In a showdown that had more moving parts than a mob movie subplot, Tony D’Angelo retained his NXT North American Championship against Ridge Holland on Tuesday’s episode of WWE NXT. Naturally, no good wrestling drama is complete without interference, distractions, and just the right amount of backroom deals.
Holland, who has spent the last few weeks ambushing “The Don” like an overzealous parking enforcement officer, finally got his title shot. The match kicked off with a flurry, as both men locked up while The Family—D’Angelo’s loyal entourage—watched from ringside. But as in all great stories, the plot thickened.
Cue Shawn Spears. The Chairman sauntered down the ramp mid-match, his presence alone enough to distract D’Angelo. Not to be outdone, Brooks Jensen and Niko Van (a tag team that seems to have a Ph.D. in escalating chaos) appeared to brawl with Luca Crusifino and Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo. Ringside quickly became a scene that resembled a Black Friday sale at a discount electronics store.
While “The Don” juggled distractions like a circus performer, it looked like Ridge Holland might actually pull off a victory. That is, until Izzi Dame entered the fray, slipping through the crowd like a scene-stealing supporting character. With a devastating big boot to Holland, she tipped the scales in D’Angelo’s favor, allowing him to seal the pin.
Dame then addressed D’Angelo post-match, declaring that her interference squared the ledger after he recently protected her from Spears’ recruitment efforts. It was a moment of mutual respect—or at least mutual scheming.
In the end, the champ walked out with his belt, Holland walked out nursing a bruised ego, and Dame walked out reminding everyone she’s not just a wildcard—she’s the ace up the sleeve.