WWE NXT took place from the Capitol Wrestling Center in Orlando, Florida. The main event featured Dijak facing Eddy Thorpe in an NXT Underground Match.
OTM (Bronco Nima & Lucień Price) (w/Scrypts) def. Chase U (Andre Chase & Duke Hudson): NXT Tag Team Champions Tony D’Angelo and Stacks were watching from a perch. Chase shined early catching Price with a pair of dropkicks. Chase connected with a flying axe handle smash to Price. Hudson followed with a sliding elbow for a near fall. Price responded catching Chase with a side kick. Nima rocked Chase with a running knee. Chase battled back getting Hudson the hot tag. Hudson ran wild rocking Nima with jabs. Hudson placed Price with a Death Valley Driver onto Nima. Scrypts caused a distraction. Hudson launched Scrypts into the ring. Chase told Hudson he got this. Chase tagged into the match. Price rocked Chase with a superkick. Nima and Price delivered a double Fallaway Slam to Chase for the win. Hudson looked notably upset after seeing Chase take the fall. Amin’s Thoughts: This was a solid match. This was next step to go in this story by having Chase take the pin leading to another setback for Chase U. This storyline should lead to Chase overcoming his setback to get the fans behind Chase U. The interesting thing to see is how do they get to that direction. A good win for Nima and Price as they look like a solid team with lots of potential to breakout.
NXT Year End Awards
NXT Male Superstar of the Year: Ilja Dragunov
NXT Female Superstar of the Year: Tiffany Stratton
NXT Tag Team of the Year: The Creed Brothers (Brutus & Julius Creed)
Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams were backstage. Trick spoke about Ilja Dragunov being in bad shape after his match with Ridge Holland. Hayes noted it’s going to take more to keep Dragunov down. Williams suggested pushing the match back. Hayes noted Trick has the momentum and should take the match now. Hayes said people will bring up how Trick won the NXT Title. Hayes mentioned how LeBron James won the NBA Championship during the bubble season. Hayes told Trick to think about it.
Noam Dar [c] (w/Meta-Four) def. Josh Briggs via Disqualification – NXT Heritage Cup Championship Match: The first round began with Briggs overpowering Dar in the early going. Briggs caught Dar with a side slam. Briggs connected with a standing splash for a two count. Briggs applied a half crab but Dar grabbed the ropes. Briggs rocked Dar with a shoulder tackle for a two count. Briggs went for a powerbomb but time ran out. Briggs went to look in his corner but realized he told Brooks Jensen to stay backstage. Round two began Briggs catching Dar with a modified Bossman Slam for a two count. Dar responded catching Briggs in a triangle hold. Briggs broke free sending Dar crashing into the turnbuckle. Briggs rocked Dar with a running lariat to take a 1-0 lead. We returned from break with both Briggs and Dar lying outside the ring at the end of round three. Round four began with Dar rocking Briggs with a flying forearm for a two count. Dar connected with a sliding Nova Roller for a two count. Briggs battled back planting Dar with a chokeslam for a two count. Dar responded catching Briggs against the ropes. Dar went for a knee bar but Briggs broke free. Lash Legend whacked Briggs with a bucket. Dar covered Briggs for a two count. Ora Mensah handed Dar the bucket. Briggs grabbed the bucket and attacked Dar. The referee called for the DQ! Amin’s Thoughts: Briggs and Dar were having a good match till the DQ finish. I gotta say these NXT Heritage Cup match formula are getting repetitive at this point with Meta-Four always getting involved. I actually didn’t mind the DQ finish because it showed how Briggs lost his cool without his teammates supporting him. A strong showing from Briggs who looks ready to breakout into a single’s star. I would like if this program continues after the DQ finish.
Axiom and Nathan Frazer were speaking to each other about both wanting to win NXT Male Superstar of the Year. Frazer spoke about how it’s been a good year for the NXT brand. Frazer was happy Bron Breakker didn’t win the NXT Male Superstar of the Year. Frazer realized Breakker was standing behind him. Frazer noted he wouldn’t slow down and won’t say anything he wouldn’t say to Breakker’s face. Breakker noted Frazer’s speed would have nothing on him. Breakker noted he doesn’t need to win a popularity contest. Frazer challenged Breakker to a match. Breakker accepted. Frazer told Axiom he could have told him. Axiom said he was winking at him. LOL!
Cora Jade def. Karmen Petrovic: Petrovic shined early rocking Jade with a side kick. Petrovic caught Jade with a sunset flip for a two count. Jade took back control rocking Petrovic with a rising knee strike. Jade connected with a running forearm smash for a two count. Jade went for a springboard stomp but Petrovic moved. Petrovic made a comeback rocking Jade with a running hook kick. Petrovic connected with a corkscrew kick for a two count. Jade battled back sending Petrovic into the ropes. Jade connected with a Hammerlock DDT for the win! Amin’s Thoughts: A fine match. A fine showing from Petrovic as she continues to improve with more matches. A strong showing from Jade as she looked great in the win.
Jade attacked Petrovic after the match. The crowd cheered as Gigi Dolan ran down to make the save.
Riley Osbourne def. Lexis King – NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament Semi-Final Match: King came out on his throne. Thea Hail and Jacy Jayne were watching from the Chase U section. The match began with some chain wrestling. Trey Bearhill came out and watched from the entrance ramp. King took control catching Bourne with a corner superkick. King connected with a springboard stomp. King applied a half crab but Osbourne broke free. Osbourne battled back hitting a standing corkscrew splash for a two count. King stopped Osbourne catching him with a backbreaker. King connected with a back cracker for a two count. King went for a superplex but Bearhill caused a distraction. Osbourne took advantage sending King off the ropes. Osbourne delivered a Shooting Star Press for the win advancing to the NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament finals. Amin’s Thoughts: This was a solid match. I thought Bearhill would be the one to cost King the tournament. It’s just interesting how King has been used since coming into NXT. King was part of a program with Hayes and Trick. Now King is losing in a semi-finals tournament match. I will say King did have a good showing and did protect him with the finish. A strong showing from Osbourne who looked good in the win. Oba Femi still seems like the favourite to win the tournament. Osbourne’s the one who seems most ready for someone they can count on to have a good match.
Bearhill went after King after the match. King let the ring.
NXT Year End Awards
NXT Match of the Year: Carmelo Hayes vs. Ilja Dragunov – NXT Championship Match at No Mercy
NXT Moment of the Year: The Undertaker giving Bron Breakker a chokeslam.
Kelly Kincaid interviewed Ava backstage. Ava noted nobody heard from Dragunov. Ava noted Dragunov will appear an will give his answer if the NXT Championship match with Trick Williams is happening at NXT New Year’s Evil.
Bron Breakker def. Nathan Frazer: Frazer tried to use his speed but Breakker caught him with a shoulder tackle. Baron Corbin was watching backstage. Frazer responded catching Breakker with a side headlock takeover. Breakker broke free launching Frazer into the turnbuckle. Breakker connected with a shoulder tackles. Frazer responded using his quickness catching Breakker with a dropkick. Breakker caught Frazer with a gut buster for a two count as they returned from break. Breakker launched Frazer with an overhead German suplex for a two count. Frazer responded catching Breakker with an enzuigiri. Frazer battled back hitting a tope to the floor. Frazer delivered a Woo dropkick sending Breakker crashing into the ring apron. Breakker caught Frazer flying off the ropes with a powerslam for a two count. Breakker called for a spear. Frazer intercepted Breakker with a superkick for a two count. Frazer went for a Phoenix Splash but Breakker moved. Breakker rocked Frazer with a huge spear for the win! Amin’s Thoughts: This was a really good action packed match. I would be surprised if Breakker isn’t called up to the WWE main roster at some point after WrestleMania. It seems like Breakker next program could be with Corbin who was watching on backstage? A strong win for Breakker just showing great intensity. Frazer’s a great wrestler who usually has great matches. Frazer had another good match here. This losing streak from Frazer has to be leading someone. A heel turn could freshen up Frazer on the show.
Baron Corbin was shown nodding backstage looking impressed at Breakker’s win.
No Quarter Catch Crew were backstage. Drew Gulak challenge Dragon Lee, Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro to a six-man tag match at New Years Evil. Charlie Dempsey, Damon Kemp and Myles Bourne took turns delivering promos as well.
Brooks Jensen spoke to Josh Briggs backstage. Fallon Henley appeared as she and Jensen mentioned Briggs was close to winning. Jensen noted Briggs wanted to become a solo wrestler. Jensen suggested Henley should also become a solo wrestler. Henley agreed. They agreed this isn’t over between them and are still family. Jensen suggested they all put of their fists. They all did. Henley left. Briggs looked as Jensen before leaving. Jensen held his fist. Jensen looked down.
Amin’s Thoughts: You could see the split was coming between the group. This felt a bit too sudden. I’m curious to see where this leads for Jensen and if we get some turn.
Arianna Grace wasn’t pleased with Roxxane Perez slapping her last week. Ava noted Roxanne will face Grace at New Year’s Evil. Ava wished Grace luck and left.
NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria & Blair Davenport Face-to-Face
Sarah Schrieber had a sit-down interview with NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria and Blair Davenport backstage. Davenport noted the first match took so long because Valkyria blew out her knee. Valkyria claimed Davenport has been avoiding her until she had the championship. Davenport noted it’s not hard to look good when you are on camera with Becky Lynch, Rhea Ripley and Rey Mysterio. Davenport noted she had to make people look in her direction. Valkyria noted it worked until Nikkita Lyons returned. Davenport spoke about winning the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge and not taking a fall in the match. Davenport noted she was Valkyria’s only competition. Valkyria noted she welcomes competition. Valkyria noted Davenport will do whatever it takes to win. Valkyria noted she wants to the championship to show she’s the best. Davenport noted she’s seen Valkyria’s rise and will be the reason why she falls. Davenport and Valkyria had a face-to-face.
Amin’s Thoughts: I thought both Davenport and Valkyria were good here. The match at New Years Evil should be great.
Oba Femi def. Tavion Heights – NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament Semi-Final Match: Heights shined early catching Femi with a face buster. Femi responded rocking Heights with grounded strikes. Femi planted Heights with a uranage backbreaker for a two count. Femi launched Heights with a release slam. Femi rocked Heights with a running uppercut for a two count. Heights battled back catching Femi with a Death Valley Driver. Heights made a comeback sending Femi flying with an overhead belly-to-bely suplex. Femi rolled to the floor. Heights sent Femi back into the ring. Femi caught Heights with a lariat. Femi delivered a Catch Powerbomb for the win to reach the NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament finals. Amin’s Thoughts: This was a fun match. Another good showing from Heights who has all the potential to become a breakout star. A good win for Femi as his power spots look really impressive. I’m still saying Femi is the favourite to win. I wouldn’t mind if Osbourne wins because he’s more ready to have good to great matches on TV. You can see Femi has all the tools to become a star. I would rather like to see Femi go on a run having him run through people. That would be a better way to get Femi over as a rising star. I think that would be the better way to go than just have Femi win the tournament and then lose a championship match on TV. Femi is not ready right now to become champion on NXT TV.
NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov told Kelly Kincaid he’s looking out for Trick Williams.
They showed highlights of last week show closing angle between Ilja Dragunov and Ridge Holland. They showed a post from Ridge Holland’s apology on Twitter/X. They noted Holland will have an exclusive interview next week on New Year’s Evil.
Joe Gacy def. Joe Coffee (w/Gallus): Gacy made his entrance through the crowd. Coffee and Gacy began exchanging big strikes. Gacy took control hitting a back senton. Coffee used Gacy’s momentum sending him to the floor. Gacy told Vic Joseph on commentary who he is. Gacy gave Joseph a thumbs up. Coffee took advantage hitting a tope sending Gacy into the announcers table. Coffee told the commentary who he is. Coffee connected with a backbreaker. The crowd chanted “Joe Forever!” Coffee connected with a flying elbow drop for a two count. Gacy battled back catching Coffee with a backdrop suplex. Gacy made a comeback hitting a tope to the floor. Gacy planted Coffee with a uranage slam for a two count. Hank & Tank came out brawled with Gallus to the floor. Coffee battled back catching Gacy with a Glasgow Sendoff. Coffee called for Best For The Bells. Gacy responded hitting a handspring clothesline for the win! Amin’s Thoughts: This was a solid match. I had a thought come up while watching this match. NXT roster is a very interesting place. You can see there are lots of people who are main roster ready. The question would be how do you showcase them on Raw and SmackDown when WWE already has loaded main roster with storylines already laid out. That’s was my thought watching this match and seeing Gallus who seem main roster ready. I’m not really sure what they are doing with Gacy’s new onscreen character. Nice to see Gacy get a win and seeing them give his onscreen character a refresh.
Kelly Kincaid interviewed NXT North American Champion Dragon Lee, Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde backstage. They accepted No Quarter Catch Crew to a six-man tag match. Electra Lopez and Lola Vice showed up. Lopez gave Toro and Wilde a hug. They brought their time in NXT as Legado Del Fantama. Lopez noted she wanted to introduce them to Vice who was ignoring what was going on.
Eddy Thorpe def. Dijak – NXT Underground Match: WWE developmental talent were surrounding the ring. They dimmed the lights in the arena. The rules are No Counts, No Pinfalls. You win by Submission or KO. Thorpe came out wearing war paint. Thorpe shined early planting Dijak with a German suplex. Thorpe went for a triangle hold but Dijak broke free. Thorpe planted Dijak with a Saito suplex. Thorpe looked for a triangle hold. Dijak broke free planting Thorpe with a powerbomb. Dijak took control rocking Thorpe with mounted ground and pound strikes. Dijak launched Thorpe into the ring post. Dijak delivered a cannonball tope to Thorpe on the floor as they returned from break. Thorpe battled back catching Dijak with a pair of German suplex. Thorpe planted Dijak with a Brainbuster. Thorpe went for a sleeper hold. Dijak broke free slamming Thorpe to the mat. Dijak rocked Thorpe with a pair of cyclone boots. Thorpe responded catching Dijak with an enzuigiri. Thorpe went for a German suplex from the ring to the floor. Dijak landed on his feet in a great spot. Dijak rocked Thorpe with Feast Your Eyes. Thorpe refused to quit. Dijak attacked WWE Performance Center trainers. Thorpe used Dijak’s momentum backdropping him onto the ring apron. Dijak grabbed a strap but Thorpe saw it coming. Thrope caught Dijak with the Manifest Destiny. Thorpe whipped Dijak with a strap. Thorpe went for a sleeper hold. Dijak broke free running Thorpe into the ring post. Dijak called for a powerbomb but Thorpe countered into a hurricanrana. Thorpe connected with a flying elbow drop from the ring to Dijak on the floor. Thorpe planted Dijak with the Manifest Destiny on the floor. Dijak told the referee to not stop the match. Thorpe caught Dijak in a sleeper hold. Dijak tried to break free but Thorpe wouldn’t let go of the hold. Thorpe delivered the Manifest Destiny sending Dijak crashing through the announcers table. The referee checked on Dijak who was out. Amin’s Thoughts: This was a really good match. The action was great and hard hitting as both Dijak and Thorpe worked a strong grudge match. I really like the NXT Underground style matches because it gives on a different vibe from everything else on show. Dijak continues to show how valuable he is by always putting on strong matches. I would really like to see Dijak get a main roster run. This was a much needed win for Thorpe delivering a really strong showing. Thorpe has so much potential and hopefully this wins leads to him having a breakout run in NXT.
NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov & Trick Williams Face-To-Face
Trick Williams asked Ilja Dragunov is he’s ready to go at NXT New Year’s Evil? Trick signed the contract. Trick told Dragunov he can push the match back if he wants. Dragunov told Trick that nothing and no one can stop him. Dragunov removed the neck brace. Dragunov signed the match. Dragunov told Trick the match is on. They shook hands. The show ended with Dragunov and Trick having a stare down.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a simple but good stuff. Dragunov and Trick feels like a big NXT Championship match.
Overall Thoughts
This was a good episode of NXT. There were two really strong matches on the show. The rest of the matches were perfectly fine. They also did a good job building towards the New Year’s Evil special. Overall, a strong episode of NXT. The goal here was the make the first NXT show of 2024 feel like a big show. They achieved that as I’m looking forward to seeing the New Year’s Evil special.
