NXT
Date: November 25, 2025
Location: Theater At Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

It’s the second week of Gold Rush and that means it’s time for more title matches. This includes the usual assortment of titles being on the line, but we are also less than a month away from Deadline. In this case, that means John Cena will be announcing the participants in the annual Iron Survivor Challenges. Let’s get to it.

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

We open with a recap of last week’s show.

Evolve Title: Sean Legacy vs. Jackson Drake

Drake, with Swipe Right, is defending. Legacy starts fast with some atomic drops to send him outside, where Swipe Right offers a distraction. That lets Drake get in a cheap shot from behind but Legacy snaps off a dropkick back inside. Drake suplexes him into the corner though and we take a break.

We come back with Drake striking away but Legacy manages a missile dropkick to the floor. Legacy takes out Swipe Right and gets two off a sitout implant DDT. Drake kicks him back down and drops some moonsault knees for two of his own. They head up top with Legacy grabbing something like a tabletop superplex for two more but Drake drapes him over the top. A springboard knee to the back of the head sets up the Unaliver (running knee) to retain the title at 10:58.

Rating: C+. Perfectly fine match here, though Legacy is starting to lose his charm. He felt like the one who was going to be the big breakout star in Evolve and then he keeps losing. Maybe he’s turning heel or something soon, but this is only getting him so far. Nothing bad here, but it felt like a glorified warmup match.

Earlier today, Ethan Page came up to Sol Ruca and told her to stop worrying about Zaria. Myles Borne came in and Ruca left, with Borne saying he’s ready to face Trick Williams tonight. Page says Williams only worries about himself, which is the right way to go. Sneering ensues.

Speed Title: Fallon Henley vs. Zaria

For the vacant title. Henley, with Fatal Influence, throws her down to start but a sleeper is broken up. Zaria’s sunset flip gets two and she sits down on Henley to break up another cover. The Texas cloverleaf goes on and sends Henley over to the ropes as we’re down to two minutes left. Zaria grabs another sleeper and lifts her up in the corner before sending her outside. Henley is thrown back inside and Zaria goes after Fatal Influence, with Henley using the distraction to get in a cheap shot.

Back in and Zaria’s F5 is countered into a DDT for two so Zaria fireman’s carries her again…as time expires at 5:00. Cue Ava to say not so fast and it’s now Sudden Death. Henley crashes out to the floor and we take a break. We come back with Zaria firing off some clotheslines and sending her flying with a suplex. Reid offers a quick distraction though and Henley hits a Shining Wizard. The Fameasser gives Henley the title at 12:25.

Rating: C+. That’s not exactly what I think of when I hear the word SPEED but it’s nice to see Henley get a win. She’s had a long stretch of not doing much so this is a good development for her career. If nothing else, it makes her feel like something of a star rather than just a lackey on a team, which is how she has felt for a long time now.

Shiloh Hill talks about how important his dad was to him over the years and how the Wrestlemania shirt his dad gave him is a big deal. Nothing wrong with something like this.

John Cena picks the entrants for the Iron Survivor Challenges. For the men, we’ll be seeing Je’Von Evans, Leon Slater, Joe Hendry, Dion Lennox and….the winner of Myles Borne vs. Trick Williams.

We look back at the Culling turning on Tatum Paxley last week.

TNA Knockouts Title: Lei Ying Lee vs. Jordynne Grace vs. Kelani Jordan

Jordan is defending. Grace (the crowd favorite) and Lee take turns beating on Jordan until Jordan jumps on Grace’s back. That’s broken up with a top rope Blockbuster from Lee, who knees Grace in the head for a bonus. Jordan knocks Lee outside but Grace is back up with a running Vader Bomb. Lee goes after Grace so Jordan double stomps the two of them, followed by a DDT for two on Grace. Jordan’s Asai moonsault takes both of them out and we take a break.

We come back with Jordan frog splashing Grace for two with Lee making the save. Lee takes both of them down but Grace’s German suplex drops her for two more. Jordan’s super Spanish Fly plants Grace for another near fall so Grace powerbombs both of them for two on the champ. Jordan misses a 450 and gets kicked in the face by Lee, with Grace making the save. Grace gives Jordan the spinning torture rack powerbomb but Lee kicks Grace away and steals the pin and the title at 13:59.

Rating: B. This got a good deal of time and thankfully ends the NXT star holding the TNA title deal. Lee is a nice example of someone who needed to win something to boost herself up and this is as good as anything else. There are a lot of talented women in TNA to come after the title and now they don’t have to deal with the invasion nonsense. Nice match here, with the right result.

Fatal Influence is happy with their success and they want Lainey Reid to win her title. Ava comes in to say there’s no interference.

We get a sitdown interview with Ricky Saints, who talks about how important it will be to face Oba Femi again at Deadline. Yes he beat Femi before, but now he’s not sure if he can do it again. Now he’s gotten all kinds of questions and people wondering if he can do it. What does it mean if he can’t again? All he knows is he’s going to prove that the impossible is possible again. Because he’s Ricky Saints.

Evolve Women’s Title: Kendal Grey vs. Lainey Reid

Grey, with Wren Sinclair, is defending and tackles her down to start the brawl fast. The early cross armbreaker attempt is broken up so Grey switches to just stomping away in the corner. Reid heads outside, where she manages to trip Grey face first into the steps (and HARD at that) as we take a break.

We come back with Grey’s top rope moonsault taking Reid down to start the comeback. Grey gets kicked outside but comes right back in, where Reid stomps her down for two. Reid’s running charge is countered into a powerslam but cue Fatal Influence for a distraction. Wren Sinclair breaks that up but gets knocked into Charlie Dempsey’s arms on the floor. The mass ejections get rid of everyone on the floor and Reid hits a superkick, only to miss a splash. Shades Of Grey (running Downward Spiral) retains the title at 10:28.

Rating: C+. It’s no surprise that WWE wanted to have Grey on a show like this as she is pretty clearly one of their bigger prospects at the moment. That shouldn’t be a surprise as she is young, talented and the fans like her. Let her develop and if it goes well enough, odds are she’ll be a big deal on the main roster one day.

Darkstate is ready to win the NXT Title to go with the Tag Team Titles.

John Cena announces the women’s Iron Survivor Challenge field: Sol Ruca, Lola Vice, Kelani Jordan, Jordynne Grace and Kendal Grey. That’s an interesting field.

Iron Survivor Qualifying Match: Myles Borne vs. Trick Williams

Borne grabs a quick rollup for two to start before grinding away on a headlock. Williams fights out of that and puts on a front facelock, followed by a quick suplex for two. A quick Borne Again gets two and we take an early break. We come back with Williams hammering away, with a flapjack connecting for two. Borne’s small package gets two but he walks into an AA.

The Trick Shot is countered into a powerslam for two more and Borne gets fired up. A reverse DDT gives Borne two but he walks into a release Rock Bottom. They trade shots to the face before both try jumping neckbreakers at the same time for a cool spot. Another Borne Again is blocked so Williams knocks him outside for a spinning kick to the face. Borne Again connects on the floor as well, followed by another inside to pin Williams at 11:21.

Rating: B-. I wasn’t feeling this one as much as I was expecting, as the ending just kind of came out of nowhere. I’m not sure if they ran out of time or something else, but it was like they just wrapped it up in a few seconds. Borne winning is a much more interesting prospect though, as it feels like they have something with him.

Post match Darkstate surrounds the ring but Joe Hendry, Leon Slater and Je’Von Evans run in for the staredown to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. This show was focused on the Iron Survivor Challenges being set up, with the title matches not feeling nearly as important. With the NXT Title match being held back for Deadline, this show was more about the minor titles, which only made for so much interest. It’s a fine enough show, but more of a setup for later than anything else.

Results
Jackson Drake b. Sean Legacy – Unaliver
Fallon Henley b. Zaria – Fameasser
Lei Ying Lee b. Kelani Jordan and Jordynne Grace – Powerbomb to Jordan
Kendal Grey b. Lainey Reid – Shades Of Grey
Myles Borne b. Trick Williams – Borne Again

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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AAA Alianzas
Date: November 22, 2025
Location: Gimnasio Olimpico Juan de la Barrera, Mexico City, Mexico
Commentator: Jose Manuel Guillen

This appears to be a show that airs about once a month or so and in this case, it was broadcast on the WWE YouTube channel. That’s enough to get me to watch the show, though apparently commentary is entirely in Spanish. I’m not sure what this is going to mean or how much I’ll understand but the name of the show means Alliances, so expect some kind of a team deal. Let’s get to it.

Note that I do not follow the regular AAA shows nor do I understand more than a tiny bit of Spanish so I apologize in advance for any storyline or character points that I miss.

We open with a recap of El Hijo del Vikingo saying he’s the best and being interrupted by El Grande Americano, leading to a brawl. We also see Dominik Mysterio beating Dragon Lee to retain the Mega Title at Heroes Inmortales. Later, the Wyatt Sicks attacked Pagano and Psycho Clown and Chelsea Green and Ethan Page became the Mixed Tag Team Champions.

Mysterio and Americano, partners later tonight, share a bag of popcorn.

A team called El Ojo (the Eye) gets what seems to be instructions from their manager (I believe it’s Dorian Roldan).

We get the traditional tribute to Antonio Pena.

Je’Von Evans vs. Axiom vs. Octagon Jr.

For a future Cruiserweight Title shot, with champion Laredo Kid on commentary. Octagon gets knocked down to start but gets back up for a rollup on Axiom. Commentary talks about John Cena and Smackdown as they trade missed dropkicks for a triple staredown. A dropkick and springboard armdrag send Evans outside and Axiom follows it up with a running hurricanrana to Octagon.

Evans is back in to send Axiom outside, only to get hurricanranaed by Octagon. Back up and Octagon hits a running corkscrew dive to take both of them out on the floor, followed by a slingshot corkscrew splash for two on Axiom. The corkscrewing continues with a high crossbody for two on Evans as Axiom makes the save. This time it’s Axiom hitting the big dive to the floor to take both of them out as the fans approve.

Back in and Evans is knocked down, followed by a Codebreaker to Axiom, leaving all of them needing a breather. Octagon’s 450 mostly misses Evans but gets two anyway, with Axiom breaking it up. Evans hits a heck of a no hands dive onto Octagon on the floor, followed by a great frog splash for two on Axiom.

Back in and Axiom kicks Octagon down and backslides Evans for two. A superkick gets two more on Octagon, who catches Axiom on top. The tabletop superplex drops Axiom for another two with Evans making the save this time. Axiom’s super Spanish Fly hits Octagon but Evans cuts off the Golden Ratio, using Octagon as a launchpad for a cutter. The top rope cutter gives Evans the pin on Axiom at 12:12.

Rating: B. This is straight out of a bunch of promotion’s playbooks, as you take athletic wrestlers and let them fly around the ring for a bit to start the show. It’s worked well for years and will continue to do so for a long time. Evans continues to rack up experience, which is only going to help him in the end. Axiom is already fairly seasoned and can hang in there with anyone, with Octagon being more than good in his own right. Rather fun opener here.

Post match Kid gets in the ring for a respectful handshake and staredown.

Dominik Mysterio and El Grande Americano are in the back, with Mysterio holding up some Gringos Locos masks.

El Ojo vs. Psycho Circus/Pagano

No DQ and Dorian Roldan is here with El Ojo (El Mesias, Mecha Wolf, Forastero, Sanson) and Psycho Circus is Psycho Clown/Murder Clown/Dave The Clown). The Clowns clear the ring to start and we settle down to Pagano striking away at (I believe) Wolf, including a springboard cutter. Pagano whips out the weapons but gets taken down by the quick dive, allowing everyone to grab weapons for the big brawl.

The Clowns get the better of things and Murder takes over with cookie sheet. That earns him a big group beatdown, including stomps and kendo stick shots. Murder is right back with a double Samoan drop and the crushes Mesias, allowing the needed tag off to Psycho. Everything breaks down again and we hit more dives, meaning it’s table time. Dave takes out Psycho by mistake and Mesias gives Dave a Backstabber.

Pagano’s middle rope Codebreaker takes Mesias down and Murder chokebombs Wolf. Sanson comes back in to clean house until Psycho sunset flips Forastero for two. Forastero and Sanson take Psycho up top for a double superplex, which naturally is turned into a Tower Of Doom. Some top rope splashes ensue and everyone is down for a needed breather. The clowns hit their dives (mostly) and it’s Psycho with a super Spanish Fly onto some chairs to pin Sanson at 12:08.

Rating: B-. Kind of like the opener, you knew what you were going to get with the people involved. They didn’t bother trying to do anything but have a violent fight here and from what I’ve seen, that tends to go with the Clowns’ strengths. The Clowns have felt like a big deal around here for a long time and having them face what seems to be a top heel stable is always going to work.

Post match the Clowns brag about their win but Bo Dallas pops up on screen and accepts a challenge for a match against the Wyatt Sicks at Guerrera de Titantes. It seems to be a Carnival Of Carnage, which doesn’t sound pleasant.

Dragon Lee talks to El Hijo del Vikingo about their tag match tonight but Vikingo doesn’t seem interested.

Mixed Tag Team Titles: Lola Vice/Mr. Iguana vs. Chelsea Green/Ethan Page

Green and Page are defending and the champs run them over to start fast. Some stereo hurricanranas take Green and Page down though and Vice rams her hips into Green’s head. Vice even blows a kiss to Iguana, who isn’t sure what to do. A snap suplex drops green and it’s off to the men, with Iguana pulling out his namesake. Page cuts that off with a powerslam out of the corner and kicks Iguana in the face for a bonus.

Another powerslam attempt is countered into a tornado DDT and the tag brings in Vice to kick away at Green. The running hip attack in the corner gets two, with Page making the save. Everything breaks down and Iguana hits a springboard hurricanrana to take out Page on the floor. The referee goes down and Green brings in a kendo stick. Vice takes it away but so does Page, and a hard shot knocks Iguana (who was protecting Vice) out for the pin at 7:02.

Rating: C+. Green and Page are some of the most entertaining people in wrestling today and they got to showcase some of that here. At the same time, Iguana and Vice were able to do their thing, with the fans approving. These titles are almost guaranteed to be a bit less than serious, so Green and Page annoying the fans until someone knocks them off is a good way to go.

Post match El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. runs in for the brawl with Page. Green gets in a cheap shot though and Page beats him down.

Dominik Mysterio/El Grande Americano vs. Dragon Lee/El Hijo del Vikingo

Mysterio and Americano are the clear crowd favorites here. Lee and Mysterio start things off with Lee snapping off a running hurricanrana. Vikingo comes in to cut off a charge into the corner so it’s off to Americano, who shoves Vikingo down. Americano’s armdrag into a hammerlock has the fans singing (again) and Americano does a handstand, complete with claps of his feet.

That’s broken up and Lee hits a running dropkick but Vikingo won’t let him use the big dive. Vikingo does his own dive and NOW Lee can bust out the flipping dive. Lee and Vikingo nearly get in a fight on the floor, allowing Mysterio and Americano to hit stereo baseball slides. Back in and Mysterio dropkicks Lee outside again and some rolling suplexes make it worse. Vikingo gets the tag to take over on Mysterio, but Lee tags himself in out of frustration.

Lee’s top rope double stomp in the Tree Of Woe gets two and it’s back to an annoyed Vikingo. A Michinoku Driver gets Mysterio out of trouble and Americano comes in for the comeback. Americano hits a springboard Blockbuster (nice) into something like White Noise for two on Lee.

Vikingo goes up but Lee is sent into him for a crotching so Americano covers Lee, with Vikingo firing off a 450 for the save. Unfortunately that hits Lee, who is right back with Operation Dragon for two on Mysterio. Lee dives over for the tag and of course Vikingo pulls his arm back and even knocks Lee out. The 619 sets up Americano’s running headbutt to finish Lee at 17:01.

Rating: B. The fact that I can’t understand the promos or the backstory but knew the story they were telling in the match means they were doing something right. The action was there as well, with everyone working hard and putting in a good match that the fans liked. I got into this and it felt like a big time main event, so well done all around.

Post match Mysterio brags about their win and says they’re the best in the world. Cue the reunited Lucha Bros, who seem to disagree, and say something about chicken nuggets. This seems to be a challenge for Guerra de Titantes on December 20 in Guadalajara. Mysterio and Americano seem to be in to end the show.

Overall Rating: B. I had a good time with this show, which certainly felt like a WWE formatted show at times. I could get a nice enough idea of what was going on here, which is quite the feat when the show is in an entirely different language. This was definitely a faster paced style, but the show was entertaining and kept my attention for almost two hours. Nice job, and something I could go for more of if WWE wants to do some more special broadcasts.

Results
Je’Von Evans b. Octagon and Axiom – Top rope cutter to Axiom
Psycho Circus/Pagano b. El Ojo – Super Spanish Fly onto chairs to Sanson
Ethan Page/Chelsea Green b. Mr. Iguana/Lola Vice – Kendo stick shot to Iguana
El Grande Americano/Dominik Mysterio b. Dragon Lee/El Hijo del Vikingo – Running headbutt to Lee

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: November 18, 2025
Location: Theater At Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

It’s the first week of Gold Rush, meaning we’ll be seeing title matches from multiple companies defended over the next two weeks. That should make for quite the cards and hopefully they live up to the hype. We’re also coming up on Deadline next month so it’s time to start getting ready for one of the more unique shows of the year. Let’s get to it.

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

The opening video focuses on the importance of gold and looks at the matches on this week’s half. The show taking place at MSG (close enough) makes it feel even more important.

AAA Mixed Tag Team Titles: Joe Hendry/Thea Hail vs. Chelsea Green/Ethan Page

Green and Page are defending. Green kicks at Hail to start but Hail snapmares her down, with Green being forced into a Hendry style wave. Hendry comes in to headlock takeover Page, followed by a running shoulder. A delayed suplex gets two on Page with Green making the save. Everything breaks down and Green is dropkicked into Page. Hendry and Hail pose as we take a break.

We come back with Hendry slugging away on Page and grabbing the fall away slam. Green and Page are sent outside for a trust fall from Hail, who gives Green an exploder suplex back inside. Everything breaks down and the Un-Pretty-Her…I have no idea actually as we cut to a law firm commercial. We quickly cut back to Hail getting the Kimura but Hendry is shoved into them for the save. Green grabs the Un-Pretty-Her for the pin to retain at 10:43.

Rating: C+. Good, fast paced opener here and I’m not overly surprised that another company’s titles didn’t change hands at an NXT event. I’m not thrilled that Hendry and Hail, who are about as perfect of a pairing as you can get, lose so soon, as it’s not like there is anything else they can go after. Just let them stay together, if nothing else for the fun energy they bring together.

Lola Vice and Jordynne Grace are ready to take the Knockouts Title from Kelani Jordan. Cue Jordan, who says jealousy doesn’t look good on Grace and she’ll be champion for a long time. See you next week.

Ava announces that John Cena will be picking the entrants for the Iron Survivor matches at Deadline.

Tavion Heights is in the crowd for an interview about how much things have changed for him in 2025. The reality is that he’s here in New York City and he wants to be in the Iron Survivor Challenge. If John Cena picks him, he knows that’s all the validation he needs. Cue Josh Briggs for the brawl in the crowd.

Zaria isn’t sure if Sol Ruca should go through with this match but Ruca insists.

Women’s North American Title: Blake Monroe vs. Sol Ruca

Ruca, with Zaria, is challenging and takes Monroe down with an early headlock takeover. A running boot to the head staggers Monroe but she’s right back with a spinning side slam. Ruca gets out of an early half crab attempt and kicks her away, only to miss a charge into the corner. Monroe wraps the recently healed up knee around the post and we take a break.

We come back with Monroe staying on the knee but Ruca fights up and hits a missile dropkick. Monroe is sent outside and Ruca hits a step up moonsault, only to tweak her knee again in the process. Back in and Monroe grabs a half crab and even takes off the knee brace. Monroe cranks on the knee and Zaria throws in a towel, despite Ruca being pretty close to the ropes and begging her not to, as Monroe retains at 13:21.

Rating: B-. This was about the storytelling with Ruca fighting through the pain and Zaria taking matters into her own hands. It’s quite the way to go and I liked what we got, as it should finally lead to the Ruca vs. Zaria split. Monroe got a nice boost here as well, as she came off as much more sadistic and violent for the sake of retaining her title. That’s been missing and it helped a lot.

Fatal Influence is ready to leave with all of the gold.

We look at Oba Femi returning last week to stare down Ricky Saints.

Here are Saints and Femi for a face to face chat. Saints isn’t surprised that Femi has returned, because he knows that Femi was getting worn down and then lost the title as a result. Saints was fighting against TNA and then retained in Last Man Standing. Femi says he’s back and wants to be more than just best dressed.

The sun is setting on the Revolution era and Femi is the one casting the shadow. The title rematch is set for Deadline…and here is Trick Williams to interrupt. Cue Myles Borne to chair Williams from behind and say he’s going to win the Iron Survivor Challenge and come for the title at New Year’s Evil. Borne is feeling more and more like someone to take seriously and it’s rather impressive to see him come this far.

Post break Ava yells at Myles Borne and gives him a match with Trick Williams next week. She gets a phone call and seems rather annoyed.

Josh Briggs and Tavion Heights are still brawling, with Heights being chokeslammed through a table.

Tag Team Titles: Leon Slater/Je’Von Evans vs. Darkstate

Darkstate is defending and get knocked to the floor to start, with Evans hitting a big dive over the top. Back in and a powerslam gets two on Slater, with Evans having to make a save. Griffin gets sent outside and a running hurricanrana gets two on Lennox back inside. Darkstate is tossed to the floor again for stereo dives as we take a break.

We come back with Evans in trouble and Lennox’s short DDT getting two. Evans flips away from Lennox though and kicks him down, allowing the much needed tag off to Slater. Everything breaks down and a spinning kick to the head takes Griffin to the floor and Lennox is kicked down as well. Slater busts out the big running flip dive out to the floor and the frog splash gives Evans two. The rest of Darkstate offers a distraction so Slater can get double powerbombed. Evans’ save lands on Slater by mistake and a Doomsday Device finishes Slater at 11:09.

Rating: B-. Slater and Evans are able to fly around and do all kinds of impressive looking things, which is why you put them in this spot. At the same time, it’s good to see Darkstate win a match and get in a nice title defense, which is what they needed. It’s a good enough match and I could go for more of this kind of Darkstate, who hopefully get to hold the titles that much longer.

Wren Sinclair gives Kendal Grey a pep talk before her title match next week.

LFG season 2 winner Shiloh Hill is a nerd and really smart, with interests in things like the dark web and quantum mechanics. Oh and he liked hitting people in football. More on this later. At least it’s a way to get introduced to someone new.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Video on Jackson Drake defending the Evolve Title against Sean Legacy next week.

Sol Ruca is mad at Zaria for throwing in the towel, with Zaria saying it was for Ruca’s own good. Ruca doesn’t want to hear it and Zaria doesn’t seem pleased.

Women’s Title: Tatum Paxley vs. Jacy Jayne

Jayne, with Fatal Influence, is challenging while Paxley has the Culling with her. Paxley works on the arm to start before grabbing a rollup for two. Jayne kicks her into the corner but they switch places, with Paxley hitting a running crossbody. With Jayne sent outside, Paxley takes her down again with a moonsault and we take a break.

We come back with Jayne hitting a clothesline into a super hurricanrana. Paxley is right back up with a superkick though and they’re both down. A slugout goes to the champ, who snaps off a German suplex. The running flipping ax kick gives Paxley two but Jayne pulls her face first into the corner. A cannonball hits Paxley, who is right back with a fisherman’s spinebuster (exactly what it sounds like) for two.

The Culling offers a distraction and slides Paxley a chair but she turns it down and gets superkicked. Paxley slides outside and drops Lainey Reid, allowing Jayne to get in a big running boot to the face. Back in and the Rolling Encore gives Jayne two so it’s time to bring in the belt. That’s cut off on the floor….and Dame kicks Paxley’s head off. Another Rolling Encore gives Jayne the title back at 11:27.

Rating: B-. This was one of those turns where it wasn’t so much about would it happen but rather when it would happen, as they weren’t exactly hiding it. Paxley never felt like a long term champion but she won the title clean and definitely got elevated as a result of the whole thing. This should be a good next step for her and we’ll see what kind of staying power she has as a result.

The Culling glares down at Paxley to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. It wasn’t the greatest show in the world but it did what it needed to, with the big angle at the end and some stuff being set up for the next few weeks. That’s what this kind of show needed to do, as we still have more title matches coming up next week. While it didn’t exactly feel like a major event, it did feel special enough and that’s good for a pass here.

Results
Chelsea Green/Ethan Page b. Joe Hendry/Thea Hail – Un-Pretty-Her to Hail
Blake Monroe b. Sol Ruca when Zaria threw in the towel
Darkstate b. Leon Slater/Je’Von Evans – Doomsday Device to Slater
Jacy Jayne b. Tatum Paxley – Rolling Encore

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

NXT
Date: November 11, 2025
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

We’re coming up on Gold Rush but this week has a major match in its own right. This week features Ricky Saints defending the NXT Title against Trick Williams in a last man standing match. That should be more than enough to carry things, though next week is when things get really big. Let’s get to it.

Click on the link below for the full review.

Quick Veterans Day tribute.

Here is the Culling to get things going. Tatum Paxley is so happy with getting this far and wants to be champion for a long time. She knows she needs to listen to her friends though, especially Izzi Dame. That gets her a bit of a lecture of about how she can’t give everyone title shots, which Paxley thinks makes sense. Spinning the wheel was really fun though!

Dame says the last time she did everything for the fans, she wound up alone, which was when the Culling came in to save her. She can’t keep handing out title shots, but here is Fatal Influence to interrupt. Jacy Jayne says Paxley can prove it wasn’t a fluke at Halloween Havoc by beating her again. Dame cuts it off and Paxley thinks about it….and gives Jayne a rematch at Gold Rush. That doesn’t have Dame overly pleased.

Earlier today, Evolve Champion Jackson Drake was pleased to be given a title defense at Gold Rush. He’s less happy about defending against Sean Legacy. Chelsea Green and Ethan Page come in with Green bragging about regaining the Women’s US Title. As a result, Ava gives her a match too.

Speed Title: Jasper Troy vs. El Grande Americano

Americano is defending and gets driven into the corner for some hard shoulders to the ribs. Americano’s dive is pulled out of the air but he slips away and kicks at the chest to limited avail. Troy elbows him in the face for two as we’re already two minutes into the five minute time limit. Things slow down for a bit until Americano catches him with a running knee.

A Blockbuster connects but Troy knocks him hard to the floor. Troy grabs the chain and has to knock away Rayo and Bravo, who are ejected as a result. Americano scores with a suicide dive with about a minute left. The running headbutt connects but Americano gets caught loading up the foreign object. Troy cuts him off and hits the Black Hole Slam to win the title at 4:43.

Rating: C+. They packed some stuff in here and I was surprised by the title change so we’ll call it a success. It does seem like things are passing Americano by a bit, though it’s not like being the Speed Champion matters very much. At the same time, it could mean a good bit more to Troy so maybe this is the change he has been needing.

Joe Hendry appears next to Thea Hail and they thank each other for last week. Now they’re ready to win the AAA Mixed Tag Team Champion. For tonight though, Hail is going to beat up Alba Fyre. Hendry: “Hail yeah!”

Sean Legacy is in Ava’s office when Zaria and Sol Ruca come in. Legacy wishes Ruca well in her rehab, with Ava saying Ruca is medically cleared. She wants to face Blake Monroe next week, with Ava sounding a bit skeptical but making the match anyway.

Thea Hail vs. Alba Fyre

Joe Hendry, Ethan Page and Chelsea Green are here too. Hail’s early Kimura attempt is rammed into the corner and Fyre kicks her in the back for two. Back up and Hail Thesz presses her to hammer away before a dropkick puts Fyre on the floor. Hail goes after Green though and gets taken out by Fyre’s dive as we take a break.

We come back with Hail striking away, including some ax handles to the chest. Hail misses the bottom rope backsplash though and Fyre gets two off a tornado DDT. A Michinoku Driver gives Hail two and she grabs the Kimura, which is broken up by a Page distraction. Hendry cuts him off in a hurry and Hail dives onto Green. Back in and a sunset flip dives Hail the pin at 9:49.

Rating: C+. Hail’s renewed push is nice to see as it’s certainly better than whatever she was doing over the last few months. She’s been looking for someone to bounce off of since Chase U imploded and this makes as much sense as anyone else. At the same time, it’s sad to see Fyre falling this far, but that has been the case for a long time now.

Ricky Saints is getting taped up and gives Tatum Paxley a pep talk. The Culling comes in to pull Paxley away.

Blake Monroe is rather pleased with winning the Women’s North American Title but gets in an argument with….herself, in a different outfit. The one in the different (darker) outfit says none of this matters until the real Monroe beats Sol Ruca for good. The real one can win with Darker on her side because that’s the kind of champion that the real one needs to be. That’s not cool with the real one because they won’t like it, but the Darker one says it won’t matter because she’ll still be champion. The real one agrees. This company is WAY too obsessed with split personalities.

Je’Von Evans is on the phone with Leon Slater and they have an announcement for later.

Jordynne Grace (in glasses) says Kelani Jordan isn’t an original because anyone can do it. Grace knows what it means to be the Knockouts Champion. Jordan has been blaming the world for what she is. At Gold Rush, the only one she can blame is Grace. That’s a good line.

Here is Je’Von Evans for a chat. He’s excited to be in the Last Time Is Now Tournament but a bit scared too. That’s on Monday though and now he has an announcement here. Leon Slater pops up on screen and we get the announcement: they’re challenging Darkstate for the NXT Tag Team Titles next week. Cue Darkstate in the crowd to say that they’re going to take out Evans and Slater next week. The four of them get in the ring but here is Slater to help Darkstate out with some dives.

Kelani Jordan comes up to Trick Williams and admits that he was right: it’s lonely at the top but it means being champion. Williams approves.

Women’s Speed Title #1 Contenders Tournament Finals: Skyler Raye vs. Fallon Henley

Raye is the winner of season two of LFG and is a cheerleader. Raye’s early dropkick sets up some rollups and quick near falls. Henley reverses into a crossface attempt, which is cut off with a quick rollup as we’re a minute in. A hurricanrana sends Henley into the corner and a high crossbody gets two. Henley is back with a Sling Blade though and the Fameasser finishes Raye at 2:17. Well that was qui…er, speedy.

Jasper Troy is happy with his win. Darkstate pops up and is ticked off at Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater.

Fatal Influence is ready to dominate.

Josh Briggs vs. Tavion Heights

Briggs kicks him in the face at the bell and stomps away as a villain should. Heights gets smart by wrestling him down, which is broken up without much trouble. A roll into a fireman’s carry is broken up though and Briggs knocks him down again as we take a break. We come back with Height slugging away but a cheap shot to the legs takes him down. Briggs shoves him in the face a few times and gets taken down for his efforts. Some clotheslines are cut off with a boot to Heights, who avoids another boot. The belly to belly gives Heights the pin at 9:19.

Rating: C+. I’ve been a fan of Heights for a bit and it’s nice to see him getting something. There is always room for someone who has that kind of an amateur background and it was working fine here. At the same time, I’m not wild on seeing Briggs lose again as it happens too often, but I could go for more of Heights.

Myles Borne is in Ava’s office and says he’ll be out there for the main event, but Ava warns him not to interfere. With Borne gone, Wren Sinclair and Kendal Grey talk about finding one more member of the No Quarter Catch Club. Cue Lainey Reid to slap Grey and the brawl is on, likely setting up the Evolve Women’s Title match at Gold Rush.

Gold Rush rundown.

NXT Title: Ricky Saints vs. Trick Williams

Saints is defending in a Last Man Standing match. Williams misses a kendo stick shot to start so Saints grabs the stick and uses it to walk the ropes. Some stick shots have Williams down and a whip sends him hard into the steps. Back up and Williams gets smart by going after Saints’ banged up ribs before tying Saints up in the ropes. That means a beating with the kendo stick, followed by a rather nasty series of chair shots.

Saints is back up at seven and he blocks a trashcan lid shot to start the early comeback. Williams is knocked outside and we take an early break. We come back with Williams being sent through the barricade, allowing Saints to give him one heck of a beating with a kendo stick. An even bigger beating with a chair gets nine and Saints’ spear gets the same. Williams (bleeding from the side of the head) is up to knock Saints back to the floor, where a running shot with the steps puts him down again.

The running knee off the steps sets up a Rock Bottom onto them, with Williams putting the steps onto him in a smart move. Saints slips away and misses a spear through the wooden wall, only to pop right back up. They fight into the crowd, with Saints spearing him off a balcony (ok not a tall one but a balcony either way) through the announcers’ table to retain at 15:32.

Rating: B. They were kind of meandering to start but then it got a lot better once it felt like a fight. Saints got violent by the end and that’s what it should have been. Williams needs to move on to something else and Saints is going to need a fresh challenger, with a spot likely waiting for him in the second week of Gold Rush.

Post match the credits roll….and Oba Femi is back to end the show. Yeah that works.

Overall Rating: B-. This was an up and down show, as I liked the main event a lot more than I was expecting, but I still can’t get into the Speed stuff. It’s perfectly fine and a nice way to keep the show moving, but I can only get so invested into a match that runs three minutes. They did make Gold Rush feel like a bigger deal though and that’s the important part. Good enough show here, but the Speed stuff is already getting a bit annoying.

Results
Jasper Troy b. El Grande Americano – Black Hole Slam
Thea Hail b. Alba Fyre – Sunset flip
Fallon Henley b. Skyler Raye – Fameasser
Tavion Heights b. Josh Briggs – Spinning belly to belly suplex
Ricky Saints b. Trick Williams when Williams could not answer the ten count

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: November 4, 2025
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

We’re coming up on the New York City shows, which are going to be all about titles. That means it’s time to get ready for the shows, including getting some title matches set. Ricky Saints is already having to deal with Trick Williams and has a Last Man Standing match set for the NXT Title. Let’s get to it.

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

Lola Vice/The Culling vs. Fatal Influence

Paxley and Jayne forearm it out to start before it’s off to Vice for a cross armbreaker to Reid. That’s broken up rather quickly and it’s back to Paxley, who gets kicked in the back of the head. Vice comes back in and kicks Henley down for two as everything breaks down. Paxley and Vice hit running hip attacks in the corner and dance a bit, though Dame isn’t interested in joining in as we take a break.

We come back with Fatal Influence going after Vice, with Jayne’s running knee getting two. Vice fights up and brings Paxley in to clean house. Paxley misses a 450 though and Reid gets in a cheap shot. Dame makes the save and everything breaks down again. Paxley is almost shoved into Dame but stops herself, only for Dame to shove her down and take the Rolling Encore to give Jayne the pin at 10:37.

Rating: C+. This continues the question of whether or not Dame really is Paxley’s friend and that makes for some interesting developments down the line. Other than that, it seems that that Fatal Influence isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, as I’m now curious to see just where it goes. In other words, nice job in one match.

Earlier today, El Grande Americano wasn’t happy with not having his own locker room and picked up Josh Briggs’ bag. Briggs came in and challenged him to a regular match, with Americano accepting.

Lei Ying Lee is ticked off at Kelani Jordan for hitting Jordynne Grace with the title last week. Prepare for the title.

Kendal Grey is happy with beating Lash Legend when Kelani Jordan interrupted. Jordan tells Grey and her friends to listen to what she’s about to say.

Here is Kelani Jordan for a chat. She doesn’t understand why people are booing her when they cheer Dominik Mysterio to do the same. Yeah she took her chance to win the Knockouts Title and gets booed, while Lola Vice goes to AAA every week and gets cheered. The women who are jealous of her are the women who can’t keep up with her in the ring. Like Jordynne Grace!

The same people who booed Grace are now up in arms about Jordan cheating. She’s sitting out at Gold Rush because no one, including Lei Ying Lee, is worthy of her time. Call her disloyal all you want, because you’ll still call her champion. Best promo she’s ever had here, mainly because it didn’t sound completely scripted.

OTM is back to chase everything but Chase U comes in to say they want a fight. Andre Chase comes in to calm them down, saying going after OTM isn’t a good idea.

Josh Briggs vs. El Grande Americano

Non-title and Rayo/Bravo are here too. Briggs shoulders him down to start as the fans are WAY behind Americano here. Americano pops up and grabs an armbar, including a handstand into a hammerlock to an even more positive reaction. Back up and a big boot drops Americano as Jasper Troy is in the crowd.

We take a break and come back with Americano getting tied in the Tree Of Woe but the lackeys cut off an unmasking attempt. Americano is back up with some chops and a Blockbuster to send Briggs outside. The dive connects and the fans approve, though Briggs’ big forearm cuts that off. Cue Tavion Heights for a distraction, allowing the lackeys to hit Briggs with a double Backstabber. Americano cranks on Briggs’ back for the tap at 10:51.

Rating: C. The reaction to Americano was rather interesting as the fans were all over everything that he was doing. It should at least make things more interesting when he has to defend against Troy (who did nothing here), as the heel vs. heel setup was going to be weird. They should be able to make it work, though this match wasn’t anything worth seeing.

Ava tells Kelani Jordan that she’ll be defending the title at Gold Rush. Tyra Mae Steele comes up to take issue with Jordan and gets a match tonight.

Myles Borne wants Ricky Saints to save him a piece of Trick Williams. Works for Saints.

Chelsea Green and Ethan Page have won the AAA Mixed Tag Team Titles.

We get a split screen interview with Trick Williams and Ricky Saints. Williams says Saints can’t handle the pressure as champion but Saints brings up beating Williams at Halloween Havoc. That messed with Williams, who can’t handle being in second place. Saints says Williams has had one foot in and one foot out of NXT since Saints got here because he views it as a security blanket.

On the other hand, Saints winning the title is the culmination of him working hard while Williams takes everything for granted. Williams says Saints thinks like a fan and the title belongs to a real star. They’re ready to fight right now and the brawl is on, with Williams getting in a pipe shot to put him down.

Women’s Speed Title #1 Contenders Tournament First Round: Zaria vs. Wren Sinclair

Sol Ruca and Kendal Grey are here too. They trade early rollups to start until Zaria gets two off a backbreaker. Sinclair goes for the arm, including a Black Widow. That’s broken up so it’s time to start on the leg but Zaria is back up with some running clotheslines. We have less than a minute left and Zaria powers out, setting up the spear. An F5 gives Zaria the win at 2:30.

Kelani Jordan vs. Tyra Mae Steele

Non-title. They roll around to start with Steele powering out of an armbar. An exchange of cartwheels leaves Jordan a bit shaken up so she grabs the rope for an early near fall. A surfboard has Jordan in trouble but she’s able to post Steele’s arm. Said arm is cranked over the rope and the armbar goes on back inside. Back up and Steele hits a kind of reverse Angle Slam for two but Jordan casually slams her down. One Of A Kind finishes Steele at 4:54.

Rating: C+. Steele is an interesting case as she is absolutely a prospect, but she needs to build up some experience. This wasn’t exactly a great match, but she was able to stick to her strengths and keep getting her feet wet. I’m curious to see where she’s going, even if there was no reason for her to be a major threat to Jordan yet.

Post match Santino Marella pops up on screen to announce that Jordan is defending the title at Gold Rush against Jordynne Grace and Lei Ying Lee. Jordan is not pleased.

Sol Ruca is almost cleared to get back in the ring but she wants to have her rematch at Gold Rush. Unfortunately it’s uncertain if she’ll be ready in time, but here is Fatal Influence to interrupt. Jacy Jayne wants her rematch at Gold Rush as well, with the argument ensuing. Ava has other things to take care of though and leaves.

Je’Von Evans vs. Saquon Shugars

The rest of Darkstate is here too and Evans hits a big dive to take Shugars out before the bell. Shugars grabs a headlock inside and counters a hurricanrana into an atomic drop (that was cool). A backbreaker gives Shugars two and then a backbreaker gives Shugars two. Evans gets knocked into the corner but sends Shugars outside for a big dive. Darkstate offers a distraction though and Shugars knees him into the barricade as we take a break.

We come back with Evans kicking his way out of trouble but Shugars gives him a suplex. The basement dropkick gives Shugars two but some slaps to the face just annoy Evans. A rather snappy German suplex puts Shugars down and Evans sends him outside for the big dive. Back in and a spinning kick to the head gives Evans two but Shugars catches him in a torture rack. That’s flipped into a faceplant, only for Evans to come back with a pair of cutters. Evans deals with a quick distraction and hits the spinning top rope splash for the pin at 13:33

Rating: B. Evans has turned into one of the more reliable stars around here and it’s interesting to see what he does week to week. At the same time, Shugars got to do well enough in one of his first singles match. Evans and Leon Slater are likely going to get the Tag Team Title shot at Gold Rush so this was a fine way to keep things moving.

Blake Monroe wants her first title defense in New York but Ava says if Sol Ruca is available, she gets the shot. Monroe is off for an interview with her better half next week.

Tatum Paxley apologizes to Izzi Dame for the loss but Dame tells her to slow down and avoid the mistakes, because they want the title around for a long time. Paxley understands but has one more thing to do next week first.

Here are Chelsea Green and Ethan Page for their big celebration. Page knows that everyone hates them because they say something and then do it. Like when they promised to win the AAA Mixed Tag Team Titles and then did it, as they knew they would. Green brags about their success as well and Page is ready to defend the titles. They’re ready to celebrate, including with a giant cake.

Green wishes Joe Hendry would appear so they both get ready to jump him as he comes out of the cake. Cue Hendry through the entrance, saying the direct approach can be best. Hendry wants the AAA Mixed Tag Team Titles so here is Thea Hail, out of the cake (and wish her own Hendry style song) to be his partner. Page and Green get caked to end the show. The fake out with the cake was great and a match like this writes itself.

Overall Rating: C+. Well I’m more interested in seeing Gold Rush than I was before so things are starting to go in the right direction. What matters the most is getting the fans ready for the show and this week did a nice job of setting that up. The wrestling itself was fine enough, though it’s the show to get you to watch the really big show, which means it is likely to only be so important. Overall fine, but not exactly worth a look this time.

Results
Fatal Influence b. Culling/Lola Vice – Rolling Encore to Dame
El Grande Americano b. Josh Briggs – Back crank
Zaria b. Wren Sinclair – F5
Kelani Jordan b. Tyra Mae Steele – One Of A Kind
Je’Von Evans b. Saquon Shugars – Spinning top rope splash

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: October 28, 2025
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

We’re done with Halloween Havoc and there are a few new champions. Darkstate got the Tag Team Titles back from the Hardys while Blake Monroe and Tatum Paxley both won their first singles titles in NXT. We are less than a month away from the two week Gold Rush specials so let’s get to it.

Here is Halloween Havoc if you need a recap.

Long Halloween Havoc recap.

Trick Williams storms the production area and yells about the video playing of the title match from Halloween Havoc. He goes from the back to the arena, yelling at various people along the ring. Williams gets in the ring, saying he’s been running things around here for years. He would beat Ricky Saints 99 times out of 100 so get him his title shot. Cue Ava with security to say he just flat out lost. Williams lists off his resume and is ready to keep going but here is Saints for the pull apart brawl.

Video on Axiom vs. Jasper Troy.

Speed Title #1 Contenders Tournament Finals: Axiom vs. Jasper Troy

Axiom dropkicks him in the leg and kicks away to start, which earns him quite the glare from Troy. Some more shots to the leg just annoy Troy, who grabs a backbreaker, followed by a clothesline to the back of the head. Axiom’s dragon screw legwhip over the rope sets up a missile dropkick and they’re both down.

We have a minute left as Axiom hits a jumping knee but gets flatted with a standing body block. The Black Hole Slam is countered into a sleeper, which is reversed into a World’s Strongest Slam. Now the Black Hole Slam can finish Axiom at 2:55. Could have been worse, though Troy vs. El Grande Americano is…something.

Ava is with Sol Ruca and Zaria. Ruca has to decide if the Speed Title is vacated or if someone can defend it in her absence. Ruca thinks for a second and vacates the title, which doesn’t leave Zaria very happy. A tournament starts next week.

Here is the Culling for Tatum Paxley’s first comments as the Women’s Champion. Halloween Havoc was the greatest night of her night and she can’t believe she is here. Yeah she can be a bit too much at times but if this creepy little weirdo can be Women’s Champion, anyone can do it. She wants to be a fighting champion who gives anyone a shot, but Izzi Dame doesn’t think that’s a great idea.

It’s been a long road here for Paxley, so is she sure she should defend it so soon? She should make people earn their shot and offers the Culling to help her choose…but Paxley wants to defend the title tonight. Paxley unveils a wheel of potential challengers (Shawn Spears points out that Dame’s name isn’t on it) and tonight Lola Vice is getting the shot. Dame does not seem pleased. They’re not being subtle with this and that’s ok.

Trick Williams is looking for Ricky Saints.

Kendal Grey is ready for Lash Legend and Wren Sinclair gives her a pep talk. Sinclair is invited to the ring with her, which pleases her quite a bit.

Evolve Women’s Title: Kendal Grey vs. Lash Legend

Grey, with Wren Sinclair, is defending. The much bigger Legend powers her around to start so Grey (a former amateur wrestler) goes for the leg. That earns her a swinging sleeper from Legend, who shoves Grey outside with one arm. Back in and Grey’s crucifix is blocked, as is a slingshot double stomp. Legend shoves Grey out to the floor and a pump kick drops her again.

We take a break and come back with Legend forearming her down for two. Grey kicks her down for a needed breather and slips out of a chokeslam attempt. A German suplex drops Legend again and now the slingshot double stomp sends her outside. Back in and Grey’s high crossbody is pulled out of the air and Legend drops her onto the ropes. A boot misses though and Shades Of Grey (jumping Downward Spiral) retains the title at 10:50.

Rating: B-. They have something with Grey and they know it, which is why you’re seeing something like this take place. Grey is young, talented and has some charisma. She also played a great underdog here and it was fun to see her fight back against the monster in Legend. Let her do this occasionally and let her rise up the ranks. Nice job here.

Myles Borne is ready for Tavion Heights and they’ll be brothers no matter what.

A fishing Heights says Borne is his brother, but sometimes brothers fight. Heights has something to prove.

Lola Vice congratulates Tatum Paxley on winning the Women’s Title and is thrilled with getting her shot. Vice promises to take the title, but Paxley is ready to fight. Izzi Dame comes in and thinks this isn’t a good idea.

Myles Borne vs. Tavion Heights

Respect is shown to start things off and they lock up. Heights goes with some grappling to start but Borne is back with a headlock. They flip around to a standoff until Borne gets a rollup, though Heights is in the ropes. A headlock takeover puts Borne down but he reverses into one of his own. That’s broken up and Heights flips over him, setting up a running clothesline for two.

We take a break and come back with Borne getting two off a middle rope moonsault press as Josh Briggs has joined commentary. Heights grabs the ankle lock, which is broken up rather quickly. Briggs offers a distraction so Borne can take both of them out with a dive. Back in and Borne Again is blocked so Heights tries the spinning belly to belly, which is reversed into a small package to give Borne the pin at 10:07.

Rating: C+. They kind of had to do something to prevent one of them from losing clean, with Briggs only doing so much at the end. The good thing is that Briggs can now go after Heights (if not Borne as well), as it’s not like either of them have anything else going on at the moment. Either way, there is a good chance that one of them will get a shot against Ethan Page one day, perhaps at Gold Rush.

Post match respect is shown, but Briggs pulls Heights to the floor for the brawl. Borne…just stands there, as Trick Williams runs in and chairs him in the back. Williams calls out Ricky Saints, who comes in for another brawl.

Chelsea Green, with Kay Lee Ray, is in the back with Ethan Page. They’re ready to win the AAA Mixed Tag Team Titles and Page wants Green to put together security. Green is still looking for a replacement agent, saying she has gone to London, and Paris and Tokyo. Thea Hail in the background: “I believe in Joe Hendry!” And Hendry pops out of a trashcan to say that they might be celebrating early. Then Hail wheels the trashcan, and Hendry, away. I’ve heard of far worse ideas.

Women’s Title: Tatum Paxley vs. Lola Vice

Paxley, with the Culling, is defending. Vice headlocks her to start but Paxley reverses into one of her own. Back up and Vice chops away, setting up a springboard armdrag. Paxley works on the arm as we go split screen to see Fatal Influence coming inside. Vice fights up but here is Fatal Influence to jump Izzi Dame on the floor. Fatal Influence gets on the apron as Vice and Paxley go back to back, with the ensuing brawl drawing the double DQ at 3:57.

Rating: C. This was more of an angle than a match, which opens up some other issues. You can have Paxley defending against Fatal Influence, along with Izzi Dame lurking around not being happy about what Paxley is doing. Yeah Paxley probably mainly won the title because of the Halloween season, but she’s off to a nice start as champion so maybe there’s something to this.

Blake Monroe is in a bath and plugs Maybelline before bragging about winning the Women’s North American Title. Her first title defense will be in New York City at Gold Rush.

Earlier today, NXT Anonymous saw Je’Von Evans talking to Leon Slater about what has happened tonight. They talk about the Tag Team Titles but Slater has to go talk to Santino Marella. Darkstate comes in and threatens Evans, with a tease of a title match.

Sol Ruca and Zaria are asked about the Women’s North American Title, with Zaria saying she’s entering the Speed tournament to win in Ruca’s honor. Fatal Influence pops in with Jacy Jayne saying she’s getting her title back.

We recap the Trick Williams/Ricky Saints issues.

TNA Knockouts Title: Jordynne Grace vs. Kelani Jordan

Grace is challenging and grabs a headlock to start. Back up and Jordan picks up the pace with a few flips and spins. Jordan sends her into the ropes for a neck snap, setting up a Lionsault, which grazes Grace’s arm on the way down. Grace is sent knee first into the steps and we take a break. We come back with Grace hitting a reverse Alabama Slam but favoring her knee. They strike it out with Grace getting the better of things, including some slams.

Jordan goes after the knee, only for Grace to come back with a spinning spinebuster for two. The Juggernaut Driver is blocked and Jordan is back with a split legged handspring Stunner for two of her own. Grace drops her again but the knee gives out on the Vader Bomb attempt.

Back up and a powerbomb gives Grace two, as does Jordan’s rollup. They go up top with Jordan hitting a super Spanish Fly….and here are Trick Williams and Ricky Saints to brawl into the arena. Jordan loads up the belt shot but throws it down, leaving Grace to grab a rolling German suplex for two. Williams and Saints brawl in the ring and NOW Jordan uses the belt shot to retain at 12:29.

Rating: B-. Egads Grace’s fall continues and I’m not sure where that is going to stop. At some point she needs to win something, as everything that made her feel special coming into NXT feels long gone. It’s like she’s just trying to find something to do and it’s not like there are all kinds of people just like her. Jordan going heel is the right move, as it might help give her something of a personality, which she certainly needs.

Post match Williams and Saints keep brawling, with Saints spearing him through a wooden wall. Cue Ava to say that it’s a Last Man Standing match for the title in two weeks.

Overall Rating: B-. A lot of this show felt like fallout from Halloween Havoc, though the Saints vs. Williams feud continuing is a bit much. Maybe they just don’t think they have time to set up someone new, but it doesn’t feel like the most thrilling match. On the other hand, it does feel like there are some bright spots on the horizon, with names like Borne and Grey having my attention. Not a great show, but they’re getting ready for the bigger stuff in the next few weeks.

Results
Jasper Troy b. Axiom – Black Hole Slam
Kendal Grey b. Lash Legend – Shades Of Grey
Myles Borne b. Tavion Heights – Small package
Tatum Paxley vs. Lola Vice went to a double DQ when Fatal Influence interfered
Kelani Jordan b. Jordynne Grace – Belt shot

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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Halloween Havoc 2025
Date: October 25, 2025
Location: Findlay Toyota Center, Prescott Valley, Arizona
Commentators: Booker T., Vic Joseph

It’s another special and in this case we have a theme which can be quite fun if done right. In this case we have a pair of themed matches, with the Day Of The Dead match for the North American Title and a Broken Rules match for the Tag Team Titles. That’s in addition to all of the usual shenanigans so let’s get to it.

The opening video shows the Arizona desert, where things get all the creepier at night. This shifts into a standard look at the show’s card, as usual.

The set has the rather awesome graveyard theme again, which makes things look that much better.

Leon Slater/Je’Von Evans vs. Mr. Iguana/La Parka

Slater and Evans dance to Iguana’s entrance and…yeah fair enough. Evans works on Parka’s arm to start and gets hit in the face for his efforts. They forearm it out until Evans grabs a springboard armdrag. Parka sticks the landing and kicks him away, only for Evans to come back with a springboard hurricanrana. Iguana and Slater come in with Iguana being knocked down for his dead animal pose.

Back up and a hurricanrana takes Slater down and Iguana flips up into a seated pose, which has Slater confused. Evans comes back in and helps plant Iguana, meaning it’s time for some dancing. Iguana enziguris Slater and brings Parka back in as the fast pace continues. The lizard is thrown at Slater, meaning a game of hot potato breaks out. Iguana hits a big flip dive, followed by Parka’s top rope moonsault to take all of them down.

Back in and Evans gets slammed down, setting up a Paradise Lock for Parka’s dropkick. Evans finally suplexes his way out of trouble and brings Slater back in to pick up the pace. A neckbreaker gets two on Iguana and it’s already back to Evans, who drops him for two more. Iguana’s cross armbreaker goes on but Evans powerbombs him into the corner for the break. Evans and Parka strike it out, with Parker being knocked over to Iguana for another tag.

Slater knocks Iguana into the corner so Parka comes back in, only to get knocked out of the air. A slingshot ax kick hits Parka in the ropes and Slater’s big running flip dive takes both of them out at once. One heck of a frog splash gives Slater two….but Slater and Evans are distracted by Iguana’s lizard. Slater knocks Iguana away so Iguana hits him with the lizard in a funny bit. Parka adds a kind of spinning brainbuster for two and things slow down. Iguana takes Slater down again but Evans and Iguana miss springboard cutters at the same time. Evans and Parka fight to the floor, leaving Slater to hit his Swanton 450 for the pin at 17:56.

Rating: B. This was the right choice for the opener, as they went out and got to do all of their big spots, which made for a fun start to the show. As usual, Slater and Evans can do some incredible stuff and the fans love the weirdness that is Iguana. Parka fight the Halloween theme perfectly and it worked as a result.

Sol Ruca gets to be ringside for the Women’s North American Title match tonight but she can’t wrestle. Zaria says it’s ok and promises Ruca will keep the title. Tatum Paxley and Izzi Dame come in, with Dame saying she’s not convinced.

We recap El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. vs. Ethan Page for the North American Title. Page has been mocking Wagner, Wagner wanted a fight, it’s a Day Of The Dead match, which basically means street fight.

North American Title: Ethan Page vs. El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr.

Day Of The Dead match with Page defending. They slug it out to start until Wagner sends him outside for a dive. That means a chair to Page’s back (and a loud one at that), followed by a nice missile dropkick for two back inside. Page gets tied up in the Paradise Lock and a chair is dropkicked into his back for two. Wagner chairs and trashcans him in the back but Page is able to flip him off the top.

The Confidence Breaker with a trashcan lid gets two and Page unloads with the lid. Page sends him outside to keep up the beating, including some choking with a piece of a skeleton. Wagner is sent into a table leg and then whipped into a pair of corners with a chair each for two.

Page isn’t happy with these kickouts and starts ripping at the mask in frustration. The top half of the mask is ripped off and Wagner is shaking in anger. Wagner makes his comeback and strikes away, including a rope walk Codebreaker for two. A trashcan shot sets up a Coast To Coast for two on Page, who manages to send Wagner into a chair in the corner.

Ego’s Edge onto the trashcan gets two so Page goes up, with Wagner pulling him down with a super hurricanrana onto an open chair (YEOWCH!) for another near fall. A moonsault gives Wagner two more and the table is set up, but Page fights out of the corner. The mask is twisted around Wagner’s face to blind him so Page throws powder in his eyes for a bonus. A super Twisted Grin through the table retains the title at 18:23.

Rating: B. These guys beat the fire out of each other and Wagner’s comeback in the end worked well. This one felt like a more personal feud and rivalry and that made for a better brawl between the two of them. Page is turning into quite the player with his title reign and his status has gone up as a result.

Kelani Jordan is in her own locker room when Jordynne Grace (dressed as Velma from Scooby-Doo) comes in. She says Jordan has crossed a line and is acting like she’s untouchable but Jordan doesn’t see it that way. Grace thinks she’ll stick around and suggests she’ll come after the Knockouts Title. Jordan says her reign makes the title more important so Grace slaps her in the face.

On November 18 and 25, it’s Gold Rush, with titles from Evolve, TNA, AAA and NXT being defended in New York.

Women’s North American Title: Blake Monroe vs. Zaria

Zaria is defending in Sol Ruca’s place (with Ruca at ringside). It’s a brawl to start with Zaria getting the better of things but Monroe slips out of a slam. A choke doesn’t work for Monroe as Zaria drops her face first onto the buckle. Back up and Monroe gets in a shot of her own, allowing her to rake the eyes over the rope.

Monroe starts in on the arm but a double arm DDT is blocked. Zaria muscles her over with something like a Samoan drop and we hit a torture rack. Somehow Monroe manages to reverse into a cross armbreaker, which is broken up with the usual powerbomb. For some reason the fans start chanting for Booker T. before the women collide and crash out to the floor. Zaria’s arm is banged up so she slams it into the steps…and Ruca sends her into the post, which fixes the problem.

Back in and Zaria’s F5 is countered into a cross armbreaker. That’s escaped so Monroe hits a running knee for two. Monroe grabs her hair pick but Zaria spears her down for two more. They go outside, where Monroe trips over Ruca’s cane to knock her down. Zaria drops Monroe inside and checks on Ruca, allowing Monroe to grab a DDT on the floor. Back in and the double arm DDT gives Monroe the pin and the title at 11:05.

Rating: C+. I am still not feeling it with Zaria and that was the case again here. The result was the only logical option here as Monroe has already lost enough big matches. Let her win something for a change and throw a wrench into Zaria and Ruca’s friendship. That isn’t going to go well for the two of them while Monroe needed the win. Good storytelling, ok match.

Wren Sinclair is explaining Lash Legend’s recent actions to Kendal Grey and Karmen Petrovic. Charlie Dempsey is on the phone and asks about the No Quarter Catch Crew but Sinclair says the phone is messing up and cuts it off. Legend comes in to talk down to Grey and promises to take the title on NXT.

Women’s Title: Tatum Paxley vs. Jacy Jayne

Jayne, with Fatal Influence, is defending and the Culling is here with Paxley. They fight over wrist control to start with Paxley’s headscissors attempt being shoved away. Paxley knocks her down and ties up the hands and legs at the same time. A step up enziguri sends Jayne outside but she’s able to catapult Paxley throat first into the bottom of the ring structure to take over.

Fatal Influence gets in some choking from the floor and a Cannonball gives Jayne two. A triangle choke goes on but Paxley breaks it up and slugs away. Jayne isn’t having that and knocks her down for two more. The chinlock goes on for a big until Paxley fights up and strikes away, with a fisherman’s suplex getting another near fall. Paxley takes too much time going up and gets crotched down, allowing Jayne to grab a super backbreaker.

Shawn Spears puts the foot on the rope though and it’s time for the groups to brawl on the floor. Everyone is ejected and Jayne isn’t sure what she’s supposed to do now. The answer seems to be knee Paxley in the face for two but the Rolling Encore misses. Paxley is back up with her own Rolling Encore, followed by a 450 for two more.

Jayne is sent outside and dropped onto the apron but comes back with a superkick. They forearm it out until they both hit running boots to leave them both down. Cue the Culling and Fatal Influence again to distract the referee. Izzi Dame loads up the belt and teases swinging at Paxley but gets dropped with Jayne’s Rolling Encore. The Cemetery Drive gives Paxley pin and the title at 16:28.

Rating: B-. I’m surprised they actually pulled the trigger as Jayne was starting to roll with her title reign, but there is something to be said about Paxley getting the shock title win. She fits into the Halloween theme and then gets to basically do the same thing Jayne did when she won the belt. Throw in the Dame drama and this was a nice packaging.

Post match Dame sits on the floor while the Culling celebrates with Paxley. Dame gets in the ring and celebrates with them.

Myles Borne complains to Ava about Josh Briggs. She’ll figure it out and is ready to give Borne a match with Briggs but Tavion Heights comes in to say he should be facing Briggs instead. Ava puts them against each other instead, and they seem to be ok with it.

Deadline is coming on December 6.

Tag Team Titles: Darkstate vs. Hardys

The Hardys are defending in a Broken Rules match, meaning all four members of Darkstate can be involved. It’s a brawl to start and a double DDT gets an early two on Griffin. Jeff’s middle rope splash gets two on Lennox but the numbers cut the Hardys off. The Hardys are back up with chairs and Griffin is sent outside, with his legs crashing into a table. Jeff puts him through the table but James and Shugars take over on Matt outside.

Some ladder shots get the Hardys out of trouble, allowing Jeff to set up more tables as Matt beats on James. Shugars and James are put through the tables but Griffin and Lennox are back up for the save. Lennox kendo sticks Matt down inside and Jeff is slammed through a trashcan. Matt is powerbombed into a ladder in the corner and a 3D gives Lennox two. Jeff comes back in for the save with a pair of kendo sticks but Lennox breaks that up.

They go outside with the Hardys being sent into the timekeeper’s area in some rather nasty crashes. Back in and it’s a Twisting Stunner into the Twist of Fate to drop Griffin. The Swanton gets two, as does the Plot Twist to Lennox and we settle down again. The Hardys go outside and set up some tables, which can’t end well.

Jeff climbs to the top of the ladder and crashes through the tables as Griffin moves. Back in and Lennox spinebusters Matt for two but Matt is back up with another table. Matt gets tied in the Tree Of Woe and it’s a Doomsday Device from a ladder on the floor through a table to pin Jeff for the titles at 19:08.

Rating: B. The Hardys can do this kind of match in their sleep and it’s nice to see Darkstate get the titles back. There was no reason for the Hardys to be long term champions and it makes Darkstate feel like a bigger deal to beat the legend. This is what it should have been, though dang it went on for awhile. Trim a few seconds down and it’s better, but it’s still good as it lasts.

Leon Slater and Je’Von Evans aren’t happy with Darkstate winning and talk about the numbers game. Evans thinks they should win the Tag Team Titles. Slater is in…as soon as he can get free.

El Grande Americano is ready to face either winner of the Speed tournament.

NXT Title: Ricky Saints vs. Trick Williams

Saints is defending. Williams jumps him to start fast and hits a hard dropkick. Saints is sent outside and rammed into the announcers’ table, which Williams very slowly loads up. That’s enough for Saints to get away though and hammer on Williams back inside. Saints is sent over the top so Williams can dance a bit, allowing Saints to hit him with a running forearm.

They head outside again with Saints being sent into a variety of things, followed by a sidekick for two back inside. A flapjack gives Williams two and a Blockbuster connects for the same, followed by a front facelock. Some suplexes drop Saints until he’s able to hit one of his own for a needed breather.

Williams neckbreakers him for two more but Saints, who is busted open, grabs a flapjack. Old School into a Russian legsweep puts Williams down but he avoids a moonsault. A Boston crab has Saints in trouble, followed by a Rock Bottom for two. Back up and Saints grabs a crossface, with Williams making it to the rope.

They go outside with Williams grabbing the title but Saints kicks him in the face. Saints is quickly put through the announcers’ table, followed by the Trick Shot for two. A rebound lariat drops Williams, allowing Saints to get a breather. Saints gets something like a Stundog Millionaire, followed by a spear. The springboard tornado DDT retains the title at 16:48.

Rating: B-. Here’s the thing: it’s not a bad match and they went back and forth for a pretty long time, but there wasn’t enough of a story to make this work. They didn’t even have a recap before the match because…well because there wasn’t anything to talk about. It needed more of a story and reason for them to be fighting, as this didn’t feel important in the slightest.

Tatum Paxley and the Culling are rather pleased with their title win to wrap up the show.

Overall Rating: B. This was a weird case where the action was good throughout with nothing being bad, but it could not have felt much less important. The main event felt like it belonged at the start of the second hour of a regular TV show and even the title changes didn’t come off as big deals. It’s a fine show and the Halloween Havoc theme was good, but it didn’t feel big in the slightest.

Results
Leon Slater/Je’Von Evans b. La Parka/Mr. Iguana – Swanton 450 to Iguana
Ethan Page b. El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. – Super Twisted Grin through a table
Blake Monroe b. Zaria – Double arm DDT
Tatum Paxley b. Jacy Jayne – Cemetery Drive
Darkstate b. Hardys – Doomsday Device to Jeff through a table
Ricky Saints b. Trick Williams – Spear

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: October 21, 2025
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

We’re rapidly approaching this weekend’s Halloween Havoc and some of the card has already been announced. The rest of the show should be put together tonight so we should be in for a rapid fire build here. Other than that, we have the start of the latest Speed Title #1 contenders tournament so let’s get to it.

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

Opening recap.

Here is new #1 contender to the Women’s Title, Tatum Paxley, with the rest of the Culling. The fans tell Paxley that she deserves it and she says she freaking did it. Paxley talks about the lows she has achieved in the last four years but the people have always had her back. Everything is going right for her on the way to Halloween Havoc and she knows that the Culling will have her back as she wins the Women’s Title.

Cue Fatal Influence, with Jacy Jayne saying Paxley is the latest person to come after the title. Yeah Jayne was beatable to start but look where they are now. Paxley says that now she’s the one no one believes in but she keeps getting better and better. Fallon Henley says the Culling might leave Paxley after she leaves so Izzi Dame calls out Fatal Influence for turning on Jazmyn Nyx. They argue over whose friendship is stronger, with Henley calling Paxley “Tater Tot”. A challenge is issued for a tag match and Fatal Influence is cleared out.

Stacks is in the back with Arianna Grace, who apparently got him the X-Division Title shot. They’re also apparently an item.

Leon Slater and Je’Von Evans are disturbed by the new couple and want some opponents.

TNA X-Division Title: Leon Slater vs. Stacks

Stacks, with Arianna Grace, is challenging and Leon Slater has Je’Von Evans with him. They fight over wrist control to start until Stacks sends him into the corner, only to get kicked away. Another whip into the corner works a bit better for Stacks but Slater bounces up with a spinning kick to the face. Stacks is sent outside for a slingshot dive and Evans jumps on commentary to send us to a break.

We come back with Slater fighting out of an abdominal stretch but getting dropped ribs first onto the top rope. A belly to back faceplant and fireman’s carry gutbuster give Stacks two but Slater fights up. Slater kicks Grace off the apron and right into Evans’ arms, followed by the big running flip dive over the top to take Stacks down. Back in and the Swanton 450 retains the title at 10:56.

Rating: B-. Stacks is a good hand in the middle of the card (with the Heritage Cup feeling more and more forgotten every week) and putting him in a match like this is a good way to go. At the same time, I’m curious about the idea of someone using Grace to get to Santino Marella, as it’s an interesting enough idea. Slater continues to look like more of a star every time he’s in the ring and he is absolutely worth following going forward.

Post match Slater and Evans say they want a tag match and don’t care who they face. Cue La Parka and Mr. Iguana to say they have a match with Slater and Evans for Halloween Havoc. AAA is taking over Arizona.

Zachary Wentz wants the Speed Title.

Speed Title #1 Contenders Tournament First Round: Zachary Wentz vs. Jasper Troy

Wentz dodges around to start and kicks him down to the floor. A dive connects with a minute gone but another dive is blocked. That’s fine with Wentz, who hits his third dive, followed by a Swanton for two back inside. Troy runs him over and grabs a Black Hole Slam for the win at 2:05.

Kelani Jordan finds her clothes thrown out of the locker room. Most of the women say Jordan chose TNA and walk off. Jordynne Grace is on Jordan’s side but Jordan doesn’t want to hear it because it’s always about Grace, who probably just wants the title back.

Darkstate brags about taking out the Hardys…and we warp to the Hardy Compound. Oh no. And yes they’re Broken again (via the Lake Of Reincarnation) and the match at Halloween Havoc will be under Broken Rules. If it’s a one off, fine.

We look at Sol Ruca being injured last week on Smackdown.

Ruca, on crutches, is coming to the ring with Zaria, who asks if Ruca wants to do this. Ruca is sure.

Here are Ruca and Zaria for a chat with Ava. Ruca is upset and says she hates to admit it but she can’t defend her title at Halloween Havoc. She’s not going to hold up the division when there are so many people coming for the gold. Cue Blake Monroe to say she’ll take the title right now. Zaria isn’t having this because we don’t give handouts around here. Ruca admits that Monroe is right but Zaria offers to defend the title in Ruca’s place. Ava agrees and Ruca signs off on it, so Zaria lays Monroe out with an F5.

Axiom wants the Speed Title.

Sean Legacy likes his chances against Axiom.

Myles Borne and Tavion Heights are upset with recent losses when Josh Briggs comes in to say there isn’t room for them while he’s around.

Speed Title Tournament #1 Contenders Tournament First Round: Axiom vs. Sean Legacy

Axiom misses a running dropkick to start but slips out of the Shambles attempt. A suplex drops Axiom again and a reverse DDT gives Legacy two. Legacy’s springboard is countered but Axiom’s triangle choke is countered. Back up and Legacy grabs a running Spanish Fly as we have a minute left. A nice superkick drops Axiom, who pops to his feet for a jumping knee. Legacy kicks him down but gets caught up top with a super Spanish Fly to give Axiom the pin at 2:58. That was some nice timing at the end and they packed in a lot of stuff here.

Ethan Page is ready to take out El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. at Halloween Havoc.

Hank & Tank vs. OTM

Hank & Tank start the brawl in the aisle and hit stereo dives to take OTM out on the floor. We get the opening bell with Price avoiding a charge in the corner but choking Hank on the ropes anyway. Hank gets choked in the corner as well and a running stomp plants him again. Back up and Hank manages to get over for the tag off to Tank for the house cleaning. Nima is right back with a tilt-a-whirl slam though and the assisted Alabama Slam finishes for Price at 3:35.

Rating: C. This was all about making OTM look like a monster team again and they did it well here. That’s what you need every so often, especially with OTM having been gone for so long. Smashing through former Tag Team Champions is a good look and OTM came off as dominant in their return.

Post match OTM puts Hank through the announcers’ table.

After shilling some Maybelline, Wren Sinclair talks to Lash Legend, who isn’t impressed. Kendal Grey comes in and seems to challenge Legend, who doesn’t seem worried.

Halloween Havoc rundown.

Culling vs. Fatal Influence

Reid and Paxley start things off with Paxley charging into a boot in the corner but avoiding an elbow. Jayne comes in to miss a charge in the corner and get caught by a kind of running crossbody. Dame slams Jayne for two but Jayne is back up with a quick clothesline. A tilt-a-whirl backbreaker cuts Jayne off again and it’s back to Paxley, who cleans house. Jayne manages a neckbreaker though and Paxley is down as we take a break.

We come back with Dame getting the hot tag to clean house, including a double clothesline. A chokeslam gets two on Jayne but Dame is knocked into the corner. Paxley tags herself back in to pick up the pace but Fallon Henley gets pulled in. Dame and Reid fight on the floor and it’s the Rolling Encore to pin Paxley at 10:13.

Rating: C+. That’s quite the weird way to go for the result as Paxley is already not the strongest challenger but she loses to the champion here. In theory that points to a title change on Saturday and…I could see it happening. Either that or Dame turns on Paxley, but either way, at least there is a set of options here and that’s a good sign.

Post match Fatal Influence sends Dame into the steps. Paxley gets surrounded but fights out of trouble and holds up the title.

Here is Ava for the NXT Title contract signing. Trick Williams and Ricky Saints come out, with Booker T. being quite the Trick fan. Williams talks about waiting for his moment and that’s why he’s in the main event. That’s why he made Saints wait at Showdown, because Williams is the only one who can carry this place. The only thing he is loyal to is himself, which is why he’s going to become a three time NXT Champion. Williams signs and Saints talks about how Williams was a big deal but lost the plot along the way.

Saints knows Williams was ready to move away a long time ago. Williams says he doesn’t belong on the indies and he sees someone cosplaying as champion when he looks at Saints. Then he’s winning the title back and the Absolute Era will be absolutely ever. Saints says he’s smoother and “silkier” than Williams could ever be. The fight is on but Saints F5’s him through a table.

One more Halloween Havoc rundown ends the show.

Overall Rating: B-. This was a show with a clear focus and that part worked out well. While there are issues with some of the matches at Halloween Havoc, I’m more interested in seeing the show than I was coming in. The wrestling here was only so good, but that wasn’t the point this time. It made for a good enough show here, and now we get to see what happens at the big event later this week.

Results
Leon Slater b. Stacks – Swanton 450
Jasper Troy b. Zachary Wentz – Black Hole Slam
Axiom b. Sean Legacy – Super Spanish Fly
OTM b. Hank & Tank – Assisted Alabama Slam to Tank
Fatal Influence b. Culling – Rolling Encore 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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NXT
Date: October 14, 2025
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

We’re done with Showdown and it’s already time to get ready for Halloween Havoc. The show is in less than two weeks and that means it’s time to hit the ground running here. This week features a battle royal to find a new #1 contender for the Women’s Title, which should go well enough. Let’s get to it.

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

We open with a long recap of Showdown.

Here is Ricky Saints to get things going. Saints talks about how Trick Williams quit last week and that’s because Williams is soft. Williams pops up on screen to say they’ll deal with this but it’s going to be on Williams’ time. Saints wants to fight and the challenge is on for Halloween Havoc.

Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater, whose X-Division Title match at Bound For Glory was interrupted by Darkstate, want some revenge when the Hardys come in. They think Darkstate’s attack was a shot at them and they’re ready to lay in receipts in the rematch with Darkstate at Halloween Havoc. Evans and Slater say they have the Hardys’ backs anytime.

Earlier today Jordynne Grace and Kelani Jordan argued in the back, with Grace saying she would see her in the battle royal.

Matt Cardona vs. Josh Briggs

Cardona knocks him into the corner to start and the fans are rather pleased. A middle rope dropkick puts Briggs down and Cardona hammers away in the corner. Briggs sends him face first into the buckle as the fans want Briggs to go away. A running clothesline drops Cardona again but he’s able to get in a backdrop to the floor. The big running flip dive drops Briggs again and we take a break.

We come back with Cardona in trouble but Briggs is getting frustrated. Cardona sends him into the corner for a running boot to the face, followed by an Unprettier for two. A chokeslam gives Briggs the same so he loads up the chain, which is cut off with Radio Silence for another near fall. Another Unprettier and a tornado DDT are both countered so Briggs boots him in the face for the pin at 11:45.

Rating: C+. Well I’m sure this will entice Cardona to come back around here more often. He might not be a regular around here, but Cardona feels like a bigger deal than Briggs, who hasn’t been doing much in the way of importance recently. Hopefully this isn’t it for Cardona around here as it could be interesting to see what a serious version of him could do in WWE, but this isn’t a great start.

Hank & Tank talk to Chase U and Lyra Valkyria (what a group) when the Culling come in to pull Valkyria away. Izzi Dame mocks the idea of the two teams getting a Tag Team Title shot but Andre Chase seems ready to get a triple threat #1 contenders match ready. Dame promises to win the battle royal.

Video on Fatal Influence, who want to reshape the women’s division. They’re glad that Jazmyn Nyx is gone, having been replaced by Lainey Reid.

El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. vs. Lexis King

Wagner works on the arm to start and drops him with a shoulder. That lets Wagner casually walk over his back before striking away in the corner. King comes back up to walk the ropes, only to drop down and slap him in the mask. Wagner sends him to the floor, where King is nice enough to stand right in place for the moonsault as we take a break.

We come back with Wagner being sent outside, allowing King to send him knee first into the apron. A dragon screw legwhip sets up a leglock but Wagner is able to fight up. The knee is fine enough to kick King in the corner, followed by a Shining Wizard. The Michinoku Driver finishes King at 11:41.

Rating: C. I try to like King, but there is only so much to get out of him at this point. It just isn’t working and that is becoming more and more obvious. Maybe he’s better as a talker or something, but at this point he’s just kind of there and putting others over, which isn’t a great way for him to go.

Post match Wagner calls out Ethan Page, who comes out to say how tiring it is to be North American Champion. The match seems to be set for Halloween Havoc, but Wagner says it’s going to be a Day Of The Dead match where anything goes.

Sol Ruca and Zaria are talking about makeup until Zaria can’t believe that Ruca is in the battle royal tonight. How many titles does Ruca need? Zaria was hoping Ruca would be in her corner but apparently not.

Santino Marella and Ava are in the back with Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater. They want a tag match at Halloween Havoc but Stacks and Arianna Grace (Where the heck have they been?) come in. Stacks gets an X-Division Title shot. We hear a commotion and Trick Williams has attacked Ricky Saints. Apparently that counts as “his time”.

Blake Monroe vs. Zaria

Zaria backs her into and then throws her out of the corner to start. Another toss out of the corner has Monroe in trouble but she manages a facebuster. Zaria’s leg gets tied up in the ropes but she’s able to get in a lifting choke. Monroe knocks her outside and we take a quick break.

We come back with Zaria fighting out of a chinlock but getting kneed right back down. The chinlock goes on again so Zaria jawbreaks her way to freedom. A shot to the face just wakes Zaria up but Monroe headbutts her away. It’s time for a chair but here is Sol Ruca to take it away. The distraction lets Monroe hit Zaria in the neck with a hair pick, setting up a DDT for the pin at 9:47.

Rating: C. The issues between Zaria and Ruca are going to continue and that’s not likely going to end well for either of them. Zaria could use the change of pace as her time around here hasn’t exactly been thrilling thus far. If nothing else, it’s nice to see Monroe getting a win as she hasn’t had much going on lately either.

Ava announces a Men’s Speed Title #1 contenders tournament. Who is asking for these things to continue?

Hank & Tank vs. Chase U vs. Culling

Tank, Vance and Connors trade rollups for two each to start. Spears comes in with a Codebreaker to Tank, sending him over for the tag off to Hank. Tank is right back in with a middle rope elbow to Spears but Chase U is right there with stereo dives to the floor. Back in and Vance takes over on Connors but Hank & Tank send Vance outside. Everyone but Connors collides in the ring…and OTM is here to jump them all for the no contest at 3:34.

Rating: C+. As usual, the action was certainly there, but you’re only going to get so much out of such a short match. The ending adds another team to the mix, which is a good sign as the tag division only has so much quality. There are multiple teams, but most of them are basically warm bodies, which isn’t a great sign for the division’s future.

Post match OTM wrecks everyone, with the fans approving.

Sol Ruca and Zaria make peace, with Ruca giving Zaria her spot in the battle royal.

Ricky Saints goes looking for Trick Williams but Ava says Williams is gone. They’ll see each other next week at the Halloween Havoc contract signing.

Halloween Havoc rundown.

Darkstate has attacked the Hardys.

Battle Royal

Jordynne Grace, Lash Legend, Lei Ying Lee, Xia Brookside, Victoria Crawford, Jaida Parker, Kendal Grey, Tatum Paxley, Wren Sinclair, Karmen Petrovic, Zaria, Mara Sade, Kelani Jordan, Cassie Lee, Jessie McKay, Arianna Grace, Kali Armstrong, Izzi Dame, Heather By Elegance, Thea Hail, Lola Vice

For the Halloween Havoc Women’s Title shot. Paxley is sent to the apron to start but manages to save herself. Petrovic is out and Paxley saves herself again, as does Arianna. Crawford and Arianna team up on the apron and are promptly knocked out by Jordynne. Armstrong gets rid of Lee as the ring is starting to clear out a bit. Sinclair is eliminated and McKay has to save Lee, who is tossed out immediately thereafter.

Legend and Sade (former partners) have a reunion with Legend saving her, only for Zaria to deck Legend, who crashes into Sade for the elimination. Armstrong knocks Brookside out and Legend boots Parker in the face to get rid of her as well. That doesn’t work for Parker, who beats up Brookside as everyone gets together to toss Legend.

We take a break and come back with Hail (who eliminated Heather during the break) being eliminated, along with Armstrong. Cue Blake Monroe to jump Sol Ruca (at ringside, not an entrant), which is enough for Zaria to eliminate herself for the save. Vice is tossed in a bit of a surprise and Grey gets rid of McKay. Jordan tries a sunset bomb to the floor to get rid of Jordynne…and then walks on her hands (Vic: “Kofi Kingston-esque!”) towards the apron. She gets her feet in the ropes and starts to pull herself up, where Jordynne casually stomps her down for the elimination (that was oddly hilarious).

We’re down to Grey, Dame, Jordynne and Paxley, with Jordynne and Grey skinning the cat to avoid eliminations. Jordynne plants everyone but doesn’t get any eliminations, leaving Grey to grab a diving tornado DDT onto Dame. Paxley is sent to the apron again and Dame gets rid of Grey to get us down to three. Paxley holds Jordynne for a running clothesline from Dame, which causes the two of them to crash out to the floor, leaving Paxley as the surprise winner at 15:28.

Rating: B-. I liked this more than I was expecting, if nothing else due to the twist ending. That’s something that works in a battle royal (just like we saw earlier in the year with Myles Borne) as Paxley basically won by accident. It makes things a bit more interesting and lets us have a fresh title match, which is always welcome.

Fatal Influence comes out for the staredown and Lyra Valkyria is here to celebrate with Paxley to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. This show was kind of all over the place, with none of the matches standing out and all kinds of stuff happening throughout. In this case though, it wasn’t exactly a great show with a bunch of stuff dragging along. Halloween Havoc was set up fairly well, but I could have gone with a better way of getting there.

Results
Josh Briggs b. Matt Cardona – Big boot
El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. b. Lexis King – Michinoku Driver
Blake Monroe b. Zaria – DDT
Hank & Tank vs. Chase U vs. Culling went to a no content when OTM interfered
Tatum Paxley won a battle royal last eliminating Izzy Dame and Jordynne Grace

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: October 7, 2025
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

THEY’RE HERE! Granted they’ve been here for the last few months, but tonight is the big showdown between NXT and TNA. We have four matches between the two of them, including a pair of Survivor Series matches, a regular title match and a winner take all Tag Team Title match. I’d call that a loaded show so let’s get to it.

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

The opening video looks at the origins of both NXT and TNA while talking about how this seemed impossible for years. Then TNA showed up here and the fight was on, with tonight’s show being set up.

TNA Tag Team Titles/NXT Tag Team Titles: Hardys vs. Darkstate

Title for title and yeah the fans still know the Hardys and the Dudley Boyz are in the crowd. All four members of Darkstate run in for the brawl though and are quickly dispatched by the Hardys but they’re right back up. Shugars and James are sent to the back though and it’s Lennox getting taken down with the Spin Cycle for an early two. A Poetry In Motion clothesline hits Lennox but Griffin gets in a cheap shot.

Darkstate can’t get a double clothesline right and Griffin manages to miss a legdrop despite Jeff not moving. Booker: “Did he miss that?” Jeff dodges another one (at least on purpose this time) and knocks Griffin down, allowing Matt to come back in. A few rooms of the house are cleaned but Lennox knocks him down again as we take a break.

We come back with Lennox hammering on Jeff and throwing in a jumping splash. Griffin chokes on the rope but Jeff fights up and hits a better Whisper In The Wind to take them both down. The tag brings Matt back in to clean house and a Plot Twist gets two. Everything breaks down and Matt slips out of a Doomsday Device, setting up the Twist of Fate to Lennox. The Swanton gives Jeff the pin and the titles 10:48.

Rating: C. There were some rough spots in there but the Hardys getting to add yet another title to their incredible resume is hardly a stretch. They likely won’t hold them that long and (probably) get to be double champions heading into Bound For Flory. Darkstate will likely get a rematch and maybe even get the belts back. For now though, this is a nice result as TNA needed to win something for a change.

Team NXT vs. Team TNA

NXT: Jacy Jayne, Lola Vice, Jaida Parker, Sol Ruca
TNA: Kelani Jordan, Cassie Lee, Jessie McKay, Mara Sade

Survivor Series rules and Jordynne Grace is guest referee. Jayne knocks Kelani down to start so it’s off to Vice, who gets taken down by the IInspiration. Sade comes in and has to be saved from a double suplex. Everyone comes in and they have the big staredown into the big brawl. They head outside and Ruca hits a dive, followed by another one from Kelani as we take a break.

We come back with Sade dropping a knee and it’s back to Jayne for a middle rope flipping splash. Parker drives McKay into the corner and stacks Lee on top of her for the hip attack. Sade breaks it up and totally overshoots a moonsault, with her hands grazing Parker. A Falcon Arrow gives Parker two as Kelani breaks it up with a top rope splash. Everything breaks down again and we get the parade of knockdowns until Sade drops Parker for the pin at 12:50. Ruca is up with Sol Snatcher gets rid of Sade at 13:02 and we take another break.

We come back again with Vice cleaning house with the kicks, plus the running hip attacks. Lee and Vice trade missed kicks to the head until Vice hits the spinning backfist for the pin at 17:00. A triangle choke makes McKay tap at 17:10 with Kelani not being able to make the save. We’re down to Kelani vs. Jayne/Ruca/Vice but the Lee and McKay pull Ruca and Vice down. Kelani hits One Of A Kid for a rather delayed two on Jayne, leaving Kelani to argue.

Jayne’s rollup gets two more and she hits a nasty kick from the apron to Kelani on the floor. Jayne seems to have hurt her foot as Vice tags herself back in, so Kelani shoves them together. An Angle Slam gives Kelani the pin on Vice (with the ring announcer being confused about it being an elimination rather than the final pin) at 20:18. Ruca comes in and gets planted down, allowing Kelani to go up top, where Ruca kicks her in the head. A super Spanish Fly plants Ruca but a 450 hits raised knees. The Sol Snatcher kind of connects but Jayne tags herself in to get the final pin on Kelani at 23:09.

Rating: B-. I’m not sure if the TNA stars are nervous or what but it’s been a pretty sloppy night. At the same time, it’s not a good sign when the final four women in the match are all from NXT, as it doesn’t quite make the TNA women look good. Grace wasn’t much of a factor but she’ll probably be going after Jayne soon enough. Either way, nice long match here, with the ending being a logical way to go.

Matt Cardona comes in to see Ava and doesn’t mind that he made Josh Briggs mad. Briggs comes in, doesn’t see Cardona, and gets a match with him next week. Briggs leaves and Cardona says he loves this place.

North American Title: Mustafa Ali vs. Ethan Page

Page is defending. They fight over wrist control to start and Ali spins him around into a backslide for two. The rolling neckbreaker into a standing moonsault gives Ali two so Page bails out to the floor. The chase is on and Page gets in a cheap shot as we take a break. We come back with Ali hitting a sunset bomb, which seems to shock him more than anyone else. Page crotches him on top and one heck of a pump kick gives Page two, with Ali bridging out to leave Page stunned.

Ali’s tornado DDT gets two and he goes up top, only to miss the 450. A hurricanrana and superkick have Page in trouble and the Twisted Grin is countered into a rollup for two. Page is sent outside for a VERY hard suicide dive, sending both of them over the announcers’ table. Ali goes up again but gets his foot caught in a microphone cord, allowing Page to shove him down to the floor. That’s enough to set up the Twisted Grin to retain the title at 14:02.

Rating: B+. This was a heck of a match as Ali knows how to leave it all in the ring when he’s given the chance. I’m glad that they let him be the good guy version of himself as it works so much better in the ring. I didn’t think the title would change hands, but at least the loss came after an awesome performance from both.

El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. wants Ethan page but Lexis King interrupts and says there is NO doctor named Wagner anywhere in Mexico. King thinks it’s Tavion Heights under the mask and Heights pops up behind him.

The NXT women’s team is technically happy with their win but Zaria comes in to still not be happy. Ruca apologizes for Zaria not being on the team and says they’ll be Women’s Tag Team Champions. Blake Monroe comes in and says Zaria will never be champion if Ruca holds her back. Monroe suggests she’s coming for the Women’s North American Title.

Team NXT vs. Team TNA

TNA: Mike Santana, Frankie Kazarian, Moose, Leon Slater
NXT: Ricky Saints, Trick Williams, Myles Borne, Je’Von Evans

Survivor Series rules again and Joe Hendry is guest referee. Kazarian and Williams start things off with Williams slugging away and hitting a big dropkick. Borne comes in for a neckbreaker and everything breaks down with Borne hitting a big flip dive to the floor. Back in and Borne hits a flipping neckbreaker but walks into a slingshot cutter to give Kazarian the elimination at 2:21.

We take a break and come back with Kazarian working over Evans and getting mad at Hendry’s count. Slater comes in and gets beaten up by Williams, who throws his jersey away before chopping Slater in the corner. That’s broken up and Santana comes in for the Bound For Glory preview…but Williams tags Evans in instead. Evans is up with the flip dive but Moose pulls him out of the air. A hurricanrana sends Moose flying but Slater rolls Evans up for the pin at 11:21.

It’s 4-2 and we take another break, coming back with Williams fighting back against Moose. Williams won’t tag so Saints has to do it for him to kick Moose in the head. Slater comes in with a Blue Thunder Bomb and Saints goes for the tag…but Williams drops to the floor and walks out. That leaves Saints alone, but he reverses Kazarian’s crossface chickenwing into a rollup for the pin at 17:50.

Slater’s frog splash gets two on Saints and he hits a running dropkick in the corner. The Swanton 450 (as cool as it sounds) hits raised knees though and Saints pins Slater at 19:03. Moose comes in to take over and hit a backsplash but Saints fights back again. It’s back to Santana to kick away at Saints, followed by a belly to back faceplant for two. Everything breaks down and Moose spears Santana by mistake for a rather near fall. Spin The Block misses and Moose gives Saints a powerbomb. Spin The Block finishes Saints at 22:49.

Rating: B. Well the ending was a bit surprising, but TNA had to win here after losing the women’s match. I was worried about Saints pinning another TNA star after he pinned a pair of champions in less than two minutes but Santana kicking out was the right way to go. Williams leaving Bad News Brown style is perfectly fitting for him and Saints went down fighting before losing to TNA, so it all made sense.

Ava and Santino Marella are in the back and Ava invites some Knockouts to be in next week’s battle royal for the #1 contendership to the NXT Women’s Title. Marella accepts to end the show.

Overall Rating: B. The show felt big, though I was waiting for some huge moment to end the show and it just never happened. This isn’t the ending to the story and it makes enough sense as it keeps a lot of fresh talent coming into NXT. I liked the show well enough and it lived up to the hype, with Bound For Glory getting enough of a boost as well. Good show, though it could have been better with some kind of a big angle or moment.

Results
Hardys b. Darkstate – Swanton to Lennox
Team NXT b. Team TNA last eliminating Kelani Jordan
Ethan Page b. Mustafa Ali – Twisted Grin
Team TNA b. Team NXT last eliminating Ricky Saints

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