[John Cena] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[Vic] We are live in Los Angeles, home to four WrestleManias,
the center of the wrestling universe.
Over the last 48 hours at the premiere of Raw on Netflix.
And tonight, inside the historic Shrine Auditorium,
we welcome you to the first NXT of the new year,
we welcome you to WWE New Year's Evil.
And earlier today, there was Roxanne Perez,
who arrived on Day 276 of her championship reign.
But she will face the women's Iron Survivor.
That, of course, is Giulia.
This will be the first match of the new year here live,
and it's for the NXT Women's Championship.
From the women's to the men's Iron Survivor,
who is focused as ever.
Will Femi's reign begin here tonight?
Or is this tonight for Eddy Thorpe?
Can he shock the Universe?
Can he become the NXT Champion?
To do so, both men will have to beat this man.
And he's here to prove his opponents and doubters wrong.
Can Trick silence the haters?
Triple Threat for the NXT Championship
here tonight at New Year's Evil.
[crowd cheering]
And look who has arrived.
The Final Boss in NXT for the first time ever.
The Great One ready to electrify.
The Rock is live here on NXT.
And we are in the Shrine Auditorium,
which opened its doors nearly 100 years ago.
The site of the Grammy Awards,
the site of the Academy Awards,
and tonight, the site of WWE New Year's Evil.
I want to welcome you into ringside, Vic Joseph,
alongside the two-time WWE Hall of Famer, Booker T.
-That's right. -It's the new year.
Things are bigger, better, and that includes our announce team.
Welcome back. Somebody who has done countless WrestleManias,
a former champion on this brand,
my friend, and he is finally home, Corey Graves.
2025 belongs to NXT.
The Great One, The Final Boss is in the house.
I could not pass up this opportunity.
And I get to work with a Hall of Famer again.
-What up? What up? -[laughs]
It's time for our first of three championship matches here tonight.
["Time Of Arrival" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Booker, she said last week,
"It's time to live up to the hype."
It's time to live up to the expectations."
Giulia is set for a championship match against someone you've trained,
someone who you're close to,
The Prodigy, Roxanne Perez.
[Booker] Oh, yeah, man!
I've been waiting and anticipating this moment.
But like Giulia said that you must feel and sometimes believe
that you are truly the best.
Giulia, she's been champion everywhere she's been except…
except NXT.
And for one reason, The Prodigy, Roxanne Perez.
Can she do it tonight?
["All Fall Down" playing]
[Vic] That's one of the biggest NXT rematches
for the women's title in recent memory.
The first meeting in Chicago, the first match ever on the CW.
Cora Jade returned and cost Giulia--
[Booker] Come on, man!
-[Vic] Hold on. -[Booker] Quit crying over spilt milk.
-[Vic] No, that's a fact. -[Booker] Quit crying.
[Vic] I want to bring Corey Graves in here because, Corey,
you were here for the huggers, the bosses and the queens.
Some have said that Perez has surpassed everyone.
That she is the best woman in the world.
[Booker] Go ahead and preach, Corey.
Go ahead and spit some of that knowledge that we've been waiting for here at NXT.
[Corey] If you ever take a breath, I'll start, Booker T.
I'm a big fan of everything Roxanne Perez has done throughout her NXT tenure.
The NXT women's division as a whole,
arguably the best women's division on the planet Earth these days.
I think she's the right woman to sit at the top of the mountain.
But Giulia looks locked-in.
I saw Giulia warming up backstage.
-She is focused, she is ready for war. -[Booker] Oh, baby.
[Vic] Let's go up to Mike Rome to kick off the festivities tonight.
[bell dings]
The following contest, scheduled for one fall,
is for the NXT Women's Championship!
Introducing the challenger from Tokyo, Japan,
Giulia!
And her opponent
from Laredo, Texas,
she is the NXT women's champion,
Roxanne Perez!
[Vic] Women's division reached new heights last year,
and, Corey, you just touched on something that I kind of want to…
I think we all can agree on.
It reached new heights,
and, Booker, it's only going to get better.
[Booker] Yes, there's a reason why everybody's trying to show up here at NXT,
because the women's division is truly the toughest, the best division
-in all of professional wrestling… -[bell dings]
…in my humble opinion.
Here we go, here we go!
[Vic] I still think about Giulia sitting front row
at Stand and Deliver In Philadelphia.
Eyes were locked on Roxanne Perez.
It was on that day, Perez won
the NXT Women's Championship for the second time.
Giulia, of course, made her debut here in NXT in September,
a victory over the current women's United States Champion.
[Booker] You see that? A little hesitation right there from Giulia.
That could be her major mistake tonight.
[Corey] Or Giulia's coming into this match-up
aware of what she doesn't know.
-And a combination by Perez. -[Booker] Oh, wait a minute.
[Vic] Shoulders down, nice counter.
Now it's Giulia in control, looking for a submission.
And Roxanne Perez right now trying to wiggle her way free.
Almost in a pinning predicament.
Notice how unbothered Giulia was--
[Corey] Shoulders down.
[Vic] Giulia knows that she's a submission master.
She doesn't have to rush into anything.
A good jujitsu player will wait for you to make a mistake.
[Booker] You know what? I give Giulia props.
She's good, Vic.
She's been champion everywhere she's going.
But right now she's in the ring with one of the best, truly the best.
The Prodigy, Roxanne Perez.
[Vic] Perez might just have made a mistake,
as Giulia now fired up.
Corey, what interests you the most about Giulia?
There's something about Giulia's presence,
her aura as the kids like to say these days.
Something about Giulia reminds me of a younger Shinsuke Nakamura.
Like Wrestle Kingdom Nakamura,
the way Giulia seems to have a devil-may-care attitude.
But the minute the bell rings, there's another gear, something else inside.
And, right now, Giulia perched on the top turnbuckle.
[Vic] Giulia earned this opportunity
by winning the Women's Iron Survivor Challenge.
Big Missile drop kick, and right Now, Giulia in Control.
Target Acquired, charging in.
And Giulia really has slowed this pace down right where she wants it to be.
And Roxanne wisely rolling out here to the outside.
Look at Giulia, quickly right behind her.
[Booker T] That's called creating space, Vic. That's smart.
That's a pro in live and in living color right before your eyes.
That's Roxanne Perez. Why don't we give her her props, Vic?
[Vic] I just gave her her props,
told Corey minutes ago, as Perez turning things around.
[Booker T] She's been doing this since she was 13.
She was champion at 16 years old at Reality of Wrestling.
And now, two-time NXT Champ. Give her her props.
[Vic] We did. You need to switch to decaf.
Perez, right now, is in control of this match-up.
[commentators exclaim]
-[Booker T] See what I'm saying? -[Vic] Trying to break the limbs.
Perez in control.
Don't miss the action with our picture in picture break.
-Who's walking out with the gold? -Giulia. Come on.
[Vic] NXT Women's Championship on the line here at New Year's Evil.
Perez, the champion, Giulia, the challenger.
Perez, currently her reign, the fifth longest in NXT history.
Nineteen televised wins last year, tied for the most in NXT.
No doubt, Book, she is a big match competitor.
[Booker T] Great stats. Vic.
But none of that means anything when you're inside that squared circle,
under the bright lights.
Roxanne Perez, since 16 years old, she's been under those bright lights.
[Vic] And a big kick from Giulia, challenger, right now.
Getting back into this match-up.
[Corey] Perez looks rocked for the moment.
Giulia with a very, very important moment to potentially recover, replan her game.
[Vic] Well, for Roxanne Perez too.
She's countless times has said
the reason Giulia is here is because of her.
The reason Zaria is here, because of her.
The reason Stephanie Vaquer is here is because of her.
[Booker T] Uh-huh, breakout tournament winner and survivor,
tag team champion, two-time NXT Champion.
Oh, yes, man! Oh, yes!
[Vic] Perez now to retain! Going in for the cover.
Going down… challenger just able to kick out in.
Yes, Book, you can rattle up those stats.
She was this year's Female Superstar of the Year,
only woman to win all the accolades.
-Women's Iron-- -[Booker T] Yeah!
[Vic] Only three women have held the title for more combined days in NXT than her.
She's competing-- Great, all great stats.
-But can she get it done tonight? -[Booker T] You just said it.
[Vic] I asked you, can she get it done?
[Booker T] No question. You just gave her all the props in the world.
She's the best of the best.
Hey, listen, Corey. You want some of this. You want some of this action.
[Corey] What action?
Now I know what the WWE Universe feels like
when I talk about my wife on commentary.
-[Booker T laughing] -[Corey] You need to keep it separate.
I don't want to catch anyone at a Starbucks--
That was a nice suplex. Perez, now, turning things around.
-Look at Giulia rising up. -[Booker T] Okay.
-[Corey] This is starting to break down. -[crowd exclaims]
[Corey] Open-hand palm strikes to the jaws of each woman connecting simultaneously.
A dangerous game. You can get your legs locked from underneath you.
Good luck getting back into the fight.
Bang! Right from the challenger.
-You're pretty quiet, Book. -[Vic] Certainly is.
[Booker T] I'm checking out the action, full-fledged action right there.
This is hot and heavy, with Giulia and Perez,
there's nowhere near out of this game by any means.
[Vic] Look at the official, checking on Giulia. That was wise of Perez.
-You talk about separation-- -[Booker T] Here we go.
[Vic] And right now, Perez looking to fly.
-Perez, hard wrestling her to the floor. -[Booker T] Oh, yes, man!
[Vic] The champion here to prove a point.
Much like Trick Williams wants to do later on tonight in a Triple Threat Match.
Giulia back into the ring, Perez right now starting to climb,
-NXT Universe starting to rise. -[crowd chanting]
Big-- Comes back in, the challenger.
[Booker T] Big momentum shift for a second,
but, right now, Giulia just…
just got the momentum back in her way, she's gonna be performing this big move--
[Vic] Off the top…
-Double underhook suplex! -[Booker T] Oh, yes! Wow!
[Vic] You said it earlier, Corey.
They're going to have to pull out all the stops,
and that is exactly what Giulia is doing.
But she's right now favoring the arm just slightly.
Turning around, hoisting up Perez…
Wow! Michinoku-esq!
-[Booker T] Whoa. -[Vic] Cover for the title!
-A near fall. -[Booker T] That was close.
That was close, Vic.
[Corey] What a match this has been.
First we see the butterfly superplex executed to perfection by Giulia,
and this modification of a Michinoku Driver,
spiking the champion on the dome of her skull.
[crowd clapping, chanting] This is awesome!
[Vic] Indeed. This is how we're kicking off New Year's Eve--
-[Booker T] Whoa! -[Vic] Perez with a crossface!
Perez, right now, has got Giulia center of the ring.
[Booker T] Do your job, ref. Have the wherewithal.
the understanding and know-how,
-stop it now. -[Vic] Giulia trying to break free.
She's showing no signs, Book, of weakness. She's fighting.
She's showing you the heart of a champion.
But Perez showing you the brains of a champion,
turning right around, looking for some Pop Rox,
countered by the challenger, charging right-- Big dropkick!
Giulia, all the way out here in front of us.
[Booker T] Perez is on the double level right there, Vic.
[Corey] Got to appreciate the sense of urgency
clearly being felt by Roxanne Perez at this juncture, but--
[Vic] Hold on a second!
[commentators exclaim]
You might want to check on these ladies, Tom. That was nasty.
And the only way Giulia can win the championship,
she's got to get Roxanne back in the ring. Corey, they're not even moving.
That was a last ditch effort by the challenger.
But you're right, Vic, neither the champion nor challenger's--
-Hey! -Cora Jade!
-This is what happened in Chicago! -[crowd] Eight!
-Come on, ref! And now Giulia! Oh! -[crowd] Nine!
Giulia at nine and a half. And look at Perez.
Perez right now, doubt could be sinking in,
but she's right now listening to Jade, foot on the gas,
-and the Pop Rox. -[Booker T] Yes!
[Vic] And just like in Chicago--
-[all exclaim] -[Booker T] What the hell!
[Vic] Giulia kicked out.
-But look at Roxanne, Fujiwara Armbar. -[clamoring]
The armbar is locked in.
I think Jade just got tossed by the official.
-[shrieking] -[Vic] Giulia's in danger.
Shifted the weight, shoulders down.
Near-fall, and relinquished the hold.
Right now, Perez couldn't get back up--
Arrivederci Knee under the jaw.
Giulia in control.
Can she power through second time? Northern Lights…
Bam!
Cover by Giulia.
[crowd] One, two, three!
[Vic] We have a new Women's Champion!
[announcer] Here is your winner,
and the new NXT Women's Champion,
Giulia!
Hell of a match, Graves, to welcome you back to NXT.
[Corey] First match back, we've got a brand-new NXT Women's Champion.
What an effort by both.
But congratulations to Giulia.
You talked about the hype before Giulia's arrival here at NXT, Vic.
I would say that, tonight, with that performance,
-Giulia's silenced all doubt. -[Booker T] It's your fault!
-[Corey] My fault? -[Booker T] Your fault! Bad luck slip!
-That's what I'mn gonna call it. -[Vic] Let's go back…
Let's go back to some of the action. Perez hit this Pop Rox.
But unlike in Chicago, with the help of Cora Jade,
Giulia was able to kick out,
and then, while she was able to counter-shift the weight momentarily
with, bam, hit that devastating…
[Vic] Arrivederci knee, following up with the second Northern Lights Bomb
to put away Roxanne Perez, and ends Perez's
-over 270-day reign as champion. -[bell dinging]
But, take a look, gentlemen.
Take a look, NXT Universe.
Giulia, who has traveled the world with a dream for this moment.
And now, The Beautiful Madness
is the NXT Women's Champion.
[legendary, upbeat music playing]
-[indistinct conversation] -That is not what happened.
What is going on here? Oh, I know exactly what this is.
Eddy, you have a big Triple Threat tonight.
Come on, get up! You don't want to miss that.
-Ava, I didn't do this! -Really?
-You didn't do this? -I was attacked.
You expect me to believe you after last time?
-I didn't do this. -Not very convincing.
-I need you to calm down. -Come on, hold.
-Eddy, calm down. -Eddy, try to hold.
[Corey] I mean, you can't blame Ava, Booker.
-She has seen that movie before. -[Vic] And she knows the end.
[Booker T] I get it.
[upbeat rock music playing]
-[crowd cheering] -[bell dinging]
[Mike] The following is a Fatal 4-Way
NXT Women's North American Championship,
number one contenders match.
Introducing first, from San Fernando, Chile,
Stephanie Vaquer.
[Vic] We just saw our General Manager Ava who made this matchup.
She's the challenger for Fallon Henley
and hopefully she can put some other issues to rest.
Fatal 4-Way, coming your way, live, next.
[theme music playing]
I should not be worried about losing my smile.
I should worry about taking yours.
-[crowd gasping] -[Vic] What the hell is this?
It's disgusting!
-[crowd exclaiming] -[Corey] Whoa.
-[intense music playing] -[Booker T] Oh, not this.
[Ethan yelling] It's the real me! This is the real me!
[Vic] Oh, my God!
-[crowd gasping] -[somber music playing]
[Je'Von] Ethan…
Page, my jaw is wired shut.
I can't sleep, I can't eat, I can't talk.
But, I'm gonna find you.
-What you did to Cedric… -[crowd gasping]
-[Je'Von screams] -[Vic] Oh, not again!
What you did to me…
Ethan, I'll make you feel my pain.
[somber music playing]
♪ Dos, tres, quatros ♪
["To Le Rompo" playing]
♪ If you wanna come get it I hit heavy ♪
♪ What's your name You forget it call the medic ♪
[Mike] And their opponent, from Miami, Florida, Lola Vice!
-[Vic] Corey, I know it's the first day… -These streets don't lie.
[Vic] …you know, back here for Booker, this is his favorite part.
[Booker T] Can we-- Can we get that Cholula green, man?
[Booker T] It is about to get… It's about to get hot up in this club.
-Oh, yes, man. Oh, yes. -[Vic] Booker, it's Lola's time now.
Can she capture gold in the new year?
[Booker T] She finished 2024 off with a bang. Big win.
And now, stepping into 2025, I think she is the one
to keep your eye on, Vic, in more ways than one.
-[bell dings] -[Booker T] Oh, yes.
[Vic] You see Kelani Jordan,
you see Cora Jade has already made her presence felt.
Fatal-4-Way, first one to score a pinfall or submission
will become the number one contender
for Fallon Henley's Women's North American Championship.
I mean, I'm still stunned.
Barack is going to be here tonight on NXT.
[Corey] Also got a brand new NXT champion, what a way to kick off 2025.
Big opportunity for all four of these ladies.
[Vic] You can say that again, Corey, I hate to put you on the spot,
-but as Stephanie Vaquer… -[Booker T exclaims]
[Vic] … who has her shoulders down in a kickout.
Has Stephanie Vaquer lived up to the hype, like we talked about with Giulia?
Now, they're covering now, all these women working for that quick pinfall,
and that crucifix shoulders down and Cora Jade finally bringing it out.
[Corey] Vic, in my opinion, she absolutely has lived up to the hype,
but there is still work to do.
As we saw, Giulia solidified her status as champion.
[exclaims] Oh, good! You know, Stephanie Vaquer would love to be
the next NXT Women's North American champion.
[Vic] There is Cora Jade, who has admitted she loves the drama.
Hooked both legs, but Vaquer right there to break that up.
Wasn't it you, Booker, who coined the phrase "Save the drama for your--"
-[Booker T] Yeah, I did. I did. -[Vic] Hold on, this is the second… Ah!
[Booker T exclaiming]
[Vic] Whoa! Right to the lower back. Look at the submission.
-[Booker T] We got a hit. -[Vic] Lola Vice locking it in,
looking for a submission victory. These are the dangers of a Fatal 4-Way.
Corey, you were telling me earlier, it is so hard to get that first victory.
-Gotta have eyes in the back of your head. -[Corey] No doubt about it, took a-- Whoa!
[Vic] At this level where everybody is still finding their footing,
solidifying who they are as superstars.
Big-time opportunity. You have four extremely talented women
all vying for the same opportunity.
I know I asked about Vaquer, What are your thoughts on Kelani Jordan?
[Corey] I think she has all the tools to be a megastar here in WWE.
I think from what I have seen thus far, Kelani may lack killer instinct.
[Booker T] That's the first time I have agreed with you tonight, Corey.
-Thanks for giving me something. -[Vic] It's a new year, you guys,
have an olive branch, it's a beautiful partnership.
-[all exclaiming] -[Vic] Up and Over wiping out Lola Vice.
[Booker T] That was gnarly, man.
Kelani was the first Women's North American champion.
Held that title 140 days, won the title Ladder match at Battleground.
Who will be the number one contender for that title?
We find out tonight.
-[Vic] We are sold out in Los Angeles. -[crowd cheering]
Who will be the number one contender
for the NXT Women's North American Championship?
All four of these women have been taking it to the other in this matchup.
Look who is standing, look who is can is in control.
As Kelani Jordan right now, whoa, obviously trying to prove, Booker,
she is no longer a little sister in the locker room.
-[Booker T] Coming from the NIL programme… -[Corey] Oh, my God, that was nasty!
[Booker T] That was nasty.
[Vic] Might want to be the little sister now.
[Booker T] With that North American Championship,
she put a target on her back, Vic.
[Vic] Meteor in the corner by Vaquer.
Here comes Lola Vice from behind, looking for a sleeper.
Trying to lock it in, nice counter, shoulders down.
-[Booker T] Beautiful switch. -[Vic] A near-fall.
Bam, here comes that striking ability from Lola,
who might be the best pure striker in this matchup.
Now she has turned her attention to Kelani Jordan.
[Booker T] Educated feet, Vic, educated feet right there.
[Vic] Let's not forget it was Lola Vice who lost to Kelani.
She is the queen of the underground.
And well, looky looky, who is looking at this matchup.
Fatal Influence still to come with the six-woman Tag Team match.
You have to wonder what Fallon Henley is thinking right now.
[Corey] She better be focused on one thing, and one thing alone,
and that's the task at hand, six-woman Tag Team matchup, tonight.
Keep an eye on this match, no doubt.
[Vic exclaims]
[Corey] Handle business as it comes her way.
[Vic] Gnarly landing, but right in,
-drops Vaquer. -[Booker T] Beautiful dropkick.
[Corey] Vaquer, of course, tried to reach out to Kelani at one point,
has no love lost with Cora Jade, that kendo stick attack to end the year.
-But-- From the top! Oh, hard landing! -[Booker T] Wow.
[Corey] Three women are down. And, Book, look who has an opportunity now.
It's Kelani Jordan!
[Booker T] Look what just cracked open. Kelani Jordan up top.
Here we go! Here we go!
-Wow! -[crowd exclaiming]
[Vic] Moonsault from the Michigan State alumni,
and she's in the driver's seat now!
[Booker T] Them women outside, they gotta do it inside the squared circle.
-[crowd chanting] This is awesome! -[Vic] High crossbody connects!
Vaquer able to roll through! Vaquer rolled through! Near fall.
Oh, a half second away. Right upswing, missed wildly.
Kelani able to roll through. Shoulders down one more time.
Nice counter. Nice pivot. Nice penny predicament.
Looking for the bridge. There comes Lola Vice breaking up the count.
Lola could be looking for another submission.
Instead, just tossing Vaquer to the floor--
[Booker T] Oh, baby!
[Vic] And a big jumping knee from Cora Jade!
[Booker T] Cora Jade, I talked about that reset from Cora Jade.
Could it start here tonight?
-Oh, man! -Olympic Slam!
[crowd cheering]
And Kelani, now, looking for, possibly, a Five-Star Throw…
I think she noticed Cora was moving, tried to switch gears, got caught!
And, now, all hell breaking loose.
[Booker T] Talk about being in the right place at the right time.
-Stephanie Vaquer looking to cash in, Vic! -[Vic] Say that again.
Looking for the SVB!
-[Booker T] That could be it! -[Vic] Into the cover!
And Vaquer, now, has her first opportunity at gold!
[announcer] Here's your winner,
and the number-one contender to the NXT Women's North American Championship,
-Stephanie Vaquer! -["Bury Me" playing]
[Corey] Vaquer standing tall here tonight.
[Vic] The Dark Angel now the number-one contender
to the Women's North American Championship!
Yes, so you guys beat Fatal Influence. I talked to Lash and Jakara.
Next week, you're gonna have a match with them.
Whoever wins will be the number-one contenders for the Women's Tag Titles.
-Fantastic. -Thank you, Ava! [giggles] I can't wait!
Excuse me, Ava. Sorry to interrupt, but do you have an update on Eddy Thorpe?
Sarah, Eddy Thorpe is fine. This is exactly what he did last time.
He can moan and groan and pretend he's hurt, but I'm not falling for it.
-The match is staying a Triple Threat. -Eddy is not pretending.
-Oh. -I did attack him.
And I did it willfully, too, because he smashed me across the face
with that trophy last week, and you saw it.
I was only trying to return the favor.
I did see that. But you know what?
The match is still staying a Triple Threat.
That's fine. That's if he makes it.
But whether he does or he doesn't, the result remains the same.
[Vic] I'm almost as shocked as Sarah Schreiber.
Oba eliminating the competition.
Eddy, is he even gonna be able to compete here tonight
for the NXT Championship?
♪ 'Cause we hold all the light And we'll blind you with it ♪
♪ Bet I know the frontlines You can't say the same ♪
♪ So stay where you're meant to We'll take over this game ♪
-[bell rings] -[announcer] The following contest
is a 6-Woman Tag Team Match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, Jazmyn Nyx, Jacy Jayne,
and the NXT Women's North American Champion, Fallon Henley,
Fatal Influence!
[Vic] The Goddesses of Hostility are here, but are they ready?
[Booker T] Stand up, Vic! Stand up, man!
Jacy Jayne, the rockstar,
Fallon Henley, the pro, and the N-Y-X!
["The Chosen" continues playing]
[Corey] Here in the City of Angels, the stars are out.
And you can say it one more time, because joining us tonight,
Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque,
President and CEO Nick Khan,
taking WWE to new heights in 2025!
And, right now, taking in everything New Year's Evil has to offer.
Sold out in Los Angeles!
[Vic] Look at OTM!
And we have new number-one contenders for the NXT Tag Titles!
[Bronco] Lucien and I got Out The Mud on the tag team division.
Ava said, show her we have what it takes, and look at us now.
-In that number-one contender spot. -Hell, yeah.
Nathan, Axiom, y'all smooth with it.
-Move like no other in the ring. -[Bronco] Yes, sir.
[Lucien] But y'all ain't never been in a dogfight,
never had to fight for your food.
Growing up in Nigeria wasn't nothing but a fight.
So, I quickly learned,
you can't see pain, you can only feel it.
We're gonna make you feel.
Nathan, Axiom, you think struggling is having two matches in one night?
'Cause my problems and your problems are not the same, bro!
Try having to be 17 years old and having to put food on the table
for your jefita, your little brother, and me!
'Cause while I'm over here dealing with some real life struggles,
you two over here arguing like some little-ass kids.
But you're looking at two grown men.
Remember that.
[Lucien] I told y'all last time, '25 our year.
[Bronco] Mmm-hmm. It took us a minute to get used to NXT.
We don't give a damn if you're in sync or out,
'cause next week, we taking them titles right off them shoulders,
putting them on our waist!
Next week, we drag you through the mud!
[Vic] Well, looks like we have ourselves a tag team title match next week,
as we turn our attention to the women's division.
NXT on The CW is presented by Progressive!
Save when you bundle auto, home, and motorcycle insurance.
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-["Watch Me Now" playing] -[crowd cheering]
♪ I'm a psycho! ♪
[crowd cheering]
[announcer] And their opponents, the team of Tatum Paxley,
Gigi Dolin, and Shotzi!
[Vic] This trio is looking to take care of business tonight.
[Booker T] Yeah, I feel a little something something's about to happen, Vic.
-Oh, didn't I tell you? -[Vic] Oh!
[Vic] Yeah, things just jumping right off point with Fatal Influence.
[Booker T] Uh-huh. This is business, man.
I'm talking about champagne wishes and caviar dreams.
[Corey] What does champagne or caviar have to do with Shotzi,
or anybody else in this match-up?
[Booker T] It means we're gonna eat, and drink, and be merry.
-That's what it means. -[Vic] What I wanna get to is,
Corey's gonna have a good thought on this, we saw a new NXT Women's Champion earlier
in Giulia. You see the extra aggression in this match-up.
[Vic] So, how does that sort of shake up?
Into the cover goes Tatum, hook of the leg and a kickout.
How does that wake up the locker room…
[Corey] You realize you have a new champion, which means
you need a whole new set of challenges.
Everybody's been trying to work their way up the ladder,
now you have a different target. That could force you
to adjust your gameplan.
It could force you to stay the course.
It's different to each superstar.
[Vic] Right now I like what I'm seeing. Cover here!
This is Jazmyn Nyx.
You know, I kind of feel that Jazmyn Nyx,
and some on social media do as well, that she is following blindly,
she doesn't know any better. She needs to be like Tyreek Hill.
-She needs to get out of Fatal Influence. -[Booker T] Jazmyn Nyx is
following the game plan accordingly.
On the job training, Vic. That's what this is.
[Vic] Well, the thing for Paxley, Shotzi… [exclaims]
To remember they can't get under your skin
if you don't let them in.
And Shotzi turning things around.
Big elbow from Paxley.
Shotzi into the cover. Hook of the leg.
And a near fall.
[Corey] Fatal Influence finding out early in this matchup,
it's one thing to invite chaos into the ring,
it's another entirely to experience it.
To be trapped in the ring with chaos.
[Booker T] Trapped? Trapped? What are you talking about, trapped?
I mean this is the game plan right here.
[Vic] The game plan didn't work out very well.
Into the cover, and a kickout.
And right back in comes Shotzi
and the champion is rocked.
And, you know, you start to wonder, with Fallon focused on this matchup for her,
you said she should be, Booker, I wonder,
with a new number one contender
for her title, that being Stephanie Vaquer,
is she fully focused on this moment here?
[Booker T] Fallon may be a little bit distracted. Of course.
-She's changed… -[Vic] Cover. Hook of the leg.
[Booker T] She got everybody coming out the woodwork
trying to get a piece of the action. Of course.
[crowd chanting "Shotzi"]
[Vic] Well, NXT Universe here sold out.
Los Angeles.
The historic Shrine Auditorium,
which, by the way, has been around for almost 100 years.
It's getting New Year's Evil here tonight.
And right now, Shotzi's getting a lot of the North American Women's Champion.
Fallon Henley charging in for a second time.
And Fatal Influence in control.
Into the cover. Hook of the leg.
[Booker T] Come on, ref! Come on, ref!
[Vic] All six women in the ring.
Things are breaking down now here in Los Angeles.
And look at which trio
is standing tall for the moment.
Shotzi looking to… Whoa!
Got caught.
Got dropped.
[Booker T] That's why I call her the pro.
-She's one step ahead. -[Vic] You've never called her the pro.
You've called her other things, such as champion.
-Pro has never been one of them. -[Booker T] I said it earlier.
[Vic] Corey, you gonna help me here or just let Booker go off?
Bam! Big headbutt from Gigi.
[crowd exclaims]
[Corey] Jacy Jayne throwing caution to the wind. Taking out Gigi Dolin.
-Lot of history between them. -[Vic] You can say that again.
And all six of these women
have a lot of history, which has led us to this matchup.
Combustible elements exploding here tonight.
Big suplex on the floor.
-[Booker T] Bad. -[Vic] Referee's discretion.
He's letting it all hang out here live at New Year's Evil.
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] We are live at Shrine Auditorium,
sold out, Los Angeles, for WWE New Year's Evil.
Two title matches still to come.
Plus The Rock, the Final Boss, The Great One,
here live on NXT
as this six-woman Tag Team matchup is continuing.
And there, Booker, is your rock star
with a senton. With a cover, hook of the leg. And a near fall.
[Booker T] Did we talk about how Fatal Influence has been
working in tandem,
taking care of business?
Tatum Paxley has been incredible,
Isolating her in the corner.
Everything right, man. I love it.
[Vic] You probably loved this right there.
That big kick followed up by… Bam!
That massive senton. And…
-[crowd booing] -[Vic] No doubt Fatal Influence
has been in control.
[Booker T] You're giving props. You have to give them props.
You know what? My thing is, I'm unbiased.
I like both of these teams. But right now,
you got to give it to Fatal Influence.
[Vic] It's funny, Corey, thinking about Booker,
if you're picking both teams, you're never wrong.
[Corey] Booker's known as a habitual fence sitter.
-[Vic] Belly to back suplex. -[Corey] All the way to the hall of fame.
[Vic] Belly to back suplexes. Right now, Gigi Dolin
desperately wants to get back into this matchup.
And it was Jacy Jane who said Gigi Dolin returned
because she is jealous of her.
Dolin's in the match.
Dolin returned in November,
saved Paxley from Fatal Influence.
Lit the fuse for this rivalry.
And is now looking at her former friend, former partner, dead in the eye.
[Booker T] Former two-time Tag Team champions fighting here
in the middle of this ring.
Best of friends at one point in time.
Now, competing against each other, Victor.
Here we go. Here we go.
[Corey] I notice you just called me Victor.
[Vic] Big kick.
Coming right back in, Gigi Dolin, boom!
Cover! Is it gonna be enough for the victory?
And a near fall.
There was not a lot, Corey, on that kickout from Jacy Jane.
[Corey] There wasn't a lot on the cover either.
Gigi delivered a wonderful S.T.O and got lackadaisical
and it may have just cost her team the matchup.
[Vic] That's a great point. And now Jazmyn Nix
trying to interfere, and just able to open up the door
with the distraction for the superkick. Tag.
And in comes the Women's North American Champion, Fallon Henley.
You got to remember this all goes back to Fatal Influence
calling the trio
of Tatum, Gigi, and Shotzi, freaks.
And Shotzi making them pay!
High crossbody from the top.
-Shotzi calling out the plays. -[Booker T] Here we go!
-Here we go! -[Vic] High-impact offense.
Belly to back neckbreaker combo.
Into the cover.
-And… -[Booker T] Ooh.
[Corey] Jazmyn Nix, Jacy Jane at the last possible second
preserving this matchup for Fatal Influence.
[Vic] Shrine Auditorium, we are live
here for New Year's Evil.
What a night it has been since the beginning.
A new Women's champion.
A new number one contender for Fallon Henley's
North American Women's title.
And this six-woman Tag Team match
has lived up to the expectations.
[Booker T] Not just that. Gigi has been the X factor so far, Vic.
-She's playing… -[Vic exclaims]
[Booker T] …a hell of a role here tonight.
[Vic] Keep your eyes on Shotzi.
Welcome to the Ball Pit.
[crowd] One! Two! Three!
-[Vic] And Shotzi just pinned… -[bell dinging]
[Vic] …the women's North American champion.
[Mike] Here are your winners, Tatum Paxley,
Gigi Dolin,
and Shotzi!
[Vic] That must feel good for that trio,
after everything they've gone through with Fatal Influence
over the last month or so.
[Booker T] Three freaks. They got the win, Vic.
You got to love it.
[Vic] You see Shotzi
-showing absolutely no regard… -[crowd] One! Two! Three!
[Vic] …for herself or her opponent, with a senton from the top turnbuckle.
Big, big win for this trio.
[Corey] Let's see how these three can now carry the momentum
into the new year here on NXT.
[Vic] I wonder how many muppets had to lose their lives to make Gigi's boots.
[Corey chuckles]
You heard what Je'Von could barely say,
because his jaw is wired shut because you broke it in half.
And yet that moment
has played on every episode of NXT since.
But for some reason, tonight,
big historic episode of NXT,
New Year's Evil,
Ethan Page is nowhere
-to be seen. -Mm-hmm.
Ethan, let me make something very clear.
This is my show.
This is NXT.
And I call the shots. Oh.
-Perfect timing. -Ava, there is nothing perfect…
Actually, it is perfect.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Rocky!
-Ethan Page. -Correct.
-Final Boss. -That is correct.
-It's good to meet you. -Great to meet you.
I heard a lot about you.
-Well, not all good. -Okay.
But that's okay. I heard you, uh,
you broke a guys jaw. Is that right, Ava?
-Yes. Je'Von's jaw. -Je'Von's jaw.
Yeah. He deserved it.
All right. Well, payback's gonna be a bitch.
-I just want you to know that. -Yeah. I highly doubt that.
I heard you broke a guys wrist.
-Fingers. -Oh! It was fingers.
I will happily take credit for wrist.
-[grunts] -Okay. All right.
Uh, well, listen, I tell you as I told everyone today,
meeting this NXT roster, it was awesome meeting them,
every woman and every man.
If they need a thing, they come to me.
If you need anything, you come to me.
-I like the sounds of that. -All right.
-One more thing. -Okay.
Uh…
I am the final boss, like, the final-final boss.
But on this show, NXT,
she's the final boss.
So if you and I are gonna be cool, and I want us to be cool…
-Okay. -…then you and her need to be.
Cool?
We're gonna be cool.
I'll see you on the main roster one day.
-I hope so. -All right.
Get your sweet ass out there.
I cannot wait for the day that he's on the main roster,
and I don't have to deal with that anymore.
It's been a crazy night.
We haven't gotten to talk yet but a NXT is all about moments,
and I feel like this is a pretty big one.
But, speaking of that, what are you gonna say…
I don't know.
I have no idea what I'm going to say out there.
It is crazy. Can you…
Can you give me some advice?
I can.
No one has your record and can do what you do.
You have been in front of millions of pounds
but you have never been in front of an NXT crowd.
Their passion, it's different.
[crowd chanting] Rocky!
-So… -I hear them.
[crowd chanting] Rocky!
You might not know what to say.
When you're gonna get out there,
you're gonna feel exactly what to say.
I don't know what I'm gonna say.
I'm gonna get out there, I'm gonna feel it
and say it from the heart, whatever it is.
-You got this. -Come on.
You got it.
[exhales]
I don't know what I'm going to say.
[exclaiming]
[theme music playing]
[Vic] The Great One. The Rock.
Still to come, live tonight.
[Vic] When we come back,
it's gonna be a match-up for the Heritage Cup.
King and Dempsey next.
[Vic] Back inside the sold-out Historic Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
Let's go up to our ring announcer, Mike Rome.
The following contest is for the NXT…
Heritage Cup Championship!
It will be contested under sudden-death rules,
and scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Cincinnati, Ohio,
weighing in at 225 pounds,
Lexis King!
[crowd cheering]
Tonight's the night! We do this! We do this!
And his opponent,
representing No Quarter Catch Crew,
he is the NXT Heritage Cup champion,
Charlie Dempsey!
[Vic] Second championship match of the night,
for first time ever, the Heritage Cup will be defended
under sudden-death rules.
No rounds, no clock, no breaks,
one fall to a finish.
And, Booker, is the bigger injustice King winning the cup via disqualification,
or the cup being taken from King?
[Booker T] Look here. I just gotta say it, man.
You know, I don't like to go play around with the Boss or anything,
but Ava it wrong, man.
Ava got this one wrong, Vic.
Lexis King, the star of all television,
should still be the Heritage Cup champion right now.
[Vic] Well, look. Typically this would be a round-style clash,
sudden-death tonight, no need to win two decisions.
King, of course, win was unprecedented.
That title cannot change hands on disqualification.
But under British rules, the match immediately ends
via a disqualification.
[Booker T] Head shot.
[Vic] Trilogy of sorts, Corey.
How would you approach this third match-up between the two
if you were competing?
[Corey] I've never competed against these superstars.
I'm not entirely sure what you're talking about, Vic.
[Booker T] He never competed. What are you talking about?
[Vic] Let me rephrase that so Corey can understand.
How would you approach a third match-up if you were in a trilogy?
[Corey] Well, you talking… You're sitting beside the guy
who has infamously gone through some back-and-forth contests.
But regardless, every time you compete against somebody,
you learn something.
You learn something about your opponent and about yourself.
If these guys have paid attention to what they should have been learning
we could have a classic on our hands right now.
This is an agonizing situation for Lexis King to be stuck in.
[Vic] This is not what we have seen from Charlie Dempsey.
There's a kickout by Lexis King.
Take a look. No Quarter Catch Crew is here.
Wren Sinclair, Borne, Heights.
Nobody in the corner for Lexis King.
And we have seen Mr. Regal there.
Of course, his, uh, brass knuckles at the center of the controversy
surrounding the disqualification in their cup match previously
just a few weeks ago,
as King in control for a moment.
Dempsey able to turns things around
and now Dempsey controlling the arm, controlling the body.
And this is what Charlie Dempsey has done so well
as Heritage Cup Champion.
[Booker T] Charlie knows every inch of the ring
as well as the Heritage Cup rules,
but I think sudden-death rules is gonna play in Lexis King's favor,
one fall to the finish.
And trust me, any given Tuesday, Vic,
any given Tuesday it could happen.
[Vic] Well, take a look right here. Lexis King stepping up now
because King has shown you that ability
that he really has put in the weight room, on the mat
studying, training with Charlie Dempsey,
trying to step up his game
to be more of an all-around superstar here in NXT.
This right now, cat and mouse chess like…
[Corey] I think you need to change your strategy.
I think right now is high time to punch Dempsey right between the eyes.
Smack him in the mouth, throw them off his game.
You're not gonna out-wrestle Charlie Dempsey.
You're not gonna out-technique Charlie Dempsey.
[Booker T] That's not the Lexi King that--
[Vic] Shoulders are down! It's only gonna take one fall.
[Booker T] Lexis King is about
staying with inside all the rules and doing it right.
He is not just old… chip off the old block.
He's his own man.
[Corey] Booker, how many times did you win the world title?
[Booker T] Six times. Six times.
[Corey] In those,
how many times did you win it because you are a nice guy
because you followed the rules?
-[Booker T] None of them. -[Corey] Exactly.
Thank you for making my point.
[Vic] Speaking of which,
when it comes, uh, Booker's championship matches
my favorite one SummerSlam 2001.
And, of course, The Rock will be here later on tonight.
[Booker T] I'm still trying to figure out the disadvantage in…
Lexis King, he has--
[Corey] I'm saying if Lexis King wants to be champion,
he need to stop worrying about--
[Booker T] He's trying not to be his old man, Vic.
That's the story here.
[Vic] That is Corey were talking to. I'm Vic. That's Corey.
[Booker T] My bad!
[Vic] Big dropkick, though, by King.
[Corey] When's the last time formality won a world championship?
-[Booker T] Here we go! -[Vic] Off the top!
Lexis King taking to the air,
taking control of this match-up
because he wants his Heritage Cup back.
Who is walking out of Los Angeles champion?
[Vic] Back live in Los Angeles, California
the historic Shrine Auditorium
is sold out tonight.
We are in a sudden-death rules matchup for the NXT Heritage Cup.
Lexis King, Charlie Dempsey.
Dempsey in control and you have to wonder, Booker,
if Dempsey likes seeing the heartbreak in King's eyes
when he had to relinquish the Cup.
[Booker T] Lexis King, he did everything right.
The cup should be his, Vic, and that's just point blank period.
[Vic] King charging right back in! [Booker T] This is what I'm talking about.
No breaks, no rest period.
I think that will play in the favor of Lexis King,
The star, the star of all television man.
[Vic] Well, Charlie Dempsey has been…
in these British rounds matches his entire career dating back to NXT UK.
Two-time Cup champion Lexis King trying to hold up the Cup officially…
Northern Lights Suplex!
With a bridge into the cover and just able to kick out.
-[Booker T] Oh! -[Vic] But look at Dempsey.
Corey, this goes back to what you talked about.
Charlie Dempsey being so good and King cannot out-wrestle Dempsey.
[Corey] It was a silly strategy by Lexis King
if he thought he would come out here and do something like this
to Charlie Dempsey, a submission master.
Trained the world over.
And you're talking about the lack of breaks in this matchup
versus the usual Heritage Cup rules…
That could actually benefit Dempsey in my opinion.
This is a guy who trained in the dojos of Japan.
Charlie Dempsey has a gas tank on.
[Booker T] Yeah, but the rules are different here.
Charlie's used to those risk here in this Heritage Cup match.
Oh, wait a minute. Beautiful.
[Vic] And again, that was Corey, I'm Vic.
I'll continue to watch over the next few weeks, figure it out, get a rhythm.
And Lexis King right now has found his rhythm in this matchup.
To hoist the Heritage Cup high above his head.
He said he's been on a mission
to show everyone he is not like his father.
But rolling through, Dempsey, looking for the arm bar!
-Looking for a submission! -[Booker T] He's locked in, Vic.
[Vic] But Look at Lexis King, shifting his weight.
Shoulders down, referee in great position.
Oh, the power of King!
Lexis King going all rampage on Charlie Dempsey.
-Into the cover. -[Vic] Will this be enough?
-[crowd] One, two… -[Vic] And another nearfall.
It is WWE New Year's Evil, the Heritage Cup on the line
for the first time ever.
Sudden-death rules.
No rounds, no clock, no breaks.
One fall to a finish.
Well, he's looking for the Coronation,
he got caught in a Cross-face Chickenwing.
Oh, King navigating his way to the top rope.
[Booker T] That was smart. That was very, very smart by Lexis King.
[Corey] Oh, my. That right by Dempsey might have turned out King's lights.
Lexis King just crumbled into a heap after the right hand Dempsey fired off.
[Vic] That's a great observation and oh!
Typically in a rounds match that would have been a knockout.
-This matchup would've been over. -[Corey] I think King is out on his feet.
[Vic] Could just be a matter of time.
[Corey] I think Lexis King, right now, is operating on instinct alone,
which is admirable but it doesn't bode well. Oh!
-Double collision. -[Vic] And to your point,
after a collision like that, King can't get up.
[Corey] I know what I'm talking about contrary to popular belief.
[Booker T] Normally we have a break right there.
-[Corey] Backslide by Dempsey. -[Booker T] Whoa, here we go.
[Vic] Going for the finish and King rolling free.
Both superstars back up.
King charging back in.
[Vic groans]
[Corey] Looks like King couldn't get out of the way of Dempsey's leapfrog attempt.
-That was incidental contact. -[Vic] Certainly was. I agree, Corey.
But look at Lexis King. Booker, you say it all the time.
It's about cheques, it's about championships.
[Booker T] Rock-a-bye baby.
-[Vic] Coronation. -[Booker T] Yes!
That could be it. That could be it.
Pinning him into cover.
One, two…
King has done it.
[Vic] Oh, yes.
[Corey] Oh, my.
Here's your winner
and the new NXT Heritage Cup champion.
Lexis King.
[Vic] Another new champion crowned
here at New Year's Evil.
No Quarter Catch Crew in disbelief at this moment.
And what a moment this is for Lexis King, going back, going--
Corey, you called it.
Inadvertent contact.
[Corey] Incidental contact, it's a hazard of the game.
But Coronation, on the money.
Unorthodox hook at the leg but effective nonetheless.
Congratulations to Lexis King.
[Vic] And I'm sure some eyebrows were raised,
but the King is officially raising the Heritage Cup as champion.
Fallon, I need to decide a match
but if you saw, Stephanie won the Fatal 4-Way.
-Are you sure? -Yes. She is now the number one contender.
[Shotzi] Hold on a sec, Ava.
Before you make anything official,
I just beat Fallon in the middle of the ring
so I would make the case on the number one contender
for the North American title.
-Okay. That's a fair point. -Hey, hey, hey.
I beat three of the top superstars in the division by myself.
-No. -What are you trying to say, Stephanie?
Yes, I love this!
How about you two figure it out and I'll face whoever's left standing.
-I like the sound of that. -Me too.
Okay, I like the sound of that, too, but I love the sound of it next week
so let's just save it for then.
[Vic] Oh, there is Joe Tessitore, lead voice of Smackdown,
You can catch him Friday on the USA Network alongside Wade Barrett.
and oh, does he have a great seat for our next matchup.
We're at WWE's New Year's Evil.
It's our third championship match of the night.
There's the Men's Iron Survivor who took out Eddy Thorpe earlier,
on his quest to become champion.
Oba Femi ready for battle.
We don't know the status of Eddy Thorpe
but we know Trick is looking to retain the NXT championship.
It is on the line in moments here, live.
Sold out in Los Angeles
at the Shrine Auditorium at New Year's Evil.
-["Locked In" playing] -[crowd cheering]
-[Booker T] Uh-huh. Uh-huh. -[crowd chanting] Whoop that trick!
[crowd] Whoop that trick!
-[Booker T] What? -[crowd] Whoop that trick!
-[Booker T] Yeah. Uh-huh. -[crowd] Whoop that trick!
-[Booker T] I like it.
-[crowd] Whoop that trick! -[Booker T] Oh, yeah, man.
-[crowd] Whoop that trick! -[Booker T] That trick.
That is the champion, dawg.
[Vic] Will he be a champion after tonight?
Title's on the line, next!
[whooping triumphantly]
[crowd chanting] Whoop that trick!
[Vic] Back live inside the sold out, the loud,
everyone standing Shrine Auditorium,
because it is time for the NXT title to be defended
at WWE New Year's Evil.
["Hands of Fate" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd whoops]
And for Oba Femi, this is his first opportunity, Booker, at the NXT title.
And we were sitting here ringside when Oba looked at Trick, dead in the eye,
and said, "Trick, you are champion
because I have let you be champion."
[Booker T] Let me tell you something. Oba Femi slipped on a banana peel
and lost that North American Championship To Tony D.
Don't think it's gonna happen again, Vic.
If he gets his hands on that NXT championship,
you're gonna have to pry it out of his cold, dead hands, man.
This man, no bread, no water.
Just mean!
Oba Femi.
[screams]
[Vic] This was scheduled to be a triple threat matchup.
But Eddy Thorpe, nowhere in sight.
[Corey] Eddy Thorpe was taken out by Oba Femi.
It was a brilliant move by Oba. It enhances Oba's chances
of potentially dethroning Trick Williams and becoming NXT champion.
[Vic] Is coming out here? We saw him moving around.
[Corey] That's irrelevant at this point.
[Vic] I guess, let's go up to Mike Rome with the ring introductions.
[bell dings]
The following contest is your main event.
And it is for the NXT Championship.
Introducing first, from Lagos, Nigeria,
weighing in at 310 pounds.
Oba Femi!
And his opponent from Columbia, South Carolina,
weighing in at 240lb,
he is the NXT champion,
Trick Williams!
[Vic] This sold-out crowd on their feet.
[crowd cheering]
Showing their appreciation to the champion.
[crowd chanting "Whoop that trick"]
And a man once said, "Dealing with success is the greatest teacher in life.
It's gonna knock you down, it's gonna make you question things,
it's gonna make you figure out who you are."
With that said, in the second reign, Booker,
is Trick battling to find out his identity?
And I say that because he's fighting doubters.
It seems the joyous champion is gone.
[Booker T] No, Trick can't slip up on anybody.
He's not gonna fool anybody, he's not gonna just step in,
and people don't know where he's coming from.
Right now, Trick Williams got all eyes on him right now.
What's he gonna make out of the second run?
That's the question.
[Vic] Again, Eddy Thorpe is not out here.
We do not know what his status is.
And Corey brought up a great point again
that Oba Femi changed the landscape of this matchup.
But, Oba's actions actually also helped Trick at least mathematics.
[Corey] Potentially so these two superstars, who both believe
they should be the face of NXT
in this new era of WWE 2025 and beyond.
Trick Williams has represented the championship
to a wonderful degree in the opinion of most.
Oba Femi is a juggernaut.
We haven't seen anyone this physically dominant in quite some time.
This is a really, really interesting matchup.
[Vic] And I'm glad you bring up that point
because you're looking at these two athletes, these two superstars,
what does it take to be the guy of the future in NXT?
You face Seth Rollins…
-Oh! -[Corey] Cover here by Trick.
…in a near fall.
Who is gonna walk out champion?
We find out in moments.
The NXT Championship on the line right now,
sold out in Los Angeles.
During the break, Oba Femi who is addicted to dominance
has been dominating this matchup, but…
Well, that's Eddy Thorpe.
Not at 100%. But look, this is for the NXT Championship.
Sold out in Los Angeles.
He's gonna do everything he can to get back in this matchup.
And it appears Eddy Thorpe has arm in a steel chair.
[Booker T] You got one shot at greatness.
Eddy Thorpe, this could be his one and only shot.
Eddy Thorpe is not the guy that's getting a lot of title shots.
-[Vic] Oh! -Take that out.
[Vic] An opportunity might have just opened for Trick Williams.
[crowd cheering]
-Big shot! -[Booker T] What you talking, man?
I tell you, Trick Williams came out the block trying to take the fight
right to Oba Femi. Bad strategy, in my opinion.
But you got to fight a fight here tonight.
Here we go. Here we go.
-Big shot. -[Vic] Rock bottom into the cover!
No! Almost.
Femi just able to kick out.
Trick Williams delivering a rock bottom from the middle rope.
But as we all know, almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.
This one continues for the NXT Championship on the line.
And look at these two gladiators throw.
[Booker T] Trick Williams truly testing Oba Femi here.
And, oh! Big shot.
-[Vic] Big kick. -Yeah!
Oba taken down. Trick in control.
Champion fire up.
This deep into the match,
Trick Williams needs to be looking for the Trick shot.
-Neck breaker. -Picture perfect.
[Vic] Coming right back up and look at the strength from Trick Williams.
[Booker T] There's two heavyweights. They're just two heavyweights, all man,
in the middle of this ring.
[Vic] Coming right back in. One man flapjack!
And Trick is feeding off the NXT universe
here in the historic Shrine Auditorium.
[crowd cheering]
Oh, got caught.
And they got hoisted and chopped.
That is the dominance of Oba Femi.
I mean, look at that rookie here.
Became the men's Iron Survivor with pure power.
And now maybe possibly looking for that fall from grace.
Counters with a DDT though, by Trick. What a match!
[Booker T] I don't think we've ever seen Oba Femi in this much trouble.
Oh! Oh, beautiful.
[Vic] Trick into the cover.
Almost. Right shoulder.
-Just off the mat. -Wow.
Trick is feeling it tonight, Vic.
Trying to shut all the doubters.
[crowd chanting "This is awesome"]
[Vic] This indeed is awesome.
It's for the NXT Championship. The champion--
Trick Williams just got decleated. by Oba Femi.
And for the second time, will it be the charm?
-Sit-down style. -Good night.
[Vic] Eddy Thorpe.
[crowd exclaims]
[Booker T] And there's no disqualification…
[Vic] What is he arguing with the official for? Get in there and fight.
You've got a championship opportunity. Why argue with the official?
And he just landed on the chair.
Oba Femi took Thorpe out earlier,
looking to do it again.
And this is now officially as it was earlier, a Triple Threat Match.
I mean, things just turning upside down.
-Massive spinebuster. -[Booker T] How about turning it up?
That's Oba Femi looking to finish it right now, Vic.
[Vic] And again Triple Threat rules.
Trick Williams does not need to be factored in the decision
to lose the title.
His first reign ended in a Fatal 4-Way.
He knew the risks when he asked for the matchup.
Thorpe fought back somehow and here he is standing…
-but maybe not for long. -[Thorpe groans]
-There it is! Trick Shot! Trick Shot! -[audience] One, two, thre--
-[Vic] Oh! -[Booker T] You've got to be kidding me.
Wow!
[Vic] Trick Williams feels the same way you do, Book.
Unfamiliar territory.
The Trick Shot usually gets the job done, but Oba Femi, no normal competitor.
[Booker T] You can say that again.
And it's Trick, looking for a second Trick Shot.
And-- He connected with Thorpe.
But he also connected with that steel chair!
Fall From Grace!
[audience] One, two, three.
-[Vic] We have a new ruler in NXT! -[bell ringing]
[Mike] There's your winner,
and the new…
NXT champion…
Oba Femi!
[audience cheering]
[Vic] Unbelievable.
[Oba Femi mouthing] Thank you!
[Vic] I mean back to it, this was the first Powerbomb.
Sit-down style.
But Eddy Thorpe made his presence known
returning to this matchup.
We thought he was wiped out earlier tonight.
There was the Trick Shot.
Corey, you called it. [indistinct]
But it didn't put Oba Femi down.
Second time an [indistinct]. He'd run into Eddie Thorpe
with that steel chair. And then, bam!
That Fall From Grace for the second time.
-Oba Femi. -[bell ringing]
Dominance continues at NXT.
And the prophecy has come true.
The reign of the ruler has begun.
It is a new era, a new time.
-Congratulations to our new NXT champions! -[audience cheering]
[cheering continues]
[Vic] But buckle up. Prepare to be electrified.
The People's Champion, the Great One, the Final Boss,
The Rock is live, next on New Year's Evil.
[cheering fades out]
[Vic] We are live in the City of Angels, sold-out Shrine Auditorium,
the site of the Grammy awards, the Academy awards, and home tonight,
to WWE New Year's Evil.
What a night it has been.
Next week, be back in Orlando, Florida, as The Meta girls meet The Unholy Union.
Both teams eyeing up the gold. Who will be the number one contender?
for the WWE Women's Tag Team title? We'll find out next week.
And on the topic of Tag Team gold,
can the Houdini's of the Tag Team division
escape once more?
Axiom and Frazer defend their titles against OTM.
That's all going down next week live from Orlando, Florida, here on NXT.
[upbeat music playing]
♪ I'll be dancing in the stars Like a silhouette ♪
[violins]
[man whistling]
[crowd chanting "Rocky"]
[The Rock] If you smell what The Rock is cooking!
["The Rock" theme music playing]
[cheering]
["The Rock" theme music continues]
[audience member] Over here! Right here!
[imperceptible]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting "Rocky! Rocky!"]
["The Rock" theme music continues]
[crowd cheering]
["The Rock" theme music continues]
[crowd cheering]
[imperceptible]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting "Rocky! Rocky!"]
[crowd cheering]
Wow.
[crowd chanting "Rocky! Rocky!"]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting "NXT! NXT!"]
[The Rock] Whoo!
And I love you. Thank you.
I got chills all over my body.
[chuckles]
This is crazy. Okay.
Whoo!
Man.
[crowd chanting "Rocky! Rocky!"]
[The Rock] Don't get me emotional up in this thing--
[laughs] Wait.
All right. [clears throat]
We've got six minutes and 33 seconds.
Okay? I'm looking right now. Here we go. It's okay.
This will be the best six minutes.
All right. You know,
The Rock has got a lot of nicknames.
I go by The People's Champ,
The Most Electrifying Man in all of Entertainment.
The Sexiest Man Alive.
And most proudly, the jabroni beating…
[crowd chanting "Pie eating"]
Pie eating, trail blazing,
eyebrow raising,
electric, iconic,
owns all the stock, the Final Boss,
The People's Champ, The Rock.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting "Rocky! Rocky!"]
All right. I need you guys to help me out.
I mean, you guys clearly feel it. You feel it, I feel you.
I need you guys to help me out with something.
So, this time last year, this time last year,
The Rock, the Final Boss, everywhere I went,
every gym, every restaurant, every church, every strip club,
the same thing. [laughs]
I heard the same thing.
"Oh, why you so mean to Cody?"
"Don't be mean to Cody.
Cody's gotta finish his story. Don't be mean." Oh, my God.
Okay.
One year later, last night, Netflix…
Raw, whoo!
Yes.
An amazing night we had.
Electrifying night, a historic night.
Last night, The Rock wanted to give props to Cody,
give him his flowers.
He has been kicking ass.
He has been kicking ass,
carrying the company on his shoulders.
And then, what did they say? "You can't be nice to Cody."
"Don't be nice to Cody.
Don't drink tequila with Cody."
Oh…
At the end of the day,
let us all remind them that The Rock is the Final Boss,
thinking 20 steps ahead.
So the best thing for them to do is know their role,
shut their mouth,
and enjoy the ride that The Rock is taking them on.
[crowd cheering]
I heard that.
All right.
Now.
This is a rowdy crowd right here, you.
[crowd cheering]
It says we've got about two minutes left.
It says we have two minutes and look,
I'm saying, look,
they say we got two minutes and I'm like…
We're gonna go all night.
-[crowd cheering] -[chuckles]
Oh, they're sweating. It's okay. It's okay.
All right. I'm sorry for the language.
I apologize.
Here's the thing.
Uh, the truth is,
I knew that I was coming to NXT a couple of weeks ago.
I talked to Nick Khan and Triple H.
And I said, "Let me come to NXT."
We're in the Intuit Dome on Monday.
Let me go to NXT on Tuesday, what do you think?
They were like, "It's a great idea."
But the thing is, I did know what to say.
Right?
So you think about it.
I talked to Ava backstage
and she said, "You're gonna go out there and you're going to feel this crowd."
[crowd cheering]
Let this crowd… let this crowd inform you
and you're gonna know what to say.
So here's the thing. I love you back and I appreciate that.
But I want to tell you something that's very important.
I want to tell you something very important.
The main thing I want to do is to come out here
and I want to tell you, "Thank you."
And I'll tell you why.
Because going to the Intuit Dome last night,
Raw, Netflix, that's a sexy ticket.
That's a ticket. Right, like, hey,
go, you will see celebrities,
you'll see all the stars of the WWE,
you will see stars, celebrities, you will see them all.
That's the one that you have to go to.
NXT, the Shrine here in Los Angeles,
this is what you want to go to.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting "NXT! NXT!"]
[The Rock] Let me tell you something.
I've got chills. The chills can't stop.
You--
You have to go to the show but you want to come to this show.
Okay. It's easy to go to the place that has all the stars,
and it's not easy to go to the place…
You're right, they got stars here.
[crowd cheering]
And that's what I want to tell you.
I need to let you know that every single one of you,
how important you are, how critical you are to this whole thing.
Okay? Because here's the thing.
Those guys back there,
those girls and guys who are working their ass off,
they come out here in three years, who knows,
they could be the main event at Wrestlemania.
[crowd cheering]
But-- but! As you know,
in three years, they could be out of the business,
but here is what it depends on.
Whether you boo or cheer,
it all depends on how you react.
I have been down this road.
I wrestled in Memphis as Flex Kavana, I know…
wrestling name of all time,
I know what it's like.
But I know what it's like to depend on the crowd.
I want you to know you matter more than anything.
I am here.
Look, my job takes me away to a lot of places.
I will always come back home to you.
WWE, NXT, I love you.
If you smell! What the rock is cooking! laces.