NXT
Date: July 9, 2024
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

We’re back stateside after Heatwave and the big story is that we have a new NXT Champion as Ethan Page accidentally won the title after being knocked out by Trick Williams. That sounds primed for a one on one rematch but stranger things have happened. For now though, we are about a month out from the Great American Bash so let’s get to it.

Here is Heatwave if you need a recap.

Long Heatwave recap.

Here is Ethan Page to brag about his title win at Heatwave. It took a lot of talent, preparation and skill, but also a big EGO. The entire locker room hates him so he has extra security out here just in case. Cue Oro Mensah to try to jump Page but security cuts him off. Page, talking over the WHOOP THAT TRICK chants, talks about how he’s going to fight off these outsiders because HE IS NXT.

It is no longer the Whoop That Era, but cue Trick Williams to interrupt and ask for a rematch. That isn’t going to happen, but here is Shawn Sears to say Page owes him a thank you. He can’t let Williams have a rematch either because Williams is going to the back of the line. Cue Je’Von Evans to interrupt and the fight is on with Williams and Evans clearing the ring. Everything made sense here and Page running from challengers is the right way to go for him. His promo was good too as he would brag exactly this way.

We recap Arianna Grace and Karmen Petrovic cheating to win on the Heatwave Kickoff Show, setting up a match between them tonight.

Lexis King is ready to take the Heritage Cup from Tony D’Angelo.

Tony D’Angelo isn’t ready to let King take the Heritage Cup.

Karmen Petrovic vs. Arianna Grace

Grace shoulders her down to start and declares her better. Petrovic kicks away as Jacy Jayne and Jazmyn Nyx come out to watch. A middle rope elbow to the back of the head gives Grace two and we hit the chinlock. Back up and Petrovic sweeps the leg, setting up a spinning kick to the back for the pin at 2:38.

Post match Fallon Henley runs in to beat down Petrovic and tells Jayne and Nyx that she is sick of these rookies.

We get the sitdown interview between Brooks Jensen and Ava. Jensen apologizes for his actions and says he cracked under the pressure. Ava says she and Shawn Michaels were ready to release him but some people vouched for him. Jensen is sticking around, but he needs to remember that the is a WWE Superstar full time. He seems to get it.

Heritage Cup: Lexis King vs. Tony D’Angelo

D’Angelo is defending and the rest of the D’Angelo Family is here too, plus Eddy Thorpe is DJing, because this match needs a DJ. Round One begins with D’Angelo grabbing a headlock and then running him over with a shoulder. An armbar has King down for a bit, only to have him come up with some forearms in the corner. Another armbar is broken up so D’Angelo chops him in the corner. A Boston crab has King in more trouble and the round ends.

Round Two begins with Thorpe annoying King, allowing D’Angelo to grab Forget About It for the pin at 15 seconds of the round and 3:48 overall. We take a break and come back with D’Angelo suplexing King but walking into the Coronation to tie it up at 2:53 of the round and 8:07 overall. Round Four begins with King jumping him in the corner and stopping away but D’Angelo hits a hard clothesline. A belly to belly suplex puts King down again, only to have him come back with a middle rope DDT. Another Coronation is blocked and a spinebuster finishes King to retain the Cup at 2:22 of the round and 10:59.

Rating: C+. This was more about King vs. Thorpe, which is at least a feud for both of them, but it was a nice way to give D’Angelo a nice defense at the same time. That’s the kind of smart booking that you do not get to see very often and it’s nice to have that kind of efficiency. Nothing much to the match, but it was just a one off title defense without much of a story in the first place.

Brooks Jensen jumps Je’Von Evans, with Josh Briggs breaking it up, saying he stuck his neck out for Jensen and this is how Jensen thanks him.

Ridge Holland tries to make amends with Chase U and has gotten them some title matches. Duke Hudson gets a North American Title match against Oba Femi next week! Hudson: “…thanks Ridge.”

Tyriek Igwe/Tyson DuPont vs. Gallus

It’s a brawl before the bell with Igwe getting caught in the wrong corner before Mark Coffey can even get his jacket off. Igwe fights out and makes the tag off to DuPont to pick up the pace. Everything breaks down and Joe Coffey low bridges Igwe to the floor. That leaves DuPont to walk into the flapjack/big boot combination for the pin at 3:13.

Rating: C+. It was fun while it lasted but this was your normal Gallus numbers game win. It’s something they’ve done for years now and you’re only going to be able to get so much out of seeing it happen again. Igwe and DuPont have something to them but they need WAY more experience and something to make them stand out before it’s going to matter.

Trick Williams is ready to fight on his own if Je’Von Evans is hurt, but maybe he should try to find a partner.

Here is a serious Wes Lee to address his future. Lee believed he could beat Oba Femi at Heatwave and get his North American title back. Getting his title back is what got him through rehab but that’s not what happened. He isn’t sure where to go from here, because this isn’t like his normal losses.

We get the tease of him leaving and the required PLEASE DON’T GO chant….but here are TNA’s Rascalz (Zachary Wentz (Lee’s former partner in MSK) and Trey Miguel). He can’t believe they’re here and is proud of what they have become. Wentz and Miguel: “We know.” It’s time to get MSK back together and we get the big three way hug.

Thea Hail vs. Izzi Dame

Chase U is here with Hail. They start fast with Dame kicking her down and getting two off a backbreaker. An STF has Hail in more trouble as Tatum Paxley, in Chase U red, comes out of the crowd. Hail goes after her but posts herself as a result. Hail makes the comeback and the Kimura makes Dame tap at 3:33.

Rating: C. Hail, and Chase U for that matter, getting a win is nice to see and this should set Hail up for the Women’s Title match that Ridge Holland promised her. Tatum Paxley being all insane and driving Dame nuts works well enough, as it’s a good sign to see a feud going on that doesn’t have anything to do with a title. The division needs more of that and this works well enough.

Post match Oba Femi pops up to say he’ll destroy Duke Hudson, who says don’t underestimate him.

The Rascalz are happy to be back together but run into Gallus, who aren’t sure what to call the team. Apparently just Wentz and Lee are MSK but the three of them are the Rascalz. Makes enough sense. Gallus almost summons Joe Hendry but thinks better of it.

OTM is ready for the OC.

Ava yells at Brooks Jensen, who gets Je’Von Evans next week, assuming Evans is ok. With Jensen gone, Briggs says he wants Shawn Spears next week.

OTM vs. OC

Jaida Parker is here with OTM. Nima manages a rather impressive delayed vertical suplex on Gallows to start and it’s off to Price for a double elbow to Anderson. A release Rock Bottom plants Anderson but he jawbreaks his way to freedom. It’s back to Gallows for a jumping elbow as Michin comes out of the crowd to go after Parker. The distraction lets OTM hit the release Alabama Slam to pin Anderson for the big upset at 4:54.

Rating: C+. This is the kind of win that might let OTM go somewhere, which is exactly what they need. At some point it doesn’t matter to have this much potential without getting some wins and thankfully the team is getting somewhere. On top of that, the OC losing, and hopefully falling even further down the card, is a good sign.

Fallon Henley wants the Women’s North American Title and would have had a better showing against Sol Ruca. That doesn’t work for Ruca, who says you can either work or complain.

The No Quarter Catch Crew imply they’ve knocked Damon Kemp off. Wren Sinclair pops in but says she didn’t see anything.

Sol Ruca vs. Fallon Henley

Ruca grabs a front facelock to start but has to do her hand walk. That’s broken up with a kick to the ribs and Henley pulls her down by the arm. Back up and Ruca sends her into the corner for two but gets kicked in the arm for another near fall. The armbar is countered into a rollup for two but Henley breaks up a springboard. Ruca kicks away and hits the Sol Snatcher, only for Jacy Jayne and Jazmyn Nyx run in for the DQ at 5:01.

Rating: C. They didn’t have much time here but I do like having Henley protected from the pin. While she was more or less dead to rights, she didn’t actually get pinned, which is at least a bit better. The match itself was a bit messy, with more than a few points where they didn’t seem to be clicking. The Sol Snatcher made up for some of it though, as that looked awesome.

Post match Ruca gets beaten down again.

Tatum Paxley talks to a doll and says she’s going to play with Izzi Dame. Then she breaks the doll.

Cedric Alexander is in Ava’s office and is officially in NXT. Mr. Stone comes in and welcomes Ashante Thee Adonis to NXT as well.

Ethan Page/Shawn Spears vs. Trick Williams/???

Williams has a partner and it’s….Joe Hendry, who the fans seem to like. Williams slugs away at Page to start as the fans say THEY BELIEVE. A running splash in the corner and a big right hand rock Page and it’s off to Hendry for an even louder WE BELIEVE chant. Hendry suplexes Page and clotheslines him to the floor, allowing Williams to hit a big dive.

We take a break and come back with Page kicking Hendry in the bead and grabbing a DDT. Spears comes in to hammer away as well, allowing the villains to take turns chopping away in the corner. Page grabs the front facelock but Hendry suplexes his way to freedom. It’s back to Williams to clean house, only to get Rock Bottomed by Page.

Spears grabs a neckbreaker and a double suplex gives Page a quick two. The C4 is countered though and Williams grabs a jumping neckbreaker to put Spears down. Cue Oro Mensah to chase Page into the crowd, leaving Williams to bring Hendry back in to clean house. Hendry hits his own DDT into he all away slam, setting up the Trick Shot. The Standing Ovation (high angle spinebuster) finishes Spears at 10:13.

Rating: B-. Hendry feels like the biggest star in the world right now and it wouldn’t shock me to see him doing something bigger around here rather soon. The fans respond to him and that is one of the hardest things in the world to make work. Page running off from Mensah is a smart move, as he’s already got a long list of people gunning for the title.

Overall Rating: B-. This show didn’t have any major moment, but there was nothing overly bad and it helped establish where we are following Heatwave. At the same time, Hendry showing up at the end was a big boost to everything, as he is as big of a star as there is around here at the moment. I’m curious to see where some of these things go and there are already matches set for next week, as NXT continues to be a pretty well oiled machine.

Results
Karmen Petrovic b. Arianna Grace – Spinning kick to the back
Tony D’Angelo b. Lexis King 2-1
Gallus b. Tyriek Igwe/Tyson DuPont – Big boot/flapjack combination to Igwe
Thea Hail b. Izzi Dame – Kimura
OTM b. OC – Assisted Alabama Slam to Anderson
Sol Ruca b. Fallon Henley via DQ when Jacy Jayne and Jazmyn Nyx interfered
Joe Hendry/Trick Williams b. Ethan Page/Shawn Spears – Standing Ovation to Spears

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Heatwave 2024
Date: July 7, 2024
Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

It’s the last show of a busy weekend with a card that is only looking so strong. There isn’t much on this card, with the NXT Title being defended in a four way and Roxanne Perez defending the Women’s Title against Lola Vice. They could make it work but this isn’t the best starting point. Let’s get to it.

Kickoff Show: Jacy Jayne/Jazmyn Nyx vs. Arianna Grace/Karmen Petrovic

Evil vs. Canada. Jayne takes Grace into the corner to start but it’s Petrovic coming in for the strikes. A running neckbreaker gets two on Nyx and it’s back to Grace for a front facelock. Jayne comes back in off a blind tag for a running clothesline though and the villains take over on Petrovic. Jayne’s Cannonball in the corner gets two and a basement superkick cuts off the comeback.

Petrovic manages to low bridge Nyx to the floor and kicks Jayne away, allowing the tag off to Grace to clean house. Petrovic comes back in off a blind tag and it’s a Hart Attack (kick instead of a clothesline) for two with Nyx having to make a diving save. Nyx trips Petrovic down and a kick to the face gets two, with Grace having to make the save. Grace Codebreakers Jayne, leaving Nyx to roll Petrovic up. Grace pulls the hair to reverse it though and Petrovic gets the pin at 7:39.

Rating: C. They weren’t exactly going for anything great here and there is nothing wrong with that. It was little more than an ok TV match to warm up the crowd and sometimes that’s all you need. Petrovic and Grace might be the new oddball team, but I can go for this just being a one off for the sake of Canada too.

The opening video is designed like a streaming service with the match card being the options, sending us to the hype videos.

North American Title: Oba Femi vs. Wes Lee

Femi is defending. Lee slowly strikes away to start but gets powered into the corner. A few more shots stagger Femi and Lee springboards (albeit with a slip, though he recovered well enough) into an enziguri to rock the champion. A headscissors is blocked as Femi powers him out to the floor and Lee looks a bit shaken. He’s shaken enough that he comes back in with a springboard missile dropkick, only to get caught with a release F5 for a very impressive crash landing.

They head outside with Lee being sent into various things, including hard into the ring apron. Back in and a backbreaker puts Lee down again before Femi sends him flying as the beating continues. Lee gets tied in the Tree of Woe but manages to avoid a charge, sending Femi into the post. Back up and Lee low bridges him to the floor, where Femi chops him from the apron in an impressive comeback.

Another backbreaker lets Femi bend Lee’s back over his knee for two, meaning it’s time to get frustrated. Femi yells at him a lot and gets kicked in the head for his efforts. Lee knocks him to the floor for some suicide dives but a sunset flip is blocked back inside. Instead it’s a hurricanrana for two but Lee’s springboard is uppercutted out of the air for a rather near fall.

They go up top where Lee’s super hurricanrana is countered into a powerbomb, which is countered into something like a super X Factor. The Cardiac Kick gives Lee two so he hits a frog splash, with Femi popping back up. They go outside again, where Lee’s moonsault is countered into a shoulderbreaker. Back in and Femi counters the Cardiac Kick into a hard toss to the mat, setting up a pop up sitout powerbomb to retain the title at 16:21.

Rating: B. This was straight out of the David vs. Goliath formula and it went well, lack of slingshot or beheading aside. Lee bounced off the rather impressive Femi to make the monster look more impressive and it was a very good choice for an opener. Femi is looking like the unstoppable monster and I could go for seeing just how good he could become. Lee should be fine, but it’s time for him to do something else.

We recap Kelani Jordan defending the Women’s North American Title against Sol Ruca, which is a battle of rather athletic people.

Women’s North American Title: Kelani Jordan vs. Sol Ruca

Jordan is defending and they trade flips and reversals to start. Jordan’s middle rope crossbody lands a bit low before she misses a flipping legdrop. Back up and Ruca drop toeholds her into a headlock to grind away a bit. Jordan fights up and gets one off a splash, only for Ruca to come back with an X Factor for two.

Ruca grabs the rather appropriate surfboard for about as long as you would expect, with Jordan fighting up for a hurricanrana. Back up and Ruca hits a springboard forearm into a springboard flipping clothesline (think a Buckshot Lariat from the top) for two. Jordan blocks a kick to the ribs and hits a spinwheel kick to the head.

A poisonrana sends Ruca outside for an Asai moonsault but she’s right back up with a moonsault of her own. Back in and they trade rollups for two each until Ruca powerbombs her for two more. Jordan gets in a knockdown of her own and goes up, only to land on raised knees. The Sol Snatcher is blocked (that’s a first) for two and a super poisonrana takes Ruca back down. One Of A Kind retains the title at 11:39.

Rating: B-. This was good enough but it was far from smooth with multiple parts where it felt like they were trying to get into position for whatever they had planned next. It makes sense with the stereo gymnastics backgrounds, but it didn’t make for the best looking match. Jordan needs some wins to establish herself and the title though and this accomplished both feats.

Respect is shown post match.

Gallus is ready to fight Tyriek Igwe and Tyson DuPont over their lack of respect.

We recap the Kickoff Show match.

Arianna Grace is ready to keep the team with Karmen Petrovic going, but Ava changes it to a singles match between them on NXT instead.

Tag Team Titles: Axiom/Nathan Frazer vs. Chase U

Axiom/Frazer are defending but have been having issues lately. Chase and Axiom trade rollups to start, with Chase getting to describe this as a TEACHABLE MOMENT. Frazer comes in to pick up the pace and gets in a cheap shot on Chase to give Axiom two of his own. Stereo basement superkicks give Frazer two and we hit the chinlock. Back up and Chase pulls Frazer out of the air for a Side Effect but Axiom is back with an ankle lock.

That’s broken up and Hudson gets the tag to start the house cleaning. The double Chase U elbows to the head and it’s a gutbuster/backsplash combination (that was impressive) for two on Axiom. Everything breaks down and the champs hit the back to back suicide dives. Back in and Hudson gets armdragged out of the corner, only to come back with a Stratusphere of all things. The swinging layout Rock Bottom gets two on Frazer, who is back with a springboard missile dropkick.

Hudson is sat on top for a super Spanish Fly. The Phoenix splash connects but Chase makes the save and hits a Canadian Destroyer on Axiom for the save. Chase and Axiom slug it out until Frazier accidentally superkicks Axiom, giving Chase two and leaving everyone out of breath. The spelling stomps get two and Chase goes up, only for Frazer to superplex him into Chasing the Dragon. Frazer flip dives onto Hudson and the Golden Ratio retains the titles at 16:50.

Rating: B. This started slowly but got going near the end, as everyone just went nuts and did a bunch of near falls and saves. Chase U continuing to be this over years after debuting is a near miracle and somehow they still don’t seem to be slowing down. Heck of a match here, with Axiom and Frazer overcoming their issues, at least for now.

Post match the champions are happy together.

Wes Lee is shaken up by his loss and doesn’t know where to go from here.

We recap the NXT Women’s Title with Roxanne Perez defending against Lola Vice. Perez is the rather evil champion while Vice is the new force who runs through everyone. Vice also wants to win the title for her mother, which Perez doesn’t care for all that much.

NXT Women’s Title: Lola Vice vs. Roxanne Perez

Perez is defending and we get Big Match Intros. Feeling out process to start with Vice knocking her down but not being able to get the cross armbreaker. The spinning backfist misses as well as Perez bails out to the floor. Vice takes her down with a flip dive from the apron and that means some dancing.

Back in and Perez takes over, including some choking on the ropes. Vice strikes away to send her into the corner but it’s too early for the hip attack. Instead Perez sends her into the corner for a running uppercut, only to get caught in a choke. That’s reversed into a rollup for the break but Vice is right back with the choke again. They go outside, where Vice’s backfist hits the post, allowing Perez to grab a quick hammerlock suplex to bang up the fist even more.

Back in and Perez goes after the hand again, with a belly to back suplex dropping Vice. A quick triangle choke gives Vice a breather and she hits the backfist, which sends Perez outside. Back in and Vice kicks away but Perez grabs Pop Rox for two, leaving Perez stunned. They go outside where another Pop Rox onto the announcers’ table connects to give Perez two back inside. The crossface on the bad arm has Vice in more trouble but she slips out, leaving Perez to hit three more Pop Rox to retain at 13:07.

Rating: B-. They were playing up the idea of Vice losing one of her big weapons with the hand injury but geez that was a lot of Pop Rox (some of which weren’t exactly great) to end things. It doesn’t help that when you see a move that many times, it stops looking like something with snap and power and is instead just kind of a fast sunset flip. They were trying here but it didn’t exactly get to that next level.

Video on the Brooks Jensen situation.

Tony D’Angelo is fine with defending the Heritage Cup against Lexis King on NXT.

We recap the NXT Title, which has Trick Williams defending against three challenges. Je’Von Evans won the title shot in a battle royal, but then Ethan Page beat him. Then Shawn Spears beat Williams, meaning it’s time for a four way.

NXT Title: Ethan Page vs. Shawn Spears vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Trick Williams

Williams is defending. Evans and Page go to the floor to start, leaving Williams to slam Spears back inside. They head outside as well, with Page and Spars sending Evans and Williams into the steps. Back in and we get the villains’ handshake, only to have them both go for a poke to the eye. Evans and Williams show respect before going at it, with Williams sending him outside.

Spears brings in a chair but Williams clears the ring with some Booker T. style side kicks. Evans springboards back in with a high crossbody to Spears and Page, only to walk into a Rock Bottom to give Williams two. Page suplexes Evans onto Spears and Iconoclasms Evans onto Williams and Spears for a big crash. We get something like a Doomsday Device/DDT combination to give the villains two each, leaving Williams and Page to slug it out. Spears grabs a chair to clean house (including a NASTY chair shot to Evans’ back) and a C4 onto the chair in the corner gets two on Williams.

An exchange of superkicks leaves all four of them down for a needed breather. Page loads up the announcers’ table but gets cut off by Williams, only to get caught by a HUGE flip dive from Evans, who breaks the barricade. Back in and Spears catches Evans with a super C4 but Page comes in and steals the near fall. Evans is back up with a super Spanish Fly to Page, followed by a top rope cutter for two with Williams making a diving save.

Evans and Williams slug it out until Evans knocks him to the floor. Spears breaks up a big dive but gets taken down by a top rope cutter. The twisting splash gets two with Williams making ANOTHER diving save. Evans loads up a springboard but Williams shoves him HARD through the announcers’ table, leaving him with a look of “sorry but I had to”.

Spears avoids a kick and gets a Sharpshooter on Williams, with Page having to make a save. Page hits the Ego’s Edge on Williams but Evans puts the foot on the rope. Williams is back in with a Trick Shot to Evans and another to Page….who falls on Evans, with Spears holding Williams back so Page can win the title at 17:23.

Rating: A-. This was WAY better than I was expecting and some of the near falls had me wondering where it was going. It was also pretty much all action, with everyone doing whatever they could. The ending was a great touch as well, with Williams clearly being the best of the four but getting caught by the numbers game. It doesn’t hurt Williams whatsoever and lets Page be the bragging champion who is in over his head for a little while. Excellent main event here that way overdelivered.

Page wakes up and is awarded the title, allowing him to give a great “well, I knew that would work” look.

Joe Hendry pops up on screen to end the show.

Overall Rating: B+. To say this show overdelivered would be an understatement, as there was nothing bad and a great main event. At the same time, it’s still a show where, outside of the main event, nothing really noteworthy happened. The titles were defended but other than the Women’s Title match, none of them were exactly must see showdowns. I can certainly go for an awesome show with a bunch of good or better matches though, especially with that last match going that far above expectations.

Results
Arianna Grace/Karmen Petrovic b. Jazmyn Nyx/Jacy Jayne – Rollup to Nyx
Oba Femi b. Wes Lee – Sitout powerbomb
Kelani Jordan b. Sol Ruca – One Of A Kind
Axiom/Nathan Frazer b. Chase U – Golden Ratio to Chase
Roxanne Perez b. Lola Vice – Pop Rox
Ethan Page b. Shawn Spears, Je’Von Evans and Trick Williams – Trick Shot to Evans

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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NXT
Date: July 2, 2024
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

It’s the last show before Heatwave and that means it is time to firm up everything that is already on the card. The biggest story continues to be the four way NXT Title match and this week’s show will feature the contract signing, because you can’t have a big match without one. Other than that, Jaida Parker and Michin are having a street fight. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Jaida Parker vs. Michin

Street fight so Michin brings out the trashcan full of weapons and starts the fight on the floor. Parker is sent into the steps so Michin grabs a chain but only hits steps. Michin knocks her down again though and sends Parker, and a bunch of other stuff inside, with Parker blasting her with a trashcan lid. A Samoan drop puts Michin down for two but she’s right back with a German suplex.

Michin whips off her belt and whips away but Parker sits her on the ropes and sits on the stomach for two. They go outside with Michin getting in a chair to the ribs and posting Parker to put her down again. Michin loads up some chairs on the floor and puts Parker in the middle but the ensuing dive only hits chair for a NASTY landing. Parker’s running hip attack only hits (and breaks) barricade though and we take a break.

Back with Michin piling up chairs and pouring a bunch of bolts onto them. A package piledriver is countered into a backdrop to send Michin onto them instead but she’s right back up with some kendo stick shots. Parker has a trashcan put over her head for a cannonball in the corner and a near fall. Michin grabs a steel pipe but Parker blasts her with a fire extinguisher and hits a hip attack through a wooden wall. Back in and a running hip attack finishes Michin at 12:32.

Rating: B. I wasn’t expecting much from this one and they wound up beating the fire out of each other with some rather intense brawling. Parker gets a nice win as well and looked like more of a star than she ever has before. This was a very nice surprise and I was pulled into it by the end. Nice job.

Arianna Grace annoys Karmen Petrovic in the back and complains about Sol Ruca snatching her soul last week. Jacy Jayne and Jazmyn Nyx come in to mock Petrovic but bail from her issuing a challenge.

Je’Von Evans is excited for his first premium live event and is ready to come back over the border as the new NXT Champion.

Video on Kelani Jordan and her gymnastics background.

Hank Walker/Tank Ledger vs. New Catch Republic

Bate and Walker start things off with Bate taking over off a headscissors. Dunn comes in but gets run over by Ledger, setting up the double standing body blocks. It’s back to Bate for a suplex on Ledger and Walker comes in again as we take a break. Back with Walker coming back in to beat up Dunne, including a running boot to the face.

Bate gets dropped onto Dunne, setting up a powerbomb/top rope clothesline for two. Bate is back up to send both of them outside but they cut off a flip dive through the ropes. Walker and Ledger hit running body blocks to knock both of them off the apron, followed by a toss into a belly to back suplex for two on Dunne. Bate comes back in and drops Ledger, setting up a Spiral Tap for the pin at 11:30.

Rating: B-. I get what they’re going for with the team, but I have never gotten the appeal of Walker and Ledger. It feels like a team that has been done better multiple times and that they were given this style because nothing else was going to work for them. It doesn’t help that they’re only so good in the first place, but they did at least have a good showing here against a better team.

Respect is shown post match.

Video on Shawn Spears, who is back to win the NXT Title in his hometown.

Earlier today, Oro Mensah met with Stevie Turner and Mr. Stone, who tell him what he has to do tonight (face Myles Borne) and bicker a lot. Mensah is also barred from Heatwave after his attacks on Ethan Page, which doesn’t seem to bug him.

Brinley Reece vs. Izzi Dame

Dame slams her to start and hits a swinging Side Effect to take over early on. Reece fights back up with a flipping clothesline and they head outside, where Tatum Paxley crawls through the broken wall from the street fight. The distraction lets Reece grab a rollup for two, followed by a rollup for two. Dame is back with a Falcon Arrow for the pin at 2:47. Not much to this one.

Chase U talks about the history of NXT in Toronto but Duke Hudson and Ridge Holland keep talking in the back. Hudson talks about how Holland gave them an assist, even if he didn’t want one. We see the photos from last week, showing Holland cheating, which doesn’t sit well with anyone. Holland talks about how he wanted to be part of the family and helped in any way he could, but Andre Chase asks Holland to stay here while everyone else goes to Heatwave. Please let them win the titles already. They could use the boost.

Here is Lola Vice to call out Roxanne Perez, who comes out with extra security. They have an awkward exchange about how Vice is an MMA fighter and Perez would have gotten wrecked in NXT Underground, but this isn’t Bellator. Vice gets emotional and talks about how we all know Perez’s story but Vice has never told her own story. She talks about being in training for the Olympics….and she can’t speak because of the tears.

By the time she was 20 she was fighting in Madison Square Garden and now she’s going to win the title on Sunday and call her mom to thank her. Perez isn’t sure how to respond to that but says the reality is that everyone in the locker room wants to make that phone call. Those calls don’t happen when Perez is involved though and Vice will find out why she’s called the Prodigy.

Perez isn’t giving up her title to anyone but Vice says she’s taking it from her. Vice has knocked her out again and she’ll show how great she is again on Sunday. Vice promises to become the first ever Cuban American Women’s Champion…and then beats up one of the security guards. This was an incredibly emotional promo from Vice, but it didn’t make for the best segment as Perez didn’t have much of a follow up. This would have been MUCH better as a pre-taped vignette from Vice, but she definitely got some fans behind her here.

Ethan Page is ready to win the NXT Title.

The No Quarter Catch Crew is giving Myles Borne a pep talk before his match tonight when Damon Kemp comes in with some brass knuckles. Charlie Dempsey isn’t pleased in a funny bit.

Earlier this week, Lexis King interrupted Eddy Thorpe’s DJing and says it should be more about old school rock. Thorpe says not so fast and a match seems to be set.

Myles Borne vs. Oro Mensah

The rest of the No Quarter Catch Crew and Meta Four are here too. They go to the mat to start with Mensah getting the better of things to frustrate Borne. Mensah grabs a headlock takeover and talks some trash on the mat but Borne fights up. Borne sends him throat first onto the top rope and grabs a neckbreaker for two.

We take a break and come back with Mensah knocking him down and hitting a moonsault. A t-bone suplex into a rolling Liger kick drops Borne but he’s right back with a heck of a dropkick. Kemp offers Borne the brass knuckles but the distraction lets Mensah hit the running spinwheel kick (more a spinning knee to the arm) for the pin at 8:25.

Rating: C+. So I guess Mensah is getting a push now. I’ve heard worse ideas, as Meta Four is a popular act, even with Noam Dar on the shelf. The team could use someone else if they’re going to be dealing with the Crew, but at least they’re off to a good start with a nice first win for Mensah.

Wes Lee is ready to win the North American Title back but Oba Femi doesn’t see it the same way.

Tyson DuPont/Tyriek Igwe and Gallus get in a fight in the back.

Edris Enofe and Malik Blade aren’t happy with Brinley Reece’s loss so she’s ready to leave. If they want to come with her, they can.

The OC wants revenge on OTM.

Wendy Choo vs. Carlee Bright

Kendal Gray is here too. Bright kicks away to start but Choo cuts her off and hits a rolling Downward Spiral. Choo ties her in the Tree of Woe for a running dropkick but Bright makes the clothesline comeback. Choo gets her knees up to cut Bright off though and the cobra clutch makes Bright tap at 4:05.

Rating: C. Bright (and Gray) is in a weird place as they’re still so new that they don’t have the experience or skill to carry a match. At the same time, she don’t have much in the way of backgrounds or character work beyond “I was an athlete in college”. Maybe that development can come later, but for now, there isn’t much to go on.

Trick Williams is ready for Heatwave.

Commentary throws us to Shawn Michaels talking about the Brooks Jensen situation, including a variety of the clips and incidents that have taken place. Jensen has been asked to step away from NXT to clear his head but he is also invited to show up here next week to speak with Ava. It’s a big story, but they’re going to need a home run to get around the fact that it’s Brooks Jensen.

Karmen Petrovic vs. Jazmyn Nyx

Jacy Jayne is here with Nyx. They fight over wrist control to start with Petrovic knocking her down, setting p a running basement Blockbuster for two. Jayne’s distraction doesn’t really work but Nyx gets in a kick to the ribs to take over. A Shining Wizard gives Nyx two and she grabs a figure four necklock. Petrovic gets a rollup for….two, though it seemed that Nyx was pinned. Anyway, Petrovic fires off some elbows but Jayne offers another distraction, allowing Nyx to kick Petrovic in the face for the pin a 3:47.

Rating: C. Jayne and Nyx are fine enough as a pair but they feel pretty low level around here. Giving them some wins can help and their association with Fallon Henley gives them a boost, but that’s about all they have at the moment. They need something to make them stand out and I’m not sure what that could be.

Axiom and Nathan Frazer argue over team vs. singles goals.

Karmen Petrovic comes in to see Ava, who makes a tag match with Arianna Grace/Petrovic vs. Jacy Jayne/Jazmyn Nyx. Petrovic has a headache.

Video on Sol Ruca and her athletic background.

Heatwave rundown.

It’s time for the contract signing for the NXT Title, with champion Trick Williams, Ethan Page, Shawn Spears and Je’Von Evans. Williams says the other three are going to bring it in Toronto but the fans are going to be chanting WHOOP THAT TRICK. Page loves the swagger but he saw this at Battleground and knows he can beat him at Heatwave.

Williams promises to win, with Spears saying he loves the emotion. That emotion is going to bring Spears the title, just like it got him a win last week. Evans mocks Spears, who calls him out for being young. Evans signs, with Spears talking about how Evans is at his first major event. Spears signs and hands the contract down before Evans promises to win the title.

Spears shrugs that off and hands Williams the contract, but Page takes it away and signs anyway. Williams says it’s everyone for themselves and praises Evans, but promises that no one can take the title from him. The argument, and the fight, is on, with Page and Spears being put through tables to end the show. They’re in a weird place with this story as it’s only so interesting in the first place, but this was a nice effort to make the title felt like the important thing, along with Williams being in danger.

Overall Rating: C+. This wasn’t the strongest go home show, though it did have some high points. The street fight and big closing segment were good, but some of the matches felt like they were throwing anything they could out there to fill in time before they could head to Toronto. Not a bad show, but I’m not overly excited for Heatwave and this didn’t do much to change that feeling.

Results
Jaida Parker b. Michin – Running hip attack
New Catch Republic b. Hank Walker/Tank Ledger – Spiral Tap to ledger
Izzi Dame b. Brinley Reece – Falcon Arrow
Oro Mensah b. Myles Borne – Running spinwheel kick in the corner
Wendy Choo b. Carlee Bright – Cobra clutch
Jazmyn Nyx b. Karmen Petrovic – Kick to the head

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NXT
Date: June 25, 2024
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

We are rapidly closing in on Heatwave and after last week, we have an official #1 contender to the NXT Title. At the same time, we seem to have two other people who want that spot as well. A four way title shot isn’t out of the question, which seems to also be the case for another Joe Hendry appearance. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Ava tells referees and security to be on their toes tonight.

Tag Team Gauntlet Match

For the Tag Team Title shot at Heatwave with Edris Enofe/Malik Blade in at #1 and New Catch Republic in at #2. Dunne works on Enofe’s arm to start but Blade comes in off a blind tag for a double dropkick. A Blockbuster/spinebuster combination gets two on Dunne but Bate comes in for a rebound lariat/German suplex combination. Bate dives onto Blade and then comes back in for a double powerbomb and the elimination at 2:43.

Angel and Berto are in at #3 and the slugout is on until Angel low bridges Bate to the floor to take over. A Gory Bomb/flipping cutter combination gets two on Bate but Dunne comes back in to make the save. Bate is taken up top but cue Apollo Crews for the distraction, allowing him to fight his way to freedom. The Tyler Driver 97 finishes Berto at 6:13 total and it’s the OC in at #4.

The OC get dropped in a hurry and we take a break. Back with Bate airplane spinning Anderson, who is back up to save Gallows. The Magic Killer is broken up and Dunne small packages Gallows for the pin at 11:45 total. Chase U is in at #5 (the final team) as OTM comes out to laugh at the OC, who chase them to the back. Chase stomps on Dunne to start but Dunne sends him to the apron for the ten forearms to the chest.

That’s broken up and the tag brings in Hudson to clean house. Hudson and Bate fight over a suplex with the latter getting the better of things, only for Chase to kick Dunne in the head. Bate rolls Chase up for two but Hudson makes the save. Hudson’s fingers are snapped by Dunne so Bate dives onto….Ridge Holland, who shoves Chase out of the way. That leaves Chase to hit the high crossbody for the pin and the win at 17:00.

Rating: B-. As usual, this was pretty much of regular tag matches tied together with some falls that were far quicker than normal. The Republic going through the match until the end, with Holland costing the team the win, is a good story throughout but it feels like something we see in so many gauntlet matches. Either way, solid match here and I can go for more Chase U.

Roxanne Perez doesn’t like Karmen Petrovic watching her beat up Lola Vice and mocks her for only watching the stars.

We get a tribute graphic for Sika.

Dante Chen offers to be Nathan Frazer’s corner man tonight but Axiom comes in to say he’ll do it instead. Works for Chen.

Here is Ethan Page for a chat. He’s not happy with Je’Von Evans being the #1 contender because he won a battle royal where Page was never eliminated. Page requests and receives Ava out here and wants her to change the Heatwave main event. Ava thinks he has a point but here is Shawn Spears for another interruption.

Spears pinned Evans two weeks ago, but Page doesn’t see why that matters (fair). Spears promises to pin Trick Williams tonight, so cue Williams to interrupt. Williams doesn’t care who he faces at Heatwave so the fight is on, with Evans coming in to help Williams clear the ring. They aren’t even bothering to try hiding where this is going and that is fine.

The No Quarter Catch Crew yell at Ridge Holland but an off-screen woman (presumably Thea Hail) calls him over. Hank Walker and Tank Ledger come in to issue a challenge for next week. Sure why not.

Stevie Turner seems to flirt with Mr. Stone and suggests that she be the second in command. Neither of them are going anywhere, with Stone saying she couldn’t beat him on her best day.

Wes Lee vs. Joe Coffey

The rest of Gallus is here with Coffey. Lee runs him over to start but Coffey runs him over with a shot to the face. Back up and Lee kicks him in the face, setting up a quick DDT. Lee stomps him on the back but walks into a powerslam for two. All The Best For The Bells is loaded up but Lee hits a quick Cardiac Kick for the pin at 3:15.

Rating: C+. This didn’t have much time to get anywhere but the idea was that Lee can hit that kick from anywhere and score a win, especially over a bigger opponent. Oba Femi is likely going to break every piece of Lee in half but at least they’re doing a nice job of setting things up. Nice storytelling here, though it only had so much time.

Post match Oba Femi pops up on the platform and says he’ll see Lee at Heatwave.

Tony D’Angelo’s plan for Nathan Frazer? Punch him in the mouth and keep the Heritage Cup in the Family.

Duke Hudson is with Ridge Holland when he gets an envelope of pictures delivered. Holland says Hudson won and snatches them away as the rest of Chase U comes in to celebrate their win.

Heritage Cup: Tony D’Angelo vs. Nathan Frazer

Frazer is challenging. Round one begins with Frazer grabbing a headlock takeover and rolling D’Angelo up for the pin and the first fall at 42 seconds. Round two begins D’Angelo hitting a backdrop and hammering away with some heavy shots to the ribs. Frazer gets knocked out of the air and a spinebuster ties it up at 1:11 of the round and 2:23 overall.

Round three begins with D’Angelo firing some shoulders into the ribs in the corner. Frazer manages to send him outside but a dive is cut off, with Frazer being sent into the steps as we take a break. Back with about two minutes left in the fourth round and Frazer knocking D’Angelo to the floor for a dive. Frazer hits another one and a low superkick gets two back inside. Frazer’s springboard is pulled out of the air though and D’Angelo hits another spinebuster for two.

D’Angelo misses a charge into the post and gets missile dropkicked as the round ends. Round five begins with D’Angelo knocking him into the corner but charging into a superkick for two. Frazer goes up but dives into another spinebuster for two more. They head outside again and D’Angelo is sent arm first into the steps. Back in and a Coast To Coast gets two on D’Angelo as the fans deem this awesome.

Frazer knocks him off the ropes and hits the Phoenix splash as the round ends. Round six (the last round) begins with Frazer getting some rollups for two each. Frazer goes up but gets caught in a heck of a release belly to belly superplex. I believe the fifth spinebuster retains the Cup at 1:12 of the round and 14:42 overall.

Rating: B-. The repetitive spinebusters aside, this was a good back and forth match with D’Angelo using the power to deal with Frazer’s high flying. That’s often the best way to go and it worked well enough here, with Frazer coming close but not being able to pull it off. The seconds didn’t do anything here, meaning the Axiom/Frazer issues can likely continue going forward.

Je’Von Evans is willing to have Trick Williams’ back in the main event but Williams is cool on his own. Works for Evans.

Roxanne Perez vs. Karmen Petrovic

Non-title but hold on as here is Lola Vice to join commentary. Perez grabs a hammerlock to start and then kicks her down into the corner. Vice promises that her fists don’t lie as Perez hits a running shot in the corner for two. Petrovic fights up and hits some forearms, only to have the big spinning kick blocked. Pop Rox finishes for Perez at 3:43.

Rating: C. This was pretty much a squash for Perez as she gets to show that she is still on a high level before her match with Vice at Heatwave. That’s a good way to go as Perez has not looked like the strongest force in recent weeks. Petrovic still feels like she has potential, but that is only going to carry her so far.

Post match Vice drops Perez and takes the title with her.

Noam Dar calls in to Meta Four and tells them that he suffered a torn tendon in his leg when Ethan Page attacked him. He’ll be out for awhile, which sends Oro Mensah into a rather emotional story about how his father almost died in a wreck. His father was severely burned though and as a result, he and his brother were put in foster care. He never felt like he fit in but now he feels like he fits in with Meta Four. That’s why he will do anything to get revenge on Page.

The OC has attacked OTM, leaving Michin and Jaida Parker to yell at each other.

Ava grants Carlee Bright a match with Wendy Choo when Lola Vice comes in. Vice leaves the title on the desk and says tell Roxanne Perez she wants a title shot at Heatwave.

Damon Kemp vs. Tavion Heights

If Heights wins, he’s in the No Quarter Catch Crew (at ringside). Heights takes him down a few times without much trouble and a shoulder breaker sends Kemp outside. We pause for Kemp to pop his shoulder back into place and he drops some elbows back inside. An Angle Slam gets two on Heights but he escapes a second one and hits a spinning belly to belly for the pin at 2:54.

Kelani Jordan is ready to find out her next challenger and wants to be a drama free champion. With that covered, Jaida Parker comes in to challenge Michin to a street fight next week.

Brinley Reece gives Edris Enofe and Malik Blade a pep talk but Izzi Dame comes in to mock them. Dame bails before a challenge can be made.

Axiom wants to do tape study for Heatwave but Nathan Frazer has to get ready for his Speed match first. Axiom is not pleased.

Arianna Grace vs. Sol Ruca

For a Women’s North American Title shot at Heatwave. Ruca pulls her into a headscissors on the mat to start and then shifts into a headlock. Back up an an X Factor plants Grace, allowing Ruca to strike a surfer pose. Grace gets in a quick shot to send her outside and snaps off a suplex for two back inside. A running knee lift drops Ruca again and we hit the seated abdominal stretch. That’s broken up and Ruca starts the comeback, only to get rolled up for two. The Sol Snatcher finishes Grace rather quickly at 4:14.

Rating: C. This wasn’t much of a match but after Kelani Jordan won the title in a ladder match, having a #1 contender crowned by being handed a title shot wouldn’t have been a great way to go. Ruca beating Grace isn’t much but it’s better than nothing and does at least set up the title match. It’s not exactly interesting, but that’s going to be the case for the first good while of the title’s history.

Roxanne Perez storms into Ava’s office and thinks Ava is behind the whole thing. The title match against Lola Vice is set for Heatwave.

Kelani Jordan and Sol Ruca are cool for their match at Heatwave. Fallon Henley, Jacy Jayne and Jazmyn Nyx pop up to complain about not getting their shots.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Shawn Spears vs. Trick Williams

Non-title and Ethan Page is on commentary. They go to the floor to start but head straight back inside, with Spears hitting a Thesz press of all things. Williams fights up and grabs a choke before they both hit kicks to the chest. Cue Oro Mensah to brawl with Page and we take a break.

Back with Williams having to use the ropes to get out of a crossface and Hulking Up in a cool visual. A Rock Bottom is countered though and Spears hits a superkick for two. Williams hits a kick to the face but gets caught in a Backstabber, only to come back with a Rock Bottom for two. Cue someone (it’s Brooks Jensen in a hoodie) to try and interfere so Williams sends Spears outside. A dive drops Spears but Jensen, being pulled away by security, rips the top of the announcers’ table off and hits Williams in the face. That’s enough to set up a C4 into the corner to finish Williams at 8:18.

Rating: C+. This was about getting Spears further into the title picture while also bringing Jensen’s deal to the next level. As you could see earlier, there isn’t much of a doubt about where the Heatwave title match is going and this was a step that they needed to take to get there. I’m still not sure what is going on with Jensen (who wasn’t named or identified) or if he is going to be able to live up to the hype, but they’re certainly trying.

Ava, Mr. Stone and Stevie Turner aren’t sure what to do with the title situation so Ava makes a four way for the title, with Williams defending against Spears, Page and Je’Von Evans.

Overall Rating: B-. This was a show that wasn’t about the wrestling but rather adding all kinds of things to the Heatwave card. Five matches were added to the show, which says a lot when we came in with nothing officially set. That’s a lot to set up in a hurry, but some of the matches were all but made coming into this week. That’s the kind of a show you need on occasion and they made it work very well here.

Results
Chase U won a tag team gauntlet match last eliminating the New Catch Republic
Wes Lee b. Joe Coffey – Cardiac Kick
Tony D’Angelo b. Nathan Frazer 2-1
Roxanne Perez b. Karmen Petrovic – Pop Rox
Tavion Heights b. Damon Kemp – Spinning belly to belly
Sol Ruca b. Arianna Grace – Sol Snatcher
Shawn Spears b. Trick Williams – C4 into the corner

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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NXT
Date: June 4, 2024
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

It’s the go home show for Battleground and that means it’s time to really hammer things home. In this case that actually means setting up the main event, which very well may be the newcomer Ethan Page challenging Trick Williams for the NXT Title. Other than that, we’ll probably see a bunch of people set for a ladder match in a big messy segment. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Ava, with Mr. Stone, welcome Ethan Page to the show in the hopes of getting everything solved.

Opening recap.

Jordynne Grace vs. Stevie Turner

Non-title and here is Roxanne Perez to join commentary. Turner slaps her in the face to start but Grace is back with a much bigger slap. A quick knockdown gives Turner a breather but Grace easily powers out of a reverse chinlock. The Vader Bomb into the Juggernaut Driver (pumphandle driver) finishes for Grace at 2:59. Short and to the point, with Grace getting to look like a killer.

Post match Grace and Perez have a standoff with Perez going for a cheap shot but bailing instead.

Trick Williams asks Lash Legend if she’s seen Ethan Page. She hasn’t, but she also has to cut off their relationship because she needs the Women’s North American Title. Williams understands and says do what you have to do.

Shawn Spears talks to some rookies (including Je’Von Evans) but Josh Briggs interrupts and accuses Spears of trying to manipulate them. Briggs teases violence, but Spears says he’s just showing his insecurities.

Booker T. is emceeing a showdown between the six women vying for the inaugural Women’s North American Title. Michin knows what it’s like to be in a ladder match around here. Jaida Parker says this is her time and makes threats, with Fallon Henley saying this is her match because she’ll be on her own. Kelani Jordan says no one will try like she will but Sol Ruca promises to snatch five souls. Lash Legend finds that funny but says Sunday is about being crowned champion. A Trick Williams insult is thrown out and Booker knows where this is going. The fight is on and here is Robert Stone to make a six woman tag.

The No Quarter Catch Crew talk into a mirror (Damon Kemp finds it weird) and have to talk like the D’Angelo Family.

Thea Hail vs. Jazmyn Nyx

Andre Chase and Ridge Holland are here, with the rest of Chase U standing back due to Holland. Hail starts in on the arm but gets thrown into the air in the corner for a kick to the ribs. Nyx starts in on Hail’s arm for a change and stomps away some more. The World’s Smallest Slam connects for Hail and she grabs the Kimura. Nyx manages to stay up and backs her into the corner, where Hail breaks it up to protect the referee. A quick Pele Kick gives Nyx the pin at 4:32.

Rating: C. Nyx getting a win on her own, even over a distracted Hail, is a bit deal for her future. She is someone who could be a star if given the chance and we might be seeing her get just that sooner than later. Hail’s issues with Chase U, or at least parts of it, could make for a bit of a complicated future and that is not a bad thing.

Ava and Mr. Stone don’t like Ethan Page’s contract offer.

Earlier today, the OC jumps Axiom and Nathan Frazier at the merchandise truck and the champs got beaten down.

Heritage Cup: Tony D’Angelo vs. Damon Kemp

Kemp is challenging and Round One begins with a failed takedown attempt. Instead Kemp grabs a suplex and stomps away as the intensity gets cranked up rather quickly. Not that it matters as D’Angelo grabs Forget About It for the first fall at 1:47. Round Two begins with a break and we come back with the beginning of Round Three.

Kemp stomps away in the corner and grabs a bridging German suplex for two. It works so well that Kemp does it over and over gain but D’Angelo wakes up. Some belly to belly suplexes put Kemp down but he grabs a DDT for two as the bell rings to save D’Angelo. Round Four begins with…D’Angelo hitting a spinebuster for the second fall to retain at 8 seconds of the round and 9:44 overall.

Rating: C+. This was a bit of a surprise with D’Angelo getting the rare sweep. We might be seeing the Crew getting back to basics by being themselves again, which could make for a better challenge. For now though, I can go for D’Angelo getting a dominant win, as it certainly made him look like a bigger star.

Ava says Ethan Page wants to sign his contract in the middle of the ring but there are some details that have to be solved. Trick Williams comes in to say give Page whatever he wants and he’ll even be out there to make sure Page signs. Then Sexyy Red calls so they have to wrap it up.

Michin introduces herself to Jordynne Grace and they like each other. Jaida Parker comes in for some trash talk, allowing Arianna Grace to come in and say she and Jordynne aren’t related. Tatum Paxley comes in to admire the Knockouts Title, but Jordynne says it’s more important than anything, including Arianna’s crown.

We get a long video on Shayna Baszler vs. Lola Vice in NXT Underground at Battleground. They both have combat backgrounds but Vice is more about being flashy while Baszler is more about being serious. UFC/MMA fighters weigh in as well.

Izzi Dame vs. Natalya

Karmen Petrovic is here with Natalya, who knocks Petrovic down to start and hits a basement dropkick. Dame gets the better of a fight on the floor but a powerbombs is countered back inside. Natalya can’t get the cross armbreaker as Dame powers her up for a ram into the corner. Back up and a powerbomb out of the corner gives Natalya two, followed by an exchange of rollups to give Natalya the win at 4:05.

Rating: C+. So I guess NXT didn’t see the segment where Natalya said she was going to change things this week on Raw, as this was the same Natalya match we’ve seen for years. The match was perfectly fine, but there was nothing here that is going to stand out in any way. In other words, it’s Natalya.

Nathan Frazer and Axiom are ready for the OC at Battleground.

Tyriek Igwe and Tyson DuPont come out for a match but Gallus jumps them from behind during the break. They don’t like the lack of respect and no one wants them to be here as professional wrestlers. On Sunday, they’re ready to make Joe Coffey the North American Champion. Cue Oba Femi to say Gallus is dangerous but he’s ready to go. Wes Lee pops in to say he’s ready to beat anyone to get his title back.

Wendy Choo is back next week.

Lexis King brags about attacking Dante Chen, who jumps King to start a brawl. It’s broken up but King issues a challenge for one more fight.

Lash Legend/Kelani Jordan/Fallon Henley vs. Michin/Jaida Parker/Sol Ruca

Jordan and Ruca trade takedowns to start and flip over to the ropes for the tag off to Parker vs. Legend. Parker’s shoulder doesn’t get her very far so Michin comes in for a shoulder of her own. Legend takes Michin down and it’s Henley coming in for a sliding right hand. We take a break and come back with Jordan coming in to pick up the pace.

Parker pulls Jordan out of the air though and sits on Jordan in the corner. Michin hits a Pounds and grabs a surfboard on Jordan, followed by a quick dropkick. Parker comes in and gets Stundog Millionaired as Jazmyn Nyx and….someone come out to watch. Everything breaks down and the teammates start fighting each other. Ruca uses the distraction to hit the Sol Snatcher on Legend for the pin at 9:39.

Rating: C+. Points for mixing things up here, as this could have been any run of the mill six man and then it wouldn’t have been nearly as special. What we got instead was a nice showcase of everyone involved, even if the results mean nothing in a ladder match. Nice change of pace here and it was entertaining as a one off, with the Sol Snatcher looking great as always.

The woman next to Nyx appears to Jacy Jayne with a jacket pulled over her face.

Stevie Turner asks Ava for another match next week but doesn’t get an answer.

Eddy Thorpe is ready to fight for his heritage.

Battleground rundown.

Ava brings out Ethan Page for the contract signing. Page brags about how great of a signing he’ll be, but Ava isn’t meeting his demands. Page talks about how NXT needs the star power after the Draft. The fans chanting for Trick Williams gets on Page’s nerves so here is Williams to interrupt. The table is cleared out and Williams asks Ava to give Page whatever he wants.

Page talks about how he’s been in a lot of shadows over the years and Williams had the same problem. He credits Williams making a name for himself and now Page wants to do the same. Page signs, but Ava won’t do it. The deal says that if Page signs, he gets an NXT Title shot at Battleground, which means the end of the Whoop That era. Ava signs and the staredown ends the show. Not the stunning surprise here, but it had to be done.

Overall Rating: C+. I don’t know if I remember the last time a show had that high of a percentage of women’s wrestling. The good thing here is it set up a lot for Sunday, though there was little here that you would need to see. It was a show about getting ready for Battleground and that was nicely enough done. Not a great show here, but a show they needed to do and they make it work.

Results
Jordynne Grace b. Stevie Turner – Juggernaut Driver
Jazmyn Nyx b. Thea Hail – Pele Kick
Tony D’Angelo b. Damon Kemp 2-0
Natalya b. Izzi Dame – Rollup
Michin/Jaida Parker/Sol Ruca b. Lash Legend/Kelani Jordan/Fallon Henley – Sol Snatcher to Legend

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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NXT
Date: May 28, 2024
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

We are just under two weeks away from Battleground and the show is starting to come together. The main event would still likely seem to be Trick Williams defending the NXT Title against Noam Dar but last week saw a bit of a confusing result as Gallus got involved. Other than that, Sexyy Red is here so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Ava introduces rapper Sexyy Red (Booker seems to be a big fan) and says Red will be hosting Battleground. Red unveils the Women’s North American Title (it’s just the men’s version with a white strap) but here is Tatum Paxley to take it away. Michin runs in and we’re ready to go.

Women’s North American Title Qualifying Match: Michin vs. Tatum Paxley

It’s a brawl to start with Michin knocking her into the corner but missing a boot. Paxley stomps away and chokes with a boot as Jaida Parker comes out to watch. Michin knocks her to the apron and hits a baseball slide as we take a break. Back with Parker on commentary and Michin headbutting away in the corner. Eat Defeat is countered into something like a powerslam for two and Paxley belly to backs her for the same. Another suplex is escaped though and Michin hits Eat Defeat for the win at 9:11.

Rating: C. I can’t quite imagine Michin winning the title but adding in a little main roster star power isn’t going to hurt things. I’m a bit surprised Paxley lost here, as she was at least involved in a story around Stand & Deliver. For now, Michin moving forward is the better move though. At the same time, Parker continues to come off like a star in the making as she has a certain poise to her.

Gallus isn’t happy but Meta Four come in to ask why they jumped Noam Dar. Apparently it wasn’t Dar, though Lash Legend insists it wasn’t Trick Williams either. Dang NXT LOVES this mystery attacker stuff.

We look at Shayna Baszler vs. Lola Vice in NXT Underground being set up for Battleground.

Arianna Grace begs Vice to not do this but Vice threatens her. Grace: “Oh s***.”

Riley Osborne vs. Ridge Holland

Chase U is here with Osborne, who slugs away to start. Holland knocks him down and grabs a chinlock. Osborne tries to fight up but gets dropped with a clothesline. A spear through the ropes sends Osborne crashing out to the floor and we take a break. Back with Osborne fighting out of a chinlock but getting dropped with a hard clothesline for two.

Osborne knocks him to the floor but a div is knocked out of the air. Holland takes too long getting the steps though, allowing Osborne to make an actual comeback. That’s broken up just as fast, with Holland kicking him off the ropes and hitting the lifting DDT (which might be called the Redeemer) for the pin at 11:18.

Rating: C+. Osborne was trying to make his comebacks here but Holland kept smothering him with the power and high impact offense. That made for a nice enough story, with Holland taking him out in the end. I’m still not sure what the big endgame is going to be or Holland, but at least they are keeping him somewhat warm on the way there.

Post match Holland offers a handshake but Osborne leaves.

The OC are ready to win the NXT Tag Team Titles and beatdowns will continue until they get their shot.

Oro Mensah has been attacked.

Edris Enofe/Malik Blade vs. OC

Brinley Reece is here with Enofe/Blade. Anderson jumps Blade to start but Enofe comes in off a blind tag to double team Anderson down. Hold on though as Enofe stops to say something Reece but gets knocked off the apron and into her as we take a break. Back with Gallows chinlocking, and then hammering away on, Blade as Enofe is all worried about Reece.

Anderson sends him hard into the corner and Gallows rips at the jaws. Blade slips out of a belly to back suplex though and makes the tag off to Enofe to pick up the pace. Enofe misses something off the top though and gets chokeslammed. The Magic Killer gives Anderson the pin at 9:06.

Rating: C. They’re big names, but my goodness it’s hard to get interested in whatever the OC is doing. You can probably pencil them in for a title shot at Battleground and that should be a nice win for Axiom and Nathan Frazer, but it doesn’t make for the most interesting stories on the way there. As much as I like them, Enofe and Blade do not seem to be going anywhere anytime soon and the Reece relationship might be in danger too.

Post match Axiom and Nathan Frazer run in and clear the OC out before giving them the title match at Battleground.

Video on Dante Chen, who has been around here for a long time but finally got his chance last week.

Chen thanks some wrestlers for thanking him but Lexis King comes in to say that will never happen again. The rematch is set for tonight.

Trick Williams and Je’Von Evans get along with Sexyy Red.

Here is Roxanne Perez to find out her challenger at Battleground. She has been proud of this title forever while no one else has. Perez began training at 13 years old and has wanted the title for nine years. It represents future greatness instead of present greatness, even though greatness is in front of you. She isn’t happy with Ava for making this happen but here is Ava to interrupt and introduce the new challenger: TNA Knockouts Champion (with belt) Jordynne Grace. Commentary (and the swearing fans) lose their minds and Grace talks about being ready to become a double champion at Battleground.

Eddy Thorpe has been reborn.

Riley Osborne complains to Chase U about Ridge Holland and Duke Hudson gets it. Everyone but Chase leaves and Holland comes in, asking to talk to Chase later.

Lola Vice vs. Arianna Grace

They fight over rollups to start until Vice trips her down and hits a kick to the back. Vice strikes away in the corner but gets suplexed down. Not that it matters as a spinning fist gives Vice the pin at 2:13.

Post match Vice promises to beat Shayna Baszler, who runs out but gets held back by security.

Video on Carlee Bright, a former college cheerleader who is bringing her skills to NXT.

A bunch of women compliment Bright but Izzi Dame comes in to mock her. Karmen Petrovic isn’t having that and a brawl breaks out.

The No Quarter Catch Crew wants the Heritage Cup back and Charlie Dempsey thinks they need to be like the D’Angelo Family. Damon Kemp is getting the title shot.

Oro Mensah is getting checked out by the medical staff but Lash Legend doesn’t believe it was Trick Williams.

Lexis King vs. Dante Chen

King strikes away to start and shouts a lot but gets small packaged for a fast two. A Jackhammer gives King two but Chen crucifixes him for the pin at 1:43.

Post match King lays Chen out and hits the Coronation on exposed concrete.

Josh Briggs looks back at his career history and says he wanted to win on his own but needed a team first. He hasn’t won just yet, but he’ll find out what he is going to be.

Shawn Spears sees a bunch of people who are misguided, with one person in particular. He’ll be their answer.

The D’Angelo Family is ready for the No Quarter Catch Crew, with Tony saying they’ll beat them at their own game next week.

Women’s North American Title Qualifying Match: Kelani Jordan vs. Wren Sinclair

Fallon Henley is on commentary. Sinclair takes her down to start and Jordan is a bit surprised. Back up and Jordan hits a dropkick before elbowing Sinclair out to the floor. They fight over a sunset flip back inside and then a backslide until Jordan grabs a suplex. The split legged moonsault gives Jordan the pin at 3:13.

Rating: C. This was more of a gymnastics routine than anything else and it worked, despite a few mishaps with the counters. Jordan’s minor push continues and she has the athleticism to turn into something. Sinclair continues to be something odd, as she is continuously presented on television but has yet to actually win anything important (or perhaps anything at all). This didn’t have time to go anywhere, but they got in a lot of nice looking stuff in the time they had.

Stevie Turner is in Ava’s office (along with Mr. Stone, who seems to be working there now) and complains about not getting a shot at anything. Jordynne Grace comes in and a match is made for next week.

Wes Lee isn’t worried about Gallus. Oba Femi comes in to say he’s keeping the North American Title at Battleground but Lee is ready to prove him wrong.

Gallus vs. Je’Von Evans/Trick Williams

Sexyy Red is here with Williams and Evans but there is no Wolfgang. Williams runs Mark over to start and gives him a slam before handing it off to Evans. Joe gets taken down and we pause to pose with Red. The delay lets Evans get knocked into the steps and we take an early break.

Back with Evans still in trouble and Mark slamming him for two. Evans flips out of a suplex and dives over to Williams for the hot tag. A headbutt and double slam cuts Williams off as everything breaks down. Mark kicks Evans in the face for two but Joe tries to grab the NXT Title. Red stops him so Evans can take him out, leaving Williams to hit the Trick Shot for the pin on Mark at 8:26.

Rating: C+. The time factor killed this one as about half of the match took place in the break. The big deal here though continues to be Evans, who has been put in a pretty prominent spot and done well with it. He didn’t feel like Williams’ little buddy or lackey but rather a young guy who was holding his own. Nice stuff here, though Williams beating Gallus leaves me wondering who is going to get the title shot. Unless Noam Dar pops back up, this is a bit weird.

Post match Lash Legend comes out to ask if Trick Williams was the one who attacked her friends. Before he can say anything, Ethan Page (Vic: “WASN’T HE IN A…..”) of AEW/TNA fame jumps Williams and says he took out Meta Four. Page holds up the title to end the show. I’d certainly call that a surprise and why not see what they can get out of Page if AEW wasn’t going to use him.

Overall Rating: B. Not the strongest wrestling, but it’s very rare that I’m actually surprised twice in any given show. This was the kind of show that felt like it breathed some life into some fairly dull situations and that is great to see. While Grace is likely gone after Battleground, it gives the show a feeling of “who else is going to show up”. See also Page, who probably wasn’t on many people’s radar. While you can’t do it every week, having a show with some big surprises every so often can be a great shot in the arm. I had a lot more fun with this show than I expected and that is a great thing.

Results
Michin b. Tatum Paxley – Eat Defeat
Ridge Holland b. Riley Osborne – Lifting DDT
OC b. Edris Enofe/Malik Blade – Magic Killer to Enofe
Lola Vice b. Arianna Grace – Spinning fist
Dante Chen b. Lexis King – Crucifix
Kelani Jordan b. Wren Sinclair – Split legged moonsault
Trick Williams/Je’Von Evans b. Gallus – Trick Shot to Mark

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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NXT
Date: May 7, 2024
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

We’re back to normal after a few weeks of Spring Breakin and that should make for some interesting changes. Wes Lee is back after a long absence and wants his North American Title back. I’m not sure I can imagine him being around NXT that much longer but he should be fun while it lasts. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a long video on Wes Lee, who had a great North American Title reign but then he had to leave due to a back injury. Now he’s back and wants the title again.

Lee walks through a crowd in the back and is a bit teared up by the video.

Wes Lee vs. Josh Briggs

Briggs gets smart to start and tries a kick to the recently repaired back. Lee kicks him out to the floor instead but misses the slingshot dive. The big boot is blocked on the floor so Briggs settles for a ram into the apron instead. Back in and Lee snaps off a hurricanrana and Briggs is on the floor again, where another headscissors connects. Cue Ivar as the Cardiac Kick is countered into a backbreaker.

We take a break and come back with Ivar on commentary as Lee fights out of a bearhug. A hiptoss backbreaker puts Lee down again and a Boss Man Slam gives Briggs two. They head outside again, this time with Lee dropkicking him into Ivar. Back in and Lee hits the Spiral Tap for the pin at 10:07.

Rating: C+. Pretty by the book speed vs. power match here and that’s all it should have been. Lee gets to show that he still has it while setting up the likely David vs. Goliath showdown with Oba Femi. Briggs has come a long way in recent weeks and he is a good choice for this kind of a spot, as Lee gets to look good.

Post match Ivar and Briggs get in a fight so Lee dives onto both of them.

We look back at Lola Vice beating Natalya in NXT Underground.

Tyriek Igwe and Tyson DuPont would love a Tag Team Title shot one day but the No Quarter Catch Crew comes up to say wait your turn. A match seems likely for later. They all leave so here is the OC to offer a Too Sweet to Axiom/Nathan Frazer. The champs leave instead, with the OC not being happy.

Shayna Baszler vs. Karmen Petrovic

Lola Vice and Natalya are here too. Baszler starts fast and takes her to the floor where she moves the ring skirt and ties Petrovic’s arm in the ring. A hard kick to the arm wrecks said arm and Baszler grabs the armbar back inside. The big stomp to the arm has Petrovic in even more trouble but she fights back up and goes to the top. The dive is punched out of the air though and the Kirifuda Clutch makes Petrovic tap at 4:12.

Rating: C. This was short and to the point, which is what it should have been. Baszler might not be as big of a star as she was before, but she is still miles ahead of Petrovic. It wasn’t much of a competitive match and thankfully they got to the point, with Baszler choking her out in short order. If nothing else, disappointed Natalya is a good thing to see.

We look back at Fallon Henley turning heel last week.

Kelani Jordan doesn’t get why Henley did that but here is Henley to say it’s Fallon Coming First from now on.

NXT held a combine over the weekend, with the top twelve qualifying for qualifying matches for the ladder match for the Women’s North American Title. They had to do a bunch of exercises and drills, with Thea Hail and Kelani Jordan doing well in the speed portion. More on this later.

No Quarter Catch Crew vs. Tyriek Igwe/Tyson DuPont

It’s Charlie Dempsey and Myles Borne for the Crew here but the referee is…unavailable, according to Luca Crusifino. Instead, Stacks will be the referee and he doesn’t like Borne beating up Igwe in the corner to start. DuPont comes in for two off a splash but the Crew needs to yell at Stacks. The distraction lets DuPont get a sunset flip for two but Borne grabs an octopus hold. Everything breaks down and Dempsey grabs a German suplex for a very, very slow near fall. Back up and DuPont gets in a right hand for the very fast pin at 3:52.

Rating: C+. This served two things at once, with the new team getting a win and keeping up Tony D’Angelo’s efforts to get a Heritage Cup shot at the Crew. I can go for a screwy referee every so often and it was a pretty nice match. Igwe and DuPont have a long way to go but they’re off to a nice start.

Chelsea Green and Arianna Grace think NXT’s women’s division needs to be saved but Gigi Dolin can’t take them anymore.

Roxanne Perez isn’t worried about Ava or Chelsea Green, because it’s all about her. No one likes Green on Raw so Perez can beat her up tonight.

Michin vs. Arianna Grace

Grace takes her into the corner to start and drops an elbow for two as Michin is in early trouble. Michin fights back but gets rolled up for a fast two, with Grace getting caught holding the ropes. That lets Michin grab Eat Defeat for the pin at 3:23.

Rating: C. That’s a surprise as Grace has been moving up the ladder a bit in recent weeks. I would have expected Gigi Dolin to interfere here and cost Grace the match but I guess they’re having that for later. Michin is a name from the main roster, though I’m not sure if I’ve ever gotten her big appeal.

Thea Hail and Ridge Holland talk about her problems. Chase U comes in to congratulate her but here is Lexis King to mock Holland. Duke Hudson stands up to King, who isn’t impressed.

It’s time for Supernova Sessions with Trick Williams as the guest, hopefully to find out what is in Lash Legend’s envelope. We see a video of Williams’ time since winning the NXT Title, but he wants to know what’s in the envelope. The envelope has a photo, showing Williams pinning Noam Dar, whose foot was under the rope. Williams isn’t impressed and says if Dar wants a title match, all he has to do is ask. Dar is game, but Williams asks if Legend wants to tell them, or if he should.

Legend: “Babe….I MEAN TRICK! I MEAN TRICK!” She goes to leave but Williams stops her, with Legend saying it’s not the time or the place. Dar gives Williams a spinning elbow to the face and picks up the title. Good for them for just going with the Williams/Legend deal, as they have great chemistry together.

Back to the combine, with a look at their power/speed. Michin and Jaida Parker to well.

We get a video that sounds like someone snoring. Dang it not Wendy Choo.

Karmen Petrovic feels like she is letting Natalya down. A guy comes in to say Petrovic is still a smoke show and gets kicked in the head. Well that worked.

Fallon Henley vs. Kelani Jordan

Henley doesn’t look impressed by the crowd and gets sent into the corner to start. A handspring elbow rocks Henley, who blocks a bulldog and stomps away. Jordan knocks her down and hits a flipping legdrop for two before grinding away with a headlock. Henley is back up to send her throat first into the ropes and we take a break.

Back with Henley in control until Jordan grabs a sleeper suplex. Jordan kicks her down and hits MVP’s old Play Of The Day to stagger Henley. They fight into the corner where a turnbuckle pad is ripped off. Jordan is sent into said buckle, allowing Henley to hit the Shining Wizard for the pin at 10:59.

Rating: C-. I like Henley a lot and I’m curious to see what she’s going to do, but this really didn’t work. They were looking rather sloppy in the second half of the match and it needed to be shorter than it was. Maybe it was just nerves or something, but Henley is going to have to do a lot better to make the heel run work.

The No Quarter Catch Crew is ready to face Tony D’Angelo for the Heritage Cup next week.

Lash Legend and Wren Sinclair did well in strength at the Combine. Then Ivy Nile won the conditioning contest.

Ava announces the 12 qualifiers from the Combine:

1. Sol Ruca
2. Thea Hail
3. Jaida Parker
4. Brinley Reece
5. Michin
6. Fallon Henley
7. Lash Legend
8. Ivy Nile
9. Izzi Dame
10. Kelani Jordan
11. Tatum Paxley
12. Wren Sinclair

Qualifying matches start next week. The combine was cool but is there anyone on the list who would be out of the ordinary?

Lexis King vs. Duke Hudson

Chase U is here too. Hudson goes with the power to start but King trips him down and stomps away as commentary talks about quite a few other things. Some choking on the ropes wakes Hudson up a bit and he gets two off a sunset flip out of the corner. King goes after the leg and runs him over but stops to yell at Hail. Cue Ridge Holland to chase King back inside with a chair, which the referee takes away. That lets King hit a superkick into the Coronation for the pin at 4:10.

Rating: C. King continues to be about the same thing as he was when he started: average at best match, decent talking and being a general thorn in people’s side. He did get a win here to boost him up a bit, but he still isn’t overly interesting. As usual, Chase U loses and I can’t even be surprised by that anymore.

Meta Four, minus Lash Legend, is leaving and doesn’t want to talk about her. Je’von Evans comes in and wants to check on Trick Williams but is called a shiny new toy.

Jazmyn Nyx is mad at Thea Hail for hurting Jacy Jayne’s nose and swears revenge.

Thea Hail is mad at Lexis King and Ridge Holland comes in to apologize. Chase U isn’t sure if they can go with that, but Holland is willing to earn their trust. Chase and Hail believe him.

Shawn Michaels has invited Kendrick Lamar and Drake to come to NXT and settle their differences. How about Benny and Allen instead?

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Women’s Title: Roxanne Perez vs. Chelsea Green

Perez is defending. Green starts fast with a rollup for two and Perez is a bit shaken. Perez gets in a shot of her own to take over and we go to an early break. Back with Perez getting two off a Russian legsweep but Green kicks her into the ropes. A Rough Ryder (Vic: “WOO WOO WOO!”) puts Perez down but she’s right back with a super hurricanrana for two. Green gets in a suplex and missile dropkick for two but has to block Pop Rox. They trade rollups for two each before Pop Rox retains the title at 8:51.

Rating: C+. They had a good match and both were working hard, but this could not have felt more like a thrown together title match/main event. Green is little more than a comedic nuisance most of the time on the main roster and I’m not sure why I was supposed to buy her as a threat to win here. Perez does get to beat another main roster star, but it only means so much given who it was.

The D’Angelo Family beats up Damon Kemp and kidnaps him. They leave and Charlie Dempsey shows up, wondering where Kemp is.

Overall Rating: C-. This started off with a good match and ended with a nice enough main event, but the rest of the wrestling was pretty worthless. I’m glad they went with the strong Williams/Legend pairing, but other than that, this felt like a big punt of an episode. Points for trying something different with the Combine, though it didn’t feel exactly necessary as it is only setting up qualifying matches. Pretty had miss here, with one of the worst NXT’s I can remember in a long time.

Results
Wes Lee b. Josh Briggs – Spiral Tap
Shayna Baszler b. Karmen Petrovic – Kirifuda Clutch
Tyriek Igwe/Tyson DuPont b. No Quarter Catch Crew – Right hand with a fast count to Dempsey
Michin b. Arianna Grace – Eat Defeat
Fallon Henley b. Kelani Jordan – Shining Wizard
Lexis King b. Duke Hudson – Coronation
Roxanne Perez b. Chelsea Green – Pop Rox

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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NXT
Date: April 30, 2024
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

The Draft is done and now it is time to wrap up Spring Breakkin. Last week’s card was absolutely stacked while this week’s show isn’t quite as big. The main even seems to be Natalya vs. Lola Vice in NXT Underground. Other than that, we might find out what is next for new NXT Champion Trick Williams. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a recap of Trick Williams winning the NXT Title last week.

Here is Williams for his big celebration as champion. He likes the sound of hearing his name as champion but he wants to thank Ilja Dragunov. Raw is getting a good one, but this is officially the Whoop That Era. Cue Lash Legend to praise Williams, who thinks something is going on.

The last time they were in the same ring, she hit him in the face, but now he has some gold and now she wants him to be her Reese’s Cup: take the gold off and get to the chocolate inside. Legend is more into Kit Kats but she has an envelope, which means the end of his title reign. We don’t see what is in said envelope and Legend leaves. These two are funny together.

Gigi Dolin and Arianna Grace are at a fancy dinner so Dolin can learn dining etiquette. This turns into a preview for the show.

North American Title: Oba Femi vs. Ivar

Ivar is challenging. They slug it out to start with Ivar getting the better of things by clotheslining him to the floor for a dive off the apron. Back in and the spinning powerslam gives Ivar one but Femi is back with an Irish Curse. They’re already back on the floor, where Femi is sent into the steps, setting up a big crash against the barricade.

We take a break and come back with Ivar knocking him off the top again and hitting a big flip dive to the floor. Back in and Femi runs him over with a hard forearm for two but Ivar knocks him back down for the same. It’s too early for the Doomsault though and Femi pulls Ivar into a torture rack drop for two. Ivar is back up with another knockdown and now the Doomsault connects but Femi makes the ropes. Another Doomsault is loaded up but Femi cuts it off with an electric chair drop. The pop up powerbomb retains the title at 11:04.

Rating: B. I do appreciate a match that is exactly as advertised. This was always going to be two big, strong guys beating the fire out of each other and that’s exactly what it was. Ivar wasn’t likely to win the title here but he makes a nice addition to Femi’s resume. Good stuff here, with Femi’s star continuing to rise at an amazing rate.

Post match Wes Lee returns after several months away and the fans approve.

Thea Hail talks Fallon Henley into coming with her to ringside.

Thea Hail vs. Jacy Jayne

The rest of Chase U, Fallon Henley and Jazmyn Nyx are all here too. They slap each other in the face to start and go to the floor with Jayne taking over. We take an early break and come back with Hail springboarding into a neckbreaker for two. Jayne misses a Cannonball though and they’re both down. Hail is back up with a Michinoku Driver for two but Jayne kicks her outside. Henley shoves Hail out of the way from a kick from Nyx, allowing Hail to Kimura Jayne for the tap at 7:59.

Rating: C. This was the grudge match win that Hail needed to, at least in theory, wrap up the feud. There isn’t much left for them to do or say to each other, though Henley taking the bullet for Hail is interesting. Not a great match, but it did what it needed to do and wrapped up the feud with Hail getting the win.

Post match Henley decks Hail to turn on her and leaves on her own.

Tyson DuPont and Tyriek Igwe are coming to NXT tonight. They’re strong and smart.

Natalya and Karmen Petrovic are warming up.

OC vs. Tyriek Igwe/Tyson DuPont

Igwe powers Anderson into the corner to start, setting up the hard shoulders to the ribs. The bigger DuPont hits a splash for two but Anderson drives Igwe into the corner for the tag to Gallows. Some forearms to the chest set up the chinlock, with Igwe having to power up into a fireman’s carry. DuPont comes back in with a side slam to Anderson and everything breaks down. Anderson grabs a spinebuster and the Magic Killer finishes Igwe at 4:17.

Rating: C+. They had me thinking we might see a big upset here as the OC was getting beaten up for a good chunk of the match. At the same time, I do get the idea of not wanting to put a rocket on a team just yet, as they certainly started well enough. Hopefully they get a win next time though, as you don’t want them being branded as losers right out of the gate.

We look at NXT stars being Drafted. A bunch of the coaches talk about what it means to them too, which is a rather nice touch.

Here is Ava for a big announcement. We are indeed going to have a Women’s North American Champion, as crowned in….a ladder match at Battleground, with twelve wrestlers competing in qualifying matches. Oh joy. Cue Jaida Parker, Sol Ruca, Arianna Grace, Michin and a bunch of other women to say they should be champion. A huge brawl breaks out.

The Street Profits wish Axiom and Nathan Frazer luck against the AOP tonight. Never slow down.

Lola Vice and Shayna Baszler train for NXT Underground.

Shawn Spears vs. Ridge Holland

Spears sticks and moves to start before bailing to the floor for an early break. Back with Spears getting two off a neckbreaker and putting on a reverse chinlock. A front facelock is broken up with pure power and Holland drives some shoulders to the ribs in the corner. The mysterious QR code pops up on the screen as Holland hits a Death Valley Driver into the corner. A lifting DDT (Paige’s old Rampaige) finishes Spears at 7:35.

Rating: C. This wasn’t great but it gave Holland a win after a rather weird period. Odds are that isn’t over, but you can’t have him lose a bunch and then try to do something with him. Spears is interesting in an agent of chaos way and there is a good chance we’ll see him do more of the same going forward.

Roxanne Perez yells at Ava about not getting Drafted, even though champions were protected.

Josh Briggs mocks Ivar for losing to Oba Femi. Wes Lee comes in to say he’s coming for the title, but Briggs seems to be standing in his way.

The Final Testament is ominous. At least Paul Ellering gets to talk for a bit here.

The D’Angelo Family wants the Heritage Cup and it’s going to be a group effort.

Tag Team Titles: AOP vs. Axiom/Nathan Frazer

The AOP, with the Final Testament, are challenging. The fight is on before the bell with the champs superkicking AOP outside. Some dives connect as well and we ring the bell, with Akam throwing Frazer down. Frazer gets caught in the wrong corner and AOP fires off the hard knees to the ribs. Rezar’s neck crank doesn’t last long and it’s back to Akam for a hard German suplex.

We take a break and come back with Rezar missing a running boot but Akam comes in and gets Frazer into the corner. Frazer DDTs his way to freedom but Rezar sends Frazer into a knee to the face for two. The Last Chapter is broken up and Akam is taken up top, only to have Scarlett grab Axiom’s foot. Massive ejections ensue but here is the New Catch Republic for a distraction, allowing Frazer to superkick Akam into a rollup for the pin to retain at 9:34.

Rating: B-. Another match with a simple formula which worked out rather well. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel with teams like these two and they did rather well. The Republic interfering ties things into what they have been doing on the main roster so everything makes sense without making the champs look weak.

Ridge Holland of all people checks on Thea Hail, who is crushed by Fallon Henley’s betrayal.

Meta Four will reveal Lash Legend’s envelope next week.

Fallon Henley tells Kelani Jordan that she’s going to start putting herself first.

Edris Enofe and Malik Blade are worried about breaking a mirror last week but Brinley Reece has the solution: black cats!

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Natalya vs. Lola Vice

NXT Underground, meaning the ropes are gone and the ring is surrounded by wrestlers, with knockout/TKO/submission to win and Karmen Petrovic and Shayna Baszler are the respective seconds. Vice strikes away to start and they fight out to the floor before going with the grappling back inside. Natalya grabs a kneebar but Vice kicks her way out. A hip attack sends Natalya outside and we take a break.

Back with the fight heading to the floor again with Natalya sending her into the apron. A snap suplex on the floor has Vice in trouble but she trips Natalya on the announcers’ table. Back in and Vice grabs a triangle choke with some elbows to the head but Natalya slips out anyway. Natalya can’t power out of a guillotine so she drops it to the floor for the break in a smart move.

The Hartbreaker around the post has Vice in more trouble but Petrovic has to jump an invading Baszler. Back in and Baszler breaks up a Sharpshooter attempt, only to have the second attempt go on. Baszler Kirifuda Clutches Petrovic so Natalya breaks the hold like a moron, allowing Vice to get up and hit a spinning backfist for the knockout at 11:53.

Rating: B-. This is something that is only going to work with the right people and these two did rather well with it. Vice gets a pretty big time win to boost herself up and now we get to see where she can go from here. Natalya is at her best when she is helping make someone look better and that is exactly what she did here.

Ava announces that Roxanne Perez is defending the Women’s Title against Chelsea Green. Perez is livid but Green thinks she’ll like it here.

Overall Rating: B. For a show that didn’t seem like much on paper, this went rather well, with a bunch of stuff happening and some surprise cameos for a special touch. What matters here is they made me want to see where these stories are coming, which is a very important part of any show. Surprisingly awesome show here as NXT is already back up after the Draft gutted a lot of its bigger names.

Results
Obi Femi b. Ivar – Pop up powerbomb
Thea Hail b. Jacy Jayne – Kimura
OC b. Tyriek Igwe/Tyson DuPont – Magic Killer to Igwe
Ridge Holland b. Shawn Spears – Lifting DDT
Axiom/Nathan Frazer b. AOP – Rollup to Akam
Lola Vice b. Natalya – Spinning backfist

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NXT LVL Up
Date: April 26, 2024
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Blake Howard, Byron Saxton

We’re back to the show and I have no idea what that is going to mean. Well other than the usual matches from the same people with almost nothing changing from week to week. For the life of me I still do not get why we are not seeing more in the way of building up some kind of story, but that just isn’t the LVL Up way. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Jakara Jackson vs. Arianna Grace

The rest of the Meta Four are here with Jackson and this is already way more star power than you usually get around here. Jackson takes her down with an armbar to start but Grace reverses into something like a cross armbreaker. With that broken up, Lash Legend offers a distraction, allowing Jackson to send Grace into the buckle. Jackson grabs the cravate but Grace fights up and hits a running knee for two. Another Legend distraction works rather well though and it’s a jumping Fameasser to finish Grace at 5:48.

Rating: C. The match was nothing out of the ordinary, but again, it’s amazing how much more important the show feels when there are some bigger names around here. It was also a bit weird to have a mostly heel vs. heel match here, with Meta Four being popular but still cheating enough to win.

Dion Lennox and Dante Chen are ready for Malik Blade and Edris Enofe. They’re off to a film study.

Carlee Bright vs. Jaida Parker

Bright grabs a headlock to start but Parker fights up. That earns her a dropkick but Parker powers Bright into the corner and sits on her ribs for two. Parker works on the arm for a change but Bright makes the comeback and snaps off a running headscissors. That’s shrugged off for a running neckbreaker, setting up a hip attack to finish Bright at 4:53.

Rating: C. Parker continues to feel like she could be something if she is given the chance and that chance seems to be starting. There is only so much that she can do on LVL Up, but getting in the ring should do her some good. At the same time, Bright continues to feel like the same, run of the mill athletic woman who hasn’t figured herself out yet. That’s not a bad thing as she hasn’t been around long, but so far there is nothing that makes her stand out.

Edris Enofe/Malik Blade vs. Dion Lennox/Dante Chen

Brinley Reece is here with Enofe and Blade. Lennox shoulders Blade down a few times to start so it’s off to Enofe for a slam. Back up and Lennox powers him into the corner, allowing Chen to come in. Since it’s Chen, he’s quickly taken into the wrong corner for the tag back to Blade. Chen is able to get back over for the tag to Lennox, who runs Enofe over with a clothesline. Chen’s chinlock goes on but Enofe fights up as everything breaks down. Lennox is sent to the apron but Chen comes back with the double chop…to knock Enofe into Lennox for a crash. A TKO finishes Chen at 5:22.

Rating: C+. My goodness Chen continues to find new ways to not be very good, though they are almost leaning into it at this point. Having him knock his partner out at the end was oddly on point for him and it led to the regular team winning. Lennox could go somewhere down the line, but there is still quite a bit of developing that needs to take place first.

Overall Rating: C+. While the show might not have been better than the regular show around here, it was far more engaging. It’s a lot easier to care about the bigger names and the stars featured here were that much more interesting. While not a great show or anything you need to watch, I’ll definitely take a show featuring some unused NXT lower card stars than what we usually get around here.

Results
Jakara Jackson b. Arianna Grace – Jumping Fameasser
Jaida Parker b. Carlee Bright – Hip attack
Edris Enofe/Malik Blade b. Dion Lennox/Dante Chen – TKO to Chen

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NXT
Date: April 16, 2024
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

We have a big main event this week as it’s a Stand & Deliver rematch between Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes. This time it’s in a cage, though there is also the chance that NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov will get involved. In addition, we have Spring Breakin starting next week and we need a card. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Noam Dar vs. Dijak

Dar, with the rest of Meta Four, kicks away to start before putting Dijak down with a running forearm. They go to the floor where Meta Four’s distraction doesn’t work, allowing Dijak to score with a springboard clothesline for two. A guillotine doesn’t work for Dar as Dijak launches him out to the floor in a heap.

We take a break and come back with Dijak elbowing him in the face a few times, setting up another clothesline. Dar goes flying off the toss suplex but Dar is right back with the guillotine. This one is broken up with High Justice for two and Dijak is stunned. Back up and Dar kicks away at the leg, setting up a fisherman’s buster for two.

Dijak is out of the cross armbreaker without much trouble and boots Dar in the face. Dar hits a spinning elbow to the face but the cyclone boot cuts him off again. Feast Your Eyes is loaded up but Meta Four offers a distraction, allowing the Nova Roller to finally finish Dijak off at 12:10.

Rating: B. This was the good guy version of Dar as he was fighting to avenge his friends against Dijak. I’m not big on Dar but that kind of charisma was only going to keep him a heel for so long. While this was far from a full on turn, it was definitely the biggest step Dar has taken in that direction and that could make for some interesting circumstances for the entire team.

Ilja Dragunov comes in to see Ava, who lets him pick his opponent tonight. The open challenge is on.

Tatum Paxley wanted to be good but no one wants to play with a girl like that. She wanted to be like everyone else and Lyra Valkyria let her in. Then Valkyria lost the NXT Women’s Title, which is what mattered to Paxley the most. Valkyria is nothing without the title and now she’s in Paxley’s way.

Sol Ruca vs. Lola Vice

Ruca takes her down by the arm to start but Vice kicks her way to freedom. Some kicks into the corner set up the running hip attack for two but a second only hits buckle. Ruca strikes away but it’s too early for the Sol Snatcher. With that broken up, Ruca kicks away until Blair Davenport pops up for a distraction. Vice scores with a spinning kick to the face for the pin at 4:15.

Rating: C. This Ruca vs. Davenport feud needs to wrap up already as it’s holding Ruca back. It feels like they have been feuding for months now and that isn’t the most interesting thing when Davenport is barely ever around. Not much of a match here, though it should help set up what is hopefully the final Ruca vs. Davenport match.

Post match Natalya pops up to challenge Vice to NXT Underground in two weeks.

NXT Anonymous shows Ridge Holland choking Joaquin Wilde until Ava yells at him to break it up.

Earlier today, Arianna Grace took Gigi Dolin dress shopping. Dolin hates it but she wants to get this over with as fast as possible.

Joaquin Wilde vs. Ridge Holland

Wilde starts fast but they quickly head outside, where Holland punches the post. Back in and Holland grabs an armbar, which doesn’t get him very far. An overhead belly to belly suplex works a bit better and Holland runs him over, only to pull Wilde up at two. Wilde DDTs his way out of trouble as Shawn Spears is here to watch. Holland is knocked to the floor where a dive is powerslammed out of the air. A lifting DDT finishes for Holland at 3:52.

Rating: C. Holland’s story is starting to take some more shape as he is beginning to embrace more of the violence. That would seem to be his destiny in the whole thing and it could make for a more logical path for him. Holland isn’t likely to become a star, but having him be all violent and evil is a better way to go for him than anything else he could be doing.

Josh Briggs has bad ribs but he’s ready to face Oba Femi. Ivar comes in to say Briggs can rest up and get the first shot at the North American Title after Ivar wins it. Not happening, so they can fight tonight instead.

Brinley Reece is rather perky while working out with Edris Enofe and Malik Blade.

Andre Chase sits down with Thea Hail and explains how he lost everything betting on her but then cost her the match by throwing in the towel. Hail asks why he never told her because she was so mean to him but Chase says he believed in her. Everything seems cool.

Here is the D’Angelo Family for a chat. Tony D’Angelo talks about how things needed to change for the family and yeah he lost at Stand & Deliver. It’s about going one more round though…and here is the No Quarter Catch Crew to interrupt. We get an implication that the Family was paid to take care of Drew Gulak but we aren’t allowed to use specifics.

Payment is implied, but Charlie Dempsey has to ask if there is anything else D’Angelo wants to say. That makes D’Angelo bring up the Heritage Cup, with Dempsey telling him that’s off limits. The brawl is on and we go to break in a hurry. This covered both the informative (the Family got rid of Gulak on the Crew’s request) and the funny (D’Angelo seemingly forgetting his line).

Ilja Dragunov vs. ???

Non-title and a bunch of people try to get in the ring, only to have Je’Von Evans dive over the announcers’ table to get inside instead. The slug out goes to Dragunov but Evans is back up with a superkick for the knockdown. Evans is back up with a bouncing kick to the face but Dragunov hits a hard powerslam.

One heck of a clothesline gives Dragunov two, only to have the Constantine Special countered into a rollup for two more. Dragunov’s running knee gets two but he gets caught with a hard DDT. That sends Dragunov out to the floor so there’s the big dive to take him down again. Back in and Dragunov Death Valley Drivers him into the corner, setting up Torpedo Moscow for the pin at 6:05.

Rating: C+. While it’s not quite the same thing, they were going for the John Cena vs. Kurt Angle moment here and it did quite the big of good for Evans. He felt like someone who was stepping up and the fans were WAY into him, which is about all you could ask for here. Nice stuff, and it’s clear that NXT sees a lot in Evans, which might be validated.

Karmen Petrovic is ready to help Natalya train for NXT Underground but Lola Vice comes in. Vice teases a training partner of her own and we have a contract signing next week.

Sol Ruca wants Blair Davenport next week, No DQ. Ava seems interested.

Thea Hail vs. Tatum Paxley

The rest of Chase U is here with Hail, who gets scared by Paxley crawling around to start. Paxley sends her into the corner before grabbing an upside down surfboard (Paxley was laying on her back and had Hail’s limbs tied up, with Hail looking down at her). That’s broken up and Hail hits the World’s Smallest Slam but here is Jazmyn Nyx for a distraction. Jacy Jayne comes in for another distraction and Paxley grabs a crucifix for the pin at 3:08.

Rating: C. As much as I could go for Hail winning something, Paxley vs. Valkyria seems to be the next big match so they had to give Paxley something here. Paxley revealing that she only cared about the title instead of Valkyria is an interesting way to go and now we could be getting ready for an interesting story involving the title depending on how it falls out. For now though, Paxley gets a much needed boost.

Post match Lyra Valkyria runs in to brawl with Paxley.

Roxanne Perez laughs off the whole thing and says she’ll defend the title at Spring Breakin. Ava comes in to say we’ll make it a triple threat title defense with Lyra Valkyria and Tatum Paxley as the challenges. Perez does not approve.

AOP vs. Edris Enofe/Malik Blade

Blade gets knocked into the corner to start and the beating is on quickly. Akam gets in some clubbering and Rezar comes in to do the same. A missed charge allows the desperate tag to Blade, who tries to pick up the pace. Blade tries a dive to the floor but gets pulled out of the air. The Super Collider finishes for AOP at 3:08.

Rating: C. Another squash here and unfortunately against a team I want to see go further. That being said, giving the AOP a dominant win is why Enofe and Blade were out there in the first place and they did make the monsters look good. There are worse ideas than putting the AOP back in NXT as the big bad team, especially with the Wolfdogs gone.

Post match Nathan Frazer and Axiom come out for the staredown with the AOP.

Back to dress shopping and Gigi Dolin hates a green dress that Arianna Grace recommends. Dolin offers to try it on, though she uses some scissors to make it her own. Grace is aghast but has to pay anyway.

Josh Briggs vs. Ivar

Briggs has bad ribs coming in and kicks Ivar in the face at the bell. Ivar cartwheels over him and plants him down as Oba Femi is watching in the back. Back up and Briggs hits another big boot, setting up a splash, which only hurts his own ribs. Ivar goes back to the ribs, including the spinning powerslam to crush Briggs again. A tiger driver gives Ivar two but Briggs is back with a not very good Boss Man Slam for two of his own. They go outside with Briggs getting in a hard shot, only to get kicked in the head. Back in and the Doomsault finishes for Ivar at 4:11.

Rating: B-. Take two big guys and have them beat each other up for a bit before one of them gets the pin. It’s an idea that has worked for years in wrestling and it worked here too. Briggs has an out with the bad ribs as Ivar moves up for a match to make Oba Femi look like that much more of a monster.

Oba Femi is impressed. Then he leaves and knocks Oro Mensah down again, just like at Stand & Deliver.

Here’s what’s coming at Spring Breakin.

Video on Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes.

Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes

In a cage (pin/submission only) and Hayes says he’s ready to finish this. They start slowly with Williams grabbing a slam but Hayes flips over him. Hayes sends him into the cage and a security guard slips in a billy club. Some shots to the back have Williams down and we take an early break.

Back with Hayes hitting a Codebreaker on the arm for two before cranking on said arm. Williams fights up and is sent into the cage, only to avoid a charge to send Hayes into the steel instead. A super Rock Bottom plants Hayes again and the fans are getting behind Williams. Some kicks to the face into a flapjack set up a reverse suplex to drop Hayes again. Hayes is sent into the cage over and over, with a neckbreaker giving Williams two.

Another shot to the arm slows Williams down but he’s fine enough to grab another Rock Bottom for another near fall. A knee to the face connects and they’re both down for a double breather. They go up in the corner until Hayes tries a super bulldog, with Williams managing a block. Cue the security to distract Williams, who beats them up without much effort. Hayes grabs a chair but the Trick Shot sends the chair into his face to give Williams the pin at 12:20.

Rating: B. I liked this a bit better than the Stand & Deliver match, but it was still only so good. Maybe these two have too much pressure on them or something but they didn’t get to a high level in their first match and they didn’t do it again here either. Granted the short time didn’t help, though Williams seems primed for a real shot at the NXT Title at Spring Breakin. Good main event, though certainly not great.

Ilja Dragunov comes out for the staredown with Williams to end the show.

Overall Rating: B+. The opener and main event were both good as this is a rare strong show before we get to the big stuff. The thing that impresses me the most about this one is how much stuff they got into it. With eight matches over about two hours and ten minutes, they crammed in quite a bit without feeling like they were cramming it in. That’s not bad and they had a heck of a show as a result. Now just keep this up with the big shows over the next two weeks.

Results
Noam Dar b. Dijak – Nova Roller
Lola Vice b. Sol Ruca – Spinning kick to the face
Ridge Holland b. Joaquin Wilde – Lifting DDT
Ilja Dragunov b. Je’Von Evans – Torpedo Moscow
Tatum Paxley b. Thea Hail – Crucifix
AOP b. Edris Enofe/Malik Blade – Super Collider
Ivar b. Josh Briggs – Doomsault
Trick Williams b. Carmelo Hayes – Trick Shot into a chair

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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