Femme Fatale
Can you believe this week? It felt like Shawn Michaels was all up in my brain. Just when I had Jacy Jayne on my mind, boom! There she was on the screen, marching into the ring with Fatal Influence for Tatum Paxley’s debut title defense.
So how did we get to that intense title defense? Oh, let me fill you in.
Earlier in the episode, Tatum delivered a knockout promo about being the champion who fights anyone anytime. But, here comes Izzi Dame, all trying to squash Tatum’s vibe by pretending to be concerned about her readiness. Newsflash: Izzi is just jealous! She can’t accept that Tatum is game for any challenge, unlike herself.
Tatum shrugged off the negativity and brought out the wheel—a twist I honestly missed since Halloween Havoc. Izzi wasn’t too thrilled to discover she wasn’t even an option on that wheel! Tatum’s denial of ever fighting her bestie was cute, but let’s be real, we all sense some underhanded plotting from Izzi.
When the wheel stopped at Lola Vice, Fatal Influence interrupted the match just as it was heating up:
It’s officially a six-woman tag next week, with Tatum teaming up with Izzi and Lola to take on an amped-up Fatal Influence. Buckle up!
Here’s my one concern: Fatal Influence barely speaks! Seriously, aside from Jacy Jayne, who is the only one doing any talking while the rest fade away like quiet ghosts. They need to step up; this silent treatment is just plain awkward.
The Other Major Drama
Now onto another standout moment that made me think Shawn Michaels had somehow woven this storyline in: Trick Williams and Ricky Saints! Right before the show kicked off, I was mulling over what Trick was up to. With no TNA title anymore and missing the NXT Championship rematch he’d cried for, he seemed almost lost in the black and silver ring. Then, out of nowhere, he threw a fit in the control room and wrecked the opening segment.
Ricky stepped in, and these two turned the entire episode into their playground! They crash the scene during Myles Borne vs. Tavion Heights, and later interrupt the main event featuring Kelani Jordan and Jordynne Grace. An NXT angle mixing up a TNA championship match? Irony much?
They’ll face off in two weeks in what’s touted as a Last Man Standing match, raising the stakes for both wrestlers.
Now speaking of that interrupted match, can we just address how great Kelani Jordan and Jordynne Grace performed? Yeah, some lowlifes muscled in, but that didn’t overshadow the action. Kelani specifically worked on injuring Jordynne’s knee early, showing her darker side and tactics that scream, ‘I’ll do what it takes to win.’
Despite wrestling her way through a formidable opponent, Kelani’s storyline is finally spiraling into a compelling arc. After wrestling with a desperation that tinged with her need to win, I’m really hoping she takes the plunge full into this heel territory!
Other Highlights from the Show
- Who would’ve thought? Lash Legend managed to snatch Kendal Grey’s Evolve Championship! I expected some tricks, but what unfolded was actually two competitive fighters in the ring.
- Myles Borne and Tavion Heights brought the heat in their match showcasing great wrestling and storytelling. Their weird game needled them toward the next step; a critical face-off driven by mounting tension.
- This NXT Anonymous gig has outstayed its welcome. It feels like a weak excuse for more backstage nonsense. Case in point? DarkState had a drawn-out confrontation with Je’Von Evans that felt forced.
- Looks like Sol Ruca has surrendered her Speed Championship! She claimed Zaria isn’t reliable for her defense. Thus, a pass-the-torch tournament is on the horizon—intriguing drama ahead!
- Heads up! Blake Monroe is set to defend her North American Championship soon in New York City, and I’m here for it!
This week’s NXT showed us a solid lineup of matches, fulfilled story arcs from Halloween Havoc, and broadened the gaming stakes. NXT doesn’t always hit a home run, but when it does, I can’t help but enjoy the ride.
Let me know your thoughts, Cage Siders! Does the Last Man Standing match concerning Trick Williams spell the end for him?
