Reviews

The John Report: WWE NXT 09/17/24 Review

By John Canton • Published 18th September 2024
WWE NXT September 17 Review

This week on WWE NXT featured a CM Punk appearance, an Ethan Page-Trick Williams contract signing, and more.

The NXT brand is building up to its debut on The CW Network on October 1st. We know already they are doing Ethan Page defending the NXT Title against Trick Williams and Roxanne Perez defending the NXT Women’s Title against Giulia as well.

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. Trick Williams beat Pete Dunne in a Last Man Standing Match to earn a shot at the NXT Title.

A video recap aired showing highlights of last week’s NXT episode.

It was Vic Joseph and Booker T on commentary as usual.

NXT Championship Contract Signing: Ethan Page & Trick Williams?

Ava the NXT GM was in the ring for a contract signing announcing that Sexyy Red will be there on NXT on October 8th in St. Louis. Ava also announced that on October 8th on NXT, Randy Orton will compete on NXT for the first time. Ava also mentioned what’s coming up on NXT on October 1st.

Trick Williams entered the ring first for the contract signing. There was a table along with three chairs and a contract in the ring. Trick said that we can all agree that Pete Dunne is still a Butch. Trick said Ethan Page tried to hold him down, but Trick was still the Last Man Standing. Trick said in two weeks in Chicago on NXT on The CW, the fans will be chanting “Whoop That Trick” and here’s the interruption.

Ethan Page arrived as the NXT Champion. Page wondered why the fans stopped singing and said that Page could be like Booker T during the song. Page said that Trick has a right to be a confident man because he is Trick Williams. Page said he happens to be Trick’s kryptonite and said that the NXT Title backs that up. Trick said that Page stole that title and Page has been running from him and that running is going to stop on October 8th.

Page told Trick that he didn’t steal this title because he won it (that’s true). Page said when he won this, he remembered everybody’s facial expression because it was shock and surprise on everybody’s face, including Trick’s face. Page said he didn’t steal it. Page said that Trick is going to have the look of disappointment on his face on October 1st and he’ll put an end to this. Page said it will still be the Era of Ego and it will still be NX-Me.

Trick said that the NX-Me Era will be over in Chicago and the people will be chanting…Page kicked Trick. Page gave Trick a Powerbomb through the table. Neither guy signed the contract. Page told Ava that this place was falling apart with her as GM and told her to get her act together. Page left while the fans booed him.

Analysis: It was a solid promo exchange. Page is right that he didn’t steal the title because he earned it by winning a four-way match. Trick is right when he points out that Page never beat him, which is true. The key thing was neither guy signed the contract, which Vic put over on commentary, so there’s going to be more to come about that.

Hammerstone was shown backstage last week after losing to Oba Femi. Tony D’Angelo walked up to Hammerstone complaining about how he didn’t win against Femi. Hammerstone said Femi is a beast, which Tony should know. Tony said he knew, which is why he paid Hammerstone. Tony wanted Hammerstone to ask Ava for another match against Femi. Hammerstone said he didn’t want to do that. Hammerstone suggested that Tony take care of Femi himself. Tony said instead of taking care of Oba, maybe he’ll take care of Hammerstone and Tony left.

The unique team of Lyra Valkyria & Tatum Paxley made their entrance for tag team action.

(Commercial)

Ava the NXT GM was walking with Mr. Stone and Stevie Turner complaining about the contract signing going wrong. Je’Von Evans went up to Ava asking for a match on the October 8th NXT in St. Louis and Ava said she would think about it.

Wendy Choo & Rosemary vs. Lyra Valkyria & Tatum Paxley

Lyra was in control of Rosemary after a sweep kick double team move. Paxley hit a dropkick on Choo leading to Lyra tagging in, but Choo did a head slam into the mat. Paxley saved Lyra from a double team suplex, so Paxley & Lyra each hit dropkicks to clear the ring.

(Commercial)

The heel duo of Choo and Rosemary were in control of Paxley with a legsweep/forearm combo. Lyra got the tag with a lot of kicks and a Northern Lights Suplex. Paxley was back in leading to a backbreaker/leg drop combo move. Paxley was on the top rope, Rosemary made a blind tag leading to a Choo suplex off the ropes and Rosemary hit a Spear on Paxley for two because Paxley got her left foot on the bottom rope. Lyra took out Choo with a spin kick on the floor. Paxley hit a spinning suplex on Rosemary. Lyra hit a top rope leg drop to the back of Rosemary for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Lyra Valkyria & Tatum Paxley

Analysis: *** It was a pretty good match with the babyface team of Lyra & Paxley finding a way to get the win. The Rosemary and Choo characters stand out for being unique, but when the bell rings they can really go in terms of having entertaining matches. If this leads to a bit of a singles match for Paxley I wouldn’t mind that since she’s an interesting character who is also capable of having good matches too.

Trick Williams was shown talking to Ava, who said that the contract was getting signed tonight. Trick said he’s signing that contract and nothing will hold him back.

It’s Tony D against Hammerstone up next.

(Commercial)

The NO Quarter Catch Crew group was talking backstage. Charlie Dempsey said he needs Tavion & Myles to take the tag team division by storm since the Heritage Cup is back with them. Dempsey told Wren Sinclair to make a name for herself, she chopped him and said “let’s freakin’ go” so she left.

Tony D’Angelo (w/Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo, Luca Crusifino & Adrianna Rizzo) vs. Hammerstone

It’s the second straight match with a TNA wrestler since Hammerstone is back for the second week in a row. Hammerstone connected with a clothesline. Oba Femi, the NXT North American Champion, was watching backstage. Tony came back with multiple spinebusters. Hammerstone came back with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Tony rolled out of the ring and Femi was shown saying “he’s broken” about Tony. That led to Tony slowly walking around the ring and walking away to lose by countout. It went about three minutes.

Winner by countout: Hammerstone

Analysis: * That is Hammerstone’s first NXT win. This was more about the story involving Tony D doubting himself as a wrestler since he couldn’t beat Oba Femi in the past.

Let’s Hear from Zachary Wentz

Zachary Wentz entered the ring for a promo. Wentz said this is why Trey Miguel and Zach didn’t challenge for the NXT Tag Team Titles as scheduled. There was a clip of Trey Miguel getting into his car, Wes Lee went up to him and rammed a car door into Trey. The camera angle was from the other side. Wentz called Wes a piece of garbage. Wentz said that Wes must be bitter that Wentz got his hand raised at No Mercy. Wentz said that Wes will get what he deserves in Chicago. Wentz yelled about putting Lee through pain in their Street Fight in Chicago on October 1st. Wentz said that this ends in Chicago.

Analysis: I mentioned when Wentz won at No Mercy that I thought there would be another match between them that Lee would win. I think Lee should absolutely win that Street Fight on October 1st.

There was a scene in NXT GM Ava’s office with the NBA’s Tyrese Haliburton telling Ava he’ll get Page and Trick to sign the contract. It also featured some comedy with Mr. Stone acting like he was friends with Haliburton, who acted like he didn’t know who he was.

Ashantee Thee Adonis entered for singles action while giving a female fan a flower.

(Commercial)

The Fatal Influence trio of Jacy Jayne, Tatum Paxley & Jazmyn Nyx were interviewed backstage. Jayne trashed Lola Vice for thinking she is a way bigger star than she actually is. Paxley bragged about taking out Jaida Parker. Nyx said if Parker wanted to find them then she would have. Jayne said that they run the women’s division.

The women’s locker room was shown with Lola Vice saying she didn’t need Jaida Parker’s help. Parker walked in so they exchanged words. Vice said that Parker can do what she wants with Fatal Influence after Vice is finished with them.

Eddy Thorpe vs. Ashante Thee Adonis

This was built up over the last few weeks with backstage segments. Thorpe hit a belly-to-back suplex. Adonis worked over Thorpe with knees to the body along with an elbow smash. They did a spot where they connected with kicks consecutively and both guys were down. Adonis dropkicked Thorpe out of the ring followed by Adonis hitting a twisting cross body block. Adonis went up top, blew a kiss to a fan, jumped off with nothing and Thorpe capitalized with an Impaler DDT for the pinfall win. It went over three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Eddy Thorpe

Analysis: *3/4 A short match to give Thorpe a win. Adonis hasn’t had much success since being part of NXT in the last few months.

CM Punk was shown walking backstage for his segment after the break.

(Commercial)

A video aired featuring Thea Hail and Riley Osborne talking about Ridge Holland turning on Chase U. Ridge also sent Andre Chase & Duke Hudson to the hospital. Hail said that they welcomed Ridge into the group and he broke their heart. Riley said that Ridge showed that he was weak and he’ll make things right next week. Riley said he’ll get Ridge out of their lives once and for all.

Analysis: I think Ridge is going to beat Riley Osborne as well. Andre Chase will be back soon for some revenge, most likely.

Let’s Hear from CM Punk

CM Punk made his entrance while the fans were singing along with Cult of Personality. They were very happy to see Punk there. Punk greeted the announcers at ringside as well. There were loud “CM Punk” chants from the fans.

CM Punk said that he came here to have some fun, which is different from Raw when he was focused on business. Punk put over the crowd’s enthusiasm. Punk said that he recognized some fans who would call him out while he was hiding and watching the show. Punk said he enjoys watching the development of men and women of NXT. Punk spoke about how he knows in the future he’ll butt heads with superstars like Lexis King (he mentioned the beard), Carmelo Hayes is tearing it up on Smackdown, Ethan Page and not to start any rumors but sooner or later he’ll be standing across the ring from Bron Breakker. Punk mentioned Je’Von Evans saying he has t-shirts that are older than Evans. I do too.

Punk said that Shawn Michaels mentioned The CW debut of NXT on October 1st was in Chicago, so Punk asked to be part of it and Michaels agreed to it. Michaels told Punk he can do whatever he wants on the show. Punk claimed he had an idea, but here’s an interruption.

The NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez walked out as Booker said she’s always been a big fan of CM Punk. Perez stood in the ring with Punk saying 13-year-old her would be freaking out about sharing the ring with CM Punk, her favorite wrestler of all time. Perez admitted Punk was one of the main reasons why she is in WWE. Perez said Punk was her voice when he was the voice of the voiceless. Perez said that she always preferred Punk’s wife which led to an “AJ Lee” chant for Punk’s face. Perez said she was so happy about Punk coming back at Survivor Series last year. Perez said ten years and he finally retired. Perez said she finally realized: “I should have been a Drew McIntyre fan!” That was great. Perez said that Punk wants one last moment of glory before Drew ends his career. Perez said she didn’t want or need Punk there. Perez told Punk to stay home with Larry the dog. Perez said when she beats Giulia it won’t be Punk’s town anymore, it will be Perez’s town. Perez said this isn’t about Punk or Giulia, this is about Perez. Perez said she doesn’t care how big Giulia is in Japan because Perez is big around the globe because she’s untouchable. Perez told him to tell when he’s telling lies, which is a Punk line. Perez said she would rather be hated for who she is than loved for who she is not.

Punk said she is certainly on her way to being hated. Punk praised Perez for maximizing her minutes. Punk said he appreciates an overconfident champion and said he used to have a chip on his shoulder while saying it was about the size of her. Punk said that chip made him the best in the world. Punk said that title makes her the best not just in NXT, but perhaps all of WWE. Punk talked about Bianca Belair & Iyo Sky tearing the house down on Raw. Punk thought that Roxanne would fit in and might be better than them. Punk said that none of that is going to matter when Giulia beats her in Chicago. Punk said talking about Giulia seems to annoy Perez.

Giulia made her entrance to confront Perez in the ring while Punk was standing there. Giulia told Perez that the countdown was on. Giulia said she had two weeks left. Giulia walked away, Perez tried a cheap attack, but Punk blocked it. Giulia left at that point.

Analysis: That was fun. The Perez line about how she should have been a Drew McIntyre fan was a great line that drew a big reaction, so I liked that a lot. Perez has a lot of confidence about her match with Giulia, which makes sense, but I think when the match happens in two weeks, I think Giulia is going to get the win and the title.

Kelani Jordan, the Women’s NXT North American Champion, was interviewed backstage by Sarah Schreiber. Jordan said she’s going to defend her title against women who deserve it. Jordan said if she had an open challenge then she wanted one of the Fatal Influence women to step up. Wren Sinclair walked up to Jordan saying that Charlie Dempsey told her to create an opportunity for herself so she’s doing it now. Wren slapped Jordan and Wren ran away.

Analysis: I like Wren as a character. She’s silly and fun to watch also.

(Commercial)

Tony D’Angelo and The D’Angelo Family were talking backstage. Tony was encouraged by his friends in the group wondering what was going on with him. Tony said there was nothing wrong. Tony shouted that he was afraid. Tony said he’s supposed to be the Don Of NXT who is never supposed to back down from a fight, but it’s different with Oba Femi because he’s a machine and destroyer and Tony can’t beat him. Tony left.

Analysis: The story continues as the group tries to help Tony bounce back from this.

Je’Von Evans & Cedric Alexander vs. No Quarter Catch Crew – Myles Borne & Tavion Heights (w/Charlie Dempsey & Wren Sinclair)

I’ll go play-by-play for this one. Cedric hit a running dropkick. The NQCC guys hit a double team slam on Cedric as they took control. Tavion worked over Cedric with an armbar. Borne tagged in, Cedric knocked him down and Evans tagged in for a flipping neckbreaker on Borne. Evans hit a hurricanrana and a jumping kick on Tavion to clear the ring. Evans hit a running dive over the top onto the NQCC three guys on the floor.

(Commercial)

Borne was in control of Evans with a side headlock, Evans broke free and Borne hit a powerslam. Tavion tagged in to toss Evans onto Borne’s knee leading to a two count. Evans hit a jumping punch on Tavion. Evans got bouncy off the ropes with a jumping kick to the head. Cedric tagged in against Borne leading to a double dragon screw leg whip by Cedric at the same time. Cedric hit a running forearm along with a dropkick to the back of the neck. Cedric gave Tavion a Michinoku Driver for two with Borne making the save. Tavion hit a running elbow on Cedric. Borne tagged back in for a double team elevated DDT for two. Borne hit another DDT on Cedric for two because Evans dove onto Tavion, which led to them crashing onto the pin attempt. Kelani Jordan showed up at ringside to punch Wren. Cedric hit a Lumbar Check on Borne and Cedric dove onto Tavion on the floor. Evans jumped off the top with a twisting splash for the win. It went about 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Je’Von Evans & Cedric Alexander

Analysis: ***1/4 That match result made sense to give Evans & Cedric some momentum as a team. They worked well together while the NQCC guys are getting better all the time as well. Evans is so much fun to watch because of how athletic he is. He makes everything look so easy. I like the potential of Borne & Heights as well. This roster has so much good young talent.

It was announced via social media and shown on the screen that Randy Orton will face Je’Von Evans on the October 8th edition of NXT in St. Louis. Evans was happy about it as he celebrated with Cedric in the ring.

Analysis: That’s going to be a great match with Evans likely doing a springboard leap off the top right into the RKO for the finish. Evans gets so much height off the top, so it’s going to look amazing visually. Yes, that means I’m picking Orton to win.

Ridge Holland was shown walking backstage saying he told everybody he was going to destroy Chase U. Ridge said there were two down and one man to go.

Brooks Jensen was walking backstage when Shawn Spears said good luck tonight. Brooks asked Spears, who had his right arm in a sling, if he was going to do this with him. Spears asked if he was sure, Brooks said yeah, so Spears walked with Jensen.

(Commercial)

Dion Lennox vs. Brooks Jensen (w/Shawn Spears)

Jensen tossed Lennox across the ring a few times and Lennox came back with a dropkick. Lennox hit a spinebuster for a two count. Jensen hit a spinning heel kick along with a suplex. Jensen put on Lennox’s glasses, which fired up Lennox with punches along with a clothesline. Lennox stepped on Spears’ arm when he touched the glasses. Lennox got a rollup for two. Jensen hit a DDT for the pinfall win in under three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Brooks Jensen

Analysis: *1/4 It was an easy win for Brooks Jensen over Dion Lennox, who really isn’t being pushed that much. They need to give Jensen wins like that to get him some momentum as a heel being advised by Spears.

After the match, Jensen shook hands with Spears, who was happy about the win.

Wes Lee did a cell phone promo at home saying he had to do what he did to Trey Miguel. Lee said that the Street Fight in Chicago with Zachary Wentz would end everything.

Jacy Jayne made her entrance joined by her Fatal Influence allies.

(Commercial)

A video was shown about Austin Theory & Grayson Waller talking about NXT Tag Team Champions Nathan Frazer & Axiom. They issued a challenge to the champions. Frazer & Axiom accepted the challenge, so that match is happening on NXT on October 8th in St. Louis.

Lola Vice vs. Jacy Jayne (w/Fallon Henley & Jazmyn Nyx)

There was an early attack by Vice, but Jayne came back with a kick to the chest while on the apron. Jayne hit a cannonball on Vice against the turnbuckle. Vice got some offense going with multiple kicks to the body and a stomp to the back. Vice hit the running butt attack against the turnbuckle. Henley grabbed Vice’s foot, Vice avoided an attack from Jayne and Vice hit a spinning back fist for the pinfall win. It went about two minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Lola Vice

Analysis: *1/2 That was quick. (That’s what she said.) Anyway, it was just done to give Vice a win and set up the post match angle as well.

After the match, Fatal Influence triple-teamed Jayne with punches and kicks. Jaida Parker made the save due to her issues with Fatal Influence. Parker knocked Henley and Nyx out of the ring. Parker hit a front suplex on Jayne, but Henley & Nyx made the save. Vice argued with Parker about it.

Analysis: The duo of Vice and Parker were both heels recently, but now they are on the babyface side. Both of them still have that toughness to their characters that prevents them from trusting other people. I like Parker in this role a lot while Vice is doing well.

Tony D’Angelo was in the WWE PC where multiple rings are when Adrianna Rizzo showed up to talk to him. Tony talked about how he has failed The D’Angelo Family. Rizzo said that Tony has to carry that fear inside of him. Rizzo said when it’s all said and done, Tony’s always going to have The Family. Rizzo said he knows that Tony doesn’t believe what he’s saying and he wants another shot at Oba Femi. Tony says he does. Rizzo said let’s do it. Tony said what if he loses and she said then he loses, then so what. Rizzo said that Stacks, Luca and her all believe in him while Tony has to believe in himself. Tony said “okay” while adding that he was ready for some special training. Rizzo said she grew up with fighters and she hugged Tony.

Analysis: This will likely lead to Tony facing Femi again perhaps at Halloween Havoc next month (unless they do it on one of The CW episodes) and I think Tony D will beat Femi for the NXT North American Title when they have the match again. It’s similar to the Sami Zayn story on Raw when Chad Gable motivated Zayn to beat Gunther at WrestleMania 40 and it worked.

The NBA’s Tyrese Haliburton was walking backstage for the contract signing segment.

(Commercial)

Next week on NXT:

* Grayson Waller Effect talk show with NXT Tag Team Champions Nathan Frazer & Axiom

* NXT Press Conference with Ethan Page, Trick Williams, Roxanne Perez, Giulia, Wes Lee & Zachary Wentz

* Ridge Holland vs. Riley Osborne

* NXT Women’s North American Championship: Kelani Jordan vs. Wren Sinclair.

NXT Title Contract Signing Hosted by Tyrese Haliburton

The NXT Title contract signing was in the main event spot with Tyrese Haliburton of the NBA’s Indiana Pacers there to try to get the contract signed. Tyrese is a two-time NBA All-Star and Olympic Gold Medalist. Tyrese introduced his Pacers teammates at ringside, the fans booed and Tyrese said he’d boo too if he was an Orlando Magic fan. Nice heel line! Tyrese introduced Trick Williams up first.

Trick Williams said this must be a big deal if it has brought out a two-time NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist like Tyrese. Trick said he’s going to Chicago and he’ll get the gold like Tyrese did at the Olympics. Trick called out Ethan Page, so Tyrese officially introduced Ethan Page.

The NXT Champion Ethan Page made his entrance while Trick Williams signed the contract. Page said that this was ridiculous as he got into the ring with Trick. Page said if this is what you want then he’ll do it. Page claimed when it comes to this championship, he’s the Boston Celtics, who are the NBA Champions. Page said that when he wins, Trick will be like the Indiana Pacers and the rest of the NBA. Page said that the Era Of Ego will continue to make history. Page signed the contract. Tyrese summed it up. Tyrese told Trick he had to “Whoop That Trick.” Tyrese said there was one more thing.

CM Punk made his entrance to a big ovation once again while Page had a shocked look on his face. Punk shook hands with Tyreke, who went to the back.

Punk stood between Page and Trick. Punk said this was his announcement. Punk said that this match isn’t just about the NXT Title because it’s about the direction of where this NXT brand goes. Punk said that a match this big needs something special. The fans caught on leading to a “referee” chant. Punk said that this match needs a Special Guest Referee. Punk said that he happens to be that man on October 1st live on The CW. Punk said that the referee making the three count in the Ethan Page-Trick Williams is CM Punk. That led to Punk saying they needed to listen to him. Punk said since he’s the official, they can start fighting right now. Trick and Page exchanged punches for about a minute until security and referees held them back. Punk was smiling in the background. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: Good stuff there. I think CM Punk as the Special Guest Referee for the Page-Williams is a smart move. That adds more star power to the match with Punk involved. I thought Williams beating Page was very likely anyway and now it makes even more sense to have a babyface wrestler like Punk raise the hand of Trick as the winner of the match. Page may be on the main roster sooner rather than later while I see Trick having a longer NXT Title reign compared to his first title reign that was cut short due to Page’s title win. Anyway, I’m looking forward to the match.

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Three Stars of the Show

  1. CM Punk
  2. Je’Von Evans & Cedric Alexander
  3. Roxanne Perez, Trick Williams, Ethan Page

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The Scoreboard

This week: 7 out of 10

Last week: 7.5

2024 Average: 7.18

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Final Thoughts on WWE NXT

It was a solid episode of NXT, but not as good as their better shows. They are obviously doing a lot to build up the start of The CW channel era starting in two weeks on October 1st and the following week as well. It is smart to load up those shows. I’m excited about the finish of the Randy Orton-Je’Von Evans match on October 8th since Evans can fly off the top unlike anybody, so I’m sure they have a crazy RKO ending coming for that match.

This episode was more about the promos and non-wrestling segments. CM Punk was involved in two big promo segments at the top of hour two with Roxanne Perez & Giulia and in the main event contract signing. I liked Perez’s line to Punk about how Punk was her wrestling idol (along with Punk’s wife AJ Lee), but she wishes she grew up to be more of a Drew McIntyre fan. Great line. Anyway, I also liked the announcement of Punk as the referee of the Ethan Page-Trick Williams NXT Title match on October 1st.

There weren’t any standout matches this week, but there were a couple of tag team matches that I enjoyed as the best matches. As I always say with NXT, they do a tremendous job of utilizing most of the roster throughout the show whether it’s in matches, promos in the ring, or backstage segments. I enjoy how this show is booked every week.

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Thanks for reading. My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter/X @johnreport