Trick Williams and Roxanne Perez emerged victorious in key matches at NXT’s Stand & Deliver event, which took place hours before Night 1 of WrestleMania 40. Williams faced off against Carmelo Hayes in the main event, marking the first time two Black men headlined an NXT premium live event. The crowd was firmly behind Williams as he eventually defeated Hayes with a Flash Knee for the win. Meanwhile, Perez sought to reclaim the NXT women’s championship she technically never lost, facing Lyra Valkyria. After targeting Valkyria’s arm throughout the match, Perez made her tap out to become a two-time NXT women’s champion.
Despite the intense competition, there were no other title changes on the card. Baron Corbin and Bron Breakker retained their NXT tag-team championship with a victory over Axiom and Nathan Frazer. Oba Femi also held onto the NXT North American championship after defeating Dijak and Josh Briggs. In another match, Ilija Dragunov successfully defended the NXT championship by defeating Tony D’Angelo. Additionally, Joe Gacy secured a win by pinning Shawn Spears, while Fallon Henley, Kelani Jordan, and Thea Hail emerged victorious in a tag-team match against Izzi Dame, Jacy Jayne, and Kiana James.
The atmosphere at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia was electric as fans witnessed the historic main event between Williams and Hayes. Williams managed to counter Hayes’ high-flying maneuvers and locked in a spinning boot to the face to secure the win. On the other hand, Perez strategically targeted Valkyria’s arm throughout their match, ultimately making her tap out to regain the NXT women’s championship. The event showcased the depth of talent and competitive spirit within the NXT roster, with each match delivering high-energy action and excitement for the fans in attendance.
Prior to the matches at Stand & Deliver, WWE star Cody Rhodes shared insights into his preparation for WrestleMania 40, where he was set to main event both nights. His dedication to honing his skills and perfecting his craft demonstrated the level of commitment required to succeed in the highly competitive world of professional wrestling. As the anticipation for WrestleMania continued to build, Rhodes’ focus and determination set the stage for a series of epic showdowns and memorable moments that would captivate audiences around the world.
In addition to the gripping matches and intense rivalries, Stand & Deliver also featured compelling storylines and unpredictable twists that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The event showcased the diverse range of talent within the NXT roster, with athletes like Williams, Perez, and Dragunov shining in their respective matches. From hard-hitting tag-team bouts to dramatic title defenses, Stand & Deliver offered a mix of athleticism, drama, and entertainment that delivered a truly memorable experience for fans and participants alike. As the dust settled on an action-packed event, the stage was set for an unforgettable weekend of wrestling at WrestleMania 40, where the superstars of NXT and WWE would continue to showcase their skills and make history in the ring.
