The landscape for the NXT North American Championship at Stand and Deliver is taking shape, and tonight’s episode of NXT will feature a high-stakes gauntlet match to determine the next challenger. WWE has confirmed a new participant in the grueling contest: Charlie Dempsey, adding another layer of intrigue to the already competitive field.
Dempsey joins Jackson Drake, Dion Lennox, and Shiloh Hill as confirmed entrants in the gauntlet, which will ultimately crown the opponent for reigning champion Myles Borne. The announcement came via a video shared by Robert Stone, the interim NXT General Manager, who also teased that a fifth and final competitor will be revealed during tonight’s broadcast. Fans eager to know the full lineup will need to tune in to witness who completes the challenge.
For Dempsey, this opportunity comes as he continues to solidify his position within the Birth Right faction, alongside Lexis King, Arianna Grace, Stacks, and Uriah Connors. The son of the legendary William Regal, Dempsey has already demonstrated his in-ring prowess in WWE, having held the Heritage Cup Championship on two separate occasions. WWE’s official website details his career highlights and current alignment.
The stakes are particularly high for Myles Borne, who captured the North American Championship from Ethan Page last month. As reported by WWE.com, Borne’s victory marked a significant moment in his career, and he will undoubtedly be closely watching the gauntlet match to assess his next opponent. The pressure is on for all contenders to prove they have what it takes to dethrone the current champion.
The Road to Stand and Deliver 2026
Stand and Deliver 2026 is scheduled for April 4 in St. Louis, Missouri, making tonight’s NXT episode the penultimate broadcast before the premium live event. The gauntlet match is a crucial component of the build-up, promising a physically demanding and strategically complex contest. The winner will not only earn a championship opportunity but also gain significant momentum heading into the showdown with Borne.
Tonight’s NXT Lineup: A Full Card
Beyond the highly anticipated gauntlet match, tonight’s NXT promises a diverse range of action. Here’s a complete rundown of the scheduled matches:
- Ricky Saints with Ethan Page vs Tony D’Angelo
- Number one contender’s gauntlet eliminator match: Jackson Drake vs Dion Lennox vs Shiloh Hill vs Charlie Dempsey vs TBA (Winner earns a North American Championship match against Myles Borne at Stand and Deliver)
- Sol Ruca and Zaria face to face
- Tag team number one contender’s tournament match: Eli Knight and Elio LeFluer vs The Culling featuring Shawn Spears and Niko Vance
- Thea Hail vs Kelani Jordan
- Fatal Influence featuring Lainey Reid and Fallon Henley vs Wren Sinclair and Kendal Grey
Dempsey’s Path and the Birth Right Influence
Charlie Dempsey’s inclusion in the gauntlet match is particularly intriguing given his recent association with the Birth Right faction. The group, known for its calculated and often disruptive tactics, has been steadily gaining influence within NXT. Stacks and 2.0, a key component of Birth Right, have been vocal in their support of Dempsey, and their influence could play a role in the outcome of the gauntlet match.
Dempsey’s technical wrestling style, honed through years of training, makes him a formidable opponent. His two reigns as Heritage Cup Champion demonstrate his ability to adapt and overcome challenges within the unique ruleset of that competition. Still, the gauntlet format demands not only technical skill but also endurance and strategic awareness.
What’s Next for NXT
As NXT heads towards Stand and Deliver 2026, the stakes will only continue to rise. The outcome of tonight’s gauntlet match will have a significant impact on the North American Championship picture, and the revelation of the final entrant promises to add another layer of unpredictability. Fans can expect a compelling and action-packed episode as NXT continues to build towards its next premium live event.
The next episode of NXT will air on April 1st, continuing the build to Stand and Deliver. Keep an eye on WWE’s official NXT page for the latest updates, match announcements, and exclusive content.
What are your thoughts on Charlie Dempsey’s addition to the gauntlet match? Share your predictions and reactions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow wrestling fans!
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