[intro music playing]
[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
-[crowd cheering] -[crowd chanting] Stephanie! Stephanie!
Stephanie, Stephanie, quick question.
You get to call your shot on who you want to defend
your NXT Women's title against at Stand and Deliver.
So, when can we expect your decision?
I think I will have my decision after this match.
-[crowd cheering] -["Bury Me" playing]
[Vic] Well, guys, we are kicking things off with our women's champion.
[crowd chanting] La Primera! La Primera!
[Mike] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome the NXT Women's Champion,
Stephanie Vaquer!
[Vic] Guys, look who is joining us here.
-[Booker T] Stand up! Stand up! -[Vic] We are standing, Booker.
Well, all three of us are standing with the champion.
And she is joining us here on commentary.
He's already fired up and we know why, Corey.
[Corey] It's gonna be one of those nights.
["Thicc Mama Pump" playing]
[bell dings]
[Mike] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Austin, Texas, Jordynne Grace!
[Vic] And the champion getting a closer look.
There's nothing wrong with that.
And there is the Juggernaut, Graves.
And there's a lot of hostility in this opening contest.
[Corey] Jordynne Grace has been dominant since arriving in NXT.
We saw her accounting of herself in the Royal Rumble match.
Jordynne Grace has been the talk of the town so to speak, but she wants gold.
[crowd chanting] Miss Parker! Miss Parker!
["About That Time" playing]
[Mike] And her opponent from Port St. Lucie, Florida,
Jaida Parker!
[Vic] And here's a woman who appears to fear no one.
[Corey] When it comes to confidence, i think Jaida Parker is without parallel.
The future is bright and it might be laden with gold
-if Ms. Parker has her way. -[Booker T] Oh, yeah.
[Vic] I would like to welcome in our women's champion at this moment.
Stephanie, to follow-up on what you just said to Kelly,
did you just indirectly say that the winner of this match-up
will be your opponent at Stand and Deliver?
[Stephanie] I cannot--
[Vic] You have to speak up.
We are having some technical difficulties here.
What I did say, Stephanie, was,
is the winner of this match-up,
did you just say would be your opponent at Stand and Deliver?
[Stephanie] Yes. But let me be clear.
I say I've made my position after this match.
And it is not over yet.
-So, don't push me. -[Vic] I'm not trying to push you.
[Booker T] I thought I heard the same exact thing.
What are you doing, Vic?
[Vic] I just wanted some verification from our champion
for those that are watching at this moment.
We are opening with one hell of a match-up.
These two have brawled throughout the performance center last week.
They've been separated all day until this very moment.
The Juggernaut has dreamed of competing on WrestleMania week.
Stand and Deliver, a week from Saturday inside T-Mobile Arena.
The bar, Graves, gets set for WrestleMania Saturday at Stand and Deliver.
[Corey] Every time WrestleMania happens, NXT delivers the goods.
As you said, sets the bar incredibly high.
Sets the tone for the entire weekend. This year will be absolutely no different.
Oh! Look at the Juggernaut go.
[Vic] Following it right up, right into the cover. Hook of the leg.
And a near fall.
Women's champion ringside sitting with us, taking this match in.
Book, we know that neither woman in this match-up is going to back down.
[Booker T] Why would they?
Vic, I mean, this is about being the number one contender
for the Women's Championship.
-Right now, we have Stephanie Vaquer-- -[Stephanie] Oh, my gosh.
[Booker T] Stephanie watching on. Looking at who she gotta beat.
[Vic] Got a bird's eye view here at ringside.
Dangerous position.
-[Corey] Oh, my God. Oh, my God. -[Stephanie] Oh, my God.
[Vic] And at the last moment, Grace able to counter.
But hoisting right back up on the shoulders of Jaida Parker.
-And Parker throws Grace. -[Booker T] Dang.
[Corey] That may have been the opening Jaida Parker needed
to turn this matchup into her favor.
-With the champion-- Wait a minute. -[Booker T] Wait a minute.
[Vic] Blockbuster into the cover.
For the victory.
Grace kicking out.
[Booker T] That's true. That's a brand new wrinkle coming from Jaida Parker
going into her trick bag. Always talk about that.
Your playbook is very necessary.
[Vic] Stephanie, you're getting a great look at these two competitors.
We saw what you did last week.
Why is it so important to you to give back to the women's division?
[Stephanie] It's so important for me. I'm making opportunities.
Not just for me, but it's coming after me, you know?
For everyone.
For all my women's division.
[Vic] The women who will follow in your footsteps, of course.
Two more women's North American championship Ladder Match qualifiers
still to come here tonight.
Jaida Parker in control. Take it over, Book.
[Booker T] Are we going to do it? Are we going to see it?
-[Stephanie] Oh, yeah. -[Booker T] Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.
Oh, yes, ma'am.
[Vic] NXT continues to roll on.
This has been a hard-hitting affair
between Parker and Grace here on NXT.
Our women's champion Stephanie Vaquer sitting with us ringside.
[Corey] Are you surprised?
This is exactly what Stephanie Vaquer is here to witness.
Two of them top competitors in the division doing battle
over hopefully, the right to challenge for the NXT Women's Championship.
[Vic] Up and over.
Looking for the powerbomb. Nice counter though by Parker.
Do you remember a more competitive time in our NXT women's division, Booker?
I mean, honestly?
[Booker T] Look here, man.
Stephanie Vaquer, she unified the championship.
She defended the championship.
She made history.
I've never seen it like it is right now. Women's division is on fire.
[Vic] As this match-up continues here, Parker tries to plant Grace.
-Wait a minute. -[Booker T] Oh, baby. Oh, baby.
-[Vic] Whoa! Counter! -[Booker T] Whoa!
[Vic] Look at the power.
The strength of the Juggernaut.
Wow!
Unique offense.
Both these women leading an all-out
to impress the woman sitting to Corey's left.
The women's champion, Stephanie Vaquer.
[crowd chanting] NXT! NXT!
[Vic] You can hear the NXT Universe.
I've got to get your thoughts on what Booker just said though, Stephanie.
Your thoughts on the women's Ladder Match
for the championship you relinquished.
[Stephanie] Yeah.
I know they will show why NXT is the best women's division on the planet.
[Vaquer] So, we may the best win.
[Vic] And we will find out in Las Vegas. Two more qualifying matches tonight.
Also tonight, that massive six-man tag team matchup,
featuring the team of Oba, Trick, and Je'von Evans,
the same three that will main event Stand & Deliver.
Was looking for the backslash counter. Catching the boot.
Parker coming in. That was a short hip check.
A little bit of Hypnotic, but Grace back to her feet.
[Corey] Not as much impact as Jaida would've liked, but effective nonetheless.
Now looking to impose her will even further on The Juggernaut,
who answers with a pair of chops.
[Vic] Parker, who has been so close to championship gold over the last year,
might be going for the ride here tonight.
Face first over that top turnbuckle!
And again, the power of The Juggernaut!
[Booker T] Look at the supernatural strength of Jordynne Grace. Amazing.
[Corey] Down goes Parker.
[Vic] Off the neckbreaker. Into the cover. And…
Parker, again, getting that left shoulder just off the mat.
What a matchup this has been.
And let's take another look, Graves.
[Corey] Shoulder lock into a neckbreaker from The Juggernaut.
Almost picked up the W. But Parker is still in this.
[Vic] What is going through the mind of our Women's Champion as…
Well, Grace, again, just got countered. Parker turning it right around,
hoisting up… Again, countered. The knee buckle.
Maybe looking for a Dragon Sleeper of sorts. Big knee. A second one.
Grace is getting locked right now by Parker.
[Corey] Parker trying to fight the submission attempt of Grace.
Manages to do so. What does Jaida have next?
Face first goes The Juggernaut. Here it comes!
[Vic] Looking for… Oh! Looking for the…
[Corey] Great counter by Grace, going low, avoiding the Hypnotic.
[Vic] Listen, the counter was almost luck.
[Corey] Either way, it was effective. Here comes Jordynne! Oh, no!
That's why they call it high-risk, fellas!
[Vic] It certainly was. And look, Jordynne trying to create separation,
pushing Parker off.
[Corey] Steph shouldn't be out here. There goes incidental contact. Oh!
[Vic] There was nothing incidental about that! And look at Grace.
Grace is back up, firing away.
All hell's starting to break loose. And now, the champion just hit Jordynne!
-She was aiming for Parker! -[bell rings]
The referee, no choice, having to call for the bell.
This is starting to break down.
[Corey] An understandable decision by the official,
but we're still left without an answer. Who does Vaquer want?
It was a safe assumption, Stephanie was defending--
-[Vic] Uh-oh. -[Corey] Oh, my!
The Beautiful Madness is back! We haven't…
[Vic] We haven't seen Giulia since New York City.
[Corey] The former NXT Women's Champion coming to the aid of Stephanie Vaquer!
We know how tight these two have been over the years,
particularly here in NXT. Giulia coming to the side of her friend…
[crowd chanting] NXT! NXT!
-[Corey] …evening the odds here tonight. -[Giulia] Sorry!
-[Vic] And Giulia! -[Corey] Oh!
My God!
[Vic] Well, just when we thought we knew the answers,
-Giulia has changed the question! -[Booker T] I love it!
[Corey] Northern Lights Bomb to the Dark Angel.
[Vic] You said it earlier, Graves,
Stephanie Vaquer never gave us a decision.
Guys, did Giulia just make that decision
-for Stand & Deliver for the champion? -[Corey] Only time will tell.
-We never got our answer. -We certainly did not.
And all hell breaking loose to start NXT here tonight.
The road to WrestleMania weekend continues with all of its twists.
But let's go back one week. On the topic of champions,
how about our new North American Champion, Ricky Saints?
The stage is set, as Ricky Saints is looking to put gold around his waist.
[Saints] The revolution is indeed televised
because Ricky Saints is gonna be the new North American Champion tonight.
[Vic] All he needs to do is beat a man he knows all too well,
Shawn Spears.
[bell rings]
[Corey] Mind games off of the opening bell. But look out!
In comes Saints!
[Vic] Ricky Saints don't give a damn about Shawn Spears!
He's here to whoop ass and win a title!
[Corey] Saints has the opportunity and looks to make the most of it.
[Vic] Oh! Spears taking over.
And there's Izzi Dame with the title. No!
[Corey] The distraction didn't pay off. Somehow, Saints survives.
[Vic] Jensen out!
Niko Vance just paid the price!
Spears wants some! Saints is marching in!
Spear!
Roshambo!
-[crowd] One! Two! Three! -[Corey] And new North American Champion!
The revolution has arrived in NXT!
-[Vic] Oh! -[Corey] Wait a minute!
Ethan Page just stole the smile off the face of everyone in the NXT Universe,
and the spotlight from Ricky Saints.
[Vic] Well, I cannot wait to hear what is on this man's mind
after what happened last week.
The North American Champion, Ricky Saints, here, live, tonight.
[hip-hop music playing]
Those were getting me fired up. I don't know what your fancy is.
I know Frazer was being a little harsh last week,
but we should still watch Fraxiom's match.
They are the tag team champions.
There's gotta be something we could pick up.
-Yo, what up, thick boys? -Fellas.
-Brad Baylor. -Ricky Smokes.
-The hottest tag team on WWE rolls. -[laughs]
Yo, and Tank and Hank, right?
Uh, Hank and Tank, but same thing, yeah.
We heard you were going through a rough patch,
and are looking for some advice from a successful tag team.
Don't sweat it. Swipe Right would love to pay it forward.
-So, tonight, after we beat Fraxiom… -Hundos!
Yeah, we'll get back to you boys for a tight five.
But for now, get your pens, get your papers, and take some notes.
-Take some notes? -Who the heck--
We're not that desperate, are we?
No, Hank.
[Vic] I don't know if they are that desperate,
but right now, Hank and Tank still just trying to figure it out.
["Never Slow Down" playing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, they are the NXT Tag Team Champions,
Nathan Frazer and Axiom!
[Vic] Well, buckle up, because our NXT Tag Team Champions are here,
and they're in action next.
[presenter] Time for tonight's NXT Spotlight.
Spears, we let you down last week.
Ricky Saints has no idea what's coming his way.
I swear to you, we're gonna do everything to get that North American Title back.
-[Vance] Doesn't matter if Ethan Page-- -Just stop.
I admire the passion. I do.
Am I grateful that I won gold for the first time in my career here,
that I'll be called a champion for the rest of my life? Yes.
But that title is no longer the focus.
It was the vessel that brought us, The Culling, together.
Our bond was never about me and my success.
It was always about yours.
The focus now shifts to you, Izzi.
Tonight, you qualify for the Women's North American Championship Ladder Match
at Stand & Deliver.
Don't dwell on what I lost, but focus on what you can achieve.
Brooks, Niko,
Hank and Tank are looking to find their way.
Tonight, you ensure that they don't.
[sinister instrumental music playing]
It was always about you three shining.
And it all starts tonight.
[Vic] Could be a big night.
for The Culling.
Right now, it's time for the NXT Tag Team Champions in action.
-[dance music playing] -[audience cheering]
[Mike] And their opponents, Brad Baylor, Ricky Smokes,
Swipe Right!
[Vic] While Booker fist bumps over here in the air,
let's talk about these two superstars, Swipe Right.
They have been making waves on WWE Evolve.
Of course, you can see new episodes every single Wednesday.
They believe they're the biggest stars on that show.
And there's no doubt, Corey, this is a huge opportunity.
[Corey] I've got a few glimpses of what Swipe Right are capable of
inside the ring.
Outside, I encountered them very briefly earlier today.
And I don't know that I've ever been more annoyed
by a couple of grown men in my life.
I tried to speak to these guys, it was like trying to talk to an Internet meme.
Everything was bro-bro and hundo.
I don't know what the hell they were saying to me, Vic.
[Vic] So this isn't a duo you would've teamed with back in the day?
[Corey] I'm telling you, these guys give me Ratliff Brothers vibe
from The White Lotus. It's a little weird.
[Booker] You said they're not confident. They are.
-[Corey] No, I didn't. -I'm talking about over the top.
This team has the mentality to take it to the next level.
[Vic exclaims]
[Booker] You see that?
[Vic] Smoke's coming out hot. You're only saying that, Booker,
because both these WWE ID talents have competed at Reality of Wrestling.
[Booker] They have. Came down and got some expert tutelage.
[Vic] Uh-oh.
-[Corey] Boom! -[Vic] Oh!
[Booker] Right there…
[Vic] That's Brad Baylor into the cover, an evil-looking Matt Damon,
and he wasn't able to get the three.
He's the more chill of the two, just 20 years old.
And look at the height on that drop kick from Ricky Smokes,
who's technically the hothead of the team.
[Booker] He reminds me of me.
-[Vic] Who? -With that drop kick. Beautiful.
[Vic] When did you throw a drop kick that high?
-[Corey] Cover here, by Smokes. -[Booker] …Booker T, come on.
[Vic] Thank you for covering that, because that was…
Stay out!
[Vic] If watch Booker T
to see if he ever got that high on a drop kick in his life.
-[Booker] Boom! -[Vic] Nice kick, though,
from Nathan Frazer.
And Frazer had a great match this past Friday on SmackDown
against the debuting Rey Fenix.
[Corey] Wonder if Frazer's still feeling the effects
of being driven on the top of his head.
Absolutely brutal.
[Vic] Axiom coming in, there is Fraxiom, the Tag Team Champion,
averaging 350 combined days as champion
closing in on the second longest combined days as title holders.
[Corey] As talented as Swipe Right might be,
Fraxiom, quite simply, function on a whole different level.
-[Vic] Uh-oh. -[Corey] Incoming!
[Booker] Oh, yes!
-[Vic] Frazer taking out Smokes. -[Corey] He said one more!
Axiom back at it!
Frazer hitting the gas,
looking for double or nothing!
[Booker speaking indistinctly]
On the dot training, that's what this is, brah!
[Vic] This is fast break offensive, Book, as you listen…
[crowd chanting] NXT!
…to the NXT Universe,
You've stated all… all pairings have arguments.
They're trying to work through theirs each and every week.
[Booker] Now, it's a little different with Axiom and Frazer.
I mean, these guys go behind each other's backs
sneaking, trying to get title shots.
It wasn't like that with me and my brother.
[Corey and Vic] Oh!
[Vic] What a spear from Smokes, into the cover,
hooks both legs in a near fall.
That was a blind tag that Axiom didn't even realize.
Heads up by Smokes.
[Corey] Maybe a little overconfidence from the champions,
maybe not giving Swipe Right quite enough credit.
[Vic] Swipe Right, part of the vanity project
along with Zayda Steel, Bryce Donovan, Jackson Drake.
-But look at this! Springboard X-Factor! -[Booker] Oh, baby!
[Vic] Into the cover, center of the ring, and another near fall.
And, Graves, can you imagine what a victory would do
for Swipe Right to come in here and beat the NXT Tag Team Champions?
[Corey] We know, they're not lacking in confidence,
as we look again at that epic spear delivered
by Ricky Smokes.
I'm still trying to figure out if he's any relation to Julius.
But either way, Swipe Right are extremely effective
against the Tag Champs.
But Axiom just turned the tides!
Baylor tagging out, coming right back in at Smokes.
-[Corey] I like this, not gonna lie. -They won you over in one night?
[Corey] It's a little early to say that for sure, but, oh, baby!
[Vic] I can already picture Graves on high drive with Swipe Right after NXT.
[Corey] Trying to get me in trouble?
[Vic] Axiom makes the tag,
and I think Swipe Right might be in a little trouble,
because there comes Nathan Frazer.
[Corey] Moves like a blur, strikes like a cobra.
[Vic] Right back in, swing and a miss.
-Whoa! -[Booker] Oh!
[Vic] Got one, got two.
[Booker] You kiddin' me?
[Corey] Unbelievable.
[Vic] Swooping around, coming right back in,
Standing shooting star, connects, cover.
Near fall, ooh!
Boy, that was close.
[Booker] Pretty resilient from Smokes,
this team is showing me a little something.
Can you imagine this team winning tonight?
Can you imagine that?
First time here on NXT, can you imagine that?
[Corey] You may not have to imagine, Book,
-but Frazer looking to seal the deal. -[Vic] Rolling right through somehow.
Right back to his feet. Axiom is now the legal superstar.
This is fast paced.
-[Corey] Oh! -[Vic] Kicked, drop, was Axiom.
Frazer coming in, he gets caught by Baylor.
Baylor, jumping knee,
or excuse me, off the jumping knee from Smokes into the double underarm.
And look at this.
-[Booker] Do it! Cover him. -[Vic] Tag team continuity.
And now you hear Baylor screaming at Smokes,
they got the champions on the ropes.
Axiom is legal.
-Swipe right. -[Brad] Come on, Ricky!
[Corey] This is gonna be a huge upset, guys.
[Vic] Looking for a statement win, and Axiom able to slip around.
Super kick under the jaw.
Tag was made, and the champions right back in.
Axiom going to the top. Ricky Smokes, he's caught.
Axiom looking for that Super Spanish fly.
Tag was made, Frazer's legal.
And he's swinging for that patented Phoenix Splash.
-[Corey] Bam! -[Vic] Connects.
Baylor, golden ratio, wipes him out!
And the Houdinis
-of the tag team division do it again. -[bell ringing]
[rock music playing]
[Mike] Here are your winners, the NXT Tag Team Champions,
Axiom and Nathan Frazer.
[Corey] Credit where it's due,
give all of it to Swipe Right for a very strong showing.
But a reminder from the NXT Tag Team Champions, Fraxiom,
that they are simply unmatched when it comes to teamwork.
The combination Phoenix Splash,
Axiom with a golden ratio just for insurance.
Another impressive outing in a seemingly endless series.
[Vic] Have to think what is on the mind of Hank and Tank
as the champions pick up more momentum.
[Corey speaks indistinctly]
-You do not deserve that opportunity. -Not at all.
-Did you guys hear the news? -I sure did.
Ava said that Fatal Influence gets a qualifier.
So obviously I'm taking it and getting my title back.
Yeah, absolutely not.
You already had that title and you failed to keep it.
So I'm gonna step up and be--
Last time I checked, you were busy getting super-kicked in the face on the outside.
Actually, it'll be neither of you.
It's gonna be me this time.
You guys will be there for me, right?
What just happened?
I don't know.
[Corey] In a matter of moments, we'll find out
who will join Zaria and Kelani Jordan
in the six woman NXT Women's North American Championship
ladder match.
Come stand and deliver.
[Vic] And for Jazmyn Nyx, a member of Fatal Influence,
she is looking to punch her ticket to Las Vegas.
[Sol's theme playing]
[crowd cheering]
[announcer] And her opponent accompanied by Zaria.
Sol Ruca
[Vic] And Graves, Sol Ruca is going to be extra motivated
due to her tag team partner that is here, ringside with her.
That being Zaria, who you just mentioned qualified last week
for the ladder match at stand and deliver,
[Corey] I don't think you should need extra motivation.
This is a career altering opportunity
in front of all of these women come stand and deliver.
I think Sol Ruca if she's truly
deserving of being a future North American women's champion.
She should have all the motivation that she needs already.
[Vic] There's a lot on her plate Graves because Sol Ruca has a number one
contender ship matchup on WWE Speed tomorrow,
[Corey] One on one with Michin,
the winner earns a championship opportunity
against the poison pixie Candice LeRae for the Speed Women's Championship.
[Vic] Oh! This is the first of two qualifying matches here tonight.
Live on NXT and Book.
Are you ready to admit that Sol Ruca Zaria have bonded over trying the activities?
Of the other ice cream.
[Booker] No, no, I can agree with that.
But right now, at the top of that ladder,
those two women, it's all about the North American Championship.
What do I say, it's about Jackson what?
[Corey] Championships.
I've been listening Book I've been paying attention.
[Vic] Oh! Sol Ruca.
[Booker] Vic, you missed that.
[Vic] I've been listening to the same sound bite
every single Tuesday for four years now.
As Ruca to the top, landing on her feet.
Is that athleticism that she shows.
[Corey] Oh! That marks the spot.
Gravity defying, mind bending athleticism from Sol Ruca.
We have to remember it was Stephanie Vaquer who was out here earlier
for the Women's North American Championship.
To elevate the locker room.
To help the locker room evolve.
And one of these two women will head to stand and deliver
nice soup plex and there again, Sol Ruca
continuing into the winning combination, shoulders down in the near fall.
[Vic] Sol was in the inaugural ladder match
to crown the first ever women's North American Championship.
Remember that one but back at battleground.
[Booker] Yeah, I admire Sol Ruca right now.
She's doing a hell of a job, but one thing she's doing
that I really don't like and that's admiring her work
after she hit a big shot on this thing could be over with already.
I really believe that.
[Vic] Battleground returns this May when WWE takes over Tampa Memorial.
Damn! we get two feet to the face.
And Jazmyn Nyx now, springboard right into this match
and what a knee into the chest.
[Booker] Got to love the Nyx is calling her shots. I love it man.
[Vic] Trio is having hands full that being fatal influence on TNA
Brook, some might be questioning. Are they focusing on the wrong thing?
[Booker] I would say that man this called the takeover man.
Fatal influence they want more.
They want more.
You got to love it, man.
[Vic] And it was Jazmyn Nyx who made that executive decision before this match up.
No doubt Graves is the biggest opportunity in her career,
[Corey] And you got to respect the fact-- beautiful, perfect by Nyx,
the Jazmyn Nyx had the wherewithal
and the guts to call her own shot to say " my time."
[Vic] And how about the combination offense off the perfect plex
able to transition into the submission own athleticism.
And in this ring right now, Jazmyn Nyx has taken control of Sol Ruca.
And you can see the agony on the face of Ruca in this moment.
[Corey] A ton of pressure being applied to the neck of Sol Ruca
while Jazmyn Nyx locked into the bridge.
Very, very effective offense.
Here comes Nyx to pour some more punishment.
Running soccer style, kick.
[Vic] Into the cover to advance to Las Vegas and another near fall book.
Booker it appears the rest of fatal influence
seems to be OK with how this matchup is playing out.
As Fallon Henley, who said she wanted to get her title back,
it was Jacy Jayne who said it was her time, but no, it was Jazmyn Nyx
who was rising to the occasion.
[Booker] You talking about the pro right Fallon Henley?
We're talking about the rock star Jacy Jayne.
They know it's time for Jazmyn Nyx.
It's time for her to shine here tonight.
Move to that ladder match stand and deliver.
You got to love it, man.
[Vic] High impact offense from Sol Ruca.
[crowd chanting]
[Corey] Ruca desperation able to flex
a little bit of power when she needed it most.
Throw Jazmyn face first into the canvas,
but does Sol have enough left in the tank to recover?
And get back on top of this.
[Vic] This is a pivotal point in this match up,
so much hanging in the balance, a trip to WrestleMania Saturday.
To stand and deliver to the opportunity to call yourself a champion.
That being the Women's North American title beyond that to help set the tone
for the entire weekend, that is WrestleMania.
NXT does it best gonna set the bar high?
You don't want to miss it.
[Corey] Can you imagine what Sol Ruca will do with more experience having
that first ladder match under her belt?
If she's in this matchup, come Vegas.
[Booker] Sol Ruca just needs to be in the right place at the right time.
Truest me it is going to happen for.
-[Corey] Oh! Wow! -[Booker] Wow!
[Vic] What do you call that Grace?
[Corey] There was a backpack stunner coming in.
[Vic] Big knee to the jaw, into the cover
to head to LA's Vegas and a near fall.
And look, we've got to give credit to Jazmyn Nyx.
Right now for continuing the fight.
But look at fatal influence here on the outside.
[Booker] Oh! Yeah.
[Corey] Keep your eyes on the pro Book.
-[Vic] Obviously -[Corey] Fallon Henley
numbers advantage for fatal influence
and Jacy getting in the face of the--
Oh! Nyx kick, Nyx kick.
-[Vic] That it guys. -[Corey] Between the eyes.
[Vic] Cover! No!
-[Corey] Wow! -[Vic] To the shock and awe.
Of Jazmyn Nyx.
[Booker] Stay on the gas.
[Vic] And Jazmyn taking her eye
[Corey] Off Sol Ruca, for a moment coming back in,
inside cradle shoulders are down
and another near fall.
[Vic] Nyx was maybe looking for a little guidance
from the outside from Fallon Henley.
Another big Jacy Jayne, able to connect Sol
coming right back with one of her own.
[Corey] This for the opportunity of a lifetime.
Oh! Sol snatcher!
Sol snatcher!
Cover!
And another Sol is snatched.
Sol is headed to stand and deliver.
[announcer] Here is your winner.
Sol Ruca.
[Sol's theme playing]
[Vic] What a moment as Sol joins her partner,
Zaria, Kelani Jordan.
Who will lead, stand and deliver as champion.
[Sol's theme playing]
[crowd cheering]
[music playing]
Excuse me, Je'Von.
At stand and deliver, it's you against Trick Williams
and Oba Femi for the NXT each championship.
But tonight you take on DarkState with Trick--
I'm sorry, Sarah I'm sorry, but I called this.
All right, I knew DarkState was gonna be a problem.
And if Trick and Oba will listen to me in the first place,
we wouldn't be in this situation.
They keep trying to what, little bro me?
But in less than two weeks, I'm coming for the next championship.
All right? I don't have a…
a… a era or I'm not a ruler.
And honestly, I don't want to be like neither one of them.
All right, I dropped Oba not once, but twice.
And Trick, he's trying to snuff out my potential before sparce.
And that's cool.
But I'll take this step by step.
All right.
Tonight it's DarkState and stand deliver.
It's the NXT championship.
I appreciate ya.
Good luck to you.
Je'Von Evans in a six man tag later tonight.
But coming up next, Hank and Tank versus The Culling.
Giulia! Giulia, Why did you drop what many believe was your best friend?
Stand and Deliver.
No friends.
Rematch.
[crowd cheering]
[commentators exclaim]
[bell dings]
[announcer] The following contest is a Tag Team Match scheduled for one-fall.
Introducing first, Hank Walker, Tank Ledger…
Hank and Tank!
[Vic] I don't want to take anything away from the Belly Bandits,
but what will Ava do now?
You just heard from the former NXT Women's Champion.
[Booker T] What the hell you think she signed the damn contract, huh?
[man] Truth will ultimately prevail.
-[Vic] Looking like a former GM… -But there is pain
bringing it to light.
[echoing] …bringing it to light.
[The Culling entrance theme playing]
[announcer] And their opponents representing The Culling,
Brooks Jensen and Niko Vance!
[Vic] Now we heard from Shawn Spears.
But, Graves, I want to know, did The Culling…
these two gentlemen and Izzi Dame,
did they let Shawn Spears down last week in that main event?
[Corey] Why are you asking me, Vic?
We heard from Spears himself a matter of moments ago
that the plan all along has been to advance
the career of The Culling, every member.
It's not about Spears anymore.
Right now, it's about Niko Vance and Brooks Jensen.
[Vic] Well, do you buy that, that Shawn Spears is worried about others?
[Booker T] How many times have I told you? Shawn Spears, he's known to me as the GPS.
You just lock in the coor-- Oops.
[Vic] Well, tag team action here and now, and it's Hank and Tank, Graves,
who are… What do you say, trying to put it together?
I don't know what to say about them.
[Corey] Hank and Tank are undergoing an identity crisis right now.
Both guys have the raw tools to be stars here in this business.
They've got high impact, high energy.
The fact is, these guys are just so worried about who they are
and what everybody else thinks about them. They just need to do themselves.
-Do you guys. -[Vic] That's a great point.
[Booker T] Cover, damn it! What's he thinking about?
[Vic] Well, Book, are they overthinking everything at this point
-that Hank-- -[Corey] Whoa!
[Booker T] Overthinking? I don't think they're overthinking.
I think they be winning right now.
It's all about aggression with these two.
They're not gonna win matches on aggression alone.
That's not gonna happen.
[Vic] That was the Hardy's machine guns, pretty deadly.
I mean, even swiped right tonight.
Graves, maybe Fraxiom and their tough love was right all along about these two.
[Corey] Time will tell, but right now, Hank and Tank in complete control.
Double team offense incoming, but Niko Vance holding it.
[Vic] Spine first, and right back in, spinning heel kick from Jensen.
[Booker T] See what I'm saying? That's exactly what I'm talking about.
Losing focus right in the middle of a match-up like this.
That can't happen. You can't let that happen.
We just heard from Giulia. When it comes to the NXT Women's championship,
you got to imagine what Ava is thinking now,
watching the tag team division.
Into the cover as Jenson hooking the leg, center of the ring, and a near-fall.
Everything with NXT going on, Stand & Deliver is fast approaching.
[Corey] I don't think there's much mystery to what's going on in the mind of Ava,
as we take a look at the former North American Champion
and the leader of The Culling, Shawn Spears,
keeping a close eye on things.
I guarantee you this, Vic.
Ava is thinking when Stand & Deliver ends,
everybody on the roster is going to look at everything else
going on WrestleMania Weekend and say, "Follow that.
That's what Ava wants from the roster, top to bottom.
-[Booker T] I agree. -[Vic] That's hard to argue.
But right now, in this match-up, Hank and Tank, trying to figure it out.
Trying to make-- And they finally get the tag, so maybe this is going to be
the point where Hank and Tank have started to figure out.
They've taken all the advice from so many great teams,
from current teams from NXT Tag Team Champions.
Can they finally figure it out? I mean, at the end of the day, Booker,
maybe you should try to lend some guidance to Hank and Tank.
[Booker T] No, I'm not gonna put my stamp on these guys. At least not just yet.
They've got to put in a little more work--
[Vic and Corey exclaiming excitedly]
[Booker T] Oh, yes! Could this be it? Could this be that night?
[Corey] Is Hank putting it together?
[Vic] He just ran over Jensen, into the cover.
-Looking for the drop and-- -[Booker T] This is it--
[Vic] Niko Vance breaking things up.
And now here comes Tank. And Hank and tank fighting here tonight.
[Corey] Vance sent spilling to the outside.
[both grunting]
[Vic] Things starting to break down between these four men and…
-Oh, no, no! -[Corey] I'm totally honest with you guys…
[Vic] Inside cradle back in the ring. Jensen looking for the win,
and another near-fall, able to kick out at the last moment.
Back in Boss Man Slam connects,
the air driven out of the lungs of Jenson.
And now, looking for high risk.
Will it have some reward for Big Hank?
[Booker T] He's gonna fly! He's gonna fly, damn it! Here we go.
[Vic] And Swanton didn't connect.
Vance is up, makes the tag. He's legal.
Jenson now climbing.
Look at this tag-team continuity.
-[Booker T] Oh! -[Corey] Bam!
-[Booker T] My God! -[Corey] Lethal.
[Vic] Say that again. Into the cover…
-And Hank and Tank… -[bell dings]
[Vic] …still can't put it together.
[announcer] Here are your winners, The Culling!
[Corey] While Hank and Tank look to solve their tag-team issues,
The Culling impressive in victory tonight.
[Vic] Hank and Tank trying to find their way,
but on this night, it was Jensen and Vance who made sure that they didn't.
-We're not doing anything wrong. -What are we doing wrong?
[Vic] Well, look who has arrived.
The North American Champion is here.
We hear from Ricky Saints, next.
["Welcome To The Revolution" playing]
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the new NXT North American Champion…
Ricky Saints!
[Vic] This man has taken over this brand since his arrival.
And he wins a championship last week in the Main Event.
By doing so, became the fastest superstar from their debut
to put gold around their waist.
We are indeed witnessing
the revolution.
[Booker T] Can I say it? Can I saw it, Vic?
-[Vic] I'm not gonna stop you. -[Booker T] He's from New Orleans, right?
[Booker T shouting gibberish in French]
[in English] Oh, yes, man!
[Vic] You don't even know what the hell you just said.
That was a loose translation.
-[Booker T] I'm Cajun man! I'm Cajun. -[Corey] Are you?
[Booker T] I'm from Louisiana.
-[Vic laughs] Since when? -[Booker T laughing]
[crowd chanting] Ricky strokes. Ricky strokes.
Ricky strokes.
Well…
I appreciate the sentiment there, folks.
I really do.
[crowd laughing, applauding]
I will say this.
The first night that I stepped foot here in NXT,
I told everybody that I was here to turn this place upside down.
[crowd shouting in agreement]
I told you that the revolution will be televised again
and that you would get an absolute superstar.
[crowd cheering]
And if you haven't figured it out yet, Ricky Saints is a man of his word
because, baby, I'm standing here, the new NXT North American Champion,
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting "You earned it"]
And while I would love to keep the celebration going,
unfortunately, I got a little bit of a bitter taste
left in my mouth from last week,
and that is all due to you, "All Ego" Ethan Page.
[crowd cheering]
Yeah, and I kind of get it.
Don't get me wrong. I fully understand.
Because if a guy like me, of my caliber,
came in and did the exact same thing that you did, but better and quicker,
my little ego would be shattered just as well.
[crowd cheering]
And since we all know Ethan Page has never been known to be the bigger man,
he had to go and ruin a special moment of mine.
So, as the champ, I've never been no punk.
So, Ethan, come on out here so we can discuss this man-to-man.
["King" playing]
[Graves] This isn't Ethan.
[Joseph] Certainly is not. It's the Heritage Cup Champion.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Hold your horses, Slick Rick.
I think you're worried about the wrong guy.
Now, I know
the King has the prestigious Heritage Cup Championship…
[crowd booing]
But if there's one thing about me, brother,
I love gold.
And I would love to put a little extra--
["Let The Good Times Roll" playing]
Congrats, Saints.
[crowd cheering]
Man, it must be nice, huh?
To waltz in here…
and be handed opportunities while other people
are starving to get what they deserve.
All this time, I've been on a quest to win a title here in NXT,
but now I realize I've had my sights set in the wrong place,
because that title, Ricky,
that title represents the land of my people.
The same land that was stolen from them.
So, as far as I'm concerned, that title is a shot at retribution.
Hell, that title is my birthright.
So you don't need to worry about King.
You don't need to worry about Ethan.
You need to worry about me.
["Assemble" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Joseph] Everybody eyeing up the champ.
Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up!
Now…
I got Inamura later on tonight,
but I'm going to take care of that in a minute.
But you cannot have a conversation
about the NXT North American title
and not include me.
You see, that title right there, was at its absolute peak
when it was across my shoulder.
-[King] Let him cook. -And I am long…
long overdue of having gold around my waist again.
Wes, Wes, Wes, I get it.
I feel your sentiment.
If I was in your shoes, I would be devastated.
I would be desperate to relive my glory days.
Oh, shut up, Lexis. Here we go.
Another greedy white man
who's not content with what he already has.
You need to worry about that Heritage Cup because that belongs to me.
Hold on. Listen, listen, listen, you three,
this is not the time to try to figure this out
if you want a shot at this right here, okay?
-[Graves] Now, wait a minute. -[Joseph] Oh, no! A twist…
Damn it! That's twice!
-No, no, no. I got it first. -It's mine.
[Joseph] The powder keg just popped over the North American Championship.
[crowd chanting "NXT"]
[Graves] Thorpe and Lee, King and Page
all doing battle in the middle of the ring.
[Joseph] We need some security out here.
Ethan Page, coming out of nowhere.
Thorpe… I mean, much like the women earlier,
all these men eyeing up a golden opportunity.
Wes Lee standing, and in moments, Wes Lee will be in action.
What the hell is going on?
[chattering backstage]
Do you see that?
Do you see it?
It is officially Stand & Deliver season.
It is. It is.
Stephanie?
Have you made your decision?
-Jaida, Jordynne-- -Or Giulia?
I have made my decision.
At the Stand & Deliver,
I want all of them.
[crowd cheering]
Okay.
Trick Williams, with less than two weeks away from Stand & Deliver.
I wanted to get your thoughts on having to compete
in a Triple Threat Match against Je'Von Evans and Oba Femi
in order to win back the NXT Championship.
And look, Sarah, I ain't here to give you no sob story.
But every single time it comes to me getting mine,
there's always someone in the way, versus Eddy Thorpe. Now, Je'Von Evans.
Pull up my resume. What you find?
Iron Survivor winner, North American champ, two-time NXT champ.
Back-to-back Main Event is Stand & Deliver.
Let's talk about it.
Except this time I'm leaving with that title around my waist.
But I have to ask you, do have any concerns
teaming up with them tonight, Je'Von and Oba,
and taking on the destructive DarkState?
Hell, yeah, I'm concerned. You see what they did last week.
Look, DarkState, man. they don't care about nobody.
Oba, Je'Von,
make sure you're on your A game because you will need it.
At Stand & Deliver,
I'm gonna whoop both y'all ass.
[Joseph] The main event still to come.
You get outta here. Don't get involved.
[Joseph] There we see Wes Lee.
We heard from him moments ago, but now he's set to fight.
[bell dings]
[Rome] The following contest is scheduled for one fall,
making his way to the ring, accompanied by Josh Briggs,
from Tokyo, Japan, weighing 242 pounds
Yoshiki Inamura.
[Joseph] And, Graves, Inamura wanted this match last week--
-[Graves] Wait-- -[Joseph] Wes Lee made him wait 7 days
and Inamura doesn't want to wait any longer.
[Graves] Inamura wants to make Wes Lee pay for what Yoshiki feels
is wasted time and disrespect.
[bell dings]
[Joseph] Booker, who has more to prove in this matchup?
[Booker T] Wes Lee, the former North American Champion
former tag-team champ. Now, correct me if I'm wrong,
is this Inamura's first singles match in NXT?
-[Vic] First big one here. -[Booker] Exactly my point.
He has the most to prove.
[Vic] Ricky Saints, no short of challengers
looking to prove their worth.
But, Graves, that's two weeks in a row.
Ethan Page has snuck up and attacked the North American Champion.
[Corey] Ethan Page knows he can choose his opportunities wisely,
at the expense of Ricky Saints.
But let's talk about Inamura…
[Vic] Oh!
[Corey] …coming down Wes Lee right now.
[Vic] Graves, to that point, were you shocked that Inamura
challenged Wes Lee last week?
[Corey] No, I think Inamura's got an extremely bright future
and has got a lot of weight on his shoulders
from his home promotion, Pro Wrestling NOAH.
This is a guy who's a protege of The Great Muta,
a WWE Hall of Famer.
Inamura knows the expectations are high.
He wants to mix it up with the best.
[Vic] And he's in there with one of the best
NXT has ever produced in Wes Lee.
And, Booker, when it comes to Inamura, he wasn't wrong last week.
Lee doesn't stand for what he once did.
[Booker] I mean, come on. Last year's prices…
[Vic] Shoulders down, cover, and powering out at two.
[Booker] …is not this year's prices, Vic.
Come, we evolve. That's what Wes Lee has done.
He has evolved as a man in this business.
-I love it. -[Vic] I agree with that, Booker.
We've seen a very cerebral Wes Lee in recent months.
[Corey] A man who's changed his strategies,
but still has all the skill a superstar could ever dream of.
[Vic] Rolled right out of that--
Whoa!
Massive back drop from in Inamura.
But I don't want to take away from this match.
But how about what we heard from Stephanie Vaquer,
telling our general manager, "I want Grace, Parker and Giulia"?
[Corey] Look at Inamura flexing his sumo background.
We all heard it, Vic.
And I'm pretty sure I heard Ava agreed to it,
but I think someone needs to protect Vaquer from herself.
[Vic] We'll find out if that match-up gets made official,
but those marks across the chest of Wes Lee--
[Booker] Referee, do your damn…
Referee, do your damn job.
-[Vic] What was he not doing? -[Booker] Get him out of the corner.
You got five seconds.
[Vic] Did he break the five?
[Corey] We know how Booker feels about illegal tactics.
[Vic] We certainly do, but look at the strength.
Making Lee think about it.
Lee now trying to throw out some knees, taking Inamura down.
-Wes Lee, though still hooked. -[Corey laughs] Oh!
[Vic] Lee trying to get down, Inamura, saying, "Oh… Oh."
[Corey] This is that next-level sumo power.
[Vic] Possessed by Yoshiki Inamura, into the cover,
for the big victory tonight.
And not quite yet.
You know, Booker…
as we see the power on display from Inamura,
is Lee, right, though, about Inamura?
He called Inamura "delusional" and "too nice."
[Booker] Come on. I would agree with that in certain aspects.
I mean, Inamura just got here.
It's a pecking order around NXT,
and Wes Lee knows that.
-[Corey] Oh, my God! -[Booker] Beautiful shot.
[Corey] Right to the skull.
[Vic] Four men that don't care about a pecking order, DarkState.
We'll see them in our main event.
But Briggs!
[Corey] As Book would say, "Stuck his nose where it doesn't belong."
[Booker] He did!
[Vic] Tried to help his partner out, his friend.
[Corey] Oh! Kick caught Inamura right between the eyes.
[Vic] Wes Lee now, back to the top.
-[Booker] Doing beautiful work. -[Vic] Looking to fly.
High crossbody, got caught, getting swung,
and there's only one thing left.
It's a nasty, gnarly landing.
Big body slam from Inamura.
[Corey] Not the spin that hurts, it's the sudden stop at the end.
Inamura looking to cruise to victory.
We've seen this splash in the past.
If Inamura hits this, it is lights out, Wes Lee.
[Vic] Inamura--
Tyson and Tyriek, but there's Briggs.
And I think Ina--
Did Inamura slip?
[Corey] No, no, I think when Briggs ripped--
[Vic] Bam! Kardiak Kick!
-To the back of the neck. -[Booker] That's it.
-[Vic] Shooting the half. -[Booker] He's out.
[Vic] Into the cover,
-and Lee just took full advantage… -[bell dings]
…of what happened.
["Assemble" playing]
[Mike] Here is your winner, Wes Lee!
[Vic] Graves, what do you think you saw?
[Corey] I think Briggs was doing his best to clear the chaos on the outside
and take out Tyson and Tyriek,
and in the process, it disrupted Inamura's footing
on the top turnbuckle, which led to this crash.
Let's take another look.
First, at this swinging slam from Yoshiki Inamura
that was potentially the beginning of the end. Watch this.
With all the chaos on the outside,
opening the door for Lee to deliver a Kardiak Kick
to the back of Inamura's neck
-and pick up a big W. -[bell dings]
[Vic] Wes Lee turning into a menace to society,
and I can understand the frustration of Inamura.
But Briggs was just looking out for his friend.
DarkState,
your presence here in NXT seems to put the entire locker room on edge.
Everyone is wondering when you'll strike and where you'll strike from.
And The Ruler knows all too well about that.
Because in addition to you guys attacking me last week,
I haven't forgotten what you did at Vengeance Day.
Because you hit me with your last shot,
with your best shot, and you failed to put me down.
So tonight, I'm going to return the favor.
And then when I'm done with you four fools,
I will turn my attention fully to Trick Williams and Je'Von Evans.
Because in two weeks, they will get their opportunity
to hit me with their best shot,
and they will find out the hard way
that The Ruler can't be stopped.
And they will suffer the same fate
that DarkState is going to suffer tonight.
And that is defeat at the hands of Oba Femi.
[Vic] The Culling, victorious earlier.
Shawn Spears has to be all smiles at this point.
And will he be smiling even more if Izzi Dame can qualify
for Stand & Deliver?
["Substance Over Style" playing]
[bell dings]
[Mike] The following is the NXT Women's
North American Championship Ladder Match qualifier!
Making her way to the ring, representing No Quarter Catch Crew,
Wren Sinclair!
[crowd chanting] Wren! Wren! Wren!
[Vic] But one of these two women would love to take
the Women's North American Championship title
-on that WrestleMania, Saturday… -[bell dings]
…from Stand & Deliver to WrestleMania After Dark,
and Izzi Dame, the powerhouse, right off the rip,
charging right into Wren Sinclair.
Neither woman has ever competed--
Into the cover, hook of the leg, and a kick out.
…ever competed at Stand & Deliver.
Booker, just the magnitude of that statement alone
has to fuel both.
[Booker] Makes it even more interesting.
I mean, this match is going to come into Stand & Deliver
with a lot of euphoria.
And that pull them all the way to to the North American Championship.
Only a week ago--
[Vic] Nice crossbody, another kickout.
Perhaps Wren Sinclair is the one who holds NQCC together,
but the entire locker room has to see someone,
Graves, like Rhea Ripley.
Rhea Ripley, six WrestleMania appearances,
which includes this next week in Las Vegas.
Six championship matches.
Ripley, Belair, Sky,
Women's World Title at WrestleMania in Vegas.
[Corey] A combination here by Sinclair.
[Vic] And another kick out.
And now crucifix, another kick out.
[Corey] That's what you get in this business for,
to be part of WrestleMania.
Another attempt, and a cover by Sinclair.
You don't come here to be average.
You don't come here to be an also-ran.
-You come to be… -[crowd chanting] Lets go, Wren!
[Corey] …at the pinnacle, at the Showcase of the Immortals.
That's why you get--
Booker, am I wrong here? That's why you wanna be the best of the best.
[Booker] 100%. And I talk about the best of the best.
Let me tell you, Charlie Dempsey has been doing some real work with Wren Sinclair.
in the laboratory. She's looking great.
[Vic] Gotta congratulate Sol Ruka who qualified earlier tonight
One of these two women will be the next superstar…
[all exclaim]
[Vic] …for that Ladder Match.
Izzy Dame kicked Wren Sinclair right in the face.
Big backdrop-- And Graves…
Body slam, excuse me. Just how dangerous can Izzi become?
[Corey] I don't know if we've even seen the tip of the iceberg.
What we're witnessing right now is definitely
making people take notice of Izzi Dame.
[Corey] Her aggression is second to none right now.
[Vic] To Graves' point, Booker,
it's hard to argue she didn't need someone like Shawn Spears.
[Booker T] Shawn Spears is guiding Izzi Dame in the right direction.
I said it a week or so ago,
Izzi Dame pressed a damn button, man.
Put it in the game. I love it, man.
[Vic] She needs to win here tonight and she will be in the game
at [exclaims] WrestleMania Saturday Stand and Deliver.
Izzi right on top.
Throwing forearm after forearm.
Into the cover, hook of the leg, and a kickout.
When you see Niko Vance, victorious earlier tonight,
Spears certainly has his family put together.
Should point out too, Shawn Spears not here ringside.
And Spears said earlier,
that tonight is about his family
-growing and moving forward. -[Corey] It's like a father
putting trust in their children
and letting them spread their wings a little bit.
You don't wanna disappoint dad.
[Vic] Speaking of which, there is the forementioned
former North American champion
looking on as Izzi Dame is in control of the match-up.
And Sinclair trying to fight back up.
Trying to create some separation and Sinclair is starting to prove
some doubters wrong with her performance at Deadline.
-[Booker T] Sinclair is very talented. -[all exclaim]
joining the NQCC talent company, from which…
Oh, beautiful! Beautiful switch.
[Vic] Nobody home and Sinclair fighting back.
So much on the line for these women,
An opportunity to compete, Graves, as you said,
on the grandest stage of them all,
to set the bar for the entire weekend at Stand and Deliver.
Sinclair back in, in control,
into the cover to qualify…
And Izzi Dame just able to get her shoulder up.
-Back in, going around could Sinclair… -[Booker T] Locked it.
[Vic] May be looking for some sort of double underhook suplex,
Izzi trying to overpower.
Dame using her strength for a butterfly suplex.
-Sinclair… -[all exclaim]
[Corey] Here we go, you mentioned the power of Dame,
on display for the world to see.
[Vic] Shoulders down! Sinclair-- Oh! A half second away.
Great job by the official.
Back in comes Sinclair…
-Oh! -[all exclaim]
Sit down style…
And Izzi Dame
-[bell ringing] -[Vic] …has qualified.
Izzi is in.
[ring announcer] Here's your winner, Izzi Dame!
[Corey] Izzi Dame has just punched her ticket to Stand and Deliver.
Joining the field in a six-woman ladder match
to crown the next North American Champion.
[Vic] Four woman are now in, two spots remain,
who will walk out of Stand and Deliver
as the Women's North American champion?
I can't wait for Stand and Deliver.
[all arguing]
Thank you!
Now, please tell us it's a last chance qualifying match,
because the Meta-Girls deserve to be in Stand and Deliver.
And for that match I will represent Fatal Influence.
Do you really wanna go over this?
All right, listen, there isn't gonna be a last chance qualifier this year
[all arguing]
You better figure something out
because the Prodigy deserves to be on Stand and Deliver.
Clearly, I'm the only former NXT Women's Champion in the room.
[all groaning]
Listen, you know what? Now that I'm looking around,
I actually have an idea for Stand and Deliver.
I can work something out.
-What is it? -Details.
It better not be a Tag Match, because I don't even have a partner.
[all arguing]
[Vic] We just saw and heard from Ava but from the desk of the general manager,
a week from Saturday, the match is official,
it will be a four-way for the NXT Women's Championship.
Who will Stand and Deliver on WrestleMania Saturday?
And speaking of which, the NXT Championship match
will be a Triple Threat in Las Vegas.
Those three about to team in moments against Darkstate,
but which three members? Our main event is next on NXT.
Dude, our confidence is off the charts.
I mean, we're doing pretty good right here. Hanging in there.
-[sighs] Not like that. -Mr. Chase.
-What do you mean, "Not like that"? -You're just moving a bit too fast.
What should we do instead?
Trust me, you don't want my help.
Yeah, we do. Wait. Whoa, whoa, please. Please help.
[sighs]
Okay.
I don't know. We're close but we're far off.
You're pissing me off.
Is NXT even worth it anymore, man?
Don't go doing all of that.
[cheering]
Look we get it.
There are gonna be ups and downs and downs will be rough
But we've been watching you the past two weeks
-because we watch the product. -Mmm-hmm.
But you're trying to be tag teams, that you're not!
-Not even close. No. -You're not!
Take it from two guys who have been through a lot in our careers,
just lean on each other
and stick to being who you are.
Be who you are!
Be Hank and Tank!
and you'll be rewarded.
Y'all might even be rewarded next week. We talked to Ava.
There is a tag team gauntlet match and the winner faces Fraxiom
for the NXT Tag Team titles at Stand and Deliver.
It's time to lock in. It's time to lock in. Lock in!
You know what time it is?
What time it is!
-It's time to rise to the occasion! -Yeah! Yeah!
-It's time to Stand and Deliver! -Yeah! Yeah!
Oh, my God!
[Vic] A number one contender, fatal four-way match
with the winner receiving an opportunity
to challenge the new North American Champion Ricky Saints
at Stand and Deliver.
[Corey] I'm fired up from what we just heard from The Street Profits,
and I'm more fired up because our Women's North American Champion Ladder Match
qualifiers continue next week.
Four spots have been solidified and two remain.
Who heads to Stand and Deliver? We're gonna find out next week on NXT.
[Corey] Just heard Montez and Angelo break the news,
a number one contenders Tag Team Gauntlet.
How will Hank and Tank fair?
It will not be an easy night at the office.
It goes down next Tuesday right here on NXT.
[Vic] We still have a lot of action here tonight because it's main event time.
["Who Want It" playing]
♪ Ay ♪
♪ Yo, let's go! ♪
♪ Who want it ♪
♪ I want the world ♪
♪ Now they running 'bout to kick down the door ♪
♪ Bring 'em all one by one in ♪
-[Vic] And you have to… Oh! -["Locked In" playing]
-[crowd chanting] Whoop that trick! -[Booker T] That's right.
-[Booker T] Say what? -[Trick whooping]
-[Booker T] Yeah. -[Vic mumbles]
-[Booker T] Oh, man. -["Oba Femi theme music" playing]
[Vic] Early on, these three trying to one-up the other.
[bell ringing]
[Mike Rome] The following contest is a six-man tag team match,
scheduled for one fall.
introducing first, the team of Je'Von Evans,
Trick Williams,
and the NXT Champion, Oba Femi.
[Vic] Trick spoke up earlier, and said,
we all need to focus, we all need to work as one.
It's our main event. Six-man tag team match, next
[Vic] Back live on NXT.
There is our NXT championship Triple Threat at Stand and Deliver.
They are opponents in Vegas, they're a team tonight
against a common enemy.
[imperceptible]
[indistinct shouting]
["Dark State theme music" playing]
♪ Here we go ♪
[Vic] Dark State begins no time,
there are four members, which three are going to compete
in this matchup.
I feel really bad for Adrian Butler, our official.
We haven't even heard the bell yet.
This match hasn't even officially started.
-Oba said, he's ready. -[bell ringing]
[Vic] There's the bell.
Looks like it's gonna be Dion Lennox, Shugars and Cutler.
[Corey] In the past coming out of the gate strong,
overwhelming all three members of the Stand and Deliver main event.
Oba Femi being beaten down right now.
Oof!
[Vic] Lennox, the short fuse of the quartet.
Former linebacker at Oregon state,
played in the NFL.
Tagged in Cutler.
[instinct clamoring]
[Oba Femi groans]
[Booker T] Hey, hey.
[Corey] See Saquon Shugars, that's the… that's the wild card of Dark State for me.
You could see it in Saquon's eyes.
The guy, he's got a lot going on behind him.
But nobody knows what's going on, but him.
[Vic] And we're witnessing the NXT Champion just getting decimated
at this juncture till now, and finally maybe, Oba Femi,
a little fired up, a little angry.
But he looks a little dazed and a little confused.
Has he made a tag? Trick Williams is in.
And now Trick misses widely.
Saquon Shugars. He got his degree from the streets.
Going up and around.
Trick kicked out
[Corey] Shugars going right through, and a nearfall.
[Booker T] You gotta give this guy-- [Corey and Vic] Uh-oh!
[Vic] Oh, he caught. Countered.
That's an education.
And look at the transition, and then just ripping Trick Williams down.
[Booker T] Man, let me you right now.
This Dark State got something going on right now.
Taking a fight right to Trick Williams, Oba Femi, and Je'Von Evans.
[Vic] Oof! I agree with you Book. Oh!
-[Booker T] Bang! -[Vic] Big jump and a neckbreaker.
We're heading to Vegas for Stand and Deliver
a week from Saturday.
But Dark State, they are four of a kind.
They are four men with one mission.
To create havoc.
And look at Shugars holding on.
Cutler, just went in over Williams, and another nearfall.
[Corey] Think of what it would do for the confidence.
Whatever the mission is of Dark State, to emerge victorious tonight.
To say they came in and defeated the three men
head lining Stand and Deliver, simultaneously.
Tonight, for Je'Von, for Oba, for Trick,
this is about survival.
They better figure a way how to work together.
[Vic] Dark State didn't like the pecking order.
They didn't like the protocol
There are four men on a mission
And I don't mean Mabel and Mo.
It's Cutler with a big slam and now continuing
to try to take out Trick Williams.
-Cutler loves to break Will. -[Booker T] Big shots.
[Vic] Loves to break spirits.
[Cutler groans]
From Duke University, making the cup count.
A tag and in comes Shugars.
[Booker T mumbling]
[Vic] Shugars there just got launched into the sky
by Trick Williams.
[Corey] Trick needs to make it to ten.
What are you doing, Trick?
[Vic] Well, Trick said earlier that the team needs to focus,
they need to work as one.
Aiming to cover off from the suplex.
[overlapping conversations]
[Vic] Exact opposite of what we just saw from Trick Williams.
[Booker T] Trick said, "I'm gonna get this thing done,
and I'm gonna do it all by myself."
I don't like that attitude right there.
Well, some may be saying right now,
a main event matchup, the caliber of the Triple Threat,
how do they team together?
Partnering before Wrestlemania Weekend is not uncommon.
Shawn Michaels, John Cena were actually tag-team champions,
before the Wrestlemania '23 main event.
[Booker T] This is a conundrum, Vic.
These are our three guys that just not on the same page right now,
looking for the exact same thing.
[Vic] How do you prepare for the unknown then?
[Booker T] You can't prepare for it.
And Graves, see the point, I mean, how much strategy
could these three have talked about before this matchup.
Do they even want to talk to each other?
[Corey] Listen I… The professional in them
should've figured out some sort of idea.
Just at least a loose outline as to how to coexist.
How to work together.
Because Dark State, we know very little about them.
But what we do know is that they are a cohesive unit.
They are a team.
And they have destroyed everything they've come in contact with.
[Vic] Did you see Je'Von Evans? He was screaming at Trick Williams.
Well, he's made the tag. Finally a tag was made.
And Je'Von coming in, a big right to Dion.
[Booker T] They're getting on the same page.
-[Vic] Whoa! -[Booker T] I like it.
I like it a lot.
[Vic] But you gotta give credit to Je'Von Evans.
He knew Dark State would be a problem.
He tried to speak up.
And he's coming in right now, house of fire.
Not just to beat down Dark State but also to prove he's ready
for Stand and Deliver and the NXT Championships.
Leg sweep, take down by Evans
Double stomp.
And lookit.
Cutler right in. Ready to pounce from behind.
[Booker T] Talk about the X-factor. This is the X-factor.
Cutler is the… is the guy.
Look at him. He's beef.
He's got a lot of beef on him.
[all exclaiming]
[Vic] He might not have any teeth left in his mouth.
And Je'Von Evans, getting bouncy here, tonight.
[Corey] Wow! Down goes Saquon, drop kick!
Takes down Dion.
Drop kick, take down Saquon.
[Vic] People are back in.
And there comes Trick and Oba.
Maybe they are on the same page.
Dark State making their debut is about to be spoiled
by the Triple Threat NXT Championship match
at Stand and Deliver.
[Corey] I don't know, Vic. I think these three may explode.
And look at the size of those fellas.
[Vic] What a stalemate we had on NXT.
[indistinct clamoring]
[Vic] Big right hand connect by Evans.
Je'Von looking to fly.
Bang!
Massive high-cross body.
Covering. Nearfall.
You saw the cover, you saw the look in Je'Von's eyes.
staring a hole through Dion Lennox.
[Booker T] Je'Von Evans, he's the glue keeping this team together, right now.
Check out this beautiful, beautiful crossbody.
[Corey] I agree with you, Book.
Evans has been the glue of his team thus far.
Whereas Dark State has been a cohesive unit.
Clearly, functioning and firing on all cylinders.
[Vic] This matchup has been nothing short of intense.
Whoa!
[Corey] The intensity in this match has started since the beginning,
and Cutler just dropping Je'Von, made the tag.
he is legal.
And this is why Dark State is so dangerous.
These are four men operating as one.
[Vic] and this quartet, Graves, certainly has had no issues
making enemies in the locker room.
[Corey] Well, listen, you can physically attack
and beat up everybody in the locker room.
You're not worried about who's you friend, or enemy.
Right now, Dark State is looking nothing short of dominant.
Cover by James.
[Vic] Hooking a leg, and another kick out by Je'Von.
[Booker T] Goes back to that intimidation factor, guys.
These guys aren't worried about the locker room or anything.
They are a cohesive unit,
and they're working like a well-oiled machine, right now, man.
[Vic] Many have wondered what Dark State would be like,
once they stormed into the ring.
This is the first time that they have done so.
[Corey] Spine buster, no wasted movement.
Dion sliding up immediately into a headlock on Evans.
As we mentioned, the short-fused of the four.
Former collegiate linebacker,
former NFL linebacker here in NXT did not want to wait his turn.
Nor did the rest of Darkstate,
they wanted to take the opportunities.
They wanted to beat those around them up
and show that they were better than everyone else.
[Corey] That's the unfortunate reality of the game these days.
You can try to do things the right way.
You can follow the rules and traditions we all went through.
But that's not what matters anymore, it's about--
Oh, my God!
[Vic] A spine rattling spinebuster,
cover and count and Je'Von Evans…
-Wow. -[Booker T] Double up.
[Corey] It's about getting the world to pay attention
and the WWE Universe to know your name.
That's what Darkstate is accomplishing right before our very eyes.
[Vic] Back in comes Saquon.
And everyone right now, in the NXT universe,
you almost feel the air has been taken out of the performance center
with what Darkstate has done in this match.
Another cover and another kick-out.
That right shoulder just getting off the mat.
And I'm looking over at Oba and I'm looking over at Trick,
and they are just as intense as Je'Von Evans was.
They know what's on the line here in this match-up too.
[Corey] I got a feeling Oba and Trick are just as baffled
as the fans here in the performance center are,
because let's be honest, this isn't supposed to unfold this way.
These four guys who are relatively unknown,
they were performance center athletes, very little experience,
should not be dominating the roster the way they have recently.
[Vic] Can't disagree with you, Corey.
[Booker T] I can tell you this right here.
Oba and Trick, you talk about the look in their eyes,
that's a look of worry and concern.
Uh-oh. Here we go.
Here we go.
[Vic] So much has been taken out of Je'Von Evans,
couldn't quite get to his corner.
But if at first you don't succeed, you try again.
But Dion made the tag, he's the legal superstar
and they've cut the ring in half, has Darkstate…
And Je'von, in desperation shifts the weight to create separation.
[Corey] Will it be enough?
Can Evans get to his corner and make the tag?
[Vic] So close.
Getting back up, enzuigiri rocking Dion. This is that moment.
Gotta make that tag. But who will he tag?
[Booker T] Whoa!
[Vic] Oba Femi just took things over
and put the match-up in his own hands.
[Corey] The Ruler has been unleashed.
[Vic] And the NXT champion now has been waiting patiently to unleash.
[Booker T speaking indistinctly] Here we go!
[Vic] He remembers the beatdown at Vengeance Day,
he remembers being dropped by these four.
[commentators exclaiming]
[Vic] I don't necessarily know
if that was on purpose, inadvertent.
Lennox coming in, he got caught, Fall from Grace--
Wait a minute.
[indistinct argument]
Hey!
What are you doing? Hey!
[Vic] Je'Von is legal.
He was pleading his case. These two now swinging away.
It was Trick who said they all needed to work as one
and focus on this match, but Je'Von is legal.
Je'Von to the top! Boom! Frog splash!
[Booker T] Cover him, son! Cover him! Cover him!
Damn it!
[Vic] Give credit to Lennox,
but on the outside, more officials coming out here,
this is pandemonium.
Saquon Shugars pulling the rope.
The tag was made, Cutler is legal.
Je'Von and his partners beating the hell out of each other.
Back in the ring, the match continuing.
[Corey] This is is absolute chaos, absolute madness.
Shugars from the top. Nearly put Evans through the ring!
[Vic] And Shugars into the cover and the emotions
-couldn't be held in check. -[bell dings]
And Evans pays the price.
[music playing]
[ring announcer] Here are your winners,
Darkstate!
[Vic] Despite early in the match being the glue that held his team together,
Je'Von Evans winds up as the sacrificial lamb
at the altar of Darkstate.
NXT Universe standing in absolute shock.
Here we see right out of the gate, before the opening bell,
Darkstate hit the ring,
four on three advantage and the chaos continued.
Here we see Saquon Shugars being launched into Trick Williams.
Curious about the intent with the closing moments,
Shugars launching himself off the rope,
putting Je'Von down the hard way
and picking up a massive W for Darkstate.
[Italian music plays]
Hey, Darkstate. Darkstate, up here.
On behalf of the D'Angelo family,
you want to cause chaos?
Fine, how about next week in the parking lot?
[crowd cheering]
You four are going to learn
that messing with the D'Angelo family
has severe… consequences.
[Vic] The Underboss with a business decision.
Another twist in the Road to WrestleMania weekend
and Stand and Deliver. ad to WrestleMania weekend