WWE NXT STAND & DELIVER, DELIVERS!!

The thing that I have always loved about NXT Stand & Deliver is that each and every NXT Superstar has something to prove, with a massive chip on his or her shoulder. This year’s installment of the unofficial third brand's annual PLE was no different, as the Superstars of NXT showed up, and showed out. 

 

Pre-show the team of Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley defeated the teams of Fatal Influence, Meta-Four, and Roxanne Perez & Cora Jade. I didn’t see this team coming out with the dub, but Jade & Perez'spast issues seem to be resurfacing. Solid match with some of these teams looking main roster ready. 

 

Next up, a solid match for The NXT North American Championship to kick off the main show between Ethan Page and North American Champ Ricky Saints. Saints’ new music and entrance are both fantastic, particularly with what I can best describe as the “laser chandelier.” Hard hitting action and lots of apron bumps throughout. You can tell the chemistry between these two was there. Saints misses a massive springboard attempt to the outside and lands right on the announce table. Saints favors his knee, and Ego targets the leg without hesitation. Ego hits the Ego’s Edge, but Saints is able to kick out and hit his Roshambo to retain. Great opener here. 

 

Not to be outdone, the NXT Tag Team Championship match between Fraxiom and Hank & Tank may have completely stolen the show. In fact, it may already be in the discussion for WWE match of the Mania weekend, but it’s still early. Bigtime black and gold Takeover vibes here, as both teams pulled out all of the stops. Fast, hard hitting, high flying action throughout as both teams are incredibly agile. I saw a few things I’ve never seen before including Hank diving through the ropes and landing perfectly flat on the announce table. Lots of kickouts here, and somehow Hank & Tank defeat one of the best tag teams in the world. The reign of Fraxiom is over, and I’m not sure how I feel about them losing here. Regardless, all four competitors’ stock(s) went way up in this one. 

 

Backstage, infamous magician Penn makes Lexus King’s Heritage Cup disappear in a Shark Cage, turning the trophy into his partner Teller…..because, magic! Teller comes out in full Jey Uso Yeet attire, and Yeets for the camera. This was a lot of fun. 

 

Up next is the much anticipated NXT Women’s North American Championship ladder match. This was another really great match. All the ladies showed out, particularly Kelani Jordan who makes everything look so seamless. Big spots included a massive fall off the ladder from Thea Hail into Shawn Spears’ group, and a series of Sol Snatchers by Sol Ruca to get the win. Despite just having one of the best finishing moves I’ve ever seen, Sol really deserved this one. Post-match the surfer Sol Ruca stood tall atop the ladder, not even shaking the littlest bit, comfortably dancing at the top of the ladder. 

 

The much anticipated Family VS. Darkstate match took place next, begging the question if Stacks and Tony D’Angelo were on the same page. Long story short, they were not. After a near miscommunication with a crowbar in the ring, Stacks seemingly did right by D’Angelo, but at the end of the match he would cost the family with a low blow to the Don of NXT. This looks like we are set for D’Angelo VS. Stacks on deck, but Darkstate looks strong regardless. I’m excited to see what Stacks can bring to the table on his own. 

 

For the first time in history, more women were on the card for an NXT PLE than men. The much anticipated NXT Women’s Championship 4 way match between Champion Stephane Vaquer, Jordynne Grace, Giulia, and Jada Parker is the pre-main of the evening. Multi-person matches with big stars can often get messy, but this one was great. “Women’s Wrestling!” chants throughout. I particularly enjoyed the exchanges between Vaquer and Grace. Jada Parker looked strong with a massive pile up spot in the buckle and took a huge tower of doom slam from the top. Booker T stole the scene at times during Vaquer's signature mat slams, with the crowd even chanting “Booker T!” at moments. Vaquer ultimately gets the win, pinning Parker, looking stronger than ever. I’ll say it again. Vaquer is one of the best in the world. 

 

The main event saw the bouncy one Je’von Evans and Trick Williams challenge Oba Femi for his NXT Championship. Evans hit a ton of high flying maneuvers, but it was Trick who surprised with a ton of high flying moves of his own. “This is Awesome!” chants throughout, as all three competitors looked strong. Champion Femi often stacked his challengers, slamming them down with ease. Something else I haven’t seen at all before was a HUGE stalling suplex tower of the doom spot, prompting the crowd to chant, “Fight Forever!” Evans had a massive flurry of offense towards the end of the match, but Oba kicked out of everything. Trick was able to Rock Bottom Oba through the table and almost win with a Trick Shot on Evans. The ref was thrown about but pushed back, which was refreshing to see. “Fight Forever!” chants continued. Everyone hit their finish, but ultimately Oba stood tall. 

 

As expected, NXT Stand & Deliver, well….delivered. Once again proving that the future of the main roster in WWE is incredibly bright.

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