The John Report: WWE NXT 06/21/22 Review

This week’s WWE NXT featured Carmelo Hayes defending the North American Title against Tony D’Angelo while Solo Sikoa was in singles action against Grayson Waller as well.

This episode was taped two weeks ago just like last week’s show was. They are back to doing this show live next week. As always, I go summary style for most of the matches and then play by play for the main event.

This episode is taking place at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. My WWE NXT Review archive is here. Let’s get to it.

The show started with a graphic saying In Memory of Tim White 1954-2022. Rest in peace, Tim.

The commentary team of Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett were on commentary to welcome us to the show.

Grayson Waller did a promo before his match against Solo Sikoa. The fans booed Waller heavily as he called the fans losers that were supporting a loser. Solo was sick of hearing him talk, so he punched Solo in the aisle and they went into the ring to start the match.

Solo Sikoa vs. Grayson Waller

Solo was dominant early on with a body slam and a headbutt to the chest. Waller made the mistake of sending Solo into the turnbuckle since Samoans like Solo have a hard head, so Solo hit a belly to back suplex. Waller was able to get control, he tried to attack Solo on the floor, but Solo was there with an elbow to the face. They went to a picture in picture break.

(Commercial)

Waller was in control with a jumping side kick while the crowd was firmly behind Solo as usual. Waller hit a DDT for a two count. Waller teased going for a move off the middle ropes, but he was too busy taunting, so Solo punched him out of the ring. Solo built momentum with a running hip attack in the corner. Waller with a necksnap against the ropes, then he wanted his jumping Stunner, but Solo was ready and gave him a Samoan Drop. Solo missed a corner attack when Waller moved. The top turnbuckle pad was missing, so Solo hit his back against the steel. Waller jumped back into the ring with a Stunner for the pinfall win. They replayed when Waller ripped the turnbuckle pad off earlier in the match. It went about 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Grayson Waller

Analysis: *** A pretty good match that was given time featuring two of the better rising stars in NXT. I thought the finish was creative with Waller taking off the turnbuckle earlier in the match, then it worked for him later in the match when Solo hit the exposed steel and Waller took advantage to get the win. I thought Solo would win just because they have been building him up of late, but I guess both guys are around the same level in NXT these days. A big win for Waller.

Tony D’Angelo was interviewed by Mckenzie Mitchell with Tony telling the Legado boys have a chance to prove themselves to the family. Tony said if he walks out of here without the North American Title then there will be hell to pay and Santos Escobar said don’t worry about it.

Kayden Carter and Kitana Chance entered for tag team action.

(Commercial)

A video aired promoting John Cena on Raw next week.

There was a video package about Jordan Devlin with a new name JD McDonagh coming to NXT soon.

Kayden Carter & Kitana Chance vs. Yulisa Leon & Valentina Feroz

Carter started with an impressive dropkick to start the match. Chane hit an impressive senton splash for a two count. Carter and Chance did a blind tag spot leading to a bulldog. Leon hit an impressive kick to bring in Feroz, who hit a running somersault attack for two on Chance. Leon and Feroz hit a double team X-Factor sending Chance into the mat for two as Carter made the save. Chance with a double neckbreaker. Carter tagged in to slam Chance onto Feroz. Carter with a superkick, Chance tagged in and they did the 450 Splash/neckbreaker combo for the pinfall win after about five minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Kayden Carter & Kitana Chance

Analysis: **1/4 A solid match with the faces looking impressive throughout the match. Carter and Chance are one of the better teams in NXT while Leon and Feroz aren’t utilized that much. That double team finish by Carter and Chance is impressive.

Wes Lee was shown walking backstage because he’s up next.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Wes Lee

Wes Lee had a serious look on his face as he entered or a promo. Wes thanked the fans for the support they give him leading to the “you deserve it” chant. Wes said he went from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows because he went from being a two-time NXT Tag Team Champion with his best friend and his brother just to have their world explode right under their feet. Wes said that he had pain and anger that consumed him to a point where he wasn’t acting as himself. Wes said he was trying to prove himself, to show that he could stand on his own two feet and do what he needs to do.

Trick Williams showed up to tell Lee to shut up. Trick said nobody wants to hear about how lonely Wes is. Trish said that maybe the truth is that Wes left his brother behind. Wes said he had no idea how Wes was there for that man and he had to ride together with that man. Wes said that Trick won’t understand because he’s just second fiddle to his homeboy (Carmelo Hayes). Wes wondered if Trick had any hype left for himself. Trick said when he’s ready, he’ll let Wes know. Trick said he’ll just leave like Lee’s friend did to him. Trick and Wes had a staredown.

Analysis: It was a way to start a new feud. I thought Wes did a great job of speaking from the heart as a likable babyface. He was obviously talking about the release of Nash Carter without saying Carter’s name. What Trick said was good for a heel to say while Wes fired back question Trick’s toughness since Trick hides behind Hayes a lot. This should set up a match that could lead to a pretty good rivalry and I don’t think Trick has really had a singles feud, so it’ll be interesting to see how he does.

Tiffany Stratton did a promo while sitting on chair. Tiffany said that Choo is tragic and she sucks at life. Tiffany ripped on Wendy Choo by talking about how she lives in her life while saying she didn’t want to know what Wendy’s life was like. Stratton complained about Choo costing Stratton a recent match and said she’ll have no problem putting her to sleep for good. Stratton kept complaining about Choo, so it should lead to a match.

Roderick Strong and Damon Kemp from Diamond Mine made their entrance.

(Commercial)

Roderick Strong & Damon Kemp vs. Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro

Wilde and Cruz were joined by Stacks and Two Dimes since they are all part of Tony D’s “family” now. Cruz got a moonsault on Strong for a two count. Kemp tagged in, Strong didn’t like what he was doing and Strong slapped Kemp. That led to Kemp hitting an overhead suplex, then a regular suplex and a Spear. Kemp suplexed Wilde onto Cruz. Wilde got some offense going against Strong until Strong hit a backbreaker and Kemp nailed Wilde with a clothesline for two. Cruz got a hot tag against Strong with a lot of fast-paced moves including a headscissors and a missile dropkick off the top rope. Strong hit an Angle Slam for a two count. Cruz hit a jumping kick on Strong. Cruz tried to send Strong into the ropes, but Strong reversed it, so Dimes tripped up Cruz with a crowbar and Strong hit a jumping knee for the pinfall win after five minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Roderick Strong & Damon Kemp

Analysis: **1/4 It was fine for the time given to give Strong & Kemp a win as a way to try to put over Kemp a bit as a newcomer. The Legado guys have been losing a lot of late as part of the story with Tony D, so their losing ways continued here. It was also because Dimes tripped up Cruz, which could have been accidental or maybe on purpose. Dimes got released by NXT after this show was taped.

Giovanni Vinci was interviewed by Mckenzie Mitchell. Vinci said that everybody knows he’s a top-tier talent with style. Ikemen Jiro walked up to him asking if he was style strong. Jiro said that they could find out.

The Toxic Attraction trio were shown walking backstage for a promo.

(Commercial)

A video aired about Apollo Crews talking about how fear is a part of everyone, but you have to confront it. Crews wrote in his journal that he was fearless. Crews saw some getting bullied, he was warned that it was nothing but trouble and Crews beat the bad guys up. That was it.

Analysis: I guess Crews is like a superhero of sorts now. Something like that.

Let’s Hear from Toxic Attraction

The Toxic Attraction trio of NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Rose and NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne made their entrance for a promo. They looked great as usual. Rose said that last week Roxanne Perez and her reject friends got a fluke victory, but they’re still losers. Rose ripped on Perez for thinking she will take Mandy’s title from her. Gigi said that they’ll give them a toxic reality check and realize you are not on their level. Jacy Jayne mentioned Cora Jade folding under pressure when it matters most. Jacy told Perez to put up posters of real superstars like Toxic Attraction on her bedroom walls. Rose said that she can make things really ugly for them.

Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade showed up in the aisle for a promo. Rose told Perez to not be delusional and warned Perez not to cash that contract in. Perez said she is feeling on top of the world, but she also knows she has earned every single bit of being able to live her dream. Perez said she gets to share her dream with Cora. Perez said she’s done some thinking with Cora while saying that one day she’ll be NXT Women’s Champion, but winning the NXT Women’s Tag Team Titles with her best friend would be that much sweeter.

Kayden Carter and Katana Chance interrupted the promo. Carter said that the line starts behind them for the tag team titles. Jade ripped on them for losing at In Your House. Chance said they are best friends too while telling them they don’t get to cut in line. Jade told Carter/Chance they are done, so then Carter said they’ll show them done and that led to the two teams getting into a fight. The referees showed up to break it up.

Analysis: It’s not really clear who is going to be the one to beat Mandy Rose for the title, but Perez and Jade are options down the road. I think Perez and Jade will probably be the next NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions as the babyface best friends duo that’s easy to like. Carter and Chance did lose to Toxic Attraction at In Your House, but I guess they’re still in the mix.

Carmelo Hayes, the NXT North American Champion, was interviewed by Mckenzie Mitchell and Trick Williams was there too. Trick said he took care of business tonight. Hayes said he’ll handle his business because he’s the “A” Champion.

Cameron Grimes entered for singles action.

(Commercial)

Indi Hartwell was interviewed by Mckenzie Mitchell with Kiana James interrupting her. James said that Indi is weak-minded and lacks mental fortitude to be successful on her own, so that’s why she jumps from friend to friend. Indi said that nobody cares about her opinion. Indi challenged her to a match next week, James accepted and told her to accept. Indi said that she sounded smart, but nobody likes a bitch.

Analysis: That’s a typical way to set up a match in NXT. Somebody is interviewed, another person interrupts, there’s trash talk and they have a match next week. It happens all the time.

Cameron Grimes vs. Edris Enofe (w/Malik Blade)

They did a fast-paced sequence where they attempted moves, then they did counters and got some nearfalls as well. Enofe hit an impressive dropkick for two. Grimes hit a hurricanrana sending Enofe out of the ring. Back in the ring, Grimes went up top and hit a cross body block for a two count. Grimes worked over Enofe with kicks, but Enofe came back with strikes including a jumping knee strike. Enofe managed to knee Grimes out of the ring followed by an impressive somersault dive. Back in the ring, Enofe went up top for a flipping splash, Grimes moved and Grimes hit a spinning slam. Grimes hit the Cave In for the pinfall win after six minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Cameron Grimes

Analysis: **3/4 Grimes is getting the next NXT Title shot against Bron Breakker, so obviously it makes sense to give Grimes the win here. Enofe is a talented athlete that keeps getting better. The match time was fine because Grimes looked impressive enough to win in about six minutes.

Post match, Grimes shook the hands of Enofe and Blade as a sign of respect.

They showed Thea Hail getting her room at Chase University and she found out she’s rooming with Bodhi Hayward. They are roommates because it’s co-ed there. Thea is really excited while Bodhi was a bit more relaxed. This was some bad comedy.

(Commercial)

A video aired about Nikkita Lyons showing her working out in slow motion so they can film her getting ready. Lyons is back from her knee injury next week. She might get that NXT Women’s Title push.

Von Wagner vs. Brooks Jensen

Their allies were barred from ringside. Wagner was in control with a boot to the left arm and then he worked over the left arm a bit. Jensen had an injured right hand that put him out for like two weeks, so Wagner was working on his left arm. Jensen got some offense going with multiple clotheslines. Jensen jumped off the ropes with a DDT for a two count. Jensen jumped off the ropes, Wagner slammed the left arm into the mat and Wagner hit the slam off the shoulders for the win after five minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Von Wagner

Analysis: *3/4 It was a boring match. Wagner is a pushed singles wrestler while Jensen is in a tag team, so obviously Wagner was going to get the win here. I just can’t get into Wagner matches that much. He’s not that interesting to watch.

Cameron Grimes was shown in the locker room with NXT Champion Bron Breakker walked up to him saying that’s the Grimes he wants to face at Great American Bash. Grimes said that if this Grimes shows up then you’re looking at the new NXT Champion.

Analysis: I expect Breakker to win. It wouldn’t shock me if Grimes gets promoted to Raw or Smackdown after he loses.

Alba Fyre entered for singles action.

(Commercial)

Joe Gacy was shown talking to his Dyad guys that wrestled wearing red robes last week. Joe said that he showed them the light and they are reborn, ready to take on the world. Joe noted they had tasted gold before and with his guidance they’ll reach that level again.

Analysis: That means that the mysterious wrestlers are former tag team champions at some level in WWE.

Lash Legend vs. Alba Fyre

Fyre was aggressive with a dropkick off the ropes with the fans solidly behind her. Lash got a knockdown with a spin kick to the body. Lash got a double underhook suplex. Fyre came back with a Tornado DDT off the ropes. Lash hit a spinning slam. Fyre hit the Gory Bomb once known as the KLR Bomb for her. When Fyre went up top, she jumped off the top, Lash moved and Lash hit Fyre wit the red baseball bat that Fyre brought to the ring. There’s the DQ finish after four minutes.

Winner by disqualification: Alba Fyre

Analysis: *3/4 This never really got going with a poor finish. That was likely done to keep the story going. It was an effective finish in terms of getting Lash some heat for the cheap shot. Fyre will probably get the win when they wrestle again.

The main event was after a break with Tony D’Angelo and Carmelo Hayes shown walking separately in the backstage area.

(Commercial)

Next week on NXT:

* NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Match: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance vs. Cora Jade & Roxanne Perez. The winners will challenge Toxic Attraction at the Great American Bash.

* Sanga vs. Xyon Quinn.

Tony D’Angelo made his entrance joined by Stacks, Two Dimes, Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro. Carmelo Hayes made his entrance as the NXT North American Champion joined by Trick Williams with Hayes confident as usual.

NXT North American Championship: Carmelo Hayes (w/Trick Williams) vs. Tony D’Angelo (w/Stacks, Two Dimes, Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde & Cruz del Toro)

It’s main event time, so I’ll go play by play for this matchup between two heels. Tony D used his power to shove Hayes down. Hayes used his quickness to avoid Tony after that. All of their allies stood on the apron for a bit of a staredown. Hayes with punches, but Tony blocked a punch and hit punches to the ribs. Tony launched Hayes into the air to send him to the mat, but then Hayes came back with a clothesline. Tony to the apron, Hayes tripped up Tony on the apron and stared at Tony’s “family” at ringside. Tony took advantage of Hayes staring at the guys at ringside to send Hayes into the steel steps.

(Commercial)

Tony D worked over Hayes with an abdominal stretch submission. Hayes sent Tony into the turnbuckle, then Hayes with chops to the body and Hayes hit a springboard clothesline. Hayes jumped on the back of Tony leading to single arm takedown to the mat. Tony blocked a kick and hit an overhead suplex for two. Tony with a hard slap to the face. Melo tripped up Tony to send him into the turnbuckle. Hayes hit double knees to the face (Codebreaker) for a two count. Tony crawled to his corner, he kicked Hayes away and Tony picked up Hayes leading to a back body drop toss across the ring. The fans chanted “NXT” for them. Stacks distracted the referee, Escobar was going to slide Tony some brass knuckles, but instead he slid them to Hayes. That led to Hayes punching Tony with the brass knuckles (the referee didn’t see it) and Hayes got the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Carmelo Hayes

Analysis: ***1/4 It was a good match with the right guy winning since Melo is a long-term champion. It was obviously about advancing the story that Escobar didn’t like working for Tony D and he showed it by sending the brass knuckles to Hayes. A cheap win for Melo is fine since he’s a heel just like Tony is. Melo had some cool moves throughout the match as usual.

Post match, Tony D yelled at Santos and Legado with the announcers mentioning that Tony told Santos before the match that if he didn’t win the title then there will be hell to pay. That’s how NXT ended this week.

Three Stars of the Show

1. Carmelo Hayes
2. Grayson Waller
3. Solo Sikoa/Tony D’Angelo

The Scoreboard

This week: 5.75 out of 10

Last week: 6

Final Thoughts

I thought it was a weaker show this week. There just isn’t a lot of excitement right now. They have the Great American Bash special in two weeks, but I don’t think they promoted it that well. There were only two longer matches this week at around 11 minutes and they were fine, but nothing really that special. Carmelo Hayes beating Tony D because of Santos Escobar furthers that Tony/Santos story well.

I think if you’re a casual fan that barely watches NXT then this isn’t the kind of show that’s going to get you into the brand.

===

Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Blue Jays. My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter @johnreport