Tag: wwe nxt news

WWE announces new NXT live event dates for October

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Next month, WWE NXT is coming to the midwest for a three-city house show tour.

It was announced today that NXT will hold two live events in Ohio and one in Michigan from October 9-11. Full details for the shows can be seen below:

  • Thursday, October 9: Columbus, Ohio at KEMBA Live!
  • Friday, October 10: Detroit, Michigan at The Masonic Temple
  • Saturday: October 11: Cleveland, Ohio at The Agora Theatre

Oba Femi, Jacy Jayne, Ethan Page, Sol Ruca, and Trick Williams are among those who will competing, with the venues also saying there will be special appearances by Raw and SmackDown wrestlers. WWE has not announced who those wrestlers will be.

The general public on-sale date for each event is this Wednesday (September 10) at 10 a.m. Eastern time. A pre-sale begins tomorrow with “WWENXT” as the access code.

NXT spent this past weekend on the road in South Carolina and Georgia for house shows.

The brand’s upcoming road dates also include NXT Homecoming (a special TV episode at Full Sail University on September 16) as well as its No Mercy and Halloween Havoc PLEs. No Mercy is taking place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on September 27, while Halloween Havoc will be held in Prescott, Arizona on October 25.

WWE NXT ratings up for September 2 episode

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Tuesday night’s WWE NXT episode averaged 655,000 viewers on The CW, a 6.3 percent increase from last week. Though up week-over-week, this is the second-lowest audience total for the show since July 15.

NXT drew a 0.14 rating in the 18-49 demo. That’s up 16.7 percent from last week but is also the second-lowest rating the show has done in that category since the July 15 episode.

The show finished eighth on television in prime time for the night. It aired head-to-head with the US Open tennis tournament on ESPN, which ranked second for the night in the demo behind NBC’s America’s Got Talent. The tennis broadcast did a 0.33 rating in 18-49 and averaged 1.794 million viewers overall.

As compared to the same week in 2024, when the show still aired on USA Network, NXT’s overall viewership was up 3.8 percent while the 18-49 rating was down 17.8 percent.

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of viewership numbers and 18-49 demo ratings, as well as the 10-week average in both categories. This week’s show was down 3.9 percent in viewers and 6.7 percent in 18-49 as compared to the recent averages.

Lola Vice getting AAA Mixed Tag Team title shot

Posted on by Joseph Currier

September is shaping up to be a big month for NXT star Lola Vice.

It’s been announced that Vice & Lince Dorado are getting a Lucha Libre AAA Mixed Tag Team title shot on September 7, challenging La Hiedra & Mr. Iguana for the belts at AAA’s television taping in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. It’s the second title match Vice has scheduled for September, with her also set to challenge Jacy Jayne for the NXT Women’s Championship at No Mercy later in the month.

Vice (former MMA fighter Valerie Loureda) has been working AAA dates recently in addition to her NXT work. On the No-Contest Wrestling podcast, Vice said she feels so grateful for the opportunity she’s gotten to compete in Mexico. It’s helped her improve in the ring and become more comfortable, along with teaching her how to be more of an entertainer.

Dorado works behind the scenes as a coach in NXT as well as still occasionally competing in the ring.

This AAA taping is happening in advance of the next WWE x AAA Worlds Collide event, which is being held in Las Vegas on September 12.

Report: WWE NXT duo could appear on main roster

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Chelsea Green & Ethan Page’s NXT pairing could potentially be coming to the WWE main roster.

WrestleVotes reported today that “several” people in WWE would like to see Green & Page appear together on SmackDown in the near future. Inspired by their shared Canadian heritage, the Green & Page duo formed during the build to NXT Heatwave. That event took place this Sunday with Green & Page defeating Tyra Mae Steele & Tavion Heights in a mixed tag bout.

“Hearing several within WWE would like to see the current pairing of Chelsea Green & NXT North American Champion Ethan Page appear on SmackDown in the near future, as their chemistry on NXT TV has impressed many,” WrestleVotes tweeted. “Additionally, some believe this newly minted Canadian faction would quickly establish Page as a key player.”

Green and her Secret Hervice members Piper Niven & Alba Fyre are already members of the SmackDown roster, while Page is the current NXT North American Champion. Following his departure from AEW, Page debuted for NXT in May 2024 and had a nearly three-month reign as NXT Champion last year.

We know Shawn Michaels is a big fan of the Green & Page team, with the NXT boss recently praising them in an interview with Undisputed.

“Ethan Page and Chelsea Green, to me, are two of the most enjoyable people that I watch on television,” Michaels said. “Whether Chelsea’s on a main roster show or she’s on ours, I just get a kick out of her. She’s fantastic and a hard worker. With Ethan Page, it’s the same thing.”

Shawn Michaels thinks WWE NXT is ‘the best two-hour wrestling program’ on TV

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Shawn Michaels — who oversees NXT in his WWE executive role — feels like his brand is offering the best two-hour wrestling show on television right now.

In an interview with Undisputed, Michaels credited NXT’s wrestlers for making the show a success, with partnerships also contributing to some fresh faces being featured on the brand.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t think we have the best two-hour show on television,” Michaels said. “And the most exciting.

“The partnership with The CW is huge. They’ve been fantastic. We’ve had collaborations like NOAH, TNA, and AAA, but all our success comes down to the athletes that walk through the doors of the Performance Center every day in Orlando. It’s a testament to all the work that our coaches and our creative team and the entire production team in NXT.”

Other contenders for best two-hour show would include WWE SmackDown, AEW Dynamite and Collision, and TNA Impact.

NXT presented its Heatwave PLE over the weekend, which was headlined by Oba Femi defeating Je’Von Evans to retained the NXT Championship. The fallout from Heatwave and the start of the build to No Mercy will take place on tonight’s NXT episode.

At Heatwave, the Canadian duo of Chelsea Green & Ethan Page teamed up for a mixed tag team victory over Tyra Mae Steele & Tavion Heights. Michaels had strong praise for Green & Page in his Undisputed interview.

“Ethan Page and Chelsea Green, to me, are two of the most enjoyable people that I watch on television,” Michaels said. “Whether Chelsea’s on a main roster show or she’s on ours, I just get a kick out of her. She’s fantastic and a hard worker. With Ethan Page, it’s the same thing.”

Lola Vice praises Jacy Jayne as WWE NXT locker room leader

Posted on by Joseph Currier

They might be rivals on-screen, but Lola Vice has huge respect for Jacy Jayne.

Vice appeared on a new episode of the No-Contest Wrestling podcast, where she was asked about some of the allies she has behind the scenes in NXT. She responded by naming Kelani Jordan as one of her friends, along with offering praise for Jayne as an NXT locker room leader.

“I have my friends there. Kelani [Jordan] and I — like, I love her and we’re really good friends,” Vice said. “Jacy could be a b*tch sometimes, she can. But I will say, she’s a locker room leader. She leads by example. She’s an extremely hard-working person. She never complains. She’s incredible at her job. She’s taught me a lot. And I feel like Jacy, also, she’s one of the best women’s strikers we have in wrestling that has never had a striking background before.

“I like the way she thinks, and she’s so passionate about wrestling. She inspires me — even though I want her title — she inspires me. Yeah, I’ve learned so much from her. And I’m really happy that she’s in the position she’s in right now.”

Vice called Jayne a well-rounded performer in every aspect and said she was so happy to see Jayne win the NXT Women’s Championship this May.

The NXT Women’s title will be on the line when Jayne and Vice face off at NXT No Mercy next month. If Vice wins, it will be her first pro wrestling championship. The real-life Valerie Loureda is a former fighter for Bellator MMA.

Vice earned this upcoming NXT Women’s title shot by defeating Jaida Parker and Jordan in a triple threat match at Heatwave this past weekend.

New champion reflects on NXT Heatwave victory: ‘This is why you never burn bridges’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

For Ash By Elegance, NXT Heatwave 2025 was a full-circle moment.

The former Dana Brooke captured gold on Sunday night, defeating Jacy Jayne and Masha Slamovich in a triple threat match to become the new TNA Knockouts World Champion. Winning the title at an NXT event holds special significance for Ash given her history with the brand, starting her WWE career at the Performance Center in the early 2010s and later being released by the company in 2023.

Reflecting on her victory, Ash said there were moments in her career where she felt like giving up — but she was determined to prove herself:

  • Wow… so many emotions- so many tears… years of dedication… & I had many fears!! Sometimes I felt like giving up & not knowing if I should keep going! BUT I had to prove it to myself… I CAN.. I WILL & I WANT TOO! Haters can say what they want… but NOTHING or NO ONE will rain on my parade!!! This title came FULL circle … I started in NXT in 2012.. not knowing anything about wrestling… not knowing anyone in the business…& I ended my WWE career in an NXT ring in September 2023!

Ash said this moment is proof why you should never burn bridges — because you never know how things are going to play out in the future. She dedicated her win to anyone who has felt like giving up on something but decided to push forward instead:

  • I couldn’t make this up in my wildest dreams… this is why you never burn bridges… you never know how this crazy life works… I had the opportunity to capture a title back in the WWE/NXT ring with a company that BELIEVED in me and took a chance! I took a chance on myself… I made a promise to myself that I will pull out ALL THE stops to become the TNA CHAMPION in a ring I use to call HOME, NXT!!! I may not be the best wrestler… but no wrestler IN THIS WORLD has the drive, the hunger, and the passion as I do!!! This is the Ultimate story… this title isn’t just for me… it’s for everyone out there that felt like giving up at something but kept their head in the right mind-space and know it is possible! Learn it from me… whether you LOVE ME or HATE ME… this is a message for everyone out there… NEVER GIVE UP… TOMORROW IS NEVER PROMISED!!! – Ash

Ash has been under contract with TNA since January 2024 and leads a faction called The Elegance Brand, featuring Heather By Elegance (Heather Reckless), M By Elegance (Maggie Lee), and their personal concierge (George Iceman). She’s made appearances for NXT through TNA’s close working relationship with WWE.

The Elegance Brand are the current Knockouts Tag Team Champions in TNA as well.

WWE NXT ratings down for Heatwave go-home show

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Tuesday night’s WWE NXT averaged 675,000 viewers on The CW, down 7.3 percent from last week. This ties the lowest audience total the show has done since July 22.

The episode took place from Philadelphia last night and was the go-home show for Sunday’s Heatwave PLE. It drew a 0.15 rating in the 18-49 demo, down 11.8 percent from last week and marking the lowest rating NXT has done in that category since July 15.

NXT finished seventh in prime time on all of television in the key demo. The top show for the night was America’s Got Talent on NBC, which drew a 0.32 rating.

As compared to the same week in 2024, when the show still aired on USA Network, NXT’s overall viewership was up 5.6 percent while the 18-49 rating was down 6.3 percent, so the audience continues to skew older on network television than it did on cable.

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of viewership numbers and 18-49 demo ratings for NXT, as well as the 10-week average in both categories. This week’s episode was down 2.4 percent in viewers and 6.3 percent in 18-49 as compared to the recent averages.

WWE NXT live results: Heatwave go-home show in Philadelphia

Posted on by Chris Aiken

WWE NXT is in Philadelphia tonight for the final stop before Heatwave.

Oba Femi will defend his NXT Championship against either Je’Von Evans or Trick Williams at Sunday’s PLE in Lowell, Massachusetts. Tonight, Evans battles Williams in a number one contender’s match to determine who gets the title shot.

TNA star Masha Slamovich will be in the building to serve as the special guest referee for a six-woman tag match between Fatal Influence and The Elegance Brand. At Heatwave, Jacy Jayne is defending her NXT Women’s Championship against Slamovich and Ash By Elegance in a triple threat match.

A face-to-face with Jordynne Grace and Blake Monroe will take place in advance of their match at Heatwave.

There will also be a peace summit tonight with Chelsea Green & Ethan Page and Tyra Mae Steele & Tavion Heights.

Plus, Ricky Saints faces Jasper Troy, Joe Hendry appears, and there will be a Philadelphia Street Fight between Yoshiki Inamura and Josh Briggs. That Inamura vs. Briggs matchup is kicking things off at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

NXT is on the air and on the road. Tonight the show is live from The Met in Philadelphia.

Before any introductions in the first match, Josh Briggs is attacks Yoshiki Inamura in the Gorilla Position. They brawl to their way down the aisle as the bell rings to start their street fight. Briggs’ vest is still smoking from the special effects as he continues to pummel Inamura, but Inamura would soon fight back.

Yoshiki Inamura vs. Josh Briggs in a Philadelphia Street Fight

Briggs pinned Inamura in a great opener that was a wild brawl filled with weapons and blunder. Debris litters the ring after the match is over after starting with an ambush by Briggs.

They brawl around ringside. The ring is on a stage, and they fight off the stage on the floor. Briggs suplexes Inamura on the floor. Briggs later haphazardly starts tossing metal folding chairs into the ring, and he uses them as weapons.

Inamura fights back in a few hope spots, but Briggs cut him off. Briggs slams Inamura on a chair, but Briggs misses a splash on crashes into the chair. Inamura comes back and sends Briggs crashing into a chair that Briggs himself had wedged in a corner. Inamura slams Briggs on chair, and Inamura grabs a Phillies baseball bat.

Inamura tees up with the baseball bat, but Briggs rocks him with a low pitch of the chair. The chair took out Inamura’s legs. Briggs uses the bat for a Russian leg sweep, and he stomps on the Phillies logo for added heat with the local crowd. From there, the show cuts to a commercial break. They set up a big stunt as the show returns from the break.

A section of guardrail is bridged on a collection of chairs as the show comes back from the break. Inamura takes a superplex on the guardrail, and he sells big. Kendo stick and trash cans are tossed into the ring by Briggs as the crowd chants for tables.

Briggs uses tape to tie Inamura’s arms on the top rope. Inamura is defenseless to shots from a kendo stick. Inamura hulks up and rips free. Inamura then chops a kendo stick in half as he fires up on Briggs. Inamura keeps chopping before uses “sumo strikes” to knock down Briggs. A trash can is put over the head of Briggs, and Inamura hits the trash can with the baseball bat. A bloody Briggs crumbles the trash can when Inamura bodyslams him on it. The referee put son gloves while checking on Briggs. Meanwhile, Inamura fetches a table.

Inamura leaps off the top with a splash that puts Briggs through a table set up in the ring. Briggs kicks out for a two count. More tables are set up in the ring. Briggs cuts off Inamura with a lariat loaded with a chain. Moonsault press by Briggs that drives Inamura through a table, and Briggs covers Inamura for a pinfall.

Match result: Josh Briggs defeated Yoshiki Inamura via pinfall

— Sarah Schreiber interviews TNA World Champion Trick Williams backstage in Philly. Williams brags about beating Moose on the latest TNA sueprcard. Williams then cuts a promo on NXT Champion Oba Femi ahead of their title match at Heatwave this weekend.

Ricky Saints vs. Jasper Troy

Saints pinned Troy after a pair of tornado DDTs. This was much more tame than the opener, which is not nearly a bad thing. This was also nothing to write home about until the end where they did a stunt with the ring steps. That would have more of an effect if we had not already seen blunder in the opening brawl.

They wrestled through a commercial break. In the later stages of the match, they set up a spot with the ring steps. Saints is sent crashing into the steps. Troy goes for a senton, but no water in the pool. Troy takes a bump on a section of the steps.

As they go home, Saints with a tornado DDT on the apron. Saints follows up by springboarding off the top rope into a tornado DDT in the ring. Saints then covers Troy for a three count.

Match result: Ricky Saints defeated Jasper Troy via pinfall

Jordynne Grace face-to-face with Blake Monroe

Grace comes to the ring and begins with a monologue. She talks about coming to NXT after traveling the world building her reputation. Grace figured she would have won a championship, and that has not happened yet. She knew some of her weaknesses, but she did not think a friendship would set her back.

Grace goes on to say she knew how wrestling friendships work out, but she thought this was an exception. Grace never faced exploiting her weakness like Blake Monroe did to her. She was angry, but now she has one objective. Not revenge. Grace wants Monroe to see herself for what she is. With that, out comes Monroe to interrupt Grace.

They meet face-to-face in the ring, and Monroe is flanked by several security guards. Monroe has a contract drawn up, and if Grace lays a finger on her then their match at Heatwave is off. They exchange words as they cut promos on each other.

Monroe calls Grace a reject posing as a superstar. Grace almost jumps her, but Monroe warns about the stipulation. Grace instead warns her of what she is getting at Heatwave, and Grace lays waste to a few security guards. Grace grabs her by the wrist, and Grace vows to show her what ugly really looks like.

That was a pretty good go-home segment.

Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley, Jazmyn Nyx and Jacy Jayne) vs. Elegance Brand (Heather, M and Ash by Elegance)

Masha Slamovich is the guest referee for the match, which was the subject of a skit earlier in the show that also featured The Personal Concierge. Later in the match, Slamovich ejects the Concierge from ringside.

This was a pretty good six-woman tag team match with a lot of action, and even some drama. The later stages had some close near falls. Ash is arguing with Slamovich as they set up the finish. Ash turns around to take a roaring elbow from Jayne, and Jayne then covers Ash for the deciding pinfall.

Match result: Fatal Influence defeated Elegance Brand when Jayne pinned Ash by Elegance

— Kendal Grey is backstage chatting with Charlie Dempsey, who is giving her unsolicited advice. Wren Sinclair walks up and interjects in the conversation, asking how Dempsey is giving advice to a collegiate wrestler that went 61-0. Dempsey still cannot catch a clue and Grey leaves.

The Culling then walks up, and Dempsey’s boasting somehow gets Sinclair booked in a two-on-one handicap match against The Culling.

USA/Canada Peace Treaty

This segment sets up a mixed tag team match at Heatwave. The Canadian delegation is first to enter. NXT North American Champion Ethan Page is joined by Chelsea Green and the Green Regime. Page knows how things work in Philly, and he has the table removed from the ring (in a reference to ECW). Next to enter is the US delegation of Tavion Heights and Tyra Mae Steele.

They all take seats for the summit. Page praises Heights before cutting a promo on him. Page accuses of Heights getting a big head and biting off more than he can chew. Heights did well in the Olympics, but this is pro wrestling where we do not celebrate losers like second and third place.

Heights responds by saying he is used to setting across from vets, and they counted him out until Heights sent them flying. Heights says Page is underestimating him. Heights has done the work and is blessed by the athletic gods of Mount Olympus. He is made in their image!

Green cuts off Height and calls him rude along with all Americans. Green and Page are just there to peacefully represent their country, which is full of culture and majestic mountains. They have the superior athletes as well. Steele cuts her off, saying we are in America and Philadelphia. We speak our mind. Steele tells Green to shut up. Green takes exception.

Steele says she is the first ever women’s gold medalist (from the USA). Green counters she is the greatest United States champ ever. Steele shows her gold medal and threatens Green. More bickering between the group with Heights hyping up the Philly crowd.

They all rise to their feet and yell at each other. NXT General Manager Ava then comes up announce the two sides will meet in mixed tag team match at Heatwave. The heel Canadians jump the Americans, but Heights and Steele are ready for them. Heights and Steele both apply ankle locks. Page and Green both tap as the Secret Hervice pull them both to safety.

— Myles Borne is talking backstage with Ricky Saints in Borne is approached by Lexis King. This led to an angle where King blinds Borne by spraying him in the eyes.

— Kelani Jordan and Lola Vice are talking when they are approached by Lash Legend. They mention Vice wrestling at Triplemania. They all vow to win the number one contender’s match.

— Joe Hendry makes a cameo appearance in another backstage skit. Hendry pops out of a cabinet when someone from Darkstate mentions his name. This was supposed to be comedy. Hendry himself was humorous.

Trick Williams vs. Je’Von Evans in a number one contender’s match

NXT Champ Oba Femi is watching the match from a seat overlooking the ring. Mike Santana also makes an appearance in the crowd, which plays into the finish.

They wrestled through a commercial break. Before cutting to commercial, Evans does a big dive to the outside. Evans goes to follow up with a springboard. Trick blocks Evans and shoves him backwards. Evans sails through the air and crashes on the announce desk. The desk crumbles and Evans sells big as the show goes into the break.

Trick is getting heat on Evans when the show returns from the break. Evans takes a Ric Flair bodyslam off the top. Meanwhile, Trick points at Femi like he is the WrestleMania sign.Trick then taunts and toys with Evans.

Evans fires up and makes a comeback. Evans sails through the ropes with a tope suicida. Evans follows up with a Five Star Frog Splash for a near fall. They fight on and Evans goes for a springboard cutter. Trick pop up to block the cutter. They fight on and Evans gets another near fall with a roll up.

As they go home, Trick boots Evans with a high kick. Trick then gets a near fall with a fireman’s carry slam. Trick pulls down a knee pad and measures for his finisher, but he stops in his tracks. Trick points to the crowd and spots Mike Santana looking on. Trick is distracted by Santana, and Trick takes a cutter. Evans then does a double springboard into a flying cutter on Trick. Evans scores a three count and becomes the number one contender for the NXT Championship.

Match result: Je’Von Evans defeated Trick Williams to become number one contender for the NXT title

Blake Monroe responds to social media critics: I’m ‘so grateful’ for entire wrestling journey

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Blake Monroe is fighting back against a social media narrative that claims she’s ungrateful for the opportunity she was given in AEW.

The former Mariah May debuted for NXT this June following the expiration of her AEW contract. While in AEW, she was a one-time Women’s World Champion and played a role in one of the company’s best-ever storylines with Toni Storm. Being part of WWE was Monroe’s childhood dream, but she’s upset that some fans are claiming that she’s not appreciative of her AEW run.

In a new vlog filmed last month but uploaded this week, an emotional Monroe addressed that criticism. Without directly mentioning AEW by name, Monroe said she’s always given 110 percent and appreciates every opportunity she’s gotten throughout her wrestling journey.

“I feel so, like, overwhelmed about it because — I don’t know, I left my house five or six years ago with this dream of being a WWE Superstar. And I used to go to all the WWE shows, like I’d save all my money and like travel to go to WrestleMania and the Royal Rumble,” she said. “I don’t know, I don’t even want to talk about stuff because I feel like every single thing I say gets like yanked and taken out of context for these articles on Twitter and stuff. But I made a vlog before my debut to try to speak about these things. I feel like I’m scared to talk about it because I feel like people take it the wrong way or take me as ungrateful or anything.

“But I’ve had the most amazing wrestling journey. I’m so lucky. I’ve been able to travel the world, wrestle some of the best wrestlers, tell amazing stories, work with amazing writers, work with amazing people, have people take a chance on me. And not for one second would I ever change anything or am I ungrateful. I’m so grateful. I feel like I’ve celebrated and I’ve given 110 percent of my life and myself to every single wrestling job I’ve ever had no matter what. I can say that — I can retire one day and know that. And I feel like if you watch my work, you can see that. So I don’t want anything to be misconstrued, although it inevitably will.

“But my wrestling journey also was not easy. It is not easy to leave home and leave behind your family, your friends, your support system, your familiarity, and live in foreign countries by yourself and chase this crazy dream. And for me, you know, to be in WWE — this is something I wanted as a little kid.”

Monroe said seeing herself on things like promotional material for WWE Evolution makes her proud of her childhood, teenage, and young adult self for all the hard work she put in — including wrestling for basically nothing on the indies and scrubbing dojo floors in Japan. She previously competed for Stardom in Japan, with Monroe calling it one of the highlights of her life.

In NXT, Monroe is feuding with Jordynne Grace and is set to have a face-to-face confrontation with her on next week’s NXT episode in Philadelphia.

WWE NXT viewership down slightly, demo rating ties best number in six months

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Tuesday night’s WWE NXT episode averaged 728,000 viewers on The CW, down 1.6 percent from last week. It’s the second-lowest audience total for the show since July 22, but this does mark the first time since February that NXT has drawn more than 700,000 viewers in consecutive weeks.

NXT drew a 0.17 rating in the 18-49 demo. That’s up 6.3 percent from last week and ties the best rating the show has done in that category since February 25. In the demo, NXT finished tied for second on all of television in prime time, trailing only America’s Got Talent on NBC.

In terms of sports competition, there was a WNBA game on ESPN that aired head-to-head with NXT, drawing a 0.16 rating in 18-49 and averaging 1.28 million viewers overall.

As compared to the same week in 2024, when the show still aired on USA Network, NXT’s overall viewership was up 18 percent while the 18-49 rating was steady, showing how NXT’s audience continues to skew older on broadcast television than it did on cable.

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of viewership totals and 18-49 demo ratings for NXT, as well as the 10-week average in both categories. This week’s show was up six percent in overall viewers and 13.3 percent in 18-49 as compared to the recent averages.

WWE NXT viewership up for August 5 episode

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Tuesday night’s WWE NXT episode averaged 740,000 viewers on The CW, an increase of 9.6 percent from last week. It’s the second-largest viewership total the show has done since March 25.

In the 18-49 demo, NXT drew a 0.16 rating — the same number the show did last Tuesday. This ties the best rating NXT has drawn in that category since April 22. It finished sixth on all of television in the key demo last night, where there was no major sports competition.

As compared to the same week in 2024, when NXT was moved to SyFy due to USA Network’s coverage of the Olympics, the show’s overall viewership was up 38.6 percent while the 18-49 rating was steady.

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of viewership numbers and 18-49 demo ratings for NXT, along with the 10-week average in both categories. The overall viewership was up 9.2 percent while the 18-49 rating was up 6.7 percent as compared to the recent averages.

WWE NXT live results: Two title matches, Nia Jax in action

Posted on by Chris Aiken

A pair of championship matches are scheduled for WWE NXT tonight.

Sol Ruca has an NXT Women’s North American Championship defense set, putting her title on the line against Tatum Paxley. It’s a title shot that Paxley earned when The Culling defeated Zaria, Ruca, Hank Walker & Tank Ledger — though Izzi Dame didn’t seem too happy about Paxley getting the shot instead of her.

Hank & Tank will be defending their NXT Tag Team title belts against the Chase U duo of Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors tonight.

After making her return to NXT last week by attacking Lash Legend, Nia Jax takes on Thea Hail.

Blake Monroe will also be in action against Kelani Jordan, Myles Borne continues his rivalry with Lexis King, and Yoshiki Inamura goes one-on-one with Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo.

Plus, the build to Heatwave continues with the PLE now less than three weeks away.

Join us for live coverage starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

The show opens with the entrance of Blake Monroe. Her new entrance includes a mirror. It was cool enough I think if The Narcissist had the camera shot as part of his act in 1993, he might have gotten over better.

The entrance of Kelani Jordan is next, and she rushes into the ring, and the opening match is quickly under way. Maybe they were born with it. Or maybe it was Maybelline, which is a sponsor with their brand name on the center of the mat.

Blake Monroe vs. Kelani Jordan

Jordynne Grace returns during the match wearing a neck brace. Monroe flees the ring and Jordan wins via countout.

The bout itself was rather short, but it was more of a vehicle for an angle. More on vehicles later, as Monroe would speed away in an SUV to escape Grace. Monroe with heat on Jordan early in the match. Jordan with a comeback, and she locks in a half crab. Monroe gets a rope break.

Jordan leaps off the top rope, but Monroe cuts her off with a headbutt. Running knee strike by Monroe and a near fall on Jordan. Monroe goes to follow up when the theme music for Jordynne Grace blares on the speakers.

Out comes Grace wearing a neck brace, and Grace walks straight into the ring like she is on a mission. Monroe powders, and she runs for her life. Monroe gets into the back of a waiting SUV, and the automobile speeds away. Meanwhile, the referee is counting out Monroe. After a ten count, Jordan wins the match.

Match result: Kelani Jordan defeats Blake Monroe via countout

— In a backstage skit ahead of the next bout, Andre Chase is giving Chase U students Uriah Connors and Kale Dixon a pep talk. Chase did not like their odds in the tag title match, and they did the “so you’re saying there’s a chance” bit from Dumb & Dumber.

NXT Tag Team Champions Hank Walker & Tank Ledger vs. Uriah Connors & Kale Dixon (with Andre Chase)

Hot match, even with babyfaces on both sides. Connors & Dixon get to shine some, and Dixon does a flip dive over the top rope. He misses and rolls through a leap off the top rope. Dixon is then in the crosshair of Hank & Tank. Connors pushes Dixon to take a bullet for his partner.

Hank & Tank with a high/low powerslam combo on Dixon, and Hank covers Dixon while Tank blocks Connors from breaking the count. The ref stops the count anyway, and he claims Dixon got his shoulder up. The live studio audience was not buying it, and rightly so. Not sure it that was a botch, but it certainly was a bad spot.

Hank & Tank sandwich Dixon with a double standing splash, and they follow by once again doing their combo finisher. Hank then scores a pinfall on Dixon as the referee counts to three this time.

Match result: Hank & Tank defeat Connors & Dixon to retain the NXT Tag Team titles

Suddenly, the lights in the sound stage go dark. Darkstate is running in, and they jump everyone in the ring. They lay waste to Connors and Dixon. Darkstate with triple team moves on Hank & Tank. Darkstate stand pose under strobe lights over their fallen prey.

— The Personal Concierge cuts a promo on behalf of Ash by Elegance. He delivers message to WWE NXT/TNA Knockouts Champion Jacy Jayne, with The Personal Concierge vowing that Ash will win the title Thursday on Impact.

— Myles Borne and Tavion Height chat in a backstage skit, which plays off their past in the No Quarter Catch Crew. They remain buds in this skit.

— Vic Joseph voices over a plug that advertises bull riding on CW. Professional Bull Riders (PBR) is part of TKO Group Holdings alongside WWE, hence the cross-promotional. PBR recently inked a deal to air their team series bull riding events on CW.

— Izzi Dame gives Tatum Paxley a pep talk on behalf of The Culling.

— Thea Hail gets coffee in a skit posted on social media. She cuts a promo on Nia Jax, and Hail is go wound up over Jax that she almost forgets her coffee.

Myles Borne vs. Lexis King

The match goes through a split-screen commercial break. Before picture-in-picture, Borne slingshots himself over the top rope with a plancha on King. During the commercial break, King cuts off Borne. King targets Borne’s ear, which plays on Borne’s backstory.

Borne eventually makes a comeback with Saito suplexes, and then he strikes with Borne Again (which is the name for what was formerly called the Zig Zag finisher). Borne then covers King for a three count.

Match result: Myles Borne defeats Lexis King via pinfall

— Darkstate as a group cut promos saying they are focusing on getting the tag titles. Despite being played as a serious promo, they included a crude joke for comedy. So much for taking them seriously.

Nia Jax vs. Thea Hail

The match goes through a commercial break. Jax played the monster heel and Hail was the babyface in peril. Hail fought valiantly, but Jax was merciless. Jax with a Bonsai Drop, and she sits on Hail as the referee counts three.

Match result: Nia Jax defeats Thea Hail in the in-return of Jax to NXT

Kelly Kincaid is the ring for a post-match interview. Jax snatches the microphone out of Kincaid’s hands, and she cuts a promo on Lash Legend.

Out comes Legend to confront Jax. Legend flubs a line and then rushes into the ring for a pull-apart brawl with Jax. Security and officials pour in to separate them. Good thing security was there, unlike when Darkstate runs in.

— Jordynne Grace was pacing in the office of NXT General Manager Ava. Still in a neck brace, Grace ensures she will be cleared by the time of NXT Heatwave, where Grace meets Blake Monroe in a singles match.

Moose makes surprise appearance and a melee ensues

NXT Champion Oba Femi enters the ring for a monologue. He is soon interrupted by TNA Champion Trick Williams. Trick confronts Femi in the ring and they face off while cutting promos on each other. Soon comes another interruption as Je’Von Evans joins the party. The bickering continues, but with three people instead of two.

Moose from TNA makes a surprise appearance, and he cuts a promo on Trick. Moose vows to win the TNA title from Trick. Suddenly, the lights go dark on the sound stage. Darkstate runs and a schmoz ensues and everyone brawling in the dark.

— More cross-promotion as Vic Joseph voices over a plug for the Canelo vs. Crawford boxing match that TKO is co-promoting.

— Arianna Grace and Heritage Cup Champion Stacks flirt with each other as Nia Jax and Lash Legend brawl in a backstage pull-apart.

— Wren Sinclair is in a kitchen lounge with Charlie Dempsey. She sings the Joe Hendry song, and Hendry appears. Hendry pops out of a refrigerator. The skit sets up a match between Dempsey and Hendry. Dempsey is referred to as a “sourpuss”, which Sinclair repeats for comedic effect. Dempsey storms off, and Sinclair asks Hendry to take a picture with her. 1`

Yoshiki Inamura vs. Heritage Cup Champion Stacks in a non-title match

Stacks ambushes Inamura before the bell. Stacks gets heat on Inamura. Comeback by Inamura and he runs wild. The fight spills outside the ring, where Inamura gives Stacks a stiff slap. Arianna Grace runs down to ringside and slaps Inamura across the face. The referee ejects Grace from ringside, but not before another run-in.

With the referee distracted by Grace, Josh Briggs rushed into the ring on the far side. Briggs ambushes Inamura with a big boot. Stacks then covers Inamura to win the match.

Match result: Stacks defeats Inamura via pinfall

— Vic Joseph reads a voiceover that plugs NASCAR on CW.

Tavion Heights confronts North American Champ Ethan Page and Chelsea Green appears

NXT North American Champion Ethan Page is in the ring for a monologue. Page cut a promo bragging on his victory over Santion Marella. Page then talks about the greatest Canadians, and Page puts himself at the top of the list.

Page then does the Nikolai Volkoff gimmick of singing a foreign national anthem. So, Page begins singing “O Canada” to a chorus of boos. Tavion Heights interrupts the anthem and confronts Page in the ring. Heights insults Page and challenges Page to a title match. In doing so, Heights mentions he is an Olympian.

The live studio audience chants “YES” while Page tries to dismiss Heights. Suddenly, they are interrupted by the entrance of Chelsea Green and Secret Service. Green is flanked by Piper Niven and Alba Fyre as she storms the ring and confronts Heights.

Green points out she was a United States Champion as a Canadian. Green was going to sing the Canadian anthem, but Heights interrupted that. Green insults Heights for being American, but she says even a “rude” and “ignorant American” would not hit a woman. Heights says she is right, and he decks Page instead. Green jumps into the arms of Niven for comedy. Heights then vows to find a woman that will hit Green for him.

— The Fatal Influence trio insults Kelani Jordan and Lola Vice in a backstage skit. Dual champ Jacy Jayne joins Fallon Henley in cutting promos on Vice and Jordan. In walks Jazmyn Nyx, and she hands Jayne the NXT and TNA women’s title belts. Nyx informs them all she talked Ava into booking a tag match next week, much to the chagrin of Jayne. Vice and Jordan team up next Tuesday against Jayne and Henley.

— Sol Ruca and Zaria are chatting backstage when Lash Legend and Nia Jax brawl their way into the skit. Amidst the pull-apart brawl, Ava comes in to announce Legend and Jax meet next week in a singles match.

— Ricky Saints sits down with Kelly Kincaid for an interview in a segment sponsored by an insurance company. Saints talks about Jasper Troy, which builds up a match between the two.

— Triplemania gets a plug, as does NXT live in Philadelphia.

NXT Women’s North American Champion Sol Ruca (with Zaria) vs. Tatum Paxley (with The Culling)

Ruca retains after interference by The Culling and a doll. Lash Legend and Nia Jax also continue their ongoing brawl, which led to a stunt at ringside.

The title match goes through a split-screen commercial break. Before the break, Sol Ruca does a moonsault to the floor off the top turnbuckle. In setting up the spot, Shawn Spears interferes in the match. Zaria makes a save, causing Izzi Dame to get involved by arguing with Zaria. As they huddle together to argue, Ruca leaps into the moonsault.

During the break, Paxley cuts off Ruca. Paxley works the neck after targeting Ruca with a neckbreaker. Ruca with a comeback and rally. Ruca superkicks Paxley, and Ruca delivers a Rude Awakening neckbreaker. Ruca follows up with a running knee strikes. That sends Paxley out of the ring to regroup. Paxley then cuts off Ruca with a kick.

Paxley springboards into a Whisper in the Wind for a near fall. The studio audience chants “this is awesome” in admiration of the match. Ruca and Paxley tease a superplex, only for Ruca to instead catch Paxley with a sunset bomb.

Ruca post herself when she misses a charge into a corner. Paxley with a roll-up for another near fall. Ruca counters Paxley’s finisher into a pinning combination, but Paxley kicks out. Ruca lands on her feet after flipping off the ropes, and Ruca Spears Paxley in a corner.

Ruca slips on the top rope going for a springboard. They recover from the botch and they execute an avalanche neckbreaker. Double down after Paxley gives Ruca the neckbreaker. Meanwhile, Spears tries to slip Paxley her doll (seemingly to use as a weapon). Izzi Dame chides Spears for doing so, while Paxley picks up the doll.

Nia Jax and Lash Legend brawl there way onto the sound stage, which interrupts the match. They brawl at ringside, and they crash through a gimmicked section of the barricade.

Paxley is preoccupied with her doll, which allows for Ruca to deliver the Sol Snatcher. Ruca then hooks a leg and covers Paxley for a three count.

Match result: NXT Women’s North American Champion Sol Ruca defeats Tatum Paxley to retain her title

WWE announces three NXT live events for September

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE is taking NXT on the road this September for a weekend of house shows.

The three shows are being held from September 5-7 with two events in South Carolina and one in Georgia. Tickets are going on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Eastern this Wednesday, with a pre-sale already underway on Ticketmaster with “WWENXT” as the access code.

Here are the full details:

  • Friday, September 5 at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium in Spartanburg, South Carolina,
  • Saturday, September 6: North Charleston Convention Center in North Charleston, South Carolina
  • Sunday, September 7: Bell Auditorium in Atlanta, Georgia

NXT Champion Oba Femi. NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne, North American Champion Ethan Page, Women’s North American Champion Sol Ruca, NXT Tag Team Champions Hank Walker & Tank Ledger are among the talent advertised, along with Ricky Saints, Jordynne Grace, Je’Von Evans, Trick Williams, and Blake Monroe.

While NXT regularly runs local house shows in Florida, it’s rare for the brand to have live events outside of the state. NXT does venture outside of Florida for PLEs and select television episodes.

NXT will be in Philadelphia for a TV episode on August 19 leading into the brand’s Heatwave PLE taking place in Lowell, Massachusetts on August 24.

WWE NXT live results: The Undertaker confronts Trick Williams

Posted on by Jeff Moss

NXT is on the road in Texas tonight — and one of the biggest legends in WWE history is scheduled for an appearance in his home state.

The Undertaker will appear live on tonight’s NXT episode in Houston for a confrontation with Trick Williams. The segment stems from Williams recently insulting the Performance Center recruits who are on Undertaker’s WWE LFG team. In a promo on Monday’s Raw, Williams took shots at The Undertaker and threatened to knock him out tonight.

Tonight’s show is also a homecoming for Wren Sinclair, who will be the opponent for Blake Monroe’s NXT TV singles debut.

An NXT Championship bout is part of the card with Oba Femi defending his gold against Yoshiki Inamura and Josh Briggs in a triple threat. Plus, Ricky Saints will be in action against Jasper Troy.

We’ll have an appearance by NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne following her winner-take-all victory over Masha Slamovich at TNA Slammiversary. Jayne won the TNA Knockouts title in that match and is now a double champion.

Join us for live coverage starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

It’s busy times for WWE’s formerly-black-and-gold brand! The NXT roster has been through The Great American Bash, Evolution and TNA Slammiversary since it’s last episode an there are doin’s a-transpirin’!

-There was a nice nod to Ozzy Osbourne (RIP!) off the top as the traditional footage of wrestlers arriving for work kicked off the show. The card was run down with Vic Joseph and Corey Graves and Booker T arriving to a great Houston ovation. Booker announced that the show would begin with an 8-person surprise Mixed Tag Team match!

Mixed Tag Team Match: NXT Women’s North American Champion Sol Ruca, Zaria and NXT Tag Team Champions Hank & Tank vs The Culling (Shawn Spears, Niko Vance, Izzi Dame and Tatum Paxley)

The Culling jumped their opponents off the bell, but things settled down with Hank and Spears facing off. A quick tag to Vance and he and Hank traded punches until Spears tagged back in. Hank Sent Spears face first into the turnbuckle and Tank tagged in with a Senton.

Spears got a quick tag to Paxley and she and Zaria went back and forth. Ruca jumped in to cut off Dame interfering and the men came back in. Then, it broke down into a straight up brawl culminating with a 4-person slam and quadruple splash from the Hank, Tank, Zaria and Ruca side.

Hank and Tank isolated Spears in their corner and traded tags to try and take him out. Spears ducked Tank and Vance hopped in with a devastating clothesline. Vance worked the arm of Tank and Dame added a kick to the face through the ropes for good measure.

Vance and Spears double teamed Tank while the crowd chanted for Ruca. Vacne went to the top rope and tried a headbutt, but Tank dodged it and reached for a hot tag. Spears cut it off though and he and Tank battled in the center of the ring.

Paxley and Ruca were tagged in next and Ruca took out Paxley and Dame with a little help from Zaria. Zaria went for a pin, but Dame broke it up. The men tagged back in and Tank used Hank as a weapon to take out Vance. Spears began superkicking anything that moved.

Dame went up top and flung herself onto Hank and Tank on the outside. Not to be undone, Ruca did the same thing to Spears Paxley and Zaria were in the ring and Spears tried to interfere, but Zaria hit him with a face breaker. Paxley tried for a quick rollup, but the lights went out and DarkState appeared int he crowd!

When the lights came back on, Paxley had Zaria in a pin and got the 1-2-3 to give the Culling the win.

Match Result: The Culling (Shawn Spears, Niko Vance, Izzi Dame and Tatum Paxley) defeated Sol Ruca, Zaria and Hank & Tank

Super fun match to kick things off! Ruca is really popular with the NXT crowd and I’ve always been a big Shawn Spears fan. I like the Culling a lot and they are a great foil for Hank & Tank in the tag division!

-Jordynne Grace was shown arriving to the arena. She was met by NXT GM Ava who said that she was not allowed in the building. Grace promised to get her hands on Blake Monroe anyways.

-NXT Women’s Champion & TNA Knockouts champion Jacy Jayne came to the ring with the rest of Fatal Influence, Fallon Henley and Jazmyn Nyx. Jayne grabbed a mic and celebrated her win, declaring herself the best. She was very adamant she did it all by herself to prove everyone wrong. She is a history maker!

Suddenly Lash Legend’s music hit and the Legend herself joined the conversation. Legend congratulated Jayne and said that Jayne was about to begin her fall from the top. Legend said that it’s time for her moment, and suddenly more music!

Jaida Parker came down to the ring. Parker declared that she has a direct line to the NXT Women’s title and Legend can step aside. Jayne said that they should figure it out for themselves and Fatal Influence jumped Parker and Legend. Parker and Legend cleared the ring and began jawing at each other as the segment slammed into:

-Je’Von Evans and Ricky Saints having a conversation in the back about Jasper Troy. Evans gave Saints some advice: Don’t over think it.

Ricky Saints vs. Jasper Troy

Saints fought Ethan Page at the Great American Bash in a brutal Falls Count Anywhere match. When that match spilled over into the back, Saints and Page stumbled onto Troy, who was either eating his lunch or angrily leaning against a wall lamenting a loss to Je’von Evans. Troy decided to take that out on Saints and NXT GM Ava made this match so that they can properly destroy each other. 

If you’re just joining us, Troy is a very big, very angry man. Saints needed to use his quickness and agility to get around the big man, but it didn’t work well off the top. Troy sent Saints into the corner and Clotheslined him on the ring apron (the most revolutionary part of the ring!).

Troy hoisted Saints up on his shoulder and hit a spinning slam for the first near fall of the match. Troy grabbed Saints again and threw him out of the ring. Saints clutched his wrist as Troy exited the ring, picked him out and carried him back into the ring.

Saints tried his hardest to fight back, but a trio of big splashes from Troy left him writhing in the ring. Troy added one more splash for good measure, but Saints managed to kick out. Troy punched Saints in the stomach so hard his wrist tape started coming off.

Every time Saints started gaining some offense, Troy would hammer him back down. Troy began literally throwing Saints around the ring, hoisting him up on his shoulders. Saints wriggled free, but Troy decided a Bear Hug was in order and Troy ragdolled him.

Saints got desperate and bit Troy on the head. Saints lured Troy out of the ring and laid some haymakers on him. Troy tried to punch back but Saints ducked and Troy hit the ring post. Troy shoved Saints back into the ring, favouring his hand.

Saints went up top and hit a high crossbody followed by a spinning DDT. It wasn’t enough though as Troy kicked out at 2. Keeping up the momentum, Saints sent them both outside over the top rope. Troy got to his feet first and began menacing the Ref. Saints used that to hop on Troy’s back and they battled up the entrance ramp.

The Ref tried to get them back into the ring, but the entry ramp collapsed on Saints! Troy hit a senton bomb on him through the collapsed metal ramp! The ref began a count in the ring and Troy staggered back, just beating the count and getting the win over Saints!

Match Result: Jasper Troy defeated Ricky Saints via Countout

Wow! The collapse of the ramp may have been a little premature, but IF they needed to call an audible, they did it seamlessly. Troy is an awesome force and I think if they can give him some good creative, he’ll be a big star.

-Next, tribute was paid to 2021 Hall of Famer Ozzy Osbourne who’s involvement with WWE goes all the way back to Wrestlemania 2.

The Undertaker confronts Trick Williams

Over the weekend, Williams defeated Joe Hendry and Mike Santana in a Triple Threat Match at TNA Slammiversary to retain the TNA World Championship. However, his mouth got the best of him and he badmouthed the Undertaker’s WWE LFG team. Taker, lacking things to do with his time these days, would like a word with the TNA Champion about it. 

Williams made his way to the ring and grabbed a mic. Williams talked about his victory at Slammiversary and said that he was undeniably the greatest TNA Champion of all time. Williams said that he will drop anyone in his way. Williams said that the LFG team told on him to the Undertaker. Williams gave taker props, but he’s never held down two brands at the same time like Williams. He then said that LFG has made the Undertaker soft. He then called Taker down to the ring.

A giant DONG rang out, but quickly switched to the American Badass music and out strode the Undertaker. He walked to the ring (stepping around the hole Ricky Saints left in the ramp) and got a mic. The music faded and Taker stood silently, considering what he would say while the crowd chanted for him.

Eventually, Taker began speaking, calling Williams a Dead Man Walking. Taker admired William’s cowhide leather outfit and said that Williams had it all… except respect. Taker said that Williams just isn’t the same guy with the TNA title as he was with the NXT title. NXT Williams was hungry, he said. He had that “daawg” in him.

Undertaker said that TNA Williams isn’t that guy anymore. With his current attitude, he won’t keep the TNA Championship for long. Taker said that he tries to teach his LFG team to not have an attitude and Williams interrupted, saying he doesn’t give a damn about the LFG team! No one is as good as he is!

Undertaker offered Williams one more piece of advice: Don’t step to an OG (Taker being the OG). Williams looked terrified as Undertaker promised to make him famous. Williams tried to sucker punch Taker, but he immediately goozled him and hit him with a vintage Taker chokeslam! The segment ended with Williams lying in the ring.

-Back from a commercial, Fatal Influence were discussing who would take on Jaida Parker and Lash Legend. Michelle McCool joined them and made some suggestions. They headed off to Ava’s office to make things official.

Blake Monroe vs. Wren Sinclair

Monroe had a heck of a week going back to Great American Bash. There, she made her NXT/WWE in-ring debut in a tag match with Jordynne Grace in an eventual loss to Fatal Influence. Then, at Evolution, she turned on Grace, costing her the NXT Women’s Title in a match with Jacy Jayne. Grace had promised to be out there somewhere looking for revenge and caught in the middle is Sinclair, who was big-upped by her friends in the No Quarter Catch Crew earlier in the show.

The two locked up and Monroe took control, sending Sinclair to the corner. She raked Sinclair’s head along the ropes and and had her until Sinclair hit a big back elbow. Sinclair tried to employ the technical style of the NQCC and it threw Monroe off at first.

Monroe regained control with a sling blade followed by a tight chinlock while wrenching her arm behind her. Sinclair fought out of it with an armdrag and some big chops. Monroe sent Sinclair face first into the ropes and then a big head butt.

Monroe hit a big slam and pinned Sinclair, getting her first NXT singles victory.

Match Result: Blake Monroe defeated Wren Sinclair

After the match, Monroe grabbed a mic but before she could say anything, Jordynne Grace appeared through the crowd and headed right for Monroe. Grace battled security allowing Monroe to grab her from behind and DDT her into a steel chair!

The match was pretty good, essentially a glorified squash, but I’m loving the feud between Grace and Monroe. They are both excellent at this pro wrestling thing and I can’t wait to see them go one on one.

-Back from commercial, NXT North American Champion Ethan Page was in the ring with a podium. Next to him was a second podium with a belt under a black cloth. Page said that he would be bringing more class to the title than the 17 Americans that had previously held it.

Page talked about his parents being immigrants from the Ukraine and that he was born in Canada. He unfurled a set of Canadian flags and said that the title would no longer represent the continent of North America, because America is a lie. It should represent the pure dominance of Canada over the rest of North American.

Page said the was born in Canada but made in America which makes him the greatest North American alive. He tossed the NXT North American Championship Belt to the side and unveiled a new version of it with a Canadian flag as the strap.

Page listed the various reasons that he feels Canada is better than America or Mexico, including hotter women, cleaner air and being nice to each other. He said that the USA is in HIS North America and as the North American Champion, he takes great pride in holding the title. But that pales in comparison to the pride he feels about being Canadian.

He then asked the audience to rise as he sung the Canadian National Anthem. He began singing but was cut off by an arriving Santino Marella, TNA Director of Authority!

Marella made his way to the ring and said that Page should be ashamed of himself. Marella lives in Canada and he said that Canadians don’t think like Page. He said that Page couldn’t relate to the people of North America because he is a “bumhole boy.”

Page said that Marella should go back to TNA and Marella said that someone with dignity, honor and pride should hold the North American title. He then challenged Page to a match next week. Page said that he wouldn’t do that, he’d do it RIGHT NOW!

Page turned around and Marella had the cobra ready for him! Page grabbed his new belt and bailed as the Commentary team speculated about the match happening next week!

-Backstage, Trick Williams was looking around every corner for the Undertaker, trying to avoid him. That set him up to run into NXT Champion Oba Femi though and the two stared each other down as the show went to commercial.

-Back from Commercial, Yoshiki Inamura met with Je’Von Evans. Inamura was wondering if he’d been a bad friend to Josh Briggs. He likes Briggs, but not always how he thinks. Evans said sometimes you can love someone, but not like them.

-The scene transitioned to the No Quarter Catch Crew lamenting Wren Sinclair’s loss. Suddenly, Bubba Ray Dudley appeared. He congratulated Wren on a good match and said that he was going to set up a match between Charlie Dempsey and Tavion Heights. If Heights wins, he can leave the Crew.

Then, Lexis King wandered by and accused Dempsey of not really being deaf. Dempsey left and that was the end of the segment. Weird.

-Then, the match was made official: Next week, North American Champion Ethan Page will defend his title against TNA Director of Authority Santino Marella!

NXT Championship Triple Threat Match: Yoshiki Inamura vs. Josh Briggs vs. Oba Femi (c) 

At Great American Bash, Femi and Inamura had a slugfest that saw Femi retain the NXT title. The bigger issue was that Briggs, Inamura’s best friend, kept trying to interfere on his behalf. Not wanting to win the title in a “dishonorable” way, Inamura wasn’t pleased with Briggs’ interference. Briggs thinks Inamura was being “too nice.” The question is will they work together in this triple threat? Or will Femi be able to stand back and let these two take each other out? 

Off the bell, Femi sent Briggs to the outside and he and Inamura began clubbing each other in the corners. Femi flipped Inamura over which allowed Briggs to jump in a get a quick splash. Femi bounced between Inamura and Briggs before sending them into opposite corners.

Imamura got a big slam on Femi but during the count, Briggs “inadvertently” stepped on the Ref’s hand, breaking the count. In the confusion, Femi delivered a double Chokeslam to both men. Femi focused on Briggs, but Briggs sent Femi into the corner and Inamura began stomping him.

Inamura went for a cover and Briggs stepped towards him to break up the pin, but Femi kicked out and the two eyed each other. Briggs then introduced a chair into the ring. Inamoura did not like that dishonorable move and Briggs slammed him onto Femi for his trouble. Inaumra then returned the favor and the two began working together.

Briggs went for a cover, but Inamura didn’t break it up. Femi kicked out and stalked Briggs into the corner, setting him up on the second rope. Inamura grabbed Femi from below in an Electric Chair position. Inamura threw him backwards and Femi dragged Briggs down with him.

Briggs went for a quick cover, but Femi kicked out. Briggs seemed to think that Inamura caused the kickout and the two got angry at each other. Inamura was sent out of the ring by Femi, who was then chokeslammed by Briggs, resulting in a two-count.

Briggs and Femi fought in the ring and Inamura returned, charging at Femi. Femi leapt into the air and Inamure speared Briggs by mistake. Inamura then lifted Femi and hit a sit-down powerbomb. The ref started counting, but Briggs pulled him out. The ref jumped back in and tried to count again, but Briggs put Femi’s arm on the ropes.

That made Inamura mad and he screamed at Briggs while laying Femi out for a big splash. As he mad the pin though, Briggs broke it up with a moonsault. Briggs went for the cover, but Femi kicked out at two.

Briggs and Inamura had enough at that point and started trading chops and punches. Inamura gave as good as he got and Briggs hit a massive lariat. That brought Femi back in who hit a powerbomb on Briggs and got the pin to retain his title.

Match Result: Oba Femi defeated Yoshiki Inamura and Josh Briggs

After the match, Briggs ran over Inamura at ringside. The scene switched to the back where Je’Von Evans was still trying to figure out what he is going to do next. The Undertaker approached and offered him some advice: Keep going after the biggest dog in the yard. Evans considered that as the show went off the air.

Great triple threat main event tonight! The story was obviously the dissolving of the friendship between Briggs and Inamura, but Femi looked great as always. He didn’t steal a victory, he earned it through smarts and picking his moments. NXT is chock full of talent right now and I can’t wait to see what’s next!