[theme music playing]
[John Cena] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[crowd chanting] NXT! NXT! NXT!
[Vic] Welcome to NXT.
["Millions From Now" playing]
♪ I won't remember you ♪
♪ A million dollars from now ♪
[Vic] Next week we head to Atlanta,
but tonight, we're in the WWE Performance Center
here in Orlando.
NXT! NXT!
And we're ringside.
Vic Joseph alongside the two-time WWE Hall of Famer.
And do not adjust your sets.
This isn't AI.
Corey Graves is here live in living color.
I am right where I want to be, where passion is everything.
Only the hungry survive.
And pro wrestling never stops being cool.
Let's light the fuse.
We're gonna see who's hungry tonight because we don't have just one,
but three championship matches here tonight,
including the NXT championship match-up,
which is on the line, as there is The Destroyer, The Ruler.
The NXT champion is ready for the first defense of his title.
And standing across the ring will be his opponent.
That, of course, Eddy Thorpe.
There's no more excuses for this man.
It is our main event tonight for the NXT championship.
And look who is back.
Bayley returned last week.
She's here tonight, and after how we went off the air last week,
what is on her mind?
It's a Triple Title Tuesday tonight on NXT.
♪ It's all about family ♪
["Strictly Business" playing]
♪ It's all about the business. Ha! ♪
[Vic] And there you see the North American Champion,
Tony D'Angelo, surrounded by The Family.
The Don, his opponent, they brawled last week.
Corey, our General Manager, Ava, had no choice
but to let these two men fight tonight.
[Corey] I wholeheartedly support Ava's decision.
We are about to have a good old-school throwdown
to kick things off tonight in NXT.
[Vic] Rivalry, of course, began back Christmas Eve
in Massachusetts.
-You remember that -[Booker] Oh, yes.
[Vic] Ridge Holland dressed as Santa before transforming into the Grinch
and dropping the dime.
[Booker] Ridge Holland, man, a man of many, many moves
these days, that you may not like.
Yeah, dude, but me…
Me, I like it, man.
Dirty, dirty.
Get down with it, down under.
This guy knows it. Tony D. This guy.
[Corey] What about this guy?
[Booker] No, this guy. He's the real deal. He's the real deal.
["Can't Stop Winning" playing]
[Vic] But the same could be said for his opponent.
And, Corey, you saw a lot of Ridge Holland on SmackDown.
Are we seeing his true self out here in NXT?
[Corey] I'd love to give you a truthful answer,
but I caught up with Ridge earlier to ask him where he's been mentally,
what he's been doing training-wise,
where Ridge Holland has changed physically since the last time I've seen him.
And to be honest, I don't even know if Ridge Holland knows
who he is these days.
The man feels desperate.
Ridge Holland is scratching and clawing to remain relevant,
to find his place in the WWE Universe.
And desperate men are very, very dangerous men.
[Vic] Three championships on the line tonight.
Of course, two will be on the line next week at Center Stage live in Atlanta.
And Vengeance Day right around the corner, nation's capital, February 15.
Who will carry the gold into DC?
But we kick off tonight for the North American Championship.
-[bell dings] -Let's go up to our announcer, Mike Rome.
The following contest, scheduled for one fall…
[crowd] One fall!
…is for the NXT
North American Championship!
Introducing the challenger from Yorkshire, England,
weighing in at 253 pounds,
Ridge Holland!
And his opponent,
representing the the D'Angelo family,
he is the NXT North American Champion,
The Don of NXT,
Tony D'Angelo!
[Vic] Champion fired up.
Challenger is focused.
-And you see the eyes of Ridge Holland. -[crowd chanting indistinctly]
I think Corey hit the nail on the head.
A dangerous, dangerous individual.
-[Booker] You talking about Ridge Holland? -[Vic] Yup.
-[Booker] That snake that you can trust… -[bell dings]
…to bite you. That's what I say about Ridge Holland.
[Vic] That is what you said. There's a lot of eyes on NXT,
a lot of eyes on this championship match.
I got to get both your thoughts on the ground-breaking partnership
between WWE and TNA.
Booker, I'll start with you, a former Legends champion.
[Booker] Maybe the first, but perhaps the only Legends champion in TNA,
I can tell you how big that is, because has a plethora of talent
in that locker room, never gonna get a chance to display
on the largest stage in the world.
[Vic] I like these two bulls throwing down mid-ring right now.
-Oh! -[Booker] Oh, baby. Oh, baby.
Did you see that?
Just mowed Tony D down, man.
[Vic] Feeling out process early on.
And, Corey, you've been part of a lot of
ground-breaking things to talk about that TNA partnership.
[indistinct] couldn't come back. Harry Doyle and Monti.
[Corey] Let me just be one of many to say,
-I believe in Joe Hendry. -[Booker] Oh, yeah.
[Vic] And right now, Tony D'Angelo is starting to believe in himself.
And Ridge Holland, a shocked look on his face.
D'Angelo came to play.
Because this goes back, as you said [indistinct].
Tony D'Angelo has not forgotten what Ridge Holland did.
He didn't just wipe out…
Excuse me, Tony D'Angelo.
He also cost Luca and "Stacks" an opportunity at the tag team titles.
[Booker] To correct you there. You don't play wrestling.
That's just something you don't do.
Tony D is a man of many means.
You look at him, he's in great shape right now.
Throwing hands with Ridge Holland.
[Vic] Tony recently passed 100 total days as North American Champion.
The only championship title missing from his resume is the NXT championship.
Which is why he came out, Booker, and confronted Oba Femi just last week.
[Booker] Yeah, I'm gonna tell you.
-[Vic] Wow! -That's something you don't want to do.
Ridge Holland, right now, is feeling the pain, though, Vic.
[Vic] Oba, of course, defending the NXT Title
in our main event against Eddy Thorpe.
But-- What is that?
-That Shawn Spears? -[Corey laughs] It sure is!
-[Booker T] That the GPS? -[Vic] What's Spears doing here?
Who's walking out with the North American Title?
[Vic] Ridge Holland, as we've witnessed throughout the break,
has started to take over this match.
Of course, Holland has never held Singles Gold, and, Corey,
that has to drive a superstar.
[Corey] What's driving Holland right now is just the fact that he feels as though
the entire industry has turned its back,
not only the fans, but the guys in the locker room.
He feels like a man without a country.
That's why he's so desperate to make something big happen.
[Vic] And he's asked for forgiveness in the past.
He fooled plenty of us thinking he was remorseful after he hospitalized
-a few superstars since coming to NXT. -[Booker T] Oh, baby!
[Vic] That is what D'Angelo's remembering,
that Ridge Holland can strike fast, he can strike furious,
and now Fisherman Suplex,
-over into the cover! -[Booker T] That's it.
-[Vic] Ooh! -[both] Wow!
[Corey] Wow, wow! It doesn't get any closer than that without the bell ringing.
[Booker T] That was at the last second, right there, Vic.
[Vic] All about the North American Championship,
as Sean Spears made his presence known before the break.
Tony D'Angelo here thought he had the match finished.
It was not good-- Big spine buster countered by Holland.
Holland coming back, looking to counter,
nice… Ooh! …reversal from the don.
[Booker T] Here we go.
[Vic] And I don't know, if this breaks down to a slugfest, who I would favor.
That looks… Think I just answered my own question. Maybe not.
[Booker T] You got two heavyweights in there, Vic. Oh, beautiful, Beautiful.
[Corey] This could be the beginning of the end. Cover!
[Vic] Another near-fall, and Ridge Holland did not hit the leg, Corey.
[Booker T] You judge quick, man. He did a good job.
You talked about Holland not winning Singles Gold,
but let's talk about single-handed accomplishments,
like winning the Tag Team Championship all by himself. What about that?
[Vic] He single-handedly destroyed Chase University. I remember.
-Swing and a miss, didn't connect. Spear! -[Booker T] Oh, yes!
[Corey] Holland took his eye off the ball
for just a moment, and it may have cost him!
-[Booker T] He's not doing anything. -[Corey] What are you talking about?
[Vic] I'm glad someone's here to agree with me.
At least, right now, he's greeting with me.
Rocket Spears.
-Tony trying to help out! -[crowd booing]
[Vic] Even Jensen, Niko.
Spears' goon squad.
[Booker T] Oh, yeah!
[Corey] It's breaking down outside, but we still have a Title Match underway.
[Vic] Referee called for help.
Back into the middle of the ring, this match is continuing.
-[Corey] What is that? -[Vic] Izzy Dame!
-[Corey] Why? -[Vic] Just rocked Ridge!
Big spinebuster!
And the don, with an assist, retains his title.
["Strictly Business" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
and still the NXT North American Champion,
Tony D'Angelo!
[Vic] I'm just as shocked as you, Corey.
[Corey] Did I miss something? Did Izzy Dame get invited into the family?
What is this about?
[Vic] Looking at the don right now. Let's go back to some of the action.
[Corey] There's Spears sticking his nose where it didn't belong,
and almost got it knocked off of his face.
This would begin melee on the outside
Shawn Spears' squad hits the scene,
and amidst the chaos, Holland delivers a head-butt,
but Izzy Dame, from out of nowhere,
probably the last person anyone expected to get involved in this match-up.
Thunderous spinebuster by the don…
-And still… -[bell dings]
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
Now, we're even.
[Vic] "Now, we're even"?
I'm not sure I know what that means, but congratulations to Tony D'Angelo.
[indistinct chatter]
-Yo, Dion, man. -Yo.
-[inhales sharply] You a funny dude. -Yeah? Why is that?
You a really funny-- Yo, what you said to Oba last week,
about how you're championship material.
One day, somebody's gonna beat him, and that's not you. So, why not be me?
Hey, man, look, there is a drastic difference
between a superstar with potential,
-and a decorated superstar like myself. -Hold on.
What other way to prove potential than beating a former champion like yourself?
Look, man, you gonna realize you've got a long, long way to go.
I'll see you tonight.
But speaking of former champions, we got one in our midst trick!
Trick Willie!
From the penthouse to the outhouse.
It must sting knowing Eddy's getting another opportunity.
[wrestlers exclaim]
[clattering, thudding]
[Vic] Ooh! It doesn't look like Trick is playing around.
But there is Bayley, who returned last week.
We hear from the Role Model next on NXT.
[Vic] NXT is back on the road next week,
Tuesday, January 28 at Center Stage Theater
in Atlanta, Georgia.
[rap music plays]
[Vic] Center stage. Booker, those are your old grounds.
[Booker T] Oh, yes! Peachtree Boulevard, Downtown Atlanta, baby!
-Oh, yes! -["Role Model" playing]
[Booker T] Are you ready for some hot wings?
-[Corey] Are you inviting me out? -[Booker T] Yeah!
We can go to Atlantic City.
[Corey] Oh, now…
We'll talk now off air.
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen,
-please welcome Bayley! -[crowd cheering]
[Vic] NXT Universe showing their love…
-[crowd chanting] Bayley! -[Vic] …for Bayley.
-[Booker T] One of the all-time greats. -[Vic] Can't argue there.
[Booker T] You're talking about a general inside the middle of that 20-by-20,
there's nobody better than Bayley.
[Corey] Talking about an OG of NXT,
one of the original Four Horsewomen.
We've watched the evolution of Bailey
from a lovable hugger to one of the best women's wrestlers of all time.
[Booker T] Remember those Bailey Bears?
-[Vic] I do. -[Corey] "Bayley Buddies."
[Booker T] Well, yeah, none of that anymore.
She's just a just an ass kicker.
[Vic] It's been, like, seven years, Book.
[Booker T] I'm just saying. [laughs]
[crowd chanting] Welcome home! Welcome home! Welcome home!
Welcome home! Welcome home! Welcome home!
Welcome home! Welcome home!
Welcome home! Welcome home! Welcome home!
You're right, this is my home!
[crowd cheering]
That's why, last week, I came out here
to talk to Roxanne Perez, because I care about Roxanne.
I care about the legacy that she's building.
I care about everything she's done for this NXT Women's division.
But all it got me was a big old slap in the face.
And then she went on to tell me that I was acting like CM Punk or Natalya,
but to me, I mean, that's a compliment, right?
[crowd cheering]
People like them built the foundation that we're walking on right now.
People like Natalya taught me how to give back and how to help.
So, no, I didn't come back to NXT because I think it owes me something.
NXT don't even owe Roxanne anything.
If anything, I owe NXT to get rid of
entitled little idiots like Roxanne Perez.
[crowd cheering]
But unfortunately, it might be too late for that,
because not only did I get slapped in the face,
[crowd chanting] I love you, Bayley!
I love you, too.
I think Roxanne loves me too, because she showed up to SmackDown.
She talked crap to me during a big title match with Tiffany Stratton.
And then she showed up to Monday Night Raw last night,
and tried to put her hands on me during a match with Nia Jax.
I mean, Rox, come on.
I think I may have given you too much credit because that is just lame.
You don't have a better plan than that?
That's like small ball, you know, like…
to me, that doesn't prove
that you're ready for Raw and SmackDown.
To me, that doesn't even prove that you're ready
to be a leader of the youngest locker room in WWE right now.
You've got Jaida Parker, Kelani, Lola Vice,
all these girls are eager for their opportunity.
All these girls want their moment, and with a champion like Giulia,
that, the sky is the limit for people like--
[Guilia's music playing]
[Vic] There is our NXT women's champion, the beautiful madness.
Bayley! Coming from Japan,
and seeing part of, I wanted you.
I wanted to be in NXT.
Roxanne may not look up to you.
But I do.
I hope to hold this title with as much honor and love for NXT
as you did.
Thank you so much.
That means a lot. I have so much respect for you and I am such a huge fan of yours.
When you won the title, I was, you know,
little happy, I was a lot happy especially beating Roxanne.
And I know that you're gonna make some historic moments of your own.
Because this title changes your career, it changes your life.
It means everything to me.
It means everything to us.
[audience cheering]
That title changed the landscape of the women's division, not just in NXT
But in WWE and it took it--
[Roxanne's music playing]
-[Vic laughs] -[Roxanne] Boring!
Well, Bayley, I'm surprised you're actually.
able to show your face around here after two embarrassing back
to back losses, which I'm so glad that I had a front row seat to that.
[crowd booing]
Seriously, though, I think you need to drop the act
and stop acting so innocent, because if you actually cared about the future,
you wouldn't have punched me in the face last night.
And I'm not the only one that sees through you because she does, too.
I mean, Cora, can you actually believe that she was our role model?
We looked up to--
I'm sorry, it's It's hard to hear you 'cause they're booing you so loud.
Shut the hell up, okay?
[crowd booing]
What the hell are you doing here, Cora?
You know what, Bayley?
It's because I was a naive Bayley fan once, too.
But she's right.
I do see it.
You're no Role Model.
Role models aren't part of NXT when it's cool,
role models build this place up when People like you choose to leave.
I mean, as far as I'm concerned, Giulia might as well just hand back
that title to Roxanne right now because nobody can carry it the way she did.
Nobody loves this the way Roxanne and I do,
and we didn't have to compete overseas to realize it.
[crowd booing]
We've been holding it together since day one.
Everybody shut the hell up because
I have something very important to say to Bayley.
[booing intensifies]
Seriously, that's how it's gonna be? That's fine, I'm talking to you, Bayley.
Not these idiotic people out here.
I'm not gonna take anything away from what you've done,
because you've literally done everything in WWE.
I mean, you're the 2024 Royal Rumble winner.
You've won championships at WrestleManias
and, most importantly, you've inspired little girls like me and Cora.
But thank you for your service because it's no longer needed.
Thank you and goodbye.
[Booker] Disrespect, man.
I think everybody should be booing. You know why?
Because I know exactly why you're here.
You've been looking at the NXT Women's Championship.
I know exactly what you're doing.
You want to be the number one woman in the number one…
-Women's division. -[crowd booing]
Because you know deep, deep down
it's exceeded The Four Horsewomen era.
So why don't you tell your little friend Giulia the real reason why you're here?
Go ahead, tell her
[crowd chants "Shut the hell up"]
[Graves] Here we go.
[Joseph] Well, we're gonna need a little bit of help out here
to keep these four separated.
[Graves] Why keep them separated? Let them fight, Vic.
-[crosstalk] -[Booker T] Yeah, that's it. Get her!
[Graves] Cora just escaped from Bailey-to-Belly attempt.
-[screaming] -[crowd chanting "NXT"]
[Graves] Oh, my!
[Joseph] Combustible elements certainly just exploded.
Woohoo! Bayley mentioning my name two weeks in a row.
Y'all heard it. I heard it.
You're not the only name she mentioned, Jaida.
She actually mentioned my name way before--
Kelani, this little attitude you're "trying," ain't it, baby.
So go back to your little drawing board because there's only one real one
and she's looking right back at you.
Mm, being true doesn't make you real, Jaida.
Mm, being pretty doesn't mean you have to be rude, Kelani.
-You're the one that's rude all the time. -[indistinct arguing]
Ladies, it doesn't matter. [inhales, exhales]
Love is in the air.
Kelani, I love you. You're so sweet.
And, Jaida, I feel like you got the--
Baby, I dare you.
-You're not gonna-- -[indistinct shouting]
…Dare you to finish your sentence.
-Why are you coming at me? -Why are you up in my business?
It's 'cause you finally got a kiss from a guy that's about to leave your ass
in a few months.
-Don't interrupt me, Kelani. -"Finally got a kiss"?
-Yes. -You mean the one that I initiated?
-Did you? -Watch your mouth
-when you talk about me and my man. -Your man?
And if I interrupt you again, what are you gonna do?
-Nikita's man, baby, get it right. -[all arguing]
[Graves] Security, get back out here!
[Joseph] There's fighting in the locker room.
There's fighting out here. I told you, we need some security out here.
These four are ripping each other apart.
[crowd chanting "NXT"]
[Joseph] Well, it seems some of that chaos has finally calmed down
here on NXT.
I'm gonna take extra precautions on my way back to my car in the parking lot tonight.
[grunts]
[Joseph] It didn't take you long to realize
how dangerous the parking lot is, did you, Graves?
[Graves] No, sir. The rumors are true.
[ring announcer] And his opponent,
accompanied by Tyson Dupont and Tyriek Igwe,
from Dayton, Ohio, weighing in at 178 pounds,
Wes Lee.
[Joseph] Graves, here is someone that I know
you have long admired, Wes Lee.
[Graves] Wes Lee is the genuine article.
As I like to say what Wes Lee has lacked in his career in the size department,
he is more than compensated for in skill, precision and passion.
Wes Lee has changed his attitude, and it's serving him extremely well.
[Booker T] Preach, baby. Perhaps the greatest North American Champion,
in NXT's history.
He's about to show this kid, Dion Lennox,
there are levels to this game, man.
[Graves] But you gotta be careful.
Dion Lennox found me backstage earlier today
and said, "Tonight, I am finished being overlooked.
Watch me beat somebody as decorated as Wes Lee."
This is Dion's words, not mine.
Look, I'm just saying what the man told me.
I don't know if you guys noticed on the left cheek of Wes Lee--
[Booker T] Oh, baby.
Oh, baby, you feel me? You feel me?
[Joseph] …Williams earlier tonight.
And right out of the gate, here comes Wes Lee.
And Wes Lee because of that slap, is pissed off.
[Booker T] I told you, there are levels to this game.
He's not that same kid from a few years back.
This guy right here, he's very dangerous,
and he's prolific, inside that square circle, Victor.
[Joseph] Look, it was a Trick again who slapped Wes Lee.
Leaving that handprint across that man's face.
He slapped him so hard, Wes thought his name was Desmond.
But when you slap someone like that, it certainly wakes you up.
-[commentators exclaim] -[Booker T] Oh, baby.
[Joseph] And this is that man, Corey, that you talked about,
that walked up to you and said, "I'm going to prove who I am here tonight."
[Graves] Lennox is tired of being overlooked.
He wants opportunity in NXT.
Launching Wes Lee into the heavens is definitely a good start.
I love all the physical tools. I've seen from Lennox thus far.
[Joseph] Right on top of Wes Lee right now. Ground and pound.
Officially, it is Dion Lennox who is starting to wake up in this matchup.
Athletically gifted, former Oregon State University linebacker
6 22 50 former LA Ram, that is Wes Lee, the former champion.
-[Booker T] Did you see that? -[Graves] He's got caught.
[Booker T] He got a lot of adrenaline going right now.
But one mistake That's all it's gonna take for Wes Lee to capitalize on it.
-Trust me on it. -[Graves] Absolutely right about that.
[Joseph] Just depleting Wes Lee.
And we see, by the way, Tyson, Tyriek, they're learning.
They're on the outside right now trying to coach him up, so to speak.
[Booker T] That's called on-the-job training, right there,
watching their mentor go ahead and do his work. Oh, yes, baby.
[Joseph] On the bigger scope of things, Corey,
you know, this time of year, every match is so important.
[crosstalk]
[Joseph] Lee just got that right shoulder up.
[Graves] Lennox was about half a second away from a massive upset.
No disrespect intended. Epic spinebuster takes down Lee.
And nearly sent Dion Lennox to the pay window.
Lennox said 2025, his goal is to get on a premium live event.
Vengeance Day, right around the corner, February the 15th in D.C.
But what a kick from Wes Lee followed up with a second
and a big enzuigiri just buckling the knees of Dion Lennox.
And the Kardiak Kick.
-[Booker T] Here we go. -[Joseph] Looking for that Kardiak Kick.
[referee] One, two, three.
-[Joseph] Lee puts Dion down tonight. -[bell dings]
[Booker T] Beautiful work.
[ring announcer] Here is your winner, Wes Lee.
[Joseph] I go back, Corey, to the slap earlier tonight.
You just saw that bruise, that imprint on his face,
Wes Lee… Looks like Lee wants to get something off his mind.
[Booker T] Slap won't give up, Vic
[Lee] So much for championship material.
I took care of Dion.
Now Trick, you think you're that guy, right?
Walking into the locker room, you're slapping me in my face.
I'm gonna take care of you next week in Atlanta.
And if you think you're gonna make it--
["Locked In" playing]
Better, we can do it now.
[Joseph] This is a different look in the eyes of Trick.
[Booker T] Oh, here we go. Here we go.
[Corey] Another fine across the I's from Trick Williams.
Wes Lee sent over the top to the outside!
[crowd chanting] Whoop that trick!
Wes, you want me in Atlanta next week?
You got it, dawg!
-[crowd cheering] -["Locked In" playing]
[Vic] Well, Trick, ready, next week in Atlanta.
-[crowd chanting] Whoop that trick! -Oba and Eddy, I'll see you tonight.
[Vic] And Trick on a journey to reclaim his title,
and Lexis King is on a journey on his own.
[dramatic instrumental music]
[Lexis] I told you I could do it.
It's true. I didn't exactly get off to the best start here.
[Vic] What the hell is Lexis King thinking?
I wasn't putting my best foot forward.
But I like to think that, as of late, I've really turned a new leaf.
I'm trying to figure out how I can get people to stop looking at me
as some kind of loose cannon. I've proven that I am not my father's son.
Every day, I'm just trying to be the best version of Lexis King
that I can be. And it's starting to pay off.
People are starting to take notice.
I'm trying to prove I'm not the same, and I don't need those shortcuts to win.
[groans] Another loss.
Lexis, good job out there, bud.
Lexis, you chose honor over glory.
We all respect that. Keep your head up.
And now I have the opportunity to do something he never did,
and that is win a major singles title.
And that's why I need to win that Cup.
[Vic] Mr. Regal just clocked Lexis King!
-[bell ringing] -Under these rules,
if you get disqualified, you lose!
I told you I could become a champion.
But since the Cup changed hands in a debatable way,
I decided that it would be Lexis King versus Charlie Dempsey
for the Heritage Cup, but it will be sudden-death, so just one fall.
[Vic] King has done it!
-[crowd cheering] -My first major accomplishment
in this business.
Lexis's name on that cup is an absolute disgrace.
It's a dishonor to the entire heritage of professional wrestling.
-I saw him hit-- -Hey, hey, hey! No, I didn't.
It was an accident, man.
And I'm not gonna be able to win 'em all over very quickly,
but slow and steady wins the race.
♪ My way, my life ♪
["King" playing]
[Vic] Well, we are set for Lexis King to defend the Heritage Cup
under traditional Heritage Cup rules.
Can King hold on to the Cup?
He's gonna defend it for the first time ever
against Charlie Dempsey.
It's live, it's next, on NXT!
Breaking news from NXT General Manager Ava.
After what happened earlier, Brooks Jensen and Niko Vance
will take on Stacks and Luca Crusifino tonight.
But joining me right now,
"La Primera" Stephanie Vaquer.
Stephanie, you won the number-one contendership,
but Shotzi pinned the champion,
-and then beat-- -Hey.
I want the North American Title.
Fatal Influence doing everything to stop that, I know.
But I arrive.
I am not going to stop
because Fallon wants to play with my opportunity,
or because Shotzi benefits from the situation.
Me aseguraré que ninguna de ellas se meta en la lucha la próxima semana.
Shotzi,
if you become champion, you will meet hell.
And, Fallon,
you can run, but you can't hide del diablo.
["Crawl" playing]
[Vic] Vaquer means business, no doubt about it.
Tag team action made official. Ava's had her hands full tonight.
We've got a Heritage Cup championship match on tap.
Let's go up to our ring announcer, Mike Rome.
-[crowd cheering] -[bell rings]
The following contest is for
the NXT Heritage Cup Championship,
and will be contested under Heritage Cup rules.
Introducing the challenger, representing No Quarter Catch Crew,
from Blackpool, England, weighing 208 pounds,
Charlie Dempsey!
[crowd cheering and jeering]
And his opponent,
he's from Cincinnati, Ohio, weighing in at 225 pounds,
he is the NXT Heritage Cup Champion,
Lexis King!
[Vic] We're set for the second of three championship matches tonight.
To remind everyone, Fallon Henley, Shotzi,
for the Women's North American Championship,
next week, live in Atlanta.
This is part four.
We're back to the traditional rules.
King holds the advantage, Corey, 2-1 in this series.
But now that it's traditional rules, I ask you, who does this favor?
[Corey] It's gotta favor Dempsey.
I mean, this is right in Dempsey's wheelhouse.
But, conversely, if Lexis King pulls out the W tonight,
Dempsey's got no argument any longer.
Dempsey's gotta go to the back of the line and King can move forward with his reign.
[Vic] Dempsey is looking to tie a record, Booker,
for most reigns as Heritage Cup Champion.
-Three, not four. -[Booker T] What are you talking about?
[Vic] I mean, if he wins, he ties the record,
-that's what I mean. Three. -[Booker T] Okay, all right.
If you wanna be that delusional, Vic.
I thought you were smarter than that.
[Vic] What do you mean, delusional?
[Booker T] What I'm thinking about right now is the star of all television,
that's Lexis King. We talk about his dad all the time, but this kid,
he's not that apple that fell not too far from the tree.
No, he's not. He's…
Oh! Beautiful, beautiful dropkick.
He's building his own legacy in this business, and I love it.
Trust me. I knew his dad, and I didn't like his dad.
This guy, I like.
[Vic] Looking around, It's interesting to note,
there's no cornerman for Lexis King.
That may be the best move for King.
Obviously, brass knuckles from Mr. Regal,
as we saw moments ago. The center of the controversy…
[Booker T] He didn't want it that way.
[Vic] …that has brought us here. And I agree with you!
Obviously, he doesn't wanna be his father. He's trying to change perceptions.
[Corey] That doesn't make sense to me. Stop worrying about the perception
of the WWE Universe. Stick with what brought you to the dance,
Brian Pillman, one of the greats of all time.
I would embrace that. It could always be worse.
You could be Charlie Dempsey, whose dad doesn't want anything to do with him.
[Booker T] I ask you, Corey, how many titles? How many world titles?
How many world titles did Brian win? How many? How many?
You don't wanna fall into that legacy, that's what I'm saying.
I have some questions for you.
[Vic] Back slide here by Dempsey. Shoulders down, look at this.
-Counter. Shoulders down! -Look at the counter!
Another kickout as we have under a minute twenty.
[Booker T] Are you going to answer the question?
[Vic] We moved on. We are back into this matchup.
Nice takedown there by Lexis King.
King coming right back in,
trying to pick up the pace as Dempsey got caught for a moment.
-[Booker T laughs] -And now you see.
Let's go back to that inadvertent contact
Dempsey and King had in the last match
which led to the championship victory.
Some called Lexis King out as did Wren Sinclair on the outside.
Again, trying to change the perception.
[Booker T] Come on. A win is a win.
What do you want to do?
Wait till the man recover and let him up to beat you?
-No, you don't wanna do that. -[Vic] I'm not arguing the point.
I'm saying others said. We have less than 40 seconds.
Another's down. This time by King.
He countered-- And submission!
-Submission locked in. -[Booker T] Got to get to the ropes.
[Vic] Can Lexis King hold on for the next 30 seconds,
where the first decision going round one to Charlie Dempsey?
[Corey] The submission isn't singed in fully.
King had enough daylight in there to force the escape.
[Vic] Around goes Dempsey. Back down. A lot of weight on the shoulders.
Another kick out as we're under 20 seconds here in round number one.
Again, this is a traditional Heritage Cup matchup.
-Six three minute rounds… -[Booker T] Beautiful.
…backside for the second time. That's still not the charm.
-King able to get out. -[Corey] Each and every time
I've had the pleasure of watching Charlie Dempsey compete,
he gets better and better.
I don't know that you'll find a more technically sound superstar,
-on any WWE… -[Vic] Crossface Chicken Wing,
-and saved by the bell… -[bell dings]
-[Booker T] Man! -…was Lexis King.
[Booker T] Dempsey seemed like he was just one step ahead in this first round.
[Vic] Who is walking out tonight with the Heritage Cup?
Again, there's nobody in the corner of Lexis King.
-[Booker T laughs] -[Vic] Were those brass knuckles?
[Corey] Yep.
Looking around, there is nobody here.
[Vic] Oh! He's gonna lose it.
King has lost his cool.
You gotta remember all the work you've done, Lexis.
Don't beat that man.
[Corey] Can't believe a guy who's so worried about people's perception
would go out in public with my facial hair carved up like that.
[Vic] Here comes Dempsey.
Nobody home in the corner.
I don't even know where to transition on that one.
[Corey] And look at King, trying to light up--
-Dragon Screw! -[Booker T] Nasty, Vic.
[Corey] And that was gnarly.
And Dempsey right now, you have to imagine
is starting to smell some blood in the water,
and he goes right back into his submission.
He's got it locked in. But look at that elbow.
It's right into that arm that he's been focusing on.
[Vic] Charlie Dempsey is like a constrictor.
Each and every time Lexis King takes a breath,
Dempsey locks it in a little bit tighter, cinches it a little bit deeper.
[Booker T] Suplex right there pulled it off by Lexis King.
Let me tell you. We're talking about Charlie Dempsey.
He did pick up the pace in the third round.
[crowd clapping]
[Vic] It's round number four.
We're knotted at one.
I know where you were going.
We're all right. We're getting into it.
This has been fast and furious action,
everything NXT you come to expect.
[Corey] Now King looking to push the pace, has Dempsey a little out of sorts.
[Vic] Approaching the final two minutes here in round number four.
And again if it's a tie, Lexis King would retain the Heritage Cup.
Northern Lights Suplex with a bridge!
Dempsey, having to power out.
[Corey] Charlie Dempsey, forcing himself.
[Vic] What's King doing right now?
Looks like he's switching up strategies. King leaving his feet…
-[Booker T] He's going down! -…high across body.
Cover! Count! Another near fall.
[Booker T] Talk about the growth of Lexis King
over these past three to four months, Vic.
[Corey] It's been a huge growth.
[Vic] Caught. Another German Suplex, high angle style.
He trapped the knee behind his own leg.
And King right now in…
crawling to his corner.
And we know what's in there. It's the brass knuckles.
Dempsey trying to come back over again looking for that Crossface Chicken wing.
The arm has been damaged.
[Corey] But Dempsey had his fingertips locked up. But--
-Ah, whoa. Come on. -What?
[Booker T] That was an assist right there.
[Vic] Here comes King!
Whoa!
Lexis King taking out all of the No Quarter Catch Crew 60.
-Sixty seconds left in round number four. -[Booker T] Yeah!
[crowd cheering]
[Booker T] I mean, the people are getting behind the Lexis King, Vic!
[Vic] Hey!
Myles Borne just paid for his trouble.
King back in. Inside cradle!
-Shoulders down! Shoulders down! -[Booker T] Oh, no!
[Vic] King able to kick out. Dempsey almost able to steal one.
Dempsey going around shoulders down one more time.
Another kick out by King.
Under 30 seconds left here in round number four.
Time becoming the enemy.
Oh!
Well done, King!
The official is tied up in the corner.
[Booker T] That's legal! That's legal!
Rock-a-bye baby!
[Vic] The referee didn't see the low blow.
-The coronation. -[bell dings]
And King retains.
[announcer] Here is your winner.
And still the NXT Heritage Cup champion,
Lexis King!
[Vic] There was no doubt about what we just saw.
A blatant blow to the regal area of Dempsey.
[Corey] Certainly a controversial ending to this matchup.
[Booker T] Guys…
[Vic] Take your victory lap, Lexis King.
Here we see the first fall.
King had the wherewithal to reverse the Sunset Flip.
The familiarity between these two competitors
benefited King in that instance.
But Dempsey was not to be denied.
A picture perfect Butterfly Suplex with a bridge.
Almost, there's no doubt about it.
No, no, almost swung things into the favor of Charlie Dempsey.
But King took advantage of the situation.
And to that, I say, kudos.
Well done, young man.
Coronation. And still, the referee did not see what had happened.
And for the Heritage Cup champion,
Lexis King is gonna have some explaining to do.
[crowd booing]
[indistinct] Y'all putting that work to become number one contenders.
Because, of course, y'all want a shot at our titles.
Mm-hmm. Boujee Bully.
I see you bringing the size and power, girl.
And Miss Jackson, if you're nasty…
I see you bringing the athleticism, but I think y'all might have forgot
who the glow in the EST are.
Because nobody does those things better than us.
So y'all better bring all that, plus more, next week in Atlanta,
if y'all want to try to take these titles off of us.
[Vic] Atlanta next week, getting hotter by the moment.
[Corey] Hey, Vic, I wasn't supposed to say,
but I have a couple of other buddies paying attention.
[bell dings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied by Ashante "Thee" Adonis,
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada,
Karmen Petrovic!
[Vic] …talk about that.
On the other side is Petrovic getting ready to to face Jaida Parker.
They had to be separated from each other earlier tonight.
There's no one to separate them.
Petrovic, Parker, one-on-one live next on NXT.
We've only talked about it.
Mr. Chase…
That's why we're not mad about you walking out on us a few weeks ago.
Hank, Tank, just break up now.
All tag teams just end in heartbreak.
You should just be looking out for yourself.
-Not this tag team. -We're not gonna break-up.
[sighs] You know what? Forget I even said that.
-Come on. -We're still not mad. We can hang out.
Nothing good ever comes out of social media.
Now don't you ever get on your [bleep]
Hey, Mr. Chase.
You, my friend, are a total badass.
Which is why I'd like to take this time…
I was a badass.
[bleep] out. If I gave a [bleep]
-I'll beat the ever-living… -That Chase is dead.
So I would just like to apologize.
-To becoming the NXT champion. -But it doesn't have to be.
[hip-hop music playing]
[ring announcer] And her opponent from Port St. Lucie, Florida,
Jaida Parker!
♪ Always more, never lesser ♪
♪ Get you together ♪
♪ Jet set, flying so high Above the weather ♪
♪ Big deal so heavy But light as a feather ♪
♪ You know who I be I'm who you came to see ♪
♪ Drop the top on 'em I don't need the key ♪
[Vic] I think we can all agree--
Booker, there's a lot of tension in the women's locker room.
[Booker T] It's always been that way, Vic. Ever since I've been in the business.
The locker room has been that way. But you know what it is?
[bell rings]
I think it's competition. I like it. That's healthy.
[Corey] I'm enjoying a different type of tension between
Karmen Petrovic and Ashante "Thee" Adonis.
You guys know how much I love love.
[Vic] You do love love.
Karmen and Ashanti, you call them "fire and ice."
They work so well and they don't even know why.
And Petrovic looking to light up Jaida Parker.
[Booker T] Oh, bad.
[Vic] Shotzi, of course, was part of this past Sunday's countdown to Genesis.
Maybe it's real between these two. Petrovic looking for a takedown.
Trying to create some separation. Finally, able to take Parker off her feet.
Corey, back to your point, as Petrovic is mocking Parker.
These two were up and down at being Petrovic and Ashanti
because it was coughing season, which is almost over at this point.
So maybe it is true love.
[Corey] Of course it is, who are you to doubt
when somebody tells you it's true love?
-[Vic] I got to be honest… -[Corey] Shoulders down.
…he has made me…
[Booker T] Look, guys, you missed the optimal word.
[Vic] See? Here it is.
[Booker T] You heard that, right. She was talking about that debonair dude.
She's been talking about Ashante "Thee" Adonis, man.
You're talking about pheromones. They're all over the place, man.
[grunts]
[Vic] Beautiful back kick by Petrovic.
Rocked the jaw. Parker, face-first, down she goes, cover.
Is this gonna be enough to put Jaida away?
Parker able to kick out and it seems like Parker has been stuck in the mud.
[Booker T] Gravy! You know about pheromones?
[Corey] I know a thing or two, I went to chemistry and biology.
[Vic] Oh! Another fantastic kick by Petrovic.
[Corey] Are you two gonna focus? Corey got back on track.
Booker is having a great time.
Nice reversal. Petrovic trying to catch Parker again
and Parker said, "Uh-uh," staying one step ahead.
And Petrovic trying her best to fight free.
[Booker T] Oh, yes, man!
[Corey] Electric chair, fantastic.
[Vic] Jaida back in, back to her feet, trying to shake it off.
Seventeen televised victories in 2024,
second-most among all the women in NXT,
trailing only Roxanne Perez.
Two!
[Booker T] We talk about the future of Jaida Parker.
And how bright it truly is.
Vic, the sky's the limit for Jaida.
[Vic] And Jaida… We've seen this in the past.
[Booker T] Oh!
[Vic] If you haven't seen it, get ready.
[Corey] You think I've been living under a rock every Tuesday night?
[Booker T] Here we go.
-Here we go. -That's how it's done.
[Corey] You've been busy. You've got a wife. You got a new baby.
[Vic] You ain't gonna find a bigger Jaida Parker fan than Carmella,
I'll tell you that right now. Look at this.
What is Parker looking to do here? All tied up.
[Corey] Trying to inflict pain, inflict damage and prove a point.
[Booker T] Oh, yes.
[Corey] Loves to hurt others, called out Shotzi earlier.
Bam! That little teardrop.
[Booker T] Yes, indeed, baby.
But that little shiver to the base of the spine, Vic, it was gnarly.
[Vic] Both women loved to compete under the bright,
premium live event lights last year.
Next premium live event is Vengeance Day, February 15th in DC.
Both would love to be in the capital.
Tickets on sale now. Ticketmaster.com.
Great reversal by Parker. Weaving through.
High-impact, center of the ring.
Cover, count, and Petrovic able to kick out.
Corey, what does it say to the universe when someone like Bayley
brings up your name like she said Jaida Parker earlier?
[Corey] It means Bayley's paying attention.
As we look again at this fantastic modified neck breaker from Parker,
Bayley cares about this business, Bayley cares about this division
and knows that the NXT women's division
is arguably as strong now as it has ever been.
With that said, that means Bayley knows Jaida Parker is a threat.
Bayley knows Kelani Jordan is a threat.
Inside cradle here by Petrovic.
[Booker T] Should we put that much stock in what Bayley says
because just a few months ago she was praising Roxanne Perez?
Now she wanna take it all back?
[Corey] What a disgusting hypocrite, Brook.
[Vic] You have to get on the same page when it comes to Bayley,
because Roxanne Perez is not the same woman.
[Booker T] What you talking about?
What you talking about? She opened your eyes, Vic.
She realized what she had to do to become champion.
[Vic] Shoulders down. Is it enough? Kick-out.
You are a Roxanne Perez apologist. That's what you are.
[Booker T] Don't do that, Vic. I am not biased.
[Vic] You are not unbiased. That's BS. Right back in comes Petrovic.
Lighten up right now-- Jaida Parker in the big clothesline.
[Booker T] Beautiful tornado clothesline right there.
[Vic] Setting her sights.
It's Petrovic charging right back in. She calls that the Shingblade.
Isn't enough to put down Parker in the center of the ring.
And another near fall.
What a match-up between these two.
Great, great decision made by the general manager Ava.
[Corey] Could it be the Shingblade because of the sound a blade makes
-when you pull it out of the sheath? -[Booker T] That's it.
[Vic] She's part of the shing-shing squad. That's her thing,
as she's trying to get back on her feet.
Just getting pulled up by Miss Parker. And Jaida planting Petrovic.
-[Booker T] Jaida Parker don't play, Vic. -[Vic] Uh-oh. Get ready.
-Here comes the Hipnotic… -[Corey] Oh, baby!
-…check. -[Booker T] What? What the…
[Vic] And Jordan!
Jordan-- the matchup continuing!
Petrovic from behind…
-Petrovic pulls a fast one! -[bell rings]
["All Eyes On Me" plays]
[Mike] Here is your winner, Karmen Petrovic.
[Vic] The NXT Universe absolutely stunned
and while there might be love in the air, there's no love here.
Jordan showing she isn't going to be pushed around anymore.
[indistinct argument]
-Oh, Lash! -[Lash] Ms. Jackson!
Did you see what Naomi and Bianca said earlier?
Yes, I heard it. I seen it all.
-[laughs] Hold up. Wait, wait, wait. -Wait a minute.
Sol, Zaria, we know what you want. the first opportunity when we become the--
Do you guys understand how big your match is next week?
-[both] Duh! -Why wouldn't we?
I don't think you do.
Not only do you have the chance to become Tag Champions,
but, more importantly, you guys have the opportunity
to bring the titles back to NXT,
the best women's division in the world.
-Dang, Sol, you got a point. -Right.
You're right. This is the biggest match of our career
and I get to go to my hometown, my city, ATL,
and compete in front of my friends, my family,
and we get to step in the ring with two former World Champs.
And even if they aren't two of the most accomplished women in WWE history,
the Boujee Bully and Ms. Jackson we're gonna bring that action,
-'cause when we do… -[Lash] Mmm!
…you all could get a chance at those titles.
Gigi, did you hear that?
-Oh, I did, and I like the sound of it. -Me, too.
So, you two better bring those titles back to NXT.
Okay. You're right!
-Let's bring it in, ladies! -That's right, girls!
We gonna bring those titles to NXT!
[Vic] Well, those two teams will take center stage
inside Center Stage in Atlanta.
WWE Women's Tag Team Championships on the line
next week, live, here on NXT.
Now, we talk about championships,
we have our third championship match-up still to come.
There is the challenger, Eddy Thorpe,
getting ready for the biggest one-on-one opportunity of his career,
as the champion getting ready for the first defense of the NXT Title.
It's our main event still to come, live, tonight on NXT.
[entrance music plays]
[Vic] Back live inside the WWE Performance Center for NXT.
[man] …bringing it to light.
[Mike] And their opponents,
accompanied by Shawn Spears,
Brooks Jensen and Niko Vance!
[Vic] Guys, let's go back to earlier tonight
which led to this tag team match-up.
It was, of course, during our opening contest
where the North American Championship was on the line.
These four started brawling in that Tony D'Angelo, Ridge Holland match-up.
It distracted Tony for just a moment.
Of course D'Angelo would reign supreme and--
Oh! Already kicking off between these four,
these two teams wasting no time.
And I just looked up from my monitor,
Shawn Spears almost looks, you know, excited that this is going on.
Just an odd look on the face of Shawn Spears
as bodies are hitting the floor, chaos is picking up,
and these four picking up right where they left off.
And, Booker, to use your phrase, let these men throw some hands.
[Booker T] It's a fight, Vic. This right here's a fight.
[Vic] Referee trying to get some order.
-[bell rings] -Finally get a bell. This one is underway.
Again, stemming from that North American Championship match
which kicked off the night. The Don retained with the help of Izzi Dame.
And I see Rizzo, and I… Speaking of The Don,
I'm wondering where Tony D'Angelo is right now.
[Corey] The Don had a high-stakes match-up early on the night,
you gotta give him a little grace.
I think Stacks and Crusifino are fully prepared,
they spent enough time around The Don. This is The Underboss we're talking about.
[Vic] It certainly is. On the topic of tag team competition,
Fraxiom heading to TNA this Thursday,
defending tag team titles against The Rascalz.
And when it comes to Stacks and Luca Crusifino,
successful duo, Booker. Six and one in tag team matches.
Another win her tonight
could put them right in their own championship contention.
[Booker T] I'll tell you what. Crusifino, adding him was a game changer
but the X factor is this Niko.
You don't know a whole lot about this guy. This is a pickup. This is a pickup.
[Vic] Well, Brooks Jensen trying to run interference,
and he is gonna pay for that. Springboard dropkick from Stacks.
The Underboss in control, and what are they looking for now?
-No, no, no! -[Vic] Looking to fly.
Tensions, of course, Corey, as you're back here in the Performance Center
we see this replay,
tensions are extremely high among everybody in NXT.
[Corey] Listen, when business is red-hot as it is right now from WWE,
whether it be Raw, SmackDown, NXT,
it's all about making your own opportunities.
It's about getting people to pay attention to you and what you do,
so you can show them why you are the best at what it is that you do.
That's what Stacks and Crusifino
are looking to do in the tag team division,
that's what Jensen and Vance are looking to do,
to sort of make their own imprint here in NXT.
And look at Spears yelling at Niko and Vance.
And Vance, shoulders right into Luca Crusifino,
the former collegiate Tight End from Northern Arizona University.
-[Booker T] Did you see that? -[Vic] 6'2", 250 pounds,
NXT in-ring debut for Niko Vance.
[Corey] I'm gonna be perfectly honest with you gentlemen,
Niko Vance makes me physically uncomfortable just being around him,
I saw him lurking around the Performance Center earlier today.
The guy freaks me out. Straight up.
[Booker T] I can tell you this.
I just found out everything I need to know about Niko Vance.
I'm gonna tell you right now. Shawn Spears, the GPS,
got his team on the right track.
[Vic] Cover now, off the suplex into cover, and a kick-out.
And, Graves, I'm glad Booker brought that up
'cause you've known Spears for a very long time.
[Corey] Longer than I care to admit, but you're absolutely right.
Oh, my God! Nasty landing for Luca.
Shawn Spears has been around this game for a long time.
Cover here by Vance…
Notice Vance looking over his shoulder toward Spears,
almost for approval or direction.
You can have that in the middle of a match,
-as we look again at this. Brutal! -[Booker T grunts]
[Vic] Bring that back up again about Shawn Spears,
'cause what has he been able to say, how has he been able to sway the minds
of Vance and Brooks Jensen?
[Corey] Let me finish answering the question that you asked me,
I have known Shawn Spears for a long time. I have not known this Shawn Spears.
This is a different cat altogether.
Oh!
[Booker T] Oh, here we go.
Let me tell you something, Shawn Spears, he's a real man.
He brought Brooks Jensen into this family, man.
[Vic] Here comes Jensen, here comes Stacks.
[Booker T] Oh, baby. Here we go!
[Vic] And it's starting to pick up now as The Underboss, taking over.
[referee] Hey, Niko, you gotta get out!
[Vic] Down goes Vance… Well, only one.
He didn't fully connect with Brooks Jensen.
Jensen just got rocked.
And again, we're looking around there is no Tony D'Angelo,
The Underboss trying to lead the charge here for The Family.
Jensen holding on, locking in a submission,
holding up and Stacks right now…
fighting two-on-one.
[Corey] Sleeper hold applied. Stacks, able to find an escape.
[Vic] From the second row. Dropkick takes down both opponents.
[Corey] And look at Luca Crusifino, not able to get back to his feet yet.
Stacks right now, going at it alone.
Luca trying to regroup, and who can blame him?
'Cause this Nikko Vance, is turning some heads here tonight.
And Vance, trying to knock the head off of Crusifino,
who caught Vance with a Superkick.
It's two on one now for the family.
-Oh! And Brooks Jensen-- -[Booker T] That was smart.
[Corey] Smart, not usually a word I would use to describe Brooks Jensen.
But in that instance, perfectly…
Apropos on the steel steps!
[Vic] Back into the ring, the match continuing.
Looking for that backslide.
Niko Vance made the tag and legal.
Stacks didn't realize who the legal man is.
Spinning heel kick from Jensen.
-Right back in! -[Booker T] My God!
[Vic] What a lariat from Niko Vance.
Good night!
-Jensen, Vance victorious! -[bell dinging]
[ring announcer] Here are your winners, the team of Brooks Jensen
and Niko Vance!
[Vic] I use one word to describe this duo
teaming for the first time, Graves.
"Impressive."
[Corey] You'll get no argument from me.
Niko Vance just throwing caution to the wind,
sacrificing himself to take out Crusifino.
And this spectacular clothesline
turning Stacks upside down, inside out.
Good night, Stacks!
And I don't know what Spears is telling these gentlemen,
but he's got a dangerous, dangerous team on his hands.
[Vic] Big tag team win,
but are tag team champions standing by with Sarah Schreiber.
Nathan, Axiom,
we saw you at TNA Genesis on Sunday,
but I wanna talk about last week.
Another successful tag team title defense.
Thank you very much, Sarah.
Ain't no doubt in our minds.
Ain't that right, amigo?
Uh…
There was a little doubt, wasn't it?
OTM was coming off a fight with Briggs and Inamura,
and they still threw us around the ring, bro. It was close.
The was watching.
Sarah, I feel like in this tag team division,
you never know.
Ah!
-But I know. -Oh, he knows.
And I know that we are the best tag team on the freaking planet.
And on Thursday at TNA against the Rascalz,
I know that we got…
What part of "We got next" do you to not understand?
You took a field trip to TNA and forgot about us?
Boys, I don't know if I like that too much.
Exactly.
You call yourself the best
but…
-you keep dodging us. -Look, look, look, Briggs and Inamura San.
There's a difference between just wanting a tag team title match
and actually deserving one.
Besides…
who did you ever beat?
[man speaking other language]
[indistinct shouting]
[man] Whoa! Whoa! Whoa, guys!
[indistinct shouting]
[Vic] Absolute chaos in the building.
And this man has been creating his own chaos.
We're gonna look at the carnage that has been caused by Ethan Page, next.
[objects clattering]
[bleep] this place!
Anyway. Over here. Back to what I was saying.
I think Spears has a crush on me or he's delusional.
-I don't know which one. -Listen, we can go on and on.
-But I got places to be. -Right. Sorry.
-Glad we're even now. -Bye.
[Adriana] Look, there he is!
-Hey. -Hey, Don. Where were you out there?
I was trying to get out there,
but Izzi, she just kept talking and talking.
What do you want me to do?
How'd you fellas go?
We lost.
Yeah. We were waiting for you to come out.
We were worried about you.
Spears was out there with his guys.
I'm fine. Okay.
Like I said, I was trying. Izzi kept talking.
What do you want me to do? Okay?
T, we needed you.
Stacks…
you've been The Underboss for two years now.
Okay?
You can figure it out on your own.
You know, guys, I gotta agree with Don.
Stacks can't rely on the Don to do all the heavy lifting for him.
The Don can't be babysitting everybody all the time.
Well, it's hard to argue.
But one thing that is not hard to argue
is the attitude and the actions of "All Ego" Ethan Page
from the man's mouth himself.
[narrator] Time for tonight's NXT Focus.
[Vic] Ethan Page, Dante Chen.
That match up has been made official.
[Booker T] Talk about all ego.
He's all business right now.
[Vic] Oh!
[Ethan] I didn't want to have to do that to you, Dante.
[Vic] Booker, this is sick!
This has nothing to do with business!
I was riding high,
after all, I finally shook hands with the final boss.
Dante, you wanted to stand on some moral high ground.
Now you can't even stand at all.
It still echoes through my head.
I never knew I'd enjoy the sound…
of human bones breaking,
you screaming out in pain…
[screaming]
…just like Cedric Alexander…
just like Je'Von Evans.
Now, Je'Von…
you must never wanna speak normal again.
[Booker T] The Young OG!
He's back!
Why else would you come to the ring in the state that you are in?
[crowd cheering]
I blasted you in the face one time and I drew blood.
This is your last warning.
The next time we cross paths,
it won't just be one punch.
I won't stop.
[muffled] You saw it, right?
-Yes. -No, you're not looking at it.
-You saw it. -Yes.
No. No. I need to get Ethan Page.
-Je'Von… -No! No!
Listen, I get it.
But your jaw is still broken.
You nearly re-broke it last week.
And when I talked to medical,
you are anything but cleared.
[muffled speaking]
But he is.
What's up?
What's up, nephew! Look. Listen. Don't worry about it.
Next week, I'll get even for both of us
when it comes to Ethan Page.
I promise.
All right. Cool.
[indistinct chatter]
-Oh… -[Austin] What's wrong with his mouth?
[indistinct conversation]
Hi, guys.
Hey, I just wanted to tell you that you're doing an amazing job
as NXT General Manager.
-Amazing. -Way better than Niko that's for sure.
She's not just the general manager,
she's the final boss of NXT right here.
I like you way more than The Rock. I just…
-Hey, man, it's okay. -Um…
Appreciate it all, but we were all set for next week,
-so why are you guys here now? -Yeah… Yeah we were.
But I just wanted to personally say thank you
for allowing the winner of the NXT championship match tonight
to get the Grayson Waller up next week
on the Grayson Waller Effect in Atlanta.
-In Atlanta, my hometown… -It's gonna be huge.
…Atlanta. A-town, putting it down.
You know, I gotta say, I'm actually a pretty big, uh…
We're actually a pretty big deal in Atlanta.
-Right. -So, Ava, if you could just
you know, get some extra security.
-Yeah. I know. -Big deal here.
We're already here, maybe…
Maybe we could watch the main event tonight.
We won't do anything, we're just here to watch some wrestling.
We love wrestling.
[Corey] It's going down in A-town next week
at the WWE Women's Tag Team title's on the line
as Bianca Belair and Naomi
defend against Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson.
[Vic] Also next week, live right here, on NXT
a dream Tag Team match involves Bayley and Giulia
face common enemies Cora Jade and Roxanne Perez.
Which duo will stand tall live in Atlanta inside center stage.
[Corey] Earlier tonight, this matchup got personal in a hurry.
Forner NXT Champion Trick Williams battles Wes Lee one-on-one.
[Vic] And who will join A-town Down Under?
We're gonna find out in moments as the NXT Champion,
whomever that is, will be live in the ring.
on a very special edition of The Grayson Waller Effect.
[Corey] And the NXT Women's North American Championship
will be on the line
as the reigning champion Fallon Henley
defends against the unpredictable Shotzi.
[Vic] But it is time now for the NXT Championship.
Can Eddy Thorpe achieve the status that he thinks he is owed?
Can he conquer The Ruler, or in his first offense,
can Oba Femi continue to leave a path of destruction?
NXT Championship online and our main event live, next.
[Vic] All eyes on NXT and look who is here,
WWE Hall Of Famer, DDP.
Ready like the rest of us for our Championship main event on NXT.
[crowd chanting] DDP!
["Let the Good Times Roll" by Def Rebel]
[Vic] And here comes the challenger.
And tonight,
Graves, has Thorpe has finally run out of excuses.
[Corey] Only time will tell, Vic.
I, for one, have a great deal of respect for Eddy Thorpe.
Because Eddy Thorpe made his home lux.
A great man once said, "Controversy creates cash."
Sure, maybe it was a shortcut,
maybe it wasn't the most respectable way to get to where he wants to be,
but Eddy Thorpe is exactly where he wants to be.
It creates cash, it creates opportunity, and who knows?
In a matter of minutes, it could create a new NXT Champion.
[Booker T] 100%. Eddy thought he had to do it his way.
Sometimes you have to make your own way.
[indistinct]
Win by any means necessary.
[Vic] You two on the same page.
I mean, this is gonna be a long championship match for me,
sitting here in between you.
A wise man also said, "Checks and championships."
That's right. [laughs]
[Vic] It has been quite the journey for our champion.
From Nigeria to the University of Alabama,
from an NIL athlete, Corey, to NXT Champion.
As The Ruler of NXT stomps his way to the ring,
we must all acknowledge that Oba Femi
is dominance personified.
[Corey] Three championship matches. The third championship match of the night.
[Booker T] Bread, no water, just mean.
[indistinct] The conqueror Oba Femi.
[Vic] You and I were talking backstage about Oba Femi.
-What was it you said about Oba? -[Booker T] He's a generational talent.
I don't care if it's the '70s, '80s, '90s…
This guy is gonna be champion no matter what time it is.
[bell dings]
[Mike] The following contest scheduled for one fall.
[crowd] One fall!
It is for the NXT Championship!
Introducing the challenger,
from Reno, Nevada,
weighing in at 223 pounds,
-Eddy Thorpe! -[crowd booing]
And his opponent,
from Lagos, Nigeria,
weighing in at 310 pounds,
he is the NXT Champion,
Oba Femi!
[Vic] To play it off the conversation you had earlier with Corey,
you said you saw this day coming
from the first time you saw Oba as the conquering ruler of NXT.
[Booker T] You don't see too many like Oba come along
too few and too often in this business.
He is one of those guys. He's a special, special talent, Vic.
[Vic] We will find out in moments who will head to Atlanta next week
to be a part of the Grayson Waller Effect.
[Corey] I can honestly say that
when I was doing Smackdown, week after week after week,
I would beg Nick Aldis, "Pay attention to Oba Femi.
Bring Oba Femi up."
[Vic] But take a look at Eddy Thorpe right now.
Thorpe, right now, striking quickly.
That was a big German Suplex out of the corner,
-and he's followed it up with Devastation. -[Booker T] Oh, yeah.
[Vic] Trying to put Femi away.
Title's on the line and a kickout as Oba able to power out.
[Booker T] I would get out as well, Vic.
[Vic] I love the strategy being employed in the early moments by Eddy Thorpe.
Throw everything you've got early at the champion.
-[screams] -[crowd exclaiming]
-Oba, his first championship defense. -[Booker T] Good Lord.
[Vic] Oba was North American champion You were a TV champion,
You were a United States champion, but it was different and it had to be
-when you were defending the championship. -[Booker T] Not just that, Vic,
you're not a true champion until you can go out there
and defend it one time in the middle of the square or circle.
-Oba Femi-- -[Vic exclaims]
He's having no problems with that.
[Vic] It was Thorpe who attacked Oba last week.
Oba ordered a beating of Thorpe in Los Angeles,
-Well, that was-- Probably very wise. -Smart move.
-But look who's right behind him. -[Booker T] Now.
[Vic] The champion, and he says "Get your ass back out in the ring."
[Booker T] He might create some space right here.
[Vic] Guys, here's the problem, if you are Eddy Thorpe, yeah?
You create your-- You made your own opportunity,
but what do you do with it?
You may only get this one, and right now, Oba looks ready for war.
[Booker T] You know what? The thing is, Eddy Thorpe, all he wanted was a shot.
All he wanted-- Excuse me. It's gravy.
All he wanted was a shot, all he needed was a shot.
It is to be in here, tonight.
[Vic] You might be right, Booker. I am impressed very much, thus far.
People talk about Eddy Thorpe all the time,
he has a record of 22-8-one since signing with the WWE.
He's getting an opportunity tonight.
Who is he looking at?
He's peeking up. There's Waller, there's Theory.
Who's joining us next week in Atlanta?
Who was walking out tonight with the NXT championship?
[Vic] NXT championship on the line, It is our main event on NXT.
Eddy Thorpe has been in control of Oba Femi.
He has taken it to the champion
and The Ruler right now in his first offense of the NXT title.
[Corey] I don't care who you are.
Right now, you can't not be unimpressed with Eddy Thorpe.
The efforts of the challenger, thus far giving the champion Oba Femi
a run for his money since the opening bell.
[Booker T] Yeah, but he is keeping Oba real close to the body
but the strength factor is gonna
always weigh in Oba Femi's way, trust me on that.
[Vic] One would assume the winner will be the NXT champion on February the 15th,
our next premium live events in D.C., Vengeance Day.
The winner of this match will head to Atlanta
and be a guest on the Grayson Waller effect
and Trick Williams, who we saw moments ago, passed Oba Femi.
He's heading to Atlanta to take on Wes Lee.
He's watching this match very closely.
And now Oba Femi turning up the heat.
[Corey] This is what Eddy Thorpe could not afford to allow to happen.
[Booker T] Bang.
[Corey] Letting the champion run like this.
[Vic] Oba picking up momentum and this is scary strength.
Sidewalk slam driving the air out of the challenger.
Champion sights set on Thorpe.
Big running European uppercut.
What is better than one? Make it two.
And now in full control and dominating with the spinebuster.
Femi, cover. Count to retain it-- Oh! Barely getting that left shoulder up.
[Corey] I think that was Oba being a little overconfident.
Oba could have made sure that Thorpe was down
after this monstrous spinebuster.
[Vic] Wondering what Waller and Theory are thinking.
[Corey] I think they are probably thinking about Grayson Waller Effect in Atlanta.
-[Booker T] Here we go, guys. Here we go. -[Vic] Femi looking for a big chokeslam.
Counter. Submission. [Corey] Triangle! Triangle!
Eddy Thorpe looking for the triangle.
[Vic] Is he going to be able to take down Oba Femi right now?
Keeping his vertical base for a moment.
Oba now, going to try to overpower the challenger, who counters.
Cover. Shoulders down, title on the line, and a kickout.
Book, we were talking about staying in close quarters
with someone as powerful as Oba Femi.
You are a big MMA fan.
Sometimes your technique can put down a stronger opponent.
[Booker T] Yeah, but the supernatural strength from Oba Femi
sometimes can overcome anything. Here we go.
[Vic] We are getting deep waters into this matchup.
Oba Femi right now taking the best shots from--
-Thorpe! Who's turned it around. -[Booker T] Beautiful.
[Vic] And that stunner stunned the champion.
Femi's down, Thorpe is up. Thorpe now going to the top
he's gotta risk it all, he's gotta take a high risk for a major reward.
Are we going to crown a new NXT champion tonight?
-Can Eddy Thorpe do the impossible? -[Booker T] Perfect.
[Vic] Into the cover.
One, two…
-[Vic] Another near fall. Wow! -[Corey] Unbelievable.
[Booker T] Eddy Thorpe belongs in this match, guys.
He's proving it right here. Check this out right here.
[Corey] You're absolutely right. This is what we talked about.
Eddy made his own opportunity,
and now Eddy Thorpe is showing the entire world
what he believes, what he already knows.
That he deserves to be in the title picture.
[Vic] It has been a Triple Title Tuesday, here live on NXT.
The NXT championship on the line right here, right now.
Hall of Famers are here watching this, like DDP.
Oba Femi in his first championship defense
is going up against Eddy Thorpe. who's all game.
Nice drop kick, took out the legs for a moment.
Trying for the DDT, counter. Big Boot rocked Oba.
Oba, now. Is he able to hoist him?
-Can the challenger lift the champion? -[Booker T] Oh, wow!
[Vic] Devastating elbow from Oba Femi who comes charging in,
got caught, snaps and a Suplex from his challenger.
[Booker T] Give it up for Eddy Thorpe. This is what I'm talking about.
[Vic] Got to put his foot on the gas.
Coming back in for a second time, and he got caught.
-[Corey] Uh-oh. -[Vic] Say that again.
Oba, didn't connect earlier.
-That massive toe slam. -[Booker T] Man!
[Vic] He got all of it.
-Falls into the cover. -[crowd] One, two--
-And oh! -[Corey] This is still alive.
-Eddy Thorpe is still alive! -[Vic] Wow!
[Booker T] You are kidding me.
Taking about making up, making up that opportunity.
Opportunity of a lifetime, Vic.
[Vic] What a championship main event, here tonight on NXT.
Welcome back, Graves.
[Corey] Oh, my God, what a great night to come back.
I know Ava is paying close attention to this one and I guarantee--
-[Vic] The champion into the post. -[Booker T] Oh.
-[Vic] The champion went into the post. -[Corey] I guarantee you
Ava's gonna have to offer more opportunities
Eddy Thorpe's way into the future.
[Vic] Eddy Thorpe charging right in and Oba Femi is in trouble.
-Femi again-- -[Corey] Oh.
Femi, just when you think he is out, he pulls you back in.
-[Booker T] Here we go. -[Vic] Power!
Tossing Eddy Thorpe.
[Booker T] All hail The Ruler.
[Vic] Femi is fired up and we know what's coming next.
It is a Fall from Grace for Eddy Thorpe,
-a thunderous one at that, -[crowd] One, two…
-[Vic] and Oba Femi… -[crowd] Three
-retains his title. -[bell dinging]
["Hands Of Fate" by def rebel playing]
[ring announcer] Here is your winner,
and still the NXT champion,
Oba Femi!
[Vic] Graves, what a main event.
Look at the unbelievable display of power from Oba Femi
and here are the final moments of Eddy Thorpe's NXT title dreams tonight.
-[crowd] One, two… -[Vic] The Fall from Grace
and still The Ruler of NXT, Oba Femi.
[indistinct shouting]
And Oba locking eyes with Waller and Theory.
Because the champion will be a guest next week in Atlanta
on the Grayson Waller Effect.
[indistinct conversation]
You're back for more, huh? You're back for more, right?
-There's more where that came from. -[referee] Whoa, whoa, whoa!
[Vic] Oh, look out!
Just caught Eddy Thorpe with a Trick Shot.
Trick wants his title back.
Femi continues his dominant nature.
Things are getting hot as we head to Atlanta next week live on NXT! ight.