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KELLER’S NXT TV REPORT
NOVEMBER 4, 2026
WINTER PARK, FLA. AT THE CAPITOL WRESTLING CENTER
AIRED LIVE ON TNE CW
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T
Ring Announcer: Mike Rome
[HOUR ONE]
-They opened with aerial shot of Orlando as Vic Joseph introduced the show. John Cena stepped out of his car and headed into the venue. They showed Cody Rhodes getting out of his bus and walking toward the venue. Then they showed Kelani Jordan rolling her suitcase into the arena. Joseph said she’d defend tonight, but they didn’t know against whom. Then Greyson Waller was handed his NXT Title outside the arena. They showed CM Punk chatting with Shawn Michaels as Joseph plugged Punk’s match against Waller for the top men’s title.
-A video package aired on NXT Halloween Havoc happenings including the show-closing announcement by CM Punk that he was going for Waller’s NXT Title tonight.
-They cut to a shot of the live crowd as Joseph said they are gearing up for the next PLE, Tables, Ladders, and Chairs, but first a big NXT Title match tonight.
(1) DRAGON LEE & REY FENIX & CHAD GABLE vs. THE VANITY PROJECT (Brad Baylor & Jackson Drake & Ricky Smokes)
Dragon Lee made his entrance first. Then Chad Gable. They found one adult male in the crowd smiling and clapping his hands above his head to the beat of Gable’s entrance theme. Then they switched to the entrance theme for Rey Fenix. When Gable entered the ring, at least a dozen other fans joined Gable’s hands-above-head (Skol!) clapping. Booker said Vanity were “savoring the flavor” and welcoming this competition. Joseph pointed out that they were just complaining about having this match to Robert Stone. Booker asked if they looked scared, though, and then exclaimed, “Oh, yeahhh!” The bell rang 9 minutes into the hour.
A minute into the match, after Booker weirdly was obsessed with Chad Gable using closed fists as if that 1970s rule was still a thing ever enforced, an already exasperated Joseph said, “We’re not going to be doing this all night. Tonight is too big of a night to go back and forth.” Joseph noted the fans were remembering Gable’s days in American Alpha. The faces cleared the ring, Fenix leaped off the top rope and landed a crossbody on Baylor and Smokes. Meanwhile, Gable gave Drake a Chaos Theory for a near fall. Six-way action broke out. The faces clotheslined the heels over the top rope together and then celebrated mid-ring as they cut to a double box break at 2:30. [c/db]
Drake landed a middle-rope springboard backflip double-stomp for a two count on Gable. They cut to Cruz Montana chatting with special referee Michael Chandler backstage. Joseph acknowledged Montana “shocked the world on Monday” without saying what that was. Joseph also noted fans are stunned that Ethan Page beat Gable to win the Intercontinental Title.
There was a dumb spot where Drake grabbed Smokes as Gable was setting up Drake for a back suplex and basically suplexed him as he was being suplexed after Lee super-kicked him. Lee did a double-stomp off the top rope on Baylor was he was hanging upside down, and this was one of the better executions of one of the usually more contrived-looking spots in pro wrestling in great part because of the initial setup, but mostly because Lee had an actual sense of urgency and didn’t play to the crowd first.
From there, Lee rolled up Baylor as the other two heels were locked in submission holds and were simultaneously tapping out. The ref counted the three count on the legal man.
WINNERS: Lee & Fenix & Gable in 12:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Good action throughout. Vanity Project’s facial expressions and bumps made it satisfying to see them lose. They’re a blend of Spirit Squad and Nick Wayne. Drake’s selling and facial expressions walk the line of “too much” but he pulls it off.)
-They showed Kelani Joradn walking backstage. [c]
-Shiloh Hill was chatting with Punk backstage. Punk asked, “Who came up with fog?” Hill said just weeks of experimenting, and he said he hadn’t even had time to test it before using it. He was all smiles. He said he wants the first NXT Title shot after he beats Waller. Punk said as long as he doesn’t use mist. “The friendly neighborhood psychopath against the Best in the World could sell some tickets,” Punk said. Waller walked in and said Punk is right that he’s a rising star, but if he were as smart as he thinks, he’d realize he’s talking to the wrong guy about a title shot. Waller then looked at Punk sternly and said, “Welcome; be sure to wipe your feet.” When he walked away, Punk said he’d wipe his feet on his face.
(Keller’s Analysis: I wish there was more of a storyline explanation for how Punk can just get an NXT Title shot out of nowhere. Waller was good here acting like the alpha defending his home territory and not looking like he was intimidated or being subservient in any way.)
(2) KELANI JORDAN vs. PAIGE – NXT Women’s Title match
Jordan came out first. Then Paige was revealed as the mystery opponent. The bell rang 29 minutes into the hour. Fans chanted, “Whose house? Paige’s house!” Joseph said Paige hasn’t wrestle in an NXT ring in over a decade. He said she never lost the NXT Title after she moved to the main roster and won the Divas Title. Booker said he’s betting on youth. Paige went on a flurry of offense early including some head-butts. She flipped off the ring apron onto Jordan at 2:00 before they cut to a break. [c]
Back from the break, they collided mid-ring with simultaneous clotheslines. They showed during the break Jordan had taken over with a neck breaker. In an inset, they showed Hank & Tank getting psyched up backstage. Paige scored a near fall after a Rampaige at 9:00. Jordan came back with a crossface mid-ring. She followed up with a DDT. When she went for a split-legged moonsault, she was way way off center and Paige lifted his legs to ostensibly block it. Paige then quickly went for another Rampaige, but Jordan scored a quick three count with a small package.
WINNER: Jordan in 10:00 to retain the NXT Title.
(Keller’s Analysis: Solid action. I like the story of Jordan getting a clean win over an established veteran star and NXT alum like this to build her winning record.)
-Backstage, Sol Ruca surprised Wren Sinclair and Kendall Grey and said she was close at Halloween Havoc and what she did “takes balls.” She said she should be proud of herself. Sinclair asked what she was doing there. Sol said Zaria asked her to meet with her, but she hasn’t seen her yet. Izzi Dame said it was actually her who wanted to see her. She said she had a successful Halloween Havoc, unlike Wren, and said she was hanging with losers. Sinclair said Dame likes pulling others down to boost her up. Dame said it’s a shame she can’t fix all of them.
-They showed Cody Rhodes backstage. Joseph said he was there to award the Dusty Cup later. [c]
-Cody made his ring entrance to his music. He admired the trophy at ringside. He joined Joseph and Booker on commentary. Cody hugged Booker.
(3) HANK WALKER & TANK LEDGER vs. NOAM DAR & ROMEO MORENO – Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic final
The bell rang 50 minutes into the hour. A graphic listed the teams they beat to get to the final. Joseph asked Cody if he still feels his father’s spirit when he’s at the Performance Center. Cody said he’s always there and he’s happy the tournament continues in his name. They showed an inset of Punk warming up backstage with a stretch band. Dar caught a diving Tank with a leg scissors around his head. All four ended up down and slow to get up a minute later. Cody said that head scissors will factor in later. Three minutes into the match, Cody said they were “in the fourth quarter.” They cut to a double-box break as both teams stood and threw punches at each other. [c/db]
The action spilled to ringside during the break. Back from the break, Romeo had hot-tagged in and worked over Hank with running boots and a clothesline. He landed a German suplex and then a top rope dropkick followed by a running springboard crossbody onto both Hank and Tank at ringside right next to the trophy. They fought at ringside where Hank and Tank took over. Tank dropped Romeo onto the announce desk in front of Cody. Back in the ring, Hank and Tank positioned Dar center-ring and hit top rope splashes for a near fall at 9:00.
Dar put Tank in an ankle lock. Romeo held off Hank from breaking it up by pulling on his boot. Hank broke free and stopped his partner Tank from tapping (that’s actually kind of mean when you think about it).
ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW…
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[HOUR TWO]
Romeo then ate a Bossman Slam. Hank tagged in, but he collapsed as he was about to charge at Dar, which opened him up to a Romeo super kick. Romeo and Dar then gave stereo crossroads to Hank and Tank. They cut to a smiling Cody at the desk. They followed with a high/low for a three count.
WINNERS: Romeo & Dar in 11:00 to win the Dusty Rhodes Classic Tag Team Team Cup Tournament.
(Keller’s Analysis: Good match, but its length felt short for a culmination of a long-tournament. Cody was just okay on commentary. He didn’t provide any evidence of being familiar with either team or the road they took to get to the final, which would have been a nice touch.)
-Cody shook their hands at ringside next to the trophy. He said there’s more than just winning the Cup because they also will be wrestling for the NXT Tag Team Titles next week. They were elated.
-They showed Cruz Montana and Deon Lennox on split-screen. [c]
(4) DION LENNOX vs. CRUZ MONTANA – Unsanctioned Match
They showed Michael Chandler in the ring after the break as special referee. Then Lennox made his entrance. Montana attacked Lennox at ringside and the ref called for the bell 8 minutes into the hour. (There are no rules, so to an extent that’s fair game here.) Booker said they each had to sign a “hold harmless” agreement so neither could sue NXT over what happened. Lennox shoved Montana into the ringside steps. Joseph asked Booker what it means in the locker room when someone challenges someone to an Unsanctioned Match. Booker answered a largely different question, saying that Lennox took it too took far when he went to Montana’s house. “You don’t involve someone’s family unless you’re looking for a fight,” Booker said. Joseph said Lennox called Montana’s mother. (This is really awkward in light of Montana joining the heel faction The 946 on Monday.)
They brawled at ringside. Montana ripped up the padded mat at ringside and stood on the base of the steps and set up a powerbomb onto the floor. Chandler discouraged it for some reason, giving Lennox a chance to break free and sweep his legs. They cut to a break at 5:00. [c]
Back from the break, Joseph said Lennox has said “evil, mean things” and involved Montana’s family, leading to this match. Montana played to the crowd like a babyface before running the ropes and landing a flip dive onto Lennox at ringside.
Back in the ring, Montana immediately clotheslined Lennox over the top rope to ringside. Joseph reiterated everything was legal in this match. Montana set up a stomp onto Lennox’s head on the exposed concrete. The other Dark State members, Cutler James and Osiris Griffin, attacked him. The lights went dark and then The 946 showed up – Royce Keys, Bronco Nima, Lucien Price, Carmelo Hayes, and Jayda Parker. They all brawled at ringside. Montana played to the crowd before powerbombing Lennox through a table at ringside. Then he threw him into the ring and finished him with his Spin the Block clothesline for the three count.
The 946 gathered afterward in the ring as fans chanted for them.
WINNER: Montana 14:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: They fit a decent amount of brawling into 14 minutes of action. It was distractingly awkward having Montana in the babyface role here despite his actions on Monday and new alliance.)
-They showed Cena backstage. He tipped his hat to a poster of Gunther on the wall. [c]
-Cena made his entrance to his music. He said he missed the NXT fans. Fans chanted, “Cena! Cena!” Cena said the energy is why he loves NXT. “To me, NXT is passion, NXT is creativity.” Fans chanted, “You can’t see John Cena!” Cena danced to it and said, “They just might’ve started something there.” He said the building means potential to him, which means opportunity. He said it’s Opportunity Season. He said he was there to talk about the John Cena Classic. He announced the latest invitee is Zilla Fatu.
Zilla made his way out. Zilla slapped hands on his way to the ring. Cena said he feels like “an honorary Samoan sometimes.” He said tonight is important for him. He said his legacy goes back to run-ins with Rikishi, Rock, Roman Reigns, and The Usos. He said he was “first in line to give Solo an opportunity.” He added, “Also, I absolutely loved your dad.” Fans chanted, “Umaga! Umaga!” Cena put his hand on his shoulder. Cena said, “For real, your family has done so much for me, it is an honor tonight to give to him an opportunity to be in the John Cena Classic.” Zilla reacted like he just was told he made it onto “American Idol.” Fans chanted, “You deserve it!” Zilla said, “Thank you.” He said he appreciates him and the relationship he had with his family. He said he’s more blessed that Cena is giving him this opportunity. He said the fans know “I’m the main one.” He said he’d be ready on Dec. 14 sand screamed “Hello!”
(Keller’s Analysis: That came across well enough. Zilla seemed a little too excited, but you want to sell the idea it’s a big deal at the same time.)
-They showed Tony D’Angelo looking pensively off in the distance outdoors.
-Kam Hendrix approached Cena backstage. “From goat to goat, I’m Kam Hendrix, but you can call me Showtime,” he said. He asked who he’s facing in the John Cena Classic. Cena said if you’re good, you’ll tell everyone, but if you’re great, they will tell you. He then said instead of focusing on the JCC, he should focus on his opponent for next week, EK Prosper.
-Joseph plugged Vanity Project vs. Dar & Moreno next week.
(5) GREYSON WALLER vs. CM PUNK – NXT Title match
Waller had a serious look and seemed perhaps genuinely emotional about this match as he entered the ring and kneeled to wait for Punk. Punk then made his entrance. He told the fans, “Orlando, I know you can do better than that!” Joseph called it the biggest NXT ever. He asked Booker when the last time was he felt this type of atmosphere in the Performance Center. Booker answered a different question and just said, “You can feel it, you can cut it, you can cut it with a knife, that’s how thick it is.” He asked Joseph if he was ready. Joseph said he was. The bell rang 45 minutes into the hour.
They locked up. Punk took Waller down with an arm drag. Joseph said the issue between these two goes back to an NXT live event in August. (It’d have been nice if they actually covered that at Havoc or on tonight’s show.) Joseph said it’d be quite a sight to see Punk as NXT Champion. Booker said Punk isn’t there to lose, and Waller has a chance to show the world he belongs. Punk had Waller down and walked over his chest twice and then wiped his boots on his face, as promised.
Waller at ringside punched Punk as he was going for a dive through the ropes. Waller took over and stepped on Punk’s neck and head. He settled into a chinlock. Booker said there is no way this match happens if the shoe is on the other foot, and he gave Waller credit for this match happening. (Waller was blind-sided by Punk informing him the match was booked, so it’s not like Waller issued an open challenge with the intent of facing or accepting the match.) Joseph asked what would happen if Waller beat Punk. Booker said it puts the world on notice that he should take Punk’s spot on the main roster. (Waller was on the main roster; they’re acting like he’s some new up-and-comer who’s aspiring to go places he’s never been.)
Waller clotheslined Punk over the top rope to the floor. He then slid toward him, but Punk caught him between the apron and the ring. Punk kicked away at him and then played to the crowd. They cut to a double-box break at 3:00. [c/db]
Punk chopped away at Waller during the break. Waller took over sort of oddly after standing up when he had been grounded on the mat. Punk just sort of slumped and let Waller start taking over.
Back from the double-box break, Punk took over and shouldered Waller in the gut. He charged, but Waller side-stepped him so Punk flew into the ringpost. Waller gave Punk a leaping neckbreaker over the metal turnbuckle. The ref checked on Punk’s condition. A dueling chant of “Greyson Waller! / CM Punk!” broke out.
Waller stayed on offense at ringside. The ref told Waller to get back in the ring. They cut to an inset of Vanity Project arguing with Robert Stone for his decision about facing Dar & Romero next week. A graphic noted Chantel Monroe vs. Lizz Rain was scheduled next week. Joseph asked if Waller wants to be Punk. He said his message when he returned to NXT was Punk-esque. Booker disagreed and said he just wanted Punk’s spot more than anything. Joseph said Waller, when he returned, saw everything that Punk once did and embodied some of it and he wants to be like Punk.
Waller took Punk down with a hard forearm for a two count at 9:00. Booker said Waller wasn’t breathing heavy. An exasperated Joseph said he was holding his ribs. Booker shot back in a testy tone that he might be hurting a little, but he’s focusing on his breathing.
They exchanged chops. They struggled to try to suplex each other. Punk won the battle after some back and forth. Waller threw rapid-fire kneelifts to Punk. He set up a piledriver on the ring apron. Punk backdropped out of it. Punk then dove through the ropes and tackled Waller. Joseph said Punk has never held the NXT Title. Back in the ring, Punk hit a top rope crossbody press for a two count at 12:00.
Punk landed a running knee in the corner and then climbed to the top rope. He landed his signature flying elbow drop for a two count. Waller took over with a kick and then climbed to the top rope. Punk took over and delivered a superplex. Punk signaled for a GTS. Fans stood and noticed Kevin Owens arriving. Punk turned to him. Security held him back. Waller rolled up a distracted Punk for a three count. Joseph called it the biggest victory of his career “and like it or not is raising the prestige of the NXT Championship.”
WINNER: Waller in 14:00 to retain the NXT Title.
(Keller’s Analysis: You could call it a “big win” for Waller, but given the circumstances, it was a fluke win. Nothing was really solved, although he did hang with Punk for 14 minutes.)
