By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
NXT Deadline
Streamed December 7, 2024 on Peacock
Minneapolis, Minnesota at The Armory
Vic Joseph checked in on commentary. Footage aired of Je’Von Evans on a ride at Mall of America followed by various shots of Ethan Page, Stephanie Vaquer, and Trick Williams in or around the venue… A Deadline video package aired…
The broadcast team of Joseph and Booker T spoke from their desk and noted that this was the final WWE premium live event of 2024. Ring announcer Mike Rome stood in the ring and read through the rules of the Iron Survivor Challenge match while a graphic listed them on the screen.
1. Je’Von Evans vs. Wes Lee vs. Nathan Frazer vs. Ethan Page vs. Oba Femi in the men’s Iron Survivor Challenge. Evans and Lee started the match. Lee got the better of Evans. When Evans showed signs of live, Lee avoided his dropkick and then double stomped his back. Lee sent Evans to the floor and then dove on him.
Back in the ring, Lee slipped on the ropes, but then hopped back up and performed another dive onto Evans that resulted in a two count. Evans rallied and hit a cutter, but Lee cut him off when he went for a springboard move. Lee pinned him while putting his feet on the ropes, sending Evans to the penalty box. Lee leads 1-0.
The third entrant in the match was Nathan Frazer, who put Lee down and then hit a top rope frog splash for a near fall. Both men ended up at ringside where Lee dropkicked Frazer into the barricade. Evans got out of the penalty box and returned the ring before hitting both opponents with a flip dive on the floor. Evans got Frazer back in the ring and covered him for two and then gave it up when he saw Lee coming. Evans slammed Lee to the mat for a two count.
A short time later, Frazer caught Evans with a sling blade clothesline for a two count. Frazer went up top and was cut off by Lee. Evans rolled up Frazer for a two count. Frazer returned the favor for a two count of his own. Frazer clotheslined Evans to the floor. Evans tried to powerbomb Lee, but Lee countered into a huracanrana that sent him into the ring apron. Lee hit both men with a dive.
The fourth entrant was Ethan Page, who clotheslined Evans and Lee at ringside and then put Frazer down. Page rolled Frazer inside the ring and followed. Frazer caught Page in an inside cradle to send him to the penalty box. The scoreboard read Lee 1, Frazer 1, while Evans and Page were at zero. Page’s time in the penalty box expired and then he pinned Frazer. The scoreboard read Lee 1, Frazer 1, Page 1, and Evans 0.
The fifth and final entrant was Oba Femi, who was the replacement for the “injured” Eddy Thorpe. Femi picked up an early pin on Evans. The scoreboard read Lee 1, Frazer 1, Page 1, Femi 1, and Evans 0. Femi had another pin, but Page pulled the referee out of the ring. Page told the referee that he needed the win. Femi went to ringside and slammed Page into the front of the penalty box twice. Frazer shoved Femi into the ring post.
Evans went to the top of the penalty box and dove onto a couple of opponents. Evans followed up with a top rope move on Lee and then pinned him. The score was Lee 1, Frazer 1, Page 1, Femi 1, Evans 1.
Lee’s time in the penalty box expired with less than five minutes remaining on the clock. Femi powerbombed Evans, but Page rolled up Femi and pinned him. The scoreboard read Page 2, Lee 1, Frazer 1, Femi 1, Evans 1. Evans hooked Page into a pin. The new score was Page 2, Evans 2, Lee 1, Frazer 1, Femi 1.
Page pleaded to no avail to not be put in the penalty box with Femi. Once in the box, Page tried to escape over the top (this thing needs a roof), but Femi grabbed him and then beat him up until Femi’s penalty time expired. Femi chokeslammed Lee and Frazer and then pinned them both. Evans jumped from the top rope and hit Femi with a cutter on the way down, but the time expired before he could cover him for the pin.
Oba Femi won the men’s Iron Survivor Challenge (Oba Femi 3, Ethan Page 2, Je’Von Evans 2, Wes Lee 1, Nathan Frazer 1) in 25:00.
Powell’s POV: A good match with a clever finish. I’m sure there were fans hoping for Penta El Zero Miedo or maybe a TNA crossover, but Femi fit the description of a “suitable replacement” for Eddy Thorpe. I guess we’ll find out whether Femi was also the person who laid out Thorpe on the go-home show or if they have someone else in mind.
After some ads/video packages, Lexis King was shown walking in “freezing cold” Minneapolis. He said he didn’t qualify for the Iron Survivor Challenge, but this was the city that changed his life forever and left him with no one to look up to. He said he’s not chasing ghosts and will exceed beyond anything “he” ever did. King said nothing feels better than the warm air of satisfaction…
Powell’s POV: Technically, Brian Pillman wrestled his final match in St. Paul and died in Bloomington, but obviously I know what they were going for.
The No Quarter Catch Crew were shown warming up backstage. A shot aired of Zaria curling a barricade in a parking garage…
A video package set up the NXT Underground match and then entrances for the match took place with Lola Vice coming out first. The OTM tag team accompanied Jaida Parker. Mike Rome delivered in-ring introductions…
2. Jaida Parker vs. Lola Vice in a NXT Underground match. There were men and women wearing black shirts around the rope-less ring. Vince put Parker down and then threw punches at her to start. Parker got up and then slammed Vice to the mat. Vice got up and kicked Parker out of the ring and onto a group of the black t-shirt extras at ringside. Vice jumped onto Parker, who caught her and drove her spine first into the side of the ring.
Both women returned to the ring. Vice caught Parker in a submission, but Parker powered her up and slammed her to the mat twice to break the hold. Vice threw a series of kicks at Parker. Parker caught Vice’s leg when she went for another kick and then dropped her with a back elbow strike.
Parker and Vice went back to the floor. Parker did something to the right hand of Vice, which Joseph played up the idea that it could prevent Vice from throwing punches with that hand. Back in the ring, Parker threw punches and kicks at Vice, who fell to the mat. Parker mounted Vice and threw more punches. Parker slammed Vice’s injured hand on the mat.
Parker left the ring and returned with the belt that Vice wore tot he ring. Parker attached the belt to Vice’s wrist and then used it to pull Vice into the ring post. Vice battled back briefly, but Parker put her down with a Samoan Drop. A short time later, Parker brought Vice back in the ring and covered her, but Joseph reminded viewers that the match can only end by knockout or submission.
Parker grabbed a brick from ringside. When she returned to the ring, Vice threw a kick at her. Vice caught Parker with a shot and then put her in a rear naked choke. Vice gave it up and then suplexed Parker. Vice picked up the brick, but she dropped it when Parker grabbed her and put her down with a German suplex. Vice put Parker in a submission hold and the referee stepped it and called for the bell because Parker was out.
Lola Vice beat Jaida Parker in 11:05 in an NXT Underground match.
Powell’s POV: I really could have done without the brick and some of the ringside silliness in what’s meant to be a simulated MMA fight, but both wrestlers worked really hard and there was more good than bad. I’m not sure what they were going for with the finish. It seemed like Parker passed out and I believe that’s how Joseph called it, but the ring announcer said Vice won via submission.
A video aired with Andre Chase cleaning out his classroom while somber music played. Someone called out, “Hey, Mr. Chase.” Chase turned around and looked upbeat for the first time in the video…
Axiom was standing backstage when his partner Nathan Frazer showed up with his ribs wrapped and looking weary from working the Iron Survivor Challenge match. Axiom gave him a brief pep talk about being the best team in the world… A video package set up the NXT Tag Team Title match followed by the entrances…
3. Nathan Frazer and Axiom vs. Tavion Heights and Myles Borne the NXT Tag Team Titles. Mike Rome delivered in-ring introductions for the title match. Heights performed a nice suplex on Axiom during the first two minutes of the match. Axiom came back with a dropkick, which led to Borne tagging in for the first time. Frazer tagged in and did his high speed run of the ropes before kicking Borne.
“OTM” Bronco Nima and Lucien Price came out and stood at ringside. The challengers were cleared from the ring and ended up in front of OTM. The champions both hit dives onto the challengers. Heights clotheslined Axiom. Heights jawed at OTM, then returned to the ring. Heights grabbed Frazer and performed an overhead belly-to-bell suplex that launched Frazer onto the OTM duo on the floor. Three referees came and out ushered OTM to the back while the match continued.
Frazer was isolated. Heights knocked Axiom off the apron and then picked up a near fall on Frazer. Axiom took a hot tag and worked over both opponents. Axiom caught a seated Heights with a kick and covered him for a two count. An “NXT” chant broke out. Heights came back with a wicked powerslam style move for a two count.
Frazer, who had a bloody nose, was still down at ringside while Heights continued to get the better of Axiom. Borne tagged in and was hit by a couple of kicks. Borne tagged out and then grabbed the legs of Axiom, who launched Borne onto Heights on the floor. Frazer returned to the apron and was tagged in. Frazer hit a dive onto the challengers at ringside. Back in the ring, Frazer, hit a 450 splash on Heights for a near fall.
Heights caught Frazer on the ropes. Frazer elbowed Heights until he fell off the ropes. Frazer set up for a move, but Heights ran up the ropes again and suplexed him. Borne tagged in. Heights held up Frazer while Borne dropkicked him into a powerbomb from Heights. Borne made the cover, but Axiom broke up the pin. Axiom went for a springboard move and was (kinda) hit by a Borne dropkick.
Borne went to the ropes and was caught by Axiom, who hit him with a Spanish Fly. Frazer followed up with a Phoenix Splash. Heights broke up the pin by running over Frazer and ended up eating a kick from Axiom. The crowd responded with “NXT” and a brief “This is awesome chant.” Axiom accidentally hit Frazer with a missile dropkick. Heights and Borne hit a combo DDT on Axiom for a near fall.
Borne tagged in and shot Axiom toward Heights, but Axiom hit Heights with a Destroyer. Borne grabbed Axiom, who caught him in an inside cradle and scored the pin…
Nathan Frazer and Axiom defeated Tavion Heights and Myles Borne in 15:30 to retain the NXT Tag Team Titles.
Powell’s POV: A very good match. The crowd seemed a little quiet early, but the hard work of the wrestlers won them over. Heights and Borne took the loss, yet were really impressive in doing so. I’d be happy to see these teams run it back. On a side note, all of the signage, the turnbuckle pads, and even the hashtag for this event list it as “WWE Deadline” rather than NXT Deadline. I’m guessing this is similar to Tony Khan recently conceding that the AEW name is more recognizable than the ROH name. Even so, I’m surprised it’s not “WWE NXT Deadline” at the very least. I asked someone who would know and was simply told that the NXT name is not going away.
Behind the scenes footage aired of CM Punk’s return to WWE while ads played for the ad-based Peacock subscribers…
Sol Ruca was shown warming up backstage. Giulia was shown running steps and then running in place…
Je’Von Evans was interviewed by Sarah Schreiber in the backstage area. Evans was his usual happy self. Wes Lee showed up and asked if Evans is stupid while pointing out that they both lost. Lee said Evans will end up just like him someday. Evans disputed that. Lee punched Evans. A group of people kept Evans and Lee apart from one another…
A video package set up the NXT Championship match and then entrances for the match took place…
4. Trick Williams vs. Ridge Holland for the NXT Championship. Mike Rome delivered in-ring introductions for the title match. Williams hip-tossed Holland over the top rope and followed him to ringside a couple minutes in. Holland clotheslined Williams. Holland set up for a suplex, but Williams headbutted his way free and then ran Holland’s head into the ring post.
Back in the ring, Williams used a neckbreaker to get a two count. Joseph played up Williams not being 100 percent after the angle at the end of NXT. Williams slammed Holland and then hit him with another neckbreaker for a two count. Williams hit a corner splash, but he crashed and burned when he tried again and Holland moved.
Holland executed a couple of suplexes on Williams and jawed at the crowd. Holland set up for another, but Williams elbowed his way free. Holland dumped Williams on the top rope and then used a neckbreaker to get a two count. Holland put Williams in a tree of woe and then slid to ringside and wrenched his head back. Holland returned to the ring and splashed Williams, who was still hung up in the ropes. Holland released Williams from the ropes and covered him for a two count.
Williams dropped Holland with a DDT. Williams hit a couple of side kicks and a flap jack. Williams set up for a move, but Holland countered into a crossface. Williams reversed it into a pin to break the hold. Williams put Holland down with a uranage slam for a two count. Holland came back with a jackknife powerbomb and a side slam that resulted in a two count.
Holland went for a top rope splash that Williams avoided. Williams caught Holland with a spin kick and covered him for a near fall. A “Whoop That Trick” chant broke out. Both men hit simultaneous kicks. Williams fell on top of Holland for a two count. Holland rolled onto Williams for a two count of his own. A “this is awesome” chant broke out from some generous fans.
Both men ended up at ringside. Holland put Williams down and then cleared the broadcast table. Holland got Williams on the table and set up for a powerbomb, but Williams countered into a backdrop that resulted in Holland taking a bump on the floor. Williams got Holland back in the ring and went for a move that Holland sidestepped. Williams tumbled into the ropes and got his head suck between the top and middle rope until the referee freed him.
Holland hit Williams with a DDT and covered him for a nice near fall. Holland showed frustration and then went for a piledriver, but Williams countered into a pin for a two count. Williams hit a Trick Kick and a flying knee and then scored the pin…
Trick Williams defeated Ridge Holland in 15:50 to retain the NXT Championship.
Powell’s POV: The NXT brass definitely made the right by not putting the NXT Championship match in the main event slot. It wasn’t a bad match, but it just wasn’t the type of match that would close the show on a high note. I don’t think the live crowd went into this match thinking Holland would win the title, but his last big near fall was good enough to make those fans reconsider for a moment. By the way, I feel for the fans who have tickets behind the Iron Survivor Challenge penalty box. I hope they got an obstructed view discount. On the bright side, those fans are probably Minnesotans, so there’s a strong chance they’ve watched some hockey games through plexiglass.
After some ads, Ethan Page was seated backstage. He said it took four matches for him to become NXT Champion. He said he turned NXT into “NXMe.” Page said he earned his way back into contendership and dropped the ball. Page asked where Oba Femi came from. Page said it took him 18 years to get to WWE and win the championship. Page said it also took him 18 years to figure out that he has no clue how to get back there. The camera person asked him what he was saying. Page said he didn’t know and then wrapped up the interview…
Powell’s POV: A compelling interview. Will Page get a manager? I love Page’s work, but his Karate Man character definitely doesn’t know how to get back there!
Ava was interviewed by Sarah Schreiber. Ava said Tuesday’s NXT is the perfect place for Je’Von Evans vs. Wes Lee. She spoke about the December 17 television show being held in Lowell, Massachusetts. Ava also said the New Year’s Evil show will be held in Los Angeles.
Tiffany Stratton showed up and said she’s Miss Money in the Bank. Stratton said she heard the Iron Survivor Challenge winner will challenge for the NXT Women’s Title. Ava confirmed that will happen at New Year’s Evil. Tiffany teased the possibility of cashing in her MITB contract in Los Angeles…
Joseph announced the following for Tuesday’s NXT television show: Tatum Paxley and Gigi Dolin vs. Jacy Jayne and Jazmyn Nyx, and Iron Survivor Challenge winner Oba Femi will speak… A video package set up the main event and recapped the rules of the match… Mike Rome delivered introductions for the women’s Iron Survivor Challenge match…
5. Sol Ruca vs. Stephanie Vaquer vs. Zaria vs. Giulia vs. Wren Sinclair in the women’s Iron Survivor Challenge. Giulia and Wren Sinclair started the match. They did some early mat work and traded pin attempts. Giulia caught Sinclair in a submission hold that she escaped and slammed Giulia to the mat.
The third entrant was Sol Ruca, who got the better of both opponents to start. Ruca did her surfing spot on the back of Giulia. Sinclair charged at Ruca, who slammed her onto Giulia and covered both women for a two count. Sinclair caught Ruca in cattle mutilation. Joseph said he remembered someone using that hold, but he did not mention Bryan Danielson/Daniel Bryan by name. Giulia hooked both opponents in a double submission briefly. Giulia hooked both opponents in a double submission briefly. Giulia picked up a pin on Sinclair just before the 10:00 mark. The scoreboard read Giulia 1 and her opponents 0.
The fourth entrant was Zaria. Ruca hit her finisher on Zaria, but she was unable to get the pin. Ruca hit the Sol Snatcher on Sinclair moments later and pinned her at 11:40. The scoreboard was Giulia 1, Sol Ruca 1, and their opponents had no points.
Ruca and Giulia powerbombed Zaria through the broadcast table. A short time later, Ruca performed a crowd pleasing dive over the top rope to the floor. Ruca put Sinclair in a Tarantula. Giulia broke it up and covered Ruca for a two count.
The fifth and final entrant was Stephanie Vaquer, who hit a springboard crossbody block on Ruca. Vaquer hit Eat Defeat on Ruca and then worked her and Sinclair over with moves in opposite corners. Zaria performed a cannonball in the corner with another wrestler on her back and then pinned Giulia moments later. The scoreboard had Zaria 1, Giulia 1, Sol Ruca 1, Stephanie Vaquer 0, Wren Sinclair 0.
Later, Giulia slammed Sinclair and had her pinned, but Vaquer broke it up. Vaquer and Giulia squared off and ducked strike attempts from one another. Ruca and Zaria spun them around and then ate headbutts from Vaquer and Giulia. Once the others were out of the ring, Vaquer and Giulia went at it again. Vaquer performed a wicked suplex and then used her legs to drive Giulia’s head into the mat a few times with roughly three minutes remaining.
Giulia and Vaquer ended up on the ropes. Giulia suplexed Vaquer. Ruca hit a springboard move on Giulia. Zaria pulled Ruca off. Vaquer caught Sinclair in a pin and got the three count. Sinclair threw a fit over being pinned again before going to the penalty box. The score was Zaria 1, Giulia 1, Sol Ruca 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1, Wren Sinclair 0.
Ruca was standing in the ring when Sinclair’s penalty time expired. Sinclair returned to the ring and hooked Ruca into a pin and got the three count. The score was Zaria 1, Giulia 1, Sol Ruca 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1, Wren Sinclair 1.
Zaria hit a move on Sinclair. Giulia drilled Zaria with a knee strike and then pinned her. Vaquer rolled up Giulia for two pin attempts, but the time expired.
Giulia won the Iron Survivor Challenge (Giulia 2, Zaria 1, Sol Ruca 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1, Wren Sinclair 1).
After the match, Joseph recapped all of the pinfalls that took place during the match. Giulia stood alone in the ring and then confetti shot off while her opponents watched from ringside. Joseph said Giulia will challenge Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women’s Championship at New Year’s Evil. The executive producer credits were shown to close the show…
Powell’s POV: They saved the best for last. They created drama by having everyone tied at one until the closing seconds of the match. The other two newcomers were given their moments, Ruca’s flashy offense really stood out, and Sinclair did a fine job even if she was there mostly to take a lot of pins.
Overall, I’d say this event was more of a solid double than a home run. The tag team title match was a lot of fun, and the ISC matches were both entertaining. I will back later tonight with my same night audio review of NXT Deadline for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons). Let me know what you thought of the show by grading it below.
So they’re referring to this as WWE Deadline and not NXT.Is that how it’s going to be now?
Easier for a worldwide audience to find on Netflix next month?
I really enjoyed the Underground match EXCEPT for the recruits banging the FN mat the entire FN match. That ruined an otherwise very nice match
Hey Jason
This may be minor but tonight they have branded this as “WWE deadline” rather than NXT. Any reason come to mind?
Ken
I asked that same question earlier
Oh you did!! Great minds!!
Crazy idea. Read the review, fuckers! I’m kidding, but I did address it in one of my POVs.
Hahaha. I saw that when I went back up. (In fairness I don’t always read closely while I am watching the show except during the excessively long ad breaks)
I wonder if they are moving toward NXT being closer to an equal 3rd brand? With a healthy mix of rookies with a few more vets sprinkled in. Actually that was my thought last night when they announced the transfer portal
Anyway this show was fire. I wasn’t even in the mood for one more PLE but this was one of the best if the year in actuality
Yeah for me I actually asked the question before you addressed it,but thanks for answering
Anyone catch blizzard brawl? Strohman special ref tonight.