Tag: zaria

NXT star teases rivalry with Bayley after WWE attack

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Bayley demanded revenge against Zaria after the attack at a recent NXT event.

At an NXT live event this week, Zaria targeted Bayley in an ambush and proceeded to attack her with a steel chair. Bayley later reacted by calling out Shawn Michaels to take action. 

Zaria showed no remorse and tweeted that she had no problem doing it again.  

Bayley has been open to working with talents across brands. She also teased a crossover feud with Indi Hartwell on TNA, and against Tatum Paxley for the John Cena Classic. She is also focused on winning the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles with Lyra Valkyria. 

Meanwhile, Zaria has taken over a commanding presence on NXT after her feud with Sol Ruca in a Last Woman Standing match. Following her move to Raw, Zaria set her sights on the NXT Women’s North American Champion. 

The expansion of talents across brands enables a branding for this rivalry. Zaria has officially competed on the main roster as a tag team with Ruca last year but not as a singles competitor.

WWE NXT live results: Zaria returns, Lola Vice & Mr. Iguana team up

Posted on by Chris Aiken

Tonight’s WWE NXT will feature the return of Zaria after she brutally bid adieu to Sol Ruca in last month’s Last Woman Standing match, pushing her off the stage onto tables.

AAA Mixed Tag Team Champions Lola Vice and AAA’s Mr. Iguana will team up against Izzi Dame and Niko Vance as The Culling has been targeting the NXT Women’s Champion with the numbers in their favor.

Former WWE Evolve Women’s Champion Kali Armstrong will take on budding rival Jaida Parker after a recent confrontation.

The announced lineup is rounded out by Jackson Drake against Jasper Troy.

Our live coverage kicks off at 8 pm Eastern.

************

NXT is back on the air in front of a live studio audience from the Performance Center in Orlando. Highlights at the start recapped last week’s reset episode.

Much like the whole show last week, there are so many debuts and run-ins that hardly any stand out, except for Tavion Heights attacking NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo. Clips of that run-in concluded the video package, and this week began with Stone Cold Tony D opening a can in a backstage pull-apart brawl.

D’Angelo spears Heights over a folding table set up backstage, and they are quickly separated around grappling on the floor. Chaotic skit to start the show.

Opening the show from the sound stage is a match set up in a locker room skit from last Tuesday.

Jaida Parker vs. Kali Armstrong

—

They were in each other’s face before the bell, and the bout begins with a shoving match. They soon thereafter grapple with artful chain wrestling. The fight outside the ring and they collide both going for a lariat. Double down leads into a commercial break.

The match continues through the break, and Armstrong takes control soon after the show returns from commercials. Armstrong with a high cross, seemingly just for the heck of it. They go on to trade near falls.

Parker fires up and does a signature spot. Armstrong fights back, and eventually fights dirty. Armstrong rakes Parker’s face, and they do an awkward powerslam. Armstrong signals for a finisher, and she runs the ropes several times before flying into a shoulder tackle, much like the Ultimate Warrior. Armstrong then pins Parker after the finisher they dubbed “Kali Connection”. Armstrong goes over to establish her as a character on NXT, but the eye rake finish allows them to run it back.

Match result: Kali Armstrong defeated Jaida Parker via pinfall.

— Cameo from Fit Finlay as he cuts a promo on his son’s stable — Birthright. Finlay says they should be upholding tradition. Not being outmaneuvered by gamers with no pedigree, who are beneath them. Finlay has William Regal on speaker phone.

Regal says he has taken care of the matter, and he sent his son — Charlie Dempsey — back to the Snake Pit. Regal goes on to say Birthright has a six-man tag team match next Tuesday. Regal tells them to make the most to the opportunity and take care of business.

Evils gets a new name

The wrestler formerly known as Evil is the focus of a video package introducing himself to viewers. NXT is entering a new era, and this is his time to strike. He wants the biggest prize in NXT, which he says is the men’s NXT Championship. The items given to the champ, Tony D’Angelo, over the last few weeks were not gifts. Rather, it was a proclamation. Evil vows he and D’Angelo will meet for the NXT title, saying it is written in the rising sun. Naraku is revealed as his new name in WWE. Naraku debuts next week.

Jasper Troy vs. Jackson Drake (with The Vanity Project)

—

The match goes through a commercial break. Vanity Project assists by distracting Troy, so Drake can knock him off his feet as the show goes into commercials. Troy is pummeling Drake when the show returns from the break. Drake counters Troy to drop him into a DDT. Kip up by Troy, and he comes to life with a surge of force. Drake leaps off the top rope onto the arms of Troy. Big chokeslam by Troy, and Drake soon flees the ring.

At ringside, Troy smacks down Ricky Smokes. Brad Baylor is pressed over Troy’s head and tossed into the ring. Suddenly, Myka Lockwood runs in and body slams Troy on the floor. Lockwood debuted recently in a skit with Vanity Project. Lockwood’s assistance helps Drake set up a 450 splash on Troy, and Drake upsets Troy.

Match result: Jackson Drake defeated Jasper Troy via pinfall.

— Tristan Angels is featured in a personality profile.

— Rhea Ripley’s journey in NXT is the focus of an “NXT Origins” video package.

Potential contenders brawl over shot at NXT Women’s North American title

—

Zaria heads to the ring for a monologue, marking her first time to address the audience since besting Sol Ruca in a last woman standing match. Zaria says a change is in the air at NXT, and it could be anyone ballgame. For the first time in NXT, no one is holding Zaria back. No dead weight, nor fake partners. Zaria realizes she has to do it herself.

Zaria has her sights on the very thing that caused the rift between her and Ruca, which is the NXT Women’s North America Championship.

The reigning North American champ — Tatum Paxley — soon interrupts the monologue to confront Zaria in the ring. They are both soon interrupted by a fired up Lizzy Rain. She talks about the putting some heavy metal into the lineage of the Women’s North American title.

Out comes Nikkita Lyons for another interruption. Lyons cuts a promo that ultimately leads into a brawl with the potential contenders and the champion. Zaria stands tall and lays out the other three. Zaria stands over the champions and posing as the segment ends.

— Noam Dar returns to NXT in a backstage skit that sets up a match between him and Jackson Drake. Myka Lockwood walks in and Drake says he will accept a match with Dar for next week if Lockwood is in his corner for the bout.

— Kam Hendrix ambushes Tony D’Angelo in a backstage attack. Hendrix is pulled off D’Angelo as the show goes into a commercial break.

— NXT GM Robert Stone is rushing around backstage after the show returns from the commercial break. Stone grabs a headset and orders the mixed tag title match be moved up immediately because of the attack on D’Angelo postpones his match. The scheduled main event is up next.

AAA Mixed Tag Team Champions Lola Vice & Mr. Iguana (with La Yesca) vs. The Culling (Izzi Dame & Niko Vance with Shawn Spears) in a non-title mixed tag team match

—

They had a really good tag match, and even had comedy spots with La Yesca. They wrestled through a commercial break. For the finish, Iguana is powerbombed on the floor by Vance. Vice is distracted by Iguana getting laid out, and she eventually ate a running knee from Dame. Dame then scores a pin. Vice got a near fall in he match where Vance stopped the referee from counting.

In winning, Dame scores a pin on the reigning women’s champ. The Culling also have a win over the mixed tag champs. That would seem to set up a mixed title match, but the outcome here seems to focus on Dame challenging for the singles title.

Match result: Izzi Dame & Niko Vance defeated Lola Vice & Mr. Iguana when Dame pinned Vice.

— Tavion Heights rants to North American Champion Myles Borne over Heights’ match tonight getting canceled. In walks Robert Stone, who says he kicked Kam Hendrix out of the venus. Stone also says D’Aneglo is good to go, and the match with Heights is on for later tonight in the main event slot.

Zaria enters the scene to confront Stone. He informs her that she is booked in a tag match next with Zaria teaming with Nikkia Lyons against Lizzy Rain and Tatum Paxley. Zaria is upset as she is done with tag team wrestling. Stone says if she wants a singles title match, she must get through the tag match.

— Nattie Neidhart in a cameo appearance tells Jaida Parker she has gotten soft. This came after a frustrated Parker was wrecking the locker room.

DarkState (Cutler James & Osiris Griffin with Dion Lennox & Saquon Shugars) vs. Hank Walker & Tank Ledger

—

The match goes through a commercial break. Before the break, the dissension continues in Darkstate. Dion Lennox and Saquon Shugars must be separated at ringside after Shugars stops Lennox from using a metal folding chair. This plays on a similar spot from a previous episode. Lennox rages over Shugars blockmh a chair shot. Nevertheless, Darkstate is again in control as the match returns from commercial break.

They did several spots where teammates broke up a pinning attempt. Hot tag led to Hank & Tank running wild. They are cut off and Darkstate takes control again Darkstate catch Tank on a dive and slam him on Hank. Double-team powerbomb finisher by Darkstate, and James pins Hank.

Match result: Cutler James & Osiris Griffin defeated Hank Walker & Tank Ledger when James pinned Walker.

— Kelani Jordan has words with Lola Vice in a backstage skit. Kendal Grey takes up for Vice, but Vice scoffs at needing help. Jordan scoffs at Grey. Scoffs all around.

— Emily Agard is on assignment as a reporter looking to interview Keanu Carver. He does not want to speak on camera, so Agard gets the camera put down — but it still records the interaction. This was odd, but did its job in trying to get Carver over.

NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo vs. Tavion Heights in a title match

—

Good match, but the studio audience seemingly never bought the title being in jeopardy. Cheap finish did not help. Runs in both during the match and afterwards. This was overbooked like much of the show.

Lots of great offense by Heights, especially his variations of a suplex. They traded near falls, and the work itself was really good.

Spear by D’Angelo as they go home. Heights counters D’Angelo’s finisher before a sudden run in by Kam Hendrix, who was supposedly kicked out of the building earlier on by Robert Stone.

Heights thwarts the run-in, and Myles Borne runs down to the ring to do a flip dive out of the ring — in street clothes no less. Borne brawls Hendrix. Meanwhile, D’Angelo with his chokeslam finisher before pinning Heights. And still…

Match result: NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo defeated Tavion Heights to retain his title.

In a post-match angle, Mason Rook (Will Kroos) runs in to ambush D’Angelo. Rook lays out D’Angelo before identifying himself as the show goes off air.

Backlash online to alleged use of AI during WWE NXT this week

Posted on by Jake Skudder

TKO president Mark Shapiro recently revealed that WWE has been using AI as part of the creative process, with Shapiro noting that “Nick Khan and Triple H are using AI for storylines with the WWE.” Whilst that has already caused issues for a number of fans worried about the introduction of storyline slop onto their television screens, we’re now seemingly starting to see even more AI being used for actual vignettes and video production.

There was some fairly clear signs of AI use in a El Grande Americano promo last year, but that could be somewhat chalked off as being part of the storyline, because the character’s backstory is fake and they were trying to make out like he was some sort of Lucha legend.

WWE NXT AI use

The latest example of WWE being accused of using AI took place on NXT this week, with a promo video for Sol Ruca and Zaria being arguably the most egregious use case yet. You can see the video via the X post below, and there are a number of fairly obvious tells when it comes to assuming this was an AI generated piece of content. The uncanny valley nature of the close-ups of both Sol Ruca and Zaria is the biggest one though, with the AI generation clearly trying to replicate their likeness but not quite getting it 100%. In fact with Sol she looks nothing like her real-life counterpart.

There will be a point in the future were we probably won’t be able to tell the difference between reality and an AI generated video, but right now WWE are getting a ton of backlash online from fans who feel like they’re already trying to “shove AI” in their faces.

Kendal Grey describes backstage reaction to Sol Ruca table spot on NXT

Posted on by Ian Carey

Kendal Grey described the backstage reaction to the table spot that closed Tuesday’s NXT during a recent interview.

In the closing moments of Tuesday’s show, Zaria pushed Sol Ruca off the perch and through one of two stacked tables below.

Speaking recently on the Mark Hoke Show, Grey said everyone watching backstage was immediately concerned for Ruca after the spot, but were relieved when she returned backstage in positive spirits.

Grey said:

“Honestly, back there, we were all watching. We were speechless. Like, we were just mouth wide open, speechless. We didn’t know how to react in that moment.

And then when she came back, I mean, she’s awesome. She’s amazing at what she does. She comes back,she has a towel on her head and she’s like, ‘Heck yeah.’ She’s smiling, she’s awesome.

But definitely a scary moment for all of us and just like concern for her and obviously that could be really bad and it was bad, but it could always be worse. So, knowing that she came back with a positive mind and smiling and stuff was a good reassuring moment because all of us definitely were scared.”

Ruca posted a photo following the show that appeared to show staples having been placed in her head. Dave Meltzer spoke about the spot in Friday’s edition of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, writing:

“Sol Ruca needed eight staples to the back of her head to close the cut form the 4/21 NXT match with Zaria when her hit head the floor and missed the table that was supposed to break the fall when falling off the perch in the balcony.”

Grey’s full interview with The Mark Hoke Show is available below. The video is cued to her comments about Ruca’s table spot on NXT.

Sol Ruca needed eight staples after NXT table spot 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Sol Ruca had to get eight staples on her head in the aftermath of her Last Woman Standing match with Zaria on week two of NXT Revenge. 

Ruca shared a series of images on Instagram with snippets of her match with Zaria, behind the scenes photos, family pictures and one showing the staples she had to get after the bout. 

Ruca kicked off this week with her WWE Raw debut. While Liv Morgan celebrated her WrestleMania 42 victory with The Judgment Day, Ruca walked out and the encounter led to an impromptu, non-title match. Zaria attacked Ruca, costing her the match.

The next night on NXT, Ruca was set to face Zaria. Their fight spilled outside the ring. Towards the end, Zaria hugged Ruca teasing a truce between the two especially that it was her last match on the brand. That turned out to be a farce, and Zaria shoved Ruca from the ledge onto two tables below. On the landing, Ruca crashed through a table but appeared to bump her head on the edge of the other. The spot sparked widespread concern. 

Following the match, Ruca bid farewell to NXT amid an outpouring of love and support from her colleagues as she prepares for the main roster. 

WWE NXT notes: Joe Hendry, Sol Ruca, Myka Lockwood

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Here’s some notes from Tuesday’s NXT TV:

Both Joe Hendry and Sol Ruca appeared to make their final appearances on Tuesday’s show, losing both of their respective matches. Hendry was first up, losing to Keanu Carver after Carver mounted Hendry and repeatedly threw punches until the referee stopped the match.

Hendry is already advertised for a concert on next week’s Raw and it was said on Raw that he is now part of the roster.

In the main event, Zaria defeated Ruca to emerge victorious in their feud. A dramatic moment took place high on a perch near a set of two tables. Zaria suddenly had a change of heart, pleading with Ruca. The two grew emotional and hugged, seemingly working things out right then and there.

The two hugged, but Zaria revealed it was a ruse, shoving Ruca off the perch and sent her crashing through one of the tables, smacking her head on the other table that didn’t break.

While two wrestlers seemed on their way out, Myka Lockwood made her on-screen debut as a character as a potential new love interest of Jackson Drake. The storyline had Shiloh Hill setting up Drake on a date so they wouldn’t interfere in the Women’s North American title match, only to be disappointed that the date stood him up. Lockwood appeared and the two appeared to hit it off. Lockwood also deduced that Hill had Drake attempt to hook up with an AI chatbot. The skit ended with Lockwood walking out of the bar with all three Vanity Project members.

WWE NXT Revenge week two live results: Last Woman Standing

Posted on by Chris Aiken

Sol Ruca and Zaria will attempt to settle their rivalry on WWE NXT tonight.

The lineup for week two of NXT Revenge includes a Last Woman Standing match between former friends Ruca and Zaria. It’s taking place one night after Ruca made her Raw debut on the night after WrestleMania 42, where she faced Liv Morgan but lost due to an interfering Zaria.

The men’s and women’s North American titles will both be on the line tonight. In a casket match, Tatum Paxley defends her belt against Blake Monroe. Men’s champion Myles Borne is putting his championship up for grabs against Dion Lennox.

Another title match will see Lexis King and EK Prosper battle it out to determine a new men’s Speed Champion.

Plus, Joe Hendry, who is heading to the main roster with a call-up to Raw, will take on Keanu Carter.

Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

NXT is back in on the air in front a live studio audience from a sound stage at the Performance Center in Orlando. This is week two of “Revenge”. The show is opening with a title match.

Myles Borne vs. Dion Lennox (with Darkstate) for the NXT North American Championship

—

The Darkstate cohorts involved themselves at ringside, and they distracted Borne so that Lennox could ambush him. Lennox works over Borne through a commercial break, and the beating continues after the break. Borne takes a bump on the ring steps, and he also took a slingshot into a sit-out powerbomb from Lennox for a near fall.

Comeback by Borne, and they trade near falls. Borne is cut off, and he takes a superplex off the top rope. Lennonx goes to cover him, and Borne hulks up. Another distraction from Darkstate at ringside, which allows Lennox to block a finisher from Borne. However, Borne counters Lennox and Darkstate’s interference. Borne then uses zig zag to set up the deciding pinfall.

Good opener.

Match result: NXT North American Champion Myles Borne defeated Dion Lennox via pinfall to retain this title.

— Blake Monroe is backstage with the Vanity Project, and they give her a pep talk as she stares into the reflection in her fake title belt. She says they can go party with “baddies” they matched with on a dating app. They assure her they are a text away, and they will be across the street. Turns out they are catfished by Shiloh Hill, which we learn in another skit after a commercial break where Hill is chatting with NXT Women’s North American Champion Tatum Paxley. She was concerned about Vanity Project interfering in her match later on against Monroe. Shiloh assures her they will not interfere, and he tells her about catfishing them.

Joe Hendry vs. Keanu Carver

—

The match goes through a commercial break. Carver uses his size to his advantage in the match, but Hendry was still competitive. Hendry gets worked over, with Carver targeting Hendry’s back. Hendry makes a comeback and he does a kip up. Hendry goes for his signature pose, only to walk into a lariat.

Spinebuster by Carver and he starts pounding on Hendry from a mounted position. The referee steps in to stop the match, as he calls her the bell.

Match result: Keanu Carver defeated Joe Hendry via referee stoppage.

— Lizzy Rain is the focus of a personality profile. Her in-ring debut on NXT is next week, and persona is a heavy metal gimmick.

Lexis King (with Birthright) vs. EK Prosper in the WWE Speed Championship tournament final

—

They have an exciting match with what time they had. Birthright members Arianna Grace and Stacks interfere, which allows King to win the tournament and the title. With under two minutes remaining, the fight spills outside.

King takes a bump on the apron and floor. Prosper comes off the top with a moonsault onto a pile of bodies. Under a minute remaining, and Grace slaps Prosper across the face. Prosper then superkicks Uriah Connors and Stacks at ringside. However, that distraction allows King to recover and execute a Coronation. Three count later, and new…

Match result: Lexis King defeated EK Prosper via pinfall after outside interference to win the WWE Speed Championship.

— Following up on a earlier skit, Jackson Drake is with Vanity Project. Drake is upset he got “stood up” by the mystery date, which is a catfish situation.

— Playing off an earlier skit with Robert Stone. Saquon Shugars informs Dion Lennox and Darkstate he got them a rematch for the Men’s North American Championship. Shugars got himself booked in a title match.

Tatum Paxley vs. Blake Monroe in a casket match for the NXT Women’s North American Championship

—

As the story goes, Shiloh Hill built the casket used in the match. They brawl throughout the match. Of course, the casket is frequently used as a prop. Other props used early on in the match include a bouquet of flowers and a dollhouse. Paxley takes a bump on the dollhouse at ringside just before the show cuts to a commercial break.

The brawl continues throughout the break, and they are fighting in the ring when the show returns from the break. They fight standing in the casket and top of it. Spanish Fly off the casket to the floor in a spot where the studio audience chanted “holy s***.”

Monroe sprays Paxley with a fire extinguisher, and Paxlet takes an implant DDT on the floor. Monroe puts Paxley inside the casket and shuts the lid. Monroe thinks she won, but Paxley uses Monroe’s fake title belt to block the casket from closely completely.

Tug-o-war over the fake title belt, and Monroe appears to win that battle. Monroe reveals a loaded pillow she used earlier in the match is filled with gimmicked diamonds. Paxley executes her finisher on the pile of diamonds. Following up with a running dropkick on Monroe, and Monroe tumbles into the casket. Paxley tosses the fake title belt into the casket, and Paxley shuts the win. And still…

Match result: NXT Women’s North American Championship Tatum Paxley defeated Blake Mornoe in a casket match to retain her title.

— Jackson Drake leaves the bar with a muscular woman that he met. They hit it off and she tells him he was catfished. They then leave together.

— NXT Women’s Champion Lola Vice enters the ring for her first promo since winning the title. She puts over Jacy Jayne as the former champion. Vice then cuts a good babyface promo before being interrupted by Izzi Dame and The Culling.

Vice is wearing her newly won NXT title around her waist, and her AAA Mixed Tag Team title belt is hanging from her waist. Niko Vance and Shawn Spears circle Vice, and Vance snatches the Mixed title belt. That distracts Vice, which allows Dame to drop Vice with a high kick. Dame poses with the NXT title while standing over a fallen Vice. The theme for heels tonight are distractions often and always.

— New Speed Champion Lexis King is being interviewed alongside Birthright when he confronted by EK Prosper and Dorian Van Dux. This sets up a tag team match against two members of Birthright.

— Kendal Grey is the focus of a great “Chronicle” segment. She narrates a video package talking her upbringing and journey to becoming a wrestler. This is a pretty great personality profile.

— Lola Vice tells Robert Stone she has “the perfect person is mind” to even the score with The Culling after the ambush earlier. A sudden commotion in Stone’s office, and Ricky Saints apparently lured Shiloh Hill into the office by using Stone’s cellphone. Hill was attacked and has a shelf laying on top of him as Stone and security run into the room. This puts their next match in jeopardy. Will Hill recover?

— NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo receivers a mystery gift box while talking with Robert Stone, who tells D’Angelo that next week Stone will have better idea who is his next challenger. Keanu Carver confronts D’Angelo with a warning about “sharks” circling the champ.

Sol Ruca vs. Zaria in a last woman standing match

—

Zaria sneaks into the ring during her entrance for an ambush. Ruca fights off Zaria and Zaria is scrambling at ringside. Zaria turns the proverbial tables with a shot from a trash can. A kendo stick soon becomes involved, as does more trash cans. Zaria whips Ruca with cable wire. They do a modified hangman spot for heat.

The brawling continues back in the ring, where Ruca delivers an X-Factor. They do some spots with a kendo stick, and Zaria has to answer a ten count. They tease a powerbomb off the apron, but Zaria escapes to boot Ruca at ringside.

The studio audience chants for tables as the fight continues. Soon thereafter, they do a stunt where Ruca spears Zaria through a gimmicked wall.

They go through a commercial break with more brawling around ringside. Back from the commercial break, and they perched on the barricade. That set up a stunt where Zaria gives Ruca an F5 on the broadcast booth. The desk implodes on impact, and Ruca must answer a ten count. Ruca barely beats the count as Zaria sets up a table at ringside.

Comeback by Ruca, but she is on rubber legs. More tables are set up ringside, complete with Slim Jim logos.Two tables set side-by-side. That leads to a big spot where Ruca climbed on a perch overlooking the ring. She looks to set up a spot with Zaria laid out on the tables.

Zaria disappears from the tables by the time Ruca climbs on the perch. Zaria surprises Ruca on the perch, but Ruca is able to leapfrog a spear. Ruca then executes a Sol Snatcher on the perch. The move looked to hurt Ruca for real. They both rise to heir feet and trade punches atop the perch. Slugfest develops as they tease knocking each other off the perch.

Teetering on the edge, Zaria flails with Ruca holding on to her. Zaria begs off and pleads with Ruca. Zaria says she is sorry, and Ruca pulls her away from the edge. There is an awkward moment where they look into each other’s eyes. They cry tears and hug. Zaria’s face melts into a sinister grin, and she shoves Ruca off the perch.

Ruca takes an ugly bump off the perch on to the tables. One table broke, and Ruca hit her head on the either table. It looked brutally painful. Ruca cannot answer the ten count, and Zaria is the last woman standing.

Match result: Zaria defeated Sol Ruca in a last woman standing match.

Title matches, last woman standing match part of two-week WWE NXT Revenge lineup

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A two-week event will kick off next week with two title matches.

Tony D’Angelo will defend the NXT title next week at NXT Revenge week one on The CW against Ethan Page. They, along with Joe Hendry and Ricky Saints, scored the win in an eight-man tag team match against DarkState on Tuesday. Page pinned Saquon Shugars after pushing away D’Angelo to get the glory for his team.

After the match, D’Angelo laid him out with the dead to rights chokeslam. Robert Stone later made a title match between the two official for next week’s show, the first night of Revenge.

Also set for night one is Jacy Jayne getting her NXT Championship rematch against Lola Vice. As the new NXT Champion was celebrating in the ring, Jayne interrupted and demanded another shot. Stone came out and made the second title match official for next week.

In addition to the two title matches, week one of Revenge will see Jaida Parker face Kelani Jordan, EK Prosper facing Dorian Van Dux in another Speed tournament qualifier, and Hendry will hold a concert to discuss his future following his title loss.

Week two of Revenge will see Sol Ruca taking on Zaria in a Last Woman Standing match. The latter made it clear on Tuesday it wasn’t over between them, spearing Ruca during her match against Izzi Dame. In addition, the men’s Speed tournament finals will take place to crown a new champion and EVOLVE standout Kali Armstrong will make her debut.

WWE NXT Revenge (April 14)

  • NXT Championship: Tony D’Angelo defends against Ethan Page
  • NXT Women’s Championship: Lola Vice defends against Jacy Jayne
  • Jaida Parker vs. Kelani Jordan
  • WWE Speed tournament: EK Prosper vs. Dorian Van Dux
  • Joe Hendry concert

WWE NXT Revenge (April 21)

  • Last Woman Standing: Sol Ruca vs. Zaria
  • WWE Men’s Speed title tournament finals
  • Kali Armstrong debuts

Daily Update: CM Punk & Roman Reigns, Sol Ruca & Zaria

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the topics covered:

  • A look back at the career of Dennis Condrey of Midnight Express fame
  • Update on WrestleMania, both the matches, business update the ticket demand at the present time
  • An updated look at AEW’s All In on 8/30 at Wembley Stadium as well as a look at the Dynasty show and ticket demand for the show
  • Coverage of El Homenaje a Dos Leyendas, CMLL’s second biggest show of the year, with El Satanico’s retirement at 76, The Death Riders appear, the heavyweight title changes hands and Mistico returns
  • A look at the NCAA Division I tournament including a look back 79 years when future pro wrestling legends dominated the heavyweight division and how it ties into the most recent tournament. We also look at the rivalry that could define college wrestling for years to come between a coach and his former pupil, a guy who was in high school in December and wins the NCAA title in March, as well business notes on the show, both attendance and television ratings
  • A look back at Sid Vicious, Badnews Allen and Dennis Rodman’s pro wrestling days
  • Trying to explain the latest controversy in television ratings and how this related to pro wrestling
  • How ratings differ from a sports survey about wrestling fans
  • The most complete look at the ratings for all the pro wrestling television shows over the past week,including competition, demos and comparisons with one year ago, as well as competition in the time slot.
  • Notes on CMLL talent coming to WrestleMania week
  • Major injury to arguably CMLL’s best worker
  • Notes on the 83rd anniversary of pro wrestling in one of its most famous arenas
  • Notes on tentative plans for a major mask vs. mask match
  • Callum Newman and Yuya Uemura tear it up in the New Japan Cup finals
  • Next major New Japan show thoughts with Ospreay’s returnh
  • Tanahashi talks goals to turn the company around
  • Kazusada Higuchi retirement notes
  • Thoughts on Satoru Sayama and his impact on pro wrestling
  • Aja Kongs 40th anniversary show
  • Gable Stevesn and RAF
  • Ted DiBiase Jr acquitted in his case
  • The end of CBS News Radio and what former WCW announcer was an anchor there
  • Notes on the announcing at the orignal When Worlds Collide AAA show
  • Lots of WrestleMania week show notes
  • FantasticaMania comes to the U.K.
  • Update on WBD sale to Paramount Skydance
  • Update on Revolution PPV buys
  • Jeff Jarrett becomes co-owner of a sports franchise
  • Jericho talks about working today
  • More on the Ali Revival Act
  • A list of a lot of PPV buy numbers for UFC
  • Ari Emanuel’s role in getting President Trump to stop the case against Ticketmaster/Live Nation.
  • WWE star training for a bodybuilding contest soon
  • Jesse Ventura rants but his timeline makes sense

This Week’s Back Issue

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Tuesday Update

WWE NXT March 24 ratings
Sol Ruca and Zaria appear on March 24 episode of WWE NXT. (Image credit: WWE)

 WWE

AEW & Other Wrestling

  • Don Callis spoke to CTV ahead of AEW’s shows in Winnipeg this week.
  • Hechicero told Sports Illustrated he’s ready to defend the CMLL Heavyweight title anywhere, including AEW, and praised Claudio Castagnoli’s reign as champion: “There is nothing to complain about with Claudio Castagnoli. He did it so well with great defenses not only in Mexico with the CMLL shows, but also to make some defenses in the United States with AEW. And that’s something now I really want. Not to defend the championship in Mexico with CMLL, I also want to defend the championship all around the world because it is a world championship, so that’s something that I really want. So that’s my main goal with this championship.”
  • JetSpeed vs. Angel de Oro & Niebla Roja has been added to CMLL’s Saturday show in Arena Coliseo.
  • Lady Frost is set to be a free agent with her AEW contract expiring at midnight.
  • A trailer for Slowburn Shoot: An Indie Wrestling Story, a documentary focused on Absolute Intense Wrestling. The trailer features the likes of Nick Gage, Hornswoggle, Britt Baker, and Ethan Page, among others. It will screen for the first time on April 13 as part of the Cleveland International Film Festival.
  • Tessa Blanchard vs. Jody Threat in a Bunkhouse match is set for this week’s Impact.
  • United Japan Pro Wrestling, a group consisting of most of the major promotions in Japan including NJPW, NOAH, Dragongate, and DDT, have announced a “FACE THE NEXT” event featuring younger talent for May 12 at Shinjuku FACE.
  • Dragon Dia announced on social media that he would be leaving Dragongate as of April 1.
  • Layla El has been announced for WrestleCon.

NXT title match, Sol Ruca vs. Zaria set for Stand & Deliver

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The NXT Championship will be defended in a four-way next month.

The main event of Tuesday’s NXT saw Ethan Page interfere in the main event, joining Ricky Starks to attack Tony D’Angelo. Joe Hendry came out for the save, but also chose to lay out D’Angleo with the standing ovation, gaining a measujre revenge over a recent D’Angelo attack. Backstage, Robert Stone announced a four-way match for Stand & Deliver.

All three challengers had been in the hunt for the title, with D’Angelo declaring his intentions after defeating Dion Lennox at Vengeance Day. Ethan Page recently scored a win over Hendry in a tag match.

Sol Ruca and Zaria, former tag team partners, will also meet. The two had a face-to-face on this week’s show, with Ruca accusing Zaria of fighting for herself rather than fighting for their team while Zaria accused Ruca of stealing the spotlight for herself. The two agreed to a match for St. Louis, with Zaria telling Ruca that she wasn’t the villain in her story, but a mistake.

WWE NXT Stand & Deliver (April 4)

  • NXT Championship: Joe Hendry defends against Ethan Page, Ricky Saints, and Tony D’Angelo
  • NXT North American title: Myles Borne defends against Johnny Gargano
  • NXT Women’s title: Jacy Jayne defends against either Kendal Grey or Lola Vice
  • NXT Tag Team titles: Vanity Project defend against either Los Americanos or Birthright
  • Sol Ruca vs. Zaria

WWE NXT live results: Booker T Appreciation Night, three title matches

Posted on by Chris Aiken

WWE NXT is live tonight from Houston, Texas — with see three title matches and Booker T honored in his hometown.

NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne will defend against former partners and current rivals Sol Ruca and Zaria after defending against both of them recently.

In a rare steel cage match in NXT, Women’s North American Champion Tatum Paxley will defend against former champion Izzi Dame. Paxley defeated Dame for the title at the recent Vengeance Day and their feud continued last week.

The Women’s Speed title will also be on the line as Fallon Henley defends against Wren Sinclair. The Texas native earned her opportunity by winning a tournament.

The rest of the card will feature Hank & Tank facing off against Birth Right’s Lexis King & Uriah Connors in the first round of NXT’s Tag Team title number one contender’s tournament, and six-man tag action with Los Americanos taking on Vanity Project.

Our live coverage kicks off at 8 p.m. Eastern.

**********

NXT is live from the 713 Music Hall in Houston in front of a hot crowd. Opening the show is a triple threat title match.

Jacy Jayne (with Fatal Influence) vs. Sol Ruca vs. Zaria in a triple threat match for the NXT Women’s Championship

—

NXT Women’s Speed Champion Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid are ringside in Jayne’s corner. So far, Henley has the best St. Patrick’s Day gear on the show.

Lots of nifty spots, leading to near falls where Hayne delivers a codebreaker. Ruca breaks the count by springboarding into a Superfly splash, and Ruca gets a two count on Jayne. Vic Joseph and Booker T on commentary played up the champ being at a disadvantage not having to drop the fall to lose her title.

Ruca barely cleared the ropes on a Space Flying Tiger Drop, and the audience collectively held their breath for a moment. Outside the ring, Lainey Reid interferes to give Jayne an underhanded advantage. While Zaria and Ruca sell, Fatal Influence taunts and poses as the show goes into a commercial break. The match continues in a split-screen.

In the middle of the match, Los Americanos are shown preparing for their match tonight when the show returns. Teammates turned rivals, Sol Ruca and Zaria finally square off. They trade strikes until Jayne bursts into the ring with a senton. Jayne is thwarted as Ruca leapfrogs a spear from Zaria, and Jayne takes the spear. Ruca then spears Zaria, and the live audience comes unglued.

In their take on a Tower of Doom, Zaria leaps on the ropes for a German suplex on Jayne while Ruca flips over taking a back suplex. Zaria tries to cover the other two, but both kick out. Zaria looks to pummel Ruca, but Jayne land a missile dropkick and a cannonball. Zaria cuts off Jayne to deliver the F-5 to the champ, but Ruca breaks up the pinning attempt. Zaria goes for the F-5 on Ruca, only to get an X-factor from Ruca. Really good sequence.

Zaria take a bump out for the ring as they go home, and Ruca crushes Jayne with a Sol Snatcher. Ruca goes for a sure pin, and Zaria pulls Zaria out of the ring to break the count. Zaria then executes the F-5 on the outside, and Ruca takes a bump on the floor. Fatal Influence’s Henley and Reid interfere by keeping Zaria from getting back into the ring. Zaria drops Reid with a headbutt, and Henley takes the F-5 on the floor. Meanwhile, Jayne crawls over to steal the win by pinning Ruca. Great opener. And still…

Match result: NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne defeated Sol Ruca and Zaria in a triple threat match when Jayne pinned Ruca to retain her title.

— Ricky Saints is supposed to “call someone out” in the next segment on the show. He is heading to the ring as the show cuts to a commercial break. Saints gets a full entrance after the break. With RodeoHouston taking place head-to-head tonight with NXT, Saints is dressed for the rodeo complete with cowboy boots, leather vest and a bolo tie. A talking segment leads to dissension between Saints and his cohort, Ethan Page. NXT Champion Joe Hendry then confronts both of them. Tony D’Angelo then lays out everyone

NXT Champ Joe Hendry plays challengers against each other, and Tony D’Angelo strikes

—

Saints first delivers a monologue saying the main event (himself) is standing before you. He boasts about himself while talking about driving three hours from Austin to Houston. He pivots to talking about his tag team with Ethan Page. He brags about how they can pivot, mentioning there win last week against the team of Joe Hendry and Myles Borne.

Saints dubs himself and Page as “The Slump Busters” for their team name. If their other cohorts in Vanity Project were not in the title mix, Saints and Page would go for the tag titles. Out comes Ethan Page to join alongside Saints. Page likes the name, but he was thinking “Bounce-Back Boys” instead. Saints tells Page he can call out NXT North American Champion Myles Borne to issue a challenge. Page informs Saints that Page does not want to be North American Champion anymore. Rather, Page wants to be a two-time champion.

Saints is at a lose for words as he processes the intentions of Page. The tension is broken by the entrance of Joe Hendry, who enters holding the NXT title belt.

Hendry cuts a promo that pits Saints against Page. Hendry claims Saints uses Page to cover for his own loses. Hendry points out Saints cannot regain the title. Saints cannot play guitar, and he cannot sing. Henry then mentions that Saints and Page once wrestled each other at Stand & Deliver.

Page and Saints then get into an argument and they exchange barbs. They look ready to fight each other when they instead attack Hendry. He fights then off and give each a fallaway slam.

Suddenly, Tony D’Angelo runs in to attack all three. D’Angelo wrecks shop and lays everyone out, and he stands menacingly over all.

Birthright is backstage along with Fit Finlay and William Regal. As Regal tells Birthright they must win the tag team tournament, up walks Robert Stone. Regal talks Stone aside trying to gain favor with the new general manager of NXT, and Regal offers to put in a word with Shawn Michaels on making it a permanent role as GM.

Los Americanos (El Grande Americano Nuevo, Rayo Americano & Bravo Americano) vs. Vanity Project (Brad Baylor, Ricky Smokes & WWE Evolve Champion Jackson Drake)

—

The heel trio takes over before the match goes through a commercial break. Heat on Rayo Americano when the show returns from the break, leading to El Grande Americano running wild after a hot tag.

Americanos with a stereo dives while wearing cowboy hats, and Grande gets a near fall in the ring. He then trades near falls with the heel trio, and Grande kicks out after taking a Burner Hammer and a 450 splash from Drake.

The crowd is clearly behind El Grande Americano as he hulks up. In the closing moments, Drake rolls up El Grande Americano and uses the ropes for illegal leverage. Brad Baylor also helps with an assist, and the referee catches the heels in the act. Meanwhile behind the ref’s back, El Grande is handed a gimmick and he loads his mask.

Grande Americano knocks Baylor off the apron with the shot from the loaded mask, but Drake dodges the loaded mask to deliver a running knee strike. Rayo with a blind tag, followed by another blind tag by Bravo. Russian leg sweep, flying headbutt combo by Rayo and Bravo, followed by a flying headbutt with the loaded mask by El Grande Americano. He then covers Smokes for a pinfall.

Match result: Los Americanos defeated Vanity Project when El Grando Americano pinned Ricky Smokes.

— In a backstage skit, Sean Legacy is on crutches and says he cannot wrestle. Robert Stone rules that Eli Knight must find a replacement to team with him or forfeit their spot in the tag team tournament. That led to WWE Speed Champion Elio LeFleur offering to team with Knight, and Stone okays the new team.

Keanu Carver crashes Booker T Appreciation Night

Vic Joseph hosts a segment for Booker T Appreciation Night ceremony, and Joseph introduces Booker T to the crowd. Booker T is the focus of a great video package honoring his career in wrestling as both a performer and mentor.

Booker T is in tears while surrounded by his wife and kids and two students from his Reality of Wrestling school. Joseph presents Booker with a plaque commemorating Booker T Appreciation Night. The crowd chants “you deserve it” as Booker T displays the plaque.

Booker gets the house microphone and says he has been doing this for 35 years. Booker thanks the fans for making it all possible. Keanu Carver suddenly interrupts the ceremony. Carver yells for everyone to shut up, and he shoves aside a referee on his way to the ring.

Several students try to intervene, but Carver tosses them aside with ease on his way into the ring to confront Booker. Carver is squaring off with Booker when in runs Jasper Troy to brawl with Carver. They briefly fight before Troy clotheslines Carver out of the ring. Referees pour out to keep Carver separated from Troy.

Carves exits and out comes the NXT roster to honor Booker. The roster is joined by Robert Stone. Booker says to cut the music. Booker cuts a promo saying someone needs to take control, and Booker yells at Stone that kind of stuff should not happen in Booker’s hometown city. Booker’s theme music then awkwardly blares over the house speakers, and the show cuts to commercial while Booker is still cutting a promo. The segment inexplicably ends without sound during a split-screen break.

Fallon Henley (with Fatal Influence) vs. Wren Sinclair (with Kendak Grey) for the WWE Speed Championship

—

Five-minute time limit for this title bout. Sinclair is billed from Texas, which got a decent enough pop from the crowd. The home state aspect might have popped the crowd more at first if the match had not followed a segment already playing on hometown vibes. However, the crowd still popped big for the title change, as Sinclair won the title in her home state.

For the finish, Sinclair counters an O’Connor Roll with about a minute-and-a-half remaining in the bout. Sinclair then catches Henley with “The Final Wrench” (cattle mutilation hold), and Henley submits. And new…

Match result: Wren Sinclair defeated WWE Women’s Speed Champion Fallon Henley via submission to win the title.

— Ethan Page and Ricky Saints have stormed into Robert Stone’s office, and they are angry about Tony D’Angelo ambushing them earlier tonight. They demand that Stone take action. Page then says Saints wants D’Angelo in a singles match next week. Saints is taken aback at first, but Page talks him into it so long as Page is in his corner. Saints against D’Angelo is set for next Tuesday.

— A commercial for NXT Stand & Deliver announces the show is April 4 at The Factory in St. Louis.

Hank Walker & Tank Ledger vs. Birthright (Uriah Connors & Stacks with Arianna Grace, Charlie Dempsey & Lexis King) in a number one contender’s tag team tournament quarterfinal match

—

Heat on Hank, until a hot tag to Tank. The babyface duo then a superplex/swanton bomb combination. Reception issues while trying to watch on my local CW affiliate, so my feed is choppy for a bit. Reception clears up in time for Hank to plant Stacks with a Bossman slam. Lexis King jumps into the ring and takes a bullet for Stack.

Somehow the interference by King does not qualify as a disqualification, and King is sandwiched with a stereo splash by Hank & Tank. Stacks then makes Hank & Tank’s combo finisher, but Connors already made a bling tag. Connors rushes in to roll up Hank for a three count. Birthright wins to advance in the tournament.

Match result: Birthright defeated Hank & Tank when Uriah Connors pinned Hank.

— NXT Champ Joe Hendry demands Robert Stone book a match with the champ against Tony D’Angelo. Stone could like to oblige, but he already booked Saints against D’Angelo for next week.

— Timing was tight as the show crept closer to the top of the hour, and they rush into the main event.

Tatum Paxley vs. Izzi Dame in a steel cage match for the NXT Women’s North American Championship

—

Winner by pinfall or submission, no climbing out to win. They still tried to climb out, and the fight began before they ever got in the cage. This was a wild brawl with Paxley retaining her title. The reception on my CW broadcast was in and out at times. They used weapons like chairs, along with using the cage itself as a weapon at time. They looked to have a gritty cage match without blood.

They build to a superplex, and then they build to a powerbomb spot on a metal folding chair. Paxley counters with a code red on the chair, and Paxley follows up with Cemetery Drive on Dame. Paxley covers Dame for a pinfall.

Match result: NXT Women’s North American Champion Tatum Paxley defeated Izzi Dame via pinfall to retain her title.

— In a cliffhanger ending, Paxley was celebrating and posing with the title belt the ramp. Blake Monroe popped out of a trap door like The Undertaker. She pulls Paxley down through the trap door, and Monroe poses as the show goes off the air.

Two title matches confirmed for WWE NXT Houston

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Two title matches are set for NXT’s show in Houston later this month.

At Vengeance Day, Jacy Jayne came out and cut a promo talking about her history of being Women’s Champion. Robert Stone cut her off and said this was about finding her next challengers. After both Zaria and Sol Ruca came out to stake their claim, Stone cut everyone off and announced a triple threat match for the title on March 17.

Later on backstage, Jayne was upset about the triple threat match as the rest of Fatal Influence conspired to take out Ruca before the championship match took place.

Fallon Henley also brought up that on the same show, she would be defending the Speed title against the winner of the finals set for this coming Tuesday’s NXT between Wren Sinclair and Thea Hail, both of whom picked up victories in the qualifying round.

WWE NXT (March 17)

  • NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne defends against Zaria and Sol Ruca
  • WWE Speed Championship: Fallon Henley defends against either Wren Sinclair or Thea Hail

WWE NXT live results: Vengeance Day go-home show

Posted on by Chris Aiken

Tonight’s live WWE NXT is the go-home for this weekend’s Vengeance Day premium live event.

After turning on Sol Ruca last week, Zaria will challenge NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne for the title. Zaria confronted Jayne last week after her attack on Ruca helped Jayne retain, saying that if she didn’t grant her a title match, what happened to Ruca would happen to her.

Ricky Saints will make an appearance for an Absolute Experience segment. Starks will face NXT Champion Joe Hendry this Saturday.

The women’s Speed title tournament continues with Wren Sinclair taking on Nikkita Lyons with the winner advancing to face Thea Hail.

Before their match at the PLE, NXT Women’s North American Champion Izzi Dame and challenger Tatum Paxley will have a face-to-face while Jaida Parker and Blake Monroe will have their own confrontation ahead of Saturday.

In a trios bout, Hank Walker, Tank Ledger and Shiloh Hill will take on the Vanity Project (Jackson Drake, Ricky Smokes and Brad Baylor).

**********

NXT is back in the air in front of a live studio audience from a sound stage at the Performance Center in Orlando.

Opening the show is the new NXT North American Champion Myles Borne, and he enters wearing a suit and holding his recently won title belt over his shoulder. Borne gets into the ring for an opening monologue. He would eventually be confronted by former champ Ethan Page, who is looking for a rematch with Borne. But first, the studio audience chants “you deserve it” at Borne.

“Damn it feels so good to hold this title and hear my name announced as champion,” Borne begins his address.

Borne remarks how a new champ will usually will soak up the moment and tell a sob story, but not this time. Borne says instead of thanking the fans and his family for their support, he wants to thanks his biggest haters. Borne thanks Ethan Page, who remarked in their feud that Borne lacked a “killer instinct” within himself. That poured gasoline on a fire inside of Borne and unleashed a demon.

If you push him, Borne says he will push back. He is no Boy Scout, and Borne says his is no angel. If you had to show that demon side of himself to keep the title, then so be it.

Borne ended his monologue by posing with the title after ending with his new catchphrase: “Can you hear me now?”

Ethan Page then interrupts and confronts Page. The former champ says he can hear Borne, but all he heard was Borne thanking him. Page insists Borne should repay him with a rematch for the title. Page claims Borne got lucky last week in winning the title. Page brags about himself and his accolades since arriving in NXT.

“If there is anybody in this locker room that deserves a rematch, it’s the guy that carried this brand for the last two years,” Page boasts.

Borne tells Page he knew Page would come out here. If Page wants a rematch, Borne says he will go talk with NXT General Manager Robert Stone. Page wants the match tonight.

Out comes GM Stone, and he is happy to book a rematch, but they should take the time to put on wrestling gear. Page roars with a challenge to fight right now, as Borne is taking off his suit jacket and unbuttoning his sleeves. Stone agrees to book the impromptu match, and he calls for a referee as a hockey fight breaks out.

Myles Borne vs. Ethan Page for the NXT North American Championship

—

They fight is on with him dressed in slacks and dress shoes. They at least both remove their jackets. The fighting soon spills outside the ring, and the roll onto the broadcast booth. Borne is fired up as he pummels Page on the desk, while the show itself cuts to its first commercial break.

The fighting continues through a split-screen break, and the show returns to the break with a production snafu that took a few seconds to swipe away from picture-in-picture. Meanwhile, Borne rips Page’s clothing trying to keep Page from fleeing the ring. Page eventually had his pants torn away, and he was wrestling in his boxer briefs.

Page with a loaded punch for a near fall. Borne kicks out and a moment later counters Page’s finisher as they go home. Borne applies an ankle lock, which is a callback to an injury angle in their feud. Page kicks free, and his shoes come off in Borne’s hands.

For the finish, Page fumbles with his ripped pants. Borne still has one shoe in his hand that he conceals from the ref, while giving Page’s pants to the referee. The ref goes to get rid of the pants by tossing what is left out of the ring with his back is turned to Borne. He smacks Page with his own shoe, and Borne executes his Borne Again finisher. Borne then hooks a leg to pin him. Great match. And still…

Match result: NXT North American Champion Myles Borne defeated Ethan Page via pinfall to retain his title.

— Sarah Schreiber is a roving reporter who tries to interview Zaria, but she does not want to talk while arriving at the building. Also outside are Darkstate, who are waiting for Tony D’Angelo. Robert Stone convinces them to go inside the building. Great timing because Tony D’Angelo arrives in a sports car, and he retrieves a crowbar from the trunk before heading inside.

Jaida Parker brawls with Blake Monroe

—

Out comes Blake Monroe to cut a promo on Jaida Parker, who then interrupts Monroe and confronts her. That leads to a brawl where Parker stands tall when the smoke clears.

Monroe claims that Parker interfering in Monroe’s speed match last week was reassurance for Monroe. She was reassured because Parker still needs her. Monroe remarks that worst thing anyone can do in NXT is interrupt her. Monroe keeps cutting a promo on Parker until Parker confront her.

Parker cuts a good promo on Monroe, and Monroe tries to retort. Parker cuts her off, and basically says without her gimmick Monroe is a “mediocre bitch.”

Jaida then slaps Blake hard across the face, and they begin to brawl. Monroe is sent packing as the studio audience chants for Miss Parker.

— The Vanity Project trio (NXT Tag Team Champions Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes along with WWE Evolve Champion Jackson Drake) approach Ricky Saints and Ethan Page in a locker room skit. The heel trios apologizes for not having Page’s back in his impromptu match. They are told that is okay, and they can leaves. Saints then leaves after saying he must get ready for his performance tonight. This was a dumb and unnecessary skit.

— Another skit sets up Jasper Troy against Eli Knight and Sean Legacy in triple threat match. The winner meets Speed Champion Elio LeFluer in a title match.

Nikita Lyons vs. Wren Sinclair in the Speed tournament match

—

Sinclair won with Cattle Mutilation with seconds remaining in the three-minute time limit. In winning, Sinclair moves on to the tournament final to face Thea Hail. Whoever wins that match challenges WWE Women’s Speed Champion Fallon Henley.

Match result: Wren Sinclair defeated Nikkia Lyons via submission to advance to the tournament final.

— NXT Champion Joe Hendry and North American Champion Myles Borne interact in a backstage skit. Hendry makes a joke about being deaf and immediately apologizes for it. Borne mocks Hendry with his pose and they laugh it off.

— Kelani Jordan goes to Shayna Baszler’s dojo to train for her Underground match. This was a cool cameo for Baszler, and it builds up the gimmick match between Jordan and Lola Vice at Vengeance Day.

Tatum Paxley and Izzi Dame face-to-face

—

Paxley and Dame face off in a pre-taped segment where they sit across from each other in front of a dollhouse. Dame first cuts a promo on Paxley, but Paxley responds with a confident response. Paxley then walks away before Dame flips out and wrecks the dollhouse in a fit of rage.

Shiloh Hill, Hank Walker & Tank Ledger vs. Vanity Project (Brad Baylor, Ricky Smokes & Jackson Drake) in a six-man tag team match

—

Good match that goes through two commercial breaks. Vanity Project jumps the babyface trio during their entrance. The trios match unofficially begins before the bell, and the match gets underway during a commercial break. Much of it airs in picture-in-picture, and what started as a brawl settles into a traditional six-man tag when the show returns from the break.

Heat on Walker as the heel trio works him over. Hot tag to Tank, and he cleans house on Vanity Project. At ringside, Hank is posted by Jackson Drake. Nevertheless, Tank fights off the heels. As the fighting against spills outside the ring, Tank is trapped in the ring steps by the team formerly known as Swipe Right. Drake then dropkicks Tank from behind, and Tank looks dead as the show cuts to another commercial break.

Hot tag after the show returns from the break, and Shiloh Hill runs wild. Hill is soon cut off and Vanity Project gets a near fall on him. Hank and Drake tag in and face off. Drake lifts Hank to deliver a Burning Hammer.

Parade of high spots in the closing moments. Hank with a Bossman slam on Drake to set up a tandem spot where Hank & Tank sandwich Drake with stereo splashes. Hank & Tank then sail through the ropes with a tope each. Meanwhile, Hill leaps through the ropes to spear Drake in the ring. Hill then executes his combo finisher where he does Saito suplex into a falling neckbreaker. Hill then covers Drake for the deciding pinfall. In winning the match for his team, Hill gets a pin on the Evolve champ. That should set up a title match in the near future.

Match result: Shiloh Hill, Hank Walker & Tank Ledger defeated Jackson Drake, Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes via pinfall when Hill pinned Drake.

— Before the six-man competitors can exit, Blake Monroe pounces on the announce desk for a promo. She is now dressed in all black as she broods over Jaida Parker. Monroe announces a street fight with her and Parker for Vengeance Day.

Out comes Jaida Parker to once again confront Monroe. They are pulled apart by the winners of the six-man a tag and a slew of referees.

— Darkstate is backstage and they are livid. Osiris Griffin is down selling an apparent ambush by Tony D’Angelo. Darkstate all yell at Robert Stone. Saquon Shugars and Cutler James stay with Griffin while Dion Lennox vows to call out D’Angelo. Lennox is heading to the ring as the show heads into a commercial break.

— Dr. Martin talks with Lola Vice about a fracture in her right hand. The doctor points to an x-ray as he explains the injury to Vice. Dr. Martin advises Vice to not compete, and he says there is great risk in Vice doing the Underground match. Vice shakes her head and tells the doctor she cannot be out that long. She is the most reliable wrestler on the roster, and she vows to continue. Vice promises not to hurt her hand again, and Vice says she signed away any liability to WWE. The doctor reluctantly agrees with Vice, but he insists she come see him again after her match.

— Dion Lennox is headed to call out Tony D’Angelo. Lennox does just that from the ring. Instead of being the hunter, Lennox is now the hunted, as pointed out by D’Angelo when he addresses Lennox. D’Angelo is standing in a perch overlooking the ring as he cuts a promo on Lennox and Darkstate.

D’Angelo no longer has the over-the-top Italian accent. D’Angelo proceeds to cut a good promo on him seeking vengeance against Darkstate. Fittingly enough, D’Angelo clashes with Lennox this Saturday at Vengeance Day.

Lennox threatens to meet D’Angelo in the parking lot, and D’Angelo responds by saying bring it on. D’Angelo threatens to beat him up in the parking lot before dragging his lifeless body back into the ring to beat him.

— Sarah Schreiber interviews NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne, alongside her stablemates Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid of Fatal Influence. Jayne cuts a promo where she mentions the breakup between Sol Ruca and Zaria. Jayne teasing interference by Fatal Influence as she vows to retain the title. Jayne wants “smooth sailing” heading towards Stand & Deliver.

— NXT Champ Myles Borne talks with Charlie Dempsey and Tavion Heights in a backstage skit. Borne thanks them for his time as stablemates in No Quarter Catch Crew. Borne leaves and Dempsey laments how unsuccessful they are compared to Borne. In walks Lexis King and his cohorts Uriah Connors, Arianna Grace and Stacks. They are still trying to recruit Dempsey into their faction, much to the chagrin of Heights.

Jacy Jayne (with Fatal Influence) vs. Zaria for the NXT Women’s Championship

—

Despite me hating the finish, this was a great to watch before a run-in. They had a good, long match that went through a commercial break. Before the show cut to commercials, Jayne sandwiches Zaria in the ring steps with a cannonball senton on the floor. Zaria was in control beforehand, as she looked strong at the start of the match. Henley and Reid interfere, which allows Jayne to gain an underhanded advantage ahead of the commercial break.

Superplex spot soon after the show returns from the break. Jayne takes the superplex from Zaria, and a slugfest soon develops. They trade strikes and momentum rises for Zaria. They then trade near falls.

Near fall after Zaria lands a lariat. Jayne runs into a knee before taking German suplexes from Zaria, and Zaria runs into a flying knee from Jayne for another near fall. Zaria ducks Jayne’s finisher and delivers a spear. Zaria goes for her finisher, but Jayne escapes and waffles Zaria with a Rolling Encore.

Double down as Sol Ruca runs down to the entrance ramp. Ruca clotheslines Reid and superkicks Henley at ringside. Ruca then jumps into the ring and springboard into a dual Sol Snatcher that drops both Jayne and Zaria. The referee calls for the bell. No official word, but I assume a no-contest. The mach this thrown out. Really good match until the interference by Sol Ruca. The finish seems to set up a triple threat, which must be one of the most over-booked gimmick matches in modern wrestling.

Match result: NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne and Zaria wrestled to a no-contest after interference by Sol Ruca.

— Ricky Saints is heading to the ring for his concert performance.

— Robert Stone is interviewed in his office. Glitch in the feed on my local CW affiliate, so I missed much of this interview.

Ricky Saints’ Absolute Experience

—

Spoofing the concert segments made famous by The Rock from years past, Saints gets in the ring and sits down. He pick up a guitar and hypes up the concert to come. He proceeds to do a terrible rendition of Joe Hendry’s theme song, with new lyrics from Saints. This was deliberately terrible. It was also hard to watch. It was dying a death.

Saints orders a roadie to get him a different chair. That failed to save the segment. Saints next complains about the microphone, and he orders a roadie to fix the mic. The segment drags on with Saints complaining about his guitar. He wants another guitar as well. Saints is handed a different guitar by a roadie, but the roadie will not unhand the guitar. Surprise, it’s Joe Hendry! He saves the segment with a guitar shot on Saints. The guitar shatters on the back of Saints.

Vanity Project runs in to save Ricky Saints from Hendry’s finishing move. Myles Borne runs down to help Hendry clean house and clear the ring of heels.

The NXT Champion and the North American Champion stand tall and celebrate in the ring in the final scene on the go-home episode ahead of Vengeance Day.

Women’s title match part of next WWE NXT lineup

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The NXT Women’s title will be on the line next week.

Zaria will challenge for the title after turning against Sol Ruca on this week’s NXT, allowing Jacy Jayne to hit the rolling encore in just seconds to retain the title. Later backstage, Zaria confronted Jayne and demanded a title match for next week, saying that if she didn’t grant the match, what happened to Sol would happen to her.

Ricky Saints has also promised an ‘Absolute Experience’ segment for next week’s show without providing any details, saying if Joe Hendry can have his concerts he could have something as well. The two are scheduled to meet for the NXT title at Vengeance Day next month.

The women’s Speed title tournament will continue, with Wren Sinclair taking on Nikkita Lyons. The winner will face Thea Hail, who defeated Blake Monroe to advance in the tournament this week after interference from Jaida Parker. Another match will have Hank, Tank, and Shiloh Hill take on Vanity Project after they had a brawl backstage.

WWE NXT (March 3)

  • NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne defends against Zaria
  • Ricky Saints’ Absolute Experience
  • Women’s Speed tournament: Wren Sinclair vs. Nikkita Lyons
  • Hank & Tank & Shiloh Hill vs. Vanity Project

Zaria turns against Sol Ruca on WWE NXT

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Zaruca is officially over.

After weeks of teasing a breakup over and over only to remain friends, Zaria officially severed the relationship between herself and Sol Ruca Tuesday on NXT. As introductions were being made for the NXT Women’s title match, Zaria suddenly speared Sol and gave her an F5. The bell then rang and Jayne immediately hit the rolling encore for the win.

Following the match, Zaria dragged Ruca out of the ring and gave her another F5 through the announcer’s table, ending the segment by kissing Ruca on the forehead. Later in the night, Zaria told Jayne that she wanted a title match on next week’s show or what happened to Sol would happen to her.

Recent months had seen tension build between Zaria and Sol, with Zaria growing increasingly jealous of all the opportunities Sol was getting, including participating in the Royal Rumble and at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Last week saw Zaria tell off her tag team partner, only to come out for the save later when all three members of Fatal Influence jumped Sol during a promo.