[Triple H] Then…
Now…
Forever…
Together.
The time for Last Legend to rise
to the top of this women's division is here.
So you other three ladies can step aside
because the bougie bully is winning this fatal four-way tonight
and returning to my hometown of A-T-L-A-N-T-A
and walking out of Evolution as the NXT Women's Championship.
I used to sit and hope for opportunities like these to present themselves.
But being a part of The Culling showed me there's no glory
waiting in the darkness.
So I stepped into the light.
And tonight, I will take another step towards gold
because The Culling always prevails.
And that just is what it is.
There ain't no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
I'll do whatever it takes to get mine.
And what's mine is that NXT Women's title match at Evolution.
So Jordynne, Izzi, Lash,
y'all better find somebody else to play with,
'cause I got this on lock. Clock it.
I've dominated the wrestling world outside of WWE to get where I am
by building my strength from scratch.
There is nothing more motivating than desperation
and I did not come to WWE to not be a champion.
Lash, Jaida, Izzi,
I will be getting my hand raised tonight
in Evolution in Atlanta,
I'll finally become the NXT Women's Champion.
I have to.
[Vic] Four women, one golden opportunity tonight
and welcome to NXT.
[Booker T] Oh yeah, that's right.
Say what?
Yeah! Uh-huh.
I like it!
Oh, yeah, man.
Say what?
Yeah!
That's right!
Check him out. That's that man.
[indistinct] Oh, yes, man!
[Vic] Booker is provocative. He gets the people going.
[bell ringing]
[announcer] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the TNA World Championship!
Introducing first from Columbia, South Carolina,
weighing in at 240 pounds,
he is the TNA World Champion,
Trick Williams!
[Vic] This is the 11th TNA title defense of 2025,
the sixth by the way, the sixth, on NXT.
[announcer] And his opponent, accompanied by Yoshiki Inamura,
weighing in at 290 pounds,
Josh Briggs!
[Vic] Graves, is Josh Briggs ready?
This is his biggest opportunity till date.
[Corey] Well, time will tell whether or not the man of mayhem
has what it takes to be the face of TNA wrestling.
We know Trick Williams will not go down without a fight,
but Josh Briggs is a superstar
all too eager to throw hands with the best of them.
[Vic] He could win tonight
and could find himself headlining TNA Slammiversary as champion on July 20th.
[Booker T laughing] You kiddin' me, right? You kiddin' me.
[Corey] It's a possibility, Book.
[Booker T] Talking about Trick Williams… [indistinct]
Trick Williams defended that championship.
They say you are not a champion until you defend.
Right now Trick Williams has gone out there and done that.
They also say, when you become champion
it makes you about 10 to 15, perhaps 20% better.
That is Trick Williams, man.
[Vic] There is a lot of chatter surrounding this matchup
after the TNA director made the decision to have this match.
What are your thoughts about the decision that Josh Briggs is competing?
[Booker T] Josh Briggs competing in this matchup,
it's a lot he's digging for,
but it's the biggest mistake Inamura could have ever made in his career.
Because he could have been stepping into the footsteps of greatness.
That's just me, right?
[Corey] I agree with you wholeheartedly on that.
I don't know what Inamura was thinking.
I guess you gotta respect the decision.
If anything, it puts more pressure on the shoulders of Josh Briggs.
Because Josh doesn't want to let Inamura down
just like he doesn't want to fail or let the NXT universe down.
[Vic] And again, no doubt, Briggs owes everything to his tag team partner.
[Corey] Inamura has gone above and beyond
to try to pull Briggs out of his professional funk he's been in lately.
[Vic] Briggs competed for the NXT Championship…
Into the cover.
Once that golden round is wasted you feel the sense of urgency coming from Briggs.
His last singles championship he contended for.
You gotta go back to last year.
[Corey] Look at this flying clothesline from Briggs nearly taking Trick's head off
but Williams able to survive.
[Vic] Something Graves just said but I want to get your thoughts on it,
does this matchup add more pressure to the shoulders of Josh Briggs?
[Booker T] I think so. I mean, you just said it yourself,
I mean this is Briggs' true shot at a world title.
And right now, you can sink or swim in a situation like this.
Losing this match could just crush his confidence.
[Corey] I'm really curious as to what's happening in the TNA locker right now,
'cause we know the TNA locker
is eager to see Trick Williams dethroned by a TNA wrestler, not Josh Briggs.
[Vic] And Trick Williams has turned this match up around after a chop,
right to the throat and dropping Briggs face-first.
Booker, the return of Inamura, you would agree, has benefited Briggs.
[Booker T] He has a title shot, something he did not do on his own.
This is a must win situation for the big man in my opinion.
[Vic] Inamura has been asking his tag-team partner to think bigger.
Think bigger, is what he has been saying to Josh.
[Corey] Booker, how long was it after you separated from your brother
as a member of Harlem Heat…
[Vic] Shoulders are down. Referee great position.
[Corey] Before you really felt comfortable standing on your own?
[Booker T] Having my brother in the corner for like eight, nine plus years,
was like a security blanket, man.
I knew I could go out there and just let it all hang out.
That is the difference with Tag team wrestling.
[Vic] Big suplex from the challenger. It was Inamura who pinned Trick Williams
last week.
It was Inamura who stated that if…
if there was a championship opportunity to be handed out,
he wanted his partner, Josh Briggs, to have it,
because Briggs has earned it.
Briggs charging back in, knows this could be his only opportunity at gold.
Just got caught by the champion.
[Corey] Briggs just rocked the jump.
-[Vic] You see Briggs? -[Corey] Briggs is laughing it off.
-That'll put a hole in your soul. -[Vic chuckles] Certainly will.
Trick, a second time, couldn't take the big man down,
-and Briggs just switched gears… -[Corey] Whoa!
-…and now, Trick, answering back. -[Booker T] Yeah!
[Corey] God, it's like two locomotives colliding!
[Vic] Swinging wildly right back, and that's a drop-kick from the Champion.
Challenger knocked to the outside.
[Booker T] That's my boy, Trick Williams,
showing versatility, going airborne right there.
I love it, man!
[Corey] Briggs is walking a little stiff, like he might've had his bell rung.
-Wouldn't be surprised-- -[Booker T] What is he doing?
[Booker T] That's a disqualification!
-[Vic chuckling] What-- -[Corey] Uh-oh!
[Vic] Oh! That may have been a disqualification if Inamura--
[commentators exclaim] Oh!
[Vic] Boot to the face!
Briggs, is he walking out with the TNA World Title?
[crowd clamoring]
[Vic] We are kicking off tonight with a Champion Class
for the TNA World Title.
A Heritage Cup will be defended here tonight.
Unfortunately, we learned on Saturday Noam Dar had to vacate that cup.
But, man, what action just moments ago, Graves.
[Corey] Take a look at this. This is a credit to the toughness of Josh Briggs.
Trick Williams right on the money, and Briggs somehow survived.
And in now looking to make his way back into this fight.
-[Vic] Again, we learned over the weekend… -[Booker T] Beautiful!
[Vic] …that a former TNA Champion will get his rematch
at Slammiversary, July 20th, in New York,
but the question is, who will Hendry face?
Will it be Trick Williams, will it be Josh Briggs?
We're finding out here tonight.
And Briggs, overpowering, hoisting and planting the Champion.
[Corey] It could be the tide turner that the Man of Mayhem so needed.
Briggs is looking fired up and back into this battle.
[Vic] Right now, again, it's two NXT superstars
battling over the TNA World Title.
Graves, that certainly has had to have been a tough pill for some to swallow
since history was made at Battleground.
[Corey] Oh, Big Splash by Briggs.
Those "some," I'm sure you're referring to the TNA roster
who are not thrilled that a NXT superstar holds their top prize.
However, you have to look at the business aspect of it.
Ratings are up, the numbers are up.
I heard they're thinking about giving that clown Hannifan a raise.
It's been good for business for TNA.
[Vic] Well, the TNA Director of Authority, Santino Marella, made this match-up,
and again, the pendulum is swinging back and forth.
Into the cover for the Champion, and the challenger…
-[Booker T] That was close. -[Vic] …just getting that shoulder up.
[Booker T] So close.
[Vic] And now, Trick right back on top.
[Corey] I like what we're seeing out of Trick. Book, you'll agree.
This is showing the maturity of Trick Williams.
He's not panicking. He's frustrated, but he understands.
Just continue to pour on the punishment, don't make any mistakes.
[Booker T] Very, very patient, Trick Williams has been in this match-up,
taking advantage of every… every opening,
-every time a crack, a door opens… -Come on!
[Booker T] …he's right in there. Big shot! Oh, yes!
[Vic] He's almost welcoming the physicality here.
Ducking one, going right back to the body.
Williams, big uppercut under the jaw of Briggs.
Trick coming right back in, got caught.
Briggs could be looking for that massive chokeslam!
-[Corey] Wow! -[Vic] Countered by Williams.
Williams, swing and a miss, coming right back,
Trick staying on top… [excitedly] …trying to overpower Briggs,
-and, oh, Briggs somehow… -[Corey laughs]
[Vic] …landed a counter chokeslam!
-[Corey] My God! Briggs! -[Vic] That could be it!
We got a new TNA World… [hesitating] …Champ--
Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa!
[Booker T] What a counter from the big man, Josh Briggs!
-[Vic] Wait a minute. -[Booker T] Wow.
[Corey] Nothing wrong with that.
That was fantastic ring awareness by Trick Williams.
[Booker T] Wherewithal right there, knowing exactly where he is
in the middle of that squared circle.
[crowd chanting] NXT! NXT! NXT! NXT!
[Vic] What a way to kick off NXT…
TNA World Title on the line.
[Booker T] Big forearm shot there by the big man.
[Vic] Inamura on the outside, looking on.
But Briggs certainly had brought out his A-game here tonight
for his championship opportunity.
[Corey] Booker, we talk all the time about the importance of adding new layers,
new wrinkles to your game plan. We have seen plenty of that from Briggs tonight.
[Booker T] Not just Briggs, Trick as well. I mean, when you're in those deep waters,
you got to pull out every tool in the tool bag, man.
[Vic] And these men are starting to throw hands--
And instead, it was Briggs who threw a size 16 shoe into the face of Trick.
Trick answering right back to the side of the face.
Trick, now, pump kick under the jaw. Briggs is rocked.
-Briggs is down to his knee. -[Booker T] Yeah!
Trick Williams--
Oh, got caught!
And got planted.
Big lariat from Briggs!
[Booker T] What a Championship Match, guys!
-[Corey] No doubt. -[Vic] And now-- What the--
Briggs leaving his feet.
-[Corey] Got to leave it all in the ring! -Look at the size-- Oh, no!
Miscalculation! And Trick now…
Trick Shot connects!
[crowd] One, two, three!
-[Booker T] Yeah! -[Vic] Trick retains.
-["Locked" In playing] -Whoop that trick!
[announcer] Here's your winner,
and still the TNA World Champion,
Trick Williams!
[Corey] You got to leave it all in the ring.
Josh Briggs understood the assignment.
A thunderous lariat takes down Trick,
and here's where Briggs went for broke,
and unfortunately for Josh, it did not pay off.
Bang! Trick Shot by the TNA World Champion,
-and still! -[bell dings]
Whoo-ooh!
-[Booker T exclaims] -[crowd chanting] Whoop that trick!
-Hey, yo, cut the music. -[music stops]
It's about time you all put some freaking respect on my name.
-[crowd cheering] -[Booker T chuckles]
I went from carrying him
to carrying to brands at the same time.
[crowd cheering]
In other words, I'm the greatest TNA Champion of all--
♪ Say his name and he appears ♪
♪ I believe in Joe Hendry… ♪
[Vic] Williams couldn't even finish his statement.
♪ …in London and Paris… ♪
[Vic] Because the Number One Contender--
Joe-- Joe Hendry just appeared!
-[Corey] From behind! Turn around, Trick! -[Booker T] This coward!
♪ I believe in Joe Hendry ♪
[Vic] And Joe Hendry
getting some of Trick Williams,
-the man he will meet at Slammiversary… -[Booker T] Come on, man!
[Vic] …for the TNA World Title, July 20th.
[Corey] Trick Williams, the man who took what Joe Hendry valued most.
[Vic] Hendry unhinged, unglued,
obsessed with bringing the World Title back
to TNA.
-Ooh, that is pretty disgusting. -Yeah, okay, don't be so harsh, all right?
-Well, you showed it to me. -All good, Tavion?
-Yeah, despite your best efforts. -I'm sorry, what's this?
Admit it, Charlie, you think I'm gonna beat Je'Von tonight.
-That's why you hurt me during training. -Charles would never do that.
-He cares about your well-being. -But he did.
No, he was just trying to push you.
-We're family, right, Charles? -Yeah, of course we're a family.
Look, Tavion, it was just a training accident.
But if you're not ready to face Je'Von tonight,
I mean, I'm here, I'm ready.
I bet you'd like that, wouldn't you, Charlie? But guess what,
Dawg got me a mask, bruh.
-Ooh. -So I'm cleared.
After tonight, you don't have to worry about my well-being.
-I got this. -Well, isn't that fantastic.
Yeah, it is fantastic.
Fantastic.
Yo, Tyreak Sapp, George Gumbs, I'm so hyped you guys are here.
I appreciate you coming to NXT.
You see, I lived in North Carolina my whole life.
But them Tim Tebow days made me a huge Florida Gators fan.
-Yeah, that's what's up. -This year is your year.
You got a lot of returners on offense, anchoring down the defense.
Gators are so back.
[indistinct conversation]
George, when you posted that Florida Gator flag at FSU,
-man, that got me juiced. -Myles, you got a minute?
Of course you do. You're a lone wolf just like me.
Oh, I forgot, he's deaf.
Myles. Myles Borne.
-I heard him, don't worry about him. -You heard me? He heard me.
Since you're such an active listener, let me give you some advice, Myles.
Lexis, I don't want your advice.
And me and you aren't alike.
While you've taken every shortcut possible,
I worked hard to get here.
You know, Lexis,
you are your father's son,
and that'll never change.
Yeah, well, nothing's gonna change for you by talking to these losers
instead of talking to the King.
The Florida Gators haven't done jack in over two decades.
-Keep talking crazy, you're gonna get hit. -Let's smash, bro.
Hey, doesn't sound too fun for the king.
This bro's beard painted?
I think so.
[Vic] There is Jaida Parker,
one of the four women who are gonna compete in our main event
to head to Evolution.
That four-way matchup still to come live tonight.
♪ Your boy is bouncy ♪
["Who Want It" playing]
♪ Yo, let's go ♪
♪ Who want it? ♪
[bell ringing]
[Mike] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Kingsboro, North Carolina,
weighing in at 180 pounds,
Je'Von Evans!
[Vic] Graves, is this not a glimpse into the future of WWE?
[Corey] No doubt about it.
A perfect display of what the future holds for this industry.
Two of the top young stars in the game.
They're only gonna get bigger, they're only gonna get better with time.
[Mike] And his opponent, representing No Quarter Catch Crew,
weighing in at 260 pounds,
Tavion Heights!
[Corey] I did Monday Night Raw yesterday,
and I was sitting ringside during the day,
the name Je'Von Evans came up on more than one occasion
from more than one superstar.
Je'Von Evans is the talk of the game these days, and with great reason.
But this also means
it's a massive opportunity for Tavion Heights
to take Je'Von's spotlight and redirect it on himself.
[Vic] And able to put himself on the map.
-[bell dinging] -You see that mask again,
we heard of the training.
-[Corey] Whoa. Right out of gate. -[Booker] I like that, man.
[Vic] Graves, you believe in Tavion's little "training accident"?
[Corey] I don't know what's going on within the No Quarter Catch Crew.
It's none of my business,
but I am extremely impressed by what I've seen from Tavion Heights.
The guy has athleticism, as though he was blessed by the gods.
[Vic] Olympian-background. A win tonight, out of NQCC is Tavion Heights,
who right now just controlling the body of Je'Von Evans.
[Corey] Happens to be the most feared man in Camp Crystal Lake these days.
[Vic] I can agree with that one as well.
Shoulders down again and a kick out.
And look, Evans was standing up for Heights last week
when a wager kind of--
-[Corey] Cradle! -[Booker] Oh, yeah!
-[Corey] Uh-oh! -[Vic] Upped the ante of this matchup.
-Again, a win, Heights is out of the NQCC. -[Booker] Wow.
[Vic] Evan wants him to be his own man.
But even, Booker, you can agree, not at his own expense.
Je'Von Evans wants to step up in this matchup and win.
-[Corey] Here we go again! -[Vic] Another inside cradle! Kick out.
[Booker] Je'Von Evans, he's had some big moments,
a big match to beat him for the NXT Championship.
[continues indistinctly]
Came up short, but those were learning moments.
I'll call that on-the-job training for this young man, Je'Von Evans.
But this guy, Tavion Heights, he is a blue chipper.
He is truly a hell of an athlete.
[Corey] Book, you'll agree,
I think what we're seeing out of Tavion Heights tonight is special.
You know why? Because Tavion is sticking to what he does best.
[Vic] Cover, cover, cover, cover.
[Corey] Sticking to his ground game, which is second to none.
We talk about his Olympic background.
I think sometimes Tavion might be guilty
of trying to bite off a little more than he can chew,
trying to get a little too cute, a little too fancy.
Things are working out great right now.
[Booker] Not just that. That trip to Japan in 2024 did him a world of good.
I always say, all these young athletes, you gotta do it at least one time.
Take that trip to the Orient.
And this man right here got a lot from that, trust me.
[Vic] We just saw Je'Von Evans try to counter his way, twist his way free,
but Tavion Heights has an anaconda squeeze on that arm.
[Corey] Heights is smothering Je'Von right now,
and I don't know that Je'Von's ever really experienced
someone with this level of pure mat wrestling skill.
[Booker] Modified top wrist lock there by this guy.
I'mma tell you right now, he's definitely got the skills.
Talk about precision tactician,
-this guy's definitely got it. -[Corey] Oh.
[Booker] This young man, he's special, he's prolific, that Je'Von Evans.
[Vic] Evans was able to create a bit of separation.
That door closed quickly.
Up over though, getting Heights down. Shoulders are down.
And a kick out by Tavion.
Right back up, trying to put Evans back down.
-[Corey] Whoa! -[Booker] There we go!
[Vic] Fancy crossbody.
Bounced a little bit too much off of Tavion.
Booker, how has Evans truly matured since his debut?
[Booker] I've been watching this guy in the men's division.
A special talent like Je'Von Evans,
and not just being in there with those guys,
I'm talking about standing toe to toe
and sometimes coming out on the W side.
Here we go. I'm feeling it!
[Vic] Same. Je'Von Evans, who's the main event of Stand and Deliver.
-The same man that-- -[Booker] Ah!
[Vic] The same man that just took to the air
to wipe out Tavion Heights!
Who's walking out victorious tonight?
[crowd chanting "NXT"]
[Vic] What a matchup this has been between Tavion Heights and Je'Von Evans.
And Graves, you brought this up just a moment ago,
you're very shocked and surprised
that Je'Von Evans really hasn't been able to string together any offense.
[Corey] Only in the last few seconds have we seen anything resembling a flurry,
-but here comes Evans-- -[Booker] Oh, baby!
[Corey] …found what he was looking for,
but Tavion Heights has been incredibly impressive to this point.
Maybe the best I've seen out of Heights thus far.
[Vic] Je'Von Evans would love a victory
to try to get back into the championship picture.
And, whoa, Tavion was able to put a--
-[Corey exclaims] -[Vic] He just pounced!
[Booker] The greatness! Did you see that?
-[Corey] I'm blown away! -Wow!
[Vic] Cover by Heights and center of the ring.
And Je'Von just getting the shoulder up again.
I mean, that was impressive.
[Corey] We see Wren and Charlie look a little surprised.
But right now, Book, I think you agree with me.
We're watching a star be born before our very eyes in Tavion Heights.
[Booker] I'll say Je'Von Evans needs to be quick,
but right now, Tavion Heights seems to be one step ahead of The Young OG.
[Vic] With that German suplex for a moment,
that time the elbow didn't hit the mask squarely.
-[groaning] -[Booker] Oh!
[Vic] But then a headbutt right to the back.
[Corey] All legal.
-[Vic] With that fast German suplex! -[Corey] Whoa!
[Vic] With the bridge, into the cover!
And Je'Von's right shoulder slipping off that mat.
I mean, that was super close.
[Corey] Obviously, No Quarter Catch Crew aren't gonna be
completely content
until they escape with a W.
But Tavion Heights right now is dominating Je'Von Evans
in a way that I don't know Evans has experienced.
-Combination! -[Vic] And a counter. And a kick out.
I think that's what Je'Von's gonna have to do.
He's gonna have to sneak a pin, steal something.
-[Vic] Oh! -Or that!
-[Booker T] That could be it. -Nothing sneaky about it,
kick between the eyes.
And now, Evans trying to put down Tavion.
Tavion, fighting for his freedom from Charlie Dempsey,
just got dropped with that superkick.
And now, Je'Von Evans, one more time,
looking to fly!
-Bam! -[Booker T] I don't think he got it!
[Vic] Went down the middle of the road, and Evans backs up his words tonight.
["Who Want It" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Je'Von Evans!
[Corey] Je'Von Evans, almost miraculously, able to survive
and deliver this beautiful twisting splash from the top turnbuckle.
But, guys, my takeaway from tonight,
Tavion Heights, what an impressive performance!
[Vic] And Je'Von Evans--
-[Corey] Oh, no. Oh, no! -[Booker T] Oh, baby!
What? What? What?
That Monster!
[Corey] Jasper Troy just flattened The Young OG.
[Booker T] Yeah!
[Vic] Jasper Troy
making his presence felt one more time.
And, Graves, since that man arrived,
Booker's Monster, from LFG,
he has backed up everything he said he would do.
He would make an immediate impact.
I can agree. Booker predicted the future perfectly.
And I think Jasper Troy's gonna be a major force here in NXT and beyond.
Oh, my God!
Well, as we try to digest what we just witnessed,
and Je'Von Evans being attended to right now,
let's take a deeper look at what's going on inside,
well, what was The Family of Tony D'Angelo.
[Vic] Oh!
[Corey] Did Luca mean to hit Tony, or was he aiming for Stacks?
[Vic] No, he was trying to hit Stacks.
[Luca] Tony, how many times do I have to tell you, it was meant for Stacks!
Well, how about I get Ava to get you a match with Stacks, huh?
What are you doing? I don't wanna face Stacks!
-'Cause you're working with him! -Stop accusing me!
-Then prove it to me! -All right, enough!
Stacks already has a match next week against Noam Dar for the Heritage Cup.
Why does he get a Cup match?
Because he mentioned, the last person he beat
was a former Heritage Cup Champion.
And because his consigliere signed off on it.
His what?
Not me. Tony, I swear it wasn't me. I have nothing to do with this, Tony.
-Unbelievable! -T! T, you can check the documents!
My name is signed on anything!
[somber instrumental music]
[Luca] Tony, you looked me in the eyes and told me to prove my loyalty to you.
So, I did just that.
Ava confirmed this.
Tony D'Angelo versus "Stacks" Lorenzo this Tuesday
for the held up NXT Heritage Cup.
[Tony] You've given me an opportunity to become
a two-time Heritage Cup Champion,
while simultaneously being able to beat the snot out of Stacks.
Not bad, Luca.
Now, I wouldn't say we're all the way there in terms of trust,
but we're well on the way.
I already proved that I could beat Tony D at Battleground.
Now, I get to take the Heritage Cup that used to be his
and make it mine.
So, I only got one thing left to say,
Luca, thank you.
My consigliere.
♪ This is the revolution ♪
["Revolution" playing]
[bell ringing]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall!
Introducing first, from New Orleans, Louisiana,
weighing in at 200 pounds,
Ricky Saints!
["Revolution" continues playing]
[Vic] Ricky Saints cleared and ready to compete here tonight.
["Revolution" continues playing]
[Corey] Here's what I'm curious about, Vic,
we know Ricky Saints is medically cleared to compete,
but is Ricky Saints psychologically cleared to compete?
An injury somewhere like your trachea, your throat,
that can do a lot of long-term damage to a man's mind and his body.
["Lite Work" playing]
[announcer] And his opponent, from Harlem, New York,
weighing in at 215 pounds,
Ashante "Thee" Adonis!
[Vic] You know, Booker takes a lot of credit for a lot of people here in NXT,
helps them guide the way.
He took credit for those dance moves. You teach him those dance moves, Book?
[Booker T] Call it dropstep. Call it dropstep, all right?
[Corey] That why your knee was sore earlier?
[Booker T] No, I… Stay with me, man.
[Vic] Well, Graves, can you explain to me how Adonis believe he and Saints
have a lot in common?
'Cause I don't see many parallels between the two.
[Corey] Well, listen, I don't know Ashante that well,
but I know he's hungry.
And if there's anything about Ashante "Thee" Adonis,
the guy has an overabundance of confidence.
[Vic] Well, after that right hand,
Adonis got a bigger reaction than Will Smith did in London.
But right now, Ricky Saints taking it to Adonis.
[Corey] I know you like Pretty Girls. You have that song downloaded, don't you?
-Sick! -[Vic] Well, my wife is a pretty girl.
And another right hand there by Ricky Saints.
Booker, you ever suffer a throat injury during your career like Saints,
like Graves said moments ago?
[Booker T] You talking about the medulla oblongata.
Oh, yes! Oh, yes!
[Vic] No! Bobby Boucher, it's not about the throat!
[Booker T] It's a very sensitive region. Oh, yes, I've had a couple here and there.
[Vic] And… Oh! Big kick from Saints.
Saints answered back with another right hand.
Graves, you mentioned earlier, but truly, all joking aside,
how cautious should Saints be due to that injury?
[Corey] Look, I'm in no position to tell Saints what he should do professionally.
If Ricky's cleared to medically compete, and Ricky wants to compete, let him fight!
Who am I to say? I'm curious to see him right now.
[Vic] He's walking, he's talking, and he's dropping it on us here tonight!
[Corey] Is that why you've been so on me lately, Booker?
[Vic] He said don't do it. Don't pick on him. Saints in control.
[Vic] It has been all Ashante "Thee" Adonis.
Ricky Saints doing his best to fight back,
as now this is breaking out into a slugfest of sorts.
[Corey] I'm very impressed by Ashante to this point in the matchup.
Ashante's almost settled into cruise control a little bit right now.
-He's not rushing-- -[Booker T] Oh, baby!
[Corey] He's taking his time and stringing together offense.
[Vic] Hoists him up. And now, Adonis,
looking for the Cash Out!
And is this enough to pin the former North American Champion?
And Saints just able to get up. But you see Ricky…
Camera didn't show it, I saw the monitor.
He grabbed his throat, grabbed his face.
Gotta wonder how much is left now in the body of Ricky.
[Corey] We know you're not a big fan of Ricky Saints, Book,
but you gotta give him some credit.
Coming out here tonight, just fresh off of an injury,
and holding his own, able to kick out of the best Ashante's throwing at him so far.
[Booker T] He does look good, I'll give Saints credit for that,
but this man right here, Ashante "Thee" Adonis,
he's looking to do one thing.
Us wrestlers are always thinking about taking somebody's spot.
That's what he's thinking about right now. He's thinking about taking Saints' spot.
He's gonna bless him here tonight.
[Vic] Still to come, Stacks, Tony D'Angelo
for the vacated Heritage Cup,
as Adonis has been in control of this matchup,
here against Ricky Saints, who is medically cleared
to compete this week.
And Saints now trying to switch gears and pickin' up a little bit.
[Booker T] Big shot.
[Vic] And, Graves, this is almost like the second win for Ricky Saints right now.
[Corey] This a display of toughness for Ricky Saints.
Booker used the phrase "intestinal fortitude."
Ashante trying to put the brakes on to the best of his ability, but lost.
[Booker T] Bam!
[Vic] Couldn't stop that time.
[crowd cheering]
And Saints coming right back, looking for a front facelock,
with a little extra DDT, tornado style!
Nice job by Saints, to get Adonis away from the ropes,
into the cover, hook the inside leg and…
But still not enough to keep down Adonis.
Take a look at this, Graves.
[Corey] Great athleticism by Ricky Saints, utilizing the momentum,
running the drops and driving Ashante skull-first into the canvas,
but it wasn't enough to end it in favor of Saints just yet.
[Booker T] Beautiful floatover. Lot of torque
behind that big shot by Ricky Saints.
[Vic] NXT universe trying to rally Ricky Saints here.
Saints ducks the clothesline.
Heading to go right up and under… big spear!
[Booker T] Bam!
[Corey] That could be the beginning of the end, gentlemen!
[Vic] Lining up for Ricky Saints for a little row… slam!
Oh!
Floatin' right over, hook to the leg, and Saints is back…
-[bell dings] -…to this winning ways.
[announcer] Here is your winner, Ricky Saints!
[Vic] Booker, in your own words, give it up one time for Ricky Saints!
[Booker T] Give it up for him. The dude is okay.
[Vic] Revolution has returned to form the Roshambo!
[crowd] One! Two! Three!
[Vic] Takes out Ashante "Thee" Adonis.
Welcome back, Mr. Saints.
[man] Ricky.
Ricky. Ricky. Ricky.
We've been doing this for a wh--
[Vic] Now, uh-- Apparently, uh, Ethan Page's video didn't work
-here tonight-- [shouts] -[Booker T laughs]
It was a trap!
That man!
[Corey] Oh, Ego spoiling Saints' return.
Oh, no. Not again.
[crowd chanting]
[Vic] Look at-- He's going for the-- No, you don't think…
[Corey] Oh, yes!
[Booker T] Roshambo
from All Ego!
[Corey] There will be hell to pay for Ethan Page.
…as close as you're ever gonna get, Ricky.
To me and my championship.
[announcer] Time for tonight's NXT Focus.
So what's up? Forgot about us?
Just 'cause y'all ain't seen us, don't mean we ain't been making moves.
-We stay scheming! -Shiny new toys got your attention, huh?
I mean, that's understandable, right? That's only gonna help us.
Yes, rightos. We got something hot cooking up for y'all. Just wait.
-And we're gonna get their attention back. -That's right.
And when we do, DarkState's gonna be front and center.
Whoa, Culter, you feel that?
-Oh, yeah. -He risin'.
Pot boiling, waiting for it to boil over
and burn this whole plan to the ground.
'Cause when DarkState strikes…
[Vic] Absolute chaos and destruction!
…ain't nobody safe.
[Vic] Oh, there is The Ruler. The Destroyer. He's here.
Our champion Oba Femi addresses the NXT universe, next.
Back live on NXT
with The Ruler and The Destroyer.
-[dramatic music playing] -[crowd chanting]
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the NXT champion
Oba Femi!
[Vic] Now we are about to learn what is on the mind
of our NXT champion.
[Booker T] You know why?
'Cause that'll be a romping, stomping, grave-digging destruction Jack.
[crowd chanting] Oba! Oba!
Oba! Oba!
Since January the 7th, 2025,
I have been your NXT champion.
[crowd applauds]
And in that time,
I put down any challenger that stepped forward to oppose me.
The best from NXT, TNA,
RAW, Smackdown,
one by one they came, and one by one they fell.
And do you know what that makes them?
That makes them footnotes to my legacy.
Capable contenders, but footnotes.
And now I sit comfortably at the top of the pedestal.
But this is where it gets dangerous.
Because any man in my position
will start to rest on his laurels,
will start to coast and bask in the euphoria of his victories.
But The Ruler is not just any man now, is he?
I get…
I get restless when I'm idle.
I get restless when there's no contenders,
when there's no competition,
because I crave the fight, I enjoy the fight,
I embrace the fight!
And I need challengers!
So any man who thinks they are worthy to take this title from me,
any man who thinks they can stand up to The Ruler himself,
this is your opportunity, this is your moment!
The Ruler is ready.
[dramatic music playing]
[Vic] And it doesn't appear he has to wait long!
Inamura!
[Corey] Very, very interesting.
We know Inamura has big plans,
do they include The Ruler?
[crowd chanting] Yoshiki! Yoshiki!
Yoshiki! Yoshiki! Yoshiki!
Yoshiki! Yoshiki!
I came to NXT to chase glory.
Just like you.
But when it did not come,
I went home to Japan.
I realized
all the things I missed.
My partner,
Briggs,
my best friend, Briggs…
But I also missed NXT.
[crowd applauds]
Because I love NXT.
I love the culture.
I love the passion of the fans.
[crowd cheering]
I want pay them back
by becoming NXT champion.
I want bigger.
And you, that title, are bigger.
Mr. Inamura,
you know, one thing that we both have in common is that we both know
what it's like to be strangers in a different place.
And I made this place my home a long time ago
and ever since then, NXT has been my kingdom
and I… I've thrived ever since the beginning.
And that's where we're different.
Because you were born coming here,
you've had your fair share of struggles that made you go back to Japan.
But that's why they have embraced you.
Because you came back, you turned the tide,
and you did it all with a smile on your face.
But you can't fool me.
You can't fool me. I see beyond that smile.
I know that under that is a fighting warrior,
is a man with a warrior spirit
who craves the fight just like me.
So Inamura, you want to fight for the honor,
big mistake.
Because when you face the Ruler,
you will fall just like everybody else.
I am ready.
[crowd cheering]
[Vic] Well, you talk about passion,
feel it right now, Graves.
We could be on the verge of literal human demolition derby.
[Corey] I cannot wait!
I'm all fired up…
-A true heavyweight showdown! But-- -[crowd exclaiming]
-[Vic] What! -[Corey] Jasper Troy!
[Corey] Troy just ran over Inamura like a Mack truck!
-Now, finish-- -Stop!
-Stop! Step to me! -["Hands of Fate" playing]
[Vic] And think about this.
No one has pushed Oba Femi
like Jasper Troy did.
Can Femi even withstand a rematch with Troy?
Hey, Tatum. I have something for you.
-For me? -Of course.
And, I actually, I have a question for you that I'm a little nervous to ask.
But how do you feel about being in my corner tonight for the main event?
-You want me in your corner? -Yeah.
You cannot be serious right now.
If Tatum wants to believe Izzi is being genuine, then let her.
Glad to see someone's still not bitter about the loss last week.
Sorry it must suck knowing the only championship
you're gonna get close to is the one you are sharing with your best friend.
Tatum, if you'd like to join me, I'd love to have you.
Izzi, who's your friend?
Tatum, meet Spears and Niko.
Izzi's told us so many good things about you.
-Are you ready for tonight? -Of course, I'm ready.
Tatum, I'm hoping you'll join me ringside.
-I'll be there. -And what about you guys?
We have something in the works.
Like you, Izzi, we too have our eyes on some gold.
Come on, Tatum.
[Vic] That didn't feel eerie at all.
["Strictly Business" playing]
[screaming]
[bell ringing]
[ring announcer] The following contest
is for the NXT Heritage Cup Championship!
Introducing first,
from Chicago, Illinois,
weighing in at 240 pounds,
the Don of NXT,
Tony D'Angelo!
[Vic] The Heritage Cup was vacated over the weekend.
The Don looking to become a two-time Heritage Cup champion, next!
Hey, yo, Trick! Lemme holler at you, dawg!
Hey, look bro, now ain't the time, man.
Look, Joe got me messed up, thinking I'm going out like that.
After everything that happened last week…
watch what I do to him.
Yeah, see, about last week.
we had a lot going on in the match, man.
-A lot going on? -Yeah!
Look, I had things taken care of last week.
Next thing I know, Yoshi hit a splash from the damn ceiling.
-Ah, that's true. -He almost broke my ribs out there.
-I didn't know-- -Then what happened tonight?
Look, I pinned Briggs, and then Average Joe comes out of nowhere.
-He just appears! -Look!
And that's what I came in here to talk to you about, man.
Look, I just left Ava's office, and next week,
we gonna find out how much people believe in him
when I'm whoopin' Joe Hendry's ass.
-Sure? -You knockin' Joe Hendry out, huh?
-I like the sound of that. Yeah. -Hmm.
I'll tell you what. You take care of Joe Hendry next week…
Matter of fact…
Y'all take care of Joe Hendry next week, then I'll owe you one.
-Ain't nothing but a thang, dawg. -Yeah!
-I got you! -That's what I'm talking about!
[Trick] You know what I'm saying?
["Strictly Business" continues]
[Vic] Sounds like we have a showdown taking place next week
but we're about to have one here in moments
for the Heritage Cup Championship.
[solemn rock music playing]
[ring announcer] And his opponent, from Albany, New York,
weighing in at 206 pounds,
the Underboss,
Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo!
[Vic] Uh, Graves, to be fair to Stacks here,
he wasn't prepared for Tony.
He was prepared to face Noam Dar.
How difficult do you think that will be for him to switch any sort of game plan?
[Corey] Why do you feel the need to make excuses for Stacks Lorenzo?
The bell hasn't even rung, Vic.
-[Vic] I'm just saying-- -[Corey] Stacks has been hoping,
dreaming for this moment.
Where he can take down the Don of NXT and move on with his life.
-[Vic] Well-- -[Corey] Get out of the shadow of Tony D,
and become Stacks, the man who stands on his own two feet.
-[Booker] Can I correct you guys? -[Vic] What?
[Booker T] It's Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo.
[bell ringing]
Please, let's just give him that much respect tonight.
Can you do that? Can you do that?
[Vic] I'll say this with all due respect, if he was as tough as Graves says he is,
he wouldn't be out here with a goon squad…
[Booker T] What are you talking about?
[Vic] …inside his corner between…
[Corey] Isn't that goon squad that club you belong to online?
[Vic] Let's not start with that, Graves.
[Booker T] It's called a corner. It's called a corner.
-That's what it's called. -[Vic] One.
Not three, one.
[Corey] Here's the deal. You know what I'm excited about?
We're gonna have a clear cut winner.
One of these two men is going to leave here tonight
with a tangible victory and a championship.
The North-- I'm sorry. The Heritage Cup Championship.
They can stop squabbling about by who is in charge,
who calls the shots.
Because let's be honest.
I think the Don of NXT is like being the mayor of your own bedroom, okay?
You gotta win matches. You gotta get what, Book?
-What's this game about? -[Booker T] Championships.
[Corey] And neither of these guys had had either
because they've been so worried about who is in charge of their little club.
[Vic] Who put a battery in your back here in the last few moments?
[Corey] A lot of coffee. I've been a busy man the last 24 hours.
[Vic] …was set to defend the cup but suffered an injury.
Ava made the decision Saturday to have that championship vacated.
And, Booker, it's quite a match-up she made instead.
These two fighting out with just over 90 seconds here in round number one.
[Booker T] Can I say this is more than just about the cup.
This is about going back to the neighborhood with bragging rights.
That's what this is about.
[Vic] Just remember the rules in this six three minute rounds.
[Vic] First one to two decisions, a disqualification ends the match.
There is a rest period in between the rounds.
Tony D'Angelo, very clear with the rules as a former cup champion.
Big belly-to-belly overhead suplex.
[Corey] Book, I say to hell with the neighborhood.
To borrow one of your lines,
This should be about champagne wishes and caviar dreams.
This should be about taking your game, your career to the next level
instead of worrying about…
[Booker T] I agree 100%.
This is Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo's coming out party.
[Vic] How good would it feel for Stacks
to win a championship over Tony D'Angelo.
More so, how good would it feel for D'Angelo
to beat Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo, his former underboss?
And Tony held that cup for nearly 100 days,
but might have done more damage to himself
than to Stacks just moments ago as ringside,
the final 40 seconds here of round number one.
And it's starting to break down.
And this is what we thought would happen between these two.
Nice, quick takedown.
Tony D'Angelo right on top, 20 seconds down to 18 now.
I think if it turns into a slugfest, it'll favor Tony.
[Booker T] Come on, ref, do your damn job!
[Vic] And it's a submission hold… by Stacks.
Eight seconds right now.
-[crowd counting down] -Down to five.
Both men still standing toe to toe, center of the ring.
-[bell ringing] -Round number one comes to an end.
[Corey] Get in there, ref.
-[Corey] Oh! -[Vic] That was both men.
Both continuing to slug it out.
But the rules are here
to keep Tony and Stacks disciplined in this match-up.
To keep them focused on the task at hand
and becoming the next Heritage Cup champion.
[Corey] No excuses, no BS, there's got to be a winner.
[bell ringing]
[Vic] Would you agree it is more difficult for Tony to keep his emotions in check?
When I talk about the disqualification…
[Corey] Yeah, I think that's a safe assumption.
And we've seen Tony never afraid to throw hands,
never afraid to get down and dirty.
But I think D'Angelo needs to get past this one,
if he leaves here with the Heritage Cup,
forget about chanting "Lorenzo."
Move on with your life.
[commentators exclaim]
[Booker T] Tony has been betrayed, man.
He can't trust anybody right now.
[Vic] Spear! Crushing the ribs! Into the cover!
And Tony D'Angelo picks up the first decision!
[ring announcer] Tony D'Angelo has scored the first fall.
[Vic] Talk about an immediate impact.
The Don is in control.
Is he walking out with the cup?
[Vic] Score hasn't changed. Round number three,
but we are in the final 20 seconds here of this round.
Tony D'Angelo, now he's on the back foot
after a chop block might have just taken out
one of his legs and now there is a bull's-eye on his body.
[commentators exclaim]
Right to the back, clock goes at four, referee getting into the cover,
is he gonna beat the bell?
-[bell rings] -[Booker T] Man!
[Vic] It is still one-o.
[Corey] That's a heart-breaker for Lorenzo.
-[Booker T] Big shot landed… -[Vic] Hey!
[Vic] Cheap shot after the fact.
But as we are looking around,
I can make fun of Channing Stacks who we brought out here,
there is nobody in the corner of Tony D'Angelo.
-[bell rings] -And just like that,
Stacks right back in, and right now,
Tony has to really dig deep to put this away.
[Corey] And I do have a level of respect for the fact
that D'Angelo is out here all on his own…
-[Vic] The knee, the knee, the knee! -[Corey] Uh-oh.
[Vic] The knee came out. Shoulders down.
-[bell ringing] -Stacks has tied it up.
[ring announcer] Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo has scored the second fall.
[Corey] How much damage is done to the knee?
[Vic] D'Angelo wasn't even able to use it
to post up and power Lorenzo up into the air.
This does not look good for the Don.
There's Luca Crusifino.
I don't know if this is someone the Don wants to see in his corner.
[Booker T] Can you trust him?
I'm on your side, Tony. You gotta trust me.
You can trust me, Tony. I'm all here for you.
Come on, T.
-Lock in, tony. -[bell ringing]
[Vic] I don't think Tony D'Angelo has any other choice but to trust.
[Corey] And look at Lorenzo now, look at this submission.
[Vic] Looking for maybe an Indian deadlock of sorts.
[Corey] Modified, absolutely. Very, very painful.
A lot of pressure on the knee of D'Angelo.
This went down before the break.
Channing Lorenzo's associates
taking out the knee of D'Angelo and it has…
[Vic] Six three minutes rounds,
we're in round number five, we are tied at one.
First 30 seconds of the clock.
Tony D'Angelo is wounded.
He is battle tested, yes,
in this sort of match as a former champion.
But right now almost… for a lack of a better word here is clipped.
And Stacks Lorenzo has to make the most of the opportunity.
[Corey] And this is where you find out-- Oh!
Who belongs and who doesn't.
[Corey] Tony D'Angelo only has himself to rely on.
Right now the Don is standing strong and fighting through the pain.
You're dead to me, Stacks.
[Vic] I'll ask you, Book. Would you trust Luca?
[Booker T] I wouldn't trust anybody right now.
DTA. That's the motto right now.
Tony D'Angelo.
[Vic] Oh! And again, referee is distracted.
And in comes Luca Crusifino, protecting the Don.
That was at the back of D'Angelo.
The official didn't see it.
Was that… There's no way.
[Corey] Knee to the back of the neck!
[Vic] The Don is out.
Turned his body over and Stacks…
-[Corey] Oh, my… -[bell rings]
[ring announcer] Here is your winner
And the new NXT Heritage Cup champion,
Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo!
-[hip-hop song playing] -Whoo!
♪ Love for me But no love for you ♪
[Shawn] And you see a thunderous spear from the Don
nearly cutting Lorenzo in half.
[Vic] And the former underboss, as you said,
would take advantage of the injury to the knee inside cradle,
wrapped up D'Angelo tight.
And in the closing moments, Crucifino, intentionally or otherwise,
with a bucket to the lower back of Tony D.
Running knee strike to the back of the Don.
-And staying gold… -[bell dinging]
…Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo.
No way. That was on purpose, but it doesn't matter,
'cause we have a brand new Heritage Cup champion.
[hip-hop song playing]
Tony D'Angelo has had enough.
Last week you ruined Blake Monroe's contract signing by putting the glamour
through a table.
Blake Monroe. Really thought she was gonna walk into
the deepest women's division and go straight to the top?
Absolutely not.
Last week Blake learned exactly where her position is on this roster
and that is at our feet.
Was our fun little way of welcoming Blake to our division.
She says glamour is forever,
but the only thing that's forever around here is Fatal Influence's control
over this division and this NXT Women's Championship.
Well, speaking of championship, what are your thoughts on
the Fatal Four way that's happening tonight to determine your challenger
-at Evolution? -Evolution is a historic event.
I remember watching the first Evolution thinking if there was ever gonna be
another one, I was gonna make damn sure that I was on it.
And look where we are today.
As for tonight, we'll be out there to see who's the lucky person to get
their hand raised.
But one thing's for sure, they won't be getting
their hand raised in Atlanta. That'll be me.
Let's go.
[Vic] Well, there is the juggernaut Jordynne Grace getting ready for battle.
Will she be the one to head to Atlanta?
We find out in our main event next.
A grown ass woman, adulting is hard as you guys
are realizing on LFG, and everybody sucks.
Last week, I tapped Jade out, or at least I thought I did.
I had her like, I thought I tapped her out.
And honestly, I don't even think it matters anymore what's right or wrong.
-It doesn't. -Yeah.
To be such a grown ass woman, you sure know how to get played
like a fiddle.
Wow, you just got here and already have a mouth on you.
-Congrats, you don't know me. -Thea, calm down, sweet cheeks.
I've watched you and I realize you haven't changed a bit.
But I'll be sure to learn from your mistakes
-and just blow right past you. -Okay, well, if you wanna go figure
-that out, we can. -[exclaims] Uh-uh, if y'all got a problem,
save all of this and solve it later. Because I have a fatal four-way match.
And, ladies, watch how the Bougie Bully gets things done.
Ethan, Ethan, what the hell was that?
Well, that was Ricky Saints being Ricky Saints
and getting exactly what Ricky Saints deserves.
-Boss. -What?
Honestly, I've been trying my best to be on my best behavior for you,
but this man keeps pushing my buttons every single week.
Best behavior, that's your best behavior, Ethan?
-That's pathetic, and I'm sick of this. -I'm sick of this too.
You can help us with both of our problems, it'd be great.
All you have to do is make sure that Ricky Saints stays very,
very, very far away from "All Ego" Ethan Page and we'll never have to deal
-with this issue ever again. -Yeah, I'm sure you'd love that, huh?
-I would. That's why I suggested it. -Ethan, don't piss me off.
You and Ricky are actually required to be in my office next week.
-Wait, for what? For what? -Because you're both the problem,
-and you're gonna settle it. -You know what?
-We can settle it. -Great.
We're gonna settle it on my terms, though.
-Siri, text Vanity Project. -Oh, support group.
Boys, I'm gonna need that.
[objects clattering]
Hey, hey!
What the hell?
-What happened, what happened? -You okay?
-You all right? -Can we get some help?
-Did you see him? Did you see him? -Come on, man, did you see him?
Ava certainly has her hands full. There is chaos going on backstage.
Well, you could say that. Once again, I would not wanna be
our general manager, Ava.
But I understand right now that Sarah Schreiber is standing by.
♪ I won't remember you, I won't remember you ♪
♪ A million dollars from now ♪
Joe Hendry, it is good to have you back here at NXT.
-It's great to be back. -Yes, the last time we saw you
was at Battleground where you lost the TNA world title to Trick Williams.
That is a night that I think about every single day of my life.
But I can't change the past, although I can control the future.
And that future is TNA Slammiversary, when I get my chance to regain
the TNA world title from Trick Williams.
Trick has made himself very comfortable showing up in TNA whenever he wants.
So I thought, why not return the favor and I'll show up in NXT whenever I want.
And we will see you go against Wesley one on one next week here at NXT.
Wes is a superstar who cut his teeth in TNA,
but it seems like he's forgotten where he came from.
But don't worry, because I will remind him.
Because he's gonna face 252 pounds of pure motivation, a man on a mission,
the next TNA World Champion.
Thanks so much, it's good to have you back.
[Vic] Joe Hendry focused as ever,
but it's time to find out who's headed to Atlanta.
[bell dinging]
[announcer] The following is a fatal four way.
NXT Women's Champion,
number one contenders match.
Introducing first from Port St. Lucie, Florida,
Jaida Parker.
♪ Bad habits it don't matter what I said now ♪
♪ Gorgeous, gorgeous girls Always get it in the end ♪
♪ Got diamonds on my neck Got diamonds on my wrist ♪
♪ Looking at me in the… Girl gonna drop ♪
♪ Gotta let 'em know Yeah ♪
[man on speaker] Truth will ultimately prevail.
But there's pain bringing it to light.
[announcer] Accompanied by Tatum Paxley,
representing The Culling, Izzi Dame.
There is no steel chair in hand, but certainly a new friend
in tow for Izzi Dame.
[Vic] The Culling quickly becoming the island of misfit toys,
and let's be honest, Tatum Paxley fits right in.
Which one of these four women are gonna be headed to Atlanta?
Final four-way next.
[band music playing]
Class, I want to address something from last week.
Kale, this is to you and this is new for me,
but what I said was 100% fact.
At Chase University, the toughest road creates champions,
so I stand by it. Y'all need to toughen the [bleep] up.
[all cheering]
Nah. You know what?
Mr. Chase, you're tripping if you think you can talk to us like that,
create a toxic environment in here.
Uriah, who the [bleep] do you think you are?
This attitude is what built the foundation of Chase University,
the same university, remind you, that you two wanted to be part of.
Respect the fact I know what I am doing, this is my university.
That's the attitude that built the university.
And it's also what destroyed it.
Man, I thought it was gonna be different this time.
I know, I can't believe I called out for him to open this place back up.
[man] Hey! Mr. Chase!
[Vic] Well, we saw some carnage earlier between these two
and we better get reinforcements
because next week, Inamura will face Jasper Troy
and the winner will face Oba Femi
for the NXT Championship at the great American Bash.
Huge number one contenders match next week on NXT.
[Corey] After being disrespected backstage earlier tonight,
Myles Borne has the opportunity
to shut Lexis King up personally and permanently.
Borne, King, one-on-one.
[Vic] And as we just learned moments ago,
Wes Lee will look to take care of Trick's business
when he faces TNA wrestler Joe Hendry
who said he's gonna show up whenever he pleases here in NXT.
["Get It Girl" playing]
[announcer] From Atlanta, Georgia, Lash Legend!
[Vic] Booker, are we on the cusp of seeing Lash start to become a legend?
[Booker T] Talking about crashing that glass ceiling,
Lash Legend, she's about to blow up, baby.
Oh, yes, man.
[Vic] The Bougie Bully trying to become the number one contender
to the NXT Women's Championship.
[man] It's not over until I win.
["Certified Strong" playing]
[announcer] And their opponent,
from Austin, Texas, Jordynne Grace.
Hey, you better start dancing.
[Vic] Will Jordynne Grace be the one?
Which of these four women will have a golden opportunity
at WWE Evolution?
[Vic] We see the four women in the ring.
Izzi Dame, Jaida Parker, Lash Legend and of course,
-that woman right there, Jordynne Grace. -[bell dings]
And all four women right now slugging it out.
Tatum Baxley is on the outside.
Who is gonna head to Atlanta?
These four women have a golden opportunity in front of 'em.
They all won Evolution eliminators last week to punch their ticket
to this matchup and this is final Evolution eliminator
because they can only be one
and the winner will face the woman in the middle, Jacy Jayne
of Fatal Influence, for the NXT Women's Championship in Atlanta.
Booker, what is the key to winning a four-way matchup?
[Booker T] In a match-up like this, I gotta say timing.
Being in the right place at the right time.
Keeping your head on a swivel.
And a little bit of luck, a little bit of luck comes into play.
-[yells] -[crowd exclaims]
[Vic] Graves, is there anyone who stands out among this field of four?
[Corey] Physically speaking, you've got to keep your eyes on Lash Legend,
This woman has the athleticism, she has the power, she has the attitude.
And Lash has on many occasions, come within an eyelash,
no pun intended, of being great.
Of reaching that next level.
Personally, I think tonight could be massive for Jaida Parker.
I think Jaida's been simmering just under the surface for just long enough.
Tonight, she blows up.
[Vic] The superstar getting pinfall or submission will win.
And now, take a look at this showdown, two of the most powerful women in NXT.
And Lash showcasing power early on.
Izzi turning Lash around, now it's Izzi showcasing some strength.
-[Corey exclaims] -[Booker T] Oh, man.
-[Vic] My word. -[Booker T] Oh, yeah!
Fight! Fight!
[Vic] None of these women have held a title at NXT.
That certainly could change after Evolution.
And Lash Legend cleaning house.
[Booker T] Beautiful misdirection there from Lash Legend.
[Corey] Jordynne Grace trying to capitalize.
-And Lash said-- Oh! -[Booker T] too much power.
[Vic] How major is it though for any of these women
to have a championship match at an event like Evolution.
[Booker T] This is a shot for a shot at Evolution, for the title, man.
For the gold. This is huge any way you look at it, man.
[Corey] History on multiple levels.
Not only do you become the NXT women's champion,
the champion of the hottest women's division in the game these days,
you do it at an event where history will be made
like Evolution. The importance cannot be overstated.
And look at this. Fisherman suplex by Grace.
[Vic] Cover. And oh.
Saved the matchup and a championship opportunity
is Izzi Dame and Graves, is Dame
the woman people are talking the least about heading into this match-up?
[Corey] I think Izzi Dame could be the proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing
when it comes to this situation.
You know, Shawn Spears has done most of the talking recently,
but Izzi Dame, she's got a plan. She always has a plan.
[Booker T] Yeah. Izzi's coming out to put a new one over Zaria
and Zaria's a powerhouse.
So you've gotta know she can win this matchup.
[Vic] Now there's Lash Legend breaking the count.
[Corey] It seems like we are perpetually having a conversation about
-Jordynne Grace. -[Vic] Whoa.
[Corey] Miss Parker from the top!
[Vic] And the importance of this opportunity.
Another in a series where Jordynne Grace--
We know how impressive Jordynne was
when she burst on the scene here at NXT.
[Corey] We know what she did to get her to the big leagues here in NXT.
[Vic] Floorbuster by Parker. Graves, Ms. Parker appears to be as zoned in
-as ever. -[Booker T] Oh, baby.
Wait a minute. [indistinct]
-[Vic] Hey! -[Booker T] Yeah.
[Vic] She might be zoning but that was as close as ever.
Now, Jordynne Grace taking flight.
Gotta pull out some new tricks, Graves.
And there is some strength.
[Booker T] Talking about A.S.H… Oh, man.
Bye-bye! Bye-bye!
[Vic] The only woman standing is Jaida Parker.
[crowd chanting] NXT! NXT! NXT!
NXT! NXT!
Izzi stopping Parker's momentum for a moment.
And it's now Izzi Dame who has… There's Tatum Paxley on the outside.
Official saw Tatum. There's no disqualifications.
Perhaps he was getting into some doubts earlier. Parker from behind.
Near fall.
Jaida puts the punch in her ticket to Atlanta.
Sol and Zoey…
[crowd cheering]
Tatum trying to hold on.
Sol and Zoey, they're carrying Tatum away.
Who's going to Atlanta?
What a main event this has been here on NXT, and again,
one of these women will head to Evolution.
[Booker T] Wait a minute.
Here we go, baby!
Are we goin' to see it?
Is she gonna do it?
Oh, yes! Step it up, baby.
[Corey] Oh, double up.
Oh! One for Miss Grace.
[Booker T] Double up. Double up.
One time. Blow your mind, baby. Oh, yes!
Like tigers, man.
[Vic] Is it Jaida Parker who's gonna head to…
There's Lash. Lash getting Miss Parker hoisted up.
Does Jaida have the strength?
[Corey] She sure does!
[Vic] And now Jaida's in control.
Again, the winner of this Fatal 4-Way Match
will face the woman in the middle, Jacy Jayne,
at Evolution, first time in seven years in Atlanta.
The night after Great American Bash. and Saturday night's main event.
[Booker T] We need to get somebody on Jaida Parker.
[Vic] Might be Izzi Dame. At last, breaking it up.
[Corey] I mean, Book, if I'm forced to make a pick,
I can't bet against Lash Legend.
[Booker T] It's so hard to bet against any of these ladies.
Like I said, this is a shot for a shot at Evolution.
[crowd chanting "This is awesome"]
[Vic] NXT Universe rallying behind all four of these women.
-[Corey] Oh, baby. -[Vic] As the women taking center stage
in the main event here tonight…
Look at Lash.
[Booker T] Lash Legend.
[Corey] That is game-changing power.
[Vic] And now just using Jaida to wipe out Dame.
Tossing Parker.
And this is what you were just talking about, Graves.
Lash, trying to fall into the cover, hook of the leg, to go to Atlanta.
And Jaida just getting that right shoulder up.
Heading towards Garce.
[Corey] Jordynne has the experience. Jordynne has a great deal of power.
I don't even know if Jordynne's ever encountered anything quite like Legend.
[Vic] Grace was the final woman to qualify last week.
Paxley! Right to the spine.
All eyes on the deepest women's division
is Parker with a vicious right hand.
[Booker T] Jordynne Grace is in a bad, bad position.
[continues indistinctly]
[Vic] Jaida trying to fight. Lash intervening.
Looking around, I don't even see Izzi.
But what I do see
is a precarious position for Jaida Parker,
who's trying to take down Lash.
Can she do it?
-[Corey] Wow! -[Vic] Unable.
But wait a minute.
Jordynne, cover. Jaida, Izzi…
[chuckling] All these women showing up, Book, and showing out.
[Booker T] Izzi Dame there, in the nick of time
saving her one and only perhaps opportunity
for championship glory, man.
You gotta love it.
[Vic] I wonder what's going through the mind of Jacy Jayne.
I couldn't imagine an NXT where Izzi Dame has a championship…
[indistinct]
[Corey] Once upon a time not too long ago
you couldn't imagine, in NXT, Jacy Jayne as the women's champion.
Guess what? She is.
All these women will follow in those footsteps.
[Booker T] I'll tell you right now.
Jaida Parker is in a bad, bad position…
Wait a minute.
Here comes Lash Legend to add a little bit more spice
to this situation.
Are we gonna put a little bit of Cholula Green
on this suplex… Wait a minute.
[Vic] Uh-oh, uh-oh, this could spell disaster
-for all of these women. -[Booker T] You gotta be kidding me.
[crosstalk]
[Corey] No, even Jordynne Grace doesn't have the power. No way!
[Vic] God!
[Booker T] Juggernaut! Juggernaut!
Wow!
[crowd chanting "NXT"]
[Corey] Look at this once again.
That is terrifying, superhuman power--
[Vic] Cover! Cover! Cover! And a near fall.
[Booker T] So close.
[Vic] Another cover here by Grace, trying it now on Izzi.
And another kick out by Izzi Dame.
[Booker T] Stay on the gas, Jordynne.
[Vic] Hook of the leg on Jaida Parker this time.
Did you guys see the look on the face of Jordynne Grace?
See the frustration starting to build?
She has to be feeling, Graves, so much pressure in this match.
[Corey] No doubt about it. We talked about it many times.
Every time Jordynne has come close to an NXT Women's Championship
something seems to backfire, something seems to go wrong.
The question remains, can she win the big one?
…just dropped Grace to the outside.
Parker turning around, Izzi, codebreaker…
Big pump kick from Lash Izzi right back in, sidestep.
Lash Legend in control, blocking the…
Right ahead and dropping Izzi Dame right on her own.
And now Lash coming right back in
trying to hoist up, trying to plant Jaida Parker
to stop Lash Legend from going to Atlanta.
-Cover! -[Booker T] That's it, man.
Jordynne with a double stomp to the spine.
And somehow stays on her feet.
She charges in.
Paintbrush under the jaw.
Turning it right back around, hoisting up.
Does she have enough left torture rack
turning it around torture rack bomb.
Center of the ring.
-Jordynne Grace has done it! -[bell dings]
[Rome] Here is your winner,
and the new number one contender to the NXT Women's Championship,
Jordynne Grace.
[Vic] What a main event here tonight on NXT.
Congratulations to that woman but let's go back to some of the action.
All four of these women have reasons to be proud of after this battle.
There you see the Juggernaut showing what she's capable of.
Lash Legend had victory in her grasp.
Lash Legend stacks up Jaida Parker
but opportunity is the name of the game.
Jordynne Grace picks her spot, delivers a rack bomb to Jaida Parker
stacks her up and Jordynne Garce is headed to the ATL and Evolution.
Is the time running out on Jacy Jayne?
Because it is official.
Jacy Jayne, Jordynne Grace, they're going to showcase the future.
The NXT Women's Championship
will be defended in Atlanta.
At the historic WWE Evolution.
[Corey] But before we get to Atlanta, let's talk about what's coming your way
next week right here on NXT,
Yoshiki Inamura was bold enough to step up to the ruler Oba Femi.
Unfortunately for Inamura,
Jasper Troy still has unfinished business with the NXT Champion.
These two go down, winner becomes No. 1 Contender and gets Oba.
[Vic] Also, next week, Joe Hendry said he will arrive whenever he wants
he's gonna take on Wes Lee,
who's looking to take care of Trick Williams' business next Tuesday,
here on NXT.
But the moment here right now belongs to the Juggernaut
as she is staring a hole through the NXT Women's Champion,
Jacy Jayne and the rest of Fatal Influence.
What a moment it must be.
Will Grace have her historic moment
on a historic night at Evolution for NXT? .