WWE NXT Results Coverage, Reactions & Highlights for December 12, 2023

It’s Tuesday night and you know what that means! WWE NXT will go down tonight and Ringside News has got you covered with live play-by-play results coverage for the December 12, 2023 episode.

WWE NXT will start this week at 8:00 PM EST as always, match-by-match highlights and results from the show will take place on this very page. Feel free to leave any reactions in the comment section below. You can check out the lineup below.

WWE NXT (12/12/2023) Lineup:

• Eddy Thorpe vs. Dijak
• Noam Dar & The Meta-Four vs. Josh Briggs, Brooks Jensen, and Fallon Henley
• Cora Jade returns
• Nikkita Lyons appearance

WWE NXT (12/12/2023) Results:

Booker T and Vic Joseph are your commentators.

We witness Hayes and Trick strolling through the Most Perilous Parking Area in the world of Sports Entertainment. Trick responds to a few inquiries as Hayes makes his way inside the venue. When asked about New Year’s Evil, Hayes assures that he will handle his responsibilities.

We take a look at the standout moments from Deadline.

Carmelo Hayes is spotted in the back, clutching his leg as referees tend to him. Trick arrives on the scene, seeking information about the incident.

Cora Jade stands in the ring, reflecting on her four-month absence. She mentions the fans missing her and insists that everything is now back to normal. She questions the fans’ shift in opinion from not liking her before to now loving her. She emphasizes that her return made Deadline memorable, overshadowing the Women’s Iron Survivor Match.

Lyra Valkyria interrupts and welcomes Cora back, but she points out that Cora didn’t mention attacking her from behind. Lyra suggests that Cora might still resort to shortcuts. Cora playfully asks if she has caused some controversy.

Lyra responds by stating that while Cora may remain unchanged, things have evolved in her absence. She asserts her status as the women’s champion and claims not to care about what Cora deserves. Blair Davenport interjects, reminding Lyra that she defeated four others to become the Iron Survivor, a feat Cora did not achieve. Blair confidently predicts her victory at New Year’s Evil.

Lyra challenges Blair’s claim, confident that she will retain her title. She remarks on their shared tendency to attack opponents from behind. Nikkita Lyons enters the scene, expressing her resentment towards Blair for past actions.

A brawl ensues in the ring, with Nikkita and Lyra eventually sending Blair and Cora tumbling to the floor. The segment concludes with a recap of the altercation between Fallon and Friends and MetaFour at Deadline.

We’re back with Kelly and Dragon Lee.

Kelly extends her congratulations to Dragon Lee for his recent victory and inquires about his feelings. Dragon Lee expresses his joy, stating that Saturday marked a dream come true for him. He’s thrilled to have Rey Mysterio by his side and to have clinched his first NXT Title. He acknowledges that he wouldn’t have had the opportunity if Wes had not been injured and wishes Wes a swift recovery. Dragon Lee vows to defend the title just as vigorously as Wes did.

Kelly then asks about his upcoming opponent, to which Lee replies that the answer will be revealed in the ring.

Lash Legend, Oro Mensah, and Noam Dar (with Jakara Jackson) vs. Fallon Henley, Josh Briggs, and Brooks Jensen

Dar launches an attack on Brooks while perched on the turnbuckle, and their scuffle spills to the arena floor. The match officially begins as Lash enters the fray, landing an elbow drop for a close two-count. Lash sends Fallon into the turnbuckles, but she counters with a well-placed boot. Fallon retaliates with a punch, prompting Lash to push her away. Fallon applies a sleeper hold, but Lash backs her into the turnbuckles. Lash executes a snapmare, and Fallon responds with a barrage of forearms. Lash blocks an Irish whip and delivers a forearm shot. Fallon attempts a sunset flip, but Lash skillfully maintains her footing and pulls Fallon back up. Fallon strikes with a leg drop to the back and a side kick. She then tries for a bulldog, but Lash pushes her off.

Brooks tags in, but Lash appears reluctant to exit the ring. Oro misses a forearm strike, and Brooks counters with punches and forearms. Brooks whips Oro into the turnbuckles and follows up with a chop and forearm.

Meanwhile, Tiffany Stratton is seen watching the match on a backstage monitor.

Brooks executes a faceplant, and Josh interferes by hitting Dar in the back. Brooks and Josh roll to the outside, trading punches. Lash hoists Fallon overhead and press slams her onto Josh and Brooks outside the ring. Lash heads to the floor and sends Fallon into the ring post and apron, following it up with a chop and a splash to the back. Lash then slams Fallon and secures a near fall. Lash applies pressure to Fallon’s back with a backbreaker over her shoulder. Lash misses an elbow drop when Fallon evades it. Fallon attempts a slam, but Lash escapes, and Brooks tags back in.

Brooks delivers back elbows to Oro, who responds with an Irish whip. Brooks counters with a crossbody off the turnbuckles. Oro retaliates with a leg sweep and a Northern Lariat, followed by choking Brooks in the ropes. Brooks falls to the floor, clutching his ankle. Dar tags in and targets Brooks’ shoulder while Oro kicks the ropes to inflict more damage to the leg.

Brooks manages to land a punch, but Oro counters with a knee. Brooks sends Oro over the top rope to the floor, attempting a leg sweep in the process. However, Brooks’ knee gives out, allowing Oro to kick the injured leg. Dar tags in, landing a punch and trapping Brook’s leg in the ropes before delivering a dropkick. Oro kicks the ropes to further damage the leg.

Brooks retaliates with a punch, but Oro counters with a knee strike. Brooks sends Oro over the top rope to the floor. Oro attempts a leg sweep, but Brooks leaps over him, causing his knee to give out. Oro capitalizes with a kick to the injured leg. Dar tags back in, landing a series of forearms and a reverse chin lock. Brooks responds with punches, but Dar counters with a kick to the back of the leg and an uppercut. Dar executes a snapmare, getting a near fall in the process. Dar targets the bridge of Brooks’ nose and maintains control with a reverse chin lock.

Brooks finally breaks free, landing punches and attempting to grab Dar’s leg. Dar counters with a forearm and knee. Dar executes a snapmare, garnering another near fall. Dar follows with a Nova Roller, but Josh tags in and starts unloading punches. He hits Oro with punches and then targets Dar. Josh lands a boot to Dar and sends Oro to the mat with a DDT. Josh finishes the match with a clothesline, securing the three-count victory.

Winners: Josh Briggs, Brooks Jensen, and Fallon Henley

The doctor is seen examining Carmelo’s knee, and he gives Carmelo the green light for his match on Friday.

Trick inquires about the identity of Hayes’ attacker, to which Hayes responds that he’s unsure, but it was someone he has had previous dealings with.

The broadcast then heads to a commercial break.

The eight participants in the Men’s Breakout Tournament are shown, but before the tournament can begin, Lexis King surprises everyone by launching a sneak attack on Bearhill and Lennox using a chair. Security quickly intervenes and escorts Lexis King to the backstage area.

Myles Borne vs. Oba Femi in a First Round Match in the Breakout Tournament

Borne starts with a side headlock, attempting a shoulder tackle but bouncing off the sturdy frame of Femi. Myles delivers a dropkick but rebounds off Reeves. Borne smoothly floats over and lands another dropkick for a near fall. He follows up with knees to Femi’s back. Oba counters with blocked punches and counters with strikes of his own. Femi executes a belly-to-back set-up, tossing Borne into the air. He proceeds with a running European uppercut in the corner, and Borne responds with a power slam for a close two-count. Oba rolls to the floor, and Borne is pulled down onto the apron. Borne strikes with a knee to the midsection, but Oba elevates Borne into the air. Oba finishes with a powerbomb for the three-count.

Winner: Oba Femi (advances to face the winner of Tavion Heights vs. Luca Crusifino)

In the locker room, Lyra discusses Lola having the contract and Cora Jade’s return. Lyra expresses her determination not to let Cora’s return negatively impact the women’s division. Nikkita asserts her intention to challenge Blair for the title. Nikkita opens her locker and discovers a photo of Lyra holding the title with Tatum’s head superimposed over Becky’s.

As Dragon Lee makes his way backstage, the broadcast goes to commercial.

Kelly interviews Tiffany and asks about their recent altercation. Tiffany vents her frustration with Fallon Henley, blaming her for her loss at Deadline. She criticizes Fallon’s lifestyle and self-proclaimed status as “top shelf,” emphasizing that Fallon can’t afford to live that way. Tiffany vows to show Fallon that she will never measure up to Tiffany Stratton.

Dragon Lee vs. Tyler Bate for the NXT North American Championship

At the beginning of the match, they show sportsmanship by shaking hands. They lock up, and Bate gains control with a side headlock. Lee responds with a snapmare followed by a shoulder tackle. Bate surprises Lee when he catches him during a leapfrog attempt and initiates an airplane spin, but Lee manages to regain his footing. Bate then executes a side headlock takedown.

Both competitors attempt kicks simultaneously, but they block each other’s attempts. They lower each other’s legs and execute dropkicks simultaneously. Bate secures a wrist lock, and Lee tries an Irish whip, but Bate evades. Bate performs a leapfrog and goes between Lee’s legs, nearly getting a pinfall with a rollup. Bate follows it up with a headscissors takedown, and Lee responds with a cartwheel to land on his feet. Lee then executes a headscissors takedown, and Bate counters with a handspring to land on his feet. In a synchronized move, both Bate and Lee go for clotheslines at the same time, leading to an intense and evenly matched contest.

The broadcast then goes to a commercial break.

As we return, Lee begins the action by kicking Bate in the corner and following up with a series of punches. Lee then whips Bate into the ropes, but Bate counters with a boot to the face and follows it up with a knee lift and a European uppercut from the turnbuckles. Lee retreats to the outside, and Bate takes advantage by launching himself over the ropes with a plancha. Bate returns to the ring and executes an exploder suplex followed by a shooting star press for a close near fall.

Bate attempts to get Lee up for an airplane spin, but Lee fights back with elbow strikes. Lee then sends Bate crashing onto the turnbuckles with a superkick and follows it up with another superkick. Bate falls to the floor, and Lee hits a suicide dive. They return to the ring, and Lee continues his offense with kicks in the corner, a leg sweep, and a hesitation kick. Lee then delivers a hesitation dropkick for another near fall.

Bate manages to catch Lee and starts an airplane spin of his own. Bate follows it up with a Michinoku Driver for a near fall. Bate throws punches, but Lee responds with a boot to the head. Lee counters with a German suplex, but Bate quickly gets back on his feet and lands a rebound clothesline for a close two-count. Bate heads to the turnbuckles, but Lee crotches him. Lee places Bate in the tree of woe and prepares for a double stomp, successfully connecting with it. Lee goes for a powerbomb, but Bate counters. Bate attempts the Tyler Driver 97, but Lee counters with a hurricanrana for a near fall. Bate throws a punch, but Lee dodges and hits Operation Dragon for the three-count.

Winner: Dragon Lee (retains the championship)

After the match, Bate and Lee display mutual respect by shaking hands and sharing a hug in the ring.

In the backstage area, Brooks and Josh discuss their recent success. Brooks acknowledges that Josh secured the victory by pinning Dar. Fallon apologizes for her previous actions involving Tiffany. Brooks points out that Josh’s style is more suited for one-round knockout matches, but Josh counters by mentioning his performance in the Iron Survivor Match, indicating his willingness to explore different strategies. Josh believes they should go after the title.

Meanwhile, Lexis King and Ava are shown outside Shawn Michaels’ door. Lexis inquires if Shawn is upset, to which Ava responds that everyone in the tournament is frustrated and they want Shawn to be part of it. Lexis credits Shawn for his ability to make things happen, and Ava agrees, stating that it’s only natural for him. She informs Lexis that, as a newcomer, he will replace Trey Bearhill in the tournament.

The situation with the Men’s Breakout Tournament continues to evolve.

Dijak vs. Eddy Thorpe

The brawl between Dijak and Eddy spills into the aisle, with Dijak forcefully sending Eddy into the ringside barrier and delivering a kick while Eddy is down. Eddy retaliates with a series of forearms and punches, but Dijak responds with powerful punches and forearm strikes. Dijak then sends Eddy into the apron and the announce table.

As they continue to battle, Dijak is propelled into the ring steps, giving Eddy an opportunity to regain some ground. Eddy takes advantage of the moment and sends Dijak into the ring. The match officially begins.

Eddy starts with a series of forearms, but Dijak counters by running Eddy into the turnbuckles. Eddy fights back with punches and kicks. During their struggle, the top turnbuckle comes off, and both Eddy and Dijak are left bleeding. Dijak uses the detached turnbuckle to strike Eddy in the midsection, prompting the referee to call for the bell.

Winner: Eddy Thorpe (by disqualification)

After the match, Dijak continues his assault on Eddy, repeatedly hitting him with the turnbuckle. Officials intervene to stop Dijak and urge him to leave, but Dijak returns and drops Eddy onto the middle turnbuckle, intensifying the brutality of the attack.

At Chase University, there’s an update on their fundraising efforts. They’ve managed to raise $66,000 from the bake sale and only $245 from the car wash. Duke expresses his disappointment at how little they’ve collected so far and comments on Andre’s current appearance, which seems less than ideal.

Thea expresses her interest in watching Riley Osborne’s match, and Andre allows her and Jacy to tune in.

During this time, Andre receives an idea for a new fundraising initiative.

The broadcast then goes to a commercial break.

In the locker room, Blair and Cora engage in a conversation. Blair voices her frustration, mentioning that Cora interrupted her moment. Cora responds by pointing out that Lyra also interrupted Blair, and if Lyra hadn’t done that, Cora wouldn’t have made her appearance. Blair makes it clear that when Cora eventually gets her title shot, it won’t be against Lyra. She asserts her intention to handle Nikkita, while Cora expresses her determination to deal with Lyra. The tension between the two competitors remains palpable as they each have their sights set on different opponents.

Keanu Carver vs. Riley Osborne in a First Round Match in the Breakout Tournament

Keanu and Riley kick off their match with a lock-up, but Keanu swiftly gains the upper hand and drives Riley to the mat. Riley responds with a side headlock. He manages to land on his feet when Keanu attempts a belly-to-back suplex, and Riley follows it up with a leg trip and a roll-up for a near fall. Riley gets another near fall and flips over Keanu, but he runs right into a clothesline from his opponent.

Keanu continues his offense with shoulders to Riley’s back and executes a powerful powerbomb, nearly securing a victory. He then applies a rear chin lock to maintain control. Riley fights back with punches, followed by a chop and a leg lariat. Riley further gains momentum with a dropkick that sends Keanu into the turnbuckles. However, Keanu responds with a devastating POUNCE that sends Riley to the apron.

Riley isn’t done yet, though, as he lands a kick from the apron and quickly heads to the top rope, hitting a picture-perfect shooting star press for the three-count victory.

Winner: Riley Osborne (advances to face the winner of Lexis King vs. Dion Lennox)

In the backstage area, Dragon Lee is met by Catch Point 3.0, who applaud his performance. Drew brings up the tribute to Wes and asks if it will be a recurring theme. Lee confirms that it will be a regular occurrence. Drew and the others agree and say they accept for the next week.

Lee then inquires about who will be stepping up to challenge him, but Drew hints that Lee will have to wait until next week to find out who his opponent will be. The anticipation for the next challenge in Dragon Lee’s NXT journey continues to build.

After returning from a break, Riley Osborne is seen walking backstage. Jacy, attempting to playfully intervene, pushes Thea into Riley.

Riley responds by expressing his appreciation for Thea being in the crowd for his match. Thea, in turn, expresses her gratitude toward Riley and engages in a brief conversation. She asks Riley if he is from the local area, to which he responds that he is from the UK. Riley then mentions that he needs to take a shower, but Thea casually assures him that he smells just fine.

Kiana James and Izzi Dame enter the scene and playfully tease Thea about her crush on Riley. The backstage interactions add a touch of lightheartedness to the post-match moments.

Nikkita Lyons and Lyra Valkyria vs. Cora Jade and Blair Davenport

Lyra and Blair kick off the match with a lock-up, but Lyra quickly takes control with a waist lock, a snapmare, and a rollup for a near fall. Blair responds with a leg sweep and her own cover. Blair then executes a snapmare but misses a kick. Lyra also misses a spinning back heel kick, and the exchange ends in a stalemate.

Cora tags in, and Lyra continues the match with forearms. Cora attempts an Irish whip, but Lyra leaps over her and delivers a hip toss. Lyra follows it up with a side headlock takedown. When Cora attempts to tag Blair, Lyra kicks Blair’s hand away to prevent the tag. Instead, she continues to kick Blair and ultimately hits a bulldog on Cora for a near fall. Lyra then executes an Irish whip and tags in Nikkita Lyons.

Lyons tosses Cora across the ring and demands Blair to enter the match. Lyons attempts a slam on Cora, but Cora manages to get back to her feet. Blair seizes the opportunity to grab Lyons’ leg, and Cora follows up with a knee to Lyons’ back. Blair tags back in and connects with a neckbreaker for a near fall. Cora tags in once more, and she chokes Lyons in the ropes before hitting a splash to the back for another near fall. Blair returns to the match and continues to dominate by kicking Lyons in the corner. Blair then executes a snapmare followed by a dropkick to Lyons’ back, resulting in another near fall. Blair intensifies her offense by applying a cobra clutch.

The match continues with Blair and Cora working together to maintain control over Nikkita Lyons.

In the match, Lyons tries to fight back with punches, but Blair responds with a back elbow. Cora tags in and delivers kicks to Lyons. Cora follows up with a springboard double stomp to the back, nearly securing a pinfall. She then sends Lyons face-first into the mat and tries to prevent her from reaching her corner. Cora delivers a forearm to Lyons’ back and goes after Lyra. Lyons eventually counters with a rollup for a near fall and follows it up with a punch.

Blair tags back in and attempts to grab Lyons’ legs, but Lyons powers out and tags in Lyra. Lyra enters the ring with a series of clotheslines, a crossbody, a back heel kick, and a headbutt to the midsection. Lyra proceeds with kicks and executes a fisherman’s buster on Blair. She then dropkicks Blair through the ropes to the outside.

Tatum Paxley appears on the ringside barrier, holding a feather. However, Lyra misses a frog splash attempt, and Blair goes for a suplex, which Lyons manages to block. Cora delivers a forearm to Lyons, but Lyra responds with an enzuigiri. Blair hits a Falcon Arrow on Lyra for a near fall. Lyons sends Cora to the outside, but Blair kicks Lyons. Cora tags in, and she and Lyra accidentally collide, allowing Blair to capitalize with a Bea Trigger. Cora gets the three-count for the victory.

Winners: Blair Davenport and Cora Jade

After the match, Tatum Paxley sends Nikkita Lyons to the floor, and she crawls up to Lyra, embracing her.

In the backstage area, Tank and Hank contemplate their upcoming match against Gallus next week. Hank expresses their willingness to prove themselves against Gallus if necessary. However, Mark and Wolfgang from Gallus approach them and suggest they reconsider.

Joe Gacy enters the scene and talks about the benefits of enjoying a cup of coffee, referring to himself as “Joe.” He assures Tank and Hank that he won’t get involved in their match and that they can trust him.

Next week’s matches are announced: Tavion Heights vs. Luca Crusifino, Lexis King vs. Dion Lennox, Jacy Jayne and Thea Hail vs. Kiana James and Izzi Dame, Tiffany Stratton vs. Fallon Henley, and Dragon Lee defends the North American Championship against a member of the No Quarter Catch Crew.

Trick Williams is shown walking in the backstage area, setting the stage for what’s to come after a commercial break.

Trick James takes a moment to reflect on his recent victory at Deadline, calling it a “movie.” He acknowledges that he entered the match with four of the best in NXT and emerged as the Iron Survivor. Trick mentions that he usually comes out to criticize his opponents, but tonight he has a different message. He reveals that he’s heard NXT will have an awards show at the end of the year and wants the match from Deadline to be recognized as Match of the Year. Trick emphasizes that he was in the ring with some incredible competitors, but they should never forget that he’s been ballin’ throughout his entire career. He proudly declares himself as “number 23 in LA” and asserts his identity as Trick James.

Trick then shifts his focus to New Year’s Evil, where he hints at a showdown with the “baddest man in NXT” and proclaims himself as the hottest NXT Superstar.

However, before Trick can continue, Ilja Dragunov interrupts and heads to the ring. Ilja acknowledges that a few months ago, they stood in the same ring, and Trick thanked him for pushing him to a new level. He expresses his admiration for Trick’s courage and how proud he is of him. Ilja admits that he couldn’t watch the match live because he was preparing for his own bout but watched it later. He commends Trick for snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in the final moments. Ilja mentions that he thought he would have had a conversation with someone else, but Trick is currently riding a wave of momentum and has become the talk of WWE.

With respect for Trick’s journey, Ilja states that at New Year’s Evil, it will all come to an end. He sets the stage for what promises to be an intense showdown between the two talented competitors.

As the tension escalates in the ring, Trick James responds to Ilja Dragunov’s earlier statement. Trick mentions that if Ilja had said those words a few months ago, he might have questioned whether he had what it takes to defeat Ilja Dragunov. However, Trick confidently asserts that he is now the man in NXT and declares his intention to beat the best NXT has to offer, becoming the next champion in the process.

Ilja Dragunov, while expressing his liking for Trick, emphasizes the immense sacrifices he made to become champion and his determination to do whatever it takes to stay champion.

Carmelo Hayes interrupts the conversation, apologizing for the interruption but insisting that the matter at hand needs immediate attention. Trick initially dismisses him, but Hayes insists that they address it now. He reveals that he knows who attacked Trick and that it’s the same person who attacked him.

Ilja Dragunov seems perplexed and unsure of what’s happening, while Hayes goes on to accuse Ilja of being the attacker. Hayes suggests that Ilja gains more by keeping them separated and implies that Ilja’s earlier comments were meant to create division between them and secure his control.

Ilja, maintaining his innocence, denies attacking Hayes and questions what Hayes is trying to create with these accusations. Trick, shocked by the revelation, asks Ilja if he really said that.

Ilja reiterates that he did not attack Trick and advises Trick to talk to his friend (Hayes).

Hayes insists that they are now on the same page, and there’s nothing left to discuss. He tells Ilja that he needs to experience losing something and grabs the championship belt. A tug-of-war ensues between Hayes and Ilja over the title, resulting in Hayes ultimately releasing the belt and using it to hit Trick.

The situation intensifies, leaving the NXT universe with numerous questions as the show comes to an end.