TripleMania XXXIV Night One
Date: September 11, 2026
Location: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada
Commentators: Corey Graves, John Bradshaw Layfield

It’s the first TripleMania under the WWE banner and the card is big enough that it’s split up into two parts. There are multiple title matches tonight, though there is a good chance that Rey Mysterio vs. Omos for the latter’s future in AAA will be headlining. We also have the chance that someone could be coming in as a surprise so let’s get go it.

The opening video, as narrated by Rey Mysterio, talks about the risks you have to take in Las Vegas and how it is time for AAA to deal their first hand. The deck of cards theme has me rather intrigued, as they would look great on the wrestling shelf of my card collection (Owning nearly 2,700 decks of playing cards is perfectly normal right?).

Adelicious/Mascarita Sagrada/Mini Vikingo vs. Lady Shani/Mini Abismo Negro/Jack Cartwheel

Shani and Adelicious trade rollups to start and Adelicions cartwheels away…and we pause as Shani falls down without being touched (she might have taken a shot off the cartwheel but if she did, it looked to be a quick grazing). The camera stays on Adelicious as the medics are down to check on Shani (who appears to be conscious) and Adelicious tags in Sagrada for a springboard armdrag to Abismo.

A slingshot hilo gives Sagrada two and it’s off to Cartwheel to face Vikingo. The trade flips of their own for a staredown, with JBL being rather pleased. Cartwheel takes over and Abismo takes over with a slam as JBL rants about Abismo not being mini at all. Vikingo gets in a pop up hurricanrana for a breather but Abismo bites Vikingo’s foot.

The tag brings in Sagrada for a middle rope crossbody and Cartwheel’s saving splash hits Abismo by mistake. Cartwheel monkey flips Sagrada into a hurricanrana to Abismo, allowing Sagrada to actually suplex Cartwheel. Adelicious comes in and dives onto Cartwheel and Abismo, leaving Vikingo to add his own running flip dive. Back in and Vikingo’s shooting star press finishes Abismo at 9:07.

Rating: B-. This was the kind of fun match you would have expected and they were flying all over the place. Vikingo is still one of the smoothest fliers around and it’s cool to see getting a chance to shine as a bigger deal. More importantly though, hopefully Shani just got shaken up and is ok, as that was a scary moment.

LWO vs. Tokyo Bad Boys vs. Fraxiom vs. Los Americanos

Elimination rules. Bravo cleans house to start, including a pop up knee to Wilde. Everything breaks down and we get a Fraxiom vs. Los Americanos staredown. Bravo knocks del Toro outside again and it’s time for the rapid fire suicide dives. Back in and del Toro takes over on Frazer but Wilde is busy applying hairspray. A knee to the face drops Frazer and he gets caught in the Tree Of Woe, with del Toro hitting a heck of a Coast To Coast. The Bad Boys pull Axiom to the floor and pound him down but Wilde hairsprays del Toro by mistake. That lets Fraxiom double kick del Toro down for the elimination at 5:55.

Frazer dropkicks Bravo but Takuma tags himself in to take over. Back up and Takuma hits a heck of a springboard flip dive to hit Axiom and Rayo on the floor but a moonsault lands on raised knees back inside. It’s back to Bravo for an airplane spin and giant swing to both Bad Boys at once, with Takuma being dropped onto Kento. Takuma rakes Bravo’s eyes to escape and it’s a pair of stereo top rope high/lows to get rid of the Boys at 9:51.

So we’re down to Los Americanos vs. Fraxiom, with Rayo splashing Frazer for a fast two. Frazer is fine enough to run the corner for a superplex into a Falcon Arrow and they’re both down again. Bravo comes back in to powerbomb Axiom, with Frazer having to make a save. Back up and Axiom grabs a springboard moonsault DDT for two, with Graves pointing out that it was the same move from the Rey Mysterio/Eddie Guerrero Halloween Havoc match in the same building.

Axiom missile dropkicks Fraxiom by mistake and Rayo gives Axiom the Bitter End. A super hurricanrana into a top rope splash gets two on Frazer in a heck of a false finish. Axiom is back up with a super Spanish Fly into the Phoenix splash from Frazer for a rather near fall, with Bravo making the save again. Frazer grabs both Americanos but gets his fingers snapped to put him in trouble again. A Russian legsweep/springboard headbutt combination finishes Frazer to give Los Americanos the win at 17:42.

Rating: B. This was the insane collection of flying spots and everyone going nuts and that’s all it should have been. It’s a showcase that works every time and it more than worked here. They did drag it out a bit too long in the end, but those false finishes when it was down to two teams boosted it back up. Rather entertaining match.

Marisela Pena is going into the Hall Of Fame at Heroes Immortales.

Video on the four way for the Reina de Reinas title shot at Worlds Collide.

Nattie vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Faby Apache vs. La Hiedra

For a shot at Flammer at Worlds Collide, with Flammer on commentary. It’s a brawl to start with Perez sending Apache into the steps but getting cut off by Hiedra. Nattie is back in to slug it out with Hiedra and hurricanrana her into the corner. Apache comes back too and it’s a pair of stereo surfboards to Perez and Hiedra. With that broken up, Nattie hammers Apache but gets knocked back into the corner.

La Mistica gives Perez two on Apache but Nattie’s Sharpshooter is broken up. Apache’s reverse Figure Four is broken up and Perez gets in the crossface, with Hiedra making the save. Nattie is back in with the Sharpshooter to Perez until Apache makes the save. Hiedra is back up with a Michinoku Driver for two on Perez, which brings in Flammer with the belt. The big swing misses Perez and almost hits Hiedra by mistake. Perez sends Hiedra into Flammer for a crash to the floor before Pop Rox gives Perez the pin at 9:04.

Rating: B-. So it seems like we’re coming up on Hiedra and Flammer splitting, which could certainly be a way to finally end Flammer’s title reign. Perez getting the win was one of two ways to go here, as Apache and Nattie winning just wasn’t that interesting. At the very least, it’s some fresh blood in the title picture and that’s a good idea.

Post match Flammer and Hiedra do not seem pleased with each other.

Some men give Rey Mysterio luck for the night when El Grande Americano comes in. Americano is grateful for everything Mysterio has done for everyone and hopes that Mysterio wins tonight. That would mean Americano can win the Mega Title, but he’ll always be by Mysterio’s side. Mysterio says he was at the first TripleMania but he’s up against a giant. He has the heart that Omos doesn’t have and he’s faced giants before so he’ll end this tonight.

We recap the Latin American Title match. La Parka won the title a few weeks ago and now Mr. Iguana wants a shot, even if he and Parka are friends. Laredo Kid is involved too.

Latin American Title: La Parka vs. Laredo Kid vs. Mr. Iguana

Parka is defending. They trade superkicks to start and Kid takes over before knocking Iguana outside. Kid slaps Parka for a middle rope Vader Bomb, followed by a middle rope moonsault for two. Iguana is back up and gets armdragged down onto Kid for quite the odd landing. Parka moonsaults off the ropes onto the two of them and a rolling cutter gets two on Kid back inside.

A crucifix driver gives Iguana two so Kid pounds him on the mat. Iguana’s Shining Wizard gets two but Kid sends him outside for a suicide dive. Parka gets sent into the barricade, leaving Kid to bust out the big flip dive. Back in and Kid’s 450 gets two on Iguana, with Parka’s great dropkick getting the same on Kid. Parka dives onto Kid, and then goes back up top and super Spanish Flys both of them for the triple down.

Kid’s poisonrana gets two on Parka and Iguana is back in with a top rope headbutt to put Kid down. A spinning bulldog gets two with Parka pulling Iguana to the floor. That and a Doomsday Device have Iguana down again, with the friendship not seeming to matter at the moment. Back in and Parka Bone Breakers Kid for the pin at 12:52.

Rating: B-. Maybe it’s having so many multi-person matches on the show but I couldn’t quite get into this one. It felt more like just a bunch of moves until Parka hit his finisher to win. That’s not the most interesting concept in the world and while I guess we’re coming up on Iguana vs. Parka, this was only so much of a good way to get there.

Trios Titles: Psycho Circus vs. Los Perros del Mal

The Clowns are defending (for the first time in over a year, with Psycho replacing Panic) and Karmen Petrovic is here with Los Perros. Berto gets taken into the ropes to start with the Clowns triple teaming him, including a running splash from Psycho. Daga trips Dave down though and it’s time for a beating on the floor. Dave’s leg is wrapped around the post and Daga hammers away. Dave finally fights out and brings in Murder for a double Samoan drop to Daga and Angel.

Murder goes up for a big dive to the floor but cue El Carnicero to attack Dave, with Psycho giving him a heck of a running right hand. Psycho and Carnicero brawl into the crowd and it’s down to 3-2. Daga suplexes Murder for two and a huge superplex leaves them both down. Petrovic gets up for a distraction though and Berto crashes into Dave over the barricade. That leaves Murder to get caught with a top rope double stomp to give Gaga the pin at 10:36.

Rating: B. This was a better match than most of the show and it might just be due to there being a more coherent story. Carnicero is there to go after the Clowns for whatever reason and they couldn’t overcome the numbers advantage from another good team. It’s not like the titles mean anything but Los Perros desperately needed a win after the last few weeks.

We recap Omos vs. Rey Mysterio. Omos attacked Mysterio (General Manager) and got suspended. Omos came back anyway and the match was set up, with the suspension being lifted if he wins but his AAA career being over if he loses.

Rey Mysterio vs. Omos

El Grande Americano, Dorian Roldan and Dominik Mysterio are here too. Rey is in gear inspired by his Halloween Havoc 1997 attire, which makes perfect sense. We get the bizarre looking staredown before Rey tries to frustrate Omos with the speed. Some kicks to the leg don’t do much to Omos, who sends Rey into the corner (and not exactly gracefully). Back up and Rey tries rolling to the floor, with Omos catching him but then getting dropped onto the barricade.

Omos, in front of Rey’s wife, gorilla presses him back inside as Rey is in big trouble. Some right hands don’t do Rey any good as Omos grabs the bearhug. That’s broken up and it’s right back to the bearhug, with Americano looking more and more desperate on the floor. Rey finally crawls out and knocks him into the ropes, with Omos’ arms getting tied up. Dominik pulls Rey to the floor but here is Americano making a diving save (like a superhero) and knocking Dominik over the announcers’ table.

Rey gets in a chair shot and hurricanranas Omos into the buckle. There’s a pair of 619s and JBL freaks out, as you would expect him to when Rey has success. Another 619 to the knee sets up a regular one to the face and a top rope splash gets two. Dominik is back up to chair Americano, including ramming it into his throat. Back up and Omos hits a big boot into a chokeslam for the pin at 12:36.

Rating: B. This was a perfectly nice story, with Rey trying everything he could to chop the giant down but not being able to get there. That should be the case with a giant like Omos, who is best used as a special attraction like this. Don’t have him out there every week and ruin his special appeal. It worked well here and I had a good time with the whole thing, even if it dragged a bit at the beginning.

Post match Omos drops a bunch of elbows on Rey, who is taken out on a stretcher. Well almost as he’s attached to the stretcher but Omos comes back to take Rey’s neck brace off. The announcers’ table is loaded up and Omos chokeslams Rey (still attached to the back board) through the table to end the show. That’s a heck of a bump and JBL not worrying about Rey at all is always funny.

Overall Rating: B-. The last two matches helped this a lot but this did have some weak points, with the multi-person matches getting tiresome after a bit. Things did get better with the main event and the Trios Titles match, but they really needed to mix things up a bit at first. Overall, good enough show though and the second half should work well, hopefully with a hotter crowd in Mexico.

Results
Adelicious/Mini Vikingo/Mascarita Sagrada b. Mini Abismo Negro/Jack Cartwheel/Lady Shani – Shooting star press to Abismo
Los Americanos b. LWO, Tokyo Bad Boys and Fraxiom last eliminating Fraxiom
Roxanne Perez b. Faby Apache, Nattie and La Hiedra – Pop Rox to Hiedra
La Parka b. Laredo Kid and Mr. Iguana – Bone Breaker to Kid
Los Perros del Mal b. Psycho Circus – Top rope double stomp to Murder
Omos b. Rey Mysterio – Chokeslam

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Heatwave 2026
Date: August 30, 2026
Location: Bert Ogden Arena, Edinburg, Texas
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

It’s another big event and the card looks to be backing it up. We have a four way for the NXT Title with Tony D’Angelo defending against a trio of challengers in Grayson Waller, Cruz Montana and Zilla Fatu. Other than that, the Women’s Title is on the line with Kendal Grey defending against Mercedes Mone. Let’s get to it.

The opening video looks at how hot it gets in Texas and how hot it has gotten in NXT, with a focus on the bigger matches on the card.

Women’s North American Title/Women’s Speed Title: Zaria vs. Wren Sinclair vs. Kali Armstrong

Zaria (North American) and Sinclair (Speed) are defending and this is a unification match, winner take all. They trade the rollups to start fast and Armstrong is sent outside, which just seems to make her mad. Back in and Zaria suplexes both of them (barely getting Sinclair over) before nailing a big boot each. Sinclair is knocked outside and Armstrong hits a big charge to take Zaria out. Another charge misses Sinclair though and Armstrong crashes into the steps as we take a break.

We come back with Armstrong spinebustering Zaria for two but charging into Sinclair’s elbow in the corner. Sinclair’s high crossbody takes out the two of them at the same time Sinclair chokes Zaria, who cannonballs the two of them into Armstrong in the corner. Armstrong sitout powerbombs Zaria for two, with Sinclair diving back in for the save.

The Final Wrench is blocked so Zaria spears both of them down. The Kali Connection is loaded up but countered into an F5, which is countered just as fast. Now the Final Wrench has Zaria in trouble, with Armstrong making the save. Sinclair is sent outside and it’s the spear into the F5 to finish Armstrong and give Zaria the titles at 11:46.

Rating: B-. It was a pretty basic triple threat match and that’s the right way to go in a match like this. The Speed Title needs to go away and having Zaria run through both of them is a good way to get rid of it. It’s not a match that burned the house down, but it’s something that took care of a job in an entertaining enough way, which I’ll take for an opener.

Cruz Montana is here to accomplish his dream and he thrives with his head on a swivel.

Tag Team Titles: Vanity Project vs. Myles Borne/Tavion Heights

Borne and Heights are defending and it’s Borne against Baylor to start things off. Borne takes over without much trouble and it’s off to Heights for a gutbuster, meaning the Project needs a meeting on the floor. The distraction means Borne gets taken down with a cheap shot and a slingshot knee to the back has him in more trouble as we take a break.

We come back with Heights cleaning house, with an ankle lock having Baylor in trouble. A rake to the eyes breaks that up and Smokes dropkicks Heights down. Heights kicks his way out of the corner though and a diving shoulder/tag is enough to bring Borne back in. House is quickly cleaned, with Smokes being neckbreakered while DDTing Baylor at the same time. Back up and a dropkick/spinebuster combination gets two on Borne, who is chopped into the corner for the tag to Heights.

A dropkick/sitout powerbomb combination gets two on Baylor and we slow down a bit. Baylor snaps off a powerslam on Borne but Heights catches Smokes on top. That means a belly to belly superplex to send Smokes crashing into Baylor for quite the crash. Borne and Baylor trade suplexes but Borne is sent into Heights on the apron. Smokes sends Borne into the corner and Hit It And Quit It gives us new champions at 14:07.

Rating: B-. The interesting situation here is that Borne is going to be wrestling again tonight and that now we get to see what he does next. The Project getting the titles back is probably the right move as it isn’t like Borne and Heights felt like a long time team. Having them lose here could open some doors later tonight and that’s the interesting way to go so they did the right thing here. The Project even got a mostly clean win and that’s a step forward for them, so maybe things are looking up.

We recap Jaida Parker vs. Nattie. A few months back, Nattie showed up and decided that she saw something in Parker, which resulted in her accusing Parker of being soft. Parker tried to show her that she wasn’t soft, which involved them trading wins over the months. Therefore, we’re having a submission match.

Jaida Parker vs. Nattie

Submission match and Nattie tackles her to start, with the brawl heading straight to the floor. Parker is back with a hard chop against the barricade, followed by a suplex on the floor. We take a break and come back with Parker running her over, setting up a cobra clutch. Cue Karmen Petrovic for a distraction as Nikkita Lyons pops up to grab Parker’s hair for the save.

Hold on though as AAA’s Los Perros del Mal (Petrovic is a member) pop up and Petrovic leaves with them. Nattie hammers on Parker but she’s right back up with the Tear Drop in the corner. The Rings Of Saturn has Nattie in more trouble until she slips out and grabs a rear naked choke.

Parker escapes that as well and grabs a short powerbomb but gets knocked right back down. The Sharpshooter goes on until Parker crawls out through the ropes for the escape. Lyons gets in a kick to the chest so cue Thea Hail to chase her to the back, with Parker going after the leg and kicking Nattie around. Parker grabs a (not so great) Sharpshooter and, after a lot of crawling, Nattie taps at 12:49.

Rating: C+. There was a lot here and the story was only so interesting in the first place. Parker getting through the odds and beating Nattie one on one is a good way to go, but what matters the most is that Parker gets away to face someone else. This feud has been going on for months and even this win only feels so important. Nattie has given her just about all you can ask from her here and it’s time for them both to move on. And for Parker to not try to do a Sharpshooter again.

Wren Sinclair gives Kendal Grey a pep talk and Grey tells her to get some rest.

We recap Kendal Grey defending the Women’s Title against Kelani Jordan. Grey is the young star with a rocket on her back but Jordan has been demanding a title shot for months. Now she’s finally getting one and is hoping to continue her success rate in her first chances to win pretty much anything.

Women’s Title: Kelani Jordan vs. Kendal Grey

Grey is defending. Jordan grabs a headlock to start and avoids a dive off the top to knock Grey outside. The Asai moonsault connects but Grey is right back with a hurricanrana off the apron. Back in and a double clothesline connects but they both pop back up as we take a break.

We come back with Grey getting caught with a flipping legdrop. Jordan bends her around the post but gets sent crashing out to the floor. Back in and Grey’s moonsault gets two but the bad ear is causing her even more trouble. Grey gets up and hits some elbows to the face, meaning the straps can come down. Jordan pulls her into a northern lights suplex for two, only to miss a 450. That leaves Jordan with a banged up ankle so Grey grabs an ankle lock, with Jordan kicking her out to the floor.

We take another break and come back again with the two of them going up top. Grey manages to get her into a reverse super Spanish Fly for the big crash and they both need a second after that one. Jordan gets to the apron and nails a slingshot cutter, followed by a middle rope forearm. Grey is back up with a superkick and flips her into a knee to the face for two more.

Jordan goes creative with a slingshot German suplex but Grey gets in one of her own, minus the slingshot, to leave both of them down. Another ankle lock is broken up and Jordan’s 450 gets two more. Shades Of Grey gives Grey two more so Jordan kicks her in the bad ear. A staggering Grey gets in a clothesline but crashes out to the floor, allowing Jordan to send her crashing into the post (or maybe the buckle). One Of A Kind gives Jordan the pin and the title at 21:58.

Rating: B. Well it got some time. This was a big deal for Jordan as she got the important win, albeit with a bit of chicanery in the process, but the result is what matters. In theory Grey is going to be getting a rematch but it wouldn’t stun me to see her move up to the main roster soon. It might be too soon, though there is only so much more for her to do in NXT than get more ring time.

Robert Stone is ready for the next two matches. Also, next up is Halloween Havoc, which will actually be on Halloween.

Video on Naraku, who is back and going after Shiloh Hill.

Tavion Heights isn’t happy with the Tag Team Title loss but gives Myles Borne a pep talk.

North American Title: Myles Borne vs. Jackson Drake

Borne is defending and tries to slug away to start but gets knocked back down. A Cactus Clothesline puts both of them on the floor and Drake stomps away. Borne’s suplex puts Drake down again as Tavion Heights is down here to cancel out the Vanity Project. Drake is fine enough to suplex Borne over the top but crashes down with him as we take a break.

We come back with Borne hitting a dropkick and powerslam for two as Heights approves. Borne Again is countered with a hot shot though and a handspring cutter gives Drake two more. The suicide dive connects with Borne, who is right back with a pair of powerbombs for another near fall. A suicide dive connects for Borne but Myra Lockwood gives him a powerbomb into the powerslam to plant him on the floor. Heights is busy going after Baylor, leaving Drake to 450 Borne for the title at 10:00.

Rating: B-. They didn’t have a ton of time here but it made sense to have Borne lose fairly quickly as he was banged up from the earlier match. Drake winning the title is certainly interesting, as I wasn’t sure if he was going to have success on the next level up from Evolve but it worked out here. Borne is probably not going to be happy with Heights but that could go in a few different ways. Either way, nice match here.

Post match the Project leaves and Borne lays Heights out with Borne Again. I guess that’s a heel turn, but Borne as a heel might be a difficult trick to pull off.

Kam Hendrix is sick of Mason Rook and is ready to beat him on Tuesday.

NXT Origins video on Gunther.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

We recap the main event. Tony D’Angelo is the reigning champion, Grayson Waller is back and wants to be taken seriously, Zilla Fatu is here and wants to be a big star and Cruz Montana is here after being the biggest star in TNA and wants to prove himself again.

NXT Title: Tony D’Angelo vs. Cruz Montana vs. Zilla Fatu vs. Grayson Waller

D’Angelo is defending and Montana charges at Fatu to start slugging away. Waller is thrown away for daring to interfere and we get the Fatu vs. D’Angelo showdown. The spinebuster drops Fatu so Montana is back in, leaving D’Angelo to hit a dive to the floor. Montana hits a big flipping dive as we take a break.

We come back with Waller cleaning house until Montana cuts him off with a chop. Fatu is knocked to the floor, leaving Montana to hit a rolling cutter on Waller. Montana and Fatu chop it out until D’Angelo is back in with a clothesline to Fatu. Montana gets suplexed into the corner and an overhead belly to belly superplex sends Waller flying as we take another break. We come back again with Waller getting dropped off a Doomsday Blockbuster.

Fatu gives D’Angelo a top rope splash and Montana Canadian Destroyers Waller out to the floor. Back in and Montana hits a big running cannonball to Fatu, who is back up with a jumping Samoan Spike to D’Angelo. Waller pulls the referee out at two and it’s time to load up the announcers’ table. D’Angelo is back up and spears Fatu in half before putting him on the aforementioned table.

Montana and D’Angelo go up top and crash down so Waller drops a top rope elbow to drive Fatu through the wood. Back in and Montana slugs it out with D’Angelo, with the latter grabbing a release German suplex. Montana pops up and counters Dead To Rites into a Codebreaker. Spin The Block hits D’Angelo but Waller is back in with the rolling Stunner. Waller steals the pin on D’Angelo for the title at 21:30.

Rating: B. That’s the right call, as it not only gives you a fresh name in the title picture but also mixes things up quite a bit. You can have a few people coming after the title, but Waller has looked rather good since his return. It helps that the match was a heck of a fight on the way there, with Waller winning making it even better. He probably won’t hold the title long, but to go from where he was three months ago to where he is now is quite the turnaround.

Overall Rating: B. This started off slowly but got better as the night went on, with the last few matches certainly feeling important. NXT has turned Heatwave into one of their bigger shows of the year and it’s nice to see them having something other than Stand & Deliver. Solid show here and NXT is going to look a bit different starting next week, which might be a good thing for its future.

Results
Zaria b. Wren Sinclair and Kali Armstrong – F5 to Armstrong
Vanity Project b. Myles Borne/Tavion Heights – Hit It And Quit It to Borne
Jaida Parker b. Nattie – Sharpshooter
Kelani Jordan b. Kendal Grey – One Of A Kind
Jackson Drake b. Myles Borne – 450
Grayson Waller b. Tony D’Angelo, Zilla Fatu and Cruz Montana – Spin The Block to D’Angelo

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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It’s the middle of the three shows on the latest HERE IS A BUNCH OF WRESTLING ON ONE DAY BECAUSE YOU CAN’T DO ANYTHING ELSE THIS WEEKEND weekend. NXT has turned this into one of the bigger cards of the year and they have some matches that are leaving me a bit curious about where they’re going. Hopefully it lives up to its hype, as the potential is certainly there. Let’s get to it.

Jaida Parker vs. Nattie

This is a submission match, as per Nattie’s request. These two feel like they’ve been feuding forever and I’m not sure why this is something that has needed to go on for such a long time. I’m assuming the theory is that Parker will get a lot out of feuding with a legend like Nattie, but that only has so much of a success rate. Now I just want the feud to wrap up and this should be it.

There is no reason for Nattie to win here so I’ll take Parker to win, just because it is time for her to get the big signature win. Making Nattie, the submission star, give up would be a great choice for that spot, though you never know as Nattie has pulled off some ridiculous wins before. I’ll go with Parker here though, as there is pretty much no reason to her to lose whatsoever.

North American Title: Myles Borne(c) vs. Jackson Drake

Ok so this is going to be confusing and a lot of it depends on which order the matches follow. The idea is that Borne is a double champion (because that has to be a thing) and is defending both titles in a single night. I’m not sure which one he’s going to be defending first but it feels like he’ll be losing the second one due to being banged up in the first match. Now which one will that be?

The more logical way is Borne loses the Tag Team Titles here so I’ll say that he retains the title over Drake here. Drake is someone who has moved up the ladder from pretty much nothing to a fine midcard star. He’ll get his chance down the line, though I’m not sure if I can imagine it happening here. I’ll take Borne to win here, though that’s all going to depend on the order of the matches.

Tag Team Titles: Myles Borne/Tavion Heights(c) vs. Vanity Project

So this is the second half of the equation and it follows the first half, with Borne defending again. I’m liking the idea of having Borne out there this much as he’s a talented star, but odds are he has to lose at least one of the titles here. There is no reason to have him keep both titles and while he been North American Champion for a long time, it would make sense for him to hang onto that belt. So what does that mean?

This one has me a bit more sure as Borne/Heights doesn’t exactly feel like a long term team at the top of the division. Throw in the whole double champion thing and there is no reason to believe that they’re going to retain the titles. The Project just dropped the belts a few weeks ago and it would be nice to see them getting the titles back, if nothing else to have them drive people a bit crazier by retaining against better teams.

Women’s North American Title/Women’s Speed Title: Zaria(c) vs. Wren Sinclair(c) vs. Kali Armstrong

This is a winner take all unification match as the Speed Title is going away, as it should be doing. The title had an idea behind it but it never felt like a long term concept. That’s why we’re getting rid of the belt, as it doesn’t need to stick around. I’m just not sure who is going to walk away with the title, as they have a match that feels a bit thrown together but I could see it going any way.

I think I’ll actually go with Armstrong leaving as champion. Sinclair is someone who hasn’t gotten much out of being champion so there isn’t much of a reason to keep the belt on her. On the other hand Zaria has been champion for a bit and doesn’t really need to hold onto it that much longer. I’ll go with Armstrong winning here, just because it would be weird to add her to the match to not have her win. It could go any way, but I’ll take Armstrong.

Women’s Title: Kendal Grey(c) vs. Kelani Jordan

This is a story that we’ve seen time after time, as Jordan has spent months complaining that she can’t get a title shot and is finally getting a chance to see what she can do. At the same time you have Grey, who feels like the next big thing and I’m not sure where they’ll go here. Having Jordan lose would be weird, but Grey losing would feel like a setback out of nowhere.

I’ll go with Grey retaining here, as it feels like the better option. Jordan has already established herself and I don’t see the need for her to win the title here. Grey is someone who feels like she could be on her way to the main roster sooner or later, but she probably needs some more time down in NXT. At the moment though she needs to do that as the champion while Jordan can find something else to do. Grey retains.

NXT Title: Tony D’Angelo(c) vs. Zilla Fatu vs. Grayson Waller vs. Cruz Montana

Oh boy we’ve saved the best for last, as I have no idea who is leaving with the title here. You have D’Angelo, who has been champion for several months now, Waller who cut the promo of his life a few weeks ago, Montana as the hot newcomer, and Fatu as the smooth newercomer who is rather different than just about anything I was expecting. Any of the four could leave with the title and that means we could be in for something interesting.

Actually, I think I’ll go with Waller winning here. Fatu is someone who can get the title in a big moment later on, D’Angelo…..no, and Montana is already the most over of the four and will be just fine with getting the title later on. Waller is someone who would get a lot bigger with a win here and he could steal a pin without making anyone look weaker. It makes sense and while I might not be the most confident in the pick, I’ll go with Waller here.

Overall Thoughts

The good thing here is that the TV shows have made me care about what is going on here. They very well could have a lot of changes taking place in the title pictures and that might be something that NXT needs. The show has been going through a bunch of roster changes and now we get to see what the new group can do. It very well could work out and I’m optimistic about where this is going.

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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NXT
Date: August 25, 2026
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

It’s the last show before Heatwave and the big story coming out of last week is that the main event will now be a four way for the NXT Title. That should be more than interesting enough, though we still have something to cover tonight. In this case, that’s a weaponized cage match between Saquon Shuggars and Dion Lennox, which should hopefully be it for those two. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Dion Lennox vs. Saquon Shuggars

In a weaponized cage. Shuggars gets in second and Lennox pelts a trashcan at him to start fast. The slugout is on with Shuggars taking him down but getting upkicked in the face. Lennox chairs him down (or mollywopped according to Booker) and sends him crashing into the cage. The belt whipping has Shuggars down again but he gets in a trashcan shot for a breather.

A dropkick sends the trashcan into Lennox for two and it’s time to load up some chairs. Lennox breaks that up and puts the chairs on top of each other (one on the ground and one with legs sticking up) to slam Shuggars onto them for a rather nasty crash. We take a break and come back with Shuggars knocking something into Lennox’s face and sending him into the cage.

Lennox is whipped into a kendo stick in the corner and face first onto a chair for two but comes back with a spinebuster onto the trashcan. Shuggars whips out the trusty bat though and knocks a chair out of his hands but Lennox gets in a shot to the leg. The table is set up and Lennox takes him to the top, where Shuggars fights back until his knee gives out. Shuggars is fine enough to put a trashcan over Lennox and superkick him through the table (which just kind of collapsed underneath Lennox). That and a high crossbody off of the cage finish for Shuggars at 16:49.

Rating: C+. On one hand, it did feel like a big blowoff to their feud, but at the same time, Shuggars’ selling of the knee was almost non-existent at the end. That brought things down, as did the issue of this feud not being so interesting. It’s just been kind of there and while it’s been ok, it’s nothing that has felt big or important. Not a bad match at all, but it came at (likely/hopefully) the end of a less than thrilling story.

NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo thinks his opponents have forgotten who he’s facing. He’s the man who put Oba Femi down in the first place. We hear about how everyone is coming for the title and he’ll beat them all to keep it. Not a bad promo here.

Earlier today, the Vanity Project went bowling to talk about how they’re better than Myles Borne/Tavion Heights. They brag about their greatness and it turns out that they’re only ok at bowling.

Here is Nattie to call out Jaida Parker. She’s here in NXT to fight Parker because she sees potential in Parker, but it’s wasted potential. Look what happened when Parker lost a few times. Nattie knocked her on her a** and turned her into something else. This brings out Parker, who says she took a loss hard but now Nattie has turned her into the real Parker. They’re ready to fight at Heatwave and it’s going to be a submission match. Oh and they called each other b****, so you know it’s personal.

Kam Hendrix vs. Keanu Carver

Carver starts fast with a small package and knocks him down without much trouble. Hendrix gets in a clothesline and kicks Carver into a chinlock, with the fans being on Carver’s side. The Showtime Kick gives Hendrix one and he chops Carver in the back, which is as dumb as it sounds. Some nasty German suplexes drop Hendrix and a Pounce sends him to the floor. Cue Mason Rook for a crossbody, meaning a fisherman’s suplex can finish Hendrix at 3:37.

Rating: C. Carver continues to be oddly fascinating, as he has the whole “I’m smarter than you think” deal, which is working rather well. Who was expecting him to get a pin with a fisherman’s suplex? At the same time, Hendrix continues to not have the best luck around here and that’s not going to work out for him in the long run. Hopefully he can change it around as I still see something in him.

Kelani Jordan talks about how wrestlers come here from other sports but she was the first to be offered a contract. She didn’t need Evolve or a famous last name and she won titles in her first shot. Now she’s going to do it again with the Women’s Title.

Zilla Fatu talks about his father being Umaga and now he’s carrying his legacy as a blessing and a burden. After mocking the “nympho baby” line from last week, he talks about being ready to take the NXT Title and make a real splash. That’s why he’s called the Main One. His charisma continues to be rather impressive.

Zaria vs. Kali Armstrong

Non-title but if Armstrong wins, she’s added to Sunday’s title match. Armstrong’s headlock doesn’t go anywhere so they trade running shoulders. It’s off to a test of strength, with Zaria taking her down but Armstrong is right back with a clothesline to the floor. The dive to the outside connects and we take an early break.

We come back with Armstrong’s top rope superplex leaving both of them down. Armstrong counters a charge into a powerbomb for two but gets pump kicked down. A discus lariat gives Zaria two and the fans are rather behind her. The Kali Connection is cut off with a spear so Zaria loads up the F5, which is countered into a rollup to give Armstrong the pin at 9:11.

Rating: B-. This was the power match and it went as it should have, as there was little reason to set up the stipulation and then have Zaria win. I’m never wild on a champion getting pinned like this, but there is a chance she winds up with a bigger win on Sunday. Or she chokes in another big match and gets nothing out of it, which is always an option when Zaria is involved.

Kendal Grey introduces the trainer to a NASCAR driver but the trainer is worried about Grey’s ear. She’s cleared, but Wren Sinclair comes in to worry as well. The driver gets them to breathe.

Birthright vs. Noam Dar/Romeo Moreno/Sean Legacy/Dorian Van Dux

Dar and Dempsey go technical to start with the former getting two off a backslide. Dux comes in and gets taken into the corner for a double stomp from King. That’s shrugged off and it’s off to Legacy to put King down for two of his own. Connors comes in and gets his ankle locked, as does King. Everything breaks down and Dar and Moreno cut off suicide dives with stereo crossbodies in a cool spot. Connors kicks Moreno down on the floor though and we take a break.

We come back with Moreno still in trouble and the numbers game making it worse. Moreno dives over them though and brings in Dux to clean house. Everything breaks down and Dux hits a big dive to the floor, leaving Legacy to hit his 450 for two as King makes the save. Connors has to break up a cross armbreaker with a Swanton and it’s the parade of big knockdowns. Moreno hits a huge dive to the floor but Dempsey grabs the reverse fisherman’s suplex to pin Dar at 11:31.

Rating: B. This was good just because it went insane and everyone was flying around and going all over the place. You don’t get that very often in an eight man tag and it was a heck of an entertaining spectacle. Moreno and Dux are still better in these short bursts and they were used well here. Very fun match.

Robert Stone asks Keanu Carver about the interference but Carver says a win is a win. Shiloh Hill comes in and wants to face Naraku but goes into an explanation of why the red mist did less damage. Stone shrugs it off and makes the match for next week.

AAA Cruiserweight Title: EK Prosper vs. Rey Fenix

Fenix is defending. Prosper rolls him up to start and rolls away from an armdrag attempt. Fenix’s springboard armdrag works a bit better so Prosper dropkicks him out to the floor. The big moonsault connects for Prosper and we take a break. We come back with Fenix winning a strike off but Prosper reverses what looked to be a tiger bomb into a faceplant.

Fenix sends him into the ropes for the rope walk kick to the face though and a frog splash gets two. Prosper fights back and sends him into the ropes, only to get caught with a handspring cutter. The Mexican MuscleBuster is blocked and Prosper is back up with a super hurricanrana. The great moonsault misses though and Fenix gets the Mexican MuscleBuster to retain at 11:07.

Rating: B-. This worked well enough, though it was a bit harder to get into after seeing the big parade of dives in the previous match. Prosper has turned into a nice prospect around here and it’s cool to see him fire off that moonsault. Fenix wasn’t about to lose on his way to the #1 contenders match against Penta next week but at least it was a good high flying match.

Myles Borne and Tavion Heights meet another NASCAR driver and are going to be at his race this Friday. The two of them are trying to figure out strategy for Borne wrestling two matches on Sunday. Hank & Tank come in and seem to want the titles. Right now though, the champs are worried about Heatwave.

Heatwave rundown.

It’s time for the Heatwave Summit, which seems to be about the big title matches. Therefore, here are Kendal Grey and Wren Sinclair to get things going. Grey talks about coming a long way in the last year and is ready to face Kelani Jordan. She gets in a jab about Liv Morgan not defending her title that often and tells Jordan to not miss.

This brings out Jordan, who says she put the target on Grey’s back but Sinclair promises a WrenQCC, which means a Championship Celebration, in her home state. This brings out Zaria to say she’s unifying the titles but Kali Armstrong joins them to say she’s beaten “both of ya’ll delusional heffers”. Now it’s Grayson Waller interrupting, saying the women are great to look at and hard to listen to. After Heatwave, he’s all anyone will be talking about but here is Tony D’Angelo to say that he’s not sure which version of Waller this is, but he’ll still be a disappointment.

Cruz Montana joins us in the crowd to say he likes the chaos around here and while the others are here to talk, he wants to throw hands. The big brawl is on and here is Zilla Fatu for the big dive to the floor. Grey, Sinclair and Fatu stand tall with various titles to end the show. This was about all you could do with so many matches to cover and I’ll take getting it all together over doing this multiple times.

Overall Rating: B. This show was designed to get me more interested in the big event on Sunday and it did just that. The best thing here is that they had a mixture of good action and build to the show, which is hard to do in the same night. The cage match was the big feature here and if that means the feud is over, I’m all for it. Another good show this week, but Sunday is what really matters.

Results
Saquon Shuggars b. Dion Lennox – High crossbody off of the cage
Keanu Carver b. Kam Hendrix – Fisherman’s suplex
Kali Armstrong b. Zaria – Rollup
Birthright b. Noam Dar/Romeo Moreno/Sean Legacy/Dorian Van Dux – Reverse fisherman’s suplex to Dar
Rey Fenix b. EK Prosper – Mexican MuscleBuster

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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NXT
Date: August 18, 2026
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

We’re rapidly approaching Heatwave and the card has mostly come together. If nothing else, we have the issue of the debuting Zilla Fatu, who showed up last week to interrupt the #1 contenders match. Other than that, we need to find out about the North American and Tag Team Title situation, which should be decided this week. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

The opening recap looks at last week’s #1 contenders match, with Zilla Fatu debuting to take out both Cruz Montana and Grayson Waller. That should make Montana #1 contender as Fatu attacked him first but odds are it won’t go that way.

Here is Montana for a chat. Montana immediately calls Fatu out before talking about wanting the NXT Title. Fatu isn’t stopping him but here is Rey Fenix instead. Fenix is ready to defend his AAA Cruiserweight Title next week and he’s glad to see Montana here. Montana says they’ve faced each other before and the ring is Fenix’s, because Montana is going to wait for Fatu in the parking lot (and yes he acknowledges how dangerous it is out there).

EK Prosper vs. Tristan Angels vs. Romeo Moreno vs. La Parka

For a AAA Cruiserweight Title shot next week. Angels and Parka are knocked outside to start and Prosper hits a kick off the apron with Angels making a save. Parka gets to take over on Moreno with a flapjack but Prosper clotheslines Parka instead. Angels is hiptossed to the floor and Moreno hits a dive to the floor, setting up Parka’s moonsault onto the pile as we take a break.

We come back with Angels enziguring Moreno on top, leaving Prosper and Parka to kick it out. Moreno missile dropkicks both of them down and rolls Angels for a suplex. Parka catches Moreno on top with a super Spanish Fly but Prosper frog splashes in for the save. Back up and Parka suplexes Moreno into the corner as Booker tries to say that this is the same Parka from WCW. Prosper is back in to take everyone out, setting up an outstanding moonsault to finish Moreno at 10:27.

Rating: B. This was all action throughout and that’s as good as you can ask for with a match like this. They were going nuts and it’s great to see Prosper getting an actual chance. While I can’t imagine him winning the title, I’ll take him getting a nice win like this and it was a heck of an entertaining match on the way there.

Post match Prosper and Fenix have a staredown, albeit with a handshake.

The Vanity Project offer to take care of the injured Kendal Grey, who wasn’t impressed. Wren Sinclair didn’t think much of them either and the women left with their belts. Myra Lockwood says prove them wrong.

Nattie vs. Thea Hail

Nattie’s cronies and Jaida Parker are here too. Nattie takes her to the mat to start, with Hail quickly escaping. A headlock takeover works a bit better for Nattie but Hail is right back up with a Thesz press. Hail sends her outside for a dive onto the villains and dances with Parker as we take a break. We come back with Nattie breaking up a Kimura attempt but having the discus lariat countered into a backslide. Hail’s running flipping neckbreaker gets two before grabbing the Kimura, which is broken up rather quickly. The Sharpshooter makes Hail tap at 8:27.

Rating: C. This was pretty much every Nattie match, with her usual offense and the Sharpshooter to finish someone else off. I’m sure we’ll get another Parker vs. Nattie match out of this and I have no idea why they’re still fighting. The match wasn’t awful, but it was dull, which tends to be the case with Nattie’s stuff.

Post match Nattie’s friends hold Parker back while Nattie gets another Sharpshooter on Hail.

Lucien Price is going after the Speed Title on his own and Bronco Nima is ok with that.

Speed Title: Lucien Price vs. Lexis King

King is defending with a five minute time limit. Price superkicks him at the bell for two and has to catch King bailing out to the floor. King tries to hide behind Birthright and manages to burn through the first minute but Price catches him with one of those huge chops. Back in and Price cuts him off with another chop so King changes plans with a neck snap across the top rope.

We have two minutes left as King starts kicking away at the chest. That doesn’t go very far as Price plants him down with a minute to go. Birthright offers a distraction though and Price gets taken down behind the referee’s back. The Coronation is enough to retain the title at 4:36.

Rating: C. I’m glad that the title seems to be going away (assuming it follows the path of its Women’s counterpart) as I really don’t see the point in this being its own championship. They have something with the idea of King running around to burn off the clock, but between the tournaments to set up title matches and the title feeling rather low level, it wasn’t working. Odds are it’s done soon, and that’s probably for the best.

Post match Birthright goes after Price again but Bronco Nima runs in for the save.

Here is Grayson Waller for a chat. Waller has been asking people to stop him and now we have Zilla Fatu. He’s not scared of Fatu or the family because he’s from Australia and has been fighting Samoans all his life. Thankfully Fatu has the ankle monitor off and can run free but Waller thinks he’s #1 contender anyway.

This brings out NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo, who is fine with taking Waller out next. Cue Cruz Montana who never found Fatu but he remembers taking Waller out last week. Montana is willing to take out all three of them one after another but here is Robert Stone to make a triple threat title match. He’ll deal with Fatu when he gets here. Not wild on the triple threat, but Waller stealing the title is an interesting option.

Shiloh Hill and Lizzy Rain talk about next week’s AAA Cruiserweight Title match and think EK Prosper has a good chance. Rain isn’t happy with Kali Armstrong but Myles Borne interrupts. He gets right to the point: if Hill beats Jackson Drake tonight, he can have a North American Title shot at Heatwave. Hill certainly approves. Booker: “Champions don’t do that!” Uh, he did something very similar for Rick Martel in 1998.

Robert Stone talks to Zilla Fatu on the phone and he’ll be there in thirty minutes. With that out of the way, Stone finds Keanu Carver in his office and wants in the NXT Title picture. He’s willing to earn it, but for now he wants STONE TO DRINK THE COFFEE HE MADE HIM AND IS SHOUTING ABOUT IT UNTIL STONE DRINKS THE COFFEE. Kam Hendrix comes in and Carver leaves in a huff.

Kendal Grey/Wren Sinclair vs. Kelani Jordan/Kali Armstrong

Sinclair and Jordan start things off with Sinclair hitting a dropkick and getting to front facelock Armstrong. Grey comes in for a front facelock of her own but it’s back to Jordan for a superkick. Everything breaks down and the villains are dropkicked to the floor, with Sinclair hitting a big dive.

We take a break and come back with Sinclair fighting out of trouble and bringing Grey back in to clean house. Everything breaks down, with Grey firing off the German suplexes. Armstrong breaks up an ankle lock but whipping Grey into the corner, banging up her bad ear in the process. Sinclair comes back in to take over on Jordan, who grabs a slingshot cutter. Armstrong tags herself back in and is quickly caught in the Final Wrench. That’s broken up and Grey is kicked ear first into the steps. The powerslam and Kali Connection finish Sinclair at 10:31.

Rating: B-. This was a nice tag match as Armstrong gets to run through a champion in the process. I would assume that the title will be gone after Heatwave and again, that’s probably the best for everyone. If nothing else, Jordan and Grey only got to do so much here, which you would think would have been a good chance to build towards their title match. There’s still time, but it would have made more sense here.

Saquon Shuggars and Dion Lennox have a sitdown interview (in separate locations) where they argue a lot and we’re getting a weaponized steel cage match next week. They basically didn’t stop insulting each other for the few minutes they were on screen, with Lennox promising to win before leaving.

Shiloh Hill vs. Jackson Drake

For a North American Title shot at Heatwave and the Vanity Project is here with Drake. They fight over wrist control to start as Booker says that Drake is in his FAVE FIVE! Hokey smoke it’s still a thing!!! Hill fireman’s carries him into a right hand to the face but Drake sends Hill outside for the cheap shots from the Project.

We take a break and come back with Hill fighting out of a front facelock, meaning it’s a discus lariat to drop Drake. A standing flip dive gives Hill two more so the Project interferes again, only to get ejected. That takes too long so Hill dives onto them but the referee gets taken down back inside. Cue Naraku to mist Hill, meaning Drake can hit a 450 for the pin at 11:06.

Rating: B-. This is a good example of two people who are up and comers but still getting a featured spot. It might not be a big main event to end a show but it’s a bigger spot than they usually have. You need to bring people along like this and they did well here, with Hill getting to move on Naraku in an upgrade for him as well.

Zaria is ready to unify the Women’s Speed and Women’s North American Titles at Heatwave but Kali Armstrong comes in. Armstrong calls Zaria a “red headed heifer” and gets a match with her next week, with the Heatwave Title match becoming a triple threat if Armstrong wins. That was quick and to the point.

We look at CM Punk at a recent NXT house show. That’s quite the get.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Robert Stone is in the ring and brings in Zilla Fatu to sign his contract. Fatu greets commentary and here is Tony D’Angelo to watch from the platform. Fatu is glad to be in the biggest wrestling company in the world and we get an UMAGA (Fatu’s father) chant. He’s here to show us that he’s not another……I’m going to assume he was going for “nepo baby” but it certainly sounded like he said “nympho baby”.

Last week he made some people mad and that’s going to keep happening. Cue Grayson Waller and Cruz Montana, but Stone says that the contract makes Fatu’s first NXT match a title match. Heatwave is officially a four way for the title and Fatu signs. A lot of yelling ends the show. Given how things have been going, that pretty much had to happen.

Overall Rating: B. Well Fatu felt like a star (though he was basically in a 1999 Rock cosplay) and the title match for Heatwave makes sense, especially with everywhere you could go after. Other than that, some stuff was moved forward, including tightening up the big card and doing some things for next week. I’m interested in where the NXT Title picture is going though and that’s the best possible result. Another good show this week.

Results
EK Prosper b. Tristan Angels, La Parka and Romeo Moreno – Moonsault to Moreno
Nattie b. Thea Hail – Sharpshooter
Lexis King b. Lucien Price – Coronation
Kelani Jordan/Kali Armstrong b. Kendal Grey/Wren Sinclair – Kali Connection to Sinclair
Jackson Drake b. Shiloh Hill – 450

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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NXT
Date: August 4, 2026
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

We have less than a month before Heatwave but this week’s show is big enough, as we have Lola Vice challenging Kendal Grey for the Women’s Title in the NXT Underground. Other than that, Tony D’Angelo is having issues with both Cruz Montana and Grayson Waller. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

In Memory Of Dory Funk Jr.

Opening recap, looking at the NXT Title picture.

Jaida Parker/Thea Hail vs. Nikkita Lyons/Karmen Petrovic

Nattie is here with the latter. Lyons mocks Parker’s high stepping as Parker works on Petrovic’s arm to start. Hail comes in and gets taken into the wrong corner, allowing Lyons to grab a top wristlock. Everything breaks down and Parker/Hail clear the ring, only for Nattie to get in a cheap shot on Hail. Back in and a Pearl River Plunge gives Lyons two on Hail and we take a break.

We come back with Hail trying to fight her way out of trouble but Lyons pulls her away again. As usual, the diving tag goes through a few seconds later and Parker comes in to chop Petrovic into the corner. Lyons has to offer a distraction and Petrovic gets in a Sling Blade, followed by a Hart Attack for two. Hail and Petrovic slug it out on the floor as Parker hits the Tear Drop on Lyons. Hail’s middle rope backsplash gets the pin at 9:20.

Rating: B. This got rolling near the end and they did something to set up the likely Hail vs. Lyons Evolve Women’s Title match (which was already teased). Parker gets to annoy Nattie again before we get closer to what should be their final blowoff. They did a good job of keeping the action going here and it wound up being a strong opener.

Post match Nattie comes in for the beatdown but Parker and Hail fight back to clear them out.

Tavion Heights is nervous about the Tag Team Title match but Myles Borne says they have this.

We look at Oba Femi beating Brock Lesnar in the Cell and the fallout, with Femi thanking Lesnar and Lesnar retiring.

Here is NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo for a chat. D’Angelo isn’t happy with Grayson Waller insulting the NXT Title and wanting to use NXT as a stepping stone. As for Cruz Montana…and here is Waller. He’s not wanting to see Montana come through the crowd so he and D’Angelo can talk about respect but D’Angelo wants Waller to come down here. D’Angelo brings up teaming up with Waller in WarGames, with Waller being the only member of the team to not become champion.

Waller says he didn’t know D’Angelo had lost his testicles along with his family. This brings out Montana, who says D’Angelo didn’t call Waller out here. Montana has been in Waller’s place before but he proved himself in the ring rather than on a microphone. Montana isn’t about to become another statistic on the blocks he still lives on.

Waller wants to know how many times Montana is going to tell the same exact story. Montana says Waller is only fighting for himself, but when you have people depending on you, it makes you a man. D’Angelo tells them to have a #1 contenders match and he’ll face them at Heatwave. Pretty simple and to the point here.

We look at Lola Vice and Kendal Grey going to a draw back in March.

Wren Sinclair is nervous about her match and Kendal Grey gives her a bit of a pep talk.

Women’s Speed Title: Zaria vs. Wren Sinclair

Only Sinclair is defending, with a five minute time limit, and she gets a Women’s North American Title shot if she wins. Zaria powers her into the corner to start but Sinclair is back with a quick rollup. A headscissors takes Zaria down but she’s fine enough to pull Sinclair off the ropes. Some shots to the neck set up some elbows to Sinclair and Zaria kicks her right in the head.

They knock each other down as we have two minutes left. Back up and Sinclair gets in a few shots of her own, only to get stomped out of the corner with a minute to go. Sinclair’s rollup gets two and she grabs a suplex but Zaria rolls through a high crossbody. They crash out to the floor though and time expires at 5:00.

Rating: C+. I’m still not wild on these titles but they were moving well out there with both of them selling the time limit. Sinclair gets to face Zaria again in a regular match and that should be a nice change of pace. Nice enough job here, with the tie serving as a better ending than one of them taking a fall.

Post match Zaria gives her a quick F5.

Bronco Nima apologizes to Lucien Price about getting distracted last week and everything seems ok. Price says Nima has his backup plan and Price will find his own. Birthright comes in for some insults and Price challenges Lexis King to a match. Price thinks he’s found his own backup plan.

Grayson Waller runs into Kelani Jordan, who likes what he’s been saying. Mason Rook comes in and doesn’t think much of Waller. A challenge is issued but Kam Hendrix runs into jump Rook, setting up a brawl.

Tag Team Titles: Vanity Project vs. Myles Borne/Tavion Heights

The Project, with their associates, is defending. Heights shoves Smokes away to start and it’s off to Borne for an Angle Slam. Baylor gets dropkicked down too and it’s back to Heights, who gets sent into Smokes in the corner. That means a rollup can get a quick two and we take a break.

We come back with Borne rolling Baylor up for two more but getting kicked down. Borne gets stomped in the corner for two but flips out of a double belly to back suplex. The diving tag brings in Heights to destroy both champions and a dropkick/sitout powerbomb combination (cool) gets two on Smokes. A dropkick version of a Hart Attack puts Borne down for two more as everything beaks down. Borne and Heights grab stereo powerslams so the other members of the Project offer a distraction, earning them a double ejection. Borne Again hits Smokes and Heights spinning belly to belly gives us new champions at 10:48.

Rating: B-. That’s a bit of a surprise as I was expecting the Project to retain, as it feels like a somewhat out of nowhere title change. At the same time, the Project were hardly some top level, unstoppable team so Borne and Heights being the ones to finally catch them isn’t a bad thing. I’m curious about where it’s going, though another double champion is less than thrilling as it’s just been done too often.

We look at Lola Vice winning the Women’s Title at Stand & Deliver in a triple threat with Kendal Grey involved (but not taking the fall).

The Vanity Project is walking through the back when Myra Lockwood seems to think something of Keanu Carver.

The Culling surrounds Lizzy Rain but Shawn Spears comes in with a chair to cut it off. They’re having a tag match next week. Rain doesn’t trust Spears and warns him that she’ll turn on him if given a reason. Spears: “Smart girl.”

Keanu Carver vs. EK Prosper

Carver throws him down to start so Prosper picks up the pace and kicks him in the face. A top rope moonsault, with Prosper jumping from the mat to the top rope, hits Carver for two before low bridging him out to the floor. Prosper dropkicks him over the announcers’ table and gets in a double stomp to the back.

We take a break and come back with Prosper fighting out of a chinlock and hitting a springboard moonsault. A Swanton Blockbuster (ok then) gives Prosper two but Carver powerbombs him for the same. Prosper gets in a Shining Wizard and tries a moonsault, only to have to bail out to avoid some raised boots. Carver pulls him into a small package out of nowhere for the pin at 10:40.

Rating: B-. Years ago, Big E. tweeted something to the effect of “when you look like me, people don’t expect you to be that smart”. That’s basically Carver in a nutshell, as his thing seems to be that he throws in a bunch of surprises every so often and it’s kind of working. I can go for having him do something other than just running through the same tropes you see every time with a monster and I’m curious about what he does next.

Dion Lennox isn’t happy with Darkstate’s win last week because Saquon Shuggars is still walking around. They’ll take care of that next week.

We look at Kendal Grey beating Lola Vice for the Women’s Title at the Great American Bash. Vice praised her but wasn’t done so it was a challenge for the rematch in the Underground.

Shiloh Hill has a facial fracture so he’ll be out of action for a bit. He can’t train either so he’s been researching wrestling trivia. Hill finds it interesting that there is no footage or witnesses or ANYTHING about Pat Patterson’s Intercontinental Title win in Rio de Janeiro. Oh and the poison mist that Asuka and Tajiri and such use? It originated in Texas. Hill is one of the most unique characters in NXT and I could go for him having a bunch of trivia going forward.

We get a tribute to Dory Funk Jr.

Cruz Montana comes up to Robert Stone, who confirms the #1 contenders match next week with Montana facing Grayson Waller. That works for Montana but Tristan Angels interrupts. Angels doesn’t like someone new being around here but Montana points out that he’s been here a bunch of times and Angels has only been here for three months. Point to Montana.

Women’s Title: Lola Vice vs. Kendal Grey

Grey is defending in the Underground, meaning no ropes on the ring and knockout/submission/referee stoppage only to win. Vice tries an early choke but Grey picks the leg and ties it up, with the two of them rolling over to the edge of the ring. They head outside with Vice being rammed into the steps but a charging Grey is sent into them face first. Grey’s ear is busted open and we take a break.

We come back with Grey’s head taped up but grabbing a German suplex anyway. Vice knees her to the floor but a kick to the ribs is countered with an ankle lock. That’s broken up as well and Vice wins a strike out, only for Hank and Tank to shove Grey back inside for a spinning elbow. Vice gets in a rear naked choke but Grey gets up, leaving Vice to elbow the referee down by mistake. Grey is choked out but there’s no referee so Wren Sinclair wakes Grey up. The cross armbreaker retains the title at 10:31.

Rating: B-. This is a unique kind of match and the taped up head made it feel even more like Grey had to survive a bunch. It’s not a case where they hated each other but rather proving that Grey was the better woman, which makes for a great ending. I can’t imagine Vice being around NXT much longer, as there isn’t anything for her to do around here.

Post match the two of them hug and show respect to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. This felt like the show to wrap up a few things, including the ending with Grey and Vice. With that out of the way, it’s time to get ready for the Heatwave build, which should be enough time. I liked the show well enough and it covered a fair few stories. Not a great show, but as usual with the good NXTs, it did what was needed.

Results
Jaida Parker/Thea Hail b. Nikkita Lyons/Karmen Petrovic – Middle rope backsplash to Lyons
Wren Sinclair vs. Zaria went to a time limit draw
Myles Borne/Tavion Heights b. Vanity Project – Spinning belly to belly to Smokes
Keanu Carver b. EK Prosper – Small package
Kendal Grey b. Lola Vice – Cross armbreaker

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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NXT
Date: July 21, 2026
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

It’s time for a major title rematch as Tony D’Angelo is defending against Naraku in a street fight. D’Angelo already beat him in one title match, though now we have to do it again due to reasons. In addition, we are starting to approach Heatwave and it’s time to start getting the card ready. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Robert Stone tells the referee’s main event that Naraku and Tony D’Angelo cannot couch before the main event. Thea Hail comes in to talk to Stone about something but Nattie comes in to say she’s going to beat Jaida Parker.

Romeo Moreno/Noam Dar/Saquon Shuggars vs. Darkstate

It’s a brawl on the floor to start until Dar hammers away on Lennox inside. Lennox runs away from Shuggars so it’s off to Griffin, who pulls a springboarding Moreno out of the air. Everything breaks down and Lennox has to be saved from a TripleBomb through the announcers’ table. Instead Dar gets planted down and we take a break.

We come back with Shuggars getting the tag to clean house, including a basement dropkick for two on James. Shuggars dives into a backbreaker though and everything breaks down again. Moreno’s springboard missile dropkick hits Lennox, who is taken outside for a Death Valley Driver through that wooden wall. Back in and a double toss powerbomb finishes Moreno at 9:27.

Rating: C+. If Darkstate is going to be anything, they absolutely had to win here. The team is still on life support but they should be able to beat a makeshift ground who is there for the sake of giving Shuggars another match. This was all about Shuggars vs. Lennox of course, and there is a good chance that we’ll be seeing a violent fight between then sooner than later.

Post match Shuggars and Lennox have to be help apart.

Lizzy Dame and Thea Hail are unhappy with how things are going around here. Kendal Grey and Jaida Parker get into it a bit over Natalya but calm down.

Here is Kendal Grey, with Wren Sinclair, for a face to face showdown with Lola Vice. Grey is glad Vice won the title shot next week but Vice thinks this is going to be rough for her. The reality is that Vice isn’t done in NXT but Grey says she is already dominating around here. Unlike Vice, it didn’t take her years to make this happen. Vice issues the challenge for the Underground on August 4, with Grey saying she’ll kick Vice’s a** so she can go back to shaking it. That’s a big upgrade, though having Vice’s mega gimmick match as the rematch is a quick move.

Video on Tony D’Angelo vs. Naraku.

Keanu Carver vs. Hank Walker

Tank Ledger is here too. Walker jumps him to start fast and the slugout is on. Carver gets in a few right hands to send him outside but Walker is back in with a Boss Man Slam. That’s cut off with a toss into the fall away slam so Carver goes after Ledger. Walker gets in a flip dive through the ropes and goes back inside, only to get Pounced. The Alabama Slam finishes for Carver at 4:30.

Rating: C. Carver getting to smash through someone else is a good thing to do and I could go for seeing it happen more often. So far that has been the case for him most of the time, save for that EK Prosper stuff, but that’s not a bad idea. It’s not like there was a reason to believe that Walker was going to beat him so seeing Carver smash through someone was good thing.

Post match Carver goes after ledger again but EK Prosper runs in for the save and Carver is beaten down.

Nattie offers her services to Lola Vice, who isn’t interested.

Shiloh Hill buys a tooth from Danhausen, who is happy to accept Bitcoin.

Jaida Parker vs. Nattie

Nattie’s friends are here too and offer a distraction, allowing Parker to get some rollups for two each. Parker wins a power off and tries the Hipnotique, only to have Nattie run out to the floor. A distraction lets Nattie go after the knee to take over as we go to a break. We come back with Parker in trouble but managing a Falcon Arrow for two.

Nattie’s Michinoku Driver gives her two and there’s the Sharpshooter, which sends Parker crawling over the apron for the break. Parker gets her own chop block and Sharpshooter…and here is Thea Hail to throw in the towel (after Nikkita Lyons and Karmen Petrovic were arguing over it) for the win at 11:40.

Rating: C+. Hail vs. Nattie doesn’t do much for me but what matters here is that Parker didn’t lose again. It certainly seems like we are moving away from Nattie vs. Parker and that’s good to see as the feud has gone on far too long. Parker still feels like a star in the making and it would be nice to see her moving on.

Video on Tony D’Angelo vs. Naraku, setting up their street fight rematch for the title.

Kelani Jordan annoys Robert Stone and says she was robbed last week. Stone says the referee’s decision is final. OTM comes in and they have a match set, though Bronco Nima has to decide if he’s working for NXT or AAA that night. Lucien Price doesn’t seem pleased.

Niko Vance vs. Shawn Spears

Izzy Dame is here with Vance, who gets jumped from behind to start fast. Dame offers a distraction though and Vance gets in a shot from the apron to take over. A running clothesline cuts Spears down again but Spears knocks him outside. That means a suplex to put Vance on the floor again but another Dame distraction lets Vance come back again.

We take a break and come back with Vance getting suplexed off the top. Spears fires off the chops and grabs a chair, which brings Dame up to the apron. Cue Lizzy Rain for a distraction and Spears….does the Eddie Guerrero faking being hit by a chair. Believe it or not this actually works and Vance is disqualified at 11:05.

Rating: C+. I was expecting Vance to win here but there is something to be said about the veteran Spears outsmarting him to win. And it even gave us another Guerrero tribute so it’s great to see. While I can’t imagine this winds up going well for Spears in the end, at least he did get off to a nice start so it’s not as straightforward as you might have expected.

Kam Hendrix’s knee is at 67.2% when Myles Borne and Tavion Heights come in. Borne wants to reform the team with Heights and they would like a shot at the Tag Team Titles. Stone agrees, if Borne can successfully defend his North American Title next week. Hendrix gets a well timed text saying his knee is cleared. Stone says if that’s true, he can have the title match next week. Heights is thrilled.

Reina Volcan is ready to prove that she is a natural disaster.

Reina Volcan vs. Skyler Raye

Volcan grabs a powerslam for an early two but Raye starts flipping around. Some running shots in the corner are cut off with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker though and Raye is right back in trouble. A torture rack (the Natural Disaster, a great name) makes Raye give up at 3:05. Pretty solid debut.

Rating: C. This was all it needed to be, as Raye got in a bit of offense and was then promptly smashed. Volcan feels like the new big monster around here and has basically been promoted as such. Go with what makes sense to her and have it work out, which is what they did here.

Shiloh Hill and Robert Stone shill KFC until a rather aggressive Stone requests and receives a match with Tristan Angels next week. Hill calms way down when he gets the match, but he also steals the chicken.

An SUV arrives in the back, with commentary speculating that this is whom Stone has been talking to on the phone all night (which hadn’t really been overly noticeable but fair enough).

NXT Title: Naraku vs. Tony D’Angelo

D’Angelo is defending in a street fight (Commentary says this is the first time the title has ever been defended in a street fight and…..how is that possibly true?). Anyway, Naraku mists him at the bell and D’Angelo rolls outside, where Naraku starts grabbing the weapons. Some chair shots have D’Angelo in more trouble and Naraku suplexes him through some open chairs. D’Angelo fights up and goes over to find a bottle of water to clean out his eyes.

Naraku is sent crashing through the barricade and we take a break. We come back with D’Angelo hitting Naraku with a ladder and loading up a table. An Alabama Slam through a table is broken up so D’Angelo goes to the eyes to put Naraku back down. They head outside again and Naraku Widowmakers him through the announcers’ table. Back in and another misting is blocked, with D’Angelo rubbing the mist into Naraku’s eyes. Dead To Rites through the table retains the title at 12:03.

Rating: B-. This was a pretty standard street fight/weapons match and it went well enough to give D’Angelo a clean win. I’m a bit surprised that they didn’t give Naraku the title as he felt like the one planned to stop D’Angelo, but he could move on to someone else rather quickly. Either way, nice enough stuff here for a big TV main event.

Post match D’Angelo celebrates but former TNA World Champion Mike Santana (no name here, because WWE) comes through the crowd for the big staredown to end the show. Yeah you knew he was showing up and it was a matter of when rather than if, so thankfully they didn’t waste time.

Overall Rating: B-. I wasn’t feeling a lot of this show, though the Santana debut at the end was a great bonus. What matters the most here is that they can start moving towards Heatwave and I could go for seeing what they have in mind for the card. Santana getting the title there wouldn’t be out of the question, but there are at least some seeds being planted for the show this far out. Nice enough show here, but the main event is the only match really worth your time.

Results
Darkstate b. Romeo Moreno/Noam Dar/Saquon Shuggars – Double toss powerbomb to Moreno
Keanu Carver b. Hank Walker – Alabama Slam
Jaida Parker b. Nattie – Sharpshooter
Shawn Spears b. Niko Vance when Vance didn’t hit him with a chair
Reina Volcan b. Skyler Raye – Natural Disaster
Tony D’Angelo b. Naraku – Dead To Rites through a table

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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NXT
Date: July 14, 2026
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Booker T., Vic Joseph

Heatwave is starting to come into view but we have a good enough while to go. The big story around the NXT Title seems to be a rematch between Naraku and champion Tony D’Angelo. Other than that, we have various people coming for various titles, as tends to be the case on a wrestling show. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Tag Team Titles: Vanity Project vs. Sean Legacy/Dorian Van Dux

The Project is defending. Legacy rolls Smokes up to start fast before armdragging Baylor into an armbar. Dux comes in for a nice dropkick and a belly to back suplex, setting up Legacy’s standing moonsault for two. Smokes gets chopped down in the corner and Baylor comes in off a blind tag, only to be sent outside. Legacy hits a huge dive and we take a break.

We come back with Legacy in trouble in the corner and Smoke grabbing a chinlock. Legacy fights out of a double belly to back suplex though and it’s a rolling tag to bring in Dux to clean house. Smokes trips Dux from the floor though and it’s a Codebreaker into a spear for two, with Legacy making the save.

Everyone is down for a minute until Dux crotches Smokes on top. A top rope splash and 450 combine to give Legacy two and the champs are sent outside for stereo dives. Jackson Drake is pulled in but Myra Lockwood low bridges Dux out to the floor. Legacy is sent into the steps and a top rope double stomp/reverse DDT combination retains the titles at 13:09.

Rating: B-. Dang it the Project is starting to get good at their thing and that was the case again here. They’re a team who look like they should be easily beaten but they are just good enough to get by. That’s a good place to be and it should be interesting to see which team is finally able to figure out the combination to finally beat them.

Tavion Heights and Myles Borne think they could take the Tag Team Titles but Kam Hendrix comes in to say he wants the North American Title. He’s hurt for now but showtime is coming soon.

Saquon Shuggars wants OTM to be his partners against Darkstate but they remember him being a bit evil so that’s a no. OTM goes over to talk to Birthright for going after them, but Birthright brings up Bronco Nima going to AAA on his own. Maybe there are some cracks in the OTM foundation.

Here is Tristan Angels for a chat. He’s not big on Shiloh Hill, who has a family tree involving wild animals but Angels is here with Hill’s missing tooth. Angels then stomps on said tooth, so here is Hill on the screen, saying that he can fix his smile, but Angels can’t fix the fact that the fog is coming. Hill shouts that a bunch and some fog appears to scare Angels.

Nattie and company think that Nikkita Lyons should replace the injured Layla Diggs in the Women’s North American Title match. Lizzy Rain and Izzy Dame want in as well so a lot of bickering ensues. Robert Stone is sick of it and makes a four way for the title tonight.

Tate Wilder vs. Naraku

Wilder gets an inset promo saying he likes this kind of a challenge. Wilder snaps off an armdrag to start but gets sent throat first into the middle rope. Naraku is sent outside though and we take a break. We come back with Naraku throwing him into an STF. That’s broken up so Naraku grabs a chinlock, only for Wilder to fight up for a Sling Blade. A Sling Blade backbreaker gets two on Naraku and a spinning high crossbody gets the same. Wilder goes up again but gets shoved down for a big crash. Back in and Into The Abyss finishes Wilder off at 8:56.

Rating: B-. Wilder was trying here but he was in over his head and got crushed in the end. Naraku got to shake off just about everything that Wilder threw at him and wound up winning, as the match should have been. There is a good chance that Naraku is coming up on a violent rematch with Tony D’Angelo for the NXT Title so a nice win like this is a good thing.

Post match D’Angelo comes in for the brawl, with security only having so much success.

Hank & Tank and EK Prosper turn Saquon Shuggars down as well.

Women’s North American Title: Izzy Dame vs. Nikkita Lyons vs. Lizzy Rain vs. Zaria

Only Zaria is defending. They fight for some early rollups for two each until Rain springboard elbows Zaria down. Zaria is back up with a spinning clothesline to Lyons and it’s time to pair off for stereo brawls. We take a break and come back with Lyons and Rain striking it out on the apron until Zaria and Dame clothesline each other.

Back in and Rain cleans house but Lyons gives her a sitout powerbomb for two. Dame is back up with a running dropkick to break up a fireman’s carry and get two on Zaria. Rain and Lyons are knocked outside and Zaria spears Dame for two. Cue Nattie and Karmen Petrovic but here is Jaida Parker to take Nattie out. Zaria spears Petrovic and a spear into the F5 finishes Lyons to retain the title at 12:46.

Rating: B-. This was a tricky one as they went from a singles match to a wild four way with pretty much no build. That’s not their fault in this case and they did what they could here. Zaria retains the match and while it’s annoying that Lyons took the fall, at least they did everything to get out of there given the screwy circumstances.

Wren Sinclair and Kendal Grey turn Saquon Shuggars down too, but Lola Vice comes in to say she’s not done with Grey.

Tony D’Angelo demands Robert Stone give him Naraku again and the match is set for next week. D’Angelo says he isn’t waiting and Stone chases after him.

Tavion Heights vs. Jackson Drake

The rest of the Vanity Project is here with Drake, who is backed into the ropes to start rather quickly. Heights grabs a headlock, which doesn’t work very well for him as Drake drives him into the corner. Back up and Heights suplexes him into the corner and we take a break.

We come back with Heights missing some charges into the corner and getting his leg taken out. The Figure Four goes on with Heights turning it over, sending Drake crawling to the rope for the break. A big backdrop sends Drake onto the Project so Brad Baylor gets up on the apron. That’s cut off so Heights tries the belly to belly, only to get reversed into a sunset flip to give Drake the pin at 10:37.

Rating: C+. It’s a good night for the Project and it’s nice to see Drake get a pretty big win without much cheating. He’s the most talented of the Project and someone who could go somewhere as a singles star so why not see what he can do? At the same time, Heights continues to lose and I have no idea where he’s supposed to go in this whole thing.

Reina Volcan is a force of nature and ready to wreck people.

Saquon Shuggars, Noam Dar/Romeo Moreno….and they actually say yes! Huh, I was expecting someone from the main roster showing up.

Kali Armstrong talks trash to Kendal Grey and promises to win. Armstrong runs into Jaida Parker, who isn’t impressed. Nattie and company jump Parker.

Shawn Spears saw potential in the Culling and he’s proud of Izzy Dame. He was proud of Niko Vance for taking a step forward, but then it was two steps back. Let’s find out just how much Vance learned.

Kelani Jordan vs. Lola Vice vs. Kali Armstrong

For a future Women’s Title shot. Armstrong is clotheslined to the floor to start, leaving Jordan to roll Vice up for two. Back in and Armstrong’s charge hits the post, leaving the other two to brawl on the mat. Armstrong breaks that up with some slams, with Vice being sent outside. Jordan neckbreakers Vice who DDTs Armstrong for two but Vice sends Jordan outside.

A guillotine choke has Armstrong in trouble but Jordan is back in for the save. Vice and Jordan brawl to the floor so Armstrong takes them both out with a big dive. We take a break and come back with Vice hitting the running hip attacks in the corner. Armstrong spinebusters Vice for two but Jordan kicks both of them in the face, followed by a double Eat Defeat.

Jordan gets pulled into a triangle choke with Armstrong making the save, setting up a string of rollups for two each. A frog splash breaks up Vice’s cross armbreaker for two but Armstrong powerslams Vice. The Kali Connection sends Vice outside so she and Jordan can trade rollups for two each. Back in and Vice spinning backfists Armstrong but gets dropped by Jordan. The 450 hits Armstrong, only for Vice to kick Jordan off and get the pin at 14:20.

Rating: B-. It was almost all action, but Vice is absolutely the right choice given how strongly her first match with Grey was received. If you already have a story that good, just run a rematch because the fans are going to want to see it. Jordan and Armstrong losing again is fine as Jordan will get her big title shot down the line and Armstrong is going to be a force just because of the incredible power and athleticism.

We run down next week’s card but it’s off to the parking lot.

Tony D’Angelo and Naraku are fighting in the parking lot so Robert Stone comes in to make their title match next week a street fight.

Overall Rating: B. This was a show built around getting us ready for the pretty big TV show next week before we start the real build towards Heatwave. The good thing is that they made it work here, with pretty much everything clicking and the winners feeling like they got something out of their matches. I want to see where some of these things go next week and I’ll take that every single time.

Results
Vanity Project b. Sean Legacy/Dorian Van Dux – Top rope double stomp/reverse DDT combination to Van Dux
Naraku b. Tate Wilder – Into The Abyss
Zaria b. Izzy Dame, Lizzy Rain and Nikkita Lyons – Spear to Lyons
Jackson Drake b. Tavion Heights – Sunset flip
Lola Vice b. Kelani Jordan and Kali Armstrong – 450 to Armstrong

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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NXT
Date: July 7, 2026
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Booker T., Vic Joseph

We’re in an interesting place as the big story coming out of last week was…uh…someone we ALL know debuting and attacking Tatum Paxley. That’s going to need some follow up and preferably a name as it feels like quite the big story. Kendal Grey is defending the Women’s Title too so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Kali Armstrong is in the ring to start and she isn’t happy. She saw everyone cheering for Kendal Grey and she had her target. As soon as she decided to go after Grey, everyone was paying attention to her. Now she wants the title and doesn’t care who she has to face. This brings out Lola Vice to say Armstrong is impatient but Kelani Jordan interrupts. She can’t believe what she’s hearing because everyone is worried about Tatum Paxley. Jordan is the one who should get a shot and the brawl is on, with Armstrong clearing the ring. As usual, Jordan is not great at talking. It’s just not her thing.

Darkstate vs. OTM vs. Sean Legacy/Dorian Van Dux vs. Birthright

For a future Tag Team Title shot and it’s Nima and Griffin cleaning house to give us the big power brawl to start. Legacy is back up to send them into each other but Price powers Birthright around without much trouble. James kicks Price away but Legacy and Dux give him a double suplex. Birthright is back up to clear the ring though and we take a break.

We come back with Darkstate firing away until Price forearms Stacks out of the air. Dux gets the tag and fires off the kicks into a moonsault until Nima gives him a spinning Big Ending for two. A bunch of people go outside and Stacks suplexes Dux into Connors’ sitout powerbomb. Legacy and Dux moonsault onto the floor and Griffin hits a dive of his own. Cue Saquon Shuggars in the crowd but Dion Lennox chases him off. A bunch of people brawl to the back and Legacy’s springboard 450 finishes Connors at 14:17.

Rating: B-. This was a bunch of people going all over the place and the problem comes down to there just being so many people out there. The match didn’t have much in the way of a flow or structure as everything was about getting stuff in against each other. Also, it showed how unimportant a lot of these teams really feel, with Legacy and Dux being even weaker.

Jaida Parker isn’t happy with Nattie making her give up, especially when Nattie is here to revitalize her dead career. Parker is coming for her.

Saquon Shuggars knows he needs help to fight Darkstate but no one likes him. It’s time to shake hands and kiss babies to show people he has changed.

Keanu Carver vs. Tank Ledger

Ledger jumps him to start and knocks Carver outside. Back in and Carver gets in a shot of his own to cut that off, followed by quite the clothesline. A powerbomb gives Carver two, with his taped up knee giving out at the end. Ledger strikes away and even gets in a Swanton for two but a full nelson is blocked. Somehow Carver is back up with a dropkick and an Alabama Slam for the pin at 4:46.

Rating: C+. They were smart to keep this short as Carver is all about power and devastation. He absorbed everything that Ledger threw at him and fought through the injury to win. That’s a good way to make Carver feel like a monster and I’m curious to see where he’s going next, as he’s an effective smashing machine.

Naraku talks about how he isn’t done with Tony D’Angelo and asks how far D’Angelo is willing to go, because Naraku will do anything to win the title.

Tate Wilder wants to fight Naraku and Kam Hendrix, whose knee is still banged up, doesn’t think much of Mason Rook. Cue Rook, who scares Hendrix off.

Nattie is ready for her match and offers to be there with Layla Diggs, but Diggs wants to do this on her own. Works for Nattie, who does want her friends out there for the title match.

Lizzie Rain vs. Thea Hail vs. Izzy Dame vs. Layla Diggs

For a Women’s North American Title shot. Dame takes over to start but gets dropped by Rain. Some rollups for two each are exchanged until Rain backdrops Hail out to the floor. Rain’s springboard elbow drops Dame but Diggs is back up to elbow both of them. Hail is up with a middle rope dive onto all three of them and we take a break.

We come back with Hail and Diggs hitting stereo frog splashes for two each. Hail superkicks Diggs into a standing moonsault for two and a springboard backsplash gets two more. Rain is back up with a double cutter, followed by a single cutter to a diving Diggs. Dame chokeslams Diggs for two and a middle rope Codebreaker hitting Rain. Hail’s Kimura is broken up and everyone is down again. Rain elbows Dame into the corner and gives Hail Thunderstruck, only for Diggs to hit her perfect moonsault for the pin at 14:28.

Rating: B-. This was similar to the opening match but it was rather nice to have half of the people involved overall. It helps so much, just for the sake of having less going on and fewer people flying around. Diggs winning is an interesting choice for the win, but it’s a good way to give her a quick move up the charts.

The woman who debuted last week talks about wanting to attack anyone and calls herself a force of nature. Her name: Reina Vulcan.

Here is an upset Tavion Heights for a chat. He doesn’t like the things that he said before the Great American Bash and he wants to apologize to Myles Borne. This brings out the Vanity Project, who say they deserve some apologies of their own. Jackson Drake doesn’t think much of Heights’ statements so the brawl is on, with Heights clearing the ring.

Romeo Moreno and Noam Dar run into Sean Legacy and Dorian Van Dux and seem interested in a match. Legacy and Dux are more interested in figuring out which of their names comes first.

Shiloh Hill vs. Niko Vance

Hill charges into a boot in the corner to start but avoids a middle rope headbutt. Hill’s top rope clothesline gets two and it’s time to stare at each other, followed by Hill hitting another clothesline. Vance is back with a gutwrench faceplant and a middle rope headbutt for two of his own. Back up and Hill snaps off a DDT before striking away and getting two off a backsplash. Cue Tristan Angels for a distraction, allowing Vance to hit a running elbow for the pin at 4:41.

Rating: C+. It was fairly intense while it lasted but this was more about Angels vs. Hill continuing than anything else. That’s a fine enough way to go as a culture clash is always going to work. Hill has certainly gotten some interest from the fans as well and that’s a good sign. It also shouldn’t be surprising as he’s rather oddly charismatic and it’s working well thus far.

Post match Vance poses and here is Shawn Spears to chair him in the back.

Women’s Title: Kendal Grey vs. Nattie

Grey is defending and all of their respective friends are here too. They grapple on the mat to start with Grey getting the better of things. A shot to the face drops Grey so she wrestles Nattie down again. Nattie tries her belly to back drop but Grey picks the ankle into an ankle lock. That’s broken up and they fight outside with Grey getting distracted, allowing Nattie to get in a cheap shot. The seconds get in a big fight and we take a break.

We come back with Nattie holding an abdominal stretch but getting small packaged for two. Nattie pulls her into a rear naked choke so Grey grabs a failed cross armbreaker attempt. Back up and a middle rope dropkick is countered into the Sharpshooter. Grey makes the rope and they fight over a rollup, only for Grey to snap off Shades Of Grey for the pin to retain at 12:19.

Rating: B-. Well at least we should be done with Nattie as a challenger. That’s a good thing to see, as the idea of Grey feuding with her for the long term is almost depressing. The match was the perfectly fine technical display but Nattie wasn’t going to end the big new title reign and certainly not this soon. For a one off TV main event, it worked perfectly well.

Post match Jaida Parker comes out for a staredown with Nattie. Kali Armstrong, Lola Vice and Kelani Jordan surround Grey to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. This was a show about moving stories forward, but it made you realize how a lot of these people haven’t been developed all that well yet. The thing to remember is a good number of these people are freshly moved up to NXT from Evolve and haven’t had the chance to grow yet, despite being put in these spots. That is making for a tricky situation and NXT is handling it as well as they can, which is impressive enough. The show was busy but good enough and held my interest so we’ll call it acceptable this week.

Results
Sean Legacy/Dorian Van Dux b. OTM, Darkstate and Birthright – Springboard 450 to Connors
Keanu Carer b. Tank Ledger – Alabama Slam
Layla Diggs b. Thea Hail, Lizzie Rain and Izzy Dame – Moonsault to Hail
Niko Vance b. Shiloh Hill – Running elbow
Kendal Grey b. Nattie – Shades Of Grey

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NXT
Date: June 30, 2026
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

We’re done with the Great American Bash and the big story coming out of the show was Lola Vice losing the Women’s Title to Kendal Grey. We’ll get to see where things go for the new champion going forward, probably in the form of meeting a new challenger. Other than that, Tony D’Angelo turned back a challenge from Naraku and he’ll be needing a new challenger of his own. Let’s get to it.

Here is the Great American Bash if you need a recap.

We open with a long Great American Bash recap.

Here is Kendal Grey for a chat. She’s more nervous to be out here now than she was in the main event on Sunday. Ever since John Cena picked her to be in the Women’s Iron Survivor, her life has been crazy. No one puts pressure on her like she does and she kept dropping the ball. This Sunday, she proved she belonged here, even though she doesn’t look like a normal champion.

No she isn’t going to dress like a Barbie but when the bell rings, she’ll be wrestling like a champion. Sooner or later, everyone is going to find out they can’t keep up with Kendal. Cue Wren Sinclair with a cake but before they can celebrate, here is Kelani Jordan to say she wants the title shot she has earned. Tatum Paxley pops up out of the crowd to dive onto Jordan as Wren and Kendal have cake.

Keanu Carver has attacked El Hijo del Vikingo, saying the title match is off.

Izzi Dame is complaining about how she doesn’t have a title but Zaria isn’t pleased with her issues. Lizzie Rain comes in and annoys both of them with loud music.

Kelani Jordan complains about everything to Robert Stone, who has no time for this. Stone gives her Tatum Paxley in tonight’s main event before going to deal with Keanu Carver. Thankfully Carver is a few feet away and says that he doesn’t like being overlooked. His reward: a match with EK Prosper tonight. WWE is getting annoying with announcing things and then changing them lately.

Tag Team Titles: Vanity Project vs. Galeno/El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr.

The Project is defending. Baylor shoves Galeno into the corner to start and gets punched by Wagner as a result, with Wagner hitting a big running flip dive to take the champs out. We take a break and come back with Wagner enziguring his way out of the corner and bringing Galeno in again. House is quickly cleaned, including a toss dropkick to send Wagner up for a dropkick to Smokes.

The Project is right back with a dropkick Hart Attack for two on Wagner but Galeno’s reverse suplex connects for the same. Wagner climbs onto Galeno’s shoulders for a splash on Baylor but Galeno accidentally backdrops Smokes onto the cover to break it up. Jackson Drake offers a distraction as well and a top rope double stomp/reverse DDT combination to Wagner retains the titles at 10:10.

Rating: B-. This worked well enough for a team of guest stars popping in for the sake of a one off title match. It’s not like there is any story to the match and the Project are seen as weak enough that they could lose the titles at any time. It wasn’t great but it was the Project getting to capitalize on a mistake, which does make sense for them. Or anyone really.

A bunch of tag teams want a title shot so Robert Stone makes a four team #1 contenders match next week. Romeo Moreno/Noam Dar are left out as Stone says they need to build up their resume first (fair and accurate).

Mason Rook vs. Jackson Drake

The rest of the Vanity Project is here with Drake. Rook blocks an early headlock takeover attempt and gets two off an early powerslam. Hold on though as Kam Hendrix calls Booker T. to say he’s about 60% cleared to return to the ring and will be back soon. But did he get a new sling to cut down on the chaffing?

Anyway Rook misses a backsplash but does a Samoa Joe sidestep of a springboard moonsault. Rook’s second backsplash attempt connects and Drake rolls outside as we take a break. We come back with Drake getting two off a cutter but Rook drops him with a toss Blue Thunder Bomb. The cannonball crushes Drake in the corner but he avoids a sitdown splash.

Drake hits a Lionsault double stomp (OUCH) for two, only for Rook to slam him down again. Another powerbomb is countered into a heck of a Code Red to give Drake two. Back up and Rook’s sitout powerbomb gets two more and the fans are (rightfully) losing it over this stuff. The Project gets up for a distraction though and Drake gets a Backstabber, with Myra Lockwood holding Rook’s foot for the pin at 11:51.

Rating: B+. Well where in the world did that come from? These two just happened to have great chemistry together and I was wondering where this was going. This was a couple of guys trading one big move after another and while Rook has been treated like a big deal since he debuted, I didn’t know Drake had this in him. Shockingly awesome match here and I could go with a rematch.

Post match Rook wrecks the Project.

Tate Wilder gives EK Prosper a pep talk.

Kali Armstrong comes in to Robert Stone’s office and wants a chance. He tells her that actions speak louder than words.

EK Prosper vs. Keanu Carver

Carver powers him into the corner to start and grabs an early armbar. Prosper is up with a dropkick and a low bridge to the floor, naturally setting up the big running flip dive. Back in and a top rope splash gives Prosper two and we take a break. We come back with Prosper fighting out of a chinlock and seeing Carver hitting a great looking release German suplex during the break.

Carver’s powerslam is countered into a Stunner (that was different) but he cuts off a dive to drop Prosper onto the announcers’ table. Cue Hank to knock Carver through the barricade (in revenge for Carver attacking Tank at the Great American Bash) for nine, leaving Prosper to hit a moonsault for the pin at 10:12.

Rating: C+. There is something to be said about having Carver run through people but getting taken out as a result of his own actions. That’s a far cry from Carver slipping on a banana peel or getting cheated unfairly as it also keeps him strong. Prosper is looking good too and it is nice to see him getting a chance of his own, including being the kryptonite to Carver.

Kendal Grey is in Robert Stone’s office where he announces a four way Women’s North American #1 contenders match next week. Nattie and her new friends come in with Nattie praising them and then asking for a title match. Stone and Grey are in so the match is set for next week.

Jaida Parker vs. Karmen Petrovic

Nattie, Layla Diggs and Nikkita Lyons are here with Petrovic. Parker powers her into the corner to start and grabs a quickly broken headlock. Back up and Parker sends her into the corner for the Tear Drop but a Nattie distraction lets Petrovic drop Parker onto the apron. Petrovic stomps away inside and a suplex sends Parker flying for two. Parker reverses a kick to the chest into the Rings Of Saturn, sending Petrovic straight to the rope. A baseball slide drops Petrovic so Nattie and company get in some cheap shots. Back in and Parker shrugs it off, setting up the Hipnotique and Deja Vu for the pin at 4:48.

Rating: C. I would hope that we’re not going to see Parker run through Nattie’s group to get at Nattie because I don’t want to see Nattie around that long. I do like Petrovic getting a chance to do something but losing in about five minutes is hardly some big upgrade. At least Parker got a win, and her getting even more would be a nice thing to see.

Shiloh Hill and Tatum Paxley talk about enjoying fun and knowing how to turn into their dark versions when necessary. Paxley leaves and Niko Vance comes in, saying they need to get rid of weak stars one by one. Hill doesn’t like the implication that Paxley is weak and Vance says the toothless look makes for a nice smile.

Sean Legacy comes up to Dorian Van Dux (who wasn’t in the tag team meeting earlier) and says they need to be on the same page. Dux says they will be.

Myles Borne and Wren Sinclair are happy with their wins on Sunday but Tavion Heights comes in. Heights says that no matter what, friends stay together no matter what, in an effort to erase what he had said to Borne. It doesn’t quite work, as Borne says that’s what he’s been trying to tell Heights all along before leaving.

Here is Tony D’Angelo for a chat. When you do things every day, you start taking them for granted. Last week he got his eye burned and had to sign a document before he was able to fight at the Great American Bash. That made him stop for a second, because he wasn’t sure if he was going to risk his health to defend the NXT Title. Of course he was, and that’s why he gave it his all against Naraku.

There is no one in that locker room willing to swim deep enough to take the title from him. And that’s that, with Kendal Grey coming out for the main event but Naraku comes in to chair D’Angelo down. An STO onto the chair leaves D’Angelo down. I’m really not getting the reason for this feud continuing when D’Angelo beat him clean.

After a break, we see Naraku backstage before the attack, where he misted D’Angelo to leave him completely blinded before laying him out. That’s a nice touch that didn’t come across earlier.

Tatum Paxley vs. Kelani Jordan

They fight over a lockup to start and go to the mat, with Jordan taking over. Jordan’s headlock doesn’t last long as Paxley is up with a dropkick to the floor. Jordan is right back up but misses an Asai moonsault, allowing Paxley to hit a superkick to the chest. We take a break and come back with Paxley forearming away and seeing Kali Armstrong jumping Kendal Grey on commentary right before the break.

With Grey gone, Paxley strikes away at Jordan, including a step up kick from the floor to the head. Paxley misses a 450 though and tweaks her ankle (which was also banged up during the break). Jordan stomps her down and cranks on the leg, with Paxley rolling her out to the floor. The Cemetery Drive is countered and Jordan goes after the leg to set up something like an Angle Slam. One Of A Kind finishes Paxley at 12:20.

Rating: B-. I’m not happy to see Paxley losing here but at least Jordan’s push towards the big showdown for the title is being built up. It might not be interesting, but at least it’s coming together. Paxley is in a weird place as she doesn’t have much to do right now and she’s on a losing streak, which is hardly a great sign for her future.

Post match Jordan leaves but a woman (Vic: “We all know who that is!”) comes in to jump Paxley and lay her out to the end the show. Naturally commentary never said the newcomer’s name but it’s Nikki Blackheart.

Overall Rating: B-. I liked the show for the most part as it followed a logical path, save for Naraku vs. D’Angelo continuing. You can see where a lot of these feuds are going and I want to see how some of those stories play out. This was a bit of an upgrade over the last few weeks of NXT and I’m glad to see that, as the Great American Bash was only so interesting. Throw in the rather awesome Rook vs. Jackson match and it was a nice show this week.

Results
Vanity Project/Galeno/El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. – Top rope double stomp/reverse DDT combination to Wagner Jr.
Jackson Drake b. Mason Rook – Backstabber with assist from Lockwood
EK Prosper b. Keanu Carver – Moonsault
Jaida Parker b. Karmen Petrovic – Deja Vu
Kelani Jordan b. Tatum Paxley – One Of A Kind

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