The John Report: WWE NXT 04/09/24 Review

This is WWE NXT featuring Bron Breakker & Baron Corbin defending the Tag Team Titles against Axiom & Nathan Frazer.

I’m doing this review a day later than usual due to all the chaos of the last week from being in Philadelphia and then coming home to write about all the shows. I thought NXT Stand & Deliver was a very good show. I don’t know if I’d call it great, but I enjoyed most of it. This review will be a condensed recap of the matches/segment and I’ll go play-by-play for the title matches.

This episode took place at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. My WWE NXT Review archive is here. Let’s get to it.

There was a video package showing Stand & Deliver highlights. Trick Williams beat former best friend Carmelo Hayes in the main event, Roxanne Perez won the NXT Women’s Title and Ilja Dragunov retained the NXT Title.

The commentary team was Vic Joseph and Booker T as usual.

Let’s Hear from Roxanne Perez

Roxanne Perez did an in-ring promo as the new NXT Women’s Champion showing off her heelish attitude. Booker T was happy about it saying she did what she said she would do. Perez asked the fans if they were surprised. Perez said what happened was justice for her getting her title back after a year. Perez knows that Lyra Valkyria’s left arm wasn’t 100% so Perez used it as a target. Perez told the fans to shut the hell up when they tried to silence her. Perez bragged about being a two-time NXT Women’s Champion and there’s nothing anybody can do to take the title away from her. Perez said that the next time this title is taken from her is when she gives it up when she goes to Raw or Smackdown in the WWE Draft.

Lyra Valkyria walked out with a brace on her left arm. Lyra said that Perez has been champion for two days and she’s packing her bags because she’s too good for NXT? Lyra said that Perez can go to Raw or Smackdown, but the NXT Women’s Champion stays here with her because she wants her rematch tonight. Perez said that Lyra wasn’t medically cleared. Tatum Paxley emerged from behind the barricade. Paxley hugged Lyra. Lyra said she was angry after the match and she was sorry about what she said. Lyra said she was good, so Paxley asked if was good and Paxley threw Lyra into the steel steps. Paxley was taken away by officials while Lyra sold the arm injury.

Analysis: I don’t know if that’s the official heel turn of crazy Tatum or if it was just a singular moment.

Perez spoke into the camera saying I guess you won’t be seeing a championship match tonight and she’s sorry…not sorry.

Natalya interrupted the promo saying she thinks that the people want to see a championship match. Natalya said she hadn’t forgotten about how rude Roxanne had been to her. Natalya said that she’s forgotten more about wrestling than Perez will ever learn. Natalya challenged Perez to a title match. Perez didn’t want to do that.

The NXT GM Ava said that we are undoubtedly in a new era. Ava said tonight will be Perez against Nattie for the NXT Women’s Championship. Perez tried a punch, Natalya ducked it and went for a Sharpshooter, but Perez escaped.

Analysis: A good way to set up a title match later in the show. They had a confrontation on Raw that teased this, so it continued here with Natalya making the challenge and Ava making it official. I liked Roxanne’s heel attitude during the promo. She was boring as a face after a while, so the heel turn has allowed her to show off more personality.

Trick Williams was shown arriving earlier in the day. We also saw Bron Breakker & Baron Corbin walking around as the NXT Tag Team Champions.

It was announced that Axiom & Nathan Frazer will get another shot at Bron Breakker & Baron Corbin for the NXT Tag Team Titles.

Nathan Frazer & Axiom were interviewed by Kelly Kincaid. Frazer talked about how it was their one last shot at the Tag Team Titles. Frazer said they are destined to be the champions. Axiom said that they belong at the top. Frazer said if they don’t get it done tonight, they’ll go their separate ways and they hugged.

There was a Chase U segment from Earlier Today with Andre Chase thanking Fallon Henley and Kelani Jordan for helping them at Stand & Deliver. There was an interruption from Jacy Jayne and Jazmyn Nyx. Jayne wondered if Andre would tell Thea the real reason why she had to save Chase U. Jayne told Hail that Chase placed a big bet on Hail at the Great American Bash last summer and didn’t want to see her suffer, so he threw in the title and he lost his bet. Chase confirmed to Hail that it was true. Chase said that he was going to bet on her instead of the university every single time. Hail left angry.

Analysis: That’s a long time to go before revealing the details of a story going back to last summer. I guess you could call it long term storyline. I wouldn’t say it’s riveting television by any means, but at least it’s an explanation for those of us who watch this brand. Now we’ll see if Hail is mad at Chase again.

Kiana James & Izzi Dame vs. Fallon Henley & Kelani Jordan

Jordan started with James and showed off her athleticism early on. Henley nailed Dame with a forearm along with a leg whip on James. Jordan showed off her athleticism with a twisting attack on the floor and a cross body block. The heel team of James & Dame took turns working over Jordan for a couple of minutes. Dame hit an impressive flatliner on Jordan for a two count. Jordan managed to break free briefly, but James kept Jordan in her corner by hitting a body slam. Jordan broke free to bring in Henly, who was on fire with strikes and a suplex out of the corner. Henley saved Jordan from a kick by Dame, but Dame kicked Henley to knock her down. James hit her 401k facebuster on Henley for the pinfall win after seven minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Kiana James & Izzi Dame

Analysis: **3/4 A solid tag team match. The team of James & Dame got the win here after Henley & Jordan won the 6-woman tag team match at Stand & Deliver. I think all four women here could be the first NXT Women’s North American Champion when that first champion is crowned. Out of the four women here, I think Kiana James would be the best choice to hold that title.

A video aired about 19-year-old NXT newcomer Je’Von Evans set to make his debut on the main NXT show. He has been on Level Up in the past.

Scrypts told his buddies that Evans is about to get bounced. Scrypts entered with OTM for his match with Evans. Scrypts was in action up next.

(Commercial)

Charlie Dempsey talked to Damon Kemp and Myles Borne about his win at Bloodsport while saying a black eye didn’t stop him from getting the win. Luca Crusifino of The D’Angelo Family walked up with Stacks and Adrianna Rizzo. Luca said that Tony D’Angelo is away this week. They got into an argument, which led to Rizzo challenging the guys to a match.

Je’Von Evans vs. Scrypts (w/Lucien Price, Bronco Nima & Jaida Parker)

As mentioned earlier, Evans is just 19 years old and is considered a wrestling phenom by a lot of people. Evans bounced off the ropes leading to a rollup. Evans hit an impressive springboard headscissors along with a dropkick after a huge leap. Scrypts got some offense going with some rope choking and a hair pull along with a standing SSP splash. Evans made the comeback with forearm smashes along with an impressive spinning kick. Evans hit a springboard Cutter for a two count. Evans got so high for that leap. Scrypts went to the floor, so Evans dove over the top onto OTM. Scrypts hit a German Suplex. Scrypts missed a moonsault, so Evans kicked him down. Evans hit a double jump twisting splash for the pinfall win after six minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Je’Von Evans

Analysis: *** I thought they might go about three minutes with Evans on offense the whole time, but it ended up nearly double that time because Scrypts got some offense. That’s fine because it built up Evans making the comeback. Evans makes everything look so easy. I’m very excited about Evans’ future. I don’t see how you can watch this guy and not be excited about this guy’s future. Evans is going to be a big star.

Natalya got a hug backstage from Karmen Petrovic before Natalya’s match up next. Roxanne Perez was also shown walking backstage for her NXT Women’s Title match up next.

(Commercial)

A clip was shown from Stand & Deliver’s Kickoff Show, Ridge Holland hit Joe Gacy in the back with a steel chair before Gacy’s match with Shawn Spears.

Ridge Holland was backstage where Kelly Kincaid spoke to him about hitting Joe Gacy with a steel chair. Ridge said that he just lost his mind and he apologized for it. Joe Gacy mocked Ridge for not being on the card. The LWO’s Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro said they knew Ridge on Smackdown hurting people and he wasn’t fooling them. Ridge left while slamming a door on Del Toro’s hand.

NXT Women’s Championship: Roxanne Perez vs. Natalya

It’s a title match so I’ll go play-by-play for this. They did some mat wrestling to start with Natalya using a side headlock and a fireman’s carry takeover leading to an armbar. Perez with a slap, so Natalya slapped her out of the ring. Natalya clotheslined Perez on the floor. They went to a break.

(Commercial)

Natalya applied a surfboard submission stretching Perez’ back and arms. Perez ran the ropes leading to Natalya hitting a discus clothesline for two. They left the ring where Perez shoved Natalya hard into the steel steps. Perez suplexed Natalya on the floor, which led to boos. Perez sent Natalya into the side of the commentary table a few times. Back in the ring, Perez kicked Natalya in the back followed by a pin attempt for two. Perez applied a body scissors submission around the waist. Natalya managed to power out of that as both women did a good job of selling fatigue. Natalya nailed Perez with punches along with a German Suplex for two. Perez got a takedown by pulling on the left arm and Natalya came back with a discus clothesline. Natalya rolled up Perez for a two count. Perez countered a Sharpshooter attempt into a Crossface, but Natalya shifted into a pin attempt. Perez went for Pop Rox and it didn’t work because Natalya powered out of it. Natalya applied the Sharpshooter submission and Perez crawled to the bottom rope for the break. They left the ring where Lola Vic kicked Natalya in the back of the leg and the referee was looking at Perez instead. Perez hit Pop Rox on Natalya for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Roxanne Perez

Analysis: ***1/4 A very good match by two talented women at different stages of their careers. Natalya is still awesome in a longer match like this while Perez is so talented for being so long. They aren’t going to take the NXT Women’s Title off Perez just a few days after winning the title. It was also a cheap win for Perez since Vince kicked Natalya in the leg leading to the Pop Rox for Roxanne. It gives Natalya a bit of an out for losing while also continuing her issues with Vince, which started recently.

Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin were shown talking about their NXT Tag Team Title reign. Corbin said that this team is a good thing. Bron won’t admit they are good because Corbin wants him to do it. Bron slapped Corbin in the chest and said “Wolf Dogs for life.” Their match is later.

A commercial aired about the WWE Draft on April 26 and April 29.

(Commercial)

Lola Vice was backstage saying she was sick and tired of waiting for opportunities. Natalya attacked Lola from behind as payback for what happened before the break. Referees showed up to break it up.

Analysis: That should set up a match. Vice will get better by working with a veteran like Natalya.

Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo & Luca Crusifino (w/Adrianna Rizo) vs. No Quarter Catch Crew – Damon Kemp & Myles Borne (w/Charlie Dempsey)

Drew Gulak was not with the No Quarter Catch Crew group due to a backstage incident with Ronda Rousey that Rousey made public. There are rumors that Gulak may be fired, but it hasn’t happened yet.

Stacks and Luca were in control early on as Stacks hit a cannonball on Kemp, but Dempsey saved Borne from a cannonball. That led to Kemp & Borne taking over. Kemp hit an impressive reverse suplex on Stacks. Luca got the tag leading to a shoulder tackle and a hiptoss/neckbreaker combo. Borne came back with an impressive neckbreaker. Luca shoved Kemp into Borne and tossed Dempsey into the ring. The referee was looking at Dempsey, so Stacks/Luca hit a double team double knee attack. It was kinda like the Shatter Machine that FTR uses. Anyway, it went about four minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo & Luca Crusifino

Analysis: **1/4 A solid tag team match with Stacks & Luca working well together as a team. Perhaps they will be a regular team moving forward. That wouldn’t be a bad thing. Kemp & Borne are okay as a team, but they aren’t being pushed that much. Dempsey is being pushed a bit at least.

The announcers talked about the Women’s NXT North American Championship that is debuting soon.

Let’s Hear from Oba Femi

Oba Femi made his entrance as the NXT North American Champion. That match at Stand & Deliver with Dijak and Josh Briggs was outstanding. Dijak was the star of that match, but Femi is so impressive for a guy who has had less than 20 televised matches in his career.

Femi said that he knew he would retain his championship at Stand & Deliver. Femi said nobody can deny how impressive Josh Briggs and Dijak are. Femi said that 17,000 people witnessed his power, every crushing blow and slam. Femi said that he stands in front of you as still the North American Champion. Femi said that it won’t change for a very long time and that is inevitable.

Ivar from the Raw roster showed up for the interruption. Ivar said Femi didn’t foretell that Ivar would be there tonight. Ivar spoke about how when he saw that match on Saturday, he loved the chaos. Ivar said that it was about three big men desperately trying to win the championship. Ivar said that’s the type of fight he lives for.

Femi asked Ivar what does he want? Ivar said he felt a deep jealousy when he watched Femi’s match. Ivar said that he wanted to be in the fight. Ivar said that Briggs & Dijak threw everything at Femi, but Femi remains the immovable object. Ivar said that he was the man who can chop him down and take that North American Championship. Femi: “We shall see.” Ivar put his hand on the title: “Yeah, you’re right, we’ll see.” Femi with a headbutt. Ivar delivered a kick along with a springboard forearm. Ivar held up the title while Femi was down selling.

Analysis: That should be a great match when Femi faces Ivar. I don’t see Ivar as a guy beating Femi, but it should be very competitive. Ivar is a talented veteran who will be good for Femi to work with.

Meta-Four was backstage in their dressing room talking about hosting Stand & Deliver. Oro Mensah claimed he was going to beat Oba Femi while Dar didn’t seem to believe him. Dijak walked in seeing their impression of him. Dar said that Dijak needs less ratio and more sunshine. Dijak told Dar to consider this a warning.

Bron Breakker & Baron Corbin were shown getting ready and so were Nathan Frazer & Axiom.

Jaida Parker (w/Lucien Price & Bronco Nima) vs. Brinley Reece (w/Edris Enofe & Malik Blade)

I would imagine that the shorts choices of both women made this a popular match among some fans. Just saying. Parker trapped Reece against the ropes leading to a splash to the ribs.

(Commercial)

Parker hit an impressive neckbreaker off the turnbuckle to take control. Reece ran over Parker a couple of times with shoulder tackles, a body slam and a cartwheel clothesline. Reece hit a spinebuster for two. Parker came back with a forearm smash. Parker ran over Reece with a running hip check to the head for the pinfall win. They got about eight minutes here.

Winner by pinfall: Jaida Parker

Analysis: ** It went about eight minutes and we saw five minutes of action, which was more than I expected going into it. Parker had a lot of talent as somebody with a nice mix of power and athleticism. Reece still has a long way to go with her excitable gimmick, but physically speaking she is impressive. I don’t know if a running hip check works a finisher long term, but Parker looks believable in everything that she does.

There was a backstage segment with Arinna Grace talking to Sol Ruca. Grace talked about the NXT Women’s North American Championship and Sol said she had dibs on that. Grace left while Lola Vice walked in complaining about how she could take on anybody in a fair fight. Sol said that Vice should have known that Natalya would want payback. Vice said that a lot has changed since Sol has been gone. Sole: “Whatever, dude.”

NXT Tag Team Championships: Wolf Dogs – Bron Breakker & Baron Corbin vs. Nathan Frazer & Axiom

This was a rematch from Stand & Deliver. Breakker & Corbin are undefeated as a team. I’ll go play-by-play for this one too.

Axiom did an armdrag on Bron followed by a dropkick. Bron ran the ropes quickly leading to a running clothesline. Frazer tagged in leading to some fast rope running followed by a dropkick. Corbin tagged in with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex across the ring. Axiom tagged in, Corbin punched both opponents and Axiom hit a jumping kick. Frazer sent Bron out of the ring. Axiom and Frazer each hit dives on the floor. Axiom and Frazer hit two more dives on the floor. Axiom went up top and hit a moonsault onto both guys on the floor. They went to a break there.

(Commercial)

The match returned with Bron launching Axiom into legal man Corbin, who hit a powerslam. Bron was back in, Axiom kicked him and Frazer got the tag leading to a springboard dropkick. Frazer jumped onto Bron, who tried a press slam and Frazer hit a DDT. Axiom hit a Frog Splash off the top on Bron and Frazer hit a 450 Splash on Bron for a two count by Axiom on Bron because Corbin made the save. Corbin was choking out Frazer while Bron caught a leaping Axiom and slammed him. Bron hit a press powerslam for a two count. That’s a move that Bron used as a finisher in the past. Axiom did a headscissors on Corbin. Frazer dropkicked Bron on the top rope. Corbin did a spinning slam on Axiom and Bron hit a Steiner bulldog off the top rope on Frazer (who was on Corbin’s shoulders) and that got a two count because Axiom made the save. Frazer hit a jumping kick to the head followed by a dropkick to the knees. Corbin sent Frazer into the steel steps. Axiom with a knee to Bron. Corbin came back with a slam on Axiom. Corbin went for End of Days, Axiom got out of it and Axiom hit the Golden Ratio kick on Bron. Corbin decked Axiom with a clothesline and another clothesline. Frazer with a superkick on Corbin and Bron hit a jumping knee on Frazer. Bron charged, Frazer did a leapfrog, Bron nearly hit Corbin, but he stopped himself and Bron was dropkicked out of the ring. Axiom hit the Golden Ratio kick on Corbin. Frazer went up top and hit a Phoenix Splash on Corbin for the pinfall win. This match went 12 minutes.

Winners by pinfall AND NEW NXT Tag Team Champions: Nathan Frazer & Axiom

Analysis: ***3/4 It was an awesome match just like what they did at Stand & Deliver. Perhaps if they got a few more minutes I would have rated it higher, but it’s still a match I rated highly. I also think it was a great moment for Axiom & Frazer winning the titles since they are such an exciting team to watch. It took two finishers in a row for Frazer & Axiom to get the win. That finish was booked very well because they knocked Bron out of the ring followed by the two finishers in a row for the win. It certainly didn’t hurt Bron & Baron to lose that match.

The match was also Bron Breakker’s NXT farewell match since he’s already on the Smackdown roster, which means he could also be drafted to Raw later this month.

After the match, the Authors of Pain duo of Akam & Rezar attacked Axiom & Frazer. Karrion Kross, Scarlett, and Paul Ellering joined them. AOP beat up the champions followed by a Super Collider double Powerbomb. AOP held up the NXT Tag Team Titles while posing with The Final Testament group.

Analysis: There’s an immediate title feud for the new champions. I like when they use main roster stars in NXT.

Trick Williams was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.

(Commercial)

It was announced by Vic & Booker that on April 23rd and April 30^th, they will be doing the NXT Spring Breakin’ special.

Next week on NXT:

* Ridge Holland vs. Joaquin Wilde

* Noam Dar vs. Dijak

* Sol Ruca vs. Lola Vice

Let’s Hear from Trick Williams

Trick Williams made his entrance to a big ovation as the fans chanted “Whoop That Trick” and Booker T did the adlibs as usual. Trick said that we went to Philly, we stood and we delivered. Trick claimed that NXT is hotter now than it has ever been and it’s because of everybody in this building. Trick talked about how they have over 16,000 people in the building chanting “Whoop That Trick” so that fans chanted that right on cue.

Trick said you wouldn’t see him in this ring and in this position without Carmelo Hayes. Trick said that he may not agree with how he does things, but Melo is Him. Trick said that’s why he had to show him who Trick Williams is. Trick talked about how at WrestleMania we saw Bayley get her title and we saw Cody Rhodes defeat Roman Reigns to finish his story. Trick wondered what was next in line for him. Trick says he knows what is next for him because if he wants to be the man right here then he needs to slay that Mad Dragon for the NXT Championship. Trick called out NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov so they could talk about it.

The NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov joined Trick in the ring. Ilja said that he is so proud of the superstar that Trick has become. Ilja said that Trick is exactly what this brand needs. Trick said that what this brand needs is for him to face Ilja Dragunov for that championship one more time. The fans chanted “one more time” for that. Ilja said that Trick should be full of himself since he got his revenge on Melo at Stand & Deliver. Ilja said that Trick is the leader of a hungry locker room. Ilja said “no” to a shot at his championship.

Ilja told Trick that he had his chance and he failed. Ilja wanted another superstar to get his shot. Trick wanted to know who he had to beat to get his opportunity. Ilja said that persistence is a great attribute. Ilja said that this would be the biggest risk you will ever take. Ilja said he’ll get his NXT Title match in two weeks at Spring Breakin’ but if Trick loses, then Trick has to leave NXT. Trick accepted that because he said if he can’t defeat Ilja then he doesn’t belong there. They shook hands to agree to the match.

Analysis: That’s a big match for Spring Breakin’ that should lead to Trick winning the NXT Title. Ilja Dragunov will likely be drafted to Raw or Smackdown in the WWE Draft, so getting the title off him before that makes a lot of sense. That seems to be the night when Trick will win the NXT Title, which should be a great moment.

Carmelo Hayes attacked Trick Williams from behind and Trick went crashing into Ilja Dragunov. Melo beat up Trick with punches. Melo said that Trick won’t make it to Spring Breakin’ because next week, he’ll beat Trick in a Steel Cage Match. Melo posed with the NXT Title while Trick and Ilja were down on the mat. Melo stood tall to end the show.

Analysis: I think Carmelo Hayes is in a similar spot to Ilja Dragunov meaning he’s going to be heading to Raw or Smackdown in the WWE Draft. That means Trick should Melo in the Steel Cage Match next week as well.

===

Three Stars of the Show

1. Axiom & Nathan Frazer
2. Bron Breakker & Baron Corbin
3. Trick Williams

====

The Scoreboard

This week: 7.75 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2024 Average: 6.96

====

Final Thoughts on WWE NXT

I really liked this show. It felt like the best episode of NXT this year. They advanced some stories, featured a lot of people due to all the backstage segments and both title matches were very good to great. I’m really enjoying Roxanne Perez as a heel. Putting the NXT Women’s Title on her gives her more credibility while the match with Natalya was fun to watch even though Lola Vice got involved to make it not a clean finish.

That NXT Tag Team Title match that saw Nathan Frazer & Axiom beat Bron Breakker & Baron Corbin to become the champions was excellent. I’m happy for Nathan and Axiom. They are a lot of fun to watch. It was similar to the match at Stand & Deliver, but this time Frazer & Axiom found a way to win. It’s also the NXT farewell run for Bron Breakker, who had an impressive 2.5 year run in NXT. They need to let him loose on the main roster now.

Trick Williams will be in two big matches in the coming weeks since he’s against Carmelo Hayes in the Steel Cage Match next week and against Ilja Dragunov for the NXT Title the week after. Trick should win both of those matches while Melo & Ilja are likely going to be on the main roster after the WWE Draft later this month. The Trick Era of NXT will begin soon.

===

Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Maple Leafs. My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter/X @johnreport