NXT
Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
The show opened with a video package recapping the highlights from NXT New Year’s Evil.
Vic Joseph and Booker T were on commentary. The camera cut as Blair Davenport and Nikkita Lyons were brawling in the NXT Parking lot.
Blair Davenport def. Nikkita Lyons — The action spilt into the arena as the match got underway. Lyons shined early rocking Davenport with a spin kick for a two count. Davenport responded running Lyons into the ring post. Davenport took control hitting a flying double stomp to the floor. Davenport followed hitting a flying double stomp. Davenport went for a guillotine but Lyons broke free. Lyons batted back rocking Davenport with mid kicks. There was a scary spot as Lyons went for a DDT as Davenport landed on her head. Lyons sent Davenport flying with a release German suplex. Davenport connected with a TKO for a two count. The action moved to the floor. Davenport ducked as Lyon kicked the ring post. Lyons battled back sending Davenport back inside the ring. Davenport took advantage catching Lyons with a chop block as she entered the ring. Davenport rocked Lyons with a Kamigoye Knee Strike for the win. (Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a good action packed match as both Davenport and Lyons worked well together. This was Lyons best showing since returning from her injury as her striking ability looked really impressive. I liked the layout with Davenport targeting Lyons leg which led to the finish of the match. A strong showing from Davenport who looked good in the win.
Cody Rhodes voiced a video package announcing the start of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. The finals will take place on the Vengeance Day PLE.
Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams were backstage in their locker room. Hayes told Trick he has some good news for him. Trick isn’t sure if he wants to hear it because he isn’t sure what Hayes was going to do. Hayes spoke about Shawn Michaels tweet about a former NXT Champion appearing last week. Hayes noted he takes championships not chances. Hayes brought up Trick beating Grayson Waller alone last week. Hayes noted Trick asked for his help. Hayes noted it’s his responsibility that Trick succeeds. Trick understands where Hayes is coming from and wants to hear what he has to say. Hayes told Trick they weren’t sure how long NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov would be out of action. Hayes noted he got him and Trick added to the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament. Trick wasn’t sure about it noting he needs to focus on Dragunov. Hayes noted this would help keep Trick prepared. Hayes said he and Trick would win the Dusty Cup and the NXT Tag Team Titles. Hayes noted he would be called a Grand Slam Champion. Trick would be known as holding two championships. Trick was excited by this. They agreed.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — I really liked this segment. Hayes and Trick adds more star power to the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Titles. This also adds another twist as you really aren’t sure where this storyline is now leading.
Bron Breakker & Baron Corbin def. Gallus (Mark Coffee & Wolfgang) (w/Joe Coffee) in Round One of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic — Breakker shined early catching Wolfgang with a powerslam. Gallus quickly took back control as Coffee rocked Corbin with a flying shoulder tackle for a quick near fall. Wolfgang used Corbin’s momentum draping him onto the ropes. Wolfgang followed catching Breakker with a running senton. Breakker and Corbin regrouped outside the ring. Corbin caught Coffee with a flying clothesline but Wolfgang made the save. The action broke down with Corbin catching Coffee with a Deep Six coming off the ropes. Corbin planted Coffee with a Death Valley Driver. The crowd booed as Wolfgang pulled Coffee out of the ring. Wolfgang moved as Corbin punched the ring post. Gallus took control working over Corbin’s injured arm. Corbin battled back getting Breakker the hot tag. Breakker ran wild rocking Wolfgang with a running lariat. Breakker launched Wolfgang with a German Suplex who had Coffee in his hands. The crowd chanted “Holy S*it”. Corbin tagged into the match. Breakker rocked Wolfgang with a huge spear. Corbin hit End of Days on Coffee for the win. (Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a fun action packed tag team match. I’m really enjoying the pairing of Breakker and Corbin as they worked great as a team. Breakker and Corbin vs. Hayes and Trick seems like the easy choice for the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic finals.
They aired a vignette of Fallon Henley working on her farm. Tiffany was dressed like she was on the sets of the Barbie movie. Henley wasn’t surprised Tiffany Stratton arrived late. Tiffany arrived. Tiffany noted she’s late because she was getting dressed. Henley noted she had outfit. Tiffany noted she’s not going to wear that outfit. Tiffany noted she can work while looking good. Henley was fine with it. Henley told Tiffany about the farm cleaning procedure. Tiffany was disgusted when Henley brought up horse dumping. To Be Continued…
Lyra Valkyria & Lola Vice promo
NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria was inside the ring. Valkyria spoke about her win over Blair Davenport as New Year’s Evil. Valkyria wondered who will be her next challenger for the NXT Women’s Title at Vengeance Day. Valkyria noted she spoke to Ava and there will be a 20 Woman Battle Royal. The last four participants remaining in the battle royal will turn into a Fatal-4-Way Match. The winner will challenge Valkyria for the NXT Women’s Title at Vengeance Day.
Lola Vice came out Electra Lopez. Vice noted Valkyria is still champion because Tatum Paxley saved her last week. Valkyria spoke about Vice wanting to turn the NXT Women’s Division upside down. Valkyria noted all Vice has been doing is talking. Valkryia noted she wants to be a fighting champion. Valkyria noted she’s not here to see Vice shake her ass on Instagram. Valkyria noted she’s here to the fight Lola Vice, the cage fighter. Valkryia noted there are fans who both like and don’t like Vice. Valkyria noted the fans wanted to see the match happen. The crowd booed as Vice called the fans sheep who follow her moves. Vice claimed the fans loved her Latina Heat.
Valkyria noted it was Electra Lopez who was bringing the Latina Heat. Valkyria noted Lopez held Legado Del Fantasma together. Valkyria wondered when Vice was going to tell Lopez she’s not cashing in her contract for a WWE Women’s Tag Team Title match? Valkyria challenged Vice to a match right now. Lopez and Vice attacked Valkyria. Tatum Paxley appeared to make the save. Valkyria and Paxley stood tall together.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — Valkyria is one of my favourite wrestlers to watch when it comes to her matches. Valkyria comes off as a really likeable babyface. I just think Valkyria’s character feels a bit stale as she needs something to sink her teeth into. Roxanne Perez is my favourite women’s wrestler on NXT. Roxanne was awesome playing such a loveable babyface. I’ve been really likely what they’ve been doing with Roxanne’s character showing a more aggressive and wilder side. I would just like to see some more character development with Valkyria. Overall, this was fine setting up a tag team match.
Meta-Four were backstage making fun Brooks Jensen and Josh Briggs splitting apart. Josh Briggs appeared as he got into an argument with Meta-Four. This led to a match between Briggs and Oro Mensah.
Luca Crucifino was backstage holding pictures showing Ava his foot was underneath the ropes. Ava told Crucifino she’s not the referee. Ava mentioned she will discuss Crucifino’s concern with Shawn Michaels. NXT North American Champion Dragon Lee approached Ava backstage. Dragon Lee noted his Visa issues are all done. Lexis King appeared as he was glad to hear Dragon Lee’s Visa issues were over. King thought that meant there would be open challenges for the NXT North American Title. Dragon Lee noted he’s always ready. King noted he’s ready and a contract in hand. Dragon Lee signed the contract. Dragon Lee called King something in Spanish and left. King asked Ava what he called him? Ava told King to not worry about it.
Josh Briggs def. Oro Mensah (w/Meta-Four) — Briggs took control early rocking Mensah with a shoulder tackle. Legend pulled Mensah to the floor. Briggs chased Mensah around the ring. Noam Dar held onto Briggs leg. Mensah took advantage rocking Briggs with a superkick. Mensah connected with a sliding lariat for a near fall. Mensah rocked Briggs with a springboard kick for a near fall. Briggs batted back planting Mensah with a spinebuster. Jakara Jackson distracted the referee. Dar held onto Briggs in the corner. Briggs moved as Mensah charged into the turnbuckle. Briggs connected with a running lariat for the win. (Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a fine match. The focus was getting Briggs a strong showcase win to build him for his rematch with Dar for the NXT Heritage Cup.
Part two of the vignette saw Tiffany Stratton working on Fallon Henley’s farm. Tiffany asked Henley if she was done? Henley noted that was task number one. Someone appeared and noted the horse needed to be washed. Henley said “that’s all you Buttercup!” Tiffany told Henley to not call her Buttercup. Henley noted that was the horse’s name. Tiffany washed the horse. Tiffany told Henley she was done. Henley told Tiffany she can’t put a horse in a dirty stall. Henley sent Tiffany to muck the stalls. Henley handed Tiffany a pink rake. Tiffany freaked out out after seeing all the horse dumping (poop) To Be Continued…..
The Family (Tony D’Angelo & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo) (c) (w/Adrianna Rizo) def. OTM (Bronco Nima & Lucien Price) (w/Scrypts) to retain the NXT Tag Team Titles — Nima and Stack began exchanging strikes. Stacks rocked Nima with a running knee strike. Tony followed rocking Nima with a shoulder tackle. Stacks caught Price with a dropkick. Tony launched Stacks onto Price for a near fall. Nima tagged himself into match as he rocked Stacks with a mid kick. Nima took control dropping Stacks onto the ring apron. Nima worked over Stacks as they returned from break. Stacks battled back running Nima into the ring post. Stacks got Tony the hot tag. Tony ran wild planted Price with a pair of belly-to-belly suplex. Tony planted Price with a spinebuster for a two count. Tony and Stacks connected with a German Suplex/flying uppercut combo to Price. The action broke down as Nima caught Stacks with a jumping stomp. Nima and Price delivered a double backdrop combo to Tony for a two count. Nima and Price delivered a backdrop/powerslam combo to Tony kicked out at two. The Family battled back as Tony launched Stacks onto Nima and Price on the floor. The Family delivered Bada Bing Bada Boom to Price but Nima made the save. The referee tried to hold Nima back. This led to Scrypts climbing the ropes. Rizo showed Scrypts who went flying onto Price. Stacks delivered a springboard splash onto Nima on the floor. Tony delivered a Fisherman’s Buster to Price for the win to retain the titles. (Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a solid tag team match. Nima and Price have greatly improved as they had a strong showing. Another good win for Tony and Stacks as they are such a fun team to watch.
Kelly Kincaid interviewed Men’s NXT Breakout Tournament Winner Oba Femi backstage. Femi said the contract means he can become NXT Champion at anytime he wants. Femi spoke about all the participants in the NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament crumbing on their feet. Lexis King appeared and told Femi he was proud of his win. King noted if it wasn’t for Trey Bearhill he and Femi would have been in the finals. King noted Femi earned his title match by winning the Men’s Breakout Tournament. King showed his contract noting he’s got an NXT North American Title match against Dragon Lee. King noted he’s looking at Femi as the next NXT Champion. King called himself the next NXT North American Champion. King called himself the face of Tuesday nights. King said he’s going to get Kincaid drinks after he wins. King left. Femi asked Kincaid if the NXT North American Title is happening on the show. Kincaid said yes. Femi looked at the NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament contract.
Ridge Holland approached Gallus backstage. Coffee mocked Holland for his sit-down interview last week. Holland mentioned he’s not afraid of Coffee. Coffee noted Holland should’ve stuck around with the Brawling Brutes. Coffee isn’t sure how long Holland will last alone in NXT. Gallus left. Holland noted he will be seeing Gallus soon.
Cora Jade def. Gigi Dolan — Dolan shined early rocking Jade with combination kicks. Dolan went for a running dropkick but Jade moved. Jade took control rocking Dolan with shoulder tackles. Jade sent Dolan against the ropes. Jade rocked Dolan with a rising knee strike for a two count. There was a split chant from the crowd. Dolan battled back catching Jade with an STO. Dolan went for Crucifix Bomb. Jade countered by holding onto the referee. Jade caught Dolan with a Hammerlock DDT for the win. (Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a fine match. They have a done a great job booking Jade since her return by having her run through the division. Jade has to be a strong favourite to face Valkyria for the NXT Women’s Title.
Bronco Nima and Lucien Price were walking in the NXT Parking lot with Scrypts. They approached Jaida Parker. Parker noted OTM needs to open up their minds. Parker noted she can see stuff a mile away. Parker noted she could handle Rizzo who’s with Tony and Stacks. Scrypts was intrigued. They all left to talk business.
Axiom & Nathan Frazer def. Hank Walker & Tank Ledger in Round One of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic — Axiom and Frazer received a solid reaction from the crowd. Hank shined early rocking Axiom with a big boot. Hank and Tank took control as they sandwich Frazer together. Axiom and Frazer battled back rocking Tank with a series of combination moves. Hank tagged himself into the match as he took control launching Axiom to the mat. Tank followed with a slingshot splash to Axiom for a near fall. Axiom got Frazer the hot tag. Frazer used his speedy rocking Tank with a springboard dropkick but Hank made the save. Tank battled back catching Frazer with a Bubba Bomb. Hank and Tank delivered a launch backdrop suplex bomb to Frazer for a two count. Axiom and Frazer made a comeback delivering a series of topes to Hank and Tank. Axiom rocked Hank with a superkick. Frazer followed hitting a Phoenix Splash onto Hank for the win. (Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a fun action packed tag team match. Hank and Tank continue to show potential as a team but just haven’t been pushed as team. A nice win for Axiom and Frazer as they are just so fun to watch together. A potential match between Axiom and Frazer vs. Hayes and Trick would be so fun to watch.
They aired part three of Tiffany Stratton working on Fallon Henley’s farm. Henley noted Tiffany was finally done. Henley asked Tiffany what it was finally like to actually work? Tiffany called this the worst day of her life. Tiffany noted she pity’s Henley for enjoying this work. Henley was about to say something. Tiffany interrupted Henley nothing she’s leaving. Tiffany slipped on the horse’s pop and fell into the horse’s drinking bowl. Henley noted she was about to tell Tiffany she missed a spot. Tiffany threw a rant,
Malik Blade and Edris Enofe were backstage hyping themselves up for their Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Match against Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams. I think Brinley Reece appeared as she wanted to get Blade and Enofe to do some stretches before their match. She noted this his how they will get six pack abs. Blade and Enofe showed their six pack abs. Reece noted if they need tips of stretching to come see her.
Dragon Lee (c) def. Lexis King to retain the NXT North American Title — Dragon Lee received a strong babyface reaction from the crowd. The crowd booed as King made his entrance seated on his throne. The match began with mat wrestling. The action began to pick up with Dragon Lee and King having a fun counter exchange. King used Dragon Lee’s momentum sending him over the ropes. King went for a running dropkick but got caught against the ropes. King got distracted as WWE officials were shown holding Trey Bearhill back. King rocked Dragon Lee with a lariat as they returned from break. Dragon Lee battled back catching King with a springboard hurricanrana. Dragon Lee followed rocking King with a corner slingshot dropkick. Dragon Lee connected with a running dropkick for a two count. Dragon Lee and King exchanged big strikes. King connected with a superkick. Dragon Lee responded with a knee strike. King responded caching Lee with a sliding lariat. King connected with a Cradle Driver for a two count. King applied a half crab but Dragon Lee grabbed the ropes. Dragon Lee caught King with a superkick. Dragon Lee delivered Destino for the win to retain the title. (Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a good action packed match. King being in NXT is good for him so he can improve when it comes to matches. This was King’s best match on NXT as he and Lee worked great together. This was another good win for Dragon Lee as he continue to deliver stellar matches.
Oba Femi came out and cashed-in his Men’s NXT Breakout Tournament contract.
Oba Femi def. Dragon Lee (c) to win the NXT North American Title — Dragon Lee caught Femi with a tope on the floor as the match got underway. Femi battled back launching Dragon Lee across the ring. Femi charged into a Dragon Lee superkick. Dragon Lee connected with a Swing DDT for a two count. Dragon Lee called for Destino. Femi countered catching Dragon Lee with a Catch Powerbomb. Femi covered Dragon Lee and won the NXT North American Title. (Amin’s Thoughts) — This is exactly how you book a cash-in with a babyface. Dragon Lee wanted to be a fighting champion as he defend his title in a good match. Dragon Lee can now move back up to SmackDown which is great for him with Royal Rumble and WrestleMania approaching. They did a great job here making Femi look like a star. Femi just oozes with charisma and his power spots look really impressive. They are clearing riding Femi’s momentum as he feels like a big project who WWE clearly sees him a huge superstar.
Overall Thoughts
This was a pretty newsworthy episode with NXT continuing to ride Oba Femi’s momentum by putting the North American Title on him. I also liked how they focused on Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic as they wanted to make the tournament feel like a big deal. The matches on the show that have time were mostly good. The other matches were shorter but were placed to move stories forward. The Henley-Tiffany vignettes didn’t click with me but I was glad they split them out throughout the show. I would like if this Henley-Tiffany program leads to them becoming unlikely partners in the Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic when it happens. Overall, this was a solid episode of NXT as they are starting the build to NXT Vengeance Day.
