NXT Deadline 2023 Guide: Match Card, Predictions (2024)

NXT added a new premium live event to its calendar in 2022. Dubbed Deadline, the PLE appears to have been slotted into the wider WWE schedule to fill the gap between Survivor Series and Royal Rumble. With TLC removed from the calendar, and Day 1 lasting all of one year, there's a big wait between the two PLEs.

When Is NXT Deadline 2023?

NXT is here to save the day as Deadline will seemingly be a regular thing, returning for year two on December 9, 2023. Taking place on a Saturday, as has become customary for most WWE premium live events now, the main card will begin at 8 pm EST with its kick-off shows starting an hour earlier.

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How Can I Watch NXT Deadline 2023?

Deadline will not be a themed edition of NXT's regular weekly show. It's a premium live event which means if you live in the US, you will need to be subscribed to Peaco*ck if you want to watch it live. Fans outside the US can watch live on the WWE Network or through whichever platform carries the service in your part of the world

Where Is NXT Deadline 2023 Taking Place?

The era of NXT shows airing from the Performance Center every week is behind us. WWE's third brand is back out on the road, and that means Deadline will be airing live from the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport Connecticut. Basically a home game for WWE, taking place right there in HQ's backyard.

Ilja Dragunov vs. Baron Corbin

Another Chance For The Lone Wolf To Win Gold In NXT

Baron Corbin has experienced a new lease on life in NXT. Enjoying a successful run without anyone who calls the brand home having to suffer in the process, the former Money in the Bank winner has earned himself a second shot at the NXT Title. A championship now around the waist of Ilja Dragunov.

Dragunov worked very hard for a long time to win the title, and he won't be losing it anytime soon. Definitely not to Corbin at Deadline at least. Like pretty much every Dragunov match though, the one thing you can be sure of is this bout will be a hard-hitting one.

Women's Iron Survivor Challenge

Tiffany Stratton, Lash Legend, Blair Davenport, Kelani Jordan, And Fallon Henley

Remember NXT's Iron Survivor matches? Even if you do, you might have forgotten the rules. Fear not, WWE has provided a refresher if you've forgotten. The short version is there are five competitors, they enter the match at timed intervals, and whoever has the most falls once the time limit has expired is the winner.

WWE has had legends return to select Superstars for qualifying matches. In the women's match, Tiffany Stratton and Lash Legend won the matches Mick Foley set up, and Kelani Jordan, Blair Davenport, and Fallon Henley have qualified since. Of everyone who has qualified so far, Jordan is my pick to win.

Roxanne Perez vs. Kiana James

In A Solid Steel Cage

If it seems odd that two of NXT's top female stars haven't been included in the Iron Survivor match above, it's because the rivalry between these two effectively revolves around each of them stopping the other from qualifying. That rivalry has built to such a point that Perez and James will need to settle things inside a steel cage.

Perez has a very bright, very long future in WWE and will almost certainly win this match. However, James has been an unexpected asset in NXT and I have no doubt despite losing, she will come out of this match looking pretty darn good too.

Men's Iron Survivor Challenge

Dijak, Trick Williams, Bron Breakker, Josh Briggs, And Tyler Bate

The men will be competing in an Iron Survivor Challenge match too. The same number of spots available and the same rules apply. Trick Williams, who is really on the ascension right now, and Dijak were the first two to qualify followed by Bron Breakker, Josh Briggs, and Tyler Bate. Also worth noting winning these matches earns the victor a shot at the NXT Title or the NXT Women's Championship.

I mentioned Williams is on the ascension, and that's why he's my pick to win this one. The issues between him and Carmelo Hayes will be kicked up a notch as Williams wins this match, earns a title shot, and potentially even leapfrogs the man who was once his mentor.

Dominik Mysterio vs. Dragon Lee

Dirty Dom's North American Title Reign Continues

Dominik Mysterio's stay in NXT has lasted a lot longer than I expected it to, but I think that's a good thing. Not only has he elevated the North American Title by being its champion, but spending time in NXT has improved his wrestling prowess and more importantly, his character work.

I don't think Mysterio is done in NXT just yet, but I can see WWE throwing a twist our way in this match. Dragon Lee wins the title in this match and Mysterio to get punished by Mami for the defeat.

Lexis King vs. Carmelo Hayes

Time For King To Prove He Has It

Lexis King, formerly Brian Pillman Jr, was considered a significant get by WWE when they stole him from AEW. A few months into his NXT run and now those same fans aren't so sure. My guess is he's been put opposite Carmelo Hayes, who oozes charisma, to see if signing him was worth it.

There's an outside chance WWE tries to force the issue here by having King win. I don't think that's the direction they go, though. Hayes to win, but more importantly, his mission will be to get a memorable match out of King which may determine the second-generation star's path in WWE.

Nathan Frazer vs. Axiom

NXT's Most Athletic On The Kick-Off Show

WWE's kick off shows were created as a way to get fans not subscribed to the WWE Network a reason to sign up and watch the show starting less than 60 minutes later. With that in mind, the best kind of match to put out there is one involving athletic stars that will wow casual fans. This is that, and I'm fairly certain Nathan Frazer will pick up the win.