WWE NXT
Capitol Wrestling Center in Orlando, Florida
NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria and her challenge Shotzi was shown arriving at the NXT Parking Lot.
NXT North American Championship Match
Oba Femi [c] vs. Lexis King
King shined early rocking Femi with strikes. King went for a flying crossbody but Femi stopped him with a shoulder tackle. Femi took control launching King with a huge backdrop. King responded catching Femi with a standing dropkick Mr. Stone and Von Vagner were watching backstage. Mr. Stone told Vagner he will be right back. Mr. Stone made his way ringside. King caught Femi with a flying stomp. King shoved Mr. Stone to the mat. Femi made a comeback rocking King with a huge lariat. Femi launched King with a release slam. Femi planted King with a Catch Powerbomb for the win to retain the title.
WINNER: Oba Femi retained the NXT North American Title
(Amin’s Thoughts) — They kept the match quick and it was fine for the time given. King’s character work is what stands out. King being on NXT will help him improve his wrestling skills because right now it feels like you are watching someone work a match with a standard create a moveset. Femi’s monster push continues as he looked great in the win. Femi seems like WWE has made him a big priority to push on NXT as a rising star.
Thea Hail was backstage with Jacy Jayne and Jazmyn Nyx detailing her Valentine’s Day date with Riley Osborne. Ariana Grace was hearing Jayne and Hail’s conversation in the background. Grace said she’s been on many dates. Grace she may have scared Osborne away. Grace said Hail should go talk to Osborne. Jazmyn said Hail would look desperate doing that. Grace said Hail wouldn’t look desperate. Hail said Jayne told her to not do that. Jayne told Hail to not blame her. Grace wondered how Hail and Jayne were best friends. Jayne told Grace to stop messing with Hail’s head. Jayne, Hail and Jazmyn left together.
NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria was backstage with Tatum Paxley. Valkyria was checking on Paxley to make sure she’s okay. Paxley said everything hurts. Paxley was happy because Valkyria came to her aid. Valkryia told Paxley to not be a hero. Valkyria told Paxley she will make it up to her if she does something for her. Paxley took it as Valkyria wanted her to attack Shotzi. Valkyria told Paxley to stay backstage. Paxley looked sad. Valkyria said she had a surprise for Paxley if she stayed backstage for the match. Paxley got excited. Valkyria left.
Bron Breakker & Baron Corbin’s Championship Celebration
NXT Tag Team Champions Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin came out to a strong reaction. They showed a clip of Nick Aldis signing Bron Breakker to SmackDown. Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Cup was inside the ring. The fans chanted “You Deserve It!” Breakker brought up how he and Corbin were beating the hell out of each other at NXT No Mercy last September. Breakker said they are now Tag Team Champions. Corbin brought up how he beat Breakker at No Mercy. Breakker took credit for carrying the team. Corbin said he set up Breakker with the End of Days. The fans began a “Spear of Days” chant. Breakker said he delivered a Spear. Breakker said it was the Spear of Days. This got Corbin to laugh. Corbin said what matters is they are NXT Tag Team Champions.
Andre Chase and Duke Hudson of Chase U came out. Duke gave Breakker and Corbin credit for winning the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic and NXT Tag Team Titles. Duke said Chase U is back and it’s there time to shine. Breakker told Chase and Duke to shove the Chase U Callanders up their asses. Chase told Breakker this is time for a teachable moment. The fans cheered. Chase brought up how they were promised a tag team title match by the former champions. Duke said they are going to give Breakker and Corbin a Chase U sized ass-whopping.
Axiom and Nathan Frazer came out. Frazer said Chase U doesn’t get a title match after Breakker and Corbin won the titles. Frazer said that was a hard hitting home truth. Axiom brought up how they were closest to beating Breakker and Corbin in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Duke mocked Axiom and Frazer. Corbin chimed in and said it’s a “you guys” program. Corbin said he and Breakker have stuff to do. Corbin told them to take their problems to someone who cares.
The crowd cheered as NXT GM Ava came out. Ava said it’s not up to Corbin to decide who gets title matches. The fans chanted ‘Ava!” Ava said she makes the matches. Ava said Chase U will face Axiom and Frazer in a Number One Contender’s match on the show. The fans cheered.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — Breakker and Corbin have great chemistry together as they come off a really likeable team. I liked Chase U wanting a title match after they made a deal with the previous champions. Axiom and Frazer counter point was also fair saying they made the deal with former champions. This was a fine segment to set up a new challengers for the tag team titles. Good to see the fans chanting along for Ava who’s doing good in her new role of NXT GM.
Kelly Kincaid interviewed Roxanne Perez backstage. Roxanne said Wren Sinclair reminds her of herself as someone who was happy to be in NXT. Roxanne said when you’re in NXT for a while being happy just won’t cut it. Roxanne said other superstars are getting opportunities that you deserve. Roxanne said the spotlight would be ripped away by the other girls in the locker room. Roxanne said opportunities you worked for an entire year are just handed to main roster superstars. Roxanne said the only one you can make happy is yourself. Roxanne looked into the camera. Roxanne hoped Lyra and Shotzi were watching her match. Roxanne said she would be watching their match.
We saw another mysterious vignette. The vignette said ” Men deny their truth…I will be a mirror to it.”
(Amin’s Thoughts) — I’m wondering who could this actually be. I would love to see Kazuchika Okada sign with WWE. I wouldn’t mind if Okada started in NXT before going to the WWE main roster. This has to be leading to a new NXT superstar for the time they are really putting into these vignettes.
Roxanne Perez vs. Wren Sinclair
Roxanne came out to a strong mixed reaction. Roxanne and Sinclair began exchanging mounted strikes. Sinclair caught Roxanne with a spinning slam for a two count. The action moved the floor as Roxanne yanked Sinclair to the mat. Roxanne took control slamming Sinclair’s arm onto the ring apron. Roxanne applied a Cobra Clutch but Sinclair broke free. Sinclair battled back catching Roxanne with a standing dropkick. Sinclair went for a suplex but her hand gave out. Roxanne made a comeback yanking Sinclair to the mat. Roxanne connected with Pop Rocks. Roxanne had the match won. Roxanne instead placed Sinclair in a Crossface for a submission win.
WINNER: Roxanne Perez
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a fine match. I’m really liking how NXT is taking lots of time to showcase their women’s division which is very talented. You can’t push everyone and give everyone wins at the same time. Sinclair did a really good job selling her arm to get over Roxanne’s new heelish character. You can see Sinclair has lots of potential to become a breakout star in NXT. Roxanne is one of my favourite stars on the NXT roster. Roxanne is really something special. The way Roxanne has adjusted so comfortably from being a lovable babyface to showing a new heelish has been tremendous stuff. Roxanne winning with the Crossface and not after hitting her Pop Rock was a nice touch.
We saw the Meta-Four backstage. Lash Legend said she will take care of Kelani Jordan. Legend said they need to figure out what to do about the No Quarter Catch Club. Here comes the NQCC. Charlie Dempsey spoke about the history of the NXT Heritage Cup. Noam Dar wasn’t interested in what Dempsey was saying. Dar asked who will he be facing? The NQCC invoked the Catch Clause. That means Dar will know his opponent when they’re in the ring next week.
Josh Briggs vs. Brooks Jensen
Briggs and Jensen began exchanging shoulder tackles. Jensen caught Briggs with a standing dropkick. Jensen rocked Briggs with a huge right hand. Jensen planted Briggs with a reverse Slingblade. The action moved the floor as Jensen launched Briggs over the barricade. Jensen rocked Briggs with an enzuigiri as they returned from break. Jensen went for a sunset flip but Briggs countered into a neck twist. The crowd booed as Briggs rocked Jensen with corner strikes. Briggs connected with a standing splash for a two count. Briggs dared Jensen to come at him. Jensen fired up rocking Briggs with a standing dropkick. Jensen followed with a missile dropkick for a two count. Briggs made a comeback rocking Jensen with a big boot. Briggs planted Jensen with a Chokeslam for a two count. Briggs and Jensen exchanged strikes. Jensen caught Briggs with a spinning heel kick coming off the ropes. Jensen planted Briggs with a suplex for a two count. Jensen applied a sunset flip. Briggs kicked out by decking Jensen in the face. Briggs rocked Jensen with a running lariat. Briggs delivered a second running lariat for the win.
WINNER: Josh Briggs
(Amin’s Thoughts) — I really enjoyed the match. A good hard hitting back and forth match between two former tag team partners. A great showing from Briggs as he’s really gotten down how to work a strong big man style match. Jensen hasn’t done much since splitting away from Briggs. This was nice to see Jensen work mostly an even competitive match with Briggs.
We saw a cinematic vignette of Joe Gacy rolling around still wearing the straightjacket from last week. Dijak appeared. There was a door separating Dijak and Gacy. Dijak said he had many instruments which could derail Gacy’s train. Gacy blew a smily face on the door and laughed. Luca Crusifino appeared. Crusifino said what Dijak is doing is false imprisonment. Dijak told Crusifino he can do what he pleases. Crusifino left. Gacy laughed telling Dijak this wasn’t over.
Carmelo Hayes was shown making his way to the Barbershop.
Carmelo Hayes Barbershop Segment
Carmelo Hayes delivered a promo from the Barbershop. Hayes told Trick Williams this is where it all began. Hayes spoke about having great moments with Trick. Hayes said he’s here alone now. Hayes said “let’s talk about it.” Hayes said he’s here with his pride and principles. Hayes said he didn’t get too big for his own boots. Hayes said Trick played his role well. Hayes said he wanted to Trick wanted to share the experience of being with a top guy. Hayes said Trick tried to repay him by wanting to be the number one guy in NXT. Hayes said he would’ve allowed Trick to be number two. Hayes said Trick wanted to concor number one. Hayes said he’s second to nobody. Hayes said he put Trick ahead to amuse himself. Hayes said you have to be ambitious and have that killer instinct to stay at the top. Hayes said he saw Trick side eye his championship. Hayes said he had to get Trick before he got him. Hayes told Trick to stay where he is. Hayes said Trick’s 15 minutes is up. Hayes told Ilja Dragunov to get in line because they have nothing to talk about if they aren’t talking about the NXT Championship.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was tremendous stuff. Hayes delivering the promo in the Barber Shop was a nice touch especially with him speaking about where everything started with Trick. Hayes delivery was excellent just reminding everyone how great a heel he can be. The reaction they are building to Trick’s return to NXT will be incredible.
Jacy Jayne (w/Thea Hail & Jazmyn Nyx) vs. Arianna Grace
Jayne took control early catching Grace with a chop block for a near fall. Jayne shoved Grace into the ropes. Jayne told Hail to give Grace a cheap shot. Hail didn’t as the referee was watching. Jayne connected with a back senton for a near fall. Grace moved as Jayne charged into the turnbuckle. Grace battled back delivering an elbow drop for a near fall. Jayne used Grace’s momentum sending Grace to the floor. Jayne distracted the referee. Jazmyn nailed Grace with a cheap shot. Jayne rocked Grace with a rolling forearm smash for the win.
WINNER: Jacy Jayne
Hail wasn’t happy with how Jayne won the match. Jayne raised Jazmyn’s hand after the match.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was just a quick match. The match was mostly a backdrop for the story they are telling between Hail and Jayne. Hail being hesitant not wanting to cheat to help Jayne win. Looks like Jazmyn will be Hail’s replacement when she splits away from Jayne. I will also say Jayne comes off as a star.
Tony D’Angelo was sipping coffee inside a restaurant. Stacks and Adrianna Rizzo appeared. Tony told Stacks and Rizzo to have a seat. Rizzo said she gave everything in her match. Tony told Rizzo she had a good showing. Stacks took the blame for losing the NXT Tag Team Titles. Stacks said they are going to get the NXT Tag Team Titles back. Tony said they aren’t. Tony said he’s been doing some thinking. Tony said they’ve been playing some small ball with Chase U and OTM. Tony said he’s going to leave the family in a new direction. Tony said no community vote, no feedback and they are doing things his way. Tony said if you don’t like it too bad. Tony said they need to inform the rest of the family as well. they do it his way and if they don’t like it, too bad. They need to inform the rest of the family. Tony said it’s time for him to be the Don of NXT.
Chase U came out for their tag team match. They saw Jacy Jayne, Thea Hail and Jazmyn Nyx walking to the back. Chase questioned Jayne about her way of winning. Jayne pointed at Chase telling him to focus on the match. Chase patted Hail on her shoulder. Hail made a face at Chase. Osborne looked at Hail. Osborne walked to the ring with Chase and Duke Hudson. Hail had a gloomy look.
Ridge Holland Sit-Down Interview
We saw Ridge Holland have a sit-down interview with Sarah Schreiber. Schrieber asked Holland about attacking Gallus last week with a chair. Holland said the people saw a different side of him when they last spoke. Holland said he still can’t get that stench of misfortune off him. Holland spoke about Gallus smashing his surgically repaired leg with a chair. Holland said when he uses a chair it becomes a weapon. Holland said he can’t even defend himself without people judging him. Holland said he’s going to try again. Holland said this isn’t the forum to do this. Holland said he will address the WWE Universe next week on NXT. Holland said he will apologize for his actions even if no one cares. Holland said the man with that chair is not the man who he is in everyday life. Holland walked off.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — A good promo from Holland playing babyface but explained his actions for using the chair. I’m liking the new character change Holland has been showing since coming over to NXT.
NXT Tag Team Championship Number One Contender’s Match
Chase U (Andre Chase & Duke Hudson) (w/Riley Osborne) vs. Axiom & Nathan Frazer
Axiom and Chase began with some mat wrestling. Axiom took control catching Chase with a running clothesline. Frazer followed planting Chase with a sliding DDT. Frazer followed hitting a standing Shooting Star Press for a two count. Chase responded catching Frazer with a running boot. Duke rocked Frazer with a huge shoulder tackle. Axiom responded catching Duke and Chase with a double springboard arm drag. Axiom and Frazer delivered a pair of topes to Chase and Duke on the floor. Axiom sent Chase flying with a German Suplex as they retuned from break. Frazer rocked Chase with a Superkick for a two count. Chase caught Frazer going for a springboard with a Side Effect. Duke ran wild rocking Frazer with a running boot. Duke planted Axiom with a uranage slam. Duke delivered a Gut Buster/Senton combo to Axiom and Frazer for a two count. Duke called for a Razor’s Edge but Axiom countered into a Hurricanrana. Axiom caught Duke with a Super Spanish Fly for a two count. Axiom and Frazer rocked Duke with a double Superkick. This got Duke fired up as he rocked Axiom and Frazer with a double clothesline. Chase went for a flying crossbody but Frazer rolled through for a near fall. Chase and Frazer exchange pinning combination for close near falls in the closing minutes of the match. Frazer went for a jackknife cover. Chase countered into a reverse rollup for the win.
WINNERS: Andre Chase & Duke Hudson
Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows appeared after the match. Anderson and Gallows attacked Chase U after the match. Anderson and Gallows delivered the Magic Killer to Duke. The crowd chanted “Too Sweet Woot Woot!”
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a good action packed tag team match. A great showing from Axiom and Frazer as they are so fun to watch as a team. This was good to see Chase and Duke get back on the winning track as Chase U have been a big NXT fan favourite. Anderson and Gallows appearing on NXT was a nice surprise as they came off as stars. I could see Anderson and Gallows challenging Breakker and Corbin for the NXT Tag Team Titles at Stand & Deliver.
Ilja Dragunov said he saw right through Carmelo Hayes from day one. Dragunov said the jealousy of Trick consumed Hayes. Dragunov wasn’t happy Hayes pointed the finger at him. Dragunov called Hayes a coward. Dragunov said he has the NXT Championship something that Hayes wants. Dragunov said he would see Hayes at Roadblock under one condition. Dragunov told Hayes to come meet him face-to-face. The screen turned black and red. Dragunov’s eyes turned red. Dragunov said Hayes is coming for the NXT Championship. Draguov said he’s coming something for more important. Dragunov said he’s coming for Melo’s soul.
Fallon Henley was sitting inside the locker room feeling down after seeing Briggs and Jensen fighting with each other. Thea Hail was also seated in the locker room feeling down. Henley told Hail she saw her two best friends fight each other. Hail said the best thing going for her is Chase U winning a number one contender’s match. Hail said everything else sucked. Hail said her date with Osborne went worse. Henley said Valentine’s Day strikes again. Henley told Hail if she could erase February 14th 2023 from her memory forever she would. Henley told Hail they should go take a walk. Hail agreed.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — A nice followup as it looks like Hail will be partner with Henley against Jayne and Jazmyn. I could see the Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament being announced with the finals taking place at Stand & Deliver. You could see it coming together with all the teams on the shows.
Lash Legend (w/Jakara Jackson) vs. Kelani Jordan
Jordan received a strong babyface reaction. Legend took control early slamming Jordan to the mat. Jordan responded catching Legend with a Crucifix for a near fall. Legend took control catching Jordan with a big boot. Legend planted Jordan with a uranage backbreaker. Legend followed hitting a standing splash for a near fall. Legend went for a second standing splash but Jordan got her knees up. Jordan battled back catching Legend with a flying Hurricanrana. Jordan followed hitting a Woo Dropkick. Jackson distracted Jordan from climbing the ropes. Jordan knocked Jackson off the ring apron. Legend took advantage planting Jordan with a Slam Dunk Chokeslam for the win.
WINNER: Lash Legend
Kiana James and Izzi Dame came out after the match. Jordan avoided both James and Dame and left the ring.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a fine match. You can really see that Lash Legend has improved greatly inside the ring especially from when she first started in NXT 2.0. A strong win from Legend as she has so much potential to become a breakout star. Jordan is another wrestler who’s very athletic and continues to get better with more matches. Just like Legend, Jordan has the potential to become a breakout star. Jordan will need to find a buddy to face the team of James and Dame. Legend and Jakara Jackson are another team on the show. You get the feeling they are building to a Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament.
Kelly Kincaid caught up with Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows who were shown leaving the building. Kincaid told Anderson and Gallows that was a shocking return to NXT. Anderson said the boys are back on NXT and are going to stay as long as they want. Gallows said Chase U might not be thrilled about them being in NXT. Gallows said he didn’t realize Corbin came to NXT to become the world’s largest comedian. Gallows told Breakker the Good Brothers can be something to him that Rick and Scott Steiner couldn’t be his heroes. Gallows said they have to win the NXT Tag Team Titles first. Anderson and Gallows did the Too Sweet.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — Good stuff here from Anderson and Gallows explaining they’ve come to NXT to win the tag team titles.
NXT Women’s Championship Match
Lyra Valkyria [c] vs. Shotzi
Shotzi got a strong babyface reaction. Lyra Valkyria got a strong babyface reaction. Shotzi and Valkyria began with some nice mat wrestling. Shotzi caught Valkyria with a reverse sunset flip for a near fall. Shotzi went for a head scissors but Valkyria landed on her feet. Valkyria caught Shotzi with a pair of arm drags. Shotzi responded catching Valkyria with a springboard arm drag. Shotzi planted Valkyria with an Apron DDT. Shotzi landed awkwardly on the floor. Shotzi sold her leg on the floor. They went to PIP break. WWE medical team came out and helped Shotzi to the back. The match ended.
WINNER: No Contest
(Amin’s Thoughts) — Lyra and Shotzi were having a good match till the injury spot happened. I want to wish Shotzi a speedy recovery.
They returned from break with Lyra Valkyria was standing inside the ring. Valkyria had an emotional look on her face. Vic Joseph on commentary noted WWE medical team didn’t clear Shotzi to continue the rest of the match after the injury. NXT GM Ava came out after the match. Ava said Shotzi couldn’t compete due to her injury. Ava said they promised the fans as NXT Women’s Championship match. Ava told Valkyria this was an open challenge. Lash Legend came out.
NXT Women’s Championship Match
Lyra Valkyria [c] vs. Lash Legend
Legend took control early decking Valkyria with a right hand. Legend placed Valkyria in a sleeper hold. Valkyria battled back rocking Legend with combination kicks. Legend caught Valkyria coming off the ropes. Legend connected with a uranage backbreaker for a two count. Legend connected with an elbow drop for another near fall. Legend rocked Valkyria with a running lariat for a two count. They cut to PIP. Roxanne Perez who looked like just got out the shower as the rest of the women in the locker room what’s going on? They told Roxanne that Legend accepted the Open Challenge for the NXT Women’s Title which Ava made. Roxanne was furious as she slammed the television screen down. Roxanne stormed off. Valkyria battled back catching Legend with a Hurricanrana. Valkyria went for a spin kick but Legend blocked. Legend delivered a Slam Dunk Choke Slam for a two count. Legend rocked Valkyria with a pump kick for a two count. Valkyria battled back knocking Legend off the ropes. Valkyria connected with a Super Splash for the win to retain the title.
WINNER: Lyra Valkyria retained the NXT Women’s Title
The fans gave Lyra Valkyria a standing ovation after the match. Valkyria stood on the turnbuckle holding the NXT Women’s Title. The show ended.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a solid back and forth match. This was Legend’s second match on the show. I was impressed with Legend showing she can work a main event match on the fly. The quick backstage interaction with Roxanne getting irate after seeing someone get an NXT Women’s Title match was a nice touch to build toward her full heel turn. I give Valkyria lots of credit for keeping calm and working a solid main event match. This must have been tough for Valkyria seeing Shotzi unfortunately get injured. Overall, a well done job from both Legend and Valkyria. Sending best wishes to Shotzi for a speedy recovery.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
Shotzi’s injury was such a bummer. You never want to see any wrester get injured in a match. I want to wish Shotzi a speedy recovery. I was impressed with Legend and Valkyria working a strong solid main event match on the fly after Shotzi’s injury. There were some positives coming from the show. I really liked how they focused on the NXT Women’s division. Roxanne’s character development toward her going heel has been fun to watch. Hayes and Dragunov both delivered strong promos setting up the NXT Title match for Roadblock. Anderson and Gallows appearing was also cool to see adding more star power to the tag division. Overall, this was a fine episode of NXT.
