NXT reaches the Apex!

An inaugural NXT Women’s North American Champion, Roxanne Perez VS Jordynne Grace, and Trick Williams VS Ethan Page, all on the Battleground in Las Vegas!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match: Sol Ruca VS Lash Legend VS Fallon Henley VS Jaida Parker VS Mia Yim VS Kelani Jordan; Kelani wins and is the inaugural NXT Women’s North American Champion.
• NXT Tag Team Championships: Axiom & Nathan Frazer VS The Good Brothers; Axiom & Frazer win and retain the titles.
• NXT Underground: Lola Vice VS Shayna Baszler; Lola wins.
• NXT North American Championship Triple Threat: Oba Femi VS Wes Lee VS Joe Coffey; Oba wins and retains the title.
• NXT Women’s Championship: Roxanne Perez VS Jordynne Grace; Roxie wins and retains the title.
• NXT Championship: Trick Williams VS Ethan Page; Trick wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the NXT Battleground Countdown Show!

Join Megan Morant and Sam Roberts in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action set for this groundbreaking night in Las Vegas!

Ava Raine joins via video chat.

The NXT General Manager has a lot on her plate, how is she feeling on this historic night? “Historic” is the perfect word, this is exciting stuff. So much history to be made tonight between the Women’s North American Championship, NXT Underground, and Ethan Page’s NXT in-ring debut for the title, this is a huge night. Then to the Women’s’ North American Championship, Ava announced this championship back at Stand & Deliver, and the women have shown up and shown out. Ava has said NXT has THE best women’s division in all of wrestling, what has really impressed her since that moment?

Ava remembers saying that the women are the backbone of NXT and she stands by it. The combine, the qualifiers, and now this match tonight, all six participants are incredible athletes. Ava is very excited to see who wins and becomes the very first Women’s North American Champion. And then the NXT Underground match, Lola Vice VS Shayna Baszler in a building designed for this kind of fight. What is it like in the Apex right now? Ava knows both women are passionate athletes who know all about the MMA world, they are right at home and ready to kick some ass.

And to the main event, Trick Williams VS Ethan Page, maybe one Ava didn’t want to make but had no choice. Now that we’re here, how does she feel? She won’t lie, Ethan was a tough hire. The negotiations were crazy, but ultimate, All Ego is a great athlete, so she is excited to have him here. But she feels Trick embodies what the heart and soul of NXT is, and she is ready to see them bring out the best in each other tonight. What is Ava’s life going to be like if Ethan ends up the NXT Champion? Ava says she’s already been all over the place tonight, she hasn’t really given a lot of thought to that possibility, but anything is possible tonight.

Megan wishes Ava all the luck as she takes care of everything tonight. Will that full plate start to overflow as things get going? Or can the GM maintain control in a city known for wild times?

Sexyy Red is in the ring.

The host of tonight’s festivities says what up! It’s your favorite hood princess! Welcome to NXT Battleground~! Sexyy Red twerks for everybody, and cues the video package.

NXT has arrived in Sin City.

“Tonight, Las Vegas plays host to the ultimate Battleground.” The state of the art UFC Apex is now transformed into the NXT Arena for a historic night! “But in this town, when you’re on top of the world, a single roll of the dice can change your fortunes forever. The doors to the UFC Apex may have been opened, but the transformation has only just begun. As the Whoop Dat Era prepares to take over the strip, keeping your name up in lights can sometimes be tricky. Ego is everything in this town, and tonight, within the spectacular UFC Apex, we’ve built a new Battleground! Las Vegas, this is N! X! T!”

NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match: Sol Ruca VS Lash Legend VS Fallon Henley VS Jaida Parker VS Mia Yim VS Kelani Jordan!

History waits for no one, so why wait? This Six Pack Challenge is gonna really heat things up! But who stays cool to bring down that brand new belt as THE FIRST EVER Women’s North American Champion?

The introductions are made, the belt hangs high above, and we see who rises to the occasion!

The bell rings and all six look up at the belt. But then Jaida shoves Mia, Fallon fights with Sol, and Lash grabs Kelani! Lash back suplexes, Kelani lands out and shoves, then follows. Lash stops the slingshot arm-drag, but Kelani dodges the lariat! Kelani leaps but Lash catches her to throw KNEES into her again and again! Lash hits a BACKBREAKER while the others are fighting over ladders! Jaida and Mia tug-o-war on the desk! Mia RAMS Jaida right off, and Jaida almost lands on Booker T! Lash BOOTS Mia from the apron, but Kelani BOOTS Lash! Kelani goes up, MISSILE DROPKICKS, and the fans fire up!

Sol and Kelani have a ladder but Fallon grabs it! They tug-o-war, but Lash gives Sol and Kelani a meeting of the minds! Lash DECKS Fallon, but then Sol & Kelani DOUBLE LARIAT! Lash goes out, Sol and Kelani fight over the ladder! Sol waistlocks, throws Kelani aside, but Kelani does the same! They keep going back and forth, Fallon grabs the ladder again, so they DOUBLE DROPKICK it into her! Then Sol keeps Kelani from going for another. Kelani ELBOWS Sol away, then TORNILLOS onto Jaida! Sol aims at Lash, to MOONSAULT! Fallon BOOTS Sol from the apron! Fallon gets the ladder, but Mia runs up!

Fallon CLOBBERS Mia with the ladder! But Lash BOOTS Fallon! Lash puts the ladder in, and the fans fire up as she looks right at the belt. Sol gets in, Lash RAMS her down! Fallon and Jaida get in, Lash RAMS them both! Kelani gets in, ducks ‘n ‘dodges then kips up to SHOTGUN the ladder into Lash! Kelani then runs to SPLASH Lash in the corner! Kelani keeps going, but Lash stops the rana! Mia and Jaida oddly work together to trap Lash in a corner! They DOUBLE CHOP Kelani on the ladder! Jaida whips, Mia reverses, and Jaida hits ladder! Sol GERMAN SUPLEXES Mia! Then Sol DROPKICKS Lash!

Fallon CLOBBERS Sol! Fallon CLUBS Kelani, then she gets another ladder! Fallon sets that up, and she has a clear path! The fans are torn as Fallon climbs, but Sol yanks her down! Sol RAMS Fallon into rungs, then TOSSES her out. Sol climbs, but so does Jaida! Jaida SHOVES Sol down, Kelani grabs at her! Jaida kicks Kelani away to DROP IT LIKE IT’S HOT on the ladder bridge! Both women are down and out, but Mia gets Sol! GERMAN SUPLEX receipt! Mia climbs and the fans fire up, but here comes Lash! Lash YANKS Mia down, ROCKS her, then whips her! Mia reverse, Lash stops short of hitting ladder!

Mia runs in, but is sent into the ladder! Lash hurries to get another ladder, but Mia’s right up with that first one. Lash BOOTS Mia down first! Lash sets her ladder up, the fans rally up, and Lash climbs. But Mia hurries to anchor Lash! Lash has fingertips but Mia drags her down! Lash fights the suplex, switches with Mia, and has a SLEEPER! Mia flails and fades, but here comes Fallon! She jumps onto Lash for a SLEEPER! Now Lash is fading, but Kelani jumps on to SLEEPER Fallon! The fans fire up for this sleeper chain! Lash lets Mia go so she can RAM Fallon and Kelani into buckles! Kelani lets go but Fallon holds on!

Lash crawls, Fallon thrashes, and Sol climbs! Kelani gets back on Fallon’s back! Jaida goes after Sol, but Sol CLUBS her away. Jaida storms back up,. Kelani climbs over everyone to grab at the belt! She’s got fingertips on it! Mia and Fallon DOUBLE LARIAT! Jaida hurries up and grabs Kelani’s hair! Lash grabs Kelani’s legs! They BEND Kelani against the top of the ladder!! Sol CLUBS Jaida and Kelani kicks Lash away. Lash comes back, YANKS Kelani down, but Kelani RANAS Lash out of the ring with her! Jaida and Sol climb, Mia joins in and tips the ladder! Jaida CHOPS Mia, Sol SUPERKICKS! Jaida talks trash but Sol hits a LADDER FACEBUSTER!!

The fans fire up as Sol has the ladder, but then Fallon gives Sol a LADDER FACEBUSTER!! Lash returns, Fallon dodges and tornado wheelbarrows, SHOTGUN BULLDOG COMBO!! The fans fire up and Fallon gets that ladder up! Fallon climbs, but Jaida returns! Jaida hurries after Fallon, CHOPS her, and Kelani sets up a ladder nearby. Fallon and Jaida brawl, Kelani and Sol climb. Mia tries to get in, Kelani KICKS her! Kelani DECKS Sol, Fallon ROCKS Jaida! Lash YANKS Kelani down to DECK her! Fallon DECKS Jaida, Lash YANKS Fallon down! Lash SMACKS Fallon off rungs, then climbs up! But Sol follows!

Sol and Lash brawl with big forearms! The fans fire up, Lash gets the edge, and then she reels Sol in! The fans fire up as they fight for suplex control! Sol SMACKS Lash off rungs, then SUPER SUNSET FLIPS! Lash holds onto rungs, and she punches down at Sol! Sol drops, but Fallon returns! The others get involved, too! They all trophy lift Lash! They THROW Lash down through the ladder bridge!!! Vegas loses its mind as the other five talk trash on Lash! But then they all realize the ladders are still up! It’s a mad dash to the top! Mia YANKIS Fallon down, HEADBUTTS herm then the same for Sol! Jaida keeps Kelani down but Mia DECKS Jaida!

Mia uses Kelani and ENZIGIRIS Jaida into the TORNADO DDT for Kelani!! Michin climbs, the fans fire up, but Sol returns! She and Fallon yank one ladder away but Mia’s on the other! So Kelani helps TIP that, and Mia HOTSHOTS off ropes! Sol DECKS Fallon, SUPERKICKS Kelani and ROCKS Jaida! “This is Awesome!” as Jaida kicks back to then GOURD BUSTER! Sol flounders, Jaida clears space and begins the climb! Jaida reaches up, but Mia stops her! Mia yanks Jaida down but Jaida DECKS Mia! Sol CHOPS Jaida, but Jaida CLUBS Sol! Jaida whips, SOL SNATCHER!! The fans fire up and Sol dodges Fallon, uses the ladder, SOL SNATCHER!!

Sol hurries up the ladder but Mia follows! Kelani stops Mia, goes up after Sol, but then Mia grabs at Kelani! Kelani kicks Mia, then Sol and Kelani DOUBLE ROUNDHOUSE! They both fall and the fans are thunderous! Mia LARIATS Sol up and out! Mia runs at Kelani, Kelani dodges to CALF KICK! Mia staggers away, Kelani sees her on a ladder! SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT on the ladder!! Kelani climbs, the fans go nuts, and Kelani brings the belt down! KELANI WINS!

Winner: Kelani Jordan, by pinfall (INAUGURAL NXT Women’s North American Champion)

Now that’s how you stand out! From the Big 10 to Orlando, Florida to Las Vegas, Nevada, THAT is the rise of the Gym Princess into THE history-making Women’s North American Champion! The fans chant “YOU DESERVE IT!” but will she prove she’s more than earned it by setting the bar for this title?

NXT Tag Team Championships: Axiom & Nathan Frazer VS The Good Brothers!

The Undeniable Hard-Hitting Truths did not appreciate Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows hitting them hard in various ambush attacks. It is time to put up or shut up, will The Machine Gun & Big LG prove they’re still the best tag team in the world? Or will Axiom & Frazer prove they’re the best by taking down the best?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if it’s Just Too Sweet in Sin City!

The teams sort out and Axiom starts with Anderson. They tie up, Anderson puts Axiom in a corner, but they go around the ropes. The ref counts the break, Anderson lets off, but he throws a cheap shot! Anderson CHOPS Axiom, then brings him around. Anderson grinds the arm, hip drops it, then pie faces Axiom around. The fans boo but Anderson soaks up the heat. Anderson runs, but Axiom DROPKICKS him down! Axiom whips, tags Frazer, and then wrenches to IRON OCTOPUS! Frazer runs and runs and DROPKICKS Anderson down! Cover, ONE!! Frazer headlocks for a low takeover and he grinds Anderson down.

The fans rally, Anderson fights up, and Anderson pulls hair. The ref reprimands but Anderson knees low! Anderson mockingly applauds, then he headlocks Frazer. Frazer powers up and tags Axiom. Frazer redirects, dropkicks a leg out, and Axiom basement dropkicks! Cover, TWO! Anderson stays in this but Axiom stomps him back down. Axiom wrenches then CHOPS. Tag to Frazer, the champs mug Anderson and Frazer stomps away! The ref counts, Frazer CHOPS, and Anderson staggers away to a corner. Frazer storms up but Anderson kicks low! Anderson fires off hands in the corner, the ref counts, and Anderson lets off with a stomp.

Anderson whips corner to corner, Frazer goes up and over and handsprings away! The fans fire up as Frazer then catches Anderson for a BUCKLE SHOT! Tag to Axiom and he goes up top! CROSSBODY! Axiom SMACKS Gallows, dodges Anderson, but Anderson trips up the springboard! Anderson puts Axiom in the corner, tag to Gallows! Gallows stomps away on Axiom, lets off as the ref counts, and the fans fire up. Gallows drags Axiom up, wrenches, and he YANKS Axiom right down! Gallows gets Axiom up to scoop, and he FALL AWAY SLAMS Axiom! Gallows keeps moving, and he stomps Axiom back down!

Gallows HAMMERS away on the bad shoulder! Then he grinds the arm down, but Axiom endures. The fans rally, Axiom fights up, throws haymakers, but Gallows HEADBUTTS him down. Gallows gets Axiom up to wrench, then he hammerlocks the bad arm. Gallows wraps that arm around ropes, then DECKS Axiom! Tag to Anderson, the Good Brothers mug Axiom, and Anderson soaks up the cheers and jeers. Anderson warns the ref, but axiom throws body shots. Anderson talks smack, Axiom CHOPS! Anderson CHOPS Axiom down then covers, TWO! Anderson rains down fists, tags Gallows, and Gallows stomps Axiom.

Gallows drags Axiom by the bad arm and grinds that shoulder again. The fans rally up, Axiom fights to his feet, and Axiom fires forearms! Gallows UPPERCUTS Axiom back! Gallows scoops Axiom, but Axiom swings to a DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Axiom crawls his way over, so does Gallows, and Anderson tags in first! Anderson whips Axiom away but Axiom GAMANGIRIS Gallows! Axiom then goes up and over, rolls and hot tag to Frazer! SPRINGBOARD MISSILE DROPKICK! Things speed up, and Frazer SLINGBLADES Anderson! SUPERKICK for Gallows! BOOT for Anderson!

Frazer goes up, Anderson gets under, but Frazer QUEBRADA DDTS! Then RUNNING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!! Anderson survives that speed blitz but Frazer just grits his teeth. Frazer drags Anderson to a drop zone, goes up top, and PHOENIX- NO, he has to bail out as Anderson moves! Anderson fireman’s carries, for a T K O! Tag to Gallows, and Anderson BLASTS Axiom! Gallows SPLASHES in a corner, then lifts, BACK SUPLEX NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Frazer survives but Gallows gets Frazer up. Gallows reels Frazer in, throws up the Too Sweet, SITOUT POWERBOMB! Axiom SUPERKICKS the cover apart!

Anderson TOSSES Axiom out hard, then hurries back. Gallows tags Anderson in and Anderson aims at Frazer. Frazer flounders up while the fans rally. Anderson grabs the legs, he YANKS Frazer up, but Frazer lands out and PELES! Hot tag to Axiom and he goes up! Anderson gets under the leap, and hits a SPINEBUSTER! Tag to Gallows, and the Good Brothers surround Axiom. They get Axiom up for MAGIC- NO, Axiom slips up and around to a SLEEPER! Frazer SUPERKICKS Anderson! Anderson TOSSES Frazer, but Frazer drags Anderson out! Gallows drops to the mat as Axiom squeezes tight!

Anderson kicks free of Frazer and Gallows throws Axiom off! Gallows tags Anderson, then fireman’s carries Axiom! Anderson runs, BOOT O’ DOOM!! Cover, FROG SPLASH OUTTA NOWHERE!! The fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” while all four men are down! Gallows rises, swings on Frazer, but Frazer dodges to PELE! Anderson UPPERCUTS Frazer! Anderson reels Axiom in but Axiom cradles! TWO!! JUMP KNEE! Axiom then DIVES onto Gallows! Gallows stays up so Frazer DIVES! Gallows catches Frazer, APRON CHOKE SLAM! Anderson DROPKICKS Axiom on the top rope! Anderson goes up to get Axiom, for a SUPER T K O!!! Cover, TWO?!?!

The fans are shocked but Anderson just gets Axiom up top! Anderson climbs up after Axiom, but axiom anchors Anderson! “This is Awesome!’ as Axiom CLUBS away on Anderson! Anderson still fireman’s carries, but Axiom fights free! GAMANGIRI! Frazer & Axiom dodge Gallows to DOUBLE LARIAT Gallows! Frazer DIVES and wipes Gallows out!! Axiom is up top with Anderson, Frazer tags in! SUPER SPANISH FLY!! And then Frazer is up top, to PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, FRAZER & AXIOM WIN!

Winners: Axiom & Nathan Frazer, by pinfall (still NXT Tag Team Champions)

As great as the Good Brothers are, Axiom & Frazer prove that no one can stop you when you #NeverSlowDown! And if that’s the case, who will even come close as these two blaze a trail through the Summer?

NXT Underground: Lola Vice VS Shayna Baszler!

Sin City is also Fight Town, and these two MMA crossovers know all about that! But there can only be ONE baddest woman in NXT, and while one likes to throw hands and shake her hips, the other just likes to rip and tear. There won’t be ropes or restrictions holding these two back. Who takes over when the only options are to #TapNapOrSnap?

The bell rings and the two start throwing testing shots already. Neither gets anything substantial but Lola is certainly the aggressor. But Shayna gets a SPINEBUSTER, then she HAMMERs and stomps! Lola hurries away and Shayna is all fired up! The fans are with the Queen of Spaces as she pursues the Mayor of Vice City. Shayna CLUBS Lola at the ramp, RAMS her into Plexiglas, then looms over her. Shayna gets Lola up to CLUB her again and they head back to the ring. Shayna puts Lola back up, storms after her, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Lola stands up, but into a SAYANAGI! Lola tries a spin kick but ends up in a SAIDO!

Shayna has an ANKLE LOCK! Lola flails, reaches around, but there’s no ropes to save her! Lola turns, kicks and kicks, but Shayna turns her back over! Lola still endures, still fights, and rolls to POST Shayna! Shayna sits up in a daze, and Lola HAMMERS her! SLEEPER! Lola gets her legs wrapped around for a body scissors, but Shayna pries at the hold. The ref is keeping a close eye on Shayna and she fights up. Shayna stands, only to drop to a knee! Lola squeezes tight, the ref checks, but Shayna stands again! CANNONBALL into the prospects at ringside! The fans fire up while Lola and some big dudes go down!

Shayna and Lola both stir, stand, and throw hands! Shayna RAMS Lola into the desk! The fans fire up as Shayna clears the desk off! Booker & Vic move aside as Shayna then brings Lola over. Shayna puts Lola on the desk, climbs up after her, and the fans fire up more! Shayna reels Lola in, but Lola fights free! Lola throws body shots, Shayna gives some shots back, it is a brawl up top! Shayna TRIPS Lola and HAMMERS away! Lola BOOTS Shayna away! They both fall, Shayna runs up! Lola moves, Shayna’s kick hits desk! Shayna may have just busted her own knee wanting to take Lola’s head off!

Lola gets Shayna back to the ring, then brings her to the corner! Lola snarls and SLAMS the bad leg into the post! Shayna flounders away but Lola pursues! Lola grabs the leg, KICKS it again and again, then wraps on the HEEL HOOK!! Shayna endures, pries at the grapevine, so Lola shifts to a KNEEBAR!! Lola pulls on the leg, Shayna endures, and then grabs at Lola’s head! Lola shifts around to get the ANKLE LOCK!! Shayna still endures, kicks away with her free leg, and gets free. Lola runs up to fire off hands! Lola KICKS the bad leg, drops on for hammering elbows, but Shayna body scissors!

Shayna wants an arm but Lola keeps HAMMERING her! Shayna kicks Lola away, Lola gets up to KICK the leg! Lola DECKS Shayna, gives some ground ‘n’ pound, then clamps on a SLEEPER! Shayna endures, the fans and the prospects rally as hard as they can, but Lola has Shayna caught! Shayna pries the body scissors open, and then stomps away on Lola! Then ROUNDHOUSES! Lola falls, Shayna HAMMERS her! Lola gets up but ends up in a  SAYANAGI! Shayna gives that ground ‘n’ pound, KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!!! Lola pries at the hold but Shayna has the hold in tight! Lola pulls on the bad leg but Shayna keeps those arms wrapped on!

Lola fights, pulls, Shayna lets go out of pain! Shayna kicks Lola away, they both throw hands, Shayna manages to KNEE Lola down! But the bad leg keeps Shayna from adding on! Shayna hobbles, brings down the knee pad, and now things get serious! Shayna runs up, Lola dodges! URAKEN!! Shayna falls off the ring, Lola says that has to be a knockout!! The ref says it’s out of bounds, it won’t count! Lola is frustrated, and she gets Shayna up. Shayna revives to throw Lola! The fans fire up as Shayna takes her frustration out on the prospects!! Shayna’s lost the plot as she GUT WRENCH SLAMS one of them!

Lola HEEL KICKS Shayna!! Lola gets Shayna back to the ring, wants the bad leg, but Shayna uses that to get a TRIANGLE HOLD!!! Lola is dangling off the edge, throws hands as best she can, and Lola gets free. Shayna BOOTS Lola right down! The fans fire up again as Lola flounders around. Shayna storms after Lola, hammers her, then drags her up off the floor. But Lola shoves Shayna into steel steps! The fans duel and Lola realizes Shayna is in bad shape! Lola puts Shayna back in the ring, to URAKEN!! HAMMER FISTS!! The ref calls it, Lola wins!!

Winner: Lola Vice, by Technical Knockout

Lola celebrates, having trumped the Queen of Spades! But like many things in Vegas, she might’ve gotten lucky tonight. Will Lola use this momentum to prove she’s not just the baddest but the best in NXT?

Sexyy Red greets Kelani Jordan backstage.

She and her friends chant “Get It, Lani! Get It, Lani!” Time to party it up! Kelani says you know she’ll be there, she is not gonna let this night end! The Stand Out is ready to party hard, will she make sure not to get a championship hangover before Tuesday?

NXT North American Championship Triple Threat: Oba Femi VS Wes Lee VS Joe Coffey!

They say all men are created equal, but you look at The Ruler’s sheer size and strength, and we can see that statement is not true. Will Oba live up to his name’s meaning and be an undeniable force that reigns over all? Can the Cardiac Kid make his return a truly triumphant one? Or will The Iron King finally have his crown here in NXT?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who defies the odds to stand tall as champion!

The bell rings and Oba stares down both Wes and Joe. But then Wes ROCKS Joe! Oba ROCKS Wes, Joe ROCKS Oba, and then Joe and Wes both go after Oba! Oba grabs Wes but Joe CLUBS the arm! Oba grabs Joe but Wes JABS Oba! Wes and Joe continue to mug Oba, then they argue a bit. Oba grabs them both! Joe and Wes both break free and they DOUBLE DROPKICK Oba out of the ring! Joe runs up, Wes rolls him up! TWO, Joe swings but Wes ducks! Wes rolls back to KICK Joe away! Wes runs up but Joe puts him on the corner! Wes goes up and over, then slips around to bump Joe off buckles! Wes snapmares Joe, then GAMANGIRIS Oba!

Wes dodges Joe, CLUBS him, KICKS him then KICKS him down, to DOUBLE STOMP! The fans fire up and Wes DIVES onto Oba! Down goes Oba and the fans fire up! Wes goes right up a corner, SKY TWISTER! Cover, Oba drags Wes away! Wes breaks free, BOOTS, then eggs Oba on. Oba swings, misses, and Wes ROCKS him! And SOBATS him! But Oba LARIATS Wes inside out! Oba kicks Joe, reels him in, and then gets Wes! Oba DOUBLE SUPLEXES his challengers! Joe flounders to a corner, Wes goes to the other. Oba runs in to UPPERCUT Wes! Then he UPPERCUTS Joe! Back to Wes! Back to Joe!

Oba keeps going, UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT back and forth! Oba roars, the fans are with him, and Oba TOSSES Wes into Joe! Oba grins as he stands over his challengers. Oba scuffs Wes, drags him up, and then CLUBS away on him! Oba suplexes Wes, but Joe fires body shots! Oba keeps Wes in the air but he takes shot after shot! Wes slips free to HOOK KICK! Oba goes to a corner, Joe runs up, but into a BOOT! Wes runs up, but Oba TOSESS him up and out! Joe runs back up but into another BOOT! Wes returns to ENZIGIRI, Joe SHOTGUNS Oba into buckles! Joe puts Oba up top, climbs up after him, but Wes shoves Joe down!

Wes slingshots up and grabs onto Oba, but Oba grabs Wes! Oba SHOTPUTS Wes onto Joe!! The fans are thunderous for Oba’s insane feat of strength! Oba kicks and stomps Wes, then drags him up. Oba CLUBS Wes, Joe RAMS Oba! Oba tumbles out of the ring, Joe puts Wes in a corner. Joe runs up but Wes dodges! Joe BOOTS back, goes up, but Wes GAMAN- NO, Joe blocks! TORNADO DDT! Then GERMAN SUPLEX! Joe storms up, but he has to BLAST Oba first! Joe gets Wes to his feet, whips him to a corner, then scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Wes writhes but Oba returns, so Joe ROCKS Oba with big forearms!

Fans want tables but Joe whips. Oba blocks to reverses, but then Joe FLAPJACKS Oba off ropes! Joe fires off fast hands in a corner, Oba shoves him away, and Wes gest up. Joe UPPERCUTS Oba into Wes! Joe manages to SIDEWALK SLAM Oba! Joe hits a VADER ELBOW on Oba! Cover, TWO! Oba slowly rises but Joe is on him. Joe fireman’s carries Oba?! The fans fire up as Joe powers up, but Wes stands on the top rope! DOUBLE STOMP onto Oba, that leads to a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!! The fans fire up and now Wes DECKS Joe! But Joe falls onto Oba for a cover! Wes hurries to break it!

The fans rally and duel between Wes and Oba, leaving Joe as the odd man out. But Joe blocks Wes’s kick to UPPERCUT him down! Joe DIVES onto Oba and Oba hits the desk! The fans fire up and Joe runs in, GLASGOW SENDOFF sends Oba into steps! But Oba stays up!? And he APRON POWERBOMBS Joe!! But Wes FLIES, only for Oba to catch him!! Oba POWERBOMBS Wes onto Joe! That’s three times we’ve gotten something like that! Oba drags Joe up, puts him in the ring, and storms in after him. Joe runs up to ROCK Oba! Oba rebounds to DECK Joe! Joe rises to ROCK Oba! Wes joins in, handspring, but into Oba’s arms!

Wes fires hands, flips and RANAS Oba into buckles! Wes runs, handsprings, NEURALIZER! Cover, Joe breaks it! The Iron King keeps this one going, and he lines up the targets! Joe dodges Wes to GLASGOW SENDOFF Oba! Then SPINEBUSTER for Wes! Cover, TWO!! Wes survives and Joe is frustrated but the fans fire up again. Joe runs at Oba, but Oba grabs Joe by the neck! POP-UP, but Joe slips out the back! Oba clotheslines Joe and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up as Oba looms over Joe, and then drags him up. But here comes GALLUS! Markus & Wolfie beat up on Oba and the fans boo as they stack the deck!

Wolfgang gets Oba up, Mark runs, BOOT O’ DOOM to the floor! The Iron King hurries up and in to get Wes! Up, up and AWAY with that moonsault! Joe fires up, GLASGOW SENDOFF!! Wes is down, Joe pushes him to a cover, TWO!!! Wes survives and the fans fire up! Gallus can’t believe it, and then OBA RISES! Oba SMACKS Mark & Wolfgang off the apron! The fans tell Gallus they messed up, and Oba ROCKS Joe! Oba THRWOS Wolfgang into steel steps, then he throws Mark onto Wolfgang! Oba gets in, ALL THE BEST FOR THE BELLS! But then Wes SUPERKICKS Joe! And SUPERKICKS Oba!

The fans fire up as Wes has targets on either side of the ring. Joe rises, Wes runs up, POP-UP METEORA! Wes says no one can stop him! Wes goes Around the World to ROCK Joe, SUPERKICK him, then GAMANGIRI! Wes calls his shot, CARDIAC KICK!! Cover, GALLUS YANKS THE REF OUT!! The fans boo, the ref argues with Gallus, but the damage is done! Wes FLIES out onto Mark & Wolfgang! But Oba gets in the ring to go after Joe! Joe dodges Oba to ALL THE- NO, Oba boots the lariat, then hits the SHOTPUT! Wes returns, METEO- NO, POWERBOMB!! And then the POP-UP BOMB for Joe!! Oba covers, Oba wins!

Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall (still NXT North American Champion)

Gallus tried to help Joe win, but they only helped him lose as Oba only got angrier with their interference. But if four men could not dethrone The Ruler, will his reign ever end?

NXT Women’s Championship: Roxanne Perez VS Jordynne Grace!

The Prodigy has exceled at not only collecting championships and unleashing aggression, but also at inflating her own ego. And after all the bragging about being better than every woman in WWE, she may have really stepped in it this time. The TNA Knockouts Champion decided to make a return after her great Royal Rumble debut, and this was the right time to do it! Will #JuggernautJordynne make quite the impact on the NXT Women’s Division? Or will Roxie still defy the odds #AndStill be the best?

The introductions are made, Roxie’s belt is raised, and we see if it’s still gonna be Roxie’s belt after tonight!

The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two stare down. Roxie and Jordynne circle, tie up, and then Jordynne shoves Roxie right down! Roxie scrambles to the ropes, gets back up, and resets with Jordynne. They tie up, Roxie waistlocks, but Jordynne throws Roxie right off! Roxie tumbles away, Jordynne dusts herself off, and the fans already chant “This is Awesome!” Jordynne calls for a test of strength and Roxie says fine. They knuckle lock, but then Roxie stomps a foot! Roxie wrenches and UPPERCUTS Jordynne’s arm, then eggs Jordynne on. Jordynne swings, Roxie ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl, but Jordynne throws her away!

Roxie comes back, wheelbarrows, but Jordynne shoves her away again. Roxie tries another tilt-o-whirl, Jordynne stops that, then blocks a kick. So Roxie SLAPS her! The fans fire up for that while Jordynne scowls. Jordynne CLOBBERS Roxie, CLOBBERS her again, then tilt-o-whirl FACEBUSTERS! Jordynne kips up, the fans fire up, and Jordynne reels Roxie in. Jordynne gets Roxie up but Roxie DIGS at Jordynne’s eyes! Jordynne lets Roxie go, staggers to a corner, and Roxie runs up, but into Jorydnne’s lift! Jordynne POWERBOMBS Roxie, goes up, but Roxie hurries to anchor Jordynne! Jordynne kicks Roxie away, but Roxie gets under her!

Jordynne holds ropes to stop Roxie’s bomb, but Roxie YANKS Jordynne into buckles! Roxie WRINGS Jordynne off the top! Roxie HAMMERS away on Jordynne, then drops a knee on the arm! Roxie drags Jordynne around to dig her knee into the arm! Jordynne endures, even as Roxie pulls back on the arm. Roxie steps over, stands on Jordynne’s back, and YANKS the arm! Jordynne flounders away to a corner but Roxie stomps her down. The ref counts, Roxie puts the arm around ropes and thrashes! Jordynne kicks Roxie away, but Roxie comes back to ROCK her! Roxie whips, Jordynne blocks, so Roxie ROCKS her again!

Roxie UPPERCUTS, wrenches, and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS! Then a cover, ONE!! Jordynne is tougher than that and the fans rally up. Roxie pulls on Jordynne’s hair, CLUBS her down, then drags Jordynne around again. Roxie stomps the arm, pushes Jordynne down, then stands on the arm. The fans rally for “TNA! TNA!” and Jordynne kicks at Roxie! Roxie traps the arm, but Jordynne avoids the knee drop! Roxie staggers, still wants that arm, but Jordynne shoves Roxie away. Roxie comes back, goes for that arm, but Jordynne gets around to waistlock! Roxie elbows free, slips under and CHOP BLOCKS a leg!

Roxie DROPKICKS the bad arm! Cover, ONE!! Jordynne is showing grit but Roxie SLAPS her! Roxie reels Jordynne in, steps over the bad arm, and pulls on the arm! The fans rally as Jordynne stands up! Roxie sunset flips, but Jordynne stays up! Roxie KICKS and KICKS, Jordynne staggers to a corner. Roxie runs up, Jordynne dodge! Roxie BOOTS Jordynne, goes up, and leaps, but into Jordynne’s arms! POWERSLAM, then VADER FLOP as Roxie moves! Roxie goes up as Jordynne rises. Jordynne blocks a kick, CLUBS Roxie, then goes up to get her! The fans fire up as Roxie fights the waistlock! Roxie wrenches an arm but Jordynne CLUBS her!

The fans fire up as Jordynne CLUBS and CLUBS and CLUBS away, then she turns around to pick Roxie up! Torture rack, for the SUPER TOWER HACKER BOMB!!! Both women are down and the fans lose their minds! A standing count climbs, both women stir at 4 of 10. They rise at 5, head for each other, and Jordynne HEADBUTTS! Then she SLAPS Roxie, pump handles, but Roxie fights around! Roxie hammerlocks the arm to UPPERCUT it! Jordynne still CHOPS! Roxie SLAPS, ROCKS, but Jordynne scoop and SLAMS! The fans fire up, Roxie BOOTS, but Jordynne scoops to SLAM again! Roxie staggers up, shrikes, and she fires off fists!

Jordynne shoves, scoops, but Roxie slips free to BOOT! Jordynne URAKENS then DISCUS LARIATS! Jordynne hauls Roxie up, tucks her in, Inverted Gory Especial! Roxie slips free, but runs into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Jordynne grabs Roxie. Jordynne gets Roxie up to ROCK her, then puts her in a corner. Jordynne hauls Roxie up to the top rope and climbs back up. But Roxie knocks Jordynne off the corner! So Jordynne SHORYUKENS! Jordynne tucks Roxie in, but no Muscle Buster tonight! Roxie wheelbarrows, to DDT! Roxie runs, and SPIKE-RANAS! Cover, TWO!

Roxie is frustrated but she hurries to get Jordynne’s arm. Roxie YANKS that arm, and she pulls on it as hard as she can! The fans rally and duel as Jordynne endures. Jordynne fights up, stomps at Roxie, but Roxie kicks from below! Jordynne stomps away on Roxie, stacks her, TWO! Jordynne deadlifts Roxie, but Roxie goes to the ropes! HANGING ARMBAR!! The ref counts, Roxie lets go at 4, and she says she let off! But then Jordynne ROCKS Roxie! Jordynne fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT, and she tucks Roxie back in! MUSCLE BUSTER!! Cover, TWO!?! Roxie survives and the fans fire up again!

Roxie flounders to the apron, the fans sing “Jordynne’s Gonna Kill~ You!” Jordynne storms after Roxie, kicks her on the apron, then joins her. Jordynne drags Roxie up, fireman’s carries, but Roxie fires elbows! Roxie POSTS Jordynne, mule kicks, then reels her in! APRON POP- NO, Jordynne holds onto ropes! So Roxie adjusts, aiming for the floor! Jordynne stops the sunset bomb so Roxie YANKS her down! Roxie runs to DIVE, TORNADO DDT to the floor!! Roxie then puts Jordynne in, goes up a corner, LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Roxie is furious, but she puts on a CROSSFACE!! Jordynne endures, reaches out, and the fans duel again!

Jordynne slowly turns things to roll Roxie up, TWO! Roxie lets Jordynne go, but she runs into a POP-UP URAKEN! And then the pump handle! Roxie fights free, SOBATS, and POP- NO!! Jordynne stops that to flip Roxie back up! Roxie and Jordynne fight for control, GORY BOMB!! Jordynne and Roxie are both down, but here comes Tatum Paxley! Tatum’s obsessed with gold, but she oddly takes a liking to the Knockouts title! Tatum takes the belt and runs! Jordynne is upset, but wait! Is that DANA BROOKE!? Or rather, TNA’s Ash By Elegance! She stops Tatum from taking the title, then Jordynne storms out there to CLOBBER Tatum!

But then Jordynne CLOBBERS Dana/Ash, too! That’s a TNA rivalry right there, but Jordynne goes back for Roxie! Roxie SOBAT, but gets blocked! Jordynne ELBOWS Roxie, then ROLLING DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! And now, JUGGERNAUT- CUTTER?!?! POP ROX!!! Cover, Roxie wins!!

Winner: Roxanne Perez, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)

There was an impact made tonight, but more by those not even part of this match! Clearly Tatum and Dana both want to knockout the Knockouts Champion, will Jordynne have to get them both back soon enough? And if Roxie was able to survive a juggernaut, what will it take to finally knock her off her high horse?

Backstage interview with Sexyy Red.

Sarah Schreiber asks the special guest host how she’s enjoying Battleground in Vegas. Red says she’s been having so much fun. Matter of fact, now would be a good time to announce that she’s “running for president,” and going on tour, so see you soon, America. Go get her new album, In Sexyy We Trust! Lola joins in and Sexyy congratulates her on the big win tonight. Lola says, “What can I say? I told everyone I was gonna knock Shayna out and dance on her, and that’s what I did.” Sexyy asks what Lola’s up to next. Wanna come twerk? “Get it, Lola! Get it, Lola!” But will Lola get herself a big title match for the Summer?

NXT Media catches up with Wes Lee.

They know it was a rough loss tonight, how is he feeling? He’s pissed! But then GALLUS JUMPS HIM!! They blame Wes for their loss tonight, and they THROW him into road cases! They mug him all over, until security and producers rush in! A ref calls for medical, Gallus just did major damage to Wes! What consequences will there be for Gallus after crossing the line?

NXT Championship: Trick Williams VS Ethan Page!

The Whoop Dat Era began when Trick Willy finally got past Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov, but that only put a target on ya boy’s back. At first, it looked like The Scottish Supernova was going to take his shot, spurned by how Lash Legend chose Trick over him. But then a pair of suspicious backstage attacks derailed Noam Dar’s plans, and surprise! It was All Ego, NXT Universe! It was All Ego all along! Ethan Page made his demands, got what he wanted, and that brings us to tonight. Will Ethan get what he really wants by becoming the NEW NXT Champion? Or will Trick make sure Ethan gets what he deserves?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see just whose NXT this really is!

The fans already chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” as the two stare down. The bell rings and Ethan strikes first! Ethan CLUBS away on Trick, rains down fists on the mat, and the fans boo as Ethan roars. Trick flounders to a corner but Ethan says HE’s gonna whoop dat Trick. Ethan runs up but Trick dodges! Ethan’s knees hit buckles and Trick fires off haymakers! Ethan hits back but Trick UPPERCUTS! Trick whips Ethan, scoops him on the rebound and SLAMS! Then Trick trips Ethan to rain down forearms! The fans fire up as Trick fires up, but Ethan takes a swing! Trick dodges to JUMP NECKBREAKER!

Ethan goes to ropes, Trick runs up, but Ethan ducks and the leg lariat gets caught up! Ethan DUMPS Trick out, then goes out after him. Ethan whips Trick hard into steel steps! The top half goes flying and Trick is slumped over the base! Even the security guard is part of the collateral! Ethan just smiles as he brings the steps over to the desk and clears it off! Ethan tells Vic and Booker to be ready, and then he goes after Trick with furious fists! Ethan gives more ground ‘n’ pound but the fans boo. Ethan drags Trick up, puts him in a corner, and stomps a mudhole in. The fans boo as Ethan goes corner to corner and back again, but Trick moves!

Ethan stops short of the corner, brings Trick up from the apron, but Trick HOTSHOTS him! Trick gets in the ropes but Ethan KICKS Trick! Ethan underhooks and brings Trick out, DRAPING BACKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Trick shows some grit already but Ethan gets Trick up. BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Ethan drags Trick up, reels him in and scoops to FALLING SLAM! Cover, TWO! Trick is still in this and Ethan is already frustrated. Ethan argues the count but the fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Ethan throws down fists, clamps on a rear bearhug, and he squeezes tight! Trick endures but the fans rally up.

Trick fights up from the mat, throws elbows, but Ethan squeezes tight again! Trick still throws down shots, but Ethan pushes on those ribs. The fans rally harder, but Ethan RAMS Trick into the corner! Ethan RAMS in again, and again, and again! Ethan ROCKS Trick with a right, tells the fans to shut up, then puts Trick up top. The fans still say “ETHAN SUCKS!” but Ethan climbs. Ethan brings Trick up, but Trick fights the superplex! Trick fires body shots, then a HEADBUTT! Ethan falls back, Trick adjusts, but Ethan ROCKS Trick in return! Ethan ROCKS Trick again, climbs back up, and throws more hands!

Trick clinches! But Ethan fires elbows! Ethan crosses Trick’s arms, ICONOCLASM! Then a scoop and POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Trick stays in this and Ethan scowls. Ethan HEADBUTTS Trick, CLUBS him on the back, then CLUBS him again. Ethan goes back to the rear bearhug, but the fans taunt him with “You Don’t Go Here!” Trick endures, fights up, and he pries the bearhug open! The fans fire up behind Trick, but Ethan clamps right back on! Trick throws elbows, turns around inside the bearhug and he BELL CLAPS free! Trick runs, slips around the lariat and DDTS! The fans fire up again while both men are down!

Ethan and Trick crawl and slowly rise. Ethan takes a swing, Trick counter punches Ethan again and again! Trick ROCKS Ethan, whips him and LEG LARIATS! And LEG LARIATS! Trick FLAPJACKS Ethan, then kips up! The fans are with Trick and he spins, but Ethan bails out! Trick is annoyed but he goes out after Ethan, only for Ethan to RAM him into the apron! Ethan whips, Trick reverses, and Ethan TUMBLES over railing and into the crowd! The fans fire up, Trick says this is HIS NXT, nobody jumps the line! Trick then runs to LEAP over the barriers!! Down goes Ethan and the fans fire up! Trick brings Ethan into the ring, runs up, SPIN KICK! Cover, TWO!!

Ethan survives and Trick is frustrated, but the fans rally behind him. Trick goes to a corner, climbs up, takes aim, but Ethan YANKS him down! A rough landing, then a KNEE to the face! Cover, TWO!! Trick survives the #Kneego of Ethan Page, but Ethan says, “Your house, huh? This is your house, Trick?” Ethan SLAPS Trick, fires a forearm, but Trick hits back! The fans rally, cheering on Trick and booing Ethan with every shot! They go faster and faster, Trick gets the edge, but Ethan knees low! Ethan reels Trick in, Canadian Rack, but Trick slips free! Trick clinches, Ethan fights free, but Trick ducks a kick! Ethan ducks a kick, to ROUNDHOUSE!

But Trick clinches! BOOKEND! Cover, TWO!! Ethan survives but the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Ethan bails out and Trick pursues. Ethan RAMS into Trick again! But then Trick LARIATS Ethan right down! Trick sees the steel steps, and he brings Ethan over! Trick makes sure the desk is clear, and then he brings Ethan up the steps! But Ethan fights the suplex! Ethan scoops, and POWERSLAMS through the desk!! The fans lose their minds over that one! Ethan rises, he drags Trick back up and into the ring, and he hurries in to drag Trick back up. There are All Ego fans now as Ethan Canadian Racks for the RAZOR’S EDGE!! Cover, TWO!!

Ethan is stunned, furious, but the fans fire up again as Trick rises. Ethan runs up to fire haymakers in the corner! The ref counts, Ethan lets off, but then jukes to fire off more shots! The ref counts again, backs Ethan off, and Ethan is walking the line of getting disqualified! Ethan turns around, into the TRICK SHOT!! Cover, TRICK WINS!!

Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall (still NXT Champion)

All Ego let his temper get the better of him, and now Trick proves he is truly the champion NXT deserves! Sexyy Red celebrates with Trick, are they gonna party all night long in Sin City?

My Thoughts:

A great NXT Battleground, but couldn’t they have done better than the “Apex?” I mean, I get it, TKO is their parent company, UFC is WWE’s new pal, this was probably an obligation. Also, the “special guest host” Sexyy Red does a grand total of three things: introduces the show with the shortest line read ever; congratulates Kelani Jordan; then congratulates Lola. Oh, and she twerks, but it was during all of those segments. So “glad” NXT went with her for this big night, let’s make it extra special by never doing it again. There was barely a trace of charisma when she talked, and she mostly just wanted to plug her album and tour.

Those shortcomings that are still just my opinion aside, I really liked all these matches. The women’s ladder match was a great opener, though maybe not as great of a ladder match as some were hoping. To be fair, the men as the ones crazy enough to go busting ladders and nearly busting their bodies up in ladder matches, the ladies were doing things in a nice balance of crazy and careful. In the end, Kelani winning was a great surprise, and I suppose better than saying “number one in the combine” Sol just automatically wins. Kelani is young but she’s already a great in-ring talent and on the verge of a great character, she’ll bring some excitement to the inaugural Women’s North American Championship reign.

The NXT Women’s Championship match was great stuff, too, and I appreciate the fans getting behind Jordynne and TNA. I’m sure many of them do watch TNA on the side, that’s the crowd that usually goes to NXT shows. But I am both disappointed and intrigued by how they chose to finish that one. I suppose they needed to protect Jordynne in the loss to Roxie since Roxie shouldn’t logically lose to a powerhouse like Jordynne. Tatum and Dana Brooke showing up was a good way to not just distract Jordynne but plug TNA story for those who’d get it. I almost flipped the meme, “What’s Ash By Elegance doing in the Apex?” But in the end, Roxie’s probably going to reign until NXT can get Giulia on screen, and we can definitely flip the crossover where Tatum challenges and loses to Jordynne.

The tag title match was great stuff, really getting back to those Black ‘n’ Gold Era tag title matches. But I had a feeling Frazer & Axiom were going to retain, it works with their story of sending RawDown stars back to RawDown. In similar fashion, the NXT Underground match was great stuff, but the NXT star won out because this is NXT. I still think Shayna should’ve won, but Lola can use this momentum to challenge for a title, maybe even be Kelani’s first title defense at Heatwave in July. And we got an awesome Triple Threat for the North American Championship. Gallus kept their promise of getting involved, but even then I knew Joe was taking the loss. Oba retains, and the possibilities are endless for his next defense.

Gallus going after Wes after was an interesting move but I suppose Gallus had to blame someone other than themselves. NXT and TNA working together, could Wes possibly reunite with The Rascalz? You’d think enough time has past for fans to get over the petty issues they had with Nash Carter, and we’d get a great Six Man Tag out of it. But as for Wes specifically, this is definitely a way for Wes to move up to the top title scene. Trick VS Ethan was a really good match with a lot of brawling and outside-the-ring action. And I was glad that, despite Oro Mensah going after Ethan after the show on Tuesday, and earlier today via social media, it was just straight up Trick VS Ethan.

Trick of course won, just as he would have if this was Noam Dar in there, and maybe Noam will be okay to challenge Trick for Heatwave. Trick is great, there’s no stopping him now, it might take someone who’s been around, like Wes Lee, to come close.

My Score: 8.9/10