WWE NXT
November 14, 2023 | Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
The show opened with a “Breaking News” report about Chase University being under investigation. Chase U was shown arriving to the WWE Performance Center. Andre Chase told reporters they are fully cooperating but noted they have a tag team title match to win.
NXT Tag Team Championship Match: Chase U (Andre Chase & Duke Hudson) [c] (w/Thea Hail & Jacy Jayne) vs. The Family (Tony D’Angelo & Stacks)
Chase U students were shown in the crowd reading the papers about the University under investigation Chase caught Stacks with a rollup for a near fall. The Family took control as D’Angelo ran Chase into their corner. D’Angelo launched Stacks onto Chase and Hudson on the floor. Stacks delivered a flying elbow to Duke on the floor for a two count. Hudson got Chase the hot tag. Chase ran wild planting D’Angelo with a swinging neck breaker. Chase launched Stacks onto D’Angelo. Chase connected with a flying crossbody to Stacks for a two count. Stacks responded rocking Chase with a Superkick. D’Angelo and Stacks delivered a Flying Uppercut/German Suplex combo to Chase for a two count.
The Family called for the finish but Hudson made the save. D’Angelo tagged into the match. Hudson sent Starks flying with a Slingshot German Suplex. D’Angelo launched Hudson into the ring steps. D’Angelo delivered a Superplex to Chase. Stacks followed with a Super Splash but Hudson made the save. Chase battled back sending Stacks out of the ring. Chase called for the Chase U Stomp. Chase got distracted seeing his students leaving the stands. D’Angelo caught Chase with a Spinebuster. D’Angelo and Stacks delivered Bada Bing Bada Boom to Chase for the win.
WINNER: Tony D’Angelo & Stacks won the NXT Tag Team Titles
Amin’s Thoughts: I had mixed thoughts about this match. The match itself was solid as both teams worked a good tag team match. Tony and Stacks winning didn’t bother me as much because Chase U weren’t going to hold the titles for long. Chase U are one of the most popular acts on NXT. This ongoing mystery storyline leading to the crowd booing and walking out on Chase U during the match didn’t click with me. We shall see how this story plays out. Right now it’s off to a very shaky start.
WWE Hall of Famer Lita announced the next two matches Roxanne Perez/Lash Legend and Trick Williams/Joe Coffee for the Men’s and Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge qualifying matches.
Baron Corbin approached NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio backstage. Corbin spoke about Judgment Day taking care of business. Dominik spoke about Corbin getting his own gold. Corbin spoke about taking care of Dominik’s opponent Wes Lee. Dominik spoke about Lee not going away. Corbin noted he will make Lee go away after he beats him. Dominik offered to help. Corbin appreciated the help but mentioned he got this.
Time for another Supernova Sessions. Noam Dar spoke about tonight being a special night with Lash Legend qualifying for the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge. Dar brought out their Supernova Session guest Alpha Academy. Dar spoke about Alpha Academy achievements and noted they are beloved by the WWE Universe. Chad Gable did his Thank You chant. Gable spoke about the Heritage Cup being beautiful. Gable noted Dar was lucky to beat Akira Tozawa last week. Dar noted Tozawa came close but not close enough.
Tozawa noted he would’ve won without Meta Four getting involved. Legend spoke about keeping the Heritage Cup on lock like how’s she’s qualifying for the Iron Survivor Challenge. Otis tells Legend she can say anything she wants to him. Ora Mensah tells Tozawa to stick to his TikTok dance. Maxxine Dupri stands up for Tozawa as both sides began arguing. Gables tells everyone to Shoosh. Gable spoke about Dar being a 3x Heritage Cup Champion. Dar says nobody could beat him for the cup.
Gable spoke about Dar finding his next challenge. Dar laughed at the thought Otis would challenge him. Dar accepted the challenge and wanted to her some qualifications. The crowd cheered as Otis began jiggling his hips. Dupri brought up the challenge is an Olympian, former NXT Tag Team Champion and former Raw & Smackdown Tag Team Champion. Gable says the challenger is himself. Dar goes for a cheap shot. Gable rocks Dar with a head butt.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was mostly just a wacky comedy segment between the two groups. I did like the twist how they teased Otis but led to Gable challenging for the NXT Heritage Cup.
Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifying Match: Roxanne Perez vs. Lash Legend (w/Meta-Four)
Roxy shined early catching Legend with a Crucifix for a two count. Roxy rocked Legend with a dropkick. Noam Dar caused a distraction. Jakara Jackson yanked Roxy to the mat. The referee sent Meta Four to the back. Legend took advantage rocking Roxy with a Pump Kick. Legend connected with an elbow drop for a two count. Legend caught Roxy in a Torture Rack. Roxy countered into Guillotine Hold. Legend broke free running Roxy into the turnbuckle.
Roxy moved as Legend charged into the ring post. Roxy made a comeback hitting a tope to the floor. Roxy connected with a Wheelbarrow Face Buster for a two count. Legend stopped Roxy’s momentum catching her with a backbreaker. Legend went for a Handspring Moonsault but Roxy moved. Jackson returned and distracted the referee. Kiana James appeared and held onto Roxy’s hand. Legend rocked Roxy with a Pump Kick. Legend planted Roxy with a Popup Powerbomb for the win.
WINNER: Lash Legend
Amin’s Thoughts: This was pretty surprising to see Legend qualify for the Iron Survivor Challenge. Legend sounds great on the mic and had a great look. The in-ring wrestling is where Legend still needs the most work. Roxy did her best to make Legend look good. Roxy is one biggest stars on NXT and they went out of their way to protect her in the loss. Roxy already beat James in a stipulation match on the Halloween Havoc show. Not really liking seeing Roxy go back into a program with James. I could possibly see a scenario where they have a final qualifying match and that’s where Roxy gets her win over James and enters the Iron Survivor Challenge.
Hank & Tank, Briggs & Jensen, Blade & Enofe were inside the room speaking about wanting a shot at the NXT Tag Team Titles. Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo appeared as they talked a big game. NXT Tag Team Champions Tony D’Angelo and Stacks appeared to celebrate their win. Garza and Humberto confronted The Family. D’Angelo and Stacks made fun of Garza and Humberto for losing to The Creed Brothers. The Family left to celebrate their win. Blade & Enofe and Garza & Humberto were held back as they began arguing with each other.
Xia Li offered the NXT Women’s Championship Lyra Valkyria to a Tea Ceremony. Xia asked Valkyria to wear a garment for tradition. They bowed to each other. Valkyria spoke about never being invited to something like this before. Li mentioned this is how her ancestors honoured their rivals before combat. Li spoke about being noticed. Valkyria spoke about Li accomplished that. Li spoke about challenging Valkyria for the NXT Women’s Title next week.
Li wanted to be on even footing. Li spoke about it being time to choose the correct tea leaves. Li spoke about pouring water so the tea leaves transform. Li noted the tea must brew at the correct temperature for the right amount of time or the tea will be ruined. Valkyria spoke about the leaves being delicate. Li spoke about sometimes the tea breaking down and that’s what she does to Valkyria next week. Li asked Valkyria to consume the tea. Valkyria respectfully refused. Li mentioned Valkyria will regret it next week. Valkyria told Li next week the best woman will win. They bowed to each other showing respect.
Amin’s Thoughts: Glad to see Xia Li is getting more screen time on both Raw and NXT. This just felt like another whacky skit on the show. This really didn’t work getting me excited for the NXT Women’s Title match.
McKenzie Mitchell interviewed Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams backstage.
Kiana James gloated to the NXT Women’s locker room about costing Roxanne Perez her match. Gigi Dolan wasn’t pleased with James. Jaida Parker and others took exception with Dolan. Karmen Petrovic went to speak. Arianna Grace noted Petrovic can’t speak after what she did last week. Petrovic left. Dolan stood up to Grace which led to a match.
McKenzie Mitchell interviewed Bron Breakker backstage. Breakker told McKenzie he has no remorse to what he did to Von Vagner and Mr. Stone. Dijak appeared and spoke about qualifying for the Iron Survivor Challenge match. Dijak noted Vagner put Breakker through a table. Breakker spoke about Dijak not wanting him in the match. Dijak said he would welcome him because Breakker can’t break him. Breakker told Dijak to stay out of his way if he qualifies for the Iron Survivor Challenge. Breakker told Dijak he would be begging for Retribution. The crowd oohhhhed.
Men’s Iron Survivor Qualifying Match: Trick Williams (w/Carmelo Hayes) vs. Joe Coffee (w/Gallus)
Trick Williams came out to a great reaction. Huge chants of “Whoop That Trick” Williams shined early rocking rocked Coffee with a Popup Punch. Coffee rolled out of the ring. Williams went after Coffee. Gallus stood in Williams way. Williams attacked Mark Coffee and Wolfgang. Coffee took control planting Williams with a backbreaker. Coffee connected with a handstand splash for a near fall.
Williams battled back catching Coffee with a jumping neck breaker. They had a strike exchange. Coffee stopped Williams momentum catching him with a scoop slam for a near fall. Williams responded catching Coffee with a flying shoulder tackle. Williams made a comeback planting Coffee with an elevated flatliner. Williams delivered a Rock Bottom but Coffee kicked out at two.
Gallus stood the ring apron. Hayes grabbed Wolfgang’s leg. Trick went for a Discus Lariat but accidentally fell out of the ring. Hayes moved as Coffee caught Williams with a tope. Coffee sent Williams flying with the Glasgow Sendoff. Coffee connected with a German Suplex for a two count. Coffee called for Best of the Bells. Williams intercepted Coffee catching him with a Flash Knee Strike for the win.
WINNER: Trick Williams
Amin’s Thoughts: A good hard-hitting match as both Coffee and Williams worked well together. Gallus are a strong act together but are right stuck in the middle of the pack on the show. Nice to see Williams get the win as he’s one of the most over stars on NXT. The stuff with Hayes getting involved was done in a really nice way. Hayes tried to help Williams by stopping Gallus from getting involved. You could also see Hayes move out of the way when Coffee went for the dive to the floor. I could very easily see a scenario playing out where Hayes also qualifies for the Iron Survivor Challenge match. During the match, Hayes and Williams both cost each other the win. That possibly leads to Hayes turning on Williams.
They showed a glance of Carmelo Hayes looking at the screen seeing Trick Williams has qualified for the Iron Survivor Challenge. Trick didn’t notice as he was celebrating his win.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was nicely done slowly continuing to tease dissension between Hayes and Williams.
NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov approached Wes Lee backstage. Lee congratulated Dragunov for winning the NXT Title. Dragunov welcomed Lee back to NXT. Dragunov noted it was his match that led to Lee taking time off. Lee told Dragunov he needed the time off and it was water underneath the bridge. Dragunov told Lee to leave him a piece of Baron Corbin. Lee noted Dragunov should keep an eye on people wanting the NXT Title. Dragunov wondered if Lee wanted the NXT Title as well. Lee told Dragunov he had other stuff in mind. They bumped fists. Lee left.
Lexis King approached Baron Corbin backstage. Corbin credited King for taking out Trick Williams. King knew he was always going to a major play in this game. King noted the rest agrees with him. Corbin gave King credit for not getting caught. Corbin asked King how he got it done? King said that’s the Million Dollar question. King told Corbin it was mission accomplished. King wished Corbin luck in the main event. King told Corbin he will be watching.
Brawling Brutes (Butch & Ridge Holland) vs. Out The Mud (Bronco Nima & Lucien Price) (w/Scrypts)
Butch and Holland went for 10 Beats of the Beldrum but was stopped. Nima planted Holland with a Chokeslam onto the ring apron. Nima distracted the referee. Scripts rocked Butch with a cheap shot. Price rocked Butch with a running clothesline. Butch responded catching Nima with a DDT. Holland ran wild rocking Nima with a flying shoulder tackle. Holland planted Price with a swinging slam for a two count.
Price responded catching Holland with a Superkick. Price dropped Butch onto Holland. Nima and Prince delivered an Overhead Suplex/Gut Buster combo for a two count. Butch battled back snapping Nima’s fingers. Butch connected with a Flying Moonsault onto Price and Scripts on the floor. Holland planted Nima with a Powerbomb. Butch and Holland delivered a Combo Hangman DDT to Nima for the win.
WINNER: Butch & Ridge Holland
Amin’s Thoughts: A good tag team match. Totally fine with Butch and Holland winning as they are more established act. This was a nice showing from Nima and Price as they looked comfortable inside the ring as they were evenly matched against an established main roster team. That’s the goal of having main roster stars on the show to help get the NXT talent prepared before they get called up to Raw or SmackDown.
Joe Gacy was standing on top of the roof. Gacy spoke about him wandering the halls of NXT looking for his purpose. Gacy spoke about nobody knowing him. Gacy spoke about being here right now. The camera panned as Gacy was standing on the roof of the WWE Performance Center. Gacy spoke about this is where it begins and ends. Gacy spoke about him letting go. Gacy said maybe not. Gacy tossed his phone off the ropes.
Amin’s Thoughts: Gacy has a very strong delivery which makes his promos stand out. Very interested to see where this leads for Gacy.
Gigi Dolan vs. Arianna Grace
Grace got some shine catching Dolan with a suplex for a near fall. Dolan responded catching Grace with a rollup for a near fall. Grace quickly took back control nailing Dolan with a back elbow. Dolan battled back rocking Grace with strikes. Dolan planted Grace with an STO for a two count. Grace moved as Donal charged into the turnbuckle. Grace went for a leverage pin but the referee stopped her. Dolan rocked Grace with a Question Mark Kick. Dolan planted Grace with a Crucifix Bomb for the win.
WINNER: Gigi Dolan
Amin’s Thoughts: A fine match. Grace is really coming along well and found her footing nicely with the onscreen character she’s playing. Nice to see Dolan get back on the winning track. It feels like Dolan is right now in the same spot with Gacy. They have so much potential and could very easily become bigger stars on NXT. Right now they are just crowded in the middle waiting to breakout to show their true potential on the brand.
They aired a voice-over highlight package focusing on the history between Von Vagner and Mr. Stone. Vagner and Mr. Stone were backstage. Vagner spoke about him and Mr. Stone going through a lot together. Vagner wanted to tell Mr. Stone something. Mr. Stone got what Vagner had to say. Vagner was rubbing his head. Mr. Stone asked Vagner who said he was doing fine. Mr. Stone inviting Vagner over for a family dinner to have some pasta. Vagner told Mr. Stone no asparagus.
McKenzie Mitchell interviewed Eddie Thorpe backstage. Thorpe spoke about last time people saw him was the strap match against Dijak. Thorpe spoke about winning the match but mentioned it depleted him. Thorpe spoke about getting refreshed and was hoping JBL and Jerry Lawler were watching to see who they pick for the Iron Survivor Challenge qualifying matches. Drew Gulak appeared with Charlie Dempsey and Myles Bourne. Gulak called Torpe just as delusional as Gacy. Dempsey spoke about wanting to stretch him. Trope noted he can’t break him. Dempsey noted Torpe hasn’t faced someone like them.
Reporters tried to ask Andre Chase for an update about the Chase U investigation. Chase noted he was disappointed about losing the NXT Tag Team Titles. Chase told reports he had no comment about the Chase U investigation. Jacy Jayne appeared in a car. Chase and Jayne drove off.
They aired a highlight package hyping JBL will announce the next participants in the Iron Survivor Challenge qualifying matches.
Baron Corbin vs. Wes Lee
Lee started quickly rocking Corbin with combination strikes. Lee caught Corbin with a Hurricanrana. Lee connected with a basement dropkick for a near fall. Corbin responded planting Lee with a suplex. Corbin went for a back senton but Lee moved. Lee caught Corbin with an enzuigiri. Lee went for a tope. Corbin responded catching Lee with a Deep Six on the floor. Corbin rocked Lee with a huge swinging lariat. Corbin rocked Lee with mounted strikes. Lee moved as Corbin charged into the ring post. Lee battled back rocking Corbin with combination strikes.
Lee connected with tope sending Corbin crashing onto the announcers table. Lee connected with a missile dropkick for a two count. Corbin responded catching Lee with a Death Valley Driver for a two count. Corbin called for End of Days but Lee broke free. Lee caught Corbin with a Somersault Kick. Dominik shoved Corbin out of the way. Lee delivered a Tope Con Hilo onto Dominik on the floor. Lee brawled with Dominik. Corbin caught Lee with End of Days for the win.
WINNER: Baron Corbin
Amin’s Thoughts: The match itself was very good as both Corbin and Lee worked great together. Corbin and Lee both needed wins if they are going to challenge for championships at Deadline. I would’ve rather seen them get both get wins against other people on the show. The distraction finishes are just getting tiresome to watch especially seeing it happen on Raw, SmackDown and NXT. Dominik getting involved did fit into the match from his earlier interaction with Corbin. Dominik costing Lee is likely building to an NXT North American Title match at Deadline. Good win for Corbin building him up a strong challenge for the NXT Title against Dragunov.
Corbin attacked Lee after the match. The crowd cheered as Ilja Dragunov ran down to make the save. Dragunov launched Corbin with a German Suplex. Dragunov called for Torpedo Moscow. Corbin caught Dragunov with End of Days. Corbin celebrated on the entrance ramp. Dragunov grabbed the mic. Dragunov accepted Corbin’s challenge for an NXT Championship match at NXT Deadline.
Overall Thoughts: The main focus was building up the Deadline show. We now have a clear direction for the NXT and North American Title picture. There’s two new participants added in the Men’s and Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge match. The wrestling on the show was very good for the most part. Some matches stood out more than others which is fine. There was also a big title change on the show with Tony & Stacks winning back the NXT Tag Team Championships. The bigger story developing is the direction where Chase U is heading. Overall, a skippable episode of NXT but it’s heading into the right direction towards to the Deadline show.
