The July 7 edition of WWE NXT was a pivotal moment in the brand's evolution, with a focus on the women's division and the build-up to Heatwave. The show was a mixed bag, with some compelling moments and others that felt like they were dragging on. Here's a deep dive into the key moments and my personal take on the overall experience.
The Women's Division Takes Center Stage
The women's division has been the driving force of NXT for the past two weeks, and this episode was no exception. The main event, Kendal Grey vs. Nattie, was a highlight, with both women showcasing their skills in a submission-filled contest. Grey's retention of the NXT Women's Championship sets the tone for her reign, and the post-match vignette of Vice, Kali Armstrong, and Kelani Jordan scouting her from different sides of the ring was a cheesy but effective way to establish the next wave of contenders.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the strategic positioning of these women. Vice, Armstrong, and Jordan are all talented and have the potential to be the next big thing in NXT. The fact that they're all vying for the same opportunity adds an interesting dynamic to the division. Personally, I think this could be the start of a new era for NXT women's wrestling, with these three potentially becoming the faces of the brand.
Fatal 4-Way Matches: Action and Drama
The two Fatal 4-Way matches were a blast, with all four women delivering strong performances. Layla Diggs' win to become the number one contender to the NXT Women's North American Championship was a refreshing change of pace, given her recent history in the WWE Women's Speed Championship division. The action was non-stop, with highlights including Hail leaping off the top rope and Diggs hitting a flawless moonsault.
In my opinion, these matches showcased the depth of talent in NXT's women's division. It's a testament to the brand's commitment to providing opportunities for its female performers. What many people don't realize is that these matches are not just for show; they're crucial in building the careers of these women and establishing NXT as a premier destination for female wrestling.
Tag Team Division: Fun and Frustration
The NXT Tag Team Championship No. 1 Contender's Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match was a fun clash of styles, with OTM, DarkState, Birth Right, and Sean Legacy & Dorian Van Dux all delivering strong performances. The crowd was into the action, and Legacy & Van Dux' surprising win sets them up for a title shot against The Vanity Project next week.
However, the tag team division as a whole feels depleted. There's a lack of consistent storytelling and character development, which is a shame given the talent involved. It's a fine line to walk, as too much focus on the tag team division can take away from the singles scene, but the current state of affairs feels like a missed opportunity.
Single Matches: Dominance and Momentum
Keanu Carver's victory over Tank Ledger was a solid step in the right direction for the former. Carver needed this win to re-establish his dominance after back-to-back losses, and he delivered. The commentators noted Ledger's lack of singles matches in recent years, which adds an interesting layer to the story.
Shiloh Hill vs. Niko Vance was a competitive contest, but it felt like a wasted opportunity. Hill has been heavily protected, and Vance's win, even if tainted, was notable. The post-match attack by Shawn Spears on Vance raises questions about his future in NXT, and it's a shame that this storyline should have ended at The Great American Bash.
The Never-Ending Borne-Heights Saga
Tavion Heights' attempt to apologize to Myles Borne was a rushed and underwhelming segment. The never-ending interactions between Borne and Heights feel forced and lack the necessary tension. It's odd that Mason Rook, who was outnumbered and defeated last week, didn't show up to support Borne and Heights.
From my perspective, this segment was a missed opportunity to build towards a compelling tag team match. Instead, it felt like a drag on the show, and I can't help but wonder if the writers are running out of ideas.
Overall Show: Building Blocks and Missed Opportunities
Despite the mixed bag of segments, the July 7 edition of WWE NXT was an eventful show. The two number one contender's matches were fun and set the stage for Heatwave. The women's division, in particular, is stacked and will likely carry NXT through the upcoming pay-per-view.
However, the show also featured storylines that have no business being extended, such as the never-ending Borne-Heights saga. It's a fine line to walk, as building blocks are necessary for long-term success, but the current state of affairs feels like a missed opportunity. The show was adequate, but it left me wanting more, and I can't help but wonder what could have been if certain segments had been handled differently.
In conclusion, the July 7 edition of WWE NXT was a mixed bag, with some compelling moments and others that felt like they were dragging on. The women's division continues to shine, and the build-up to Heatwave is intriguing. However, the show also featured storylines that need to be wrapped up, and the never-ending Borne-Heights saga feels like a drag on the brand. It's a fine line to walk, and NXT needs to find a balance between building blocks and storytelling to truly stand out in the crowded landscape of professional wrestling.
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