NXT New Year’s Evil
Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
The show opened with an NXT New Year’s Evil video package hyping the matches on the show. Vic Joseph and Booker T were on commentary. Joseph noted the first 30 minutes was commercial free.
Lyra Valkyria [c] vs. Blair Davenport (NXT Women’s Championship Match) – Blair Davenport received tons of boos getting a strong heel reaction. Valkyria received a great reaction from the crowd. Davenport took control catching Valkyria against the ropes. Davenport delivered a flying double stomp for a two count. Davenport connected with a neck breaker for a two count. Valkyria battled back rocking Davenport with strikes. Valkyria connected with a running crossbody. Valkyria went for a flying crossbody but Davenport moved. Davenport went for a Falcon Arrow. Valkyria reversed hitting a Fisherman’s Buster for a two count. Valkyria delivered a German suplex for a two count. Davenport stopped Valkyria from climbing the ropes. Davenport caught Valkyria with a Super Falcon Arrow in a great spot. Valkyria rolled to the floor. Davenport launched Valkyria into the barricade. Davenport went for a Kamigoye Knee Strike but Valkyria moved. Davenport smashed her knee into the barricade. Valkyria’s reaction was great after she moved realizing what could have happened. Davenport went for a Falcon Arrow but her knee gave out. Davenport responded running Valkyria into the turnbuckle. Davenport went for a flying stomp but Valkyria moved. Davenport’s knee buckled. Valkyria rocked Davenport with a running spin kick which looked great. Valkyria connected with a Fisherman’s Driver for the win.
WINNER: Lyra Valkyria retained the NXT Women’s Title
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a really good hard hitting match. A strong showing from Davenport showing great aggression doing whatever it takes to win the title. Davenport wasn’t going to win the NXT Women’s Title because she’s already got a program going with Nikkita Lyons. I can see why they are really high on Valkyria’s potential because she’s a really good wrestler and has been on a strong run of having great matches. Overall, a strong match to start the show.
Lola Vice came out after the match wanting to cash in her NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament contract. Tatum Paxley appeared from the crowd attacking Vice. Electra Lopez appeared attacking Paxley. Valkyria made the save for Paxley. Valkyria got freaked out as Paxley tried to get close to her again.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was the second straight WWE show where they teased a cash-in. It seems like they are playing off the Mickey James and Trish Stratus with Paxley continuing to stalk Valkyria.
Kelly Kincaid noted WWE medical team won’t clear Ilja Dragunov for his NXT Championship match against Trick Williams. Kincaid was waiting to get word from Trick Williams.
Carlito & LWO (Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde) vs. No Quarter Catch Crew (Drew Gulak, Damon Kemp & Myles Bourne) – Dragon Lee was originally scheduled for the match. Dragon Lee couldn’t make it due to Visa issues. Carlito got a huge reaction as he was announced as the mystery partner for LWO. Toro shined early catching Gulak with a springboard crossbody for a near fall. Wilde connected with an assisted splash to Gulak for a two count. Bourne nailed Wilde with a cheap shot with the referee distracted. A brawl broke out between both teams. Carlito and Toro catapulted Wilde who delivered an AWESOME Superman Dive all the way up the entrance ramp onto everyone on the floor. Kemp distracted the referee. Gulak took advantage rocking Wilde with a clothesline. Kemp connected with a neck breaker to Wilde for a two count. Bourne and Kemp delivered a German suplex/Woo dropkick combo to Wilde but Carilto made the save. Wilde got Carlito the hot tag. Carlito ran wild rocking Bourne and Kemp with a double clothesline. Carlito planted Kemp with a Spinebuster but Gulak made the save. The action broke down with everyone getting into the action. Wilde delivered a great looking Corkscrew Splash onto Bourne and Gulak on the floor. Toro tagged himself into the match. Kemp caught Carlito with a bridging German suplex. Kemp didn’t know Toro made the tag. This gave Carilto the opening to give Kemp a back cracker. Toro delivered a 450 Corkscrew Splash for the win.
WINNERS: Carlito, Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a really fun action packed match with everyone getting a chance to shine. Wilde’s incredible dive was the highlight of the match. A really fun showcase for both Toro and Wilde as they were the stars of the match. Andrade who’s rumoured to be coming into WWE would’ve also worked. Andrade has a connection with Zelina Vega during their first NXT run. I’m glad they are saving Andrade’s return for a bigger show. This was still fun seeing Carlito make a special appearance on NXT as he’s also has a connection with the LWO.
Kelly Kincaid interviewed Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams inside their locker room. Trick said saying he’s disappointed would be an understatement. Trick spoke about him and Hayes grinding inside the gym. Trick hoped the best for Dragunov and is waiting for him to get healthy. Trick noted he will get his title match when Dragunov comes back. Hayes wasn’t buying that Dragunov was ready. Grayson Waller appeared. Waller claimed Dragunov wouldn’t beat Trick. Trick said he would beat Dragunov and said he’s the Iron Survivor. Waller said he was the original Iron Survivor. Waller tried to stir up trouble between Hayes and Trick. Hayes noted he and Waller could run it back like it was on SmackDown. Hayes noted Trick is ready to go and suggested a match with Waller. Waller noted he wrestles legends on SmackDown now. Waller called Trick a flop. Trick compared what he and Waller was wearing. Hayes and Trick called Waller a flop. Hayes plugged Trick’s new t-shirt. Hayes noted he was so confident Trick would win that he would put up his NXT Championship opportunity. Waller liked what he heard and accepted. Trick wasn’t happy with Hayes as they went to break.
Amin’s Thoughts: That’s a bummer as it looks like the NXT Title match won’t be happening on the show after advertising it. I enjoyed this segment. Waller was great here stirring up tension between Hayes and Trick. Hayes putting up Trick’s NXT Championship opportunity does make the match with Waller more interesting.
Riley Osborne was sitting inside the Chase U classroom taking notes. Osborne spoke about NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament being the biggest match of his career. Osborne spoke about wanting to follow the path of great European wrestlers like Drew McIntyre, Finn Bálor, Fit Finlay and William Regal. Osborne spoke about having to win the Men’s Breakout Tournament. Osborne noted this would give him a chance to become champion in 2024. Osborne spoke about being the underdog against Oba Femi. Osborne spoke wanting his name to be on a list of great European superstars.
Roxanne Perez vs. Arianna Grace – Roxanne Perez received a great reaction. Grace took control early planting Roxy with a hip toss. Grace offered a handshake. Grace instead showed Roxy in her face. Roxy battled back catching Grace with a running crossbody. Roxy applied a European Clutch for a two count. Grace stopped Roxy’s momentum draping her against the ropes. Grace connected with a float suplex for a two count. The crowd split chanting for Grace and Roxy. Roxy fired up rocking Grace with strikes. Roxy connected with a basement dropkick. Roxy rocked Grace with a running uppercut. Roxy rocked Grace with corner strikes. Grace responded raking Roxy in the eyes. Grace goes for a grab. Roxy countered hitting Pop Rocks for the win.
WINNER: Roxanne Perez
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a fine match. A fine showing from Grace who’s been improving with every match. I’ really enjoyed Roxy’s work showing more aggression in her matches.
Grace yelled at Roxy after the match. Roxy got irate as she tackled Grace to the mat. Roxy placed Grace in a Crossface. Roxy had a smile on her face. WWE officials appeared holding Roxy back. The referee called ring announcer Alica Taylor over and told her something. Grace was awarded the win via reverse decision. Roxy was pissed.
WINNER: Arianna Grace via reverse decision
Amin’s Thoughts: Roxy has such a likeable presence and comes off a such a loveable babyface. Roxy has recently shown more aggression and vicious side in her matches. I really liked the reverse decision angle. This could lead to Roxy snapping and going heel. Roxy is one of my favourite wrestlers on NXT TV. I’m really looking forward to seeing how Roxy does when she goes full heel.
Ava was leaving Shawn Michael office. Kincaid told Ava lots of stuff is happening. Ava noted WWE Raw Day 1 was crazy. Ava noted what’s matter is Ilja Dragunov’s health. Ava noted Dragunov will defend the NXT Title against Trick Williams or Grayson Waller when he’s cleared to compete. Kincaid noted Ava has been leaving Shawn Michaels office. Kincaid asked what’s going on? Ava spoke about having a conversation with a “Wise Man” Paul Heyman reference. Ava noted as NXT continues to crowd Michaels might need help. Ava noted she has a unique relationship with the NXT roster. She noted something it works and sometimes they don’t. Ava announced the NXT Men’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic starts next week.
Highlight package hyping Tiffany Stratton vs. Fallon Henley
Blair Davenport was backstage selling her injury. Nikkita Lyons appeared and wanted to check how Davenport was doing. Davenport noted Lyons couldn’t attack her from behind. Lyons noted she’s showing Davenport the respect that Davenport didn’t show her. Lyons noted taking Davenport out backstage doesn’t get her closer to the NXT Women’s Title. Lyons noted she needs to beat Davenport inside the ring. Davenport noted Lyons can’t beat her inside the ring. Lyons spoke about taking Davenport out before. Davenport challenged Lyons on the spot. WWE officials appeared pulling Davenport and Lyons apart.
Tiffany Stratton vs. Fallon Henley (Ranch Hand/Servant For A Day Match) – Henley threw a towel into Tiffany’s face as the match began. The action moved to the floor as Henley rocked Tiffany with strikes. Henley rocked Tiffany with a modified House Call. Tiffany battled back running Henley into the ring post. Tiffany delivered a Cartwheel Alabama Slam sending Henley crashing onto the ring apron. Henley and Tiffany connected with stereo clothesline as they returned from break. Henley made a comeback catching Tiffany with a reverse slingblade. Henley launched Tiffany into the barricade. Henley connected with a flying crossbody for a two count. Tiffany went for a Cartwheel Alabama Slam. Henley reversed catching Tiffany with a Crucifix Bomb for a two count. Tiffany battled back catching Henley with a spinebuster for a two count. Tiffany caught Henley with a rolling fireman’s carry. Tiffany went for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever but Henley moved. Henley connected with a head scissors sending Tiffany to the floor. Tiffany slammed Henley onto the announcers table. Tiffany grabbed a chair but Henley stooped her. The referee pulled the chair away from Tiffany. This gave Henley the advantage hitting a Shinning Wizard for the win.
WINNER: Fallon Henley
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a good action packed match. A great showing from both Henley and Tiffany as they worked great together. A great win for Henley getting another win over Tiffany a former NXT Women’s Champion. The babyface winning the heel like stipulation was interesting. This could work as long as Henley still comes off as likeable. I could see Tiffany begrudgingly respecting Henley and this leads to them teaming in the Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Baron Corbin approached Bron Breakker backstage. Corbin asked Breakker if he heard what Ava said? Breakker noted he didn’t. Corbin noted the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic starts next week. Corbin thinks he and Breakker would be a good team. Breakker began laughing and claimed Corbin was desperate. Corbin noted nobody is looking for Breakker to be his partner. Corbin noted both he and Breakker are A-Hole’s and should be partners. Corbin noted him and Breaker would with the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic and win the NXT Tag Team Titles. They argued about who would do the work in the tournament. Corbin offered a fist bump. Breakker left. Breakker returned and gave Corbin a fist bump.
They aired an Oba Femi vignette. Femi noted someone with the name Obi possesses undeniable power. Femi spoke about everyone witnessing his power throughout the tournament. He spoke about coming from beautiful country of Nigeria. Femi spoke about standing head and shoulders above the rest. Femi said Osborne would crumble underneath his feet. Femi said when he wins the Men’s Breakout Tournament. He would be the Giant of NXT.
Gigi Dolan was speaking to NXT recruits inside the Women’s locker room. Cora Jade appeared wondering what’s wrong with this picture? Dolan notes she’s at her locker. Jade noted Dolan was sitting in her personal space. Dolan noted if Jade can’t respect other people’s locker. Dolan noted she can’t respects Jade’s locker. Dolan and Jade teased a match with each other. The women’s locker pulled Dolan and Jade apart
Ridge Holland Interview
Sarah Schreiber had a sit-down interview with Ridge Holland. Sarah asked Holland about his journey back to NXT. Holland spoke about being no stranger to injuries and mishaps inside the ring. He spoke about taking an upward climb in his career. Holland note he was suppose to be on Pat McAfee’s team in the NXT WarGames match. They showed a clip of Holland blowing both his legs out on an episode of NXT on October 7, 2020. Holland wondered how could he tell his pregnant wife at the time that he left for United States but could’ve ended due to injury. Holland noted wrestling is how he supports his family.
Sarah spoke about Holland coming back and forming the Brawling Brutes with Sheamus and Butch. Holland noted it was bitter sweet. They showed a clip of Holland’s nose getting accidentally shattered on January 1, 2022. Holland noted he had to stand up because he had people relying on him.
Sarah mentioned Holland returning to face NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov. Holland spoke about respecting Dragunov. He spoke about having no mellifluous attempt towards to Dragunov. Holland spoke about being a husband and father. Holland spoke about getting hurt. Holland noted he doesn’t have it in him to hurt people after what he’s been through. Holland noted he’s in NXT to show everyone who he is and find redemption. Holland wanted to show everyone who he really is with no perceptions. Sarah thanked Holland for the interview time. They shook hands.
Amin’s Thoughts: I really the overall presentation of the interview. Holland came off really good here by opening up and humanizing himself. They did really good bringing up why he became a wrestler and what he also went through bringing up his past injuries. I’m actually glad they didn’t bring up the Elton Prince and more importantly the Big E injury for the backlash he’s been receiving online. I would like if this leads to them telling the Holland redemption story and not having another Holland match which leads to a storyline injury. I really didn’t like the first angle with Holland and Dragunov. This was much better done. I wanted to root for Holland after watching the interview.
Jacy Jayne and Thea Hail were in the background watching Riley Osborne walk backstage. Jayne friendly pushed Hail who approached Osborne. Hail told Osborne she will be watching his match. Hai wished Osbourne luck. Osborne gave Hail a high five. Hail was very exciting freaking out telling Jayne she’s never going to was her hand.
Oba Femi vs. Riley Osborne (NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament Finals) – Osborne used his quickness rocking Femi with leg kicks. Osborne caught Femi with a chop block. Osborne used Femi’s momentum sending him to the floor. Osborne saw Hail and Jayne making their way to Chase U section. Femi took control rocking Osborne with a huge palm strike. Femi placed Osborne in a bear hug as they returned from break. Femi planted Osborne with a uranage backbreaker. Jayne and Hail were trying to root Osborne on. Osborne moved as Femi charged into the ring post. Osborne made a comeback catching Femi with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors. Osborne connected with a corkscrew splash for a two count. Osborne caught Femi with a high kick. Osborne went for a dive but Femi moved. Osborne caught Femi with a leg lariat. Osborne went for a Shooting Star Press but Femi got his knees up. Femi made a comeback planting Osborne with a release spinning slam. Femi connected with a Catch Powerbomb for the win.
WINNER: Oba Femi won the NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a good match. I really thought Osborne did a great job bumping and selling to make Femi look like a monster. I would’ve liked to seen Osborne win because he’s more ready for NXT TV level championship match. The good part for Osborne he’s already in a storyline with Hail and Chase U so they still see big things for him. You can clearly see Femi has tons of charisma and his power spots are really impressive. I’m just curious to see when Femi gets his championship match. I hope they really don’t just rush him into a title match and have him lose. I would like to see them continue building Femi up by having him squash dudes on TV. I’m not surprised that Femi won because he has all the potential to become a huge breakout star.
They aired an OTM vignette. Bronco Nima and Lucien Price spoke about their power and speed. Nima and Price noted they are already wearing gold. Nima and Price now want gold around their waist. Scrypts noted Nima and Price are coming for the NXT Tag Team Championships.
Kelly Kincaid interviewed Kiana James and Izzy Dame backstage. Dame spoke about slamming the cage door on Roxanne Perez. Dame brought up people social media comments wondering who she is. Dame noted James has the best business mind in WWE. James spoke about Dame having unlimited potential. Dame noted she’s not afraid of conflict. Dame noted she used to have eyeballs and bitches in her free time. Dame noted she’s would be first to hand it. James noted she now has a friend. James said it’s time to make some money. James noted with her guidance everyone will know who Dame is.
Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams were backstage. Trick was upset Hayes put up his NXT Championship match at stake against Waller. Hayes noted Trick is going to have challengers from all comers so he needs to be prepared. Hayes noted Trick was going to beat him anyways. Trick noted Hayes putting his title match is crazy. Hayes noted he was going to be in Trick’s corner. Trick mentioned he wanted to face Dragunov and Waller alone. Hayes asked Trick was he doing it by himself when they were hooping it inside the gym. Trick noted he wants to run this play alone. Hayes agreed.
Jacy Jayne and Thea Hail were backstage. Hail spoke about Osborne being so close. Hail wondered if she should text Osborne? Hail noted that would be going too far. Hail suggested getting him a gift card. Jayne suggested they let Osborne cool down. Andre Chase & Duke Hudson appeared. They put over Osborne’s performance. Chase told Hudson to get his head in the game as they would be competing in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Jayne stepped up noting she’s taking over. Jayne noted Chase can’t focus on two things at once. Jayne noted Chase should focus on paying his debt. Jayne suggested Duke and Osborne should represent Chase U in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Tournament. Hail was excited saying it was the best idea. Chase was about to speak. Jayne stopped Chase. Jayne noted Chase University hangs in the balance. Jayne noted Chase isn’t handling things well. Jayne noted she going to get the money and Hail will help her. Jayne noted she’s going to dig down and bring Chase U back up from the depts of hell to prominence.
Amin’s Thoughts: Jayne was awesome in this segment as she came off as a star. I’m glad to see they are keeping the pairing of Jayne and Hail together as they are a great team. Hail and Jayne would be my team to win when they eventually do a Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Tournament. I also liked this segment because it moved storylines forwards. This was a good way to showcase Osborne as a breakout star by having him team with Hudson in the Men’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. This was also a good way to take Chase out because he’s in a separate storyline.
NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria was sitting backstage. Tatum Paxley appeared. Valkyria was freaked out. Paxley noted everything is right as long as Valkyria is champion. Paxley left.
Axiom was talking to Nathan Frazer backstage about them being unstoppable. Frazer noted he’s not going to give an answer because they would appear. You were led to think they were talking about Breakker and Corbin being part of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Brooks Jensen was sitting in the background. Jensen was feeling very gloomy as he walked off after hearing Axiom and Frazer talk about the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Frazer noted the NXT Tag Team Division needed a rebound. Right on cue, Malik Blade & Edris Anofe appeared in the background. Frazer realized somebody was behind them. Blade & Enofe noted Axiom and Frazer being friends doesn’t make them a good team. They walked off. Axiom suggested he and Frazer team together in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. They shook hands.
Tony D’Angelo and Stacks were leaving the WWE Performance Center with a lady. Tony noted Chase isn’t close to being off the hook. Tony noted since Chase U lost they have to defend the NXT Tag tEAM Titles against OTM. Stacks was cutting a promo on OTM. The lady cut Stacks off. She wondered if Tony will finally introduce her? Tony introduced Adriana Rizzo as the glue of the Tony D’Angelo Family. They opened the trunk. Joe Gacy appeared. Tony and Stacks wondered who long Gacy was inside the trunk? Gacy said a few hours. Gacy referenced a guy being in there. Gacy through they were taking him to the bridge. Gacy left.
Trick Williams vs. Grayson Waller (Number One Contender’s Match) – Grayson Waller came out receiving huge boos from the crowd. Vic Joseph asked Booker T his thoughts on who’s the former NXT Champion that would be appearing on the show? Booker T was distracted but then brought up how Waller disrespected his hometown city of Houston Texas. Trick Williams received a huge reaction from the crowd. Huge chants of “Whoop That Trick!” Booker T was hype on commentary. Waller took control early rocking Trick with strikes in the corner. Waller connected with a suplex for a near fall. Trick battled back catching Waller with a dropkick. Trick planted Waller with a serious of scoop slams for a near fall. Trick went for a rolling elbow but Waller rolled out of the ring. Waller asked Booker T if that’s your guy? Trick launched Waller over the commentary table. Waller stopped Trick catching him with a sliding lariat on the floor. Trick planted Waller with a suplex as they returned from break. Trick made a comeback rocking Waller with strikes in the corner. Waller intercepted Trick catching him with a double stomp for a two count. Waller placed Trick in a half crab against the ropes. Waller applied a half crab but Trick grabbed the ropes. Waller talked smack. Trick responded rocking Waller with a palm strike. Trick rocked Waller with combination strikes. Trick connected with a flapjack. Waller caught Trick draping him against the ropes. Waller went for a Rolling Stunner. Trick caught him with a popup punch for a two count. Waller and Trick exchanged strikes on the ropes. Trick connected with a Super Rock Bottom. Waller placed his foot on the ropes. Waller rolled the floor. Waller draped Trick against the ropes. Waller connected with a rolling flatliner for a two count. Waller went for a springboard elbow but Trick moved. Trick caught Waller with a jumping neck breaker. The crowd cheered as Trick called for his jumping knee strike. Carmelo Hayes ran to the ring and stood the ring apron. Waller rolled out of the ring. The crowd cheered as former NXT Champion Kevin Owens appeared rocking Waller with his cast. Trick rocked Waller with a jumping knee strike for the win.
WINNER: Trick Willams
Amin’s Thoughts: I didn’t like the bait-and-switch not having the NXT Championship match on the show. I’m guessing Draguov and Trick NXT Title match will happen at the Vengeance Day PLE. I really enjoyed watching this match. This was a really good action packed match as both Trick and Waller worked great together. Kevin Owens appearing was cool to see. I really liked the finish of the match. They protected Waller by having Owens costing him the match. Owens appearing does work because Austin Theory and Waller injured Owens arm before the start of the WWE United States Tournament. They really build up the drama with Hayes appearing at the end teasing he might cost Trick his NXT Championship match. I’m curious to see if Owens appearing leads into something more for the Hayes and Trick storyline. Hayes could be upset that Trick won because of Owens help. Owens is also the one who beat Hayes in the WWE United States Championship tournament. Overall, a good main event match.
Trick Williams celebrated on the ropes. Hayes looked conflicted while looking at Trick. Hayes saw Trick’s shirt on the floor. Hayes grabbed Trick’s shirt and applauded. The show ended.
Amin’s Thoughts: You can tell a turn is coming. They are just taking their time before the actual turn happens. I’m guessing they want to save the Hayes and Trick match for WrestleMania weekend and that’s why the turn hasn’t happened yet.
Overall Thoughts
My only nitpick was the bait-and-switch with the NXT Championship Match. It looks like they are saving the NXT Championship match between Dragunov and Trick for the Vengeance Day PLE show. I very much enjoyed watching this show. There were some good wrestling matches. There were special appearances from Kevin Owens, Grayson Waller and Carilto. There was also lots of focus put towards the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. They did their best trying to make Oba Femi look like a star winning the Men’s Breakout Tournament. I also thought Roxanne was a highlight on the show showing much more aggression. Overall, this was a good show. There was a good balance between the wrestling matches and progressing storylines forward.
