The John Report: WWE NXT 10/29/24 Review
This week on WWE NXT featured Nathan Frazer & Axiom defending the Tag Team Titles against Je’Von Evans & Cedric Alexander, plus Zaria’s debut.
This episode is a follow up of the Halloween Havoc PLE from Sunday. I thought the show was okay, but I also ranked it as the worst NXT PLE this year. Like I said it was okay. I just think there have been better shows this year. The only title change was Fallon Henley winning the NXT Women’s North American Title from Kelani Jordan.
Next week’s episode is on a Wednesday due to the US Presidential Election next Tuesday. That episode on November 6th is in Philadelphia at the 2300 Arena (old ECW Arena) so they will try to build it up as a bigger episode. We saw an ECW legend and WWE Hall of Famer Bubba Ray Dudley get involved with Ridge Holland at Halloween Havoc, so he’ll be a part of that Philly show too.
For WWE NXT reviews I do a summary style for most of the show and then play-by-play for one or two matches.
They are at WWE Performance Center in Orlando for this week’s show. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
A video was about to show Halloween Havoc highlights, but Tatum Paxley interrupted and wheeled out a casket for her match.
It was Vic Joseph and Booker T on commentary as usual.
Casket Match: Tatum Paxley vs. Wendy Choo
It’s the first women’s Casket Match in WWE history. The only way to win is to force your opponent into the casket and close the lid.
Paxley and Choo battled by the casket early on and they avoided being put into it. Paxley hit a somersault dive onto Choo on the floor. Paxley put a trash can on Choo and used a broom to hit the trash can a few times. Paxley hit a slam that was like a reverse Angle Slam. Choo took over after Paxley went running into a trash can that was against the turnbuckle. Choo dropkicked a trash can that was on Paxley.
(Commercial)
The match returned with Choo giving Paxley a hiptoss through a dollhouse against the turnbuckle. It was a thin dollhouse. Choo tried to slam the casket lid on Paxley, but Paxley had a pillow to prevent the lid from closing. Choo dumped Lego pieces in the middle of the ring and Choo gave Paxley a Full Nelson Slam onto the Lego. Choo gave Paxley an elbow drop from the apron and both women were in the casket, but there was no winner yet because both women were in there. Paxley sprayed Choo with fire extinguisher spray and Choo bumped off the casket through a wooden bed. Paxley put Choo in the casket and shut the lid to get the win. It went about 10 minutes.
Winner: Tatum Paxley
Analysis: **3/4 It was a solid match with some creative spots. They didn’t do the traditional table spots, but they did get put through objects that made a lot of noise. Paxley winning likely ends this rivalry that had been brewing for several weeks. Choo got plenty of offense and nearly won, but I think it was the right call to have the babyface Paxley win this match. I wouldn’t mind seeing a push for Paxley, who has been booked inconsistently for a long time, so let’s see her get a bit more serious.
The video package aired showing Halloween Havoc highlights.
The NXT Champion Trick Williams was up next.
This Friday on Smackdown: Nia Jax goes face to face with Liv Morgan, a women’s four-way match takes place and Cody Rhodes teams with Randy Orton vs. Gunther & Ludwig Kaiser. The show was taped last week.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Trick Williams
The NXT Champion Trick Williams made his entrance with the fans chanting “Whoop That Trick” as usual while Booker was doing the adlibs for the song as well.
Trick said that we went to Halloween Havoc on Sunday, he walked through the Devil’s Playground, washed his hands with holy water and beat the hell out of Ethan Page to retain this NXT Title. Trick admitted he was in pain and he felt pain he never felt before. Trick mentioned that Ridge Holland jumped Trick after the match. Trick said there’s one reason he’s not in the hospital right now, so he wants to talk to the WWE Hall of Famer right now and he brought out the legend Bubba Ray Dudley.
There was a nice ovation for Bubba Ray Dudley, who is also known as Bully Ray, but not in WWE. Trick thanked Bubba for having his back. Bubba said he was just doing the right thing. Bubba said it wasn’t so much about Trick because it was about Ridge Holland disrespecting him, his radio host part Dave LaGreca and his radio show Busted Open Radio. Bully said that Ridge was disrespectful, so it was about getting payback against him. Bubba mentioned Trick getting the win and he heard the fans chanting “Whoop That Trick.” Bubba said that he was wondering where’s the help for Trick and where are his friends? Bubba said not one person came to Trick’s aid and he asked Trick why? Bubba said that the reason why is because of that NXT Title. Bubba said Trick is what they aspire to be because that might as well be a target on his back – a bullseye. Bubba told Trick to have eyes in the back of his head.
Trick said he wants revenge. Trick said he wanted a tag team match. Trick said it can be Ethan Page & Ridge Holland against Trick Williams & Bubba Ray Dudley at the ECW Arena in Philadelphia. The fans chanted “ECW” at that point.
Bubba said that he’s known Trick for about three minutes and he got Bubba’s juices flowing. Bubba said that Trick got him thinking about South Philadelphia, the energy in that arena and lacing up the boots one more time. Bubba said that he got him thinking maybe he should wear the camo or the tye dye and maybe bust out the glasses. Bubba said he might shove Trick and tell him to “get the tables.” The fans chanted it on cue. The fans chanted “do it” at Bubba. Bubba said it’s not about him because it’s about Trick and every other wrestler in that locker room. Bubba said that it’s about the men and women of NXT, so he can’t take their spot. Bubba left.
Analysis: It was a good segment that followed up on what happened at Halloween Havoc. I think Bubba teaming with Trick is going to happen, but we’ll see what develops later in this show to see how they set it up. I’m a fan as a performer and I enjoy him a lot on Busted Open Radio as well.
Ava the NXT GM was backstage watching on TV with Rob Van Dam standing beside her. Ava said that it would have been cool to see Trick & Bubba as a team. RVD said that he wants to be on the show. Ava said she’ll figure out what he gets to do and Rob left.
Kelani Jordan approached NXT GM Ava about losing her NXT Women’s North American Title. Nikkita Lyons walked up to Jordan saying Jordan lost so Lyons wanted her shot at Fallon Henley’s title. Jordan said she’ll take care of Lyons and then get her title back.
Lexis King made his entrance with the great William Regal for a singles match.
(Commercial)
Shawn Spears and Brooks Jensen approached NXT North American Champion Tony D’Angelo to try to set up a match. Luca Crusifino and Stacks walked in, so Tony asked Spears & Jensen to leave. Somebody left an audio message warning Tony to bring it when he comes to Philly next week. The announcers mentioned it was Nunzio on the call there, so we’ll see him next week apparently.
NXT Heritage Cup Match: Charlie Dempsey (w/Myles Borne, Tavion Heights & Wren Sinclair) vs. Lexis King (w/William Regal)
Charlie Dempsey is the son of William Regal even though NXT hasn’t really mentioned that much since Dempsey has been on the show. I’m just pointing it out for you, the reader. I’ll go play-by-play here.
Round 1: Dempsey used his legs to trip up King and went for a submission. King went for an armdrag and then they countered eachother for two counts. King got a backslide pin for two. Dempsey decked King with an uppercut. King hit a dropkick to knock Dempsey down. Dempsey tried to pin using his legs hooking the arms. Dempsey hit a Butterfly bridging suplex for a three count. That was enough to get the first fall.
Charlie Dempsey leads 1-0
Round 2: Dempsey cranked on the neck and got a takedown. Dempsey hit a rising knee lift to knock King down. King got some offense going with a monkey flip across the ring. King did another monkey flip. Dempsey sent King onto the apron and then King bumped to the floor. King was selling a left leg injury. The referee was counting King out, but then he stopped and checked on King on the floor. They went to break.
(Commercial)
It was mentioned by Vic that they tried to stop the match, but King refused.
Round 2 (continued): The match continued with King sending Dempsey into the ropes and hitting uppercuts. King hit a back body drop. King hit a superkick at the end of the round.
Round 3: Dempsey charged and King got a knee up to knock him down. Dempsey wrenched on the left leg for a takedown. Dempsey hit a gutwrench suplex two times in a row. Dempsey hit a Perfectplex for two because it wasn’t perfect enough. Well said by Vic. Dempsey did a half crab submission, but King wouldn’t give up. King kicked Dempsey back. They exchanged strikes and when Dempsey tried to send King into the turnbuckle, King collapsed while running. Dempsey hit a kneebreaker. King hit an enziguri kick to knock Dempsey down. Regal handed King his beloved brass knuckles and King refused to use them saying that he was not his father. Dempsey hit a chop block on King and Dempsey hit a bridging German Suplex for the pinfall win.
Winner: Charlie Dempsey (2-0)
Analysis: *** A good match with King doing a nice job of selling the knee injury throughout the match. Regal tried to help King with the brass knuckles, but King refused and Dempsey was able to pick up the win. I thought they might go with a finish where Regal threw in the towel for King and then revealed that he was really there for his son, but instead, they didn’t go that route.
Zaria’s in-ring debut was up next.
(Commercial)
Lola Vice was featured in a video saying she finally gets what she wants next week when she faces Jaida Parker in a Hardcore Match. Vice said she had a lot of experience in matches like that so she warned Parker about it. Dawn Marie is the special guest referee and Lola said she’ll knock Parker out, so Dawn won’t have to count to three.
Zaria vs. Brinley Reece
It’s the WWE in-ring debut of Zaria, who used to be known as Delta. Zaria applied an armbar on Reece while pulling back on her arm, so Reece’s right arm looked like it had popped out. I assume Reece has a unique elbow joint there. Zaria gave Reece a backbreaker to show off her power. Reece got some offense with a knee along with a rollup for two, but that was it. Zaria came back with a German Suplex and a Spear. Zaria hit an F5 like Brock Lesnar for the pinfall win after three minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Zaria
Analysis: * A dominant win for Zaria as you would expect for her debut. Zaria has an intimidating look and is obviously very powerful, so she will be a force in the NXT women’s division. Zaria did a lot of power moves like a German Suplex, Spear and F5 for the win. They didn’t have a name for the finisher.
The Fatal Influence trio of NXT Women’s North American Champion Fallon Henley, Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyx arrived in the back part of the arena. Henley didn’t like Zaria interrupting them at Halloween Havoc so Henley is repaying the favor. The NXT Champion Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade showed up to also welcome Zaria to NXT.
Kelani Jordan went into the ring to support Zaria. Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer also showed up. Jordynne Grace from TNA was the next woman to arrive, so it was 5-on-5 in the ring.
The 10 women in the ring got into a huge brawl as the fans were going crazy for it. The five babyfaces were dominant with Zaria hitting her F5 move on Jayne. Zaria and Grace tossed Perez over the top onto the other four heels on the floor. The fans were going crazy chanting “NXT” for this.
Analysis: This NXT women’s division is very strong and deep right now as we just saw with those ten women. I know Jordynne Grace isn’t under WWE contract yet, but her TNA deal is up in the new year I believe so I expect her to sign with WWE. Anyway, this was cool to see the ten women face off like that. It sets up a 10-woman tag team match for next week.
Nikkita Lyons was shown walking backstage for a match up next.
(Commercial)
The 10-woman tag team match was officially announced for NXT next Wednesday in Philly.
Nikkita Lyons vs. Kelani Jordan
Jordan got some offense going with a running dropkick. Jordan hit a cross body block for two. They did a spot where both women showed off that they could do the splits. Lyons gave Jordan the dreaded monkey flip across the ring. Jordan got some offense going with a jumping side kick. When Lyons went on the turnbuckle, Adrianna Rizzo showed up and Lyons was distracted by it. Jordan hit the One of a Kind split-legged moonsault for the win. It went four minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Kelani Jordan
Analysis: *3/4 A win for Jordan after she lost the NXT Women’s North American Title at Halloween Havoc. I’d like to see Lyons get a push soon, so a win here would have been nice, but the loss was due to the distraction by Rizzo.
After the match, Rizzo went into the ring and tackled Lyons. Rizzo punched her a few times until Jordan pulled Rizzo off. Rizzo told Jordan that’s who attacked me, so Rizzo hit a suicide dive onto Lyons on the floor. Referees showed up to break it up.
Analysis: There’s another feud in the women’s division. They do such a good job of giving women on the roster a storyline even if they’re not in a title picture.
Ethan Page was shown walking backstage for a segment up next.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Ethan Page and Ridge Holland
Ethan Page was in the ring in dress clothes saying that if you think he’s finished with the NXT Champion, then you are sadly mistaken. Ridge Holland interrupted the promo saying everybody is sick and tired of Page. Ridge got into the ring with Page saying he’s had opportunities, but unfortunately, Trick Williams survived at Halloween Havoc. Ridge said that Trick won’t hold the title for much longer because Ridge will take the NXT Title from him. Ridge said that Trick knew that he needed help so that’s why he had Bubby Ray fight for him. Ridge said that Bully made the smartest decision of his life by rejecting Trick’s offer.
Bubba Ray Dudley walked out to the ring to confront Ridge in the ring. Bubba said it was time for them to have a talk. Bubba said before Halloween Havoc he didn’t know much about Ridge, but now in the past 48 hours he learned a lot about Ridge. Bubba said that Ridge has commanded the conversation on Busted Open Radio because no matter where Bubba turns, people are talking about Ridge. Bubba said he knows Ridge is a hell of a rugby player and a tough guy who is agile. Bubba spoke about how Ridge shattered both of his legs and came back after eight months, which is respectable. Bubba said that’s where the respect ends. Bubba said that Ridge disrespected him, his friend Dave LaGreca, his radio show and the fans. Bubba reminded Ridge that he is one half of the greatest tag team of all time. Bubba said he’s held more titles than Ridge has had title shots. Bubba said it’s debatable about if Ridge gets a title. Bubba told Page that he deserves absolutely nothing.
Bubba got in Ridge’s face saying that the NXT Universe needs to see more from Ridge if he’s going to get a shot at the NXT Championship. Ridge told Bubba nobody cares what he thinks anymore and he’s not an active competitor. Ridge said that Bubba just sits behind a microphone and he’s just a nostalgia act. Ridge told Bubba that ECW wasn’t extreme because it was overrated. Ridge threatened to put Bubba in the hospital, so Bubba punched Ridge to knock him down. Page knocked down Bubba with a punch.
Trick Williams ran out for the save as his way of returning the favor for Bubba saving him at Halloween Havoc. Trick and Bubba cleared the ring.
Bubba asked Trick if he still wanted a tag team partner for next Wednesday. Trick said yeah. Bubba summed it up by saying that it will be Bubba & Trick against Page & Holland on NXT next Wednesday.
Analysis: It took a while to get through all that, but it was a good segment overall. I mentioned earlier that even though Bubba said no, it made sense to do another segment that would be designed to get Bubba to say yes. Ridge insulted Bubba’s legacy, so Bubba wants payback and he’ll get it at next week’s NXT show in Philly. It should be a fun match with Trick & Bubba teaming up against Page & Holland, which certainly could lead to a heel win although I don’t mind it if the faces win.
The five babyface women’s wrestlers who will be teammates (Zaria, Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer, Jordynne Grace & Kelani Jordan) were talking backstage. Zaria said to leave Fatal Influence to her. They all spoke about things. Rhea Ripley walked up to them saying she heard about the ten-woman tag team match and wanted to see the team herself. Rhea said it’s going to be amazing. Rhea told them to blow the bloody roof off. They said they will.
Analysis: That was cool. Ripley is the same height as Zaria and they were taller than the other women there.
(Commercial)
Jaida Parker was featured in a video talking about her Hardcore Match with Lola Vice next week. Parker said that Vice can use her MMA skills, but Parker said she can use any weapon she wants. Parker said she’s never met Dawn Marie, but if she gets in her way then she’ll learn what Lola Vice is about to find out: Jaida Parker doesn’t play.
Analysis: That will be fun. I want Parker to win.
Here’s what is coming to NXT next Wednesday, November 6th in Philadelphia.
* Hardcore Match: Jaida Parker vs. Lola Vice – Former WWE & ECW superstar Dawn Marie is special guest referee.
* Trick Williams & Bubba Ray Dudley vs. Ethan Page & Ridge Holland
* Roxanne Perez, Cora Jade and Fatal Influence’s Fallon Henley, Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyx vs. Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer, Jordynne Grace, Zaria & Kelani Jordan
Analysis: I like the card. Fun matches and it should be a good crowd in Philly.
The NXT Tag Team Champions Nathan Frazer & Axiom entered for their title match.
They showed Ava, Mr. Stone & Stevie Turner watching on a TV backstage. Two referees went running into the parking lot where Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan went walking by with metal baseball bats. Rhea Ripley was shown by a car door with her face bleeding heavily.
Analysis: It was one of those implied attacks where we didn’t actually see what happened, but we can assume that it was obviously Raquel & Liv who did it.
(Commercial)
Mike Rome did the championship introductions for the main event. We didn’t see the challengers entrance.
NXT Tag Team Champions: Nathan Frazer & Axiom vs. Je’Von Evans & Cedric Alexander
I don’t know if the “Fraxiom” name is official for the champions, but I know some people use it for them. I’ll go play-by-play here.
Cedric was in control of Axiom with an armbar to start the match. Axiom broke free and caught Cedric on the leap so Axiom went for a submission, but Cedric got out of it. Frazer faced off with Evans in a battle of two very fast guys. Frazer did a hurricanrana, but Evans got back to his feet and Evans went for a spin kick, so Frazer backed into the ropes. It was ballet a bit, but I liked the intensity of both guys. Frazer slapped Evans, so Evans slapped Frazer a few times and Cedric hit a running dropkick. After Evans tagged in, Frazer hit a running forearm. Axiom tagged himself in while Frazer wasn’t happy about it. Evans superkicked Frazer. Evans did a hurricanrana to Axiom followed by a dropkick that sent Axiom out of the ring. Cedric tagged back in leading to a somersault dive over the top onto Axiom.
(Commercial)
The match returned with Axiom working over Cedric with kicks, but Cedric came back with a leaping kick to knock Axiom down. Evans tagged in against Frazer leading to a spinning kick by Evans. Evans hit a suicide dive on Axiom on the floor. Evans went up top and hit a springboard clothesline on Frazer for two. Axiom was in the ring illegally and caught Evans’ foot. Evans superkicked Frazer, who was holding onto Axiom and then Evans pinned Frazer for two. The fans chanted “this is awesome” for them. Frazer hit a jumping kick. Axiom hit a jumping kick to the tag and Axiom was legal leading to a high-low kick on Evans for two. Evans avoided an Axiom leap off the top, Cedric made the tag and Evans hit a Powerbomb on Axiom. Cedric hit a spinning sitout Powerbomb on Axiom for a two count because Frazer broke up the pin. Evans tagged back in, he kicked Frazer and Evans did a springboard Cutter on Axiom for two. That was so beautiful because Evans jumped over Frazer to hit that move and Cedric was holding Frazer to prevent the save. Cedric was back in and Axiom gave Evans a Canadian Destroyer. Cedric worked over Axiom with hard chops. The referee was talking to both guys likely giving them time cues. Alexander hit a hard kick to the chest of Axiom. When Cedric went to the turnbuckle, Axiom was back up with a kick. Frazer made the tag while Axiom hit the Spanish Fly off the top and Frazer hit the Phoenix Splash on Cedric for two. Evans stepped on Frazer’s back to break up the pin and Evans hit an impressive leaping Cutter on Axiom. Wes Lee showed up with a steel chair, so Evans dove onto him. Evans punched Lee and they went fighting to the back. Cedric was left alone as he hit a Lumbar Check on Axiom and a Michinoku Driver on Frazer for two. Good nearfall. Frazer came back with a superkick on Cedric. Axiom made the tag leading to a superkick/brainbuster combo move on Cedric. Axiom covered Cedric for the win. It went about 15 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Nathan Frazer & Axiom
Analysis: ***3/4 It was an excellent match as usual whenever Frazer & Axiom are in a tag team match. Evans really shined in the match because he’s such a special athlete and he makes so many difficult moves look easy. Cedric did a nice job throughout the match as well and I liked the nearfall he got when he was on his own. I wonder if Cedric could be mad about Evans leaving him alone, so maybe we’ll see Cedric turn on Evans because of it. I do like the idea of a Evans-Lee feud, which I have mentioned in the past. Anyway, this show was really lacking in terms of great matches and then these guys really put on a show. Great job.
Wes Lee and Je’Von Evans were fighting backstage. Security, referees and NXT GM Ava showed up to try to stop them. Rob Van Dam walked up to them saying he knows what he wants to do next week and said he’ll see them in Philly. Rob left, so Evans and Lee tried to fight again. End of show.
Analysis: The RVD thing at the end makes it seem like he’ll be a special guest referee, but they are already doing a special referee thing for the women, so maybe it’s RVD doing something else. Anyway, we’ll find out next week.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Nathan Frazer & Axiom
- Je’Von Evans & Cedric Alexander
- Zaria, Trick Williams, Bubba Ray Dudley
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The Scoreboard
This week: 7.5 out of 10
Last week: 6.75
2024 Average: 7.16
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Final Thoughts on WWE NXT
It was very good show for the most part. They promoted next week’s Philly show heavily. I loved the women’s division being featured heavily and that ten woman tag for next weeks sounds awesome to me. The Bubba Ray Dudley stuff with Trick against Page & Holland is cool too.
The matches were okay for the most part because of the great main event tag team match. I enjoyed it a lot.
NXT is doing well. I think next week’s show should be great.
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Thanks for reading. My contact info is below.
John Canton
Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com
Twitter/X @johnreport