WWE NXT took placed from the Capitol Wrestling Center in Orlando, Florida. Vic Jospeh and Booker T welcomed us to the show.
Tiffany Stratton vs. Fallon Henley: The camera flashes for Tiffany’s entrance looks awesome and is a great way to showcase her as a star. Tiffany and Henley began jawing at each other as the match began. Henley took control early catching Tiffany with a basement dropkick. Tiffany went for a baseball slide but Tiffany caught her in the ring apron. Henley responded catching Tiffany with a running uppercut. Tiffany responded shoving Henley to the floor as she went to climb the ropes. Tiffany took control connecting with a running hip attack for a two count. Tiffany went for a powerbomb but Henley countered into a hurricanrana. Tiffany responded catching Henley with a spinebuster coming off the ropes for a two count. Henley and Tiffany exchanged pinning combination. Henley caught Tiffany with a sunset flip for the flash win.
WINNER: Fallon Henley
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a good match as both Henley and Tiffany worked well together. Tiffany looked great as she had a strong showing. This was easily Henley’s biggest win after defeating a Tiffany a former NXT Women’s Champion. Hopefully this win for Henley leads her to something bigger on NXT TV. It seems like the program might still be continuing after the flash finish.
Tiffany attacked Henley after the match. Tiffany launched Henley into the barricade. Tiffany dragged Henley backstage. Tiffany rubbed a mop over Henley’s face. Tiffany dumped garbage onto Henley.
Amin’s Thoughts: They gave Tiffany her heat back with a strong post-match angle. The program between Henley and Tiffany looks to be continuing on setting up a stipulation match.
Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams were backstage. Trick congratulated Hayes for winning his match on SmackDown. Hayes apologized to Trick for what happened on NXT last week. Trick told Hayes to not worry about it. Trick asked Hayes if he actually saw who attacked him? Hayes said he didn’t see who attacked him but noted Ilja Dragunov was the one person who hit him that hard. Hayes suggested the NXT Championship match being a Triple Threat at New Year’s Evil. Trick wondered why that would happened. Hayes noted Dragunov wouldn’t win and Trick-Melo would take home the NXT Championship. Trick noted Hayes didn’t know who attacked him. Trick spoke about winning the Iron Survivor Challenge and earning a shot at the NXT Championship. Hayes said it was just an idea. Trick spoke about Hayes winning the titles on his own. Trick wanted Hayes to win his title on his own. Trick told Hayes they wanted to do it the right way. Trick wanted Hayes by his side. Hayes agreed.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a nice followup to last week’s closing angle. Hayes was great here trying to get his way into the NXT Championship match. Trick was also great giving reason to why he wants to keep the NXT Championship a single’s match.
Ilja Dragunov & Ridge Holland Segment
NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov came out next to a great reaction. Dragunov noted he didn’t know how he got caught up in the Trick-Melo saga. Dragunov said he felt like the third wheel in this bromance. Trick spoke about moving to America and winning the NXT Championship. He spoke about showing everyone who Dragunov really is. He spoke about putting his body on the line because the NXT Championship deserves it. Dragunov was about to address Trick Williams.
Ridge Holland made his way ringside. Holland spoke about wanting to figure out where he’s going. Holland noted he needs to rewrite his story. Holland noted he’s back in NXT. Dragunov welcomed Holland back in NXT. Holland noted the fingers having been point in every direction in the Trick-Melo saga. Holland noted he’s been thought a serious of unfortunate events. He spoke about going one step forward but somehow when 10 steps back. He spoke about accident after injury. Holland noted he’s here to redeem himself. Holland noted Dragunov can help him prove he belongs in the main event. Holland noted the NXT Title makes Dragunov the measuring stick.
Dragunov wondered if Holland was asking him for an NXT Championship match? Holland noted he has to much respect for this place to ask for a title match. Holland noted he’s here to prove himself. Holland noted he’s ready to run through everyone before facing Dragunov. He said this was the first chapter in the redemption of Ridge Holland. Dragunov noted he’s tired of people questioning him. Dragunov noted Holland wants a chance of redemption. Dragunov noted Holland doesn’t have to wait. Dragunov accepted Holland’s match. They shook hands. Dragunov and Holland had an intense stare down.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a pretty interesting segment. Holland has been making some appearances on NXT as part of the Brawling Brutes. Last time we saw Holland he was teasing a heel turn after not helping his partner Butch on SmackDown. I was kinda surprised they went in the direction of Holland alluding to unfortunate accidental injuries with Big E and Elton Prince. Holland came of here as a sympathetic babyface wanting to tell a comeback strong. Overall, I thought this was good to set up a match between Dragunov and Holland.
Lexis King was walking backstage. King said he’s already a breakout star. King said this was his first step towards being champion.
NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov was walking backstage. Trick Williams appeared and wondered why Dragunov accepted Holland’s match? Dragunov said he’s the champion. Dragunov noted Trick’s the challenger. Dragunov said the champion dictates what the challenger does. Trick said Dragunov is champion until New Year’s Evil. Dragunov said we’ll see about that. Dragunov left.
Lexis King vs. Dion Lennox – NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament Round One Match: The crowd booed as King came out seated on his throne. King took control rocking Lennox with a running clothesline. King rocked Lennox with a sliding lariat. Lennox caught King with a rollup for a two count. Lennox fired up rocking King with a Stinger Splash. Lennox connected with a northern lights suplex for a two count. King rolled out of the ring. King grabbed the NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament contract and tried to leave. Lennox chased King back to the ring. King responded running Lennox into the ring post. King connected with the Coronation for the win.
WINNER: Lexis King
Amin’s Thoughts: This was short but a fine match. A good showing from King who looked strong in the win. King being part of the Men’s Breakout Tournament is a good way to get him back on the winning track and also having him work with talent who haven’t had many matches on NXT TV.
Trey Bearhill came out after the match with chair in hand. King left the ring. Bearhill raised Lennox hand.
Amin’s Thoughts: I thought King would’ve been an easy favourite to make the finals once he was placed into the tournament. I could see Bearhill getting involved and costing King his semi-finals match against Riley Osbourne who’s someone they are also looking to push as well.
They aired an Eddy Thorpe vignette. Thorpe spoke about being in a fight of his life against Dijak, Thorpe brought up how Dijak took him out of action. Throw noted he took the Iron Survivor Challenger away from Dijak Thorpe challenged Dijak to an NXT Underground match.
Amin’s Thoughts: The last NXT Underground match between Damon Kemp and Thorpe was great. Dijak and Thorpe are both talented as they could also have a great NXT Underground match.
Jacy Jayne & Thea Hail vs. Kiana James & Izzi Dame: James and Dame came out to loud boos from the crowd. Riley Osbourne was leading the charge in the Chase U section. Jayne rocked Dame with chops. Jayne caught Dame with a rollup for a near fall. Dame stopped Jayne catching her with a clothesline. James rocked Jayne with a running boot for a two count. Dame connected with a flapjack for a two count. Dame and Jayne connected with a double clothesline for a double down. Jayne got Hail the hot tag. Hail ran wild sending James flying wet an Exploder Suplex. Hail connected with a springboard senton to Jayne. Hail kept getting distracted looking at the Chase U section. Dame tagged herself into the match. Hail placed Jayne in a Kimura Hold. Dame rocked Hail with a running boot for the win.
WINNERS: Kiana James & Izzi Dame
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a fine tag team match. I’m really liking the paring of Jayne and Hail as they make for a fun team. Hail was star of this match as her babyface comeback was fun to match. The story they are telling is Hail has a crush on Osbourne which distracted her from winning the match. Dame and James had to win if you want to establish them a team.. It was good to see James who has the more experience work most of the match for her team. Dame looked fine and it was nice to her get the win for her team.
Ariana Grace was in the NXT Women’s locker room. Grace mocked Hail for losing her match. Roxanne Perez appeared noting she’s not done with Kiana James and Izzi Dame. Grace told Roxxane it’s not about wins and losses. Grace told Roxanne it’s about how you play the game. Roxanne told Grace it’s about wins and loses Roxanne slapped Grace across her face. Roxanne left. Grace threw a fit about Roxanne messing up her face.
Andre Chase and Duke Hudson were playing a game of Dice with Out The Mud. Chase was celebrating for doing well in the game of Dice.. Duke told Chase he should get out while he’s doing well.. Bronco Nina & Lucien Price tried to stir up the pot saying Chase could make his own decisions. Chase agreed. Scrypts suggest Chase should quit the game after winning so much money. Chase had a proposition. Chase challenged OTM to a tag team match. Chase said if they win they double the money. Chase said if they lose he will leave what he came into the game with. Scrypts wanted to raise the stakes. Scrypts said if Nima and Price win they will get a NXT Tag Team Title match. Duke noted Tony D’Angelo and Stacks won’t agree to those terms. Tony’s associate appeared.. She called Tony and noted the deal was made.
Drew Gulak, Charlie Dempsey, Damon Kemp & Myles Bourne were inside the ring. The group is going by the name No Quarter Catch Crew. NXT North American Champion Dragon Lee came out to a great reaction. Dragon Lee asked who will accept his open challenge? Gullus came out. Joe Coffee wanted part of the match as well. Dempsey accepted the match on behalf of No Quarter Catch Crew. North American Title match is now a Triple Threat Match.
Dragon Lee [c] vs. Joe Coffee (w/Gallus) vs. Charlie Dempsey – Triple Threat North American Championship Match: Dragon Lee caught Dempsey with a slingshot hurricanrana. Coffee appeared planting Dempsey with a backbreaker. Mark Coffee and Wolfgang held onto Dragon Lee’s leg. The referee sent Gallus to the back. Dragon Lee caught Coffee with a snap German Suplex. Dempsey appeared catching Dragon Lee with a gut-wrench suplex. There was a Tower of Doom spot as they returned from break. The crowd chanted NXT. Coffee launched Dragon Lee who caught Dempsey with a hurricanrana. Dragon Lee rocked both Coffee and Dempsey with corner dropkicks for a pair of two counts.Dragon Lee went for a dive. Coffee and Desmpey caught Dragon with a double northern lights suplex. Coffee went for a springboard but Dempsey rocked him with a forearm smash. There was a crazy spot as Dempsey, Coffee and Dragon Lee delivered a German Suplex/Overhead suplex combo. Coffee rocked Dragon Lee with a popup punch. Coffee delivered a Glasgow Sendoff launching Dragon Lee into Dempsey for a two count. Dragon Lee caught Coffee with a flying double stomp. Dragon Lee delivered a tope to Dempsey on the floor. Dragon Lee rocked Coffee with a running knee strike for a two count. Coffee connected with a plancha to Dragon Lee and Dempsey on the floor. Joe Gacy was shown smiling underneath the ring. Gacy grabbed Coffee underneath the ring. Dempey caught Dragon Lee charging with a bridging fallaway slam for a two count. Dempsey went for a Dragon suplex but Dragon Lee escaped. Dragon Lee caught Dempsey with Destino for the win to retain the title.
WINNER: Dragon Lee retained the NXT North American Title
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a really good action packed match with everyone getting a chance to shine. I really have no idea what going on with Gacy’s new on-screen character. It’s getting stranger and stranger every week. Really glad to see Dragon Lee is continuing to have open challengers which makes for having fun matches on the show.
Joe Gacy ran to the back after the match. No Quarter Catch Crew attacked Dragon Lee. The crowd cheered as Cruz Del Toro and Joaquin Wilde ran down to make the save for Dragon Lee.
Amin’s Thoughts:This is a good way to get Toro and Wilde back into the mix by pairing them with Dragon Lee who’s a rising star. This should set up a six-man tag team match with No Quarter Catch Crew.
Carmelo Hayes was backstage with Trick Williams. Trick was ranting after Dragunov accepted the match with Holland. Trick noted if Holland wins the NXT Championship match could become a Triple Threat. Hayes noted he should’ve thought about that idea. Hayes told Trick he should listen to him. Trick noted Dragunov will take care of Holland. Trick noted Dragunov has been untouchable since winning the NXT Championship. Trick noted he’s the one to stop Dragunov. Trick noted that’s something nobody else was able to do. Hayes facial expression changed. Trick asked Hayes if he understood what he said? Hayes said he does. Trick was glad and left.
Amin’s Thoughts: The way Hayes expression changed once Trick mentioning how Dragunov but went back to supporting his friend was really well done. They are doing such a great job building up the eventual Hayes and Trick match.
Cora Jade entered the NXT Women’s locker room and was glad to be back. Jade called herself the saviour of the division. Jade spoke about pinning the NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria last week. Jade took back her locker. Jade dropped someone’s stuff and left. Karmen Petrovic appeared and asked if Jade just dropped her stuff. Gigi Dolan told Petrovic there’s only one way to deal with Jade.
Luca Crusifino vs. Tavion Heights – NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament Round One Match: Heights received a nice reaction from the crowd. Heights shined early planting Crusifino with a reverse suplex slam for a two count. Crusifino responded stomping on Height’s foot. Crusifino connected with a jumping neck breaker for a near fall. Heights responded catching Crusifno with a hip toss. Height s made a comeback sending Crusifino flying with a German suplex. Heights caught Crusifno with a twisting belly-to-belly suplex for the win.
WINNER: Tavion Heights
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a fine match. It’s really hard to judge match mostly because I haven’t seen much of either Crusifino or Heights work on NXT Level Up. I thought Heights had a fine showing as he looks like someone who has potential to become a breakout star.
They aired a highlight package hyping the NXT Women’s Championship match between Lyra Valkryia vs. Blair Davenport for NXT New Years Evil. The package explained how Valkyria began wrestling in Ireland. Davenport wrestled in UK, Japan and her hometown in New Zealand. It showed how both Davenport and Valkyria were part of the NXT UK roster but never wrested each other. The video highlighted how Valkyria fought the right way while Davenport would do anything to make it on top.
NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria was watching a monitor backstage.. Nikkita Lyons appeared noting she didn’t have a problem with Tatum Paxley before last week. Lyons noted she will take care of Paxley in their match. Lyons noted Valkyria she just didn’t come back for Blair Davenport. Lyons noted she came back to win the NXT Women’s Championship.
Kelly Kincaid interviewed Meta-Four backstage. Dar had some jingle bells in his Heritage Cup. Dar said he will defend his NXT Heritage Cup against Briggs.
Nikkita Lyons vs. Tatum Paxley: The crowd chanted for Lyons. Paxley tried to crawl her way towards Lyons. Lyons stopped Paxley by down the leg splits. Lyons rocked Paxley with a sliding kick. The action moved to the floor. Paxley moved as Lyons chopped the ring steps. Paxley took control swinging Lyons hand into the ring steps. Vic Jospeh asked Booker T how Valkyria should handle Paxley? Joseph brought up how the Boogey Man used to stalk Booker T. Booker T told Joseph to not talk about that. Paxley rolled up Valkyria with a reverse rollup for a near fall. Lyons made a comeback rocking Paxley with a series of mid kicks. Lyons went for a German suplex but instead just tossed Paxley which looked sloppy. Lyons rocked Paxley with a spin kick. Lyons delivered her splits splash cover for the win.
WINNER: Nikkita Lyons
Amin’s Thoughts: A fine match. This match was all about giving Lyons a showcase win to get her back into the NXT Women’s Title mix. Lyons had a strong showing and her striking looks great. Really good to see Lyons back in action.
Hank & Tank were getting hyped up backstage.
Brooks Jensen and Josh Briggs were backstage with Fallon Henley. Henley noted she’s pissed off. Henley noted Tiffany had everything handed to her. Henley noted she’s not done with Tiffany and stormed off. Jensen hyped up Briggs for his Heritage Cup Championship match. Briggs said he’s focused and wanted to close 2023 by winning the Heritage Cup. Jensen noted Meta-Four will be ringside for Dar. Jensen noted he and Henley will be ringside for Briggs. Briggs noted he appreciated Jensen’s held. Briggs noted he wanted to do this alone. Briggs noted he can’t explain him and noted Jensen might not understand. Briggs noted he wanted to do the match alone. Jensen agreed.
Gallus (Mark Coffee & Wolfgang) (w/Joe Coffee) vs. Hank Walker & Tank Ledger: Gallus came out to boos from the crowd. Hank took control rocking Wolfgang with a shoulder tackle. Hank connected with a back senton for a near fall. Tank rocked Coffee with a corner splash. Hank and Tank clotheslined Wolfgang to the match. Wolfgang grabbed hold onto Hank’s leg. Wolfgang took control running Hank into the ring post. Hank battled back launching Coffee with a pounce. Tank tagged himself into the match. The referee stopped Tank from entering the match because he didn’t hold onto the tag rope while making the tag. Coffee rocked Hank with a leg lariat for the win.
WINNERS: Mark Coffee & Wolfgang
Amin’s Thoughts: This was another fine match on the show. I gotta say the finish was different with Tank not grabbing onto the tag rope which costed his team the match. I like the pairing of Hank and Tank as they are fun to watch. I would like to see them get some wins. This was a fine win for Gallus. I would rather see Gallus get a run on the main roster. Right now, they just feel like another team on the show.
Joe Gacy was shown watching Gallus from the Chase U student section.
They aired a Dijak vignette. Dijak spoke about whipping Eddy Thorpe with a strap in front of his family. Dijak spoke about Thorpe cutting him last week. Dijak asked Thorpe what happened next? Dijak claimed NXT Underground would be Thorpe’s last match.
Tiffany Stratton spoke about putting Fallon Henley in her place. Tiffany noted a person like her wouldn’t step foot in Henley’s trashy bar. Tiffany said Henley would never be her. Tiffany challenged Henley to a match at New Year’s Evil. Tiffany noted when she wins Henley would be her servant.
NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov vs. Ridge Holland – Non-Title Match: Dragunov and Holland began exchanging shoulder tackles. Dragunov took control rocking Holland with a rebound lariat. Dragunov rocked Holland with huge chops in the corner. Holland responded rocking Dragunov with a head butt. Holland went for a Brogue Kick but Dragunov blocked. Dragunov went for a powerbomb. Holland responded hitting a spinebuster. Dragunov responded catching Holland with a pair of German suplex. The crowd chanted NXT as they retuned from break. Holland battled back rocking Dragunov with a corner lariat. Holland planted Dragunov with a T-Bone suplex. Dragunov went for a rebound lariat. Holland responded catching Dragunov with a knee strikes. Holland teased 10 Beats of the Beldrum but hesitated. Dragunov caught Holland with a DDT. The crowd chanted NXT. Dragunov went for a powerbomb but Holland blocked. Dragunov caught Holland with a rollup for a two count. Dragunov connected with a H-Bomb. Dragunov connected with an enzuigiri. Holland responded with a pump kick for a two count. Holland went for a stalling suplex but Dragunov blocked. Holland responded hitting a Cradle DDT. Holland went for a cover but the referee stopped him. The referee signalled to the back. The match ended.
WINNER: No Contest
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a good match as both Dragunov and Holland were working great together. They just ended the match with an injury angle.. I’m hoping this is just a storyline and Dragunov isn’t actually hurt. I didn’t like the finish at all. Big E who’s one of WWE most popular superstars is still out of action after suffering a really scary neck injury on SmackDown back in March 2022. Holland has already been through a lot after accidentally injuring Big E and Prince. I’m putting all the blame on the NXT creative team for turning this into a storyline.
Holland was shown in the corner looking down hoping he just didn’t injure another person. The announcers went silent. The crowd went silent looking concerned. Dragunov was selling his neck. The camera showed more shots of Holland looking upset. Holland look upset after the match. Trainers came out and stretched Dragunov to the board. Dragunov was placed on a stretcher. They stretched Dragunov away. The show ended.
Amin’s Thoughts: There are reports that the Dragunov injury is just a storyline injury. I don’t think Holland should get any blame for being part of this storyline. The NXT creative team should be the one to take all the blame for doing this angle.
Overall Thoughts
I liked last week’s show closing angle adding another interesting twist to the Hayes and Trick storyline with Dragunov’s involvement. I really didn’t like the show closing angle on this week’s show. I thought there was some good stuff on the show. I really liked the NXT North American Title match. There was also some build towards the New Years Evil show. Overall, this was a fine episode of NXT. They will likely get people talking about the closing angle. There’s always a chance to turn a bad angle into something good. Right now, this is just another bad wrestling angle.
