Monday Night Raw
Date: May 4, 2026
Location: CHI Health Center, Omaha, Nebraska
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves

It’s the last Raw before Backlash and we have a main event set with Roman Reigns defending the World Title against a rather ticked off (as in more than usual) Jacob Fatu. Other than that, Oba Femi is issuing an open challenge and Sol Ruca is officially joining the roster this week. Let’s get to it.

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

Roman Reigns arrives and starts walking to the ring rather quickly, mostly ignoring Adam Pearce on the way. Pearce finally stops him and says that Jacob Fatu isn’t here yet, meaning the contract signing has to wait. Since Reigns isn’t going to the ring at the moment, he can pause to see Seth Rollins, who says reigns is in the way.

Rollins heads into the arena…and Bron Breakker jumps him from behind. Breakker drops Rollins onto the barricade and sends him into the steps until security and referees break it up. Well for all of five seconds that is as Breakker gets inside to spear Rollins. The fans want to see it again but Breakker leaves instead.

We recap Roxanne Perez ignoring Finn Balor’s warnings about the Judgment Day and telling him to leave the clubhouse.

We go to the Judgment Day clubhouse, with Liv Morgan wanting to know why Balor was here last week. Perez doesn’t know why he was here but Morgan asks why she wasn’t told about this. Why does she need to watch Netflix to know what is going on around here? Perez insists she is loyal to the team and Morgan seems to believe it, though she does brow beat Perez a bit. With Morgan gone, Perez doesn’t seem thrilled.

Finn Balor vs. JD McDonagh

Dominik Mysterio is here with McDonagh, who gets taken down with an early headlock. Balor backs McDonagh up against the ropes but gets distracted by Mysterio so McDonagh can chop away. A Russian legsweep gives Balor two and he glares down at Mysterio. That’s enough for McDonagh to start in on the leg and here are the rest of Judgment Day as we take a break.

We come back with Balor making a comeback but having to deck Mysterio. A Spanish Fly gives McDonagh two but Balor knocks him down again. Balor loads up the Coup de Grace, allowing Mysterio to crotch him on top. That’s enough for Mysterio to be ejected, leaving McDonagh’s moonsault to hit raised knees for two. The Sling Blade connects so Morgan gets on the apron and throws a timekeeper’s hammer to Perez. The cheap shot knocks Balor silly and the headbutt gives McDonagh the pin at 10:55.

Rating: C+. There was a lot going on in this match and it dragged things down a bit. The idea is that Balor was fighting against a numbers advantage, but it only has so much of an impact when it keeps going this long. Balor is going to need some help dealing with them, though I’m not sure why the feud needs to keep going.

Seth Rollins is going to be ready for Backlash, where he will finish the job.

Video on Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu from last week, with Fatu bringing back the Tongan Death Grip.

Commentary actually explains the Tongan Death Grip and talk about Haku passing it down to Fatu, though it can only be used in certain circumstances.

We look back at the Street Profits saving Joe Hendry from the Vision last week.

The Vision make fun of Hendry when Paul Heyman comes in. Heyman asks if Rollins is still breathing but Logan Paul cuts them off to threaten Hendry. Heyman says no because if Logan faces Hendry, he’ll be put in jail. Therefore, Austin Theory can do it instead. Logan is still rather on edge about this whole thing.

Penta/Je’Von Evans vs. Ethan Page/Rusev

Rusev pounds Evans into the corner to start and it’s off to Page, who doesn’t have the same success. Evans ducks a kick to the head and brings Penta in to strike away at Page. Everything breaks down and Evans hits a dive to the floor, leaving Page to get hit with the Penta Driver as we take an early break.

We come back with Penta knocking Rusev off the apron but he pulls Evans off the apron to break up the tag attempt. Penta blocks the Twisted Grin attempt and hands it back to Evans to pick up the pace. A dive hits Rusev and a springboard clothesline gets two on Page. Evans misses a heck of a moonsault but scores with a kick to the back of the head.

Penta comes back in as everything breaks down, with Penta hitting a suicide dive on Rusev. The big dive through the table is cut off and Penta gets tripped down on the apron. A Rock Bottom onto the table plants Penta and Page hits a release fisherman’s suplex for the pin at 10:41.

Rating: B-. That should set Page up for a title shot down the line and that is a good thing to see. Page has done rather well on the main roster thus far and it’s nice to see Rusev and Evans getting a chance to do something as well. This was a rather nice midcard match and it should set something up for later on, with the gold on the line.

Here is Adam Pearce in the ring for a chat. He talks about how much fun it was to work with a can’t miss prospect in NXT. That’s what he is getting to do again and we see a video on Sol Ruca. This brings out Ruca and she’s looking a bit nervous. Pearce presents her with a contract and she knows it is going to feel good to sign. Cue Becky Lynch to interrupt (ok that’s quite the starting point) saying a very reliable source told her this was her spot. Lynch goes into her usual Sports Illustrated rant but Lynch cuts her off, saying not everything is about her.

Ruca says Lynch is everything everyone says she is: a crude, bigheaded b****. Ruca: “It’s not just me saying it!” Lynch is incensed and Ruca signs her contract. Ruca says if Lynch ever interrupts her again, she’ll snatch her soul. Lynch swings and hits Pearce by mistake, which means a Sol Snatcher (after Ruca missteps a bit to start). If they’re putting her with Lynch to start, they pretty clearly think something of her and that’s a great sign for her future. Now just live up to it.

We look at Jacob Fatu smashing the MFT’s on Smackdown.

The Usos are on their way to see Roman Reigns but stop to talk about how this is a family thing. Fatu is swimming in deep water and swinging for the fences, but the Bloodline has been drawn. He’ll figure out what he’s doing at Backlash.

Joe Hendry vs. Austin Theory

Before the match, Hendry sings about Logan Paul, who is talented but a piece of trash. This brings out Paul, who says he can’t be fired because it would be bad business. Hendry is glad Paul is here, because he’s up to the part of the song with the apology. It’s not much of an apology, but Theory charges in to start fast.

Hendry knocks him outside but gets distracted by Paul so Theory can hammer away. A whip into the corner sets up a suplex to drop Hendry, who is back with a bigger suplex. The fall away slam sends Theory outside and Hendry strikes his pose…and Paul runs in for the DQ at 3:17.

Rating: C. This didn’t have time to go anywhere but Hendry was making a nice comeback when it ended. The numbers game is getting to Theory and he has the Street Profits, though I’m curious where that leaves Hendry. Paul could be fighting Hendry on his own and the Profits as a team, but that’s kind of a weird way to go. It’s working well enough for now though and this wasn’t bad despite being short.

Post match the beatdown is on with the Street Profits running in for the save. Bron Breakker is in to take the Profits out but Seth Rollins is here to break up the Super Spear. Montez Ford hits the big dive but the distraction lets Breakker Super Spear Rollins instead.

The Judgment Day is ready to win the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Bayley and Lyra Valkyria come in to say they want a shot instead but Liv Morgan makes fun of them.

Here is Oba Femi for his open challenge.

Oba Femi vs. Otis

Akira Tozawa teases taking the challenge but it’s Otis instead. Otis and Femi trade running shoulders until Femi elbows the heck out of him. A toss sends Otis flying and the Fall From Grace finishes for Femi at 1:49. The toss and powerbomb both looked good and this was effective.

Seth Rollins isn’t happy with getting speared again but the Street Profits aren’t sure why they should trust him. Rollins says they’re fighting the same fight but they’ll stay out of each others’ way. Joe Hendry doesn’t look pleased either.

We get a sitdown interview between Asuka and Iyo Sky before their match at Backlash. Sky says she has avoiding this fight for years because Asuka is her mentor. Despite everything Asuka has done, Sky still respects her and never wanted it to come to this. Asuka has changed though and the old Asuka is gone. Asuka calls this disrespect and that she doesn’t know this disrespectful Sky. That is Asuka’s biggest disappointment and she is done with Sky, who will be cut out of her life at Backlash. Sky says she is ready for Asuka, who mists Sky to blind her.

We look at the Creed Brothers attacking El Grande Americano last weekend on AAA.

The Original El Grande Americano and Los Hermanos Americanos (Bruno/Julio Creedo) don’t like how Original was treated in Mexico. They’re friends with Chad Gable, who is still certainly sidelined with an injury.

El Grande Americano/Los Americanos vs. Original El Grande Americano/Los Hermanos Americanos

Julio suplexes Rayo to start and it’s off to the Original for two off a hiptoss. Americano comes in for a lockup and sends Original outside for a baseball slide. We take a break and come back with everything breaking down and Original cleaning house. A double German suplex drops Los Americanos but Grande is back in with the headbutts. Bravo’s top rope splash only gets two and the Original hits Rolling Chaos Theory. A top rope headbutt connects for the pin on Bravo at 8:24.

Rating: C+. The action was fine, but there is a reason that this feud has shifted over to AAA for the most part. Down there, this feels a lot more important and it’s a main event feud. Up here, this felt like a comedy match you would see at an early 90s Survivor Series. It’s a nice six man tag, but the two teams being in masks didn’t make this more interesting, as it just made it feel sillier.

John Cena will be at Backlash for some big announcement.

Backlash rundown.

Here are Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu to join Adam Pearce for a contract signing. Instead they just sit there and stare at each other for a bit until Reigns hits his catchphrase. That gets him a rather strong OTC chant, which Reigns says is the sound of love and respect. That respect was earned over the last twelve years and Reigns was the one holding the door open for Solo Sikoa. Fatu got in because of Reigns and he isn’t standing for this lack of respect.

Now Fatu is bringing out the Tonga Death Grip? That’s the kind of thing you bring out when you’re surrounded by eight people at a bar at 3am. You don’t do that to your TRIBAL CHIEF! Fatu says that is where Reigns has it all wrong, because yes he is desperate and he has no choice but to take Reigns’ title. He’s going to put a chokehold on the business and squeeze out every cent, just like this company has been doing to their family for decades.

Fatu brings up his household, which has Reigns cutting him off and signing. While Fatu talks about having seven kids, Reigns has spent twelve years looking after the 170 kids in their family and taking care of several generations. They’re the same blood but in this ring, Fatu is beneath him. Fatu jumps at him and tries the Tongan Death Grip but gets knocked away (with Graves being there for the save by saying Fatu didn’t have it all the way on).

The belt shot misses and Reigns hammers away in the corner but the Superman Punch is countered into the Tongan Death Grip. Reigns’ eyes but out and he grabs Pearce until Fatu chokeslams Reigns onto the table. Reigns is gasping for breath as Fatu signs and the fans chant for Fatu to end the show. They’re making Fatu feel like a threat and while I don’t think he’ll win the title, this is making the possibility seem stronger.

Overall Rating: B-. This was a show about getting us more ready for Backlash and that went well enough. Backlash has two big Raw matches and those both enough of a build this week. Other than that, Asuka vs. Sky is already set and should be fine, which pretty much covers the red side of Backlash. The wrestling here was ok enough, but it was more about the final push and I liked the main event segment fairly well. It’s not a great show, but it did what it was asked.

Results
JD McDonagh b. Finn Balor – Headbutt
Ethan Page/Rusev b. Penta/Je’Von Evans – Release fisherman’s suplex to Penta
Joe Hendry b. Austin Theory via DQ when Logan Paul interfered
Oba Femi b. Otis – Fall From Grace
Original El Grande Americano/Los Hermanos Americanos b. El Grande Americano/Los Americanos – Swan Dive to Rayo

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

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Monday Night Raw
Date: April 27, 2026
Location: Sames Auto Arena, Laredo, Texas
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves

We’re rapidly approaching Backlash and that means it is time to start building up the show. That is likely going to be taking place this week, including Roman Reigns giving Jacob Fatu an answer after last week’s challenge for a title shot. A lot of things could come together for Backlash so let’s get to it.

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

We open with a recap of Jacob Fatu challenging Roman Reigns last week.

Reigns and the Usos sit down in a dark room, with Reigns not being sure what to do about Fatu. Jimmy thinks it’s better to avoid Fatu while Jey wants to teach Fatu a lesson in respect for the family. Reigns says he’ll handle this tonight and they put their hands together, with Reigns suggesting that the team is called the First Family. It’s been used before in wrestling but it fits here.

Here is Seth Rollins to get things going. Rollins has a lot to get to tonight, starting with Roman Reigns holding his World Title because of Bron Breakker. That’s why he wants Breakker out here right now, which is what he gets, plus a side of Paul Heyman. Rollins says Breakker took everything away from him this year and Rollins wants to know why. Breakker wants to know what Rollins ever gave him.

For months, Breakker and Bronson Reed had to stand there while Rollins said his same thing and then they had to fight his battles. Rollins talks about going down to NXT and wanting to face Shawn Michaels’ best, which is why he fought Breakker in the first place. Then he agreed to take Breakker under his win because he knew the potential. Rollins knows what it means to be a 28 year old star with all over the potential in the world.

The difference is that Breakker is trying to take over but Rollins already did it. The reality is that Breakker isn’t ready, but Breakker says he lost to the best in the world, which is better than someone who just says it. Rollins: “That was pretty good Baby Steiner.” Rollins issues the challenge for Backlash but “Steiner” needs to understand he isn’t even the second best in his own family.

Judgment Day jumps Stephanie Vaquer in the back and crush her with an anvil case.

Penta vs. Rusev

Non-title and Ethan Page is here too. Rusev sends him flying with a fall away slam to start but Penta hits a dropkick to the floor, setting up the running flip dive. Page mocks Penta, who has to cut Rusev off with a superkick. Back in and Rusev superkicks him out of the air as we take a break. We come back with Penta kicking away and hitting the reverse Sling Blade. The running slingshot dropkick in the corner gets one but Rusev kicks him down. A release Rock Bottom sets up the Machka Kick but the Accolade is escaped. Penta teases a springboard but hangs on to headfake Rusev, setting up a rollup for the pin at 7:28.

Rating: C+. This was a quick match with Penta getting a win, with Ethan Page continuing to feel like the next challenger in line. That should be enough to carry the title picture going forward as Penta is doing well in his role as the fighting champion. It wasn’t a match that had a chance to go very far but they got the details right.

Post match Page runs in to help beat on Penta, with Rusev and Page stomping away. Je’Von Evans runs in for the save, including the OG Cutter to Rusev, and has a nice moment with Penta.

El Grande Americano, with Los Americanos, is ready to face the Original El Grande Americano in a mask vs. mask match. That’s as big as it gets for him and he needs to be ready, which is why he wants to face Rey Mysterio tonight.

Here is Becky Lynch for a chat. She’s very pleased to have gotten the Women’s Intercontinental Title back because it means she has won four different women’s titles at Wrestlemania and have more wins there than any other woman in history. The best thing thing was looking out and seeing her daughter, who needs to learn that there is more to being a champion than just the money and five star hotels. It’s also about facing the best, which is why it’s open challenge time.

Cue Iyo Sky to interrupt and Lynch isn’t sure about this one. Sky issues the challenge but Lynch says she wanted someone challenging and exciting, but Sky is neither challenging nor exciting. Lynch thinks this must be Sky accepting on behalf of Rhea Ripley because she wanted to face Shawn Michaels, not Marty Jannetty. Sky knocks her down and here is Adam Pearce to say let’s do the match right now. Lynch jumps her from behind as the referee comes in.

Women’s Intercontinental Title: Becky Lynch vs. Iyo Sky

Sky is challenging and we’re joined in progress with Lynch knocking her down. The middle rope legdrop connects for two but Sky is back up for the exchange of forearms. Sky German suplexes her for two and hits the missile dropkick. Back up and Lynch gets in a shot of her own before having to block a suicide dive.

Instead Sky hits a sunset bomb out to the floor and we take a break. We come back with the two of them knocking each other down again. Sky is up with a superkick and tornado DDT but Lynch is back with a Manhandle Slam for two. Back up and Sky knocks her outside for an Asai moonsault, only to lose a shoe. Sky loads up a dive but cue Asuka to cut off a springboard, allowing Lynch to hit the Manhandle Slam and retain at 13:12.

Rating: B-. Of course these two were capable of having a solid match and they did so here, with the focus being on Asuka’s interference. That’s perfectly fine, as it was more about setting up Sky vs. Asuka than anything else. Lynch is getting ready for her next challenger and that could be more than a few people, which is nice to see from the women’s division.

Post match Asuka lays Sky out with the Asuka Lock.

El Grande Americano asks Rey Mysterio if he has to worry about Mysterio in the mask vs. mask match on May 30. Mysterio says no and speaks Spanish, which the Original doesn’t understand. The other El Grande Americano and Los Americanos come in and aren’t happy with Mysterio, who says he’s not on anyone’s side. That isn’t good enough and the three of them leave.

LA Knight interrupts the Usos and tries to talk them out of this reunion with Roman Reigns. Jimmy says it isn’t Knight’s business but Knight says the power will eventually corrupt things and that makes it Knight’s business.

Here is the debuting Joe Hendry for a concert. He sings about officially signing with Raw and he’s fine with Oba Femi and acknowledges the OTC, but can we fire Logan Paul? Cue a ticked off Paul and Austin Theory to say he cannot be fired and declares everyone fired. Hendry laughs off the idea of the Vision being winners because all he saw on ESPN was a couple of prime time losers. They clear Hendry’s concert equipment out of the ring and the fight is on, with the Street Profits running in for the save. Hendry hits a running dive over the top onto the Vision and poses with the Profits. That’s pretty standard Hendry.

Grayson Waller is annoyed at not getting an opportunity of his own and insults Oba Femi, who pops up behind him. Femi says if Waller wants an opportunity, he can have one tonight. Adam Pearce is in.

Joe Hendry thanks the Street Profits again, with the Profits suggesting he gets a new shirt to replace the blue one since he’s a Raw star now. Hendry seems to agree and leaves, with the Profits running into Seth Rollins. They aren’t impressed because Rollins isn’t special and last week was about the Vision, not him.

El Grande Americano vs. Rey Mysterio

Los Americanos are here with Americano, who takes Mysterio down off a test of strength to start. Mysterio gets his shoulders up at two and sends him into the ropes but the 619 attempt is cut off with a clothesline. We take a break and come back with Americano knocking him into the corner. Mysterio jumps up for a moonsault into a tornado DDT though and Americano is rocked again. Rayo tries to load up the mas but gets taken down with a 619. Americano picks up the plate but here is the Original El Grande Americano to cut it off. Mysterio hits the 619 into the slingshot splash for the pin at 9:15.

Rating: B-. I was a bit surprised to see Americano lose here though the ending feels like it could be a step towards him dropping the loaded up headbutt. That is all but guaranteed to play into the mask vs. mask match, as will Americano being unhappy with Original interfering here. This feud continues to be a lot bigger in Mexico and that’s fine, as it’s better than not getting any heat for it whatsoever.

Post match Mysterio takes the foreign object and puts it in his tights, because Americano isn’t using it anymore. Since it’s impossible to find another metal plate? Anyway Mysterio leaves and the two Grande Americanos brawl.

We look at Jacob Fatu wrecking Solo Sikoa and the MFTs on Smackdown.

Backlash rundown, with Rollins vs. Breakker and Sky vs. Asuka officially set.

Asuka says she has blamed herself for Iyo Sky’s mistakes for so long but now she realizes that Sky is the real problem. Sky is her biggest failure because Sky failed her family. Now they’re both alone because Asuka thought they could be a family again. Nothing will stop her from destroying Sky at Backlash.

Oba Femi vs. Grayson Waller

Femi runs him over to start and sends him into the corner for a running uppercut. Waller gets in a neck snap across the top but the rolling Stunner is tossed away. The Fall From Grace finishes Waller at 1:06. That’s our Femi.

Post match Femi says he and the people are feeling good around here. Waller isn’t, but Femi did hear Waller say something that got his attention. He wanted a chance, so Femi will take it on himself with an open challenge to anyone who wants to try and climb the mountain. Just be ready.

Liv Morgan talks to Roxanne Perez and apologizes for what she thought of Perez while she was gone. She was watching Raw and Finn Balor put himself before the family. Morgan wants to support Perez in what she’s doing so she’ll be in the corner tonight. Perez trusts her….but needs one second backstage, where she doesn’t look happy. Balor pops up and tells Perez to be quiet, but she can’t trust Judgment Day. Perez asks if she can’t trust them or him. Perez throws him out, with Balor saying he hopes she knows what she’s doing.

Bayley/Lyra Valkyria vs. Judgment Day

It’s Raquel Rodriguez/Roxanne Perez with Liv Morgan for the team here. Rodriguez powers Bayley into the corner to start and it’s off to Perez, who gets quite the hometown reaction. Perez smiles her head off as she stomps Bayley down but gets powered over for the tag off to Valkyria.

Perez fights out of trouble but gets backbreakered down, only for Perez to kick away before Bayley can drop an elbow. That’s fine with Valkyria, who kicks Perez down again so the elbow can connect. Everything breaks down and Rodriguez posts Bayley as we take a break.

We come back with Valkyria firing off the clotheslines and rolling some suplexes on Perez. A fireman’s carry is loaded up but Perez escapes and rams Valkyria into Bayley to crotch her on top. Rodriguez comes back in for a big boot into Perez’s Russian legsweep for two but Bayley counters Pop Rox. The Bayley To Belly gets two on Perez and the other two fall out to the floor. Morgan offers a distraction and Bayley gets her throat snapped across the top. A Shining Wizard and Pop Rox finish for Perez at 9:21.

Rating: B. They had a lot going on in this match but Perez’s reception and reaction to that reception push it to a higher level. She was clearly so happy out there and it was a special moment to see. Other than that, you had Bayley and Valkyria having some miscommunication issues before their loss. That’s on top of Judgment Day having issues of their own, which is quite a bit to have in one single match.

Video on Sol Ruca, who has signed with Raw and will be here next week.

Here is Roman Reigns and the fans seem rather pleased to see him. Reigns even makes mention of the reaction before saying this title was made in spite of him. The reality is that the man makes the title, which is what he has done again. He has made this title relevant and now you can respect this title, or even ACKNOWLEDGE it. Let’s demonstrate, and he hits the catchphrase.

This brings out Jacob Fatu to interrupt, with Reigns saying Fatu is right on cue because Reigns was “just getting to you”. Reigns hopes Fatu has made the right decision but Fatu says he didn’t need a week, or even an hour to know what to do. Fatu still needs the title because Reigns still doesn’t know what it means to be like him. While the Bloodline was running things, Fatu was foaming at the mouth and he didn’t get a phone call from his family. You know who did call him? Solo Sikoa.

That doesn’t sit well with Reigns, who says Fatu is either completely confused or dumber than he thought. Sikoa couldn’t even get a cup of coffee delivered to the building. Who does Fatu think runs this place? The fans chant for Reigns and he says the fans aren’t lying. Reigns never forgot about him and he’s the one who signed off on Fatu.

The reality is Fatu has never earned it and he isn’t going to just give Reigns a shot because that’s nepotism, which Reigns isn’t allowing. Fatu grabs a TONGAN DEATH GRIP and Reigns goes down, with Fatu promising to take everything from him. That leaves Reigns laying so Fatu leaves, with Reigns accepting the challenge for Backlash. Fatu isn’t waiting for Backlash and he’ll see Reigns next week. The Death Grip was a surprise and makes Fatu feel that much more dangerous, which is great to see going into the title match.

Overall Rating: B-. The wrestling wasn’t the best here but this show was more about setting up Backlash. It wasn’t exactly a hard card to set up as you could guess a lot of the matches from at least a week ago, but you still have to get the work done. That’s what they covered this week, which makes sense as the pay per view is somehow a week from Saturday. Either way, not a must see show here, but it did what was necessary.

Results
Penta b. Rusev – Rollup
Becky Lynch b. Iyo Sky – Manhandle Slam
Rey Mysterio b. El Grande Americano – Slingshot splash
Oba Femi b. Grayson Waller – Fall From Grace
Judgment Day b. Bayley/Lyra Valkyria – Pop Rox to Bayley

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

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NXT
Date: April 14, 2026
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

It’s WrestleMania Week and while it isn’t Stand & Deliver, it is the first of two weeks of Revenge. That is the kind of show that should be a big deal and in this case we have an NXT Title defense. Tony D’Angelo wants some competition so he’ll be defending against Ethan Page. Let’s get to it.

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

The opening video looks at how we got to tonight’s matches.

Jaida Parker vs. Kelani Jordan

They fight over a lockup to start until Parker grabs a headlock. That’s broken up so Parker gives her a backdrop and they go outside for a double clothesline. We take a break and come back with Jordan bending the leg around the post. Parker manages to send her into the corner but gets the leg kicked out.

A Samoan drop puts Jordan down and the Backstabber connects, only to hurt the knee even worse. Parker can’t get a Samoan drop but can get a Falcon Arrow for two. Hipnotique hits an exposed turnbuckle pad (nice job of hiding it as I didn’t notice the missing pad) and Jordan superkicks her down. One Of A Kind finishes Parker at 12:23.

Rating: B-. This felt like it should have been a weapons match or brawl of some kind but there is a good chance that the likely rematch goes in that direction. If nothing else, it is nice to see Parker getting into a feud and having the potential to win the thing. Both of these two need something to do and it is nice to see the two of them doing something like this.

Shiloh Hill has a hammer and is looking over some plans when Ricky Saints comes in to mock him. Cue Ethan Page to interrupt and, after some issues, they agree to work together on the main event tonight as the alliance is back together.

Sol Ruca recaps her history and issues with Zaria, which are still going now.

Here is Joe Hendry for a concert. He gets straight to the point by explaining that he lost the NXT Title. Instead of moping though, we’re having a concert, which starts with a song about the NXT Title. It was his life and…here is Keanu Carver to interrupt. The fight is on with Carver easily getting the better of things and busting him open.

Tony D’Angelo is ready for Ethan Page. This weekend, Oba Femi is going to beat Brock Lesnar, but who beat Femi? That would be Tony D’Angelo, so guess what happens tonight.

Lola Vice is getting ready when Stephanie Vaquer comes in. They praise each other in Spanish and bump hips.

Kali Armstrong vs. Skylar Raye

Armstrong, a powerhouse, grabs an armbar and slams her into the mat without breaking things. A spinebuster drops Raye again and a powerslam gives Armstrong two. Armstrong jabs away for two more and we hit the neck crank. Raye fights back and hits a running shoulder, followed by a DDT for two. Back up and the Kali Connection (a really big running shoulder) finishes Raye at 4:00.

Rating: C. Raye got in about as little offense as possible and that’s about all it should have been. Armstrong is someone who can run through just about anyone and she looked solid to start. This was all about Armstrong getting her stuff in and she did exactly that, with the finish looking good.

Blake Monroe, with the Vanity Project, is told she gets to face Tatum Paxley in a Women’s North American Title match next week, but Paxley gets to pick the stipulation. Monroe is worried but takes it.

We look at part of the Shawn Michaels documentary, featuring a few words from Trick Williams.

NXT Title: Tony D’Angelo vs. Ethan Page

D’Angelo is defending and, after the Big Match Intros, sends him face first into the buckle. Page grabs a suplex and here is Ricky Saints…who is pulled under the ring by someone we can’t see. A double clothesline puts both of them down and here is Shiloh Hill with a rope, which pulls a tied up Saints out from underneath the ring and out of the arena. With the two of them gone, Page facebusters D’Angelo outside and hits a neckbreaker as we take a break.

We come back with D’Angelo getting powerslammed out of the corner but Hulking Up (and oddly looking like Enzo Amore if he ever grew up). D’Angelo slips out of a powerbomb and hits a John Cena Throwback into Forget About It for two. The spinebuster is broken up with a poke to the eye and Page hits a super powerslam for two more.

Page goes outside and grabs the belt, which is quickly taken away. The Ego’s Edge onto the title (seemingly accidental) gets two so they head outside. The announcers’ table is loaded up but the Twisted Grin is countered into a ram onto the barricade. A spear puts Page onto the table and the spinebuster retains the title at 12:35.

Rating: B-. This was a way to put D’Angelo over for his first title defense, which isn’t a bad thing. At the same time, he beat a former NXT Champion and did so after surviving more than a few big shots. I’m more curious about Hill as a handyman or whatever it is, along with Saints getting treated as a goof, as both could make for some amusing moments.

Post break Saints goes after Hill, who scares him off with a power drill and electric saw.

Here is Myles Borne for a chat. Borne talks about his recent win over Johnny Gargano, which had him about to go home and celebrate with his favorite dessert (wink). Then Dion Lennox interrupted him and cost him his celebration, which brings out Lennox. He’s not worried about Borne because the Darkstate slump is over and it’s time for the team to win that title.

Borne is fine with a title match next week but here is Saquon Shuggars, who wants a fight now. Lennox says the title is the team’s future, though Shuggars asks if it’s the team’s future or Lennox’s future. Shuggars runs in and gets taken out, with Borne holding the team at bay.

Zaria tells her side of the story, claiming that Sol Ruca kept taking the chances Zaria should have had and then screwed everything up. Now she’s ready to take Ruca out next week.

Speed Title Tournament #1 Contenders Tournament First Round: EK Prosper vs. Dorian Van Dukes

They start fast (fitting the name) and run the ropes, with Dukes throwing him outside. Dukes hits a big no hands dive to the floor but Prosper is back with a sunset bomb. That sends Dukes rolling out to the floor but he’s back in with a missile dropkick. A running clothesline gives Dukes two so he goes up. Prosper snaps off a hurricanrana to bring him back down, only for Dukes to drop Prosper again. The shooting star press misses though and Prosper moonsaults him for the pin at 2:53. Prosper is the bigger star, though Dukes has a heck of a look.

Post match respect is shown. Birthright comes out so Lexis King can do the staredown.

Robert Stone yells at Keanu Carver, who is ready to end Joe Hendry next week.

We get a sitdown chat with Kendal Grey, who talks about how much she has grown in recent months. She was an amateur wrestler and moved up to WWE, where John Cena put her in the Iron Survivor Challenge. And then she won the thing! She talks about not being a great star at her tryout but she kept going and got the job. Grey is ready to keep going and yeah you can see every bit of potential in her. WWE is going to try their best with her and it’s easy to see why.

Tatum Paxley is way in the air on a shelf and Robert Stone doesn’t like being up that high. Anyway, the match against Blake Monroe next week is a casket match so she can bury Monroe as Monroe deserves.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Darkstate argues again but Dion Lennox says they need gold and this is their best chance, despite what Saquon Shuggars thinks.

Women’s Title: Jacy Jayne vs. Lola Vice

Vice is defending and the rest of Fatal Influence is here with Jayne. The fans are split to start and Jayne kicks her away, followed by an exchange of chops. Jayne hits a shoulder but Vice goes after the cross armbreaker. That’s broken up so Jayne is sent outside, where Vice dives onto Lainey Reid. Jayne gets in a cheap shot and we take a break.

We come back with both of them getting up to slug it out. Vice snaps off a German suplex and kicks Jayne into the corner for the running hip attack. Jayne gets kicked out to the floor and sent back inside, where she kicks Vice in the head. Vice’s triangle choke over the rope is broken up by Fallon Henley, allowing Jayne to hit the Rolling Encore for two. A guillotine choke has Jayne in trouble but she reverses into a rollup for two more. Reid gets in a cheap shot to set up a missed Rolling Encore, allowing Vice to hit a spinning backfist to retain at 10:35.

Rating: B. Good stuff here, with Vice getting in a solid singles title defense to pin Jayne on her own rather than in the multiwoman match at Stand & Deliver. Vice is clearly the star of the division right now and it should be interesting to see what happens to Jayne and company. Jayne might be on the way to the main roster, though her lackeys might be in some trouble.

Post match Kali Armstrong runs out and…here are Kendal Grey, Izzi Dame, Zaria and Sol Ruca, the latter of whom fight off to end the show. That’s a good ending, as the women are the stars all over again.

Overall Rating: B-. This was about the new champions getting to look good as they get settled in, while also dealing with some fallout from Stand & Deliver. I want to see where these things go, as the best parts of the show involved getting ready for the future. Next week should be a war between Zaria and Ruca and they should have enough else going on to carry the show. Nice job here, as it seems they’re accomplished their goals.

Results
Kelani Jordan b. Jaida Parker – One Of A Kind
Kali Armstrong b. Skylar Raye – Kali Connection
Tony D’Angelo b. Ethan Page – Spinebuster
EK Prosper b. Dorian Van Dukes – Moonsault
Lola Vice b. Jacy Jayne – Spinning backfist

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

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NXT
Date: April 7, 2026
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

We’re done with Stand & Deliver and that means it’s time to start getting ready for…whatever the next big show is going to be. The big story coming out of the show is Tony D’Angelo defeated Joe Hendry for the NXT Title. In addition, Lola Vice is the new Women’s Champion. Let’s get to it.

Here is Stand & Deliver if you need a recap.

Stand & Deliver recap.

Here is Tony D’Angelo to get things going. A lot of the fans have been with him since the beginning. He has gone from a boy to a man around here and now he is the only Grand Slam Champion in NXT history. Some of the decisions he has made haven’t been the best but there isn’t a man around here who can take the title from him.

Cue Joe Hendry, who agrees that D’Angelo was the better man. That was just one night though but would it have been the same in a one on one match? Cue Ethan Page to blame Ricky Saints for his loss, which brings out Saints to say the same thing. D’Angelo is ready to go again but here is Darkstate to go after all four of them. We take a break and come back with the fighting having been broken up and Robert Stone making the eight man tag.

Sol Ruca vs. Izzi Dame

Dame has the rest of the Culling with her. Dame powers her into the corner to start but gets taken down with a snapmare. Ruca hits a standing moonsault but Dame is right back with a running clothesline. Some shoulders in the corner have Ruca in more trouble, at least until she grabs an X Factor. A dropkick puts Dame outside and a spinning springboard dive takes her out again.

We take a break and come back with Ruca hitting a springboard flipping clothesline to leave both of them down. Ruca wins an exchange of strikes, followed by a missile dropkick. Dame is able to shove her off the top though and a super Codebreaker gets two. Back up and Ruca knocks her outside, only to miss a moonsault…and get speared by Zaria. Ruca is sent back inside for Dame Over to give Dame the pin at 10:38.

Rating: B-. This worked well enough while it lasted but Zaria vs. Ruca continuing isn’t the most appealing idea. Ruca beat her clean on Saturday and it’s just making Zaria feel whiny to continue the feud. At the same time, I can go for Dame getting more of a push, as she could fit into the title picture rather nicely.

The Vanity Project come into Robert Stone’s office when Blake Monroe (scheduled to meet with Stone) comes in. The Project gives her a fake Women’s North American Title and Stone gives her a mixed tag later tonight.

The injured Elio LeFleur meets with Dorian Van Duks and EK Prosper, saying he wants one of them to win the Speed Title. Duks is ready to go, but so is Prosper.

Keanu Carver vs. Jasper Troy vs. Josh Briggs

It’s a brawl to start with Briggs sending Carver into the post and out to the floor. Briggs takes over but Carver is back in, with Briggs giving him a splash. Carver knocks both of them down, with a clothesline getting two on Briggs. Troy gets beaten up on the floor but Briggs drops both of them as we take a break.

We come back with Carver slugging away at both of them and powerslamming Briggs for two. A spinebuster drops Troy for two and Carver stomps on Briggs in the corner. Troy fights up and chokeslams Carver before covering Briggs for two more. Briggs drops Troy over the top for a big crash, leaving Briggs to kick Carver in the face. A Pounce sends Troy to the floor and another puts Briggs down. The Jackhammer gives Carver the pin at 12:56.

Rating: B-. This was pretty much exactly as advertised, with all three powerhouses beating each other up until one of them got the pin. It was a fine match, though it never really did anything to make it stand out. Carver is being treated as a new force around here so it’s good to see him get a win. If nothing else it seems like he might be in for a big beatdown on Booker T., which would feel like an important deal.

Shiloh Hill and Tatum Paxley are ready for their mixed tag. They also talk about raccoons. Ricky Saints comes in to call them weird but they don’t seem to care.

Ricky Saints/Ethan Page/Tony D’Angelo/Joe Hendry vs. Darkstate

D’Angelo jumps Shuggars to start but gets in trouble in the wrong corner. Lennox comes in and gets driven away, only for Page to steal the tag from Hendry. Page is rammed into Saints, which counts as a tag as well. Saints is taken into the wrong corner but fights out in a hurry, allowing the tag off to Hendry.

A delayed suplex drops James for two and it’s back to Saints for a Fameasser and a near fall. Page and Saints get back together for a double backdrop but D’Angelo gets back in for a change. Lennox actually runs D’Angelo over and we take a break. We come back with Hendry in trouble, with a double suplex getting two. The neck crank keeps Hendry down and he gets swung into a backbreaker.

A running Vader Bomb gives James two but cue Myles Borne to go after Lennox (who attacked him on Saturday). Everything breaks down and Saints dives off the apron with a forearm to James. Hendry hits a big dive and D’Angelo adds a spinebuster to Shuggars. Page tags himself in though and boots D’Angelo in the face. The twisted Grin finishes Shuggars at 15:00.

Rating: B. They had a lot of things going on once here and they managed to make it into a good match. Page stealing the pin in the end and attacking D’Angelo might make him the first challenger for the title. Other than that you probably have Bourne vs. Lennox coming up, which should go well for both of them. Nice job here.

Post match D’Angelo lays Page out.

Jaida Parker is sick of people like Kelani Jordan. They got in a fight at the Performance Center and almost got in another in the parking lot. Parker is ready for her again next week.

Speed Title Tournament First Round: Lexis King vs. Chazz Hall

Hall is freshly debuted on Evolve and is better known as Starboy Charlie. The rest of Birthright is here with King, who charges at him to start fast. That doesn’t get him very far and the Coronation doesn’t work. A standing Sliced Bread gives Hall two and he sends King outside for the big cartwheel dive. Back in and Hall’s shooting star’s press hits raised feet, setting up the Coronation to give King the pin at 2:06. I’m not sure why you would want a newcomer like Hall to lose so soon.

Myles Borne and Tony D’Angelo glare at each other a bit but Robert Stone comes in. D’Angelo wants Ethan Page, which works for Stone. Keanu Carver comes in for the staredown with D’Angelo.

We get a clip of the new Shawn Michaels documentary.

Shiloh Hill/Tatum Paxley vs. Jackson Drake/Blake Monroe

The rest of the Vanity Project is here too. Paxley and Monroe compare belts before the match until Monroe gets shoved down. Monroe is back up with a tackle but Paxley cranks on her arm. Drake comes in to miss an enziguri on Hill and some forearms to the chest have Drake in trouble. A top rope clothesline gives Hill two but Monroe doesn’t want to tag. Hill tags in though and Monroe has to come back in, where the Cemetery Drive is broken up.

Paxley and Hill grab stereo surfboards, both are which are escaped and the villains head outside. We take a break and come back with Hill giving Drake a running shoulder. A belly to back suplex is broken up though and it’s a double shot from behind to put Hill down. Hill easily fights out though and it’s back to Paxley, with Monroe realizing she’s in trouble. The Project offers a distraction so Hill hits a flip dive but the distraction lets Monroe avoid the 450. Drake offers a distraction and it’s the Glamour Shot to pin Paxley at 11:17.

Rating: C+. This is another case of a feud seemingly wrapping up at Stand & Deliver but it keeps going here anyway. I’m not sure what the thinking is behind doing that over and over, but there should be enough names to come after Paxley’s title without going to such a quick rematch. Hill and Paxley did have some chemistry together though and that could work for a bit going forward.

Robert Stone announces that for the next two weeks, it’s NXT Revenge. In the first week, Tony D’Angelo defends against Ethan Page and in week two, it’s Zaria vs. Sol Ruca in a Last Woman Standing match. Hopefully Maya Inca Boy makes one of the cards.

Kali Armstrong is coming (at Revenge).

We look back at the eight man tag and the post match brawl.

Here is Lola Vice for her first chat as Women’s Champion. She’s proud to be the first Cuban American WWE Champion and thought she was ready the second she walked in the door. The reality is she got humbled fast and now she knows she wasn’t ready. Now the reality is she’s undeniable and she knows what it means to have to earn something…and here is Fatal Influence.

Jacy Jayne tells her to enjoy this time because she’s ready to become a three time champion. Jayne says she lost on a technicality and gets annoyed at the fans booing her. Robert Stone comes out to make the match for next week but Fatal Influence jumps Vice from behind. Vice fights them off to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. I’m not sure what to think of this show, as it really made Stand & Deliver feel like a rest stop for Revenge rather than the biggest show of the year. What we got here was an ok show which felt like it was telling us to watch for the big show over the next two weeks. That’s a really weird way to go and I hope it doesn’t continue in this style, as it brings the major events way down.

Results
Izzi Dame b. Sol Ruca – Sitout powerbomb
Keanu Carver b. Josh Briggs and Jasper Troy – Jackhammer to Briggs
Joe Hendry/Ethan Page/Ricky Saints/Tony D’Angelo b. Darkstate – Twisted Grin to Shuggars
Lexis King b. Chazz Hall – Coronation
Blake Monroe/Jackson Drake b. Shiloh Hill/Tatum Paxley – Glamour Shot to Paxley

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

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Stand & Deliver 2026
Date: April 4, 2026
Location: The Factory At The District, St. Louis, Missouri
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

It’s the biggest NXT show of the year and this time around it’s on the road, outside of Orlando. For a bit of a twist, this year’s show is also not taking place over Wrestlemania Weekend, which should give it a bit more focus. There are a few multi challenger title matches taking place this year so let’s get to it.

IMG Credit: WWE

Kickoff Show: Birthright vs. Hank & Tank/Shiloh Hill/EK Prosper/Wren Sinclair

The brawl is on before the bell and Connors is powered into the corner to officially get things going. Tank picks Stacks up and throws him over the top onto the pile at ringside for the big crash. Dempsey comes in to uppercut away on Hank and the rest of the team takes out the other good guys. Hank fights out of that and brings Sinclair in to chop away at Grace. Dempsey has to break up the Final Wrench and the women hit stereo faceplants.

Prosper (the new name for Eli Knight) comes in to clean house but Grace’s distraction causes him to get shoved out to the floor. Sinclair chops away at Dempsey and gives him a suplex as everything breaks down again, with commentary having no clue who is legal. Prosper hits a crazy double springboard moonsault onto the floor, leaving Hank & Tank to crush Dempsey. Hill’s pop up neckbreaker gets the pin at 6:33.

Rating: C+. This was exactly what it needed to be, as they didn’t overstay their welcome but still had a fast paced match to start the night. No one really had time to stand out but Prosper did well in the time he had. The match was a nice little bonus that didn’t hurt anything, which is all you need from a Kickoff Show match.

Here is Shawn Michaels to introduce Sexyy Red as the show’s host.

The opening video looks at St. Louis as the gateway to the west. It turns into a regular look at the card and we’re ready to go.

We recap the Women’s Title match. Jacy Jayne needed a challenger but Kendal Grey and Lola Vice went to a double finish so it’s a triple threat. I’ll take that over Jayne interfering to set up a triple threat like a moron.

IMG Credit: WWE

Women’s Title: Lola Vice vs. Kendal Grey vs. Jacy Jayne

Jayne, with Fatal Influence, is defending and Wren Sinclair is here with Grey. Jayne shoves both of them to start but gets sent outside, leaving the other two to grapple. Back in and Jayne rolls them both up for two each with Grey being knocked outside. Everyone gets back inside and it’s a double dropkick to put Vice and Jayne back inside. Jayne pulls Grey outside and sends her into the steps.

Vice hits Jayne with a running seated senton off the apron and takes Jayne back inside. A distraction lets Jayne get in a kick to the back and a backbreaker gets two. Grey is back in so Jayne sends both of them into the corner for a cannonball and Vice is sent outside. Jayne gives Grey a facebuster into a clothesline for two but Vice tries to come back in. That earns her a neckbreaker over the rope to put her outside again, leaving Jayne to kick Grey back down.

Back in and something like a Tower Of Doom doesn’t quite work and it’s Vice up to strike away at Grey. The running hip attacks hit Grey and Jayne but Grey is back with a German suplexes to Grace. The straps come down and Grey snaps off the German suplexes, only for Jayne to knee her down for two more.

Vice drops Jayne for two but gets sent outside, leaving Grey to ankle lock Jayne (as the screen goes black over and over). Back in and the strikes are on with Grey putting Jayne down, only to have Vice put the foot on the rope. Fatal Influence offers a distraction so Sinclair chases them off, leaving Vice to choke Grey, who flips over. With that broken up, Jayne hits a hard shot to knock Grey outside. That allows Vice to hit the spinning backfist to take out Jayne for the pin and the title at 16:16.

Rating: B. This got rolling near the end as they didn’t stop with the intensity and energy. Vice almost had to win here as she had come close so many times without actually getting over the finish line. Grey’s time will come and Jayne very well may be on her way up to the main roster, so this was the right way to go all around.

Evolve’s Kali Armstrong (a powerhouse) is coming to NXT.

IMG Credit: WWE

Tag Team Titles: Los Americanos vs. Vanity Project

The Project, with Jackson Drake, is defending and El Grande Americano is here with Los Americanos. Bravo armdrags Smokes down to start and fires off some right hands. Rayo tags himself in and Smokes gets crotched on the post. It’s off to Baylor, who gets taken down for some double knees to the ribs.

Bravo is back in to hammer away in the corner but Smokes’ distraction lets Baylor take over for the first time. That doesn’t last long as Bravo escapes for the tag to Rayo, whose top rope moonsault gets two on Baylor. Smokes gets a blind tag though and hits a spear for two of his own, only for Rayo to hit a sunset bomb. Baylor is right back in with a brainbuster onto the knee for two.

That doesn’t last long and it’s Bravo getting the tag for a high crossbody. The spinning torture rack is broken up so Bravo suplexes both of them at once. A spinning hangman’s neckbreaker gets two and Rayo comes in for a Michinoku Driver/dropkick combination. Smokes cuts him off though and the Super Swipe (assisted swinging Rock Bottom) gets two on Rayo. It’s time to go after the mask but Rayo snaps off an X Plex for two. Americano lets Bravo load up the mask but the Project cuts him off with an assisted DDT for a rather near fall.

Smokes unloads Bravo’s mask though and knees Rayo outside. That doesn’t last long as it’s a super hurricanrana into a frog splash for a rather close two and everything breaks down again. Bop and Bang puts Smokes down and the Bigger End hits Baylor. Americano cuts off an interfering Drake on the floor but Baylor hits a flipping dive. Drake gets in a cheap shot to Bravo though and it’s a top rope double stomp/reverse DDT combination to retain at 13:28.

Rating: B-. This wound up being a lot more entertaining than I was expecting, with the Project being able to hang with a more experienced team. The Americano stuff is still such over the top goofiness that it wound up working. I wasn’t buying a title change, but at least they had a good time on the way there.

We look back at the Kickoff Show match.

Shiloh Hill and Tatum Paxley are happy over their recent success. Sexyy Red comes in and Paxley is excited, but Ricky Saints comes in and isn’t impressed.

We recap Zaria vs. Sol Ruca. They were partners but Ruca wound up having a lot more success, despite trying to help Zaria. This led to jealousy and Zaria turned on her, setting up this match, even though the issue continues to be “Zaria never wins anything”.

IMG Credit: WWE

Zaria vs. Sol Ruca

Ruca charges in to jump Zaria and start fast. A basement superkick puts Zaria down but she sends Ruca throat first into the rope. Ruca is sent outside, where she’s able to kick Zaria to the floor. Zaria is right back up with a fireman’s carry drop onto the steps, followed by a backdrop back inside. A superkick knocks Zaria out of the air but she’s right back with a fall away slam for two.

Zaria’s curb stomp gets two but Ruca escapes a choke in the corner. A super hurricanrana sends Zaria flying and they slug it out with Ruca getting the better of things, including some elbows to the face. Ruca’s middle rope dropkick hits Zaria and a clothesline lets them crash out to the floor. Back in and the Sol Snatcher is broken up with a superkick but they go outside onto the steel ramp.

Ruca escapes a chokeslam and Sol Snatches Zaria onto the steel. Zaria gets up so Ruca hits a second Sol Snatcher for two back inside. Another springboard earns Ruca a spear and Zaria grabs the F5 for two more. We pause for a potential reunion but Zaria headbutts her a bunch of times. The fireman’s carry is taken to the middle rope but Ruca hits a super X Factor into another Sol Snatcher for the pin at 13:08.

Rating: B. It was a good fight and Ruca pinned her clean, which is another devastating loss for Zaria. As was the case coming into this, she just hadn’t won anything and that’s not a good sign. I’m not sure what is left for her around here, though Ruca can move up to either the title picture or just on to the main roster. They had a good match, though I’m not sure on the result.

Lola vice is happy with her win and there is going to be a celebration on NXT. Sexyy Red comes in for some dancing.

IMG Credit: WWE

North American Title: Johnny Gargano vs. Myles Borne

Gargano, with Candice LeRae, is challenging. The idea is Gargano is in a horrible rut so he’s back here in an attempt to recapture his old success. The bigger Borne shoves him down to start and works on an early armbar. A running shoulder puts Gargano down and he just lays there (as he’s been doing on Smackdown) but it’s a ruse to hit a dropkick to send Borne outside.

Borne tries to get back inside, where a fired up Gargano clotheslines him outside. An Angle Slam into the post cuts Gargano off and Borne whips him hard into the corner back inside. A powerslam gives Borne two and he bends Gargano’s spine over the knee. Back up and Gargano is able to avoid a charge into the post, setting up the slingshot spear for two. Gargano’s cranking on the arm is broken up though and Borne hammers away with right hands in the corner.

That’s reversed into the Cheeky Nandos kick and a sunset bomb gives Gargano two. Naturally Gargano hits the suicide dive but Borne gives him a super powerslam for two back inside. A dropkick and German suplex rock Gargano, who charges into a Death Valley Driver onto the knee. That sends Gargano out to the ramp, where Borne catches him with a diving clothesline.

Gargano is right back with a DDT and One Final Beat but Borne counters the Gargano Escape into Borne Again for two. Borne’s Boston Crab attempt is countered into a rollup for two and LeRae gets in a cheap shot. The Gargano Escape has the bad arm in trouble but he crawls over to the rope. Another One Final Beat is blocked though and it’s a slingshot Borne Again into Borne Again to retain the title at 14:34.

Rating: B. This was a way to give Borne some more credibility and it worked fine. Borne had to beat a former NXT Champion and main roster star, which he did in a big way. It was nice to have the old Gargano back, even for one night, and I’m not sure where he’s going on Smackdown. Borne gets to move on to his next challenger though, which is what he should be doing.

Post match respect seems to be shown but Dion Lennox runs in to chair Borne down.

Sol Ruca says that was her hardest match yet and now she’s coming after the gold. Izzi Dame comes in to say not so fast and a match seems to be set.

We recap the Women’s North American Title match. Tatum Paxley finally finished the feud with Izzi Dame but Blake Monroe, the former champion, stole the title to set up this fight.

IMG Credit: WWE

Women’s North American Title: Blake Monroe vs. Tatum Paxley

Monroe is challenging despite coming in with the belt itself. Paxley jumps her to start and hits a knee to the face, followed by a Gory Stretch into a painful looking stretch. That’s broken up and Monroe takes her down to hammer away for a change. Paxley sends her into the corner for a running crossbody to the ribs but Monroe catches her on the top. The anklescissors brings Paxley crashing down, with her shoulder getting banged up in the process.

Naturally Monroe is right on the shoulder, though she makes sure to shove Paxley around a bit as well. A Crossface has Paxley in more trouble but she’s able to get up for a jumping enziguri. Paxley hits a German suplex into another enziguri, followed by a flipping Fameasser for two. A superkick drops Monroe but Paxley can’t immediately follow up. Instead they kick away at each other from the mat, with Paxley getting the better of things

Paxley puts her on top for a superplex rolled into a suplex but Monroe is right back up. Another suplex cuts Monroe off so she heads to the apron, where she grabs a sunset bomb to Paxley. The comeback is cut off again though and Monroe gets in a belt shot for a rather near fall. Paxley is sent into an exposed turnbuckle and a DDT gives Monroe two. Monroe is shocked but Paxley is right back with the Cemetery Drive for the retaining pin at 13:20.

Rating: B-. Paxley was coming off like a superhero here and it was fun to see her getting to do that for a change. I’m not sure how long she’s going to be on this sort of a roll, but you can’t argue how well it’s going at the moment. The division needs some fresh stars so why not see how far it can go? It’s not like there are several better options at the moment.

Saquon Shuggars isn’t happy with Dion Lennox getting another shot, but things calm down a bit as Lennox has a plan for all of them.

Video on Josh Briggs vs. Keanu Carver vs. Jasper Troy before their triple threat on Tuesday.

Here’s what’s coming on next week’s show.

Tatum Paxley celebrates with her friends. The Vanity Project comes up and doesn’t get it, but Blake Monroe wants to talk to them. They seem to get that.

We recap Joe Hendry defending the NXT Title in a four way. Ricky Saints and Ethan Page are reluctant partners who want the title back, while Tony D’Angelo wants his first title reign. Go.

IMG Credit: WWE

NXT Title: Joe Hendry vs. Ricky Saints vs. Ethan Page vs. Tony D’Angelo

Hendry is defending and it’s one fall to a finish. After the Big Match Intros, Hendry and D’Angelo clear out the villains to start but they’re right back up. Hendry gets to clean house and drops Page onto D’Angelo for a big crash. The delayed suplex gets two on Saints but Page is back in with a big boot to Hendry.

With D’Angelo on the floor, Page and Saints start double teaming Hendry, meaning we get some double posing. A double suplex drops Hendry again but page and Saints argue over the cover. They get back together to put D’Angelo on the floor again and it’s a TKO to Hendry, with Page and Saints getting a double near fall. Page and Saints try a PowerPlex to Hendry but Page’s top rope splash hits Saints (Page: “SORRY!”).

D’Angelo is back in with a spear but gets knocked back down, leaving all four needing a breather. D’Angelo’s spinebuster drops Hendry but Page and Saints are back up to plant D’Angelo on the floor. That just lets Hendry hit a big dive onto the two of them but the Standing Ovation is broken up back inside. Hendry gets to clean house with fall away slams but D’Angelo is back in with suplexes of his own.

D’Angelo spears Hendry down twice in a row but Saints grabs a chair and takes over. Page doesn’t like this though and the alliance finally breaks down, with Page putting him through the cover of the announcers’ table. D’Angelo spears both of them off the steps and through the table (with the candy flying). Back in and D’Angelo spears Hendry, setting up the spinebuster for the pin and the title at 16:03.

Rating: B. Another fast paced match here, with what was the most logical ending. I’m really not sure I can imagine Hendry staying in NXT that much longer as putting him on the main roster is hardly the craziest idea. If nothing else, it gives the fans someone new to cheer for, while D’Angelo gets his chance to run as a big star. Saints and Page were always going to turn on each other and this was a good enough way to make it happen. Solid main event here, though it never got to that higher level.

D’Angelo celebrates to end the show.

Overall Rating: B+. This was kind of a toned down version of the old Takeovers, with a bunch of good stuff and nothing resembling a bad match. While it didn’t have anything great like you would get in the Takeover days, it felt like a big night and I liked what we got out of the whole thing. This is basically the season finale for NXT and we’ll pick things up again on Tuesday with some fresh blood on top, which could mean some new names on the main roster. That’s what happens in a place like NXT and maybe this was setting up for the future. Or maybe it was just a pretty awesome show.

Results
Hank & Tank/Shiloh Hill/EK Prosper/Wren Sinclair b. Birthright – Belly to back neckbreaker to Dempsey
Lola Vice b. Kendal Grey and Jacy Jayne – Spinning backfist to Jayne
Vanity Project b. Los Americanos – Top rope double stomp/reverse DDT combination to Bravo
Sol Ruca b. Zaria – Sol Snatcher
Myles Borne b. Johnny Gargano – Borne Again
Tatum Paxley b. Blake Monroe – Cemetery Drive
Tony D’Angelo b. Joe Hendry, Ricky Saints and Ethan Page – Spinebuster to Hendry

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

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This is a bit of a change to the usual schedule as the show has been moved from its traditional Wrestlemania Weekend spot, which in a way does put more focus on the show. It’s now the biggest wrestling show of the weekend and it gets its of day for a change of pace. The card is still the most important of the year for NXT so hopefully they make it work. Let’s get to it.

IMG Credit: WWE

Kickoff Show: Hank & Tank/Shiloh Hill/EK Prosper/Wren Sinclair vs. Birthright

Prosper is the new name for Eli Knight because wrestling is weird. This is a rare pre-show match featuring a stable which isn’t exactly feeling like the biggest deal but the other side is quite the mixed grouping. For a match that isn’t likely to get much time and mainly be little more than a way to warm up the audience, it should be a fun way to go and that’s all it needs to be.

Since it’s just a Kickoff Show match, I’ll take the good guys to win here, as it is the kind of win that can wake the fans up a bit and watch an annoying heel group take a loss. At the same time, Birthright isn’t exactly doing well thus far, but it kind of fits well with the people on the team. Maybe they’ll win to give them the tiniest bit of momentum, but I’ll go with the heroes to win here.

IMG Credit: WWE

Tag Team Titles: Vanity Project(c) vs. Los Americanos

This is one of those ideas that makes all the sense in the world and it should be a nice, basic storytelling device. The Project is a team with very little status in NXT, to the point where they literally fell into some wins. That is something that needs to be developed, even if it is a couple of clueless guys who manage to pull off some upsets. Hence how we’ve gotten here.

Los Americanos are here to make the champs look good, which they will do as the Project retains. It’s a simple idea and something that could go rather well, albeit after a fun match. Los Americanos are a joke everyone gets but they can still do well enough in the ring to make this work. Either way, they’re losing to the Project here, as WWE seems to see a lot in the inept champs.

IMG Credit: WWE

Women’s North American Title: Tatum Paxley(c) vs. Blake Monroe

I’m already not sure which way to go here, as this one really could go either way. Monroe is a former champion but really doesn’t seem to have gotten very far. She’s ok at what she does, but there isn’t much that really makes her stand out. Winning the title back could help that, but I’m not sure what she is supposed to do then. At the same time you have Paxley, who has turned into something of a breakout star.

I’ll go with Paxley to retain here, though I’m not how sure I am about the pick. Ultimately, Paxley feels like she has the bigger upside as she is just now breaking out on her own. Monroe comes off more like someone who is pretty much exactly what you’ll get out of her no matter what, which doesn’t leave much in the way of development. Paxley winning makes more sense, though it’s far from a guarantee.

IMG Credit: WWE

North American Title: Myles Borne(c) vs. Johnny Gargano

This is your Special Guest Star match of the show and there are far worse choices. Borne has really blossomed in the last few months and become one of the more reliable midcard hands in NXT. At the same time, he’s still relatively new as champion and there aren’t many better ways to boost him up than by having him defend the title against the most successful (or at least most prolific) champion in history.

I don’t see any reason to expect a title change here, though there is always the chance that Gargano gets the belt back to boost him up a bit. At the same time, that would be a heck of a demotion for him, even if he hasn’t felt like the biggest star on Smackdown. Borne could get a lot out of the win though and we’ll go with him doing just that, as he should given how well things have been going for him in recent months.

IMG Credit: WWE

Sol Ruca vs. Zaria

Here we have the classic “they were friends and partners but one got jealous” feud, which is something that has worked for years in wrestling and will work well enough for these two. Ultimately though, the problem comes down to one issue: Zaria has never really won anything. Ruca feels like she is on the verge of becoming a much bigger star, but that doesn’t leave much for Zaria to do. That’s where this match comes in.

Unless WWE is just cutting bait on Zaria, she has every reason in the world to win here. Ruca has already won titles and appeared on the main roster. She is more than ready to move on to something bigger. On the other hand you have Zaria, who needs to win SOMETHING and there is no reason to wait on it here. Zaria absolutely needs this one more and I think she’ll get it.

IMG Credit: WWE

Women’s Title: Jacy Jayne(c) vs. Kendal Grey vs. Lola Vice

Now we get into the complicated stuff as I could see this one going any way. On one hand you have Vice, who has been built up as a big deal time after time but lost every shot. Then you have Grey, who is pretty clearly in line to become a top star in the division before moving up to do the same thing on the main roster. Finally you have Jayne, who has overcome the odds time after time. So where does that leave us?

While my first instinct is to say that Jayne wins here and shocks the audience again, I think I’ll actually take Vice here. At some point, she needs to actually win a singles title and I’ll go with her finally getting some (non AAA Mixed) gold. It’s the match that I’m the least confident in on the entire card, but Vice needs his one more than the other two. Grey will have her time, but it isn’t going to come here.

IMG Credit: WWE

NXT Title: Joe Hendry(c) vs. Ricky Saints vs. Ethan Page vs. Tony D’Angelo

Finally we have this one, which in a way feels like a souped up triple threat rather than a four way. Saints and Page are basically functioning as a team, though it feels more like a matter of time before they stab each other in the back. Granted that doesn’t mean they’re going to split up for good, but thinking of them as one person makes things a bit less complicated. It just doesn’t really make me any more sure about who is leaving with the title.

I can’t imagine Saints or Page leaving (as much as I could go for Page regaining the title), so that leaves us with two options. D’Angelo has been hunting for the title and it’s pretty much the only thing that he hasn’t won in NXT. That being said, I just can’t imagine Hendry losing the title here, so I’ll take Hendry to retain, likely pinning Page or Saints, and having a singles showdown with D’Angelo later. I could absolutely see D’Angelo winning here, but I’ll officially say Hendry retains.

Overall Thoughts

This show has the potential to be quite the success, though there isn’t a match on the card that feels must see. The good thing is that it very well could be a case of the sum of its parts being better than the individual pieces, and we could be in for a solid night. It’s an experiment which could go rather well and I’m curious to see what NXT can do with this kind of a chance to shine on its own.

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

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NXT
Date: March 31, 2026
Location: Infosys Theater At Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

It’s the last show before Stand & Deliver and most of the card is set. The NXT Title will be defended in a four way, but we still need to have challengers for the Tag Team and Women’s Titles. Those will be decided tonight and maybe we’ll get another match or two added as well. Let’s get to it.

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

Darkstate vs. OTM/Mike Santana

Santana is the TNA World Champion and the fans rather like him as the hometown boy. Shuggars knocks Santana off the apron to start before Nima gets caught in the wrong corner. That’s fine with Nima, who powers Lennox into the corner for the tag off to Price. Lennox is caught in the corner as well and it’s off to Santana, with the fans being right behind him.

Some right hands keep Shuggars in trouble but Griffin gets the tag, allowing him to take over on Price. That doesn’t last long as it’s back to Nima, who hits a running crotch attack in the ropes to Lennox and Shuggars. A DDT gets Lennox out of trouble as the back and forth continues and we take a break.

We come back with Nina still down but suplexing Shuggars. It’s back to Price to pick up the pace and clean house but the numbers game catches up with him. Price is fine enough to get over to Santana for the tag, meaning it’s a frog splash for two on Lennox. Everything breaks down until Santana is left alone to roll Shuggars up for two. Spin The Block (discus lariat) sets up In The Mud to finish Shuggars at 10:14.

Rating: B-. Perfectly nice opener and it’s a good sign for Santana that he came off like a big guest star. Maybe it was because he was in front of the right crowd, but the fans were into him and that could continue for a long time. If nothing else, it’s nice to see OTM actually maintain some momentum for a little while, which hasn’t been the case before.

Myles Borne talks about how far he has coming in the last year and thanks Ethan Page for giving him the edge that made him champion. He’s ready to retain the North American Title and wants Johnny Wrestling to show up. Johnny Gargano comes in and says Johnny Takeover is still somewhere inside of him. If that comes out, he’ll eat Borne alive. It isn’t personal between them, but that title is personal to him. For the first time in two months, he won’t lay down and die because he will stand and deliver. This was a thrown together match and they’re doing what they can to make it work.

Wren Sinclair gives Kendal Grey a pep talk.

Tag Team Titles #1 Contenders Tournament Finals: Los Americanos vs. Birthright

The Americanos jump them on the floor to start fast and it’s Bravo atomic dropping Connors. A dropkick puts him down again and Connors gets crotched on the post. Rayo adds a backbreaker and Bravo slingshots in with a hilo onto the knees. Stacks comes in and goes outside to dance with Arianna Grace but Bravo takes Stacks down and dances with her instead. Grace isn’t pleased and they go back inside, where Connors gives Rayo a springboard Stunner.

We take a break and come back with Connors and Rayo slugging it out until Rayo X Plexes him down. Bravo comes back in to beat up both of them, including the spinning torture rack to Stacks. Grace offers a distraction though and Lexis King gets in a cane shot to give Stacks two. Cue Shiloh Hill to get rid of the rest of Birthright and it’s a super hurricanrana into a frog splash for two on Stacks as Connors makes the save. Cue El Grande Americano so the Americanos can load up their masks. Bravo’s flying headbutt pins Connors at 10:43.

Rating: B-. Another good tag match here, with Los Americanos getting the title shot that works well for them. The good thing is that they can give the Vanity Project a nice win on Saturday and boost them up. If nothing else, Los Americanos are working with their simple cheating style and the fans are buying it. I’m not sure how long it can go, but it’s working at the moment.

Darkstate is mad about the loss and Dion Lennox is going to get them back on track at Stand & Deliver.

Jaida Parker vs. Kelani Jordan

Jordan slaps her in the face to start so Parker unloads with right hands in the corner. Parker throws her out to the floor but Jordan gets in a ram to the steps as we take a break. We come back with Parker falling back onto her to break up a choke. Parker shoves her out to the floor before bringing Jordan back inside for some shoulders.

Jordan’s pump kick hits Parker’s banged up shoulder (after it went into the steps) and a crucifix gives Jordan two. Parker is able to catch her on top though and it’s a release German superplex to bring Jordan crashing down. The Hipnotique sets up Deja Vu to give Parker the pin at 9:36.

Rating: C+. The important part here is that Parker won, which hasn’t been the case very often. She has charisma, a good look and the athleticism. If she can put all of that together, she could be quite the star. It seems like she’s getting close to pulling that off, but there is still a pretty long way to go. At least she won here though.

The Vanity Project offer to escort Blake Monroe to her locker room but she’s ready for her closeup.

Here is Robert Stone to host a four way contract signing for the NXT Title, featuring Tony D’Angelo, Ricky Saints, Ethan Page and champion Joe Hendry. Page and Saints insist that the other go first but Hendry takes the contract and signs first instead. Hendry can’t wait to see which one stabs the other in the back first because they both want the title so badly

They’re passionate about the title but he’s passionate about NXT and being in New York City tonight. He’s ready to leave the world believing but Saints says Hendry should forget about this friendship. Saints is going to set the world right by becoming a two time champion and he signs. Page talks about selling himself short by focusing on being the greatest North American Champion so he should get his title back and signs as well.

D’Angelo speaks for the first time by shouting ENOUGH and talks about how he’s done these sitdowns before. Saints and Page have both gotten a chance and failed. As for Hendry, D’Angelo has no issues with him, but he wants the title. D’Angelo is the only one who isn’t an outsider (he signs) and promises to run them all over like a freight train. With that out of the way, D’Angelo tells Stone to get out of the ring and the fight starts. Saints and Hendry are put through the tables, leaving the other two to brawl until it’s broken up by security.

Keanu Carver vs. Jasper Troy

Josh Briggs is guest referee. Carver jumps Troy on the floor to start and sends him into the steps but they get inside for the opening bell. Troy hits a running splash in the corner but Carter knocks him down and chokes with his boot. Carver goes outside to yell at Booker before grabbing a fan, which has Briggs breaking it up. More yelling at Booker ensues, allowing Troy to hit a chokeslam through the announcers’ table.

Somehow that isn’t a DQ so Troy takes him back inside for a swinging Boss Man Slam for a rather near fall. Troy shoves Briggs, who boots him in the face as a result. Carver is back up with a Pounce into a running powerslam (good for him for changing from that weird spinning slam thing he was doing in Evolve) for the pin at 2:24. They packed a lot into this but the main thing is Carver looked like a beast, which is a good sign for his future.

Post match Booker is ticked and Carver insist that Briggs raise his hand. Briggs does indeed do so, but then drops Carver with a hard clothesline. If this leads to a three way hoss fight, I’ve heard far worse ideas.

Sean Legacy and Elio LeFleur are banged up as Hank & Tank want to get rid of Birthright. LeFleur has some bad news though: he has torn tendons and will be out of action for six months, meaning the Speed Title is vacated. LeFleur wants Eli Knight to enter the tournament to crown a new champion, which is cool with Knight. Wren Sinclair comes in to offer condolences but Shiloh Hill comes in to laugh a lot. He has an idea.

Here is Tatum Paxley for a chat. She loved getting to pull Blake Monroe by the hair last week, but she also gave Monroe an ultimatum. Monroe comes out with the title, saying she never lost it in the first place. Now she can’t just give it back but Paxley is willing to give Monroe her biggest spotlight. They can have their title match at Stand & Deliver and Monroe is in. She’s not giving the title back yet though, because Paxley is nothing like her. Paxley isn’t happy with that the fight is on, though Monroe escapes with the title.

Robert Stone makes a ten person tag for the Stand & Deliver Kickoff Show. Keanu Carver comes in and yells so Stone makes a triple threat for next week. Hold on though as Kelani Jordan has laid out Jaida Parker.

We get a video on the rise and fall of Sol Ruca and Zaria. They were friends, but only Ruca had success as a singles star. People started putting thoughts of doubt in Zaria’s head but Ruca kept trying to help her. Zaria finally turned on her after one more loss and blamed Ruca for everything. Now it’s time for their big fight.

Fatal Influence is waiting to see who will be challenging Jacy Jayne next, though Izzi Dame seems interested.

Stand & Deliver rundown.

Lola Vice vs. Kendal Grey

For the Women’s Title match on Saturday and Wren Sinclair is here with Grey. Vice wrestles her down to start and grabs a headlock, which is quickly reversed as well. Neither can get a cross armbreaker so Vice starts firing off the kicks in the corner. There’s the running hip attack, followed by a running seated senton off the apron to drop Grey again as we take a break.

We come back with Grey snapping off a German suplex and taking down the straps. The cross armbreaker still doesn’t work though and Vice grabs a choke. That’s broken up as well so Vice hits a spinning backfist to send her outside. Cue Fatal Influence for a distraction and Vice misses a running hip attack, which only hits steps.

Back in and Grey gets kicked out of the air for two but gets in a spinning elbow for a near fall of her own. Vice’s kick is reversed into an ankle lock, which is reversed with a rollup. Grey leg dives her but gets pulled into a guillotine. That’s reversed with a northern lights suplex for the pin at 13:28…but another referee comes out to say Grey tapped first. Uh oh.

Rating: B-. And there’s how they get out of having one of these two lose. That makes sense as Grey seems to be the next big project and Vince has lost enough already. While I do like that we didn’t get the beyond tired “heel runs in and jumps both challengers”, it’s still setting up another triple threat. These things feel so played out, but you almost have to expect them these days.

Shawn Michaels comes out to mediate, even though the slow motion replay shows that Grey tapped WAY before the three.

Overall Rating: B. This is the kind of show that NXT needed, as I’m a lot more interested in Stand & Deliver than I was coming into this week. They built up some of the matches that were already set and then added in a few more. I want to see Saturday’s show and hopefully that means they have something good as we head into their biggest night of the year.

Results
OTM/Mike Santana b. Darkstate – In The Mud to Shuggars
Los Americanos b. Birthright – Loaded flying headbutt to Connors
Jaida Parker b. Kelani Jordan – Deja Vu
Keanu Carver b. Jasper Troy – Running powerslam
Kendal Grey vs. Lola Vice went to a double fall

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

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NXT
Date: March 24, 2026
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

The countdown to Stand & Deliver continues as we are about a week and a half away from the show. In this case we have to find a new #1 contender to the North American Title, which will be crowned in a Gauntlet Eliminator match. Other than that we have the rest of the card to put together so let’s get to it.

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

Opening recap.

Shiloh Hill asks Robert Stone if he can be the first entrant in the Gauntlet Eliminator. Stone seems interested but Tatum Paxley comes in and complains about what happened last week with Blake Monroe. Paxley wants her title back and Hill says he has an idea. The two of them leave but Josh Briggs pops in, saying he needs to talk to Stone. Hold on though as a referee comes in, saying Stone is needed.

IMG Credit: WWE

Kendal Grey/Wren Sinclair vs. Fatal Influence

Jacy Jayne is here with Fatal Influence. Henley drives Sinclair into the corner to start and then shouts a lot. Reid comes in for an elbow drop so it’s off to Grey, who is headlocked takeovered. We cut to the back where Eli Knight and Elio LeFleur have been attacked. Sinclair comes back in and gets two off Grey’s dropkick. Henley manages a kick to the head and makes a blind tag to Reid, who comes in with a running Blockbuster.

We take a break and come back with Henley hitting a sliding German suplex on Sinclair. A dropkick knocks Reid away and the double tags bring in Grey and Henley. Grey hits a superkick but gets wheelbarrowed into an assisted hot shot for a rather near fall. Back up and Grey hits a spinning back elbow, setting up the cross armbreaker for the tap at 9:48.

Rating: C+. Grey and Sinclair work well together and they come off like a team who are actually friends. That isn’t something you often see but it worked well here. I could go for seeing them working together more, which is also the case with Fatal Influence. These teams feel like regular teams that isn’t something that is often the case in any women’s tag division.

Post match Grey says she’s coming for the Women’s Title at Stand & Deliver but Lola Vice comes in to say that’s her shot. Robert Stone comes out to make the #1 contenders match for next week.

Here is Sol Ruca for a chat. She wasn’t sure what she was going to say out here but she only wanted Zaria to have a chance. Zaria couldn’t get her own moment though and decided to steal Ruca’s. Ruca lists off all of the times and gets emotional as she says she’s finally seeing Zaria for what she really is. She wants to face Zaria at Stand & Deliver, which brings out Zaria, as Ruca expected. Zaria says that the only thing she wanted was the two of them, which was never good enough for Ruca.

As she stands there, Ruca is upset that Zaria cost her the Women’s Title, which is exactly what Ruca did to her last year at Stand & Deliver. It made Zaria sick to be around her and hear her name, but now Zaria is finally picking herself. The fans seem to be behind Zaria as Ruca asks what she ever got from Zaria, who is too insecure to stand beside her. Zaria says she isn’t the villain in Ruca’s story, because Ruca is the mistake. This was the big emotional moment between the two of them but…yeah Zaria still hasn’t actually won anything. That might make it easier to get behind this thing.

Ricky Saints and Ethan Page talk about wanting to be NXT Champion but Josh Briggs comes in, saying he just wants five minutes with the boss. Joe Hendry comes in to say if Saints can’t deal with Tony D’Angelo tonight, Hendry will do it himself.

Kelani Jordan vs. Thea Hail

Jordan forearms her to start and gets taken down with a Thesz press. Back up and Jordan takes over, including sending Hail into various buckles. Hail fights up and reverses a reverse DDT into the Kimura. That’s broken up with a ram into the buckle and something like and X Factor drops Hail. One Of A Kind gives Jordan the pin at 2:48.

Post match Jordan stays on Hail but Jaida Parker runs in for the save.

Jasper Troy is not happy with Keanu Carver interrupting Booker T.’s appreciation night last week and wants some revenge next week in New York.

Shiloh Hill has used some computer program to find Blake Monroe. He gives Tatum Paxley the location but has to go win the Gauntlet Eliminator.

IMG Credit: WWE

Gauntlet Eliminator

This is basically a five man Royal Rumble but eliminations have to be via pin or submission. We have three minute intervals and the winner challenges for the North American Title at Stand & Deliver. Shiloh Hill is in at #1 and Jackson Drake is in at #2 with Hill missing a charge into the corner, allowing Drake to get a rollup for two. Drake’s hot shot sets up a running shot in the corner and a Russian legsweep gets two more. Hill comes back with a tilt-a-whirl slam for two and elbows him down as Dion Lennox is in at #3.

Lennox hits some running shoulders in the corner and we take a break. We come back with Charlie Dempsey having come in at #4, leaving one mystery man to enter. A quadruple sleeper leaves everyone a bit dazed (or sleepy) so Dempsey grabs a Muta Lock on Hill. That’s broken up and Lennox sends Hill through the barricade. Back in and Lennox German suplexes both of them…and here is Candice LeRae.

She’s tried everything to get Johnny Gargano out of his funk but maybe bringing him back home will help. So Gargano is in at #5 to a hero’s welcome, though he doesn’t seem overly thrilled to be here. Drake hits him in the face and Gargano lays on the ropes and Dempsey gets a triangle choke on Lennox. That’s broken up so here is OTM to go after Lennox. The beatdown lets Hill grab the belly to back neckbreaker to pin Lennox at 12:36.

We take another break and come back with Gargano still laying on the apron as Hill and Dempsey brawl on the floor. Drake dives onto the two of them but a 450 only gets two on Hill. A suicide dive hits Dempsey but Hill is back with the belly to back neckbreaker for the pin on Drake at 18:21.

Dempsey suplexes Hill a few times but Hill is back with the belly to back neckbreaker for another pin at 19:50. So it’s Hill against the basically immobile Gargano so here is Birthright to go after Hill, including sending him into the steps. Gargano stands up and LeRae shoves him onto Hill for the winning pin at 20:30.

Rating: B-. The key thing here was that Hill looked like a star and that wound up working. At the same time, Gargano was a nice surprise and I’m not sure how it’s going to go at Stand & Deliver. Either we get the return of Johnny Wrestling or it’s something like a Weekend At Bernie’s title match against Myles Borne. Either way, not a bad match, even with the screwy ending.

Post match Gargano looks shocked that he won and gets serious as he gets a staredown with Myles Borne (who TOWERS over Gargano).

The Vanity Project want to know who will be replacing Eli Knight/Elio LeFleur in the tournament. Josh Briggs comes in to try to get a talk with Robert Stone but a referee wants to speak to Stone instead. No one is willing to referee Jasper Troy and Keanu Carver so Stone will come up with something. Jaida Parker comes in and Stone gets right to the point by giving her a match with Kelani Jordan next week. Works for Parker.

Sid is going into the Hall Of Fame. He was rather high up on my “he wasn’t in already?” list.

We get the Tiffany Stratton NXT Origins video from Raw.

OTM is ready to face Darkstate next week in a six man tag. Their tag partner? TNA World Champion Mike Santana, who warns Darkstate that they’re coming to his hometown.

Tag Team Titles #1 Contenders Tournament First Round: Culling vs. ???

The replacements for Knight and LeFleur are…Los Americanos. Bravo and Spears start things off as the fans are rather behind Los Americanos, as you might have expected. Spears takes him down and jiggles a bit so Bravo grabs the arm to take over. Vance comes in and clotheslines both Americanos at the same time but Rayo manages a quick rollup for two. Everything breaks down and Bravo hits a dive on Spears with Rayo hitting one on Vance, who pulls him out of the air. Bravo dives onto both of them to drop Vance and we take a break.

We come back with Spears going after Bravo’s mask, earning himself a high crossbody. It’s back to Rayo to clean house but Vance chokeslams Bravo onto Rayo to drop both of them at once. Bravo is back up with a spinning torture rack, with Vance breaking it up but knocking Vance down anyway. Spears’ running Death Valley driver gets two and Rayo loads up his mask. A quick headbutt knocks Spears silly and Bravo’s running headbutt finishes at 10:13.

Rating: C+. This makes good sense as Los Americanos are more than entertaining enough and the fans like having them around. There are worse ideas than having them win the tournament and get the title shot at Stand & Deliver. The Culling hardly mean much anyway so there was nothing wrong with the result anyway.

Post match Birthright comes out for the staredown with Los Americanos (and Bravo’s mask looks loaded as well).

Keanu Carver wants to fight Jasper Troy but Robert Stone says they need a referee. Josh Briggs comes in to say he’ll do it and that solves the problem.

Tatum Paxley goes to Blake Monroe’s hotel room and reaches for her through the locked door. Next week, there is no lock holding her back from getting her title.

Sexyy Red is back next week. She swears a bit.

Ricky Saints vs. Tony D’Angelo

Ethan Page is here with Saints. D’Angelo cuts off a boot to the ribs to start and twists the ankle a bit before wrestling Saints to the mat. Saints gets powered into the corner and goes outside for a meeting with Page. The distraction lets Saints dive off the apron, only to get pulled out of the air. Saints shoves him into the steps and celebrates with page as we take a break.

We come back with D’Angelo fighting out of a chinlock and hitting something like an Angle Slam. Saints’ tornado DDT is countered into a suplex but he’s able to hit a dropkick into the corner. Saints gets two off a spear and whips D’Angelo hard into the corner. D’Angelo fights back and hits some overhead belly suplexes. The spinebuster is loaded up but Page comes in for the DQ at 10:17.

Rating: C+. The ending was the right way to go as D’Angelo doesn’t need to lose but they need something for Joe Hendry to do at Stand & Deliver. That feels like it is probably going to be a four way match, which isn’t the most exciting thing, but at least it does feel like the right way to go for the story they’re telling. Not a great match, though probably the logical one.

Post match the beatdown is on until Joe Hendry comes in for the save. D’Angelo gets a Standing Ovation of his own to even things up a bit though.

We run down next week’s card.

Robert Stone makes the four way NXT Title match, with Joe Hendry defending against Ethan Page, Ricky Saints and Tony D’Angelo.

Overall Rating: B-. This show did some good work for building up Stand & Deliver, which is somehow less than two weeks away. I’m not wild on some of the matches that have been set up but at least they are doing something to move it forward. Next week’s show should be a big enough card as well, and hopefully they have a pair of good shows in a row, as it could make for quite the pairing.

Results
Kendal Grey/Wren Sinclair b. Fatal Influence – Cross armbreaker to Reid
Kelani Jordan b. Thea Hail – One Of A Kind
Johnny Gargano won a Gauntlet Eliminator last eliminating Hill
Los Americanos b. Culling – Running headbutt to Spears
Tony D’Angelo b. Ricky Saints via DQ when Ethan Page interfered

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

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NXT
Date: March 17, 2026
Location: 713 Music Hall, Houston, Texas
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

We’re on the road for a change and there is a lot going on this week. First of all, it’s Booker T. Appreciation Night, which sounds like a way for Keanu Carver to get involved. We also have a steel cage match for the Women’s North American Title as Tatum Paxley and Izzi Dame are likely blowing off their feud. Let’s get to it.

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

IMG Credit: WWE

Women’s Title: Sol Ruca vs. Zaria vs. Jacy Jayne

Jayne, with Fatal Influence, is defending and steps back while the other two stare each other down. That doesn’t last long as Jayne superkicks Zaria but gets backslided to give Ruca two. Zaria is back up to choke Ruca in the corner but Jayne catches Zaria with a Codebreaker. Ruca’s top rope splash to break it up and get two, with Zaria pulling Jayne outside.

Ruca tries a dive but gets caught in the ropes, thankfully not breaking her neck on the mostly fine landing. Fatal Influence sends Zaria and Ruca into the steps though and we take a break with the champ and company posing. We come back with Ruca hitting a springboard double high crossbody but Zaria is up to kick Jayne in the face. Ruca dropkicks Zaria but Jayne is up to take both of them down. Zaria’s spear hits Jayne so Ruca spears Zaria, who is back up to crotch Ruca on top.

Jayne goes after Ruca on top so Zaria gives them a double German superplex to leave everyone down. Zaria F5’s Jayne for two, with Ruca having to make a save. Another F5 is countered into an X Factor and Zaria is knocked outside. The Sol Snatcher drops Jayne but Zaria pulls Ruca outside for an F5. Zaria throws Ruca back in but gets pulled outside by Fatal Influence, allowing Jayne to steal the pin at 10:48.

Rating: B-. They were getting somewhere with the match and I do like the ending, which is at least a bit of a twist on the steal the pin triple threat finish. I was expecting Zaria to get the title here and defend it against Ruca at Stand & Deliver, but that match could take place without the title involved. Nice opener here, with Jayne getting to brag about surviving as champion against two big challengers.

Kendal Grey fires up Wren Sinclair when the Birthright comes in. Sinclair asks Charlie Dempsey what happened and gets blown off. Lola Vice comes in to praise both of them and says she’s winning the Women’s Title at Stand & Deliver.

Here is Ricky Saints for a chat, plus a slip on the ropes during his entrance. Saints talks about how he slipped but he didn’t fall. Last week, he and Ethan Page got a win over Myles Borne and Joe Hendry. They’re a great team and luckily for the tag division, they’re focused on singles gold. Page is going to be a two time North American Champion and Saints is getting his NXT Title back.

Cue Page, who sees things a bit different, but here is Hendry to interrupt. Hendry agrees that Page pinned him, which Saints couldn’t do, even if it involved smashing Hendry’s face into the title. Maybe Page and Saints should fight again like they did at Stand & Deliver to decide this. A fight is teased but they go after Hendry, who cleans house. Cue Tony D’Angelo to wreck everyone though and stand tall.

William Regal and Fit Finlay tell Birthright to win the tag team tournament when Robert Stone comes in. Regal thinks Stone should be the permanent GM and he’ll talk to Shawn Michaels about it.

Vanity Project vs. Los Americanos

Rayo works on Smokes’ arm to start and it’s off to Bravo, who punches him in the face. The rest of the Project runs in to clear the ring and do some dancing, only for the Americanos to come back in and clean house. Grande hits a dive of his own and it’s time to dance. The Project comes back in to take over on Rayo and we take a break. We come back with Rayo still in trouble, with Drake grabbing an abdominal stretch. Drake tries Three Amigos but gets tossed down, allowing Grande to get the tag.

Grande comes in with a double Blockbuster and it’s back to Rayo so he and Bravo can put on cowboy hats and hit some dives. Drake is back with a step up flip dive of his own, followed by a Burning Hammer for two on Grande. A dropkick from Baylor sets up Drake’s 450 for two more but Grande Americanos up. Drake is right there with a rollup but the referee catches Baylor cheating and breaks it up. A quick distraction lets Grande load up the mask and after a top rope headbutt/Russian legsweep combination, the running headbutt gives Grande the pin on Smokes at 12:43.

Rating: C+. The whole Los Americanos thing is a great example of a story that sounds like a death sentence but the people involved have absolutely ran with the thing. That’s way better than I was expecting and I’m starting to have way too much fun with whatever they do. The Project continues to be in way over their heads, but that’s a classic wrestling trope that can work very well for them today.

Sean Legacy is injured so Elio LeFleur will take his place in the tag tournament, teaming with Eli Knight. That’s fine with Robert, but here is Sol Ruca to say she wants to face Zaria next week. Stone seems to approve but looks worried.

Vic Joseph and company are in the ring for Booker T. Appreciation Night. After a nice introduction, Booker gets up from his desk to his entrance music and greets what I’m guessing are some of his family and students. We get a rather nice video on Booker’s career, with various legends, current stars and Joseph commentating on how great he has been to them over the years.

Back in the arena and Booker is in tears, as the people in the ring are indeed his students and family. Joseph presents Booker with a plaque and Booker talks about how he’s been doing this for thirty five years….and here is Keanu Carver to interrupt. He doesn’t want Booker to have a celebration and beats up the students. Cue Jasper Troy to go after Carver and knock him out of the ring. With Carver gone, the locker room comes out and praises Booker, who says someone needs to take control because this shouldn’t be happening in his city.

IMG Credit: WWE

Women’s Speed Title: Wren Sinclair vs. Fallon Henley

Henley is defending with a five minute time limit. Sinclair starts fast with an early rollup for two. Another rollup gets two and Sinclair starts going after the arms. Henley breaks that up but is favoring her taped up shoulder. A suplex gives Sinclair two and she tries the double arm crank again. Instead Henley sends her outside but a kick from the apron is shoved away. Back in and a spinning faceplant drops Sinclair again as we have two minutes left. They trade rollups for two each but the Final Wrench goes out on of nowhere to make Sinclair champion at 3:39.

Rating: C+. This is the kind of move I can go for with the title, as Sinclair can bring her kind of weird charisma to the belt. She’s a talented star and if this is where she fits in, that’s a fine enough result. At the same time you have Henley, who has put together a nice career around here, but I’m not sure what is next for her, as she’s still just kind of there most of the time.

Ricky Saints and Ethan Page complain about the attack but Robert Stone isn’t overly impressed. Page suggests that Tony D’Angelo face Saints next week, with Stone making the match. I can go with two heels trying to work together and also trying to screw each other over.

Tag Team Titles #1 Contenders Tournament First Round: Birthright vs. Hank & Tank

The rest of Birthright is here too. Birthright jumps them to start but Hank & Tank fight back to clear Connors out. A superplex is broken up though and Connors slingshots in with a hilo for tow on Hank. The beating doesn’t last long as Hank ducks under a right hand to bring in Tank, who quickly cleans house.

Tank even flips off the apron and goes over to quickly acknowledge Booker. Back in and a superplex into a Swanton hits Stacks, with Connors making a quick save. Stacks charges into a swinging Boss Man Slam but Lexis King comes in for a distraction. That’s enough for Connors to get a blind tag but Hank & Tank take out Stacks anyway. Connors is right there with a rollup to steal the pin on Hank at 4:34.

Rating: C+. That’s the kind of a win that William Regal would approve of as they slipped in at the last second and won. Birthright feels like a strong candidate to win the tournament and that’s a lot more than some of the members have been doing to date. It’s not exactly a revolutionary idea but it’s a lot better than sitting around in the lower midcard with nothing to do.

Joe Hendry wants Tony D’Angelo next week but Robert Stone says he’s taken. Hendry wants the match at some point but we cut over to OTM brawling with Darkstate, the latter of whom use the numbers game to take over.

Thea Hail gives Tatum Paxley a pep talk. With Paxley gone, Kelani Jordan comes in to mock Hail, with Jaida Parker coming in to stand up for her.

Jacy Jayne is rather excited and Fallon Henley isn’t overly pleased with having to help Jayne take care of Kendal Grey.

Myles Borne wants a new #1 contender so Robert Stone makes a gauntlet eliminator to find a new one next week. He isn’t sure who is involved yet but Birthright comes in to say they want in on this.

Women’s North American Title: Izzi Dame vs. Tatum Paxley

Dame is challenging inside a cage and jumps Paxley before she can even get inside. A suplex drops Paxley on the floor and Dame slams the door on her. Dame throws her inside and grabs a chair and now we get the opening bell. Paxley ducks a chair shot and strikes away, leaving Dame panicking. Dame tries to escape so Paxley follows her up for a trade of rams into the cage. They do that a few times, check to make sure the other is ready, and ram each other into the cage at the same time for a crash down.

We take a break and come back with Dame in trouble and Paxley going up, with Dame catching her on top. Dame’s right hands just make Paxley smile but Dame superplexes her back down for the big crash. Paxley is back up with a Whisper In The Wind for two and they glare at each other from the mat. Dame sends her into the cage but Paxley flips out of a Codebreaker, only to get powerbombed for two. The chair to the back has Paxley in trouble and Dame powerbombs her against the cage. Another powerbomb is countered into a sunset bomb onto the chair though and the Cemetery Drive retains the title at 11:48.

Rating: B-. That’s how this should have gone, with Paxley getting to beat Dame one on one, despite the cheating before the match even started. It made for a feel good moment and Paxley continues her rather great run as of late. The fans love her and she actually wins the rivalry with Dame, which is a lot more than I was expecting. This felt important and that’s quite the trick for the lower level title.

Post match Paxley celebrates on the ramp…and a trap door opens, with Blake Monroe pulling her down. Monroe holds up the title to end the show. Makes sense and that’s a good Stand & Deliver match.

Overall Rating: C+. The wrestling wasn’t anything great here, but they did a good job of making me more interested in what they seem to be planning for Stand & Deliver. The show is in two and a half weeks so it’s time to start actually announcing some stuff, which should be coming up in the next few weeks. Not a must see show here, but you can see the pieces starting to come together.

Results
Jacy Jayne b. Zaria and Sol Ruca – F5 to Ruca
Los Americanos b. Vanity Project – Running headbutt to Smokes
Wren Sinclair b. Fallon Henley – Final Wrench
Birthright b. Hank & Tank – Rollup to Hank

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

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NXT
Date: March 10, 2026
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

We’re done with Vengeance Day and that means we are on the way to Stand & Deliver. That is the biggest event of the year for NXT and it should be interesting to see what they have in store for the night. With less than a month to go, they need to start things in a hurry so let’s get to it.

Here is Vengeance Day if you need a recap.

Long Vengeance Day recap.

Here is Tatum Paxley, fresh off winning the Women’s North American Title, to get things going. For the longest time, she felt like she was doing everything wrong but she kept winding up alone. On Saturday, she won this title because of the people here. They made her want to keep going and now she has the confidence that she belongs here. She won the Women’s Title for the Culling but she won this for the people.

Cue Izzi Dame (Paxley: “Ugh GO AWAY!”) to interrupt and we see a highlight package of Paxley’s failures over the years. Dame calls Paxley painfully fake and a weirdo outcast because this is all just another mask. Eventually, that unlovable girl will come out again and Dame wants her title back. Cue the Culling for a distraction and Dame hits a powerbomb.

Ricky Saints and Ethan Page are upset over Vengeance Day, with Saints saying they’re both naked now. Page doesn’t like that visual but they’re ready to get a win in tonight’s tag match against Joe Hendry and Myles Borne. Then it’s off to Stand & Deliver to become two times champions.

Jasper Troy vs. Sean Legacy vs. Eli Knight

Troy starts fast by throwing them both around, including pulling Knight out of the air. A chokeslam drops Knight onto Legacy but Knight gets a boot up in the corner. Some superkicks stagger Troy though, with a double shot putting him on the floor. Cue Keanu Carver to chokeslam Troy through the announcers’ table and yell at Booker T. as we take a break.

We come back with Knight dropkicking Legacy to the floor for one heck of a dive. Back in and a step up moonsault gets two on Legacy, who is right back with a reverse sitout gordbuster for two of his own. Shambles is broken up but Legacy dropkicks Troy through the ropes. Troy gets back up to run the two of them over, including a chokeslam to Legacy. A double Samoan drop connects, though Troy’s ribs are banged up. Legacy has to make a save and Knight breaks up the Black Hole Slam. A 450 from Legacy into a heck of a moonsault from Knight means a double pin on Troy at 12:06.

Rating: B. This was a blast with pretty much nonstop action throughout. Troy felt like a monster who is on a collision course with Carver, which should be a heck of a hoss fight. At the same time, Knight looked like a star out there with those dives, which he made to look effortless. Legacy finally gets a win, though he can’t even get that on his own, which isn’t a great sign. Still though, really fun match here.

Booker is ticked at the result because that’s not how it works.

Tatum Paxley recruits Shiloh Hill to help her find the Culling. Hill grabs a lug wrench and we’re ready to go.

Lexis King and company don’t like that it has come to this, but Uriah Connors’ dad (Fit Finlay) made a call and “they’re on the way”.

IMG Credit: WWE

Lexis King/Uriah Connors vs. Charlie Dempsey/Tavion Heights

Stacks and Arianna Grace are here too. Connors and Dempsey go with the grappling to start with Connors flipping over him without much trouble. Dempsey takes him to the mat for a leglock and it’s off to Heights for a gutwrench suplex. A blind tag brings Dempsey back in for a running knee to King so Connors makes a surprise tag of his own to jump Dempsey.

That’s broken up and Heights is back in for the belly to belly, with King making the save this time. Everything breaks down and they all wind up on the floor…and here are Fit Finlay and William Regal to stare. That’s enough for Dempsey to suplex Heights on the floor and send him back inside for the Coronation and the pin at 4:39.

Rating: C+. This was a case where there might as well have been a big neon countdown clock to Dempsey turning on Heights as they all but guaranteed that would be happening when the match was made. That’s not a bad thing whatsoever, as it’s the logical path for the story to take. If nothing else, Regal and Finlay making a cameo makes the team feel a bit more legitimate, which they’ve been needing.

Post match Dempsey poses with the villains.

The Culling goes to leave but their car is on blocks, with Shiloh Hill walking away holding the lug wrench. He hands it to Robert Stone and the Culling is livid.

Here is Tony D’Angelo for a chat. When he returned to NXT, he said he had two missions and the first one ended at Vengeance Day, when he finished Darkstate. They are now what he was before: broken and searching for answers. D’Angelo has buried that version of himself and now it is time for him to win the NXT Title. He has no issues with Joe Hendry, but if he has to break Hendry’s face, so be it. This is personal, because Hendry has what D’Angelo wants. That’s the simplest way to go and this worked fine.

Sol Ruca and Lola Vice praise each other and want to face off for the NXT Title at Stand & Deliver.

Myles Borne asks Wren Sinclair and Kendal Grey if they have seen Joe Hendry. They take him over to a refrigerator, where they say his name and find…a cake? Hendry pops up and says he and Borne need to talk strategy. Sinclair goes to leave and Grey….is using her hand to devour that cake.

IMG Credit: WWE

Sol Ruca vs. Lainey Reid

The rest of Fatal Influence is here with Reid. Ruca wrestles her down to the mat to start and works on the arm. A headlock keeps Reid in early trouble and Ruca takes her down for the surfing on the back. Ruca faceplants her and then pulls her outside for a dive, only for Jacy Jayne to get in a cheap shot. Reid gets in a double stomp to the back of the head and we take a break.

We come back with Ruca dropkicking her into the corner but Reid manages a springboard Stunner for two. An electric chair drop plants Reid and Ruca elbows her in the face a bunch of times. Reid grabs a sitout powerbomb for two but Ruca hits an X Factor. Something like a spinning Beach Break gets two but the Sol Snatcher is broken up. A crucifix bomb sends Ruca into the corner, where she avoids a running knee. The Sol Snatcher finishes Reid at 12:58.

Rating: C+. This was a rare lengthy Reid match, which worked out well enough. At the same time, it seems that we could, or at least should, be on the way towards winning the Women’s Title. If nothing else, a showdown with Zaria has to come sooner or later, so why not at Stand & Deliver?

Elio LeFleur talks to Robert Stone about Eli Knight or Sean Legacy getting a title shot. Stone isn’t sure what to do when the Vanity Project comes in. They want a big match for Stand & Deliver but Legacy wants to fight them next.

Blake Monroe wants a big match at Stand & Deliver. Tatum Paxley comes in looking for Izzi Dame and leaves, with Monroe saying she wants her Women’s North American Title back.

IMG Credit: WWE

Women’s Speed Title #1 Contender Tournament Final: Wren Sinclair vs. Thea Hail

Hail dropkicks her down at the bell but it’s way too early for the Kimura. They trade running shots to the head for two and go outside with less than two minutes to go. Back in and Hail misses a high crossbody but grabs the Kimura. Sinclair is right back with the Final Wrench for the submission at 1:55.

Robert Stone talks to the tag division and we’ll be having a tournament to crown new #1 contenders. Darkstate wants their rematch without the tournament and here is OTM to brawl with them.

Fatal Influence doesn’t like being reminded about their title matches next week. Wren Sinclair and Kendal Grey come up to say they’re coming for the titles.

The Culling is leaving and Tatum Paxley jumps Izzi Dame. Security breaks it up so Robert Stone comes in to make the title rematch next week. In a cage.

Post break, Robert Stone hypes up the Houston show and announces that the tag tournament starts next week, but after that mess, OTM and Darkstate are not included. The Vanity Project comes in to thank Stone for the next week off, but Stone puts them in a six man against the Americanos.

Vic Joseph stands up at the desk and says he and Booker T. were only supposed to be a team for three months, but they’ve been going for over three years. Next week in Booker’s hometown of Houston, it is Booker T. Appreciation Night. Booker seems surprised.

Ethan Page/Ricky Saints vs. Myles Borne/Joe Hendry

Of note: Page and Saints have been standing in the ring for about ten minutes counting other segments and breaks. Hendry headlocks Page down to start and drops him again with a running shoulder. Borne comes in for a dropkick as Hendry has Page up in a suplex. It’s off to Saints, who takes over on Borne without much trouble. Borne is back with a swinging fisherman’s suplex but Page boots him in the face. Page tells Saints to throw in the title but Saints throws it too far, just like Page did on Saturday.

We take a break and come back with Borne still in trouble. Borne breaks out but Saints is there to pull Hendry off the apron. Saints and Page go old school with a PowerPlex for two but Borne is right back up for the tag to Hendry. House is quickly cleaned until Hendry and Saints hit clotheslines. Page throws in a title, which is quickly taken away, allowing Hendry to grab a rollup for two. Saints hits the spear but Page tags himself in, meaning it’s time to argue. Page is back up with the Twisted Grin onto the title to pin Hendry at 11:13.

Rating: B-. This was another match that went with a pretty obvious plan, as the ending sets up Page for a title shot at Stand & Deliver. After his pretty incredible North American Title reign, that makes all the sense in the world. Throw in Saints coming for the North American Title, they should be good to go for the top two men’s title matches. Not bad for one main event.

We get one more rundown of next week’s big show.

Saints and Page post, though Saints seems to realize that Page did what he couldn’t. Joseph: “Saints just realized that Page did what he couldn’t do.” Yeah that.

Overall Rating: B. There was good action and they took a lot of steps towards setting up Stand & Deliver. That’s what they needed to do here and it worked out well, though there is still a good deal of time left to fill on the way. For now though, they’re off to a good start and the opening triple threat, odd ending aside, was quite fun. Good show this week, which tends to be the case around here.

Results
Sean Legacy and Eli Knight b. Jasper Troy – Double pin
Lexis King/Uriah Connors b. Charlie Dempsey/Tavion Heights – Coronation to Heights
Sol Ruca b. Lainey Reid – Sol Snatcher
Wren Sinclair b. Thea Hail – Final Wrench
Ethan Page/Ricky Saints b. Myles Borne/Joe Hendry – Twisted Grin onto the title to Hendry

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

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6