[theme music playing]
[John Cena] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
["Millions From Now" playing]
[Vic] On the banks of the Ohio River in Cincinnati,
we are live, where 24 hours ago,
over 11,000 members of the WWE Universe rocked Monday Night Raw.
We are sold out tonight, standing room only for NXT,
as we were on the Road to WrestleMania weekend.
Earlier today, the biggest NXT signing in recent memory arrived
alongside The Young OG, Je'Von Evans.
They prepared for our main event against these two bitter, egotistical individuals.
Wes Lee, Ethan Page, Saints, Evans.
Who leaves Cincinnati victorious?
Also arriving…
[crowd cheering]
…the TNA World Tag Team Champions, Matt and Jeff, the Hardy's are here
and will compete for the first time ever on NXT.
-♪ I won't remember you ♪ -♪ I won't remember you ♪
♪ A million dollars from now ♪
-♪ I won't remember you ♪ -♪ Remember your ass ♪
♪ A million dollars from now ♪
-♪ I won't remember you ♪ -♪ I won't remember you ♪
♪ A million dollars from now ♪
-♪ I won't remember you ♪ -♪ I won't remember you ♪
♪ A million dollars from now ♪
♪ I won't remember you… ♪
[crowd cheering]
["Bury Me" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[bell dings]
[Mike] The following contest, scheduled for one fall,
is for the NXT Women's
North American Championship!
Introducing first, from San Fernando, Chile,
she is the NXT Women's North American Champion,
Stephanie Vaquer!
[Vic] Hey, Graves, tonight, you can feel the energy.
It's got a premium live event vibe to it.
[Corey] Cincinnati absolutely brought it.
Like you said, sold out, standing room only,
all here to witness the best women's division in the game.
["All Eyes On Me" playing]
[Mike] And her opponent, accompanied by Ashante "Thee" Adonis,
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Karmen Petrovic!
[Vic] Well, Graves, let's get to last week here on NXT
because Karmen Petrovic was in a Triple Threat Match,
where the winner of that match would earn a golden opportunity.
That opportunity here tonight in Cincinnati
to become the NXT Women's North American Champion.
[Corey] It was certainly no easy task for Karmen Petrovic,
battling in a Triple Threat Match against Kelani Jordan and Jaida Parker.
As you can see, Petrovic obviously picked up the W,
but it's what Karmen does with this opportunity
that will really define the trajectory of her career
within NXT's women's division.
[Vic] That's the first opportunity
for Karmen Petrovic at a championship, Graves,
so I come to you and I go,
"How is she going to be able to handle those nerves?"
[Corey] We're about to find out
-what Karmen's is truly made of. -[bell dings]
As you can hear,
Cincinnati firmly behind The Dark Angel,
the Women's North American Champion, Stephanie Vaquer.
If Karmen's able to tune out the noise, to take the crowd out of this
and focus using her martial arts background,
she may fare very well against the champion.
[Vic] Well, Booker, why do some say the first defense is the hardest?
[Booker] The pundits, the historians always say,
"You're not a true champion until you defend at least just once."
And I think this is the moment… This is a moment perpetually.
Can she upset the apple cart? That's the question.
[Vic] We'll find out. Both these women very game.
Look at Petrovic charging right in, going behind the shoulders.
Quick kick out.
Thereby Vaquer right back in.
Take a look at this offense.
Vaquer rolling right through, crossing right up.
Maybe looking for another pinning predicament.
Shoulders down, and Petrovic just able to get out.
Sunday, by the way, the 15th anniversary of NXT's very first episode.
You look around. It's a different format now.
Things have changed, but what an atmosphere this is.
Wade Barrett, of course, won the first season,
the grandfather of NXT, now a commentator.
[Booker] Old Wade Barrett. That's what I call him.
[Vic chuckles] A shoulder attack by Vaquer,
who has been in control of this match-up.
You see Ashante "Thee" Adonis on the outside.
Ducking the clothesline, though.
-[Corey] Oh, nice counter! -[Booker] Oh!
[Vic] Nice counter, center of the ring, another kick out.
This is what I expect to see more of out of Karmen Petrovic,
using her highly educated feet and hands,
her striking ability, second to none.
[Corey] Crucifix position.
[Vic] Shoulders are down. Is it enough?
And a kickout by Vaquer.
But now look at the quick transition by the challenger,
maybe looking for a submission of sorts.
[Corey] Very, very unique modification on the Full Nelson.
This is agonizing!
Vaquer could be in big, big trouble!
[Vic] Referee in great position as well.
Vaquer, would she submit--
Shifts her weight, shoulders down, and a kick out.
But Petrovic didn't relinquish the hold. Shoulders down one more time.
-Nice bridge, nice counter. -[Booker] Oh, baby!
[Vic] Submission in her own right by Vaquer,
-hoisting up the challenger. -[Booker] Oh, yeah!
[Vic] And I think, if I'm Karmen Petrovic,
I got to figure out a way, quickly, to get out, and she did.
[Corey] Vaquer has had an answer for practically everything
Petrovic has attempted to this point.
[Vic] The women's division so stacked, as we talked about.
We understand there was an altercation that took place earlier today.
Cover made, center of the ring, and a kick out.
…between Parker and Kelani Jordan.
We're going to see that footage later on tonight.
But here in the now, it's our first match for the night.
It's our first championship defense of the night,
because still to come, the TNA X-Division Championship will be defended.
[Booker] What a main event anywhere in the world.
But I'm gonna tell you right now,
this one right here is getting hot and heavy.
I'm giving Petrovic a lot of credit right now.
[Vic] Into the cover. Almost off a Shining Wizard,
but couldn't get to three.
[Corey] A sliding kick caught Vaquer flush,
but it wasn't enough to keep the North American Champion down for three,
and this is what Petrovic needs to do.
Keep The Dark Angel in close quarters.
[Vic] Five-match winning streak for the challenger.
And, Booker, she defeated Parker, Jordan last week
then got a beat down by fatal influence and we know…
[all exclaiming]
[Vic] Fallon Henley not happy.
Nice tilt to whirl back breaker followed up with a suplex.
Vaquer back to her feet, looking to inflict some more damage with a leg drop.
[Booker] You talk about Petrovic and…
[Vic] …to the cover.
[Booker] …and all of those wins preparing her for this moment.
This is truly the moment of a lifetime right here, Vic.
[Vic] You can say that again. Vaquer said she lived through hell.
She turned it into her home, became one with the fire,
now will burn everything in her path to achieve greatness.
[Corey] What does Vaquer have in mind here?
Building up a head of steam, incoming! And Adonis on the outside, I think,
helped Petrovic, knees into the turnbuckle.
[groaning]
[Vic] Knees right under the chin of the champion.
What's the challenger going to do here?
[Corey] High impact offense.
Petra to the outside but she's got to get Vaquer back into the ring.
Who's walking out of Cincinnati with the women's North American title?
[crowd booing]
Yeah!
[indistinct]
[Vic] NXT Women's North American championship,
big dropkick by Stephanie Vaquer,
who is back in control of this match, and, Graves, if you take a look
at the landscape of this division, Vaquer was the first one to make
that international impact.
[Corey] Vaquer has wasted no time
carving out her place in NXT history.
My concern is more for the headspace of Karmen Petrovic.
Karmen has to realize, if she does not capitalize
on this opportunity tonight, it may be weeks, months,
perhaps years before she gets another chance
to become champion in this women's division.
[Booker] Talking about going to the end of the line
is not something you don't want to put yourself in that position.
-[Vic] Oh, my… -[Booker] Is this it? Is this it?
Is this it?
[crowd chanting] One, two, three, four, five, six, seven eight, nine, ten!
[Booker] Yeah!
[Corey] Someone needs to give Booker a cigarette,
someone needs to get Petrovic some help.
Stephanie Vaquer right now is rolling in this match-up.
[crowd chanting] Stephanie! Stephanie!
[Vic] Cincinnati firmly behind, connects!
Vaquer has been a champion everywhere in the world.
CMLL, New Japan, here in NXT, into the cover,
to retain… Petrovic to her credit.
[Booker] Corey, you talked about Petrovic, going back to the end of the line.
We got to think about Stephanie Vaquer
wasn't a flash in the pan.
It wasn't a fluke.
I mean, come on, we got to ask those questions.
[Corey] You're right about that, Booker.
I agree. This is a massive opportunity for Petrovic
and a big proving ground for the Champion Vaquer
[Vic] Main event on RAW, Raquel, Liv, were able to steal the WWE Tag Team Title--
[Corey] That's subjective.
[Vic] Well, are we going to have a new champion to kick off NXT?
Because Petrovic has been game in this match-up.
Charging right back in.
[Booker] That karate background just came into play with that big high kick
in the corner right now, setting up, perhaps for the coup d'etat.
Here we go, baby. Oh, yes!
The Shing Shing squad right now rising to their feet for a…
-No! Not quite yet. -[Booker] So close!
[Vic] That may have been Petrovic's best opportunity in this match.
But look at Adonis.
Don trying to coach up Petrovic right now.
[Booker] No, that sick man, like I said, very, very…
Check this out. Look at the balance.
Look at the timing.
The precision.
That should have been it.
[Vic] Shoulders on …
Another near fall for Petrovic.
She could be wearing Adonis favorite color under the lights by the end of the night,
…turned around, dropped with DDT, rolled right through--
[Booker] Double up.
[Vic] …and another kick out.
What a way to kick off NXT here, sold out in Cincinnati.
[Corey] Defeat from the champion, Petrovic on Dream Street for the moment.
[Vic] Oh, impressive kick connected.
Vaquer looking around and looking into the eyes of those here in Cincinnati.
And not even Adonis could save Petrovic.
Feint kick connects.
And we know what's next. Vaquer.
-Looking to… -[all exclaiming]
Cover! Super kick, will it be enough--
Just getting that right shoulder up.
[Corey] Vic, you said we know what comes next.
Obviously, Karmen Petrovic did her own homework and was fully prepared
for the assault launched by the champion.
-[crowd chanting] NXT! NXT! -[all groaning]
[Vic] Sold out, standing room only, here in Cincinnati.
This is our opening match-up of the night, by the way,
for the Women's North American Championship.
[Corey] Absolutely. Incredible atmosphere.
We've got The Hardy Boyz competing on NXT
first fight's still to come.
Moose is in the house. What a wild night!
[Booker] Stephanie Vaquer has to be questioning herself right now
because she's hit Petrovic with her big shot, man.
You gotta agree with me on that.
[Vic] No doubt, Booker. Let me ask you what goes through your mind
when you've hit everything in your arsenal
and your opponent still keeps coming?
[Booker] That's when you start to question yourself.
That's when you start asking those questions.
Am I really, truly the champion?
We're gonna find out here real soon.
[Vic] Will Vaquer be able to counter in that moment?
[all groaning]
[Corey] That was a statement!
[Vic] Say that one more time.
Dragon Screw out of the corner, setting up for the SVB!
Right into the vertebrae. Into the cover.
[crowd chanting] One! Two! Three!
[Vic] Vaquer vanquishes her first challenger.
[crowd cheering]
[Mike] Here is your winner, and still
the NXT Women's North American Champion,
Stephanie Vaquer!
[Vic] Could also say, vanquished the challenger in her first opportunity.
Kudos to Karmen Petrovic, who brought her A-game tonight.
But in the end, the Women's North America Champion, Stephanie Vaquer
reminds the WWE Universe just who she truly is.
-[Giulia's music playing] -Hold on a second.
[crowd cheering]
The Beautiful Madness is here.
[Booker] It's game time.
[crowd chanting] NXT! NXT!
[crowd continues chanting]
Congrats, Stephanie!
You say you are the best champion.
-[man 1] That's right. -[crowd cheering]
But…
you are not.
[audience exclaiming]
I am.
[crowd cheering]
[indistinct shouting]
La Primera means champion of champions.
[man 2] Yes, Steph!
[crowd cheering]
Okay.
Why don't we find out who the best woman is?
[crowd cheering]
Giulia, we are friends.
But…
Title for title. Champion versus champion.
-[Vic] Absolutely! -[Booker T] Yes!
Sign us all up, Ava.
Will this rematch be made official?
[rock music playing]
And to think, tonight, for the first time ever,
the TNA X Division Championship is gonna be defended in the WWE.
-Thanks to us. -And with your help,
the TNA World Tag-Team Champions, The Hardy Boyz,
compete in NXT for the first time ever.
-Excuse me? -Oh, hi, Lola.
I'm looking for a fight.
[speaking Spanish]
[in English] I don't care if it's NXT, or TNA.
I understand. I really do,
but unfortunately we aren't taking any walk-in meetings right now.
As the NXT liaison to TNA we have a lot to discuss.
So you're talking 'bout me?
We will take you into consideration.
[speaking Spanish]
[in English] You know you're a better pageant queen than a liar.
Pero, how about Ms. NXT steps in the ring with Ms. MMA?
Unless…
no one in your family ever taught you how to fight.
[crowd exclaiming]
-Take it easy. -What?
Huh? Uh, it's, uh, kind of breezy up here.
I have never been so insulted.
Good. Then I'll see you tonight.
-Meeting over. -[crowd cheering]
-[laughs] Well. If it isn't The Ruler! -Lexis.
Look, man, I know the big dream match everybody wants to see
is Oba versus Moose.
But we're in Cincinnati. I got the home field advantage.
-[crowd cheering] -And tonight,
when I'm done whoopin' up on Moose in my hometown,
the only match people are gonna be talking about is
The Ruler versus The King. [chuckling]
[crowd cheering]
[rock music playing]
[Vic] Well, this was just posted on social media.
I don't know what to think.
I get an uneasy feeling seeing this with these four.
As our night continues here on NXT.
♪ My way, my life ♪
["Lexis King theme song" playing]
[crowd cheering]
Home… sweet home, baby.
Right here!
[speaking indistinctly]
[Vic] Graves, what a sight to behold,
if The King were able to hold court in TNA and in NXT.
[Corey] I have it on good authority.
If Lexis King picks up the W tonight, they'll shut down Pete Rose Way.
There's gonna be a parade in Cincinnati.
'Cause the Heritage Cup is the closest thing this city will ever see
to a Lombardi Trophy.
[Vic] I don't agree with you a lot.
I agree with you on that one.
[Booker T laughing]
[intense music playing]
[crowd cheering]
[intense music continues]
[crowd chanting] Moose! Moose!
[Vic] Booker, tell us about this man.
[Booker T] The TNA X Division champion.
Oh, ducky, ducky, quack, quack.
He's the man that lives up to the billing, man.
He… he lives up to all the hype.
This is Moose. He played the National Football League.
He's a two-time TNA World Heavyweight champion.
The current and reigning X Division champion.
He's a grown-ass man.
No bread, no water, just meat.
Here we go.
[Vic] Six foot six. Near 300 pounds.
Moose is here to defend the TNA X Division Championship.
-[Corey] Absolute freak of nature. -[Booker T] Oh.
-[Corey] The five-star athlete. -[bell ringing]
[Vic] Let's go up to Mike Rome.
The following contest scheduled for one fall,
is for the TNA
X Division Championship.
[crowd cheering]
Introducing the challenger,
-from Cincinnati, Ohio… -[crowd cheering]
…weighing in at 225 pounds,
he is the NXT Heritage Cup Champion,
Lexis King!
[crowd cheering]
[shouting indistinctly]
And his opponent, representing The System,
weighing in at 270 pounds,
he is the TNA X Division Champion,
Moose!
-[Booker T] Yeah. -[crowd exclaiming]
[Vic] Graves, this is a rarity.
A non-WWE championship defended on a WWE program.
Of course, the TNA Women's title was defended just last year.
[Corey] It's a rarity but the magnitude of the situation cannot be overstated.
Think about what this means
not only to Moose, but for all of TNA wrestling.
-Because Moose is being trusted… -[bell ringing]
…to represent his brand behind enemy lines.
If Moose comes up short tonight, he'll go to the locker room…
-[Booker T chuckles] -…and see that
he left the rest of the roster down
behind enemy lines. Sometimes, you don't recover from that.
[Booker T] I don't think that's… Did you see that staredown?
If looks could kill,
man, right now, Lexis King would be in the coffin. Trust me.
[Vic] This is the first time
in WWE history the TNA X-Division title will be defended live here…
-[Booker T] Oh, baby! -[Vic] …on NXT!
-[Booker T] That was hot. -[Corey] X-Division Championship,
which was brought to prominence
by some Superstars we're all familiar with, like AJ Styles,
Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, the Motor City Machine Guns,
A truly prominent championship.
[Vic] Yes, first person to hold that title was current Raw Superstar AJ Styles.
-You mentioned Chris Sabin. -[Corey] Whoa!
[Vic] He had it a record ten times. Hall of Famer Kurt Angle
also a former champion.
But, Graves, I gotta go back to that social media post we saw moments ago.
I just hope Ava's getting a little bit extra security out here.
[Corey] You and me both. I hope Ava's got Cincinnati PD on speed dial, on standby,
because this could be a historic night, not only for TNA, but for NXT as a whole.
[Booker T] Man!
[Vic] Back to back championship matches to kick us off here on NXT.
Of course, live in Cincinnati. Two weeks, we'll be live, New York City.
Roadblock here in Madison Square Garden.
But now, look at King. King trying to chop down Moose.
He's stated he's undefeated here in Cincinnati.
-He's looking to keep it that way. -[Corey] Easier said than done
when you're dealing with a physical anomaly like Moose. Big kick!
[Vic] King creating a little bit of separation.
-Now trying to take Moose off of his feet. -[Booker T] Uh-uh, that's not gonna work.
[Vic] And again, 6'6, 300 pounds,
in his eighth televised defense of the X-Division Championship.
And, you know, Booker, what's Moose's biggest attribute?
[Booker T] You know, in a word, versatility.
-You look at the guy. He's a big guy-- -[Vic] Whoa!
[Booker T] Exactly my point.
[Vic] He took Booker's words from him!
Who's walking out with the X-Division Title?
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Back live. Cincinnati sold out. Standing room only.
The TNA X-Division Championship on the line.
This, a rarity. Moose approaching 120 days as champion,
crossing the line here to NXT.
Lexis King, the Heritage Cup Champion, trying to fight back here in his hometown.
Moose, though, has been in control.
Take a look. Feel the impact.
Moose, a member of The System
that's been dominating TNA, and dominating tonight.
[Corey] Lexis King now, somehow finding the will to continue soldiering forward,
trying to stay in this fight!
[Booker T] I mean, Lexis King is at home, man. He's got a lot of fans.
He's got a lot of family out there.
How many tickets you think Lexis got for these people out here? Oh, yes!
[Vic] I don't know how, but it's sold out. There was a line around the block.
-But, oh, my… -[Booker T] You've got to be kidding me!
[Vic] Hurricanrana! Is it enough to…
No! Near fall, Moose.
[Booker T] To get a win at home is big, man,
if he can get past the hometown jinx.
[crowd chanting] NXT! NXT!
[Vic] King trying to have success here in Cincinnati like Booker did
-when he won the United States title! -[Booker T] Oh, baby!
-The Champion of Champions match? -[Vic] That, too.
You've had a lot of success here in Cincinnati,
[Corey] Lexis King is fired up, feeding off the WWE Universe,
as we see the challenger in this one,
King, throwing caution to the wind.
Lexis could very well be X-Division Champion
-in a matter of moments, guys! -[crowd chanting] This is awesome!
[Corey] From the top turnbuckle!
-[Booker T] Oh, perfect! -[Vic] High crossbody.
-[Booker T] Get it down! Damn it! -[Vic] Moose just kicked out!
He was one second away from going behind enemy lines,
Corey, to your point.
[Booker T] He was half a second from being in position there.
[Corey] Right now, King needs to keep his foot on the accelerator.
He's got the X-Division Champion down.
-Can King put Moose away for good? -[Vic] Trying to use that frame.
That giant 6'6, 300-pound frame of Moose just overpowering King.
We're getting into deep water of this matchup.
Nobody home. King charging in, got caught with a pump kick
out of the corner. Both men, center of the ring.
-And now, take a look. -[Booker T] Oh, baby!
[Vic] A man his size shouldn't move like that!
[Booker T] Talking about agile, versatile,
sometimes he gets quite hostile.
-Here we go, baby! -[Vic] One more time.
-Big powerbomb connects! -[Booker T] Oh, yes!
[Vic] Moose falls into the cover to retain!
-[crowd exclaiming] -[Corey] King is alive!
[Vic] He certainly is! Moose is shocked!
Take another look.
[Corey] This ridiculous athleticism from the X-Division Champion, Moose,
followed up immediately by a thunderous powerbomb,
was somehow still not enough to put Lexis King away!
[Booker T] Talking about Moose, 6'5, 300 pounds,
but very, very agile, with very nimble feet, man.
He's incredible!
[Vic] Premium live event atmosphere here in Cincinnati,
as the TNA X-Division Title on the line… Moose came in, got caught!
May have been looking for that spear, got hit with a superkick.
Now looking for the Coronation. There it is! King got it!
-King just crowned Moose live on NXT! -[Booker T] You've gotta be kidding me.
-Whoa. -[Vic] Moose just kicked out.
I mean, just kicked out.
-[Corey] Moose nearly lost everything. -[Booker T] That was so close.
[Corey] Does King have enough left to figure it out?
[Vic] Thing about Moose's size, King getting him back up,
looking for another one
This time, countered by Moose.
[Corey] Raw power.
[Vic] Setting his sights, charging in. Able to put the brakes on for a moment.
-And, man! -[crowd exclaiming]
[Corey] Cut King in half!
[Vic] Into the cover goes Moose. No Jackhammer Needed tonight to retain.
-["Moose" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
and still--
-["Hands Of Fate" playing] -[crowd cheering]
-[Vic] Oh, my, my, my! -[Booker T] Wait a minute.
Hold the phone!
[Vic] The NXT Champion is here!
-And he's pissed! -[Booker T] I love it, man.
I love it.
["Hands Of Fate" continues playing]
Cut the music! Cut the music!
[crowd jeering]
I see you made it past Lexis King.
Congratulations.
But now that that is out of the way, let's focus on what really matters here.
This.
'Cause this is what everybody wanted, right?
This is what the NXT Universe wanted, right?
[crowd cheering]
So, this is the match to make.
I never made it official.
So, in two weeks, at Roadblock in Madison Square Garden,
it's going to be the face of the franchise versus the ruler for the NXT Championship.
Title versus title in a collision that nobody has ever seen before!
["Hands Of Fate" playing]
[Joseph] Wow.
Get ready in the theater at Madison Square Garden.
We're going to have a colossal collision course at Roadblock.
And WWE Roadblock is coming to the theater
at Madison Square Garden, New York City, Tuesday, March 11th,
and after that, a blockbuster announcement
that was just made. NXT title will be on the line.
[Spears] NXT, the land of the talented,
the future but the misguided.
And my goal here is to guide high-quality, high-performing individuals,
shun them from any kind of negativity and find their inner light.
Brooks Jensen,
a former champion who was spiraling towards termination,
left out in the cold.
But after a complete transformation of mind, body and soul,
he is now exactly who he's been searching for…
all along,
Niko Vance, a prototype of physical characteristics,
a beacon of rage, whose metamorphosis comes from within,
his ferocity is not a curse,
it's a gift.
It's a gift he'll use on the cynics he lost to.
One piece was still missing.
Izzi Dame, the embodiment of cunning beauty.
Every move, every decision, calculated.
Every word that she speaks, premeditated.
Now, some will call that manipulation,
I call it strategy.
She understands that if you control the narrative,
victory is not only inevitable,
it's guaranteed.
And now my family is complete.
Tony D'Angelo,
you never really saw coming, did you?
And now there's a new family here to take over in NXT.
The only thing left to do is to take the North American Championship next week.
[Joseph] Well, guys, time will tell, huge matchup.
But it's time now to hear from the juggernaut herself.
Jordynne Grace, making her way to the ring.
We're going to hear from her next.
Hey, guys. Miss NXT here.
-Hey. -With Kelani!
And we just got to the venue in Cincinnati.
It's actually not that cold here.
It's actually really nice.
But I gotta ask you, what's going on with you and Jaida?
[growls] That name literally makes my blood boil!
What happened?
Because she always wants to blame everyone else
-for her not winning. -Kelani, are you talking about me again?
Jaida, I'm not talking to you.
Before I was really interrupted…
…it's her fault that she can't…
-My fault? -Jaida, I'm not talking to you. Jaida…
-[Parker speaking indistinctly] -[yells] Jaida, I'm not talking to you!
[clamoring]
[Joseph] It doesn't matter if it's the locker room,
the parking lot, or the bus,
those two need to settle their issues.
["Thicc Mama Pump" playing]
[Rome] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Jordynne Grace.
[Joseph] NXT trending number one right now, for good reason.
And there's Grace, who has made NXT not only the best, but the strongest
women's division in the world.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd continues cheering]
[crowd chanting "Jordynne"]
Hold on.
[crowd continues chanting]
From the moment that I stepped foot
into a WWE ring last year,
I knew exactly where I belonged.
[crowd cheering]
I walked in as an outsider,
carrying the weight of an entire company on my back.
[spectator] Yeah, you did.
But after spending some time in the NXT women's locker room,
feeling the hunger…
[chuckles softly]
I knew I had to be a part of it.
[crowd cheering]
So when the time finally came to put pen to paper, I didn't hesitate.
Because I had one thought, one singular goal…
to become a champion in what I truly believe
is the best women's division in the world.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting "NXT"]
Now,
the last time that I was standing here,
it was in between two women
who are like nothing we've ever seen before.
[scattered cheering]
But let me tell you one thing that I do know.
I know that Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer
felt the shift.
[scattered cheering]
They felt the foundation that they laid,
beginning to crack when I arrived.
And I heard what they had to say earlier.
But whether they like it or not, it's only a matter of time
before I'm standing here again,
not next to them in the ring,
but across from one of them.
[crowd cheering]
A juggernaut is unstoppable.
It's time that I finally--
["All Fall Down" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Booker T] Uh-huh. Uh-huh.
[Graves] What do you know about this, Book?
[Booker T] That's right. That's right.
Jordynne.
I just wanted to be the first to tell you,
welcome back.
I knew you'd end up back here eventually.
And I mean, it only makes sense.
You outgrew where you came from
and any female wrestler that wants to be a big star
knows that NXT is the place to be.
Whether it's from different promotions, different sports,
RAW, SmackDown.
Everyone wants to be a part of the division that I made famous.
[crowd cheering]
It's true.
And I heard you talking about putting brands on backs.
Yeah, that's what I've done for the past 12 months.
[crowd cheering]
And, Jordynne, uh, it's one thing to be at the top
of the TNA Knockouts division.
Big fish in a small pond,
[crowd gasping]
Well, this is still my division,
and you're in my world now, so you don't get to just come
and call the shots, especially not for my title.
Hold on one second. Explain this to me.
If this is your division…
[audience shouting indistinctly]
…where is your "title"?
[audience exclaiming]
Oh. Oh. Oh, you mean…
You mean the title that you couldn't beat me for at Battleground? That one?
-[audience exclaiming] -[laughs]
Yeah, I can play like that too, Jordynne.
And you literally just got here.
So don't make me send you packing back to TNA.
[audience exclaiming, gasping]
There's a gap between us.
It's been there since last year, and it's still there.
That's why I'm going to Toronto this weekend,
and I'm gonna win the Elimination Chamber.
And then, I'm gonna go to WrestleMania and become the Women's World Champion.
[audience cheering]
And, if I feel like it,
I might just become a record-breaking three-time NXT Women's Champion
and have everybody calling me Roxy Two-Belts.
[audience clapping, chanting] Roxy Two-Belts! Roxy Two-Belts!
Roxy Two-Belts!
-Hold on a second. -Roxy Two-Belts!
Roxanne, there's a famous saying, and you might know it.
And it goes that everyone has a plan, until…
-[commentators] Oh! -[Booker T] Damn!
[Corey] The Juggernaut just blasted The Prodigy.
[Vic] And Roxanne, right now, trying to slither away to the best of her abilities.
But look, verbal jabs were thrown.
This is a powder keg that is ready to explode.
["Thicc Mama Pump" playing]
Look, look, look.
"Trick Williams loses to Eddy Thorpe last week."
"Trick Williams ain't won a match all year."
I'm tired of Eddy Thorpe, of everybody. Y'all don't know me.
Trick, don't worry about it.
-We're going through the same thing. -What you say?
-We the same? -No--
No, no, you fighting over a smile.
I'm fighting over the NXT Championship.
All right. What I'm trying to say is that me and and Ethan--
You and Ethan can keep smiling, I'ma handle this NXT Championship, dawg.
-Stay in your lane. -[audience exclaiming]
-So you about to crash out? You sound-- -Damn right. I'm about to crash.
-So it's like that? -Yeah.
I was gonna show Ethan tonight. Guess I gotta show you too.
-What's up? -What you trying to do?
[audience cheering]
Ricky Saints.
Yeah, I heard about you.
[audience chanting] Ricky! Ricky! Ricky!
Ricky! Ricky!
Hey, I get being angry, but, damn, it gotta be all the time around here?
[rap music playing]
[Vic] Well, get ready, because the No Quarter Catch Crew
is set for their biggest challenge ever.
-You don't have to adjust your sets. -[audience cheering]
Matt and Jeff. The Hardy Boyz return to the WWE! Next!
Jaida Parker.
Earlier today, you and Kelani Jordan got into it on the bus.
Right there, respectfully, see, because Kelani done messed up.
She had the right idea, but the wrong one. Point blank. Period.
And she got things twisted, acting like everybody else up in here.
Kelani done lost her damn mind when she lost that title.
And Kelani's lack of confidence? That is not my problem.
But, baby, when it comes to my opportunities, I don't play.
Like that match tonight against Stephanie,
the one that Karmen fumbled, was mine.
But it all started because Kelani got butt-hurt
because I brushed her off like the gnat that she is.
But, baby, when it comes down to it, she gonna feel it more when I'm done with her.
So, Kelani, there may be a him in the WWE,
but, baby, in NXT, you ain't her.
And you're going to find out exactly why everybody says,
"Jaida Parker don't play."
Clock it.
-[crowd chanting] Let's go, Stephanie! -[laughing]
-[crowd chanting] Let's go, Stephanie! -[sighing]
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Stephanie!
[Vic] Well, we understand that is from the Mystery Four.
They're in the building now, guys, and that isn't good.
-["Substance Over Style" playing] -[bell dings]
[announcer] The following contest is a Tag Team Match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, representing No Corner Catch Crew
Myles Borne and Tavion Heights!
["Substance Over Style" continues]
[Vic] Got to give them credit, Graves. This duo called their shot.
[Corey] This could be the biggest opportunity of the Crew's career.
[Booker T] You think?
[audience cheering indistinctly]
-["Loaded" playing] -[audience cheering]
[announcer] And their opponents,
from the Hardy Compound in Cameron, North Carolina,
they are the TNA World Tag Team Champions,
Matt and Jeff,
The Hardy Boyz!
[Vic] Guys, the ovation is so damn loud,
even Myles can hear this!
[Corey] You're disgusting, but it does feel right.
-Matt and Jeff, back where they belong. -[Booker T] Just wrong.
That's wrong right there.
-[Corey] This is fantastic! -[Booker T] Come on. How you do that?
[Vic] Did you see him when it went off? He threw his hands in the air.
[crowd chanting] NXT! NXT!
[Corey] Unfortunately, for No Quarter Catch Crew,
they are in severe danger of being deleted tonight.
[Vic] A pair of celestial beings are the Hardys.
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[Booker T] It's amazing, guys. This is magical, it really is.
[Vic] Last time the Hardys team
on a WWE televised event,
April 9th, 2019.
[crowd chanting] Welcome back! Welcome back! Welcome back!
Welcome back! Welcome back! Welcome back!
[Vic] Never thought I'd be ringside calling a Hardys' match in NXT.
I remember your face, Graves, WrestleMania in Orlando.
One of the most shocking returns in WWE history.
Matt and Jeff nearly brought the entire stadium down,
and they brought the energy with them tonight in Cincinnati.
[crowd chanting] Hardy! Hardy! Hardy!
The charismatic enigma, Jeff Hardy, starting things off with Tavion Heights.
Tag team action, guys. Tag team action.
What a night it has been thus far.
Two championship matches, not to mention it'll be Titan versus Titan.
Oba versus Moose for the NXT title at Roadblock
-two weeks from tonight in New York City. -You see that?
Total disrespect from Tavion Heights.
[crowd exclaiming]
Well, this is an opportunity for Heights and for Borne, for No Quarter Catch Crew.
They're in there with what some consider to be the greatest tag team of all time.
Some, I would say many, myself included.
Watching Matt and Jeff right now work together so seamlessly
just reminds the entire WWE universe what we once enjoyed.
[Booker] These guys definitely have had a hell of a career
and it doesn't seem like it's going to stop anytime soon.
Three decades, Booker still innovating.
And what keeps 'em going. Like you say, innovating, groundbreaking.
Guys that have had so, so many moments in this business.
And Book, something else that keeps Matt
and Jeff going, the endless stream of young Lions looking to make a name
for themselves in the tag team division.
whether that be in NXT or TNA or anywhere around the globe.
-Cover by Jeff. -Off the spin cycle,
not able to get it down. You talk about No Quarter Catch Crew.
You also talk about Fraxiom, the NXT Tag Team Champions
who are going to be watching this matchup very closely.
No doubt keeping a close eye on this, but when it comes to Tavion Heights,
Myles Bourne, this could really define their careers.
Drop kick to the back, into the cover, hook of the leg, and another near fall.
This could jumpstart their momentum in NXT.
and potentially for the rest of their careers if they're the team
that knocks off and spoils the Hardy's buck.
-The return… -Oh, baby, here we go.
Eight-time WWE Tag Team Champions,
former WCW Tag Team Champions, three-time TNA Tag Team Champions,
but the No Quarter Catch Crew don't give a damn about any of that.
It's now Myles Borne ripping away at the joints of Jeff Hardy.
I'm loving the approach right now of the NQCC having no respect
for the Hardees.
And if you're going to beat a team like this, that's exactly the approach
that you got to have, man.
[crowd chanting] You're not ready!
You know, a win tonight with a no-quarter catch coming, let's be honest here.
It put them in line for a future NXT and TNA tag team title opportunity.
No doubt about it. Great teamwork here by Borne and Heights.
-Jeff makes the tag to Matt. -Matt is legal.
Heights doesn't realize it, but he does now.
This is certainly a career-defining match for Heights and for Borne.
And this time, Heights able to catch.
Matt Hardy made the tag. In comes Borne.
And these two right now, Borne.
-Oh! The okie doke! -Oh, baby.
Fantastic teamwork by No Quarter Catch Crew,
and now it's Matt Hardy, who's in all types of trouble.
Extra training sessions with Charlie Dempsey,
-Oh, guys, wait, wait. -and trying to steal a page out
of Hardy's book. Didn't work out that well.
Matt over, made a tag, in comes Jeff.
Hardy's still got a few tricks up the old sleeve, man.
-Oh, you can say that again. -Wait, look at Jeff!
I suppose if Matt's not available, Tavion will do.
Turning right around.
Matt now looking for a twist of fate into the DDT.
It was great.
I think Tavion sensed the twist of fate coming.
Matt called the audible with the DDT.
-Jeff sends Myles Bourne to the outside. -Hardy Boyz are in control at this moment.
What keep these guys going, man?
What keep the Hardys in the game? Seriously, man.
Hold on one more second here. Look at Jeff.
-Oh, no, no, no, no, no. -And a running start.
Wow.
Talking about the kings of extreme, that's the Hardys, man.
So outstanding, Ramon Lico went absolutely nuts!
-Oh, counter, turn around, big! -Oh, baby.
Big power slam by Bourne, cover hook in the leg.
And Jeff Hardy just able to kick out which one of these two teams
is gonna stand tall at the end of the night.
[crowd chanting] You're not ready!
What a tag team encounter this has been. NQCC has been in control.
They've been able to weather the storm.
There's the current NXT Tag Team Champions,
Axiom and Nathan Frazier, who are getting a great look
at the action, who are out here to prove that they are the best,
and they want to see the best.
Hardy Boyz, though, we're rolling early on.
The Hardy Boyz were rolling, including some trademark daredevilry
by Jeff, but the no-quarter catch crew have done a phenomenal job
of weathering the early storm of the Hardys and ripped control
of this tag team matchup away from Matt.
Not just that, the NQCC has come in with a great plan, man.
I think that's what it is.
These guys came in ready for this moment right here.
Jeff trying to help rally Matt, who right now has been grounded
by Tavion Heights, an Olympic athlete.
-This is not where Matt Hardy wants to be. -You gotta give it up for Tavion
and Myles Borne.
These two right now looking like a well-oiled machine.
Look at that right there.
When one is not there, here comes the other.
Oh, here we go!
This is that door, though, Graves, for Matt Hardy.
Look at Jeff!
-What about Tavion? -It was the door for Matt,
but Jeff just took himself out of the equation.
Jeff back up.
Made the tag, and this is why they've won so many tag team titles.
The ability to know where the other is at every moment.
And Jeff Hardy now rocking. He's rolling.
And taking it to Myles Bourne.
Vintage right there from… Oh!
Jeff Hardy, here we go.
Into the cover. Hook of the leg.
And Bourne able to kick out. See, you can say that word.
I can't say that. That's Michael Cole's thing.
-You can take it. I cannot. -I'm taking it. I'm taking it, damn it.
And Hyde's coming right back in. And look at Jeff Hardy.
Two on one. Things starting to break down.
NQCC starting to take control once again.
And Jeff by himself.
You can never count Jeff Hardy on this plate.
-Oh, baby! Here we-- -Whisper in the wind!
[crowd chanting] NXT! NXT! NXT!
[Booker T] Vintage.
-[crowd chanting] NXT! NXT! NXT! -Cincinnati on their feet.
[crowd chanting] NXT! NXT! NXT!
Look at this yet again.
We've seen it a million times in the past, and we may see it a million more.
Jeff Hardy doing what he does best.
Whoa! Just got yoked up by heights.
-Look at this. -Four now. Oh!
-Double up! -High impact!
-Is this it? -This could be it.
Oh, Matt Hardy saving things for the team.
Just like Moose, you can't go back behind enemy lines after this sort of matchup.
Give it up for the NQCC guys, bringing the fight.
They have brought the fight here tonight.
-And again, in the center of the ring. -Look at that.
-Look at the power. -Talk about getting… Oh, oh.
A tag was made. Matt Hardy made the tag. Bourne doesn't realize it.
Missed once.
A little bit of a plot twist.
Cover! And-- Oh!
Tavion just able to get under Jeff to break up the count.
[Corey] Jeff looked to cut Tavion off at the pass,
but Heights just a little too quick in that instance.
But yet again, the Hardys have the numbers advantage.
But watch Borne! Oh! Nobody home.
[Vic] Drop kick didn't catch.
But you know what did?
Twist of Fate!
-[crowd cheering] -[Booker chuckling]
[Booker] Oh, we gonna see it!
[Vic] Cincinnati knows what's next!
A patented Swanton Bomb!
-Matt's legal! Into the cover. -[crowd chanting] One! Two! Three!
-[bell rings] -[Vic] And things were taken
to the NX-treme tonight!
-["Loaded" playing] -[Mike] Here are your winners,
the Hardy Boyz!
[Vic] What a match!
What a moment!
[Corey] Let's take another look at Jeff Hardy.
One final delete before the Swanton Bomb!
-Many have imitated. -[crowd] One! Two! Three!
[Corey] No one does it better than the innovator himself.
Welcome to NXT, Matt, Jeff.
Matt and Jeff Hardy,
congratulations on a huge victory.
Now, let us be the first to welcome you to NXT.
[crowd cheering]
Thank you. I appreciate that.
And for the record, I love NXT thus far.
Hey, man, I've watched you and you defend your titles in TNA,
and I'm not gonna lie, you guys are killing it.
It's damn impressive, the run you're on.
Bro, look at us.
We're standing here as the greatest tag team in the world today.
Standing face to face
with the greatest tag team of all time.
[crowd cheering]
Spare the small talk. Let's make it happen.
Fraxiom versus the Hardy Boyz!
We'll find out who's the best tag team in the world, brother!
[indistinct conversation]
["La Vittoria E Mia" playing]
-[crowd cheering] -[Vic laughs]
[Corey] The TNA Director of Authority is in the house!
[indistinct shouting]
[crowd chanting repeatedly] Santino!
[inaudible]
Ladies and gentlemen, I've been talking with Ava in the back,
and we have a big decision and announcement to make.
You see, in New York City,
at Roadblock,
it's going to be Fraxiom
versus the Hardy Boyz,
and it's going to be
for the TNA World Tag Team championships!
-[Vic] Hell yeah! -[Corey] Wow!
[Vic] TNA Director of Authority, Santino Marella, with a bombshell!
Two weeks, New York City, theater of Madison Square Garden.
It's going down at Roadblock!
[narrator] Time for tonight's NXT Showcase.
-I texted him, he hasn't… responded yet. -I haven't heard from him.
I don't know what happened last week.
I was in control, and then boom! Spears got the drop on me.
Speak of the devil.
Sit. Sit.
D, look, about last week.
-I'm sorry. I was just trying this… -Stacks.
You can't win them all.
Look, I appreciate what you did last week.
But I had to lay low,
get things right.
Now, listen, I was… I was beaming with pride,
watching you direct The Family in my absence.
Now Spears, he's a smart guy.
Tough guy.
That's something I gotta handle next week.
D, I appreciate that.
But should you be doing this in the condition you're in?
-Maybe you should wait. -[Luca] Stacks.
-He's the Don. It's his-- -Whoa!
He's Don the boss, he gets a say.
Now, look, I know what he's trying to do.
Take care of The Family, as he should.
Now, Stacks,
I appreciate what you're saying.
But I gotta handle this.
Tony's got this.
Look, I'm just not going to do these handstands anymore.
We're not built to walk on our hands.
-[grunts] -Well, it's just a sprain.
So you'll be okay.
Plus, that type of training helped us beat Lash and Jakara. Just saying.
All right. You're not right, but you're not wrong.
They didn't beat us--
The eagle has landed and Chelsea Green is in the building.
I need this room cleared.
So let's move, people! Go, go, go! Move! Move! Move!
Massage time! Ugh!
Why are they here?
P, tell them that the thrift store is that way,
-as is the door. -[Piper] Mmm-hmm.
-The United States-- -Yeah. Thanks.
-We heard her. -She interrupted me.
And I would say two back to back tag wins makes us better than you.
Because when was the last time you won?
She's smiling at us?
She is. But don't worry.
[electricity crackling]
-I think that's not allowed. -P!
Tell them that they are like Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez.
Destined for failure and never would stand a chance in the ring against us--
Oh! How about we try that next week?
-Ooh! That's a good idea. -Slow your roll there, Mad Max.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
You know what, P? Agree to whatever. Sign the executive order.
-I've got a massage-- -Sounds good!
We'll see you guys next week.
Wait. What did you just agree to there?
We have a match next week.
Well, that was stupid, wasn't it?
-Why would you say yes to that? -I--
-[Vic] Is Chelsea coming to NXT? -[bell dinging]
[Mike] The following contest is scheduled for one-fall.
Introducing first,
Arianna Grace!
[theme song playing]
[Mike] And her opponent,
from Miami, Florida,
Lola Vice!
[theme song continues playing]
[Vic] These two ready to square off after an altercation earlier.
Little bit of a heated conversation
-between these two. -[Booker T] Whoa!
[Corey] Oh! Great answer by Arianna Grace.
What a jab.
[Vic] As right now, duck and one,
catching her with the right was Grace.
[Booker T] I don't like…
I don't like this right here for Arianna's sake.
You don't want to throw hands with Lola Vice.
[Vic] Well, Grace the liaison to TNA
and, certainly, women have been in power here on Tuesday nights.
The main event, Grace is, obviously, on a roll,
-our general manager, Ava. -[Booker T exclaims]
I'm a Latina!
[Vic] Oh! Charging right in and…
Arianna Grace might be regretting trading in her sash for the boots…
[Corey] Look. How many nights do you spend on the couch?
That's what I'm curious about.
[Vic] I've been asking for three years. I've never got a straight answer,
but spine right to steel,
-and now… -[Corey] Look at Ms. NXT go to work.
[Vic] …more of an aggressive side out of Arianna Grace
because she had to hear from Lola Vice
that her family didn't teach her how to fight.
[Corey] Well, I'm saying the opposite thus far from Ms. Grace.
-Beautiful flying back elbow. -[Booker T] Looking great right now!
[Vic] Arianna Grace, obviously, not very happy with Lola
continuing to say she's a better liar than she's a beauty queen.
And right now, she is throwing hands with Lola Vice.
[Corey] I've been extremely impressed by Arianna Grace right now.
-It's kind of a… -[Booker T] Whoa, baby!
[Corey] …a mental battle as well for Ms. NXT.
I mean, stepping in the ring with someone as lethal as Lola Vice,
that's the kind of woman that will cut your brake lines
then post up at the intersection to watch what happens.
[Booker T] I think Arianna Grace has caught Lola Vice off-guard here, man,
with this offensive series.
[Vic] Well, look. Lola had a mighty call out earlier.
She called out Grace, as we mentioned, and her entire family.
Graves, Grace is not used to being talked to in that sort of manner.
[Corey] Why would she be?
Arianna Grace is Ms. NXT.
She's a woman of class, of education.
Uh, Arianna Grace should be a role model for the entire NXT universe.
[Vic] You're giving us a taste of what's gonna happen
when Chelsea Green's here, aren't you,
when she's competing in tag team action?
[Corey] Listen, I will speak when spoken to
as long as I'm given permission by Ms. Niven.
[Vic] Well… Oh! Big kick, though, by Lola…
[Corey] I'm still open for a spot. I'm waiting for my confirmation.
[Vic] A couple of quick kicks.
[Booker T] Oh! Get out your hot, hot Cholula green, man.
Please! No!
[Vic] Tring to…
[groans]
[Vic] …get her way out but just got caught
-with a big back fist from Lola. -[Booker T] Good night.
-[bell ringing] -[Vic] And a vicious one at that
-for the victory. -[Booker T] Yeah.
[Mike] Here is your winner,
Lola Vice!
[Vic] Big win for…
What's going on? Get a camera back there.
[objects clattering]
[muffled yelling]
[indistinct shouting]
[Eddy] Here we are in Cincinnati.
Right down the road from great American ballpark
near the Ohio river,
you know there was once a time when my people stood proudly on this land,
until they were forcibly removed by a higher authority.
Pushed out west to be displaced and ignored.
You know that reminds me of something.
Like how at Vengeance Day,
I did exactly what I said I was gonna do,
and I beat NXT's golden child Trick Williams.
And yet the powers that be still want to deny me another opportunity
to become champion.
And I tried doing things the right way,
and I got labeled the bad guy.
Then, I beat Trick fair and square with my strap,
still bad guy.
Trick, you say you're gonna drag me under?
Hell, I've been down here
fighting everyday for the same opportunities that you get.
So if I've got to do this again…
I want you just as bad as you want me.
You name the time and the place. Okay?
Guys, looks to me that Eddy Thorpe is frustrated, motivated,
and if I'm trick Williams, I'm watching my back 24/7.
Well, you can feel the energy here all night long.
We are sold out, standing room only here in Cincinnati.
Look, we've been a lot of big news tonight.
Oba Femi is gonna face Moose at Roadblock
for the NXT Championship,
and I understand Sarah Schreiber is standing by
with our General Manager, Ava.
Thanks so much, Vic.
Yes, it has been eventful night here in Cincinnati.
So let's keep it going.
Ava, you said you have a major announcement.
I do. I actually have a few.
So we're on officially on the road to Stand & Deliver,
but first, in two weeks we are going to be live from York City
with Roadblock.
And as you heard earlier,
it will be Oba versus Moose for the NXT Championship.
And as we just heard from Santino,
Nathan and Axiom will take on the Hardy Boyz
for the TNA Tag team championships.
But, biggest announcement of all,
I spoke to Stephanie, and I spoke to Giulia,
and they have agreed to compete for the first time in WWE history.
But, it's not gonna be just a normal match.
Champion vs Champion, Title vs Title.
One woman will walk out of the theatre at Madison Square Garden
with both titles.
Wow. Ava, that is going to be a historic night
in New York City,
Thanks so much, always.
Back to you, guys.
[Vic] Thank you very much.
What a night, though, it's gonna be in New York.
City of Dreams has a dream match in two weeks.
But, next week in Orlando, gold will be on the line
as Shawn Spears will meet The Don, Tony D'Angelo
with the North American Title hanging in the balance.
Who will leave as champion?
[Corey] And we finally get to take this rivalry
from the bus back to the squared circle
where it belongs.
Kelani Jordan goes one-on-one with Ms. Parker.
Sol Luca and Zaria make it three in row
To do so, they must beat the team of Piper Niven
and the Women's United States Champion Chelsea Green.
I wonder if Green will sign an executive order to get out of this match up.
It's a tag team showdown next week live in Orlando
but it's main event time now in Cincinnati.
[bell ringing]
[Mike] The following contest is a Tag Team match for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied by Tyson Dupont
and Tyriek Igwe, from Dayton Ohio,
weighing 178 pounds, Wes Lee!
[Vic] New look, new attitude and his presence has been felt at TNA.
Now here in the main event on NXT.
[Corey] Wes Lee relishes the opportunity before him tonight to play spoiler.
To ruin the welcoming party for the newest superstar in NXT.
Wes Lee would love to be the man responsible
for the downfall before it even begins.
[rock music playing]
[Mike] His tag team partner from Ontario, Canada,
weighing in at 235 pounds
All Ego
Ethan Page!
[Corey] What's the matter Vic, where did your smile go?
-Afraid you are going to have it stolen? -[Vic] He stole all right. Not only mine.
Typically likes to work alone but since no one can trust him,
apparently Ethan Page… Page and Lee have common enemies.
They're brought together tonight for our Tag Team main event.
[Mike] And their opponent,
first from North Carolina, weighing in at 180 pounds,
Je'Von Evans.
[Vic] That little sneak peek you can see,
Je'Von Evans still with that mouthpiece
and he's tearing a hole through Ethan Page.
He beat Ethan Page out of the arena last week.
♪ Welcome to the revolution ♪
[Mike] And his tag team partner from New Orleans, Louisiana,
weighing in at 200 pounds,
Ricky Saints!
[Vic] The city charmer is here.
Corey, what are you looking for out of Saints?
[Corey] Ricky Saints may be new to NXT
but this man is a veteran of the squared circle around the globe.
At various times in his career,
protege to none other than CM Punk
and the American Nightmare Cody Rhodes.
I texted Cody. I asked Cody what we should look out for
Cody said this, "Ricky is a maverick in every sense of the word
and the most naturally gifted wrestler since Barry Windham."
And perhaps most shockingly of all,
Cody said, "Ricky is my most trusted and perhaps only friend left."
[Vic] Wow! That is high praise.
-[bell ringing] -[Vic] Looking for the right hand.
The young OG set a beeline and Page answering back.
Page knows exactly what he needs to do.
Get another right hand to the jaw of Je'Von Evans.
[Corey] Experienced the emotional storm by Je'Von Evans in the past
and Page realizes you can weather it.
You gotta wait till Je'Von makes a mistake and then capitalize.
[Vic] Tag was made. Je'Von doesn't care about Wes Lee, he wants Ethan Page.
[chuckles] That's a lot of meat there.
[crowd exclaiming]
[Vic] There comes Wes Lee.
[Booker T] Je'Von Evans needs to get control of himself,
This is the worst thing for him with this type of attitude.
Control, man. Control is what you need.
[Vic] A lot going on tonight. A lot going on.
[Booker T] Here we go.
[crowd exclaims]
[Vic] Look at Wes Lee right now. Overpowering Je'Von Evans.
Evans right back around, shoulders down into the cover,
and a quick kickout by Lee,
who pounces right back up, gets caught lands on his feet,
trying to charge back in.
Je'Von Evans now with spring in his step and taking down Wes Lee.
[Booker T] A little more composure.
Going for a cover. Here we go.
[Vic] Off the drop kick. And it's not enough.
[Corey] Not gonna lie, I thought for a second
we were watching more 2K25 footage.
[Vic] No kidding. Absolutely unreal.
Je'Von Evans does create in 2K with ease.
And now looking for a tag.
And welcome officially
-Ricky Saints to NXT. -[Booker T] Let's see what he's got.
[Corey] I texted CM Punk to get his thoughts on Ricky Saints…
And boom! Ricky said…
I'm sorry Punk said Ricky has a natural swagger
that most superstars spend their entire lives chasing.
[Vic] We have seen it on display.
There's a lot of excitement. Saints has been doing media all week.
Ready to show up, show out, shock the wrestling world.
[all exclaim]
[Vic] Disrespect from Wes Lee. That could be a mistake,
we have learned Ricky Saints can be as charming as the day is long
but when you disrespect him, he will not take it.
He put pen to paper last week and Wes Lee was not happy.
Some of the things that went down on NXT have irked his opponents.
[Booker T] Ricky will find out why everybody is so angry and on the edge.
It's about Championships and competition and moving to the next level.
Beautiful kick.
[Corey] superhuman height on the dropkick executed by Je'Von Evans
with the assist by Ricky Saints.
-But what-- -[all exclaim]
[Vic] They just wiped out Wes Lee as well into our right.
They are rolling, what a main event we've got on NXT.
Saints and Evans have been working like a well-oiled unit in this match.
Saints was able to cut the ring in half, jump to the other side, pull Page back.
-Great tag team wrestling. -[Booker T] Great tag team.
The report card is out on this guy, I want to see exactly
what he can show me but right now he's doing a hell of a job.
[Vic] When it comes to Saints on the outside,
is there more pressure on his shoulders than he might be used to?
[Booker T] When I came from WCW over to WWE,
I always said you gotta make it in the locker room first
and it seems like he has that part covered.
[Vic] Someone who does not is Ethan Page,
he doesn't care who likes him or boos him
or cheers him either.
He's walked a similar path to Ricky Saints
that led to NXT and the success that Page has tasted recently.
A headbutt from Evans-- Wait a second.
And Ethan Page just got helped out.
-[Corey] Oh, my God! -[Vic] Spine first!
Oh, my God!
The referee has to check out Je'Von.
[Corey] When are you gonna learn your lesson Je'Von?
Ethan Page will stop at nothing to be your ruin.
Case in point.
Agonizing impact across the top turnbuckle.
[Booker T] That's the difference, Ethan Page is willing to pull the trigger,
he's willing to go to the place so many are not willing to go.
[Vic] No one is smiling anymore.
There is one man has a sinister one on his face and that would be Ethan Page.
[Corey] I thought you were talking about me,
-I am enjoying the hell out of this. -[Vic] I hadn't looked to my left.
Yeah, you have a sickening smile as well.
[Corey] You have to appreciate what all the rings to the table,
he has strategy, he's got ability
and he will be a major player for years to come.
[Vic] Tag was made. Here comes Wes Lee
continuing to target the lower back of Je'Von.
[Booker T] I love that Wes Lee is networking with Ethan Page
because Page can teach Wes Lee so much about the business side of the business.
[Vic] Saints is looking over at these two.
The flag bearers of negativity here in NXT.
Page, Wes brought together.
Upset they aren't talked about more here in NXT.
Look at these short jabs right to the lower back.
[Corey] Why is it when it is when people don't agree with it, it's negativity?
-Maybe perspective is the problem. -[Vic] My perspective--
Cover and a kickout. You have Ethan Page going out of his way
to maliciously and viciously attack people and sideline them.
You have someone in Wes Lee getting in the face of Saints,
who is upset that Sarah Schreiber left her interview last week
when she just wanted to get a word with Saints after the end of their interview.
[Corey] Do you know how bad it sucks to be in the middle of expressing yourself
and somebody come up and take your place on the red carpet?
You can't ignore someone who's trying to speak their mind
that's why Wes Lee is fired up. And I don't blame him.
[Vic] So, you're blaming Sarah Schreiber.
[Booker T] She should ask the right questions.
She might wind up on the list if she doesn't do her job right.
[Vic] Big knees to the chest. Dropping Evans.
Saints trying to get into the ring.
Got caught! Big powerslam, cover.
Oh, my God! Getting the right shoulder up.
And now you look at the eyes of someone like Ethan Page and he is not happy.
Ethan Page is here on NXT
and as we look at the tremendous power of All Ego.
[Corey] Page is not happy
that people are trying to make their names at his expense.
Je'Von Evans. Now, you can throw Ricky Saints into that conversation.
[Vic] Connected with that kick.
Certainly did. And look who's closer to his partner,
It's Evans who desperately needs to reach out
and find his partner and there it is.
In comes Saints, in comes Lee.
Cincinnati is fired up.
Look at Ricky Saints. A smooth operator.
Hitting the tornado DDT.
[Corey] Saints is absolutely on fire.
[Booker T] I'm liking this kid. I'm beginning to like this kid.
[Vic] Tilt-a-whirl.
[Corey] Gut-buster.
[crowd chanting] Ricky!
[Vic] Sants-- That was a massive, crack your ribs spear.
Counting-- Page breaking it up.
And here's Je'Von with that Superman-esque punch.
Watch out, incoming!
[all exclaiming]
[Corey] Je'Von Evans taking out All Ego on the outside of the ring--
Oh, no! The barricade.
[Vic] Je'Von was talking to Trick Williams
that he was getting under his skin.
He is beating Ethan Page out of the arena
and that leaves just two, Saints and Lee in this tag team main event.
Big kick connect from Wes Lee.
He has got the job done so many times here in NXT.
[Corey] Never bet against Wes Lee.
Ricky Saints in all types of trouble right now.
[Vic] Lee charging back in,
moving through, popping up and he sits right down.
Saints now. He might be outnumbered.
But he is taking on everybody.
No one is going to spoil the NXT debut of Ricky Saints.
[indistinct]
Cover, count-- Just able to kick out.
[Corey] Wes Lee was almost that man,
the man who spoiled the debut of Ricky Saints in NXT.
Things are looking good for Wes Lee right now.
[Booker T] Take advantage of this moment Wes Lee.
He's all alone. He's all by himself.
That's Ricky Saints I'm talking about.
[Vic] You saw the elbows and now you see the knees,
the culmination offense trying to punish Ricky Saints in the center of the ring.
And a rude welcome for Saints
as Lee looking for the cardiac kick!
[Corey] Whoa! Look at the power of Ricky Saints!
[Vic] You could say that again, looking for the Rochambeau!
[crowd] One, two, three.
-[bell ringing] -Welcome to NXT.
[Mike] Here are your winners,
the team of Je'Von Evans
and Ricky Saints!
[Vic] This was in fact technically a Tag Team matchup
with the closing moments devolved into a singles match.
Everything is coming up Ricky tonight.
Je'Von Evans launching himself to the outside,
unable to contain his emotions.
For all we know is Je'Von and All Ego
are battling outside right now.
Outside the arena here.
It was intense and volatile but in the ring,
Ricky Saints letting the world know.
Come on, Tyriek, come on, Tyrone…
I will fight Tyson, I'll fight them all,
I am all fired up about Rochambeau.
Ricky Saints as advertised.
Believe the hype!
What a night in the main event,
let's talk about what is going down next week here on NXT.
Because the family's back is against the wall
with Shawn Spears breathing down their neck.
The NXT North America Championship on the line next week
when Spears tries to take it from The Don live on NXT.
[Corey] How about this, we saw things get volatile on the bus earlier.
Kelani Jordan goes one-on-one with Jada Parker.
[Vic] And Women's Tag Team matchup,
Ruca, Zaria taking on Chelsea Green and Piper Niven.
It's all going down next week.
Tonight, it was all about Ricky Saints. It's been a huge night.
Roadblock with championship matches.
The road to WrestleMania weekend continues with twists and turns here on NXT. g.