Since the October 17th edition of NXT, where Trick Williams was taken out backstage before a number 1 contenders match, the brand had been running a storyline of who was behind the attack.
Both Lexis King and Carmelo Hayes had been the top suspects, and the two men would square off at NXT Deadline after weeks of jabs and denials about who was behind the attack of Hayes' close friend. King would also cost Hayes a chance at being in the Iron Survivor Challenge at the show before the pair were booked for the Premium Live Event in this singles bout. Prior to the match, Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes were seen warming up together backstage.
"You just make sure you take care of business tonight"
— WWE (@WWE) December 10, 2023
Will it be a successful night for Trick Melo Gang? --#NXTDeadline pic.twitter.com/G93zfNW4KM
Early on in the match, Carmelo did not want to shake hands with Lexis King. Soon, Hayes would begin to focus on King's hand. King would begin to fight back, showing off his brash viciousness that has come with his new character. He would slow the match down, controlling the match for several minutes despite brief flashes from Hayes. The two men would both take a nasty spill to the outside from the top rope, Carmelo would begin to fight back.
The two men would trade strikes, with Carmelo beginning to build momentum for the first time in the match, earning himself a near fall on King. After some more exchanges, Carmelo would head to the top rope, hitting Nothing But Net for the victory.
After the match, King would take a microphone and said he wasn't the one who attacked Trick, but thanked Melo for the Premium Live Event spot.
HMMMM#NXTDeadline pic.twitter.com/gzsiL5Asxz
— s e t h (@futurafreesky) December 10, 2023
For the full results as the show continues to air, you can find them here.
