
to fight in this matchup.
[Booker laughs]
[Book] Yeah.
[Vic] The whole locker room was focused on who would it be. It was Sol Ruca.
Wait up. Jordynne Grace looking for the jug.
Counter, counter. Center of the ring.
-[Book] That was close. -[Vic] Almost.
Super kick this time under jaw. This could be Sol Ruca's moment.
She might be sensitive, Booker, realizing… Oh!
[Book] That was crafty right there
-[Book] by Knockouts champion -[Vic] Jordynne Grace for a second time.
If Sol was on the water, she could be calling for an SOS.
in the…
[crowd screams in surprise]
[people whistling]
[crowd screams in amazement]
-[bell rings] -[Vic] Wendy Choo!
[Vic] The demonic duo has struck tonight.
[Book] Twin demons of evil, Vic.
I just got her this really pretty dress, but she doesn't have a name yet.
We have a place to stay in my house, but I'm just so happy that you're here.
This is my house, and they love it here. Let me show you everybody.
Oh, we have Roxanne Perez, our champion here. Oh, and then Becky.
I know you like Becky! Here. And then…
Shayna.
I'm mad at Shayna because of what she did to you last week on Raw.
-And you were just helping us. -Wow, Tatum, so many.
Cute little coping mechanisms,
but we need to focus on the real life Rosemary and Wendy, okay?
Because they are out of control.
-They are not my friend. -No.
Did you see what they did to Jordynne Grace?
I thought Wendy and I could be friends because we're both outcasts,
but she was literally just using me for the title. Can you believe that?
Imagine that.
This one's head came off.
-Everything's falling apart. -No, no, Tatum, nothing's falling apart.
Look, everything is perfect as long as we are together, okay?
We do what we need to do and show those weirdos there is nothing stopping us
-when we're on the same team, right? -Right, my sweet dove. Tyra forever.
Next week, we'll show Wendy and Rosemary
just what happens when you don't play with me.
Oh, give me that.
Giulia, congratulations on your debut and on your victory.
-I can't lie, I'm very impressed. -[Funaki speaks Japanese]
-Thank you, Ava. -Sure.
As you know, there was a lot of talk about you.
And now that you're here, it has not disappointed.
I can't wait to see how you help the women's division.
-With your experience… -Wow, I'm surprised there's no red carpet
for our new superstar since you've been giving her everything that she wants.
Straight to a women's title match on the CW launch show.
Look, Giulia, I don't care what you did in Japan. I don't care what you want,
what Ava wants, or what Sean wants for that matter.
You're not gonna come in here and take over my division.
[Funaki speaks Japanese]
I got it.
I understand, Roxanne.
You're scared
-and you should be. -I'm not scared of you.
We're not gonna do this here. Save it for Chicago.
-Hey, Dion Lennox, right? -Yeah, bro.
Okay, so what did you mean by gaslighting?
Well, you're told stuff that's not actually…
-I didn't know that you two were friends. -We're not.
Look,
just remember what I told you, all right?
What? What was that all about?
Well, I got Dion telling me I'm being gaslighted by you.
Wow.
Another guy around here trying to tell you what to think instead of letting you
make decisions for yourself. I asked you last week, man.
I have to ask you again. What do you believe?
That's the only opinion that matters.
I get it, man. Trust me. I do. Okay? And the difference between me
and everybody else here is I'm going to let you to make decisions for yourself.
Dion, he's just…
He's acting like the kind of friend that Briggs and Fallon were.
I'm sorry, man.
Oh, hell no.
Really, ladies?
DJ Platonic here is a hypocrite. Over here playing with me,
acting like he's not interested in y'all. Man, I can't believe this.
Don't get hot. Nobody played you. I told you the truth.
-You just got a one track mind. -Pause. Rewind. Save it, Eddie.
I see right through you.
[indistinct chatter]
[Vic] I hate to repeat myself, but truly, all eyes on this brand.
Tyrese Halliburton, Olympic gold medalist guard for the Indiana Pacers,
might be looking to trade in that blue and gold
for some black and gold as he prepares for the upcoming season.
You can see the back and forth.
Looks like he's going to get up close and personal next week.
Right here, when he stops by to check out NXT. Oh, what a week he is going to have.
When he does arrive, he is.
He is going to see the fists do the talking. Next week.
Wall of Ice is going to face one third of Fatal Influence, Jacy Jayne.
Who's going to come out victorious when these two meet next Tuesday?
Also in action, they are reunited once more.
Lyra Valkyria will team with Tatum Paxley again,
this time against the demonic duo of Rosemary and Wendy Choo.
This tag team matchup takes place next week.
And of course, Ethan Page will put pen to paper with either Trick Williams
or Pete Dunne for the NXT championship match on the CW in Chicago on October 1st.
As for who will be joining him to sign that contract, we find out now.
["Stand tall" playing]
[Vic] I want you to be honest.
Last man standing, right?
You gotta incapacitate your opponent so they cannot reach their feet
by the count of 10.
Who has the edge in this massive main event?
Is it Pete Dunne or is it Trick Williams?
[Book] I can't answer that question, but what I can answer is Pete Dunne
is a guy that's looking to take out all of his frustration.
And tonight Trick Williams just happens to be in front of him.
Last man standing is gonna come down to who wants it most.
The championship is on the line.
shot at the title. You gotta love it.
[Vic] And as you mentioned, Booker, the winner is gonna head to Chicago
to face Page for the NXT Championship on our highly anticipated broadcast
-television debut on the CW network. -The anticipated baby,
[Vic] October 1st.
["Locked in" playing]
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chants "Whoop that Trick"]
[Vic] I know we like to have fun and games right now.
[Book] No time.
This is serious. This is real dog. This is a moment.
Trick Williams is gonna have to step up.
And the thing is, the question has been posed by one Pete Dunne.
[Vic] That question, Booker, I ask you,
has
or can
Trick figure it out?
[Book] That's the question. I think this young man has all the tools.
He's willing to take on anybody, anytime, anywhere.
Like I say, this is a moment right here.
This is that fork in the road for Trick Williams. Because trust me
he's gonna bring it tonight. Look at the eyes.
Look at the eyes. They never lie.
[bell rings]
The following is a last man standing match
where the winner will receive
an NXT championship match at the CW launch in Chicago.
Introducing first,
the Bruiserweight, Pete Dunne
[crowd boos]
and his opponent,
Trick Williams!
[crowd cheers]
[Vic] Big fight feel. It's our main event tonight on NXT.
Who's headed to Chicago?
Who will become the number one contender?
-[Vic] And here we go. -[Book] Here we go. Fight just broke out.
[Vic] Had a street fight on Raw. Last man standing match right now,
we got a steel cage championship matchup Friday on Smackdown in USA.
It's WWE Week on USA and Trick Williams is fired up.
[Book] Williams is excited tonight for a fight
Oh, baby. Got caught flipping.
[Vic] There's no disqualification. The referee's here to count 10.
He's here to see who can't get back to their feet.
You see that eye? Busted up as Pete Dunne
was on Raw 24 hours ago and has not healed.
Congratulations by the way to Jey Uso number one contender to Bron Breakker
and the Intercontinental Championship
[Book] These men are no strangers to pain.
They got talent for the pain game. Right now, just big shots.
[Vic] You know, I want to bring this to you, but Trick's recent issues,
have been about his inability to control his emotions, right?
He may become the number one contender because he becomes
unrelentless, because he becomes unhinged,
because he throws caution to the wind
-and he doesn't give a damn. -[Book] You gotta have that attitude.
Especially in a matchup like this.
You can't be thinking about what stakes on tomorrow or anything like that.
It's all about tonight. Here we go. Here we go. Wow, beautiful.
[Vic] Dunne, nice job.
Hooking his foot around that top rope and now just trying to counter it.
Awkward landing on the hip of Trick Williams.
Referee starts his count. Last man standing. Who's headed to Chicago?
[Vic] Back live on NXT, last man standing, Trick Williams, Pete Dunne.
You gotta incapacitate your opponent so they can't stand by the count of ten.
The winner heads to Chicago, the CW premiere to face Ethan Page
-[Book] Oh, yeah. -[Vic] on the NXT championship.
And Trick Williams right now is rocking. He's rolling and he's flapjacking.
He's done.
And for Trick Williams book, he knows he's got to show some grit.
He knows he's got to show determination.
He's so close, Booker, he's so close to getting that NXT title match
-he's been waiting for. -[Book] Yeah, but Pete Dunne
is that road block trying to stop Trick Wheaton pick.
[Vic] But did Pete Dunne just hit rock bottom this week?
-[crowd and referee] Three, four. -Dunne start to swerve. Look at Trick.
Dunne wisely rolling to the outside, giving himself more separation
-[Book] To create space. -[Vic] A little bit of breath.
[Vic] and open the window for Pete Dunne to showcase that vicious side.
And again, his version of figuring it out simple.
Any means necessary, do what it takes.
And tonight in this match matchup, there are no rules. It's simple.
-[Vic] Be the last one standing. -[Book] Yeah, baby. Now you talking.
By any means necessary, you got to do what you got to do. Oh, yes.
[Vic] Pete Dunne, a member of Raw, which moves to two hours
from 8 to 10 PM Eastern starting out on October 7th.
But here tonight, he's trying to survive to make it to October 1st.
And Trick with that neck breaker. Could this do it?
Referee's at 5, 6, 7.
And how smart of it here for Trick to stay on top
of Dunne as he saw him getting back to his feet. He didn't wait.
He went right back for the attack. Nice counter.
-Quick snap. German suplex by Dunne. -But I like Trick
didn't rush in anything right there. He let the referee…
He made his move. But right now, Pete Dunne's just showing
that it ain't over. The party's not over.
[Vic] Stomping away.
As Dunne said earlier tonight, all that charisma, all that entertaining,
the singing, the dancing, it isn't going to lift you,
Trick, to your feet here tonight.
[Book] Nothing fancy about Pete Dunne. He's a throwback.
Throwback to the Frank Godson, who dances, the Billy Robinson…
Taking care of business. I love it.
[Vic] Could that be the knockout blow in the official now.
Starting the count.
[Vic] Look at Dunne, just like you said about Trick Williams.
Dunne already moving ahead, trying to figure out how to stay ahead.
Because with Trick Williams' on his feet Dunne already has plan A, B and C
in his mind to continue to punish Trick Williams.
[Book] He does about riding his own ship.
It's not about being a second in somebody's band or anything like that.
And I love that attitude, Vic, if you want to move up in this business. Oh, yeah.
[Vic] Dunne doesn't believe that Trick will ever figure it out.
And it can Trick Williams to stand. The referee right now is at eight.
He just able to get up, but ready to pounce is the Bruiserweight.
And this might end it. Booker, that concrete's exposed.
-[Book] Concrete! Here we go. -Trick trying to block. This is that grit,
It's that determination that we talk about trying to block.
And Trick did it for a moment.
NXT Universe trying to will on Trick Williams. Look at Pete.
Pete somehow… Oh, no, no. Booker!
[Book] Made it.
[referee] One, two.
[Vic] Referee starting the count once again.
And I don't know how Trick gets to his feet. Referee now on 7.
Trick here's at eight. Trick broke the count just barely.
And you can see right there, though I know you're friends with Trick.
I know you like Trick. I know you try to mentor Trick.
Trick just broke that count. There's not much left in Trick Williams.
[Book] No, but it showed the hard pick.
All it takes is a second to get that win and get the adrenaline going.
Oh, that might have been a shot right there that just finished it.
[Vic] Pete posted weeks ago he's the same age as Trick,
but he's from a different generation. That struck a nerve with Williams.
That's what Trick Williams has to remember now, all that disrespect,
the goal he has in mind because he can't get back
to the NXT title if he doesn't win this.
Pete Dunne is smiling because Pete Dunne knows he's just
a few seconds away from his championship opportunity,
that he desperately wants. Trick pulls himself up.
Pete eyeing up, charging in. It just got dropped. He got pop.
-[Vic] Trick's fighting back. -[Book] Yeah, right there.
[Book] He ran into that shot, but a beautiful counter right there.
Let's see if he can take advantage of it. Here we go.
[Vic] He was able to connect!
And that could be the bitter end to the dream of Trick Williams.
Seven seconds for Pete Dunne till next week.
He'll come face to face with Ethan Page for his championship opportunity.
The referee right over Trick screaming.
Trick somehow pushing himself up with a half second and then collapsing.
[Book] Pete Dunne is going to have to separate Trick Williams from his senses
-for him to stay down. -You know how?
-[Vic] You swing that chair. -[Book] Beat on him
til you can't beat on him anymore. That's how you do it.
[Book and crowd] Oh!
[Vic] Trick turning it around.
And you gotta think, if the ropes weren't there, Trick would be down.
But Trick is standing. Pete is down.
Dunne now has to remember everything he said about Trick Williams.
All that grit, all that determination. He's got two seconds.
And Dunne waited in the last moment. Popped up, got popped down. Trick shot.
-[Vic] Trick shot. -[Book] He's gotta figure it out.
-[Vic] That's gotta be it. -[Book] Look like he's figured it out.
[Vic] The NXT Universe counting with the official.
[Book] That's it.
[Vic] Pete's not moving.
And in that last split half second
somehow re-energized himself.
But he's back down on the mat. Trick Williams now
Trick knows he's got to do what he's got to do to get the job done.
[Vic] Oh, oh! Dunne!
[indistinct screams]
[crowd chants "Holy shit"]
[Vic] How's he get up from this?
-[Vic] Count's at 6. -[Book] It could be it.
[Vic] A look of concern on the NXT Universe.
[Book] Oh, he's still in it. He's still in it, Vic.
[Vic] This is him showing you that heart. Showing you that will… Whoa!
I'm all tied up, Book. I'm sorry,
but the action is legitimately spilling into the NXT Universe.
[Book] This guy's taking it to the street right here. No rules.
[Vic] It's last man standing.
[Vic] Oh, my God. Booker.
Booker, they're above us to our left.
Who wants it more?
Who wants to be the number one contender?
Who's going to Chicago? Pete's teetering.
Trick swing.
Oh, Dunne able to fight right back, keep his hopes alive.
[Book] Oh, yes. Oh, God. Wow.
[crowd chants "Holy shit"]
[Vic] Booker, I don't.
I don't even know what to say. The official doing his job.
The official talking,
making sure that both these superstars are okay. Checking on both of them.
One more time.
I mean, these guys are literally destroying themselves.
Referee continuing to count. You're right, Booker. Referee's at 8.
But referee restarted.
But now Ethan Page, the NXT champion, is screaming at Pete Dunne.
He's screaming at Trick. The referee's at 7, referee is at 8.
Trick trying to get to his feet. Page!
Page!
[bell rings]
-[Book] What? -[Vic] The last man standing!
[announcer] Here is your winner,
Trick Williams!
[crowd chants "Whoop that Trick"]
[Vic] After everything, Booker.
Trick Williams is headed to Chicago.
Ethan Page tried his best to get Pete Dunne to rally. He couldn't.
And again, at the last possible second, Trick Williams got to his feet.
This was some of the action. These guys went all over the place.
This is what I was talking about. At 9, Trick Williams popped to his feet,
saved the match for himself, gave himself the opportunity.
And it's now Trick Williams heading to Chicago.
[indistinct conversations]
Next week. Let me know if you need anything.
Great. Thank you so much. All right, bye.
-So who was that? -CM Punk.
-He's coming to NXT next week. -I thought he wasn't coming till Chicago.
Obviously he'll be there
but he said he has something special for Chicago,
and he wants to announce it on NXT next week.
[Vic] I don't know if you heard, but look at this.
CM Punk is gonna be in the building. Punk in NXT next Tuesday.
And speaking of which, it's now Ethan Page
who's gonna sign the contract. Pen to paper with Trick Williams.
It's going down next week live here on USA. And Roxanne Perez,
the women's champion, is going to look at Giulia as they will meet one on one
on the CW in Chicago. Speaking of which, it's three weeks from tonight.
Trick-Paige for the NXT title in Chicago, part of our CW launch on October 1st.
Will the EGO Era get whooped in the Windy City?
Subtitles: Ed Boon t whooped in the Windy City?