In a spectacle that had fans on the edge of their seats, WWE’s NXT No Mercy event on September 30, 2023, exceeded all expectations, delivering jaw-dropping surprises and fiercely fought matches. Let’s dive into the thrilling night’s proceedings, match by match, and grade the overall experience:
1. Blair Davenport Triumphs on the Kickoff Show:
The evening commenced with a bang as Blair Davenport clashed with Kelani Jordan on the kickoff show. Davenport displayed her prowess, securing a hard-fought victory. The mood quickly shifted, though, as Gigi Dolin ambushed Davenport post-match.
Blair Davenport def. Kelani Jordan
2. Baron Corbin Stuns Bron Breakker:
Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin set the tone for the main event with a riveting, out-of-the-ring brawl that showcased their brute strength and determination. Amid the chaos, security personnel attempted to intervene but were swiftly neutralized by Breakker. Corbin seized this opportunity, driving Breakker into the announcer’s table.
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Upon their return to the ring, Corbin executed a thunderous vertical suplex, but Breakker rebounded with a resounding corner tackle, followed by relentless stomps. The match reached its climax when Corbin hit the Deep Six, securing a near fall. However, Breakker countered Corbin’s End of Days attempt, setting up a dramatic showdown.
Outside the ring, Corbin executed a brutal attack, driving Breakker through the announce desk. Astonishingly, Breakker rose from the wreckage and delivered a colossal spear inside the ring. Yet, just as Breakker seemed poised for victory, Mr. Stone’s surprise interference turned the tide in Corbin’s favor, ultimately leading to the End of Days and a shocking win.
Baron Corbin def. Bron Breakker
Grade: A-
3. Trick Williams Claims NXT North American Championship:
Dominik Mysterio and Trick Williams engaged in a fierce contest for the coveted NXT North American Championship. Dominik aimed for an early pin following a dropkick but was entangled in a dispute over the referee’s counting speed. Trick’s calculated strategy prevented Dominik from exiting the match via count-out.
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The match escalated with high-impact moves, including Williams’ powerslam and clothesline. A relentless exchange of blows and counters ensued. Notably, Dominik Mysterio attempted a superkick but inadvertently struck guest referee Dragon Lee. Chaos ensued as a new referee joined the action.
In the final stages, Dominik’s attempt to employ the title as a weapon backfired, with Trick Williams capitalizing and securing the three-count. A new NXT North American Champion was crowned amidst controversy.
Trick Williams def. Dominik Mysterio to become the new NXT North American Champion
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Grade: A
4. Tony D’Angelo & Stacks Retain NXT Tag Team Titles:
The NXT Tag Team Title match featured Tony D’Angelo & Stacks defending against The Creed Brothers, Los Lotharios, and OTM. The chaotic nature of the bout included a flurry of simultaneous moves, showcasing the tag teams’ formidable skills.
D’Angelo and Stacks executed synchronized maneuvers, but an unfortunate injury sidelined Stacks briefly. During this moment of vulnerability, Los Lotharios and OTM joined forces to dominate their opponents. However, as the match progressed, Tony D’Angelo made a valiant comeback, taking out multiple adversaries.
In an awe-inspiring sequence, all teams delivered four simultaneous superplexes. Ultimately, it was D’Angelo and Stacks who triumphed, with a joint finisher on Price securing their NXT Tag Team Titles.
Tony D’Angelo & Stacks def. The Creed Brothers, Los Lotharios & OTM to retain the NXT Tag Team Titles
Grade: B+
5. Noam Dar Holds Onto the Heritage Cup:
The Heritage Cup match between Noam Dar and Butch was a hard-hitting affair with a five-round format. In the initial rounds, Dar showcased his technical skills, securing a pivotal pin with a hint of interference. Butch retaliated with ferocious joint manipulation and a stomp in the second round.
As the match intensified, Butch struck back with a series of kicks and a knee drop. The Beats of the Bodhran maneuver signaled his resurgence. Round 3 commenced with an electrifying dive by Butch, which inadvertently drew Tyler Bate into a confrontation with Meta Four at ringside.
Butch capitalized on his momentum, nailing Dar with the Bitter End for a critical pin. Despite a valiant effort, Butch was unable to secure another pin within the time limit. The match’s culmination was marred by interference from Oro Mensah, allowing Noam Dar to prevail with the Nova Roller and controversial circumstances.
Noam Dar def. Butch to retain the Heritage Cup
Grade: B+
6. Ilja Dragunov Becomes the New NXT Champion:
The highly anticipated NXT Championship clash between Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov was an epic contest that lived up to the hype. Carmelo Hayes, known for his agility and striking ability, took the fight to Dragunov from the outset.
Dragunov absorbed Hayes’ strikes, responding with resounding chops in the corner. Hayes showcased his agility with a springboard bulldog and a picture-perfect kick to the head. However, Dragunov countered Hayes’ attempts, delivering a pair of German Suplexes.
In a breath-stealing sequence, Dragunov set up for the Coast-to-Coast, but Hayes brilliantly countered, although Dragunov countered Hayes’ counter, sending him into the ring post and executing the Coast-to-Coast for a near fall.
Dragunov then unleashed a superplex, followed by two H Bombs, but Hayes refused to yield. Ultimately, Dragunov’s tenacity paid off as he secured a historic victory with an additional H Bomb, capturing the NXT Championship.
Ilja Dragunov def. Carmelo Hayes to become the new NXT Champion
Grade: A+
7. Becky Lynch Retains NXT Women’s Championship in a Hardcore Showdown:
The NXT Women’s Championship match between Becky Lynch and Tiffany Stratton was an all-out war, surpassing expectations for hardcore action. Stratton, wielding brass knuckles, initiated a brutal brawl, eventually leading to a transition back to the ring.
In a chaotic sequence, Stratton brought forth a toolbox, wielding a wrench and a hammer to pummel Lynch. Lynch, undeterred, countered with a Bex Plex and a missile dropkick. The intensity soared as Lynch utilized a steel chair, before turning the tables on Stratton with a unique weapon of her own, a shopping cart filled with debris.
Amidst the chaos, Lynch emptied a bag filled with Barbie parts in the ring, preceding a thunderous Manhandle slam. Stratton, however, showcased resilience, enduring punishment, including being dropped on a stack of chairs.
Lynch’s unique touch saw her spray Stratton in the face with a fire extinguisher concealed under the ring. Lynch concluded the battle with a decisive Manhandle slam, securing her NXT Women’s Championship.
Becky Lynch def. Tiffany Stratton to retain the NXT Women’s Championship
Grade: A+
As the curtain closed on NXT No Mercy, backstage tensions simmered, with Carmelo Hayes voicing his disappointment over relinquishing the NXT Championship. The aftershocks of this event promise a dynamic and intriguing journey as the NXT narrative unfolds.
Stay tuned for more updates and developments in the world of WWE NXT.
