The John Report: WWE NXT 02/24/26 Review
This week’s WWE NXT features Jacy Jayne facing Sol Ruca, Ethan Page against Myles Borne, Darkstate taking on the Vanity Project, and more.
There are four title matches on this week’s episode of NXT, which certainly makes it feel like a big deal. There are 7 matches total advertised for this show, which is rare for NXT, since they often set up matches during the show in backstage segments. This episode was going to be in Atlanta, but it was canceled for logistical reasons. They are building toward the NXT Vengeance Day PLE, which is on March 7th at the WWE PC in Orlando rather than going on the road. We know Joe Hendry will defend the NXT Title against Ricky Saints at Vengeance Day, and hopefully more matches will be added to that show.
They were at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando for this week’s show. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport and check out my NXT TV review archive. Let’s get to it.
The Interim NXT GM, Robert Stone, appeared on camera hyping up the four title matches coming up on this week’s show.
It’s Vic Joseph on commentary, along with Booker T as usual. Mike Rome was the ring announcer.
NXT Tag Team Championships: Darkstate – Osiris Griffin & Saquon Shugars (w/Dion Lennox & Cutler James) vs. The Vanity Project – Ricky Smokes & Brad Baylor (w/Jackson Drake)
They are both heel teams in this match. Smokes and Baylor ran into Griffin multiple times and fell down to put over Griffin’s power. Shugars and Griffin were in control with a double-team leg drop/sidewalk slam. Shugars was legal for his team with a neckbreaker/big boot combo for a two-count on Baylor. Smokes finally got some offense with a shoulder tackle to Shugars’ ribs. Griffin launched Baylor across the ring, and Shugars got two boots to the face. Darkstate did a spot where they tossed Baylor onto Smokes. The fans were chanting “Darkstate,” so it seemed like they were the faces in this match at least. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued.
The challengers, Smokes and Baylor, were in control of Shugars. Smokes dropkicked Shugars while Baylor held him, leading to a two-count. After Shugars broke free, Griffin tagged in and was on fire with a double cross-body block. Griffin hit a Chokeslam and threw Smokes onto Baylor, leading to a two-count for Griffin. Smokes attempted a jackknife pin on Griffin for a two-count. Shugars was back in for a missile dropkick, a Doomsday Device-style double-team move, and that got a two-count because Drake put Baylor’s foot on the ropes. The referee saw Drake get involved. Referees and security showed up while Drake was arguing with James. Tony D’Angelo showed up to hit a spinebuster on Shugars on the apron. The referee never saw it. Tony tossed Baylor into the ring, and Baylor rolled on top of Shugars for the pinfall win! The Vanity Project won the titles! The match went about 12 minutes.
Winners by pinfall AND NEW NXT Tag Team Champions – The Vanity Project – Ricky Smokes & Brad Baylor
Analysis: ***1/4 It was a good tag team match with a shocking title change that could be seen as an upset. Given Tony D’Angelo’s past issues with Darkstate and his claim that he was going to ruin them, it made sense for him to get involved and cost them the match. The Vanity Project have only been on NXT for less than two months, and they are already Tag Team Champions. I’m not that surprised because The Vanity Project are an entertaining heel trio, and seeing them as champions gives them credibility. I do feel bad for some other NXT teams, like OTM, that have been there a while and haven’t won gold, but I guess it’s a case of WWE wanting to see what The Vanity Project can do as champions.
Myles Borne was interviewed by Sarah Schreiber, who discussed how the odds are stacked against him. Borne said he’s overcome a lot. Borne said he’s not in over his head because he’s right where he belongs. Borne said he won’t be known as the “Deaf Kid” Myles Borne because he’ll be known as the new NXT North American Champion.
Keanu Carver made his entrance for singles action.
The WrestleMania 42 commercial was shown.
(Commercial)
Sean Legacy vs. Keanu Carver
If you don’t know much about these guys, Legacy is an excitable babyface, and Carver is a badass heel. Both were on Evolve last year and are being pushed on NXT this year. Legacy kicked Carver out of the ring, but Carver stopped a dive attempt with a punch to the face. Carver remained in control and decked Legacy with another punch or forearm to the face. Carver’s strikes look nasty, while Legacy sells them very well. Carver hit a backbreaker onto the knee and tossed Legacy across the ring. Carver sent Legacy out of the ring, and Legacy hit a superkick. Legacy sent Carver into the commentary table. Legacy hit a springboard 450 Splash for a two-count. Carver blocked a move with a slam, almost like a Powerbomb. Carver hit a Pounce, then a Jackhammer into a powerslam for the pinfall win after 4 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Keanu Carver
Analysis: **1/4 A dominant showing from Keanu Carver, who may be taking over the Oba Femi spot as the dominant wrestler in NXT. Carver isn’t as big as Femi, but he is definitely intimidating and has a badass look. Legacy is a guy who has all the tools to be successful as a babyface, but this was a match to showcase Carver. It was mostly Carver on offense, and it was an impressive win.
Wren Sinclair was talking to Kendal Grey in the women’s locker room. They discussed Wren’s participation in the Women’s Speed tournament. Kelani Jordan walked in and started trash-talking, saying she made Lola Vice tap out. Jordan bashed Grey and Wren, so Vice then entered the room and kicked Jordan. Other women around them broke it up.
The WWE Speed Champion, Jasper Troy, made his entrance for triple threat action.
(Commercial)
WWE Speed Championship: Jasper Tory vs. Elio LeFleur vs. Eli Knight
There’s a 7-minute time limit on this Speed Championship Match. Speed Championship matches have a 5-minute time limit, but they added 2 minutes since it’s a triple threat. The first fall wins.
Troy was dominant early, clearing the ring and tossing Elio over the top onto Knight on the floor. Knight and Elio each hit dropkicks on Troy on the apron, knocking him out of the ring. Troy grabbed both guys on the floor, but Elio and Knight sent him into the apron. Elio and Knight shoved Troy into the steel steps. Booker complained that this shouldn’t be happening and that it was wrong. Knight dropkicked Elio and hit an impressive standing moonsault off the turnbuckle on Elio for two. Elio hit an impressive twisting suplex off the middle turnbuckle on Knight. Elio hit a moonsault onto Knight on the floor. Troy was back up, shoving Knight into the apron. Troy tossed Knight onto Elio on the apron. Knight was back into it with a springboard dropkick on Troy. Elio jumped onto Troy, who caught him and tossed Elio onto Knight. Troy hit a massive Chokeslam on Elio for two. Elio and Knight hit leaping attacks on Troy. Knight hit a jumping leg lariat on Elio for two. Troy tossed Knight off the turnbuckle to the floor. Elio hit a Powerbomb on Troy, using the turnbuckle for leverage. Elio DDT’d Knight on the apron. Elio went up top and hit a 450 Splash on Troy for two. There were 2 minutes left, with Booker saying it should be over since it was 5 minutes. Troy was able to get back up and went for a slam, but Elio got out of it and did a headscissors takedown with his legs. Knight jumped off the top with a moonsault onto Troy, and Elio made the cover while Knight was selling. Elio got the cover for the win. It went 5:50. New champ!
Winner by pinfall AND NEW WWE Speed Champion: Elio LeFleur
Analysis: ***1/4 It was an exciting, fast-paced matchup. A title change seemed likely, and they went with LeFleur, who has been very impressive since debuting in NXT a few weeks ago. Knight is an excellent high-flier like LeFleur, and I can see them having a future title match.
Elio LeFleur celebrated with the WWE Speed Title. It was the second title change of the night.
Next up is an NXT Chronicle video about Joe Hendry.
(Commercial)
Ethan Page and Ricky Saints spoke backstage, with Ricky talking about being on the CW show Wildcards. Page was getting his left ankle taped. He said he wasn’t worried about it. The Vanity Project walked in to say they listened to Page and that they are already champions one month into their NXT careers. Ricky said he’s going to be a 2-time NXT Champion and that they will make sure Page remains the longest North American Champion. They were happy.
Analysis: There’s no official name for that group other than the Vanity Project trio, but they are clearly heel allies.
There was an NXT Chronicle video featuring NXT Champion Joe Hendry. Joe talked about his life journey, saying he had a master’s in business marketing and was singing and doing other things. He also discussed success in judo and amateur wrestling. He admitted he wasn’t ready during his first WWE tryout about 10 years ago. He said he used his musical background to make parody videos for opponents in pro wrestling. He talked about getting to wrestle guys like Cody Rhodes, Kurt Angle, and Drew McIntyre. He spoke about how everything was going great and then the world shut down with COVID-19 (this would be 2020 and into 2021). He talked about how he dyed his hair, bulked up, spent his savings on getting a visa, and went on to sign with TNA Wrestling. That ended the video, and there’s more to come.
Analysis: It’s a nice way to showcase Joe Hendry’s career journey by having him sum it up in a few minutes so fans can learn more about him.
The NXT Women’s Title match was up next, so we saw Sol Ruca walking with Zaria and the champion Jacy Jayne walking with her Fatal Influence allies.
(Commercial)
There was an NXT Origins video about former World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest. Priest said NXT helped him develop his character and NXT helped him learn how to be a WWE superstar.
Darkstate was shown backstage, looking angry about what happened. Lola Vice was also backstage and shouting for Mr. Stone. Lola found Robert Stone in his office. Vice said she wanted Stone to give her an Underground Match with Kelani Jordan. Stone said that the WWE Universe would want that, so Stone booked it for NXT Vengeance Day on March 7th. Vice was happy for it.
Analysis: That’s a big match for Vengeance Day without a title on the line. I like it. Vice should win.
Sol Ruca was up first with Zaria by her side, and everything looked good with them. Jacy Jayne was next as the NXT Women’s Champion with Fatal Influence by her side.
NXT Women’s Championship No Disqualification Match: Jacy Jayne (w/Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid) vs. Sol Ruca (w/Zaria)
The introductions took plac,e and Zaria nailed Ruca with a Spear! Heel turn! Zaria put Sol on her shoulders and hit the F5 in the ring. This was before the bell rang. Zaria yelled, “Good luck,” at Ruca. Vic said there were no disqualifications. Ruca said she was fine to start the match, so the bell rang, and Jayne hit the Rolling Encore forearm smash for the pinfall win in about 8 seconds. The fans were stunned.
Winner by pinfall: Jacy Jayne
Analysis: There’s no point in rating that since it was just an angle to put over Zaria’s heel turn on Ruca.
After the match, Zaria pulled Ruca out of the ring and hit her with the F5 onto the commentary table. Zaria called Sol a bitch and kissed her on the forehead.
Analysis: We all knew Zaria was turning heel on Ruca. It was just a matter of when, and now we know that the when was right before Ruca got a shot at the NXT Women’s Title. Zaria turned when it would cost Ruca the most. Well done as a heel turn.
(Commercial)
Tatum Paxley did a promo from the crowd, talking about how she has always wanted acceptance and to be loved. Paxley spoke about how the NXT fans have loved her, and when she wins the NXT Women’s North American Title, that title will be their title. Izzi Dame showed up as the NXT Women’s North American Champion. Dame said that Paxley will realize that she will never be enough. They were separated by people in the crowd.
Analysis: A quick promo exchange to continue the Paxley-Dame feud. Paxley does a nice job as a likable babyface.
Women’s Speed Tournament: Blake Monroe vs. Thea Hail
I’m not sure why Blake Monroe has been pushed down to the Women’s Speed Title picture, but here she is. They need to do more with Blake. Anyway, there’s a 3-minute time limit here.
Hail was very aggressive early in the match and hit a couple of pin attempts early on. Hail hit a superkick for two. Hail kicked Blake out of the ring. Jaida Parker showed up and hit Hipnotic on Blake on the floor. The referee never saw it. Hail hit a flipping neckbreaker on Blake for the pinfall win at 1:08. Booker was complaining and wondered what the hell was going on here tonight.
Winner by pinfall: Thea Hail
Analysis: * Poor Blake Monroe getting screwed out of the match by Jaida Parker. I guess it’s okay since it furthers that rivalry. I just don’t think Monroe is being booked that well.
After the match, Jaida Parker was on the floor taunting her rival while Blake Monroe looked angrily from the ring.
Joe Hendry’s NXT Chronicle video continued with part two. Joe talked about how his theme song blew up on TikTok, so he pushed for it to be on the music charts, and then he became the TNA World Champion. Joe spoke about competing at WrestleMania, and then he signed with NXT later in the year in 2025. Joe made the point that you never know when the next WWE superstar will come from.
Analysis: The popularity of Joe’s song and cheesy introduction video was huge for him. I had many non-wrestling fan friends and family members see the video and hear the song on social media, yet they had no idea who he was. It was a big deal for him.
A commercial aired promoting WWE 2K25, featuring CM Punk on the cover.
(Commercial)
Kale Dixon (w/Andre Chase) vs. Urijah Connors (w/Lexis King, Stacks & Arianna Grace)
There were no introductions, and the match started as soon as they returned from the break. They were former partners. Dixon hit a hurricanrana, sending Connors out of the ring. After Dixon tried a move off the top, Connors got his knees up to block. Connors hit a superkick, knocking Dixon down for a two-count. Charlie Dempsey was shown watching on a TV with Tavion Heights. Dixon hit a spinning sitout slam for a two-count. Dixon chopped Connors in the back. Connors countered with a Stunner, and a springboard Stunner off the ropes got a two-count. Dixon superkicked Connors out of the ring and hit a spinning dive onto Connors. Back in the ring, Dixon hit a twisting splash off the top for two. When Dixon tried a moonsault, Connors got his feet up. Connors hit a running knee smash on Dixon for the pinfall win after 4 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Urijah Connors
Analysis: **1/4 They made the most of their time with a fast-paced match featuring some big moves and nearfalls. It made sense for Connors to win to help his new stable of wrestlers, who are sons and a daughter of legendary wrestlers like King and Grace, but not Stacks, who is engaged to Grace. Dixon impressed me with some of his moves. I’d like to see him get more opportunities.
Zaria approached Jacy Jayne and Fatal Influence in the backstage area. Zaria said you owe her. Zaria threatened Jayne, saying she wants her title match next week, or she’ll do to Jayne what she did to Ruca. Zaria left.
Analysis: It looks like another title shot next week.
(Commercial)
The Vanity Project spoke with Ricky Saints backstage. They praised Ricky on the Wildcards show. Ricky mocked Joe Hendry. Ricky said he’s going to have his own Absolute Experience next week and that The Vanity Project is invited. Ricky said he had to go to the stage to practice. Hank & Tank walked in, smelling of mechanic work. Shiloh Hill was also dirty and had a steering wheel. Hill said you cost him the NXT North American Title, so they took apart Baylor’s car. That led to a fight.
Analysis: There were a lot of fights all over the building this week, and this was yet another one of those fights.
A video package aired about Myles Borne challenging Ethan Page for the NXT North American Championship. Borne beat Page in a match in May 2025. After that, Page won the NXT North American Title and had a dominant title reign. Page told Borne to do whatever it took to win, but Borne didn’t want to cheat like Page.
The NXT North American Title match was next, with the champion Ethan Page making his entrance.
A commercial aired for WWE Elimination Chamber this Saturday, February 28th in Chicago.
(Commercial)
The Interim NXT GM, Robert Stone, was interviewed by Sarah Schreiber. Stone confirmed matches and segments for next week, including Jacy Jayne defending the NXT Women’s Championship against Zaria since Jayne agreed to it. Izzi Dame walked in to talk to Stone about Paxley.
Next week on NXT:
* NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne vs. Zaria
* An Absolute Experience with Ricky Saints
* The Vanity Project vs. Hank, Tank & Shiloh Hill
Myles Borne made his entrance with his generic wrestling theme song that feels like it’s out of a video game, create a player mode. I know a lot of songs are like that, but this one feels especially like that. I do like Borne in the ring. Page made Mike Rome announce him as the greatest NXT North American Champion, and Page smiled.
NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page vs. Myles Borne
They did a spot early in the match where Page jumped over Borne while selling a left ankle injury. That’s because Borne stomped on a chair on Page’s ankle last week. Borne stomped on the left ankle and hit a knee breaker onto the knee. Borne hit a suplex. Borne went for a submission on the left leg, but Page kicked Borne out of the ring. Page hit a neckbreaker. Borne countered Page and hit an Olympic Slam. Borne hit a sliding dropkick to send Page into the commentary table. Page sent Borne into the commentary table. Page gave Borne an Ego’s Edge slam onto the commentary table. It wasn’t enough to break the table, but it was a big bump. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. Page sent Borne shoulder-first into the steel steps. Page took control with a chinlock. Page hit a running kick to keep Borne down for a two count. Page grabbed another chinlock.
Page was in control as he elbowed Borne to stop a comeback attempt. Borne got some offense going with punches, a clothesline, an uppercut, and a twisting Fisherman’s Suplex for a two-count. Page went for a move coming out of the turnbuckle, but Borne hit a reverse DDT with an elbow drop for a two-count. Page hit a powerbomb for a two-count. Borne blocked a Page move and hit a jackknife pin for two. Page hit a superkick. Page hit an Ego’s Edge in the ring for a two-count. That used to be Page’s finisher, but it’s not his finisher anymore. It’s a good spot for a two-count. Page worked over Borne with strikes and a headbutt. Page set up Borne on the top turnbuckle. Page went up top with Borne and hit an impressive superplex for a two-count. Page and Borne did the “stand and throw punches” exchange, and Page knocked Borne down. Borne got back up with a dropkick. Page hit a Codebreaker knee. Borne hit the Borne Again (Zig Zag), but was too hurt to cover. The Vanity Project went to ringside, distracted the referee, and Jackson Drake hit Borne with the NXT Title. Page covered for just two. Hank & Tank and Shiloh Hill showed up to fight the Vanity Project to the back. Ricky Saints showed up, and Joe Hendry stopped him from interfering. They fought to the back. Page went for a move, but Borne shoved Page into the exposed turnbuckle, so Page hit the exposed turnbuckle. Borne hit the Borne Again for the pinfall win. It went about 14 minutes.
Winner by pinfall AND NEW NXT North American Champion: Myles Borne
Analysis: ***1/2 This was one of those title matches where I expected a title change, given how well they built Borne as a title challenger and how long Page had held the title. It made sense to have a title change here. I liked how Borne worked over Page’s left ankle early in the match, but then they moved away from it, and Page wasn’t selling it much. The ending was set up so it looked like The Vanity Project and Ricky Saints would help Page keep his title, but the problem was those guys are hated by other wrestlers, and their help wasn’t effective enough. Borne sending Page into the exposed steel turnbuckle was a good spot to set up the finish as well. I enjoyed the match a lot.
After the match, Myles Borne was given the NXT North American Title and he hugged his mom in the crowd. The referee was telling Borne to hold up the title, so Borne held up the title. End show.
Analysis: I think whenever a guy like Ethan Page loses a title, there’s going to be speculation about a main roster call-up. I think Page certainly deserves it, but I don’t know if that’s the plan. I think he would fit in perfectly with The Vision, and since The Vision has those injuries in the group, it may be time to bring up Page to join that group. As for Borne, he’s a likable guy, and I’m happy for him.
DREAM REALIZED 🏆@mylesborne_wwe ends the historic reign of Ethan Page and is the NEW NXT North American Champion! pic.twitter.com/3JvqISaPjE
— WWE (@WWE) February 25, 2026
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Three Stars of the Show
- Myles Borne
- The Vanity Project
- Ethan Page, Elio LeFleur
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The Scoreboard
This week: 7.5 out of 10
Last week: 6.75
2026 Average: 7.03
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Final Thoughts on WWE NXT
That was a show full of action. It focused on the in-ring performances, with relatively little talking, though there were the usual number of backstage segments. There were four title matches and three title changes, making it a newsworthy episode of NXT. Zaria finally turning heel on Sol Ruca was just one of the big moments this week.
I liked most of the matches, with Myles Borne beating Ethan Page standing out as the highlight, giving Borne the NXT North American Title. I was also impressed by The Vanity Project and Elio LeFleur. Some of the matches had cheap endings, which can be frustrating, but I get why they’re used to further the stories.
This was one of the better NXT episodes of the year.
The next NXT PLE is Vengeance Day on Saturday, March 7th. Here’s the lineup so far:
* NXT Championship: Joe Hendry vs. Ricky Saints
* NXT Women’s North American Championship: Izzi Dame vs. Tatum Paxley
* Underground Match: Lola Vice vs. Kelani Jordan
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Thanks for reading. My contact info is below.
John Canton
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Twitter/X @johnreport