The August 20 edition of WWE NXT set the stage for the No Mercy event with key matches and developments. Joe Hendry, Wes Lee, and Pete Dunne competed in a triple threat match to become the No. 1 contender for the NXT Championship, while a Gauntlet Eliminator match determined the contender for Roxanne Perez's NXT Women's Championship. Additionally, other notable matches included Lola Vice vs. Wendy Choo and Hank Walker and Tank Ledger facing Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. WWE confirmed that Asuka, who has been absent since May due to a knee injury, remains under contract and is not expected to return this year. Charlotte Flair, also recovering from a torn ACL, is anticipated to make her return in November, potentially in time for WWE Survivor Series 2024.