Next week’s WWE NXT in Lowell, MA, just got a whole lot spicier. Eddy Thorpe managed to secure an NXT Championship match against reigning champ Trick Williams—but not without pulling a fast one on, well, everybody.
Thorpe was supposed to compete in the Iron Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline, having earned his spot in a grueling last-chance four-way match. But in a mysterious twist, Thorpe was attacked before the match, forcing him to forfeit his opportunity. Oba Femi, who replaced him, went on to win the challenge and become the number-one contender.
Naturally, Thorpe wasn’t about to take this lying down. On Tuesday’s NXT, he confronted Femi and Williams in the ring, accusing Femi of orchestrating the attack that sidelined him. Femi brushed him off, focused solely on his own upcoming title opportunity. Undeterred, Thorpe shifted his attention to Williams, and the champ—never one to back down from a fight—accepted his challenge for next week.
The Big Reveal
Just when it seemed like the pieces were falling into place, Thorpe dropped a bombshell. During a contract signing with NXT General Manager Ava, Thorpe admitted he had faked the attack to skip the Iron Survivor match entirely and go straight to a title shot. Yes, you read that right: Eddy Thorpe went full soap opera villain.
Now, Williams faces a double challenge. First, he has to defend his title against Thorpe next week in Lowell. Then, if he succeeds, he’ll move on to face Femi at New Year’s Evil. This will mark Williams’ fourth and fifth defenses of his second NXT Championship reign, which began in October when he dethroned Ethan Page.
What’s Next?
With Williams juggling two contenders and Thorpe’s sneaky tactics adding fuel to the fire, next week’s title match is shaping up to be a must-watch. Will Thorpe’s mind games pay off, or will Trick Williams prove once again why he’s the champ? One thing’s for sure: the road to New Year’s Evil just got a lot bumpier.