[announcer] Then…
now…
forever…
together.
[Vic] We are live in Chicago…
CHICAGO, IL
…on this, the most significant night in this brand's history,
because it's the broadcast television premiere of NXT right here on the CW.
And welcome to NXT on the CW, presented by Progressive.
["Millions From Now" by 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne playing]
NXT
[Vic] You can feel the energy.
The excitement is off the charts.
This is NXT.
-[crowd cheering] -[crowd chanting] NXT!
-[HBK intro music] -[crowd cheering]
SVP OF TALENT DEVELOPMENT CREATIVE SHAWN MICHAELS
[Mike Rome] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative,
the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels!
[Vic] Hey, Booker, what a way to kick off our premiere on the CW.
[Booker] Of course it is. Shawn Michaels still gots the moves, man!
[Booker laughs]
[music continues]
Welcome, boys and girls…
[crowd cheering]
…to the premiere episode of NXT on the CW Network.
And what better place to have it
than right here in the windy city of Chicago.
[crowd cheering]
Now, you know we can't have a new NXT
on a new network without new…
-championship title. -[crowd cheering]
Now, of course,
our men
and our women will make history tonight.
So really,
Chicago…
I've just got one question for you.
[Triple H] Are you ready?
[crowd cheering]
[Booker laughing]
[crowd roaring]
No, Chicago,
we said…
-[both] Are you ready? -[crowd] Are you ready?
[crowd cheering]
[Giulia intro music]
[Vic] Book, are you talking about starting the night with goosebumps?
They're popping through my suit.
And we're kicking things off with the NXT women's championship match.
[Booker] Is this the main event?
[Vic] We're kicking things off tonight here on the CW.
[Booker] They'd have been anywhere in the world, man. Here it is.
[Vic] And look, Booker, the wait is over.
The time is now.
Not just for our CW launch,
but also for this matchup for the challenger, Giulia.
For the champion, Roxanne Perez.
It seems that we have been on a collision course
with these two since Stand & Deliver in Philadelphia.
And the moment is right here.
WWE HALL OF FAMER - BOOKER T VIC JOSEPH
-It's right now in Chicago on the CW. -Okay.
This is something that had to happen, this matchup.
Giulia versus Roxanne Perez tonight. Oh, man, it's going down,
[Roxanne Perez intro music]
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] We got a lot of excitement right now, but I do want to--
I do want to take it a step back for a second.
I really want you to explain this to the viewers.
What does it say to the locker room?
What does it say for the world for these two women, for this match
to kick off the CW?
[Booker] It says we setting the bar very, very high.
I used to go to the ring, man, and when I came back
through that locker room, I would say, follow that.
That's what this is all about, man. Oh, yes. The best against the best.
[Vic] It's the beautiful madness versus the prodigy
for the NXT women's championship.
And in moments, we'll go to our ring announcer,
Mike Rome, for the introductions of our opening matchup.
[bell rings]
The following contest scheduled for one fall
[crowd] No!
It's for the NXT…
MIKE ROME
-…Women's Championship! -[crowd cheering]
Introducing the challenger from Tokyo, Japan,
GIULIA
-Giulia! -[crowd cheering]
And her opponent, from Laredo, Texas.
She is the NXT…
NXT WOMEN'S CHAMPION ROXANNE PEREZ
…Women's champion,
-Roxanne Perez! -[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Well, there you see Roxanne Perez holding the NXT Women's Championship.
But when it's all said and done, Booker, as we just learned, for the CW launch…
NXT WOMEN'S CHAMPION
…there is a brand new NXT Women's championship that'll be handed out.
The NXT women's title has changed hands on NXT TV six times.
-[bell ringing] -The bell is sounded. This one's official.
And look, when it comes to Giulia, she has had her eye on the gold.
She has had her eye on Roxanne Perez since Stand & Deliver in Philadelphia.
Booker, I'll take it a step further.
Roxanne Perez proclaims Giulia is here because of her.
[Booker] Look, Giulia has won championships all over the world,
especially in Japan.
And now she's here to capture this NXT Women's championship.
And that right there is going to be a heavy test to take right there.
Because Roxanne Perez, she's truly on another level right now, Vic, trust me.
[Vic] Glad you bring up Giulia's success.
One time World and Wonder of Stardom champion,
-strong women's champion in New Japan. -[Booker] Yes.
[Vic] So I'll take it a step further with you.
Is Giulia unlike anyone else Roxanne Perez has faced as champion?
[Booker] No doubt, no doubt. She's different, Vic.
The thing is, like I say, winning championships gives you
that championship advantage, that cloak of what I call invincibility.
Tonight, let's see if it holds up.
[Vic] Whoa.
What a way to kick off tonight. NXT women's championship on the line.
But it is a huge night.
Of course, the NXT championship will be defended with a special guest referee,
-CM Punk. As we have an… -[Booker] Whoa!
[Vic] And now shifted away, Roxanne Perez.
One more time's a counter. Shoulders down.
Roxanne shifts back again in another near fall. This is awesome.
And so will be Miss TV later on tonight with Oba Femi and Tony D'Angelo.
But Giulia in control at this moment,
looking to become the 18th different woman
to hold the NXT Women's Championship.
But her opponent, the Prodigy,
one of three women to hold that title more than once.
The other two, Book, Charlotte Flair and Shayna Baszler!
[Booker] Wow. Iron Survivor as well.
Breakout tournament winner, two-times NXT women's champion.
That didn't happen by osmosis, Vic. That didn't happen by accident.
-She is truly the prodigy. -[Vic] Perez looking for Pop Rox.
Trying to get this over early. Giulia swinging wildly, coming right back.
Perez able to counter now.
Perez trying to take Giulia down, maybe looking for that submission.
Giulia. though. able to roll through,
trying to counter the submission in her own right.
Got the champion down.
Champion now crawling, scratching, taunting,
trying to get to the bottom rope.
-And look at Giulia stepping through! -[Booker] Listen to this crowd.
Oh, no. Oh, the bad position. What? Roxanne, she's got to move.
[Vic] Now she moves. She's able to counter one more time.
And now it's Roxanne Perez looking for that cross face.
Can she lock in her hands?
And she has but another shift, another counter. Another cover, another near fall.
[Booker] Always talk about being one, two, three steps ahead.
Right now this is going to be a chess match, Vic.
[Vic] Who is walking out tonight with the NXT women's championship?
We are back live on the CW. This, our NXT premiere, our broadcast television debut,
the NXT Women's Championship on the line. There you see a new look at the new NXT
women's title introduced by the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels.
And earlier in moments ago
in this matchup, take a look at this suplex.
Northern Light style from Roxanne Perez
to Giulia into the cover. Wasn't able to get the job done.
But Roxanne Perez has brought her A game here tonight.
-[Booker] Clinic. -[Vic] And am I wrong to say
that both can stay claim to being the best woman wrestler
-in the world? -[Booker] Vic, that's a bold statement.
I would say two of the best in the world, Vic, but not the best at this moment here,
here in NXT, you can make a case. You definitely can make a case.
[Vic] Of course the landscape shifted last week
when Stephanie Vaquer concluded the press conference
saying she'll be waiting on the other side of tonight.
And it is the champion who has been in control of this matchup.
And why does Roxanne Perez carry
such a chip of, a boulder if you would, on her back?
[Booker] Come on, Vic, I mean, when you been the underdog…
-[Vic] Whoa! -I mean, she had to have made
believers out of all of us since day one. Two time NXT women's champion.
[Vic] Well, this week during media
it was Roxanne Perez who said she was looking forward
to Giulia's strong style,
citing her confidence based off of past bouts with Meiko Satomura.
But right now Giulia is knocking around the champion.
[Booker] The referee, I mean, he's giving a little leeway right there,
but, I mean, he's going to have to do his damn job.
[Vic] Well, the Referee did step in and… Oh! Well, he may need
to step in one more time because right now,
Giulia showcasing that strong style, if you will.
-[Booker] Think, is that legal? -[Vic] Look at the official, Booker.
Don't start looking at me. Look at the official.
He's obviously letting it play out because this is all
about the NXT women's championship!
[Booker] Big shot. Giulia feel-- She's feeling it.
[crowd cheering]
And listen to the NXT universe.
Perez tried to block not once but twice, finally gets hoisted up and then dropped.
Will this be it? Have we just crowned a new champion?
And Perez getting that left shoulder up. Take another look.
Innovative offense, hammerlock, suplex.
I mean, Giulia showcasing a different style that maybe Roxanne Perez
hasn't seen in recent memory.
[Booker] Definitely a different kind of endurance from Giulia.
Definitely she's just taking it to another level
here tonight in this debut on the CW, man.
[Vic] These two right now are laying in to each other.
-[Booker] Head shot. -[Vic] And Giulia just smirked.
And this is why, Giulia unloading, unleashing.
[Booker] I don't think Roxanne
wanted to get into this type of fight right here, Vic.
Not her strong suit.
[Vic] I was going to ask you earlier,
how did you view this matchup for Roxanne Perez?
But Perez came out of the gates hot. She's been able to weather the storm
and now at least in this moment has turned it around.
-Put throttle on the gas! -[Booker] Oh, yes! Yes, baby!
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Roxanne Perez on why there's no one
that can touch her in the NXT locker room or anywhere else.
[crowd chanting]
[Vic] Chicago coming to life!
-But what a boot. -[Booker] Oh, what a shot, Vic.
[Vic] What do you call that, in the mush?
[Booker] Yes, I'm going tell you right now,
Roxanne was not expecting that either.
[Vic] Well, Giulia to the top. Looking for a double…
-[Booker] Oh, no! -…underhook super suplex!
[crowd roaring]
And she held on with a bridge, cover, near fall.
And rolling right through goes Giulia looking for another submission.
Trying to wrap back that left arm and now almost looking
like she's trying to lock in the Rings of Saturn.
-[Booker] Beautiful counter. -[Vic] Wait a minute!
That right shoulder up and was able just to sneak her way
through was Giulia, who's still right now in the forefront.
Roll through. though, by Perez,
the champion now trying to counter right back.
Looking for the cross face one more time.
And it's cinched in, and it's cinched in deep!
[Booker] Talking about expertise right now, taking it to another level.
-This Roxanne Perez. -[Vic] Perez doing such a good job
of keeping her shoulders off the mat and also keeping
in position between the challenger and the bottom rope.
But wait a minute. Broke free! Giulia broke free!
[Booker] Giulia's crafty, Vic.
Like I say, this is something Roxanne Perez has never seen before.
-[Vic] Tiara. -[crowd roaring]
[Booker] Oh, don't tap, don't tap.
[Vic] Perez quickly, though, realizing, it's starting to crawl.
Continuing her momentum all the way.
[Booker] And what a contest. This is a chess match.
Who's going to make that first mistake?
Endurance is going to come into play as well.
[crowd chanting]
[Vic] NXT Universe split 50-50
between the champion and the challenger as Giulia charging in.
Mr. Wally, Perez again.
Counter, shoulders down. Another near fall.
Giulia able to kick out and then bam, right to the midsection.
-[Booker] I talked about-- So close! -[Vic] Pop Rox! Countered again!
Backslide this time right with a roll through the champion.
Oh, there's that devastating knee.
-[Booker] She's out. Oh, no. -[Vic] The beautiful madness
has countered-- Oh, I started to speak too soon.
[Booker] That was instinct, Vic.
That was all instinct by Roxanne Perez
to kick out right there at the nick of time.
[Vic] What a fast-paced first matchup.
All about the NXT Women's championship. Going up and down.
Perez able to counter inside cradle, now shoulders down.
Trying to retain in another near fall!
[Booker] Telling you, getting real slippery in there right now as well, Vic.
[Vic] Big kick, its gotta be the Pop Rox!
Perez got Pop Rox, trying to get into the cover.
Oh, my, my, my.
[Booker] She's been thinking about that for a long time.
Just in case this wants to happen.
In case. Break glass, just in case.
Pop Rox from Perez.
-[crowd chanting] -[Vic] How she has put away
everyone in her path.
What a way to kick off our CW launch.
-And Giulia! -[crowd exclaiming]
The Northern Lights bomb!
On the floor. But Giulia's gotta get Roxanne Perez back into the ring.
She can't win the title by a count out.
[Referee and crowd] Four!
-[Referee and crowd] Five! Six! -Booker, no one's moving.
[Booker] Yeah, Giulia's smart though. I think she's taking time right now.
She knows she's got the upper hand right now.
A little bit of an advantage.
[Vic] Referee's at nine. Perez and Giulia both just broke the count.
You talk about wise. How about wise? After Roxanne
Perez rolling back outside to kind of get her wits back about it.
[Booker] It's like a time out, trying to, you know, catch a second wind.
-[Vic] It's the Northern Lights bomb. -[Booker] Like I said,
It's going to come down in tourism.
-[Booker and Vic] Whoa! -[crowd exclaiming]
[Vic] What's Perez doing?
You know you can't do this.
[crowd exclaiming]
[Vic] Perez certainly does not want to get…
Or maybe she doesn't-- Who the hell? Booker!
-[Booker] Oh! -[Vic] The hell?
Giulia just got laid out…
on the outside.
The official was talking to Roxanne Perez.
Did not see what just happened.
Perez now cleaning up the scrap with a second Pop Rox. Not like this!
[bell rings]
Perez is going to slither away.
[Mike Rome] Here is your winner and still
the NXT women's champion,
Roxanne Perez!
-[crowd cheering] -[Vic] Booker, look who's back.
Cora Jade.
Roxanne Perez, thanks to an old friend, retained the NXT Women's Championship.
Go back to some of the action throughout this matchup.
That was the first Pop Rox and you said it was wise of Giulia and it certainly was
to buy a little bit more time in this matchup.
But right here the officials did not see what had happened.
Cora Jade had already laid out Giulia, Roxanne Perez laid a second Pop Rox
to retain the NXT Women's championship.
And after what we just witnessed and a return,
has Cora Jade altered the future of our women's division?
Well, what a way to kick off tonight. And earlier today we certainly got ready
for what's still to come in our main event.
Because our special guest referee didn't have to travel far from home.
CM Punk is here, as is the challenger for the championship, Trick Williams.
Can he keep his emotions in check to become a two-time NXT champion?
But Ethan Page arrived confident as ever. NXT title online.
Still to come in our main event. But in moments, a broken bond.
UP NEXT - WES LEE VS ZACHARY WENTZ STREET FIGHT
Zachary Wentz and Wes Lee will end it all tonight.
And it's gonna happen in a street fight, next on NXT.
[Axiom] Well, this is a great way to prepare
for a title match next week, right?
[Frazer scoffs] Eight town down under.
About as annoying in real life as they are in this game. Dropping us last week.
Ain't gonna happen in St. Louis, pal.
Nathan, that's exactly what they wanted, though.
-You have to keep your temper in check. -What, in the game or in real life?
-Both. -Both?
Listen, we just won these titles back.
-I don't want to lose them again. -Yeah, neither do I, amigo.
-Don't be a hot head. -I'm not!
Now I got pinned because you distracted me. I'm out!
Oh, it's kind of my clue, isn't it?
[sighs]
All right, you may have a point there, amigo. Another game?
-Sure. All right. -Sorry about that.
Listen, I completely understand you have a lot on your mind…
AVA CM PUNK
…with Hell in a Cell coming up on Bad Blood on Saturday,
but I really need a definitive winner with Trick and Ethan tonight.
Right down the middle.
-All right. -I promise you, I've spoken to both men.
The winner of this match
is going to deserve to be called NXT champion.
Okay, Perfect. I appreciate it.
Well, well, well, if it isn't the best in the world.
Ava, I'm so sorry to interrupt.
LEXIS KING
I just could really Use some advice from the man himself.
Good luck.
Is that a Chicago star?
[chuckles] Well, I am a star and I'm in Chicago.
Out of respect for your father,
-I'll allow it. What can I do you for? -Yeah, and thank you, by the way.
But I'm really trying to not be like him.
-Okay. -I'm trying to be a better man.
I'm trying to do this the right way.
And last week, I had a chance to be the better man against Oro Mensah,
but I also had the chance to win.
I would have had to bend the rules a little bit,
but I decided against it
-and I lost the title. -I saw what Oro did to you.
He pulled a fast one on you.
So it sounds like, you know, inside you there's two wolves.
You got to figure out which one you want to listen to. You either going to win
at all costs or you're going to fight against the genes you were born with.
-Thank you. I appreciate the advice. -No problem.
To see how much respect punk has for the star of all tellers.
WWE HALL OF FAMER - BOOKER T VIC JOSEPH
-Yeah. I saw. -Wow!
Vic Joseph alongside with the two-time WWE Hall of Famer,
the one and only Booker T.
-Did you see that? -But let's-- I saw it.
But let's move on to what's coming up in a matter of moments
because it ends tonight.
The brotherhood is over.
The bond has been broken between Zachary Wentz and Wes Lee.
Wes Lee. Zachary Wentz.
Former partners. Brothers.
[Trey Miguel] The two of you, you're the best tag team
to ever step foot in this very building.
[Wes] MSK was one of the greatest tag teams in NXT history.
We all wanted to have a legacy that lived beyond all of our years.
-But it was I… -[crowd exclaiming]
…that achieved that greatness.
That's your brother, what are you doing?
[Wes] I was the one that kept everything together.
I am tired of taking care of you.
Zach, you and I are just not on the same level.
[Zachary] You're willing to [beeped] away nine years
because you think you're some huge star?
I used to wish for your success, but now, because of everything that you've done…
NXT - NO MERCY LAST MONTH
-… I am going to make sure that you fail. -[Booker] This is personal.
[Vic] That's Trey Miguel!
[Zachary] It's time for me to put my former best friend
in the rear view and be grateful for the brother that I have right here.
[suspenseful music]
[Trey] Wes, you flew to Ohio and jumped your brother in a parking lot
because you're a little [beeped].
But he's about to watch me beat the [beeped] out of you.
Hey, Zach. You see, it started with you and I,
and it's going to end with you and I.
-This ends in Chicago. -[Vic] It's the end of MSK.
It's the end of he and Wentz, and it's going to end in a street fight.
Come on!
[Wes Lee intro music]
[bell ringing]
[Mike Rome] Those following contest is a Street Fight!
Introducing first, from Dayton, Ohio, weight of 178 pounds…
WES LEE
…Wes Lee!
[Vic] Both agree on one thing.
NXT - NEXT - STREET FIGHT WES LEE - ZACHARY WENTZ
It ends tonight. Lee and Wentz in a street fight, next.
["Millions From Now" by 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne playing]
NXT ON CW - OFFICIAL THEME - #NXTLOUD 2 CHAINZ & LIL WAYNE - "MILLIONS FROM NOW"
AVAILABLE NOW - LISTEN ON APPLE MUSIC SPOTIFY
[Vic] We'd like to extend a special thank you to 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne
for Millions, the official theme song of NXT.
Millions is available now on Apple Music and Spotify.
-Lola, look. -[crowd cheering]
Just stay in your lane tonight, and we're gonna get this done.
LOLA VICE - JAIDA PARKER
-It is that easy. -Jaida, no one tells me what to do.
-I'm taking the lead tonight. -That ain't happening.
-That is not happening. -Okay. You need me.
-No, you need me. -No, no, no, no, no, no.
-You need me. No, you need me, Jaida. -You need me. You need me.
You guys need each other. Save it for out there.
NXT WOMEN'S NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPION KELANI JORDAN
You know what?
I'ma go handle Fatal Influence and you just…
No, I'm going to handle Fatal Influence. I literally just told her that.
-Jaida, ¿qué te pasa? -Goodness gracious.
Good thing I have a backup plan.
[Vic] Tag team matchup still to come here on NXT.
[The Rascalz intro music]
[Mike Rome] And his opponent representing The Rascalz…
ZACHARY WENTZ
…weighing in at 185 pounds, Zachary Wentz!
[Vic] We heard the trash talk from last week tonight, Book.
We're going to find out who's the phony tough
and who's the crazy brave.
And this is not about a brand. It's not about a company.
These two, simply put, just want to destroy each other.
[Booker] I said it was personal, but, you know, it's a real hatred here.
I mean, and the thing is… Oh, wait a minute. Whoa!
-[bell ringing] -[Vic] Wentz saw it coming.
Wentz, though, putting his foot on the gas and running right through Wes Lee.
And again, this is a street fight. Anything goes.
And it's scary to think, Booker, the lengths these two
could go to tonight because it's all legal.
[Booker] No, it's not about prowess or anything like that.
It's about how much pain you can take in a match.
Like, I hated these type of matches.
[Vic] You know something, you typically try to hide, that sort of emotion.
I mean, these two, you know, could get arrested for what they legally can do
in this matchup to end things once and for all.
[Booker] There's a lot of things that were said between these two
that you really can't take back, Vic.
That right there, it takes it to another level
when you start bringing family into it.
Oh, baby. Yeah. Is he gonna do it?
-[Vic] Part-- Oh! -[Booker] Whoa!
How far are you willing to go in a matchup like this?
[Vic] Well, we always talk about the wave of emotions
when you face a former partner,
but I think one thing that we can agree on and we're seeing it firsthand.
Neither of these men are going to have trouble crossing the line.
-Having that killer instinct. -[Booker] You just said it,
it's one thing going to that line,
but crossing that line, Vic, are they willing to really do that?
-[crowd chanting] -[Vic] NXT premiere here on the CW
trending number one because of the non stop action
that we've had since we've kicked off tonight, including this street fight.
And Zachary Wentz wasting no time. He's looking for some extra toys.
[Booker] Oh, baby, here we go!
[Vic] Wednesday, TNA wrestler said the betrayal of--
[Booker] Whoa!
[Vic] …any loss or injury
and you got to wonder now what's going through his mind
as he just got bounced
-by what I see. -[Booker] How for you willing to go
Wes Lee just answered my question right there. Like a bullet.
[Vic] We didn't know it, Booker, but Wes Lee had this evil seed in him.
And in the right conditions, it certainly has…
[Booker] Like I say, Vic, I mean it has to be something more than what we know.
These guys been traveling together for a long time. So what is it?
We're gonna find out one day. But tonight we in a street fight, dog.
[Vic] NXT, our premiere here on the CW, live in Chicago.
Of course next week, not only Monday Night Raw, but CW coming to you live
from St. Louis as this street fight continuing.
And there you see the NXT champion, Ethan Page preparing…
NXT CHAMPION ETHAN PAGE
…for his main event against Trick Williams.
Of course, the special guest referee, none other than CM Punk.
But right now, swinging the bat better than the White Sox
-is Wes Lee. -[crowd exclaiming]
[Booker] Didn't need to go to that side.
You never really know somebody, Vic,
until they show that dark side.
And right now, Wes Lee is truly showing that dark side.
-Oh, got caught with a big shot, though! -[crowd exclaiming]
[Vic] Big super kick by Wentz.
And you got to imagine though, what's going through Wentz's mind, I mean,
he saw his partner Trey Miguel
-get assaulted! -[crowd exclaiming]
Lee feels justified for his actions due to what Miguel did at No Mercy.
And for Zachary Wentz,
-he's going to lay it on the line tonight. -[crowd exclaiming]
He is willing to destroy himself, to destroy his former best friend.
-[Booker] I wonder about this matchup. -[crowd cheering]
These guys are going to get in here and see something different in each other.
Perhaps try to make up. But no, no, no.
Here we go. Here we go.
[Vic] And the referee there only to count to three. Or hear someone say "I quit."
This a street fight, here in Chicago.
And right now, not looking good for Wes Lee.
[Booker] No, Trey Miguel is thinking about something, right?
-You can see-- -[Vic] Wes Lee, not Trey Miguel.
[Booker laughing] I'm sorry, excuse me.
You can see the wheels turning in this kid's head. Seriously.
[Vic] Zachary Wentz right back on top of Lee.
Lee right now, almost just trying to hang on.
-Anything he can do. And whoa! -[crowd exclaiming]
Crash and burn.
-Who's gonna survive this street fight? -[crowd member] Holy shit.
[Vic] Booker, we're back live here on our broadcast premiere on the CW.
And we talked about who was going to be crazy enough to do whatever it took.
-It's gonna be Zachary Wentz! -[crowd roaring]
[Booker] Oh, man! Going all out, man. Going all out.
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] These two said it would end tonight.
[crowd chanting]
[Vic] Dragging Wes Lee into the cover,
-and Wes Lee just able… -[Booker] Good enough.
…to kick out, and another look.
Willing to risk it all, bam!
And then this happened during the break,
and we knew these two would do whatever was gonna need to be done.
I mean, that was just a gnarly landing for Zachary Wentz,
who somehow is able to block out the pain.
And you've told me before, adrenaline will make a man do crazy things.
[Booker] And the thing is, you wonder what are they fighting for, Vic?
What are they fighting for? It's not pride or anything like that.
It's not ego.
What are they fighting for?
[Vic] They're fighting because Wes Lee was bitter.
-Those are Zachary Went'z words, not mine. -[Booker] Maybe.
Maybe feeling left behind, you know.
Maybe feeling unwanted.
-[Vic] Oh! -[crowd exclaims]
[Booker] Maybe that's it as well, Vic.
[Vic] Wes Lee, who turned his bro--
His back on his best friend, on his brother. And just--
-[Booker] Oh! -[crowd exclaims]
[Vic] He got dropped ripped first, right on that steel chair!
[Booker] Going all up.
That was done with intent, Vic.
[Vic] Phony tough, crazy brave. I don't care who you are,
that's going to hurt. Into the cover and a kick out!
Wow.
We knew this was going to be a fight.
We knew these two were going to go to great lengths.
-But at what cost, Booker? -[Booker] I mean, we just saw it.
I mean, you asked the question, modus operandi.
Right now, the modus operandi is to go out here and destroy.
-Oh! -[crowd exclaims]
[Vic] That's for Trey Miguel.
[crowd exclaims]
That's for everything Wes Lee said last week.
[Booker] Wondering what Trey Miguel is thinking right now.
Just thinking, like I did, right now, he's got to be feeling real, real good.
[Vic] And this is for everything that Wes Lee
has put Zachary Wentz through for the last several months!
Double stop through the can onto the back of the neck. And Wentz isn't done.
We talked about what he would be conjuring up all week.
-Evil thoughts aren't dreams anymore. -[crowd cheering]
Thorough reality.
And those dreams could become Wes Lee's nightmares.
[Booker] This is a different kind of passing right here, Vic.
-Oh, my God! Oh, my God! -[crowd exclaims]
[Vic] Is it finally over for the MS…
I don't know how. I don't know. I mean, Take another look.
I mean, I thought that was the end of The Rascalz.
I thought that was the end of MSK.
This issue was going to be put to rest.
[crowd chanting]
Chicago is on fire.
This, the premiere on the CW for NXT.
And Zachary Wentz staring a hole through Wes Lee,
-looking for the-- Holy…! -[crowd roaring]
[Booker] God.
[Vic] And look at that sick smile on the face of Wes Lee.
Zachary Wentz…
-[Booker] How low can you go? -[Vic] Looking for that UFO cutter.
[Booker] How low can you go?
Wes Lee is willing to go there here tonight.
Look at the eyes. Look at the eyes of Wes Lee. Oh, my God!
[Vic] Double stop to the spine onto the chair.
And a kick out by Wentz! He's not done yet.
-There is still fight in that Rascal. -[Booker] Truly, truly.
This is a street fight, Vic. One of the best we've ever seen.
Right here on the debut of the CW. My God, check it out.
-Oh, man! That should have been it. -[Vic] Wes Lee destroyed a brotherhood.
He destroyed a tag team legacy.
[crowd chanting]
And Wes and Zach…
both almost tied together.
What a street fight.
And you start to think, if you're Zachary Wentz,
if you're Wes Lee, it was Wentz who was there for Lee
when Wes Lee didn't know if he could compete again.
It was late night phone calls.
Wentz was the person that Wes Lee leaned on to crawl back to NXT.
And Wes Lee threw it all away!
That's gotta be what Zachary Wentz is thinking right here and right now!
-Now we're here! -[Wes] No!
-I don't wanna do this! -Don't do it!
I have to.
[Vic] And Wes Lee with a low blow.
-[Booker] Oh, man! -[Vic] A loaded right fist.
And the real Wes Lee
is showing up right now.
-Oh, Booker. -[Booker] Oh, is he going to do it, Vic?
The best of friends going to make the bitter of enemies.
Is he gonna do it, Vic? Is he gonna do it? Oh, my God, man!
Chain wrapped around the face of Wentz.
-And Wes Lee… -[bell ringing]
…survives.
[Mike Rome] Here is the winner, Wes Lee!
[Vic] I hope it was worth it for Wes Lee.
But this was a fight. It lived up to the billing.
It lived up to everything we talked about.
It lived up to what both these men said.
That this issue
ends tonight in Chicago.
The Rascalz and MSK had to die so that Wes Lee could come alive.
Well, there's a man with a plan. The Miz is ready to host another
must-see edition of Miz TV with the Ruler and the Don of NXT.
NEXT
But, Booker, we are here in Chicago, the home of WrestleMania 22 tonight…
CHICAGO, IL
…the home of our premiere of NXT on the CW.
And what a night it has been.
What a night it is still to be with the NXT championship
still to be defended in our main event.
And we have some of our CW network representatives…
NXT WELCOMES THE CW NETWORK
…in attendance here tonight welcoming NXT home to the CW network.
[Miz TV intro music]
[Mike Rome] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the host of Miz TV,
-The Miz! -[crowd booing]
THE MIZ
Tell me how you really feel.
[crowd booing]
Well, on that note, welcome to the most must-see WWE talk show in history.
Welcome to…
[crowd chanting] Miz TV!
Miz TV. We are live in Chicago!
Now you cheer for the debut of NXT on the CW.
And I think we're all looking forward to later on tonight for the NXT
championship match, but right now
I want to get into the NXT North American Championship match
that will take place next week in St. Louis.
I've got the champion, I've got the challenger.
So let's bring them out right here, right now.
He is a man closing in on becoming the longest reigning
NXT North American champion in history.
He is the ruler, Oba Femi!
[Oba Femi intro music]
[Vic] Booker, I don't know really what to say about Oba Femi
because we haven't been able to see or figure out a man
who can defeat the North American champion.
NXT NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPION OBA FEMI
Yeah, they the moniker "The Ruler" is fitting of Oba Femi
because at this point in time, Vic, he seems unbreakable.
He seems unstoppable, that man, Oba Femi.
[Vic] I'm sure there's some college football teams on the CW Football Saturday
that play each and every one, so they would love to have an Oba Femi
protecting the blind side of a quarterback.
[Booker laughs] You ain't lying.
And please welcome the challenger.
He is the dawn of NXT,
Tony D'Angelo!
[The Family intro music]
[Vic] You got to give a lot of respect to Tony D'Angelo.
This man came out and said, "Look, I'm afraid," rightfully so.
But he's not afraid tonight. He has faced his fears.
THE DON OF NEXT - TONY D'ANGELO WITH THE D'ANGELO FAMILY
Rizzo, Luca, the Underboss have gotten Tony D'Angelo to remember who he is.
And that is the Don of NXT.
[Booker] One man you gotta convince is Oba Femi, man.
Oba said he looked into the eyes of the Don and he's broken, Vic.
He's broken.
[crowd cheering]
Gentlemen, welcome.
I will start with the challenger. We've seen your preparation
and you've admitted that you are afraid of facing Oba again.
What is going to make this match different than No Mercy?
Miz,
all my life I've been a guy to strike fear in the hearts of others.
Rough up a few wise guys, fix a few problems.
But Oba, he dominates the game in every facet.
See, there's a reason why he is the most dominant NXT North American champion.
[crowd in unison] What?
-See, I felt his power. -[crowd in unison] What?
-His aggressiveness. -[crowd in unison] What?
-His explosiveness. -[crowd in unison] What?
But I used this fear as motivation to do the unthinkable.
And next week, I'm going to stand toe to toe with Oba. I'm going to dethrone
the ruler of NXT and become the new NXT North American champion!
[crowd cheering]
Uh, Oba,
your response?
[crowd chanting]
Miz,
you've been in the game for a very long time.
Long enough to know when a man really believes
what he's saying and when he doesn't.
[chuckles] And I can tell you this,
Tony doesn't believe a single word he's saying.
-You don't think so? -Absolutely not.
Tony, I'll give you this.
You've had a very, very successful career here in NXT up to this point.
But a man like you definitely has a ceiling.
Because You can stuff as many people as you like inside trunks,
you can throw bodies over the bridge,
and you can have whatever side hustle that you desire.
But the one thing that you can never be is North American champion!
Because this is my title!
[crowd cheering]
You sit there and you talk about me like you know me.
You sit there and you talk about, you know where I'm from.
-I grew up 20 minutes from this building. -[crowd cheering]
I grew up in the streets of Chicago!
[crowd cheering]
TONY D'ANGELO YOU ROCK!
THE DON OF NXT
[crowd chanting] Tony!
See, I got family in the back.
I got family in the crowd. Extended, immediate.
I got friends who believe and motivate me
to be the man that I am today.
-Tony… -[crowd cheering]
Tony…
They can't fight for you.
Luca, Rizzo, Stacks, none of them can fight for you.
Not even these people here in Chicago will fight for you.
Because next week is going to be me and you
and just me and you in the middle of this ring.
And we both know, we both remember
what happened the last time we were both in the ring together.
-I broke you. -[crowd chanting]
-I brought beat you. -[crowd chanting]
-I planted doubt in your mind. -[crowd chanting]
And now I know you're questioning yourself,
and I know that we both know the answer to these questions.
Tony,
you can't beat me.
[crowd cheering]
You're just a man, Oba.
I am inevitable.
You are still broken.
[Miz] The North American championship will be on the line next week
in St. Louis where Oba, the champion, defends his North American championship
against that challenger, Tony D'Angelo. And from the looks of it, it will be…
-[crowd in unison] Awesome! -Awesome!
[Vic] Well, Tony D'Angelo seems ready.
OBA FEMI VS TONY D'ANGELO NXT NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP
NXT - NEXT TUESDAY - 6/7C CW ST. LOUIS, MO
He seems focused on the North American championship.
What a matchup that will be
next Tuesday in St. Louis here on the CW.
But we kicked off our premiere here on the CW tonight in Chicago.
The NXT women's championship was on the line.
The official was distracted by Roxanne Perez.
And then we saw, boom!
This mystery woman come out and drop Giulia.
To be followed up by Roxanne Perez,
taking full advantage of the situation,
hitting the second Pop Rox of the night to retain the championship.
And then it was a mystery no more. It was Cora Jade who is back in NXT.
And you can just see the look on the face of a former friend, so to speak
in Roxanne Perez.
[female interviewer] Cora, you made a shocking return tonight.
Yeah, I know. The whole world is so hypnotized by the debut of Giulia…
CORA JADE
…and the hype around Stephanie
that they forgot about the savior of the women's division,
Cora Jade.
And I know everybody thought that Giulia was…
What the hell was that?
Look, I know we have history and everything,
but I kind of like the woman you've become.
And you're still NXT women's champion. You're welcome.
NXT WOMAN'S CHAMPION ROXANNE PEREZ
Who knows?
Maybe a common enemy will bring us back together.
[Vic] What a confrontation that was. But how about Tony D'Angelo and Oba Femi?
Tony D'Angelo is ready.
-[Jaida Parker intro music] -He is confident. Don't you think?
[Booker] You think Tony's confident?
-[bell ringing] -[Vic] I do.
[Mike Rome] The following contest is a tag team match
scheduled for one fall.
JAIDA PARKER
Introducing first, from Port St. Lucy, Florida, Jaida Parker!
-[Lola Vice intro music] -[Vic] But we can focus on that matchup
for next week because right now,
Book, it's tag team action.
[Mike Rome] And her tag team partner from Miami, Florida,
Lola Vice!
LOLA VICE
[Vic] It's Lola Vice teamed with Jaida Parker.
Can they get on the same page for at least one night
to face a common enemy?
They're teaming up. They take on Fatal Influence.
-This match is sponsored by Progressive. -[Booker] Wide, Vic.
[Fatal Influence intro music]
[Vic] Welcome back to NXT on the CW.
[Mike Rome] And their opponents,
accompanied by Jazmyn Nyx, Fallon Henley,
Jacy Jayne, Fatal Influence!
[Vic] Well, we now know the two that will compete in this matchup,
-Jacy Jayne… -[Booker laughs] Yeah.
FATAL INFLUENCE
[Vic] …Fallon Henley, Fatal Influence. I'm gonna have to keep you under tabs.
-[Booker] Stand up! -[Vic] What do you mean, "Stand up?"
[Booker] Well, it's Fatal Influence, man.
Well, what I want to do right now is welcome our guest on commentary.
She is the women's North American champion.
She's also the standout NXT, Booker, Kelani Jordan.
Yeah, she's a hell of a champ.
NXT WOMEN'S NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPION KELANI JORDAN
-Hey, guys. What up, Vic? What up, Book? -What up?
Well, we're happy to have you out here. You know what?
We actually invited you out here…
-[bell rings] -…because we want to get you on record.
Are you ducking Fatal Influence, like they've been saying,
over the last several weeks?
[Kelani] Absolutely not. I purposely came out here to show them
that I'm not ducking them. And I want them to see me.
I've been a fighting champion since day one.
[Booker] Ducking them sitting here at the table?
I'm talking about inside that square circle.
That's what I'm talking about.
I'm talking about taking on Jacy Jayne. I'm talking about taking on the Rock Star.
I'm talking about Fallon Henley. I'm talking about the pro.
That's what I'm talking about.
[Kelani] I'm ready for every single one of them.
Jazmyn, Jacy, Fallon, anyone in that process.
[Vic] Hey, you go, Kelani. That's why she's a standout, Book.
But look, you talk about this matchup,
It's Jaida Parker, it's Lola Vice who have come together
to fight a common enemy.
I mean, can they keep it together, Booker?
-Even if it's just for-- -[Booker] No, no.
There should be two people sharing one common cause
and that's what out there I'm really feeling.
[Vic] A cover, hook, a leg, and a kick out, I mean,
all the stars tonight represent the core values of NXT.
The passion, the drive, the will to be the best. And we're
And we're sitting next to someone who is on her way to becoming the best.
That's Kelani Jordan. You know, I want to ask you this, too.
What's your biggest issue with Fatal Influence?
We see Jacy Jayne cut some corners.
[Kelani] My issue is that I've been traveling the States
doing woman empowerment and the three of those girls
just put every single woman in that locker room down.
And I don't stand for that.
They do a lot of talking and not a lot of walking.
[Booker] I mean, but you gotta understand,
a lot of these tag NIL talent came in and got chances
that Jacy Jane and Fallon Henley hadn't gotten. I mean, come on. Come on.
I mean, how do you get just moved to the top of the ladder?
-Come on, you can't do that. -[Kelani] No. We all sacrifice.
I came from a gymnastics background, but I still worked to be in that ring
and to be champion.
[Booker] Start paying your dues.
[Vic] But what's the point in Fatal Influence
to call out the NIL athletes
like Jaida Parker, like Kelani Jordan? What you just said.
-They go put in the work. -[Booker] That's what I'm saying.
[Vic] By the way, Kelani earned the championship that she has.
She earned it.
And let's not forget Jazmyn, Nyx…
[Booker] Oh, house down, baby! I love it!
[Vic] Jazmyn. See how he does?
He's on one side, then he's on the other side.
-Whatever works for Booker in the moment. -[Kelani] Going back and forth.
[Vic] Yeah, that's what he does.
-[Booker] I'm not biased. -[Vic] Let's not forget Jazmyn Nyx
is an NIL athlete, soccer star from West Virginia
Wait, nut all of a sudden, she's the… Oh! Exception to the rule.
As Lola and Jaida in control.
And I thought they were about to give each other a high five, but maybe not.
This matchup continues. Lola Vice in control of it.
Take another look. Feel the impact. Two for one!
[Booker] Bam!
[Vic] From Jaida Parker. And then followed up, bam!
A little bit of, what do you call it, "the spice?"
[Booker] I certainly like them, grab the tigers, man.
Oh, you talking about the Cholula Green?
[Vic] You confuse me, sometimes I don't know what you're saying.
I just kind of guess.
I look down at my paper and see what "Bookism"
you just said so I can figure it out. But look, Booker, Fatal Influence
-set for Lola Vice. -[Booker] Oh, educated hands.
-Hold up. -[Vic] Except for Lola Vice,
she's been handed everything. You can't even agree to that.
[Booker] You know, I must say, I wouldn't say handed,
but she had a whole lot of help. She had a whole lot of help. Am I right?
You remember Shayna Baszler, right? She had a lot of help.
-Right, Vic? -[Vic] She did had.
-She had some help, but not a lot of help. -[Booker] Thank you.
Now we agree, now we agree.
[Vic] It's not like it was just handed to her. We don't agree.
To be clear, it doesn't take a lot to get Parker.
[Booker] Head shot.
-[Vic] See how he just changed? -[Kelani] Yeah.
-[Booker] Big shot by Fallon. -[Vic] Glad you're out here, Kelani.
-[Kelani] I get to witness this. -[Vic] Yeah, I'm happy.
Look, right now it's these two.
Fallon Henley, Jaida Parker trying to have a paddle inside the ring.
And it's Fallon Henley who's able to create a little bit of separation
trying to make the tag to Jacy Jayne.
Whether you like her or not, you can consider
that Jacy has been the backbone
of the women's division,
-as Jacy just got caught by Lola Vice. -[Booker] Oh, wow!
[Kelani] Wow.
[Booker] No tag was made.
[indistinct argument]
[Vic] Oh, from behind! Fallon just dropped Jaida.
Jaida didn't realize that Lola Vice was trying to save her.
Which one of these teams is going to be victorious tonight?
[Vic] Back live on NXT,
this is our premiere here on the CW live from Chicago.
And we have had a tag team matchup throughout the last several moments.
And this took place during the commercial break, Booker.
Jazmyn interfering and bam! Jacy Jayne making Lola Vice pay.
And Fallon Henley would follow up.
And really, Lola Vice has not been able to get back into this matchup
as it's been all Fatal Influence.
And joining us here on commentary is the women's North American champion
as we had a near fall in this matchup.
Kelani Jordan, and Kelani, you know what a night this has been.
Still to come, of course…
Oh, nice take-down by Lola Vice. Is the NXT championship matchup.
TRICK WILLIAMS
There is Trick Williams, the challenger, putting in final moments of preparation,
looking to become a two-time NXT champion here tonight in our main event
on our premiere here on the CW.
But it's been Jacy Jayne,
it's been Fallon Henley in control the last few minutes.
And hasn't Fallon Henley really become everything she despised?
She used to help you. Am I wrong to say it's been a night and day difference
for who Fallon Henley is now?
[Kelani] Yes. Fallon Henley is not the same girl
that I used to be friends with. I've…
[Vic] Into the cover goes Jacy Jayne, and a near fall.
[Kelani] I lost respect for her when she just changed the way she was.
We used to go to dinner together. We get our nails done together.
And she always says, "Put yourself first."
But you don't have to be a mean girl to put yourself first.
[Vic] That's what I've been saying.
[Booker] If I can give you any advice, Kelani.
You got to stop thinking about friends.
That's the last thing you need to think about in this business.
It's a "me" type of business. I'm just giving some advice. That's it.
That's it. Maybe Fallon finally opened her eyes.
[Vic] Fallon into the cover and another near fall.
It has been Fallon Henley, Jacy Jayne…
Maybe that's it. Maybe she don't wanna watch the parade go by.
Maybe she wants to be in one of the floats.
Maybe she wants to be a part of the parade.
-Maybe that's it. -[Vic] What parade are you talking about?
[Booker] I'm talking about the winning team.
I'm talking about checks. I'm talking about championship, Vic.
[Vic] Well, huge championship main event still to come.
Women's North American champion sitting here to my left.
And right now it's Lola Vice,
-who's been so close… -[Booker] Whoa!
-[Vic] …to championships in the past here… -[Kelani] Yes, Lola!
… in NXT looking for a submission on Fallon Henley.
And just took Fallon Henley down!
And now a nice counter. Fallon somehow able to escape!
And then, both women, same idea. Double clothesline!
-[Booker] Wow. -[Vic] And this could be the turning point
of this matchup.
Lola Vice desperately needs to make the tag to Jaida Parker.
-[Booker] Here comes the people! -[Vic] Parker right there.
The numbers advantage has Jazmyn Nyx-- Oh!
[crowd exclaims]
Fallon just ran into Lola.
[indistinct argument]
Once. That's twice.
[Vic] And then, oh, Jaida!
Jaida doesn't realize. Kelani.
[Kelani] I tried to talk to them earlier.
[Vic] You did and the same thing happened.
And Lola Vice now left alone to Fatal Influence.
And somehow Lola able to counter.
-Oh, Booker. -[Booker] Educated feet, Vic!
Oh, she's hot! She's spicy!
That Cholula Green! Here we go! Oh!
[Vic] Oh! And that rolling encore just leveled.
Lola Vice.
And a tag made. And now it's a numbers advantage.
Jaida Parker gone.
-And now it's a little two-for-one. -[crowd exclaims]
[Booker] Double up! One time!
[referee] Two! Three! Finished!
[bell rings]
[Mike Rome] Here are you winners, Fatal Influence!
[Booker] Kelani, was that your plan B? Huh?
-[Kelani] No. -[Vic] Don't mind him. Don't.
-Let's go back… -[Kelani] I can't believe Jaida did that.
[Vic] Jaida Parker had walked out on her tag team partner
after she thought she was hit by Lola Vice.
It was Fallon Henley who knocked Lola into Jaida.
And then they're in the closing moments of the matchup,
leading to a huge victory.
And that is a statement made.
And our next target is the Women's North American Championship.
So, Kelani Jordan,
why don't you come on in here
and show us all the fighting champion you think you are?
I had a feeling you guys would call me out.
And honestly, we can go right now.
[crowd cheering]
But I didn't exactly come to Chicago alone.
[female voice] A storm…
is coming.
[Bianca Belair music intro]
[Vic] Are you talking about a backup plan, Booker?
-[Booker] What the hell? -[Vic] Can I get a shocking necklace?
Quack, quack.
The WWE Women's Tag Team Champions are on the CW premiere here on NXT!
The hosts of Bad Blood
-are dropping everything that moves! -[Booker] This is not fair!
[Vic] This is fair, it's about checks and championships.
And they're the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
Jade Cargill.
-The NXT's Bianca Belair! -[Booker] Oh, no!
Come on! Come on!
[crowd exclaims]
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] What a backup plan from the standout.
[Vic] Well, Booker, look who is standing tall now.
Well, that was quite a moment that we just witnessed, Book.
But coming up here in just a moment…
UP NEXT - JE'VON EVANS ADDRESSES THE NXT UNIVERSE
We are a week away from the biggest match in the career
of Je'von Evans when he faces Randy Orton.
We catch up with the Young OG next.
[announcer] Time for tonight's NXT Focus, presented by Progressive.
PROGRESSIVE NXT FOCUS
I mean, I still can't believe it. I was just done wrestling a match.
Then boom! I look up at the screen, I see Randy Orton calling me out.
RANDY ORTON - HEY JE'VON - WANT TO KNOW WHO YOUR OPPONENT IS?
SEE YOU IN ST. LOUIS ON OCTOBER 8TH KID #WWENXT
We talking about the Viper, the Legend-killer, the Apex Predator.
Randy was a G at a young age.
Everything comes full circle. When I was his age,
I was given opportunity after opportunity.
And because of those opportunities, it's why I'm here today.
I want to give that opportunity Je'von Evans.
[Je'von] Now, Randy Orton is one of my guys.
You know what I'm saying? One of my favorite wrestlers.
But I know when I walk inside his hometown,
St. Louis, I get to be more than a fan.
I get to face one of my idols.
[Randy] All I've been hearing about is how amazing he is in the ring,
how one day he could possibly be, in his own way,
the next Randy Orton.
I'm gonna test his mettle I wanna see what he's made of.
He's gonna have the odds stacked against him. But who knows?
This could be the match
that makes Je'von Evans the number one prospect in NXT.
[Je'von] I'm gonna bring my smile and all,
but you're gonna get the best version of Je'von Evans.
But I also have an ulterior motive.
I'd like to see if I can hit Je'von Evans
with an RKO that'll knock everybody's socks off.
[Je'von] Randy, all love, all respect,
but sometimes the legend gotta go down.
I'm coming for you.
[Vic] St. Louis is the site of Monday Night Raw and NXT next week…
NEXT TUESDAY 6/7C CW - ST. LOUIS, MO NXT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
…when we'll have not one,
but two championship matches, as Axiom and Frazer
will defend the gold against A-Town Down Under.
Who's walking out of St. Louis as NXT Tag Team Champions?
OBA FEMI VS TONY D'ANGELO NXT NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP
Also, the North American title will be on the line.
Is Tony D'Angelo ready? Oba Femi says D'Angelo is broken.
It's the Ruler of NXT versus the Don of NXT
for the North American Championship.
And Booker, this one just made official…
6-WOMAN TAG TEAM MATCH
…after what went down.
Fatal Influence will face
the Women's North American champion, Kelani Jordan,
and the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, Belair and Cargill.
It's all live next week from The Factory in St. Louis, right here on the CW.
The question is, who will be the champion next week?
Your NXT champion is about to address the NXT universe right now.
Hit my music!
[Ethan Page intro music]
[male voice] When I kill him with a smile.
[Vic] Can you name someone who has taken over a brand like Ethan Page?
And now you can cut it.
[Ethan] Ethan Page gets what he wants.
NXT HEATWAVE - JULY 2024
[commentator] It was shock and surprise on everyone's face.
[Booker] Just slipped in the back door, now he's the champion.
[Ethan] The era of ego will continue to roll on
and nobody's taking this championship from Ethan Page.
-[Trick Williams intro music] -[crowd chanting] Whoop that trick!
[Trick] Since losing my championship, I ain't been the same.
Ethan Page.
I ain't gonna stop 'till I get that title back.
Believe that, dog.
[Vic] He's willing to fight anyone to reclaim his NXT championship.
Trick Williams! The number one contender to the NXT championship.
[Trick] Listen to the people. I'm gold. Trick Williams always been gold.
And I ain't gonna stop until I get that NXT gold back.
How does it feel touching it again?
If you think you've got Ethan Page figured out, you sure as hell don't.
I will beat you. Put an end to this.
Finally.
["Cult of Personality" by Living Color playing]
[Vic] CM Punk on NXT!
A match this big needs special guest referee!
And the referee is CM Punk!
I'm in the ring to make sure the best man wins the match.
Since I'm the official, y'all can start fighting right now.
[Booker] Here we go!
[Vic] The NXT title will be on the line!
Will Page prove to be the face of this brand?
Or will the era of ego go to sleep
by the hands of Trick Williams?
["Cult of Personality" by Living Color playing]
[crowd roaring]
CM PUNK BEST IN THE WORLD
[crowd singing] Look in my eyes, what do you see?
CM PUNK
[Mike Rome] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome the special guest referee for this match,
Chicago Dog,
CM Punk!
[crowd in unison] It's clobberin' time!
[Vic] Instead of getting extra prep time
for his Hell in a Cell match on Saturday in Atlanta,
CM Punk is here to be the special guest ref for our main event, next.
[epic instrumental music]
-[Trick Williams intro music] -[crowd cheering]
-[crowd chanting] Whoop that trick! -[Booker] What?
Yeah!
Uh-huh!
I like it. Oh yeah, man! Oh yeah, man!
Oh yeah, man. That's Trick Looking to recapture…
the championship.
Oh, yes!
One of NXT's finest fight here. That's that man, Trick, Vic.
[Vic] Book,
looking to become the seventh superstar
to win the NXT championship more than once.
[Booker] Sucky ducky, quack quack!
[crowd chanting] Whoop that trick!
[Booker] Uh-huh.
Uh-huh.
I like it. Oh yeah, man.
[Vic] You can feel the energy here in Chicago.
[Booker] It's about to be old, man.
[Vic] What a main event for our broadcast premiere on the CW.
[Ethan Page intro music]
[Vic] Well, there is our champion…
who was a man of very few words during his press conference last week.
-[Booker] Look, man, when you show up… -This ain't changing.
-Ego meter goes [exclaims] -[Booker] …and within a matter
of just days become the NXT champion,
the talking is done, man.
What we want to talk about, what you want to talk about, huh?
[Vic] We will certainly be breaking down Ethan Page since his arrival here to NXT,
but it's main event time here on the CW.
Let's go to our ring announcer, Mike Rome, for our championship introductions.
[bell ringing]
[Mike Rome] The following contest scheduled for one fall…
[crowd in unison] One fall!
…it's for the NXT championship!
MIKE ROME
Introducing the challenger from Columbia, South Carolina,
weighing in at 240 pounds,
-Trick Williams! -[crowd cheering]
TRICK WILLIAMS 6'4" - 240LBS
FINISHING MOVE: TRICK KICK FORMER NXT CHAMPION
[crowd chanting] Whoop that trick!
[Booker laughing] You can hear it. What a night!
And his opponent,
from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada…
-[crowd booing] -…weighing in at 225 pounds
he is the NXT champion…
ETHAN PAGE 6'1" - 225LBS
FINISHING MOVE: EGO'S EDGE 86 DAYS AS NXT CHAMPION
-…"All Ego" Ethan Page! -[crowd booing]
[Vic] Will Ethan Page be smiling
by the end of tonight?
[inaudible]
There's CM Punk, the special guest referee for this massive main event matchup
here in Chicago on the premiere of NXT on CW.
NXT CHAMPION
And there is the new NXT title introduced by Shawn Michaels earlier tonight.
And Book, I want to do a little history lesson.
When Smackdown made its broadcast television premiere…
-[bell ringing] -…it was the Rock and Triple H
for the WWE title. There was a special guest referee
who impacted the outcome on that August night.
For CM Punk, no personal vendetta.
He's here to ensure that the right man leads this brand
and to call it down the middle.
[Booker] I appreciate CM Punk being in this matchup
to call it right down the middle.
He has no dog in the fight. I like that.
[crowd chanting] CM Punk!
You count to three and that's it!
[Booker] Great refereeing so far. Making sure guys are breaking up on time.
-[Vic] I like that. CM Punk… -[Booker] You got five seconds.
…knows all too well what a special guest referee can do.
I mean, just think back to SummerSlam.
[Booker] There it is again.
-Got five seconds. -[Vic] He's calling it down the middle.
[Booker] Down the middle. I like that. I like that.
[Vic] Punk loves this brand.
Wants to give back to the next generation, really quickly, from behind is Page.
What?
One.
[Vic] That was a one. And Williams now from behind. Championship on the line.
-Fight him! -One, two, three!
[Vic] Well, Page should be worried a little bit more,
don't you think, about Trick Williams than about the official right now, Booker?
[Booker] He's a little emotional right now, but that could be a game player.
That could be a ploy. This is All Ego Ethan Page.
[Vic] As we think about this matchup, the big question about-- Ooh!
[crowd exclaims]
Trick Williams. Wait a minute, wait a minute. Shoulders down.
[inaudible]
CM Punk still calling it right down the middle.
It's time to look at tonight's NXT recap, presented by Progressive.
Ooh!
The question I was getting ready to ask for Trick Williams was…
[Booker] Big shot!
[Vic] Has he learned to control his emotions?
Into the cover, hook of the leg, championship online?
-Another kick out. -[Booker] I can't answer that,
but I hope so because this is truly
a big match for this man. An important match for Williams.
Because, I say, if you don't win this one, it's the same, Vic.
-Oh, here we go. -[Vic] Covered by Page this time.
-And another kick out. -[Booker] Here we go. It's a saying, Vic.
Nobody mobs a beat champion. This is a must-win.
This is a must-win for Trick Williams.
[Vic] Well, Trick Williams said since he lost the title,
he would do what he needed to do
to get the championship back.
And Trick Williams is fired up here in Chicago.
And CM Punk trying to be the voice of reason…
-[Booker] I don't like this. -[Vic] …because Trick knows he's got
to get the champion back in the ring to win the championship.
[Booker] I like the attitude of Trick right now.
Oh, he's got something that John Cena said a long time ago, the ruthless aggression,
he has to have that tonight.
[Vic] But this is about also controlling your emotions!
-[crowd roaring] -And Williams
just went through the barricade. Who's walking out of Chicago,
who's walking out of our CW premiere as champion?
Back live on NXT here on the premiere on the CW.
Look at Page into the cover, hook of the leg.
And was almost able to retain the NXT championship.
CM Punk is our special guest referee
just a few nights before he enters Hell in a Cell
in Atlanta against Drew McIntyre. But there you see Ethan Page who's upset.
But look at this.
When it comes to Ethan Page, he is a one of one superstar.
Nobody but Page has debuted in the main event
on a premium live event and then main-evented every one since then.
He was the fastest to win the NXT title since his debut,
he did it in just 40 days.
[Booker] 40 days. He's a prize fighter, Vic.
He's what I call a pugilist.
[Vic] But that's Trick Williams,
and Williams fighting back
for something he was never pinned for. Remember that, Booker?
He did not get pinned in Toronto,
but he might get pinned right here, right now.
Page, hook of the leg, and another near fall.
[Booker] Career defining moment here for Trick Williams.
Can he come out here and pull it off? Can he go back to the mountaintop?
We're gonna find out.
[Vic] Well, this started earlier this summer,
before Page even had a WWE contract.
These two have had a long-standing issue with one another
He's now swinging wildly and big jumping neck-breaker from Trick Williams.
And this could be the rallying moment right now for the challenger
because Trick Williams is in deep water here against the NXT.
[Booker] I see so much potential in this young man!
Check him out! Check out the block! Beautiful, beautiful!
-[crowd cheering] -[Vic] And listen to Chicago.
Who's walking out with the NXT championship?
[crowd chanting]
[Booker] Go on, they're throwing hands, Vic.
[crowd cheering]
Yeah!
[Vic] Williams right now is rocking… One man flapjack wiping out Page.
[crowd cheering]
[Booker] Champagne, wishes,
caviar, drinks, man!
[Vic] Whatever you want, Book.
Big boot. And Page rocked all the way out here.
What a night this has been. It's all about the NXT championship.
And, oh! Face first.
Went the challenger.
-Whoa, whoa, Booker, Booker. -[Booker] Whoa, whoa.
-Whoa. -[Vic] Page
looking for an Ego's Edge.
Right here through the table!
[crowd chanting]
Take another look.
Planting Williams through our announce desk.
We see it again.
But I want to go back to what's going on right now live at our feet. CM Punk.
The officials out here checking on the challenge.
[Booker] CM Punk should be in the ring making the count right now.
-CM Punk-- -[Vic] CM Punk wants--
CM Punk wants a winner, Booker,
-he wants to make sure the right guy… -[Booker] What are you talking about?
That was a calculated decision right there. That was calculated.
[crowd chanting]
[Vic] Trick Williams trying, and does get back into the ring,
but has the damage been done, Booker?
Booker, has the damage been done? Williams! Big knee!
No, Page for the cover!
-[Booker] That's it! -After all he wanted the title!
Williams kicked out. Getting that right shoulder up.
Oh, that Trick shot was so close.
But we gotta remember, big announcement, Book.
Next week when we go to St. Louis,
who's the NXT champion?
But what we do know, we'll have a special performance by Sexyy Red.
St. Louis, tickets on sale now.
[Booker] Oh, shake it real fast.
Get a little bowl. Oh, yes.
[Vic] And look at Punk. Look at CM Punk.
Punk right now is saying, "Guys, get up, you gotta fight."
This is for the NXT championship! This is the CW premiere!
Who wants the belt? Who wins the title? Who wants the glory?
[Booker] Who the hell think he is hurting? Come on.
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Right now, it's not about skill.
It's gonna be about will, who wants it more?
Who's able to dig down
-just a little bit deeper? -[crowd exclaims]
Big kick from Page.
Champion running in.
-Oh, caught with an uppercut. -[crowd exclaims]
-Trick charging back in. -[crowd exclaims]
Williams in control. Williams is feeling it.
[crowd cheering]
[Booker] Got that second wind, looks like, Vic. Here we go!
-Here we go! -[Vic] Boom!
Is it enough? And another near fall.
That. Was. Close.
[Booker] What a main event here on the debut of the CW network.
My God, man.
[Vic] CM Punk has called it right down the middle.
Exactly what he said he would do.
He would make sure that the right man would lead us into the next era!
And the trick shot missed.
[Booker] Pivotal mistake. Here we go.
[Vic] Page into the cover with one of his own!
And another near fall.
Both men should showing you what it means, what it takes
-to be the NXT champion. -Two?
Right down the middle, you son of a bitch.
One, two.
-Son of a bitch? -Yeah.
You wanna see a son of a bitch?
[Vic] And what's--
Oh, no, no, no.
Booker, looking at CM Punk right in his eyes
-and hitting a go to sleep? -[crowd exclaiming]
[crowd chanting] One! Two!
[crowd] Yeah!
[Vic] Page can't believe it.
What else does Ethan Page need to do, Book,
to keep Trick Williams down?
And it could be this. The Ego's Edge.
He's already hit one through our announce table.
Can he hit a second? And oh…
Page? No one home.
[Booker] Is that assist?
[Vic] I don't know if it was or if it wasn't. Ba-bam! He got it!
We've got the trick shot! Trick shot! Cover!
[crowd] One! Two! Three!
-[Vic] Williams has done it! -[bell ringing]
We got a new champion!
-[crowd chanting] Whoop that trick! -[Mike Rome] Here is your winner,
and the new NXT champion…
NEW NXT CHAMPION TRICK WILLIAMS
…Trick Williams!
[Vic] Listen to this place.
-Chicago is on their feet. -[crowd chanting] Whoop that trick!
[Vic] All the adversity.
And for Trick. He may have doubted himself at times, but on the night
he needed to have a defining moment. Williams rose to the occasion.
Oh, look at Page.
[crowd cheering]
The former champion goes to sleep.
[crowd cheering]
Trick is NXT. We are NXT. And the CW is NXT.
[crowd chanting] Whoop that trick!