The John Report: WWE NXT 09/10/24 Review
This week on WWE NXT featured another big Trick Williams-Pete Dunne match, Axiom & Frazer defending tag team gold against The Street Profits, Giulia’s in-ring debut and more.
As usual with NXT, I will do a summary style for most of the show and then play-by-play for one or two matches.
There was a video package hyping up the big matches set for the show this week. There are three title matches on this episode including Jordynne Grace’s TNA Knockouts Title defense.
A clip was shown of Ava announcing that Nathan Frazer & Axiom will defend the NXT Tag Team Titles against The Street Profits. The Rascalz were supposed to be against the champions, but they got taken out of the match.
They showed arrivals earlier in the day of Trick Williams, Giulia, and Jordynne Grace. In the background for all of them was Jaida Parker with a baseball bat waiting for somebody.
It was Vic Joseph and Booker T on commentary as usual. The first 30 minutes of the show is commercial-free this week.
NXT Tag Team Championships: Nathan Frazer & Axiom vs. The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins
As mentioned earlier, The Rascalz were supposed to be against Frazer & Axiom. Trey Miguel has an injury, so it was changed. They didn’t mention Trey having an injury, but that’s why it got changed. I’ll go play-by-play here. Ford mentioned that they are back after five years.
Ford got a takedown on Axiom after an armdrag and Ford applied a side headlock. Joseph said that Ford said he put on 50 pounds of muscle since his NXT days. Dawkins tagged in with a shoulder tackle on Frazer. Frazer ran the ropes quickly leading to a dropkick. Dawkins punched Frazer followed by a jumping back elbow to knock Frazer down. Frazer sent Dawkins into the middle turnbuckle. Axiom was back in as Frazer hit a DDT and Axiom covered for two. Frazer hit a jumping kick to the head, Axiom hit a German Suplex and Frazer hit a superkick for two. Dawkins hit an impressive overhead suplex as Ford tagged in against Frazer. Ford hit a few clotheslines on Frazer to show off his power. Frazer got a boot up, Frazer jumped off the top and Ford hit a Rock Bottom or Book End on Frazer. Ford hit a standing moonsault for two. Dawkins tagged in to launch legal man Axiom into a German Suplex by Ford for a two count. Axiom came back with a hurricanrana while Frazer hit a missile dropkick even though he wasn’t legal. Axiom with a superkick on Ford. Frazer jumped off the top as the legal man with a 450 Splash on Ford for two. Axiom and Frazer did a high-low kick on Ford, but Dawkins was there to break up the pin by shoving Frazer onto the pin attempt. Dawkins was back in, he slowly went up top, Axiom kicked Dawkins and Axiom gave Dawkins a Spanish Fly off the top. Ford sent Axiom into the ropes, which crotched Frazer on the top. Ford tagged in for a top rope Blockbuster on Frazer. Ford covered…but it’s Tama Tonga of The Bloodline attacking for the DQ. It went about eight minutes.
Winners by disqualification: The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins (Nathan Frazer & Axiom remain NXT Tag Team Champions)
Analysis: ***1/4 It was fun while it lasted. They were on their way to a four-star level match, but it never got to that point because it didn’t even get to the ten-minute mark due to The Bloodline getting involved. I liked the pacing of the match and there was definitely chemistry between the four guys. A rematch would be nice as well, but that might not happen any time soon since the Profits are Smackdown guys.
After the match, Jacob Fatu ran down to ringside with a running forearm. Tama and Loa hit a double team attack on Dawkins in the ring. Jacob Fatu went up top and hit a Swanton Bomb on Dawkins. The Bloodline trio posed in the ring.
Analysis: The Bloodline attacking The Street Profits seems random at this point, but if it leads to a rivalry between them on Smackdown then I’m all for that. I want to see the Profits as champions again. It’s been too long.
A clip was shown of Tony D’Angelo talking to a mystery guy about
There was a video about “The Beautiful Madness” known as Giulia, who appeared in the crowd at NXT Stand & Deliver in April and now she’s ready for her debut.
Giulia vs. Chelsea Green
Green hit a pump kick, but Giulia came back with a punch to the jaw. Giulia applied a spiderweb submission and then she turned it into a pin attempt for two. Green got some offense by pulling Giulia’s arm against the middle rope. Green connected with a German Suplex and a lifting flatliner for two. Giulia got some offense going with a belly-to-back suplex and a dropkick. Giulia hit a neckbreaker from the apron to the floor. The veteran Green sent Giulia into the commentary table twice and over the table as well. Back in the ring, Giulia avoided a missile dropkick and Giulia hit a knee to the face. Giulia hit a Northern Lights Bomb slam for the pinfall win. It went about seven minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Giulia
Analysis: *** It was a good match with Giulia finishing off Green after avoiding the missile dropkick and hitting that knee strike to the face. Green really had no chance here because it’s not like Giulia is going to lose her NXT debut match. I’m a bit surprised that Giulia got as much offense as she did, but it’s not like it was too much.
The October 1st episode on The CW in Chicago will see Giulia challenge Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women’s Title.
Analysis: I think there will be a title change there. Giulia will be the new champion.
Trick Williams was interviewed backstage by Blake Howard. Trick admitted he never had a Last Man Standing Match before. Trick said it’s not going to stop him from getting his NXT Title back. Trick mentioned Ethan Page and the winner of his match with Dunne getting a shot at Page’s NXT Title on October 1st for The CW premiere episode. Trick called Pete Dunne “Butch” and said he’ll be the last man standing.
Jordynne Grace was featured doing a promo in the ring one day earlier. Grace said that the NXT women’s division is stacked from top to bottom, so the more formidable the opponent, the more impressive her title reign is. Grace told her opponent to bring her best.
Je’Von Evans made his entrance with a backpack joined by Cedric Alexander, who has become a veteran ally of the “Bouncy” guy Evans.
(Commercial)
There was a scene with the women’s division shown in the locker room talking about who would challenge Jordynne Grace later in the show. Fatal Influence argued with Lola Vice and Fatal Influence left.
NXT Heritage Cup: Charlie Dempsey (w/Myles Borne & Wren Sinclair) vs. Je’Von Evans (w/Cedric Alexander)
These matches are 2/3 Falls with a maximum of six rounds. I’ll go play-by-play for this match.
Round #1: Dempsey grounded Evans with an armbar, so Evans got out of it and did a flip to show off his athleticism. Vic said that Dempsey had a “blue blood pedigree” as a reference to Dempsey’s father William Regal, who was part of the Blue Bloods team in WCW. Evans was in control with his own armbar. Dempsey flipped over Evans like a monkey flip. Dempsey held down Evans for some pin attempts, but Evans got out of it. Evans hit a hurricanrana as the three-minute round expired.
Round #2: Dempsey got a rollup for two. Evans got a sunset flip attempt for two. Evans went for a backslide pin, but Dempsey avoided it and Dempsey sent Evans hard into the turnbuckle. Dempsey hit a bridging Dragon Suplex for the pinfall.
Charlie Dempsey leads 1-0.
(Commercial)
Round #3: The match returned with 46 seconds left in the third round. Evans got an inside cradle for a two count. Evans hit a clothesline and back elbow. Evans kicked Dempsey down. Evans jumped off the top with a spinning splash for the pinfall. Great move!
The match is tied 1-1.
Round #4: Evans was in control with chops and shoulder tackles. Evans hit a knee to the ribs followed by a dropkick. Evans went for a dive, but Dempsey hit him with a forearm. Dempsey hit a knee smash to the head. Dempsey hit two neckbreakers in a row. Dempsey applied a body scissors submission, but Evans broke free with a suplex. Dempsey hit a double underhook suplex for two. Dempsey went for a guillotine choke after the bell, so Alexander went into the ring to shove Dempsey.
Round #5: Evans jumped over Dempsey with a sunset flip for two. Evans went for a springboard attack, but Dempsey hit an uppercut counter. Evans countered a suplex and sat on top for two. Evans bounced off the ropes leading to a jumping kick. Evans did a springboard clothesline for a two count because Borne put Dempsey’s foot on the rope. The referee admonished Borne, so Alexander jumped over the top with a somersault dive onto Borne on the floor. They went fighting to the back. Evans sent Dempsey over the top to the floor. Evans jumped over the top with a dive onto Dempsey on the floor. Sinclair distracted the referee, so Tavion Heights showed up with a belly-to-belly suplex on the floor. The referee never saw it. Dempsey covered Evans for the pinfall.
Winner by a score of 2-1: Charlie Dempsey
Analysis: ***1/4 It was a very good match with Evans coming close to winning a few times. I liked how it was booked to bring back Tavion Heights after he was wrestling in Japan over the last few weeks. Dempsey winning makes sense as the heel who benefitted from the assist. I don’t think Evans will win a title in NXT this year, but next year he should have a breakout year that includes a title win.
A video aired about how Wendy Choo and Rosemary have united. Rosemary warned lyra Valkyria and Tatum Paxley about what was lurking under the bed or in the closet. Choo and Rosemary made scary faces together.
Oba Femi, the NXT North American Champion, was shown walking backstage for a match up next to start hour two.
(Commercial)
Ethan Page, the NXT Champion, was interviewed by Sarah Schreiber. Page said that we should thank him for being in this Era of Ego. Page said he’s not afraid of Pete Dunne. Page laughed off the idea that Trick Williams can beat him. Page said he’s rooting for himself because he gets to watch Trick and Pete demolish eachother. Page said that on October 1st, he gets to pick up the scraps on who is the Last Man Standing in that match.
There were tweets exchanged between WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill and NXT boss Shawn Michaels. That led to the confirmation that Belair & Cargill will be on NXT on The CW on October 1.
Oba Femi made his entrance as the NXT North American Champion for this match that is not a title match. Hammerstone from TNA made his entrance as the opponent. It was Hammerstone’s debut in WWE.
Analysis: That’s an interesting choice for a matchup. Hammerstone has a lot of talent after a long run in MLW and now in TNA. It’s cool to see him in a WWE ring.
Oba Femi vs. Hammerstone
This was not an NXT North American Title match. Hammerstone is a powerhouse like Femi is, but Femi is a taller guy. Hammerstone hit a hiptoss to take control. Tony D’Angelo and the family were backstage watching the match. Hammerstone hit a top rope missile dropkick to show off his athleticism. Femi came back with an overhead suplex and a running uppercut. Femi showed off his power again with a press slam. Hammerstone avoided a charging Femi, who hit the ring post. Hammerstone hit a running clothesline along with multiple overhead suplexes. Hammerstone hit a Chokeslam for two. Femi countered big move followed by a toss across the ring. Femi hit a Popup Powerbomb for the pinfall win after five minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Oba Femi
Analysis: **1/2 A solid match for the time given. There were a lot of power moves by both guys. They didn’t go that long, so it’s hard to call it a great match, but I liked what they did in the time they had. I always thought Hammerstone was a guy that WWE would be interested in yet when he was free from MLW, he went to TNA. Femi was impressive as usual.
Tony D and The Family were watching backstage. Tony wasn’t happy about what he saw.
Hank & Tank spoke to Mr. Stone and Stevie Turner complaining about The Good Brothers. Stone said he’d talk to Ava about it.
Duke Hudson was shown walking with Chase U with a word of warning about Ridge Holland. Duke said he wanted Andre Chase to watch from the hospital.
(Commercial)
There was a women’s locker room scene with Wren Sinclair talking to Kelani Jordan about the open challenge from Jordynne Grace. Wren suggested Jordan do an open challenge and Jordan told Wren to focus on the match tonight. Jaida Parker walked into the women’s locker room with a baseball bat wondering if Fatal Influence was there. Lola Vice said she didn’t like them either, but Jaida wasn’t interested in help.
An Instagram post from CM Punk said that he was impressed by Giulia’s debut, so he’s going to call Ava about an idea he had.
Duke Hudson (w/Riley Osborne & Thea Hail) vs. Ridge Holland
Ridge was looking at his hands on his way to the ring as if they possessed some special powers now that he’s a heel. Duke kicked Ridge and knocked him out of the ring. Duke sent Ridge into the steel steps. Duke hit an impressive German Suplex. They were out on the floor where Ridge tackled Duke into Riley, who sold a leg injury and was helped to the back. Ridge was in control with a powerslam. Duke got a rollup for two, but Ridge hit a running cross body block followed by another powerslam. Ridge hit the Redeemer DDT for the win. It went about four minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Ridge Holland
Analysis: **1/4 It makes sense for Ridge to pick up the win since he turned heel recently. They can build Ridge up with wins like this until Andre Chase comes back for the grudge match. Duke did get some offense, but this was all about Ridge getting some momentum as a heel.
After the match, Ridge punched Duke and rammed his head into the mat a few times. Ridge tossed Duke into the barricade, which broke. Ridge tossed a piece of barricade onto Duke’s back. Ridge gave Duke the Redeemer on the barricade while Hail was screaming at ringside. Duke was checked on by the medical team.
Analysis: It was more heat for Ridge after doing the cheap attack. The barricades really aren’t that strong, but I guess the idea of doing a move on an object is supposed to make us think it can cause an injury. Duke will probably be out selling it for a few weeks.
Jordynne Grace was shown walking backstage where she had a quick staredown with Giulia and then Jordynne kept on walking for a match up next.
(Commercial)
Pete Dunne was shown in the locker room getting ready for his match. Dunne had a black eye saying he has been figuring it out his whole life. Dunne said that Trick would realize he couldn’t figure it out. Dunne said he’ll beat Ethan Page to become the NXT Champion. Dunne said he’s the Bruiserweight and NXT’s Last Man Standing.
The Miz will be on the October 1st episode of NXT on The CW and he’ll be host Miz TV on that show.
Wes Lee arrived at ringside. Wes spoke into Vic Joseph’s headset. Lee wanted to face Zach Wentz in a Street Fight on the October 1st edition of NXT.
Analysis: When Wentz beat Lee at No Mercy I was a bit surprised by that, but it also made me think there will be a rematch and now we know it’s coming. I think Lee will win that rematch.
Jordynne Grace made her entrance as the TNA Knockouts Champion for an open challenge. It is Sol Ruca as the opponent.
TNA Knockouts Championship: Jordynne Grace vs. Sol Ruca
There were “NXT” and “TNA” chants from the crowd. Grace was in control early with an attack against the turnbuckle followed by a spinebuster. They did a spot by the ropes where Sol used her legs to flip Grace over the top to the floor. Sol hit a perfect moonsault onto Grace on the floor. Sol hit a springboard top rope splash for two.
(Commercial)
Sol got some momentum going with a springboard cross body block. Grace caught Sol coming off the top and went for a slam, but Sol countered it with a DDT for two. Great spot. Grace hit a spinning back fist and a Vader Bomb splash off the middle rope for two. Sol went to the top rope for a move, but Grace stopped that with a Muscle Buster slam. The lights went out in the building, then there was a purple light around the ring and it was Rosemary facing off with Grace while Wendy Choo applied her Cobra Clutch sleeper on Grace. The referee called for the bell for the DQ finish. It went about nine minutes.
Winner by disqualification: Jordynne Grace
Analysis: *** It was the second title match on this show that was on its way to being really good, but then the DQ finish happened and that was it. They had immediate chemistry even as new opponents, so that’s good to see. Grace has the power game while Sol is crazy athletic and keeps getting better.
After the bell rang, Choo took Grace down to the mat in the Cobra Clutch Sleeper while Rosemary was laughing about it. Choo & Rosemary posed over Grace’s body. We don’t know what happened to Sol Ruca because she was never shown after the lights went out.
Analysis: It was later announced that Grace will face Choo at the upcoming TNA Victory Road PLE.
Tatum Paxley was seated in the dollhouse with Lyra Valkyria, who was trying to bond with Paxley. Lyra said that they needed to focus on Rosemary & Wendy. Paxley ripped doll head while ranting about Choo. Lyra said that they can show the weirdos there is nothing stopping them. Paxley said that next week they’ll show Rosemary & Wendy what happens when you don’t play with Paxley.
Analysis: A tag team match for next week. Simple enough.
There was a discussion with Ava talking to Giulia, along with WWE legend Funaki. Yes, it’s Funaki! Ava complimented Giulia. Roxanne Perez with the NXT Women’s Title complaining about Giulia getting an NXT Women’s Title match on The CW. Funaki was there to translate for Giulia. That led to Giulia saying that Perez is scared and she should be. Ava told them to save it for Chicago.
Analysis: Funaki rules. They used him as a translator here, but Giulia got through it just fine. Perez has a legit complaint about Giulia getting a title shot already although it’s not like it is going to be changed.
Brooks Jensen walked up to Dion Lennox, which led to Jensen asking Dion about what he meant saying that Shawn Spears was gaslighting him. Spears walked in, so Lennox left. Spears said that he is going to allow Brooks to make decisions for himself.
Eddy Thorpe was backstage with some NXT ladies. Ashante Thee Adonis confronted Thorpe saying he sees right through him. Adonis walked away.
They showed a Twitter/X exchange with NBA star Tyrese Haliburton visiting NXT next week.
Next week on NXT:
* Lola Vice vs. Jacy Jayne
* Lyra Valkyria & Tatum Paxley vs. Wendy Choo & Rosemary
* NXT Championship Contract Signing with champion Ethan Page and challenger Trick Williams or Pete Dunne.
* Eddy Thorpe vs. Ashante Thee Adonis
* No Quarter Catch Crew vs. Je’Von Evans & Cedric Alexander
It was main event time with Pete Dunne making his entrance first. Trick Williams was up next getting a big reaction as usual. The fans love Trick.
Analysis: Pete Dunne main evented Raw in a fatal four-way match and now he’s main eventing NXT in this Last Man Standing Match.
Last Man Standing #1 Contender’s Match: Trick Willams vs. Pete Dunne
The winner of a Last Man Standing Match is the man who keeps his opponent down for a ten count. Anything goes in a match like this. The winner will challenge NXT Champion Ethan Page on the October 1st episode of NXT on The CW. I’ll go play-by-play for this main event
They started out punching. Trick hit a clothesline. Dunne sent Trick over the top to the floor and Dunne dove onto Trick on the floor. Dunne sent Trick into the steel steps. Trick worked over Dunne with chops. They battled on the apron where Dunne gave Trick a back body drop on the apron.
(Commercial)
Trick was in control with a jumping side kick along with a flatliner. Trick hit a Book End (or Rock Bottom) leading to Dunne rolling out of the ring while the referee was counting. Dunne took control with a shot to the face and brought a chair into the ring. Dunne stomped on Trick’s hands on the chair. Trick fought back with a neckbreaker onto the chair. Dunne came back with a German Suplex and a clothesline. Dunne sent Trick head first into the chair that was wedged against the turnbuckle. Trick put his elbow/forearm in front of him so that’s what hit the chair. They were back on the floor with Dunne stomping on Trick’s head. Dunne pulled up a mat on the floor to expose the concrete. Trick countered a Dunne move, but then Dunne gave Trick a DDT on the exposed concrete. Trick was back up at a 9 count. Dunne chopped Trick back into the ring. Dunne hit a jumping kick to the head followed by stomps on the head. Trick fought back with an uppercut punch. Trick went for a charging attack, Dunne avoided it and Dunne hit a Bitter End slam. Trick was back up before the ten count. Trick hit a spinning kick into a chair that Dunne was holding so it hit Dunne in the head. Trick hit the Trick Shot jumping knee leading to the referee counting, Dunne was back up in nine against the ropes and it was enough to stop the count. Trick cleared off the commentary table. Dunne picked up Trick on the apron and Dunne gave Trick a Powerbomb through the top of the commentary table. Dunne went fighting into the crowd with Trick and they went up onto the platform in the building. Dunne teased a suplex down, Trick fought out of that and Trick punched Dunne and then Dunne gave Trick a Russian legsweep that sent them down backwards through multiple tables on the floor. They were about ten feet high and they landed safely through the tables. Ethan Page the NXT Champion showed up to urge Dunne to get back up. Trick got back up, gave Page a back body drop through the commentary table and Trick was up at 9 while Dunne stayed down. Trick got the win after about 14 minutes.
Winner: Trick Williams
Analysis: ***1/2 I thought it was a very good main event match. The result was obvious since Trick Williams is a babyface regular in NXT while Dunne is a main roster guy who is a heel. This was about showing that Trick could beat a veteran with grit like Dunne. I would have liked a better finish because Trick won after he went through a table at the same time as Dunne. Trick got up first, but it’s not like he destroyed the guy to win. I just think they could have done something to have Trick win more decisively.
That win by Trick Williams means he’ll challenge Ethan Page for the NXT Challenge on The CW Network on October 1st in Chicago.
Ava the NXT GM was in her office with Mr. Stone and Stevie Turner. Ava said she was talking to CM Punk. Ava said that CM Punk had something special in mind for Chicago on October 1st so he’ll announce it next week.
Analysis: They are doing a good job of booking shows on a week-to-week basis and having CM Punk there next week sounds like a great idea to me.
Trick Williams celebrated the win while Ethan Page remained down by ringside. That was the end of the show.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Trick Williams
- Giulia
- The Street Profits
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The Scoreboard
This week: 7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7
2024 Average: 7.18
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Final Thoughts on WWE NXT
I liked the show quite a bit this week even with two of the three title matches having disqualification finishes. I didn’t expect The Bloodline to cost The Street Profits their match for the NXT Tag Team Titles, but I hope it leads to The Profits going after The Bloodline for the WWE Tag Team Titles. The Jordynne Grace match with Sol Ruca was also very good until the DQ finish by Rosemary & Wendy Choo. I’d like to see a rematch between Grace & Sol in the future.
The main event with Trick Williams beating Pete Dunne in a Last Man Standing Match was excellent. They fought all around ringside and then did a double table bump from about ten feet high. Trick getting the win was no surprise there, but he will get better as a wrestler by working with a guy as good as Dunne.
They continue to build the October 1 episode of NXT on The CW as a big deal. We’ll see Roxanne Perez against Giulia for the NXT Women’s Title and Ethan Page vs. Trick Williams for the NXT Title on the same night. I think both of those matches could be title changes. Next week’s show and the October 1st episode will also feature CM Punk as well.
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John Canton
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