The John Report: WWE NXT 07/12/22 Review

This week’s WWE NXT featured the NXT Women’s Title on the line with Mandy Rose defending the title against Roxanne Perez and Apollo Crews in singles action against Giovanni Vinci.

I did not review last week’s show since I was off last week and didn’t feel like reviewing it when I came back. The big news from that “Great American Bash” episode was that Cora Jade & Roxanne Perez became the NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions by defeating Toxic Attraction’s Jacy Jayne & Gigi Dolin.

As usual, I will go summary style for the matches instead of a play-by-play review. I’ll do 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.

A video package aired showing some highlights of NXT last week with the Great American Bash episode. The show ended with JD McDonagh putting NXT Champion Bron Breakker through a table.

They showed Roxanne Perez in the parking lot looking like she was just attacked. Her friend Cora Jade was there to check on her when help arrived. The NXT brand has a long history of parking lot attacks. They were doing the deal where they didn’t know who attacked Perez.

The team of Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett were on commentary to welcome us to the show. Joseph wondered if Mandy Rose had something to do with the attack on Perez while Barrett defended Rose and friends saying you can’t be accusing them for it.

Giovanni Vinci vs. Apollo Crews

They are two guys that are very muscular and they’re also on the short side, but they can both really go in the ring. Vinci knocked down Crews with a running shoulder tackle. Crews came back with an impressive dropkick. Crews hit a Blockbuster neckbreaker off the ropes. Vinci sent Crews out of the ring and took control a bit with some hard chops to the chest. They went to a picture in picture break.

(Commercial)

The match was even with both guys down selling as they returned from the break. When Vinci went for a springboard attack, crews hit a dropkick to counter. That was great! Crews hit several clotheslines along with a corner splash. Crews hit three straight German Suplexes for a two count. Vinci came back with a stiff clothesline. Vinci showed off his power by catching Crews off the ropes and hit ting a brainbuster for two. Crews hit a jumping kick to the head followed by a Powerbomb off the shoulders, but Vinci rolled to the floor to avoid being pinned. A fan was taking a picture, Vinci took the phone from the fan, the referee was distracted by that and Xyon Quinn showed up at ringside to elbow Crews in the face. Vinci hit his Last Ride Powerbomb for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Giovanni Vinci

Analysis: ***1/4 A very good match between two talented athletes with Vinci capitalizing on the cheap shot from Quinn. There was some backstage interaction by Crews and Quinn in recent weeks, so that’s what led to Quinn showing up. I thought Crews was going to win to try to establish him as a major threat on NXT, but it’s fine that Vinci won. Both guys are talented. It was a fun match to watch.

Cora Jade was interviewed by Mckenzie Mitchell with Cora saying that she doesn’t know how Roxanne is doing. Cora said Mandy knows that Roxanne Perez can beat her for the NXT Women’s Title. Cora said if Roxanne can’t get cleared for the match, then “those three bitches” (Toxic Attraction) better be ready for her.

Cameron Grimes was shown walking backstage because he’s up next.

(Commercial)

Tiffany Stratton was featured in a video getting her nails done. Stratton bragged about her win over Wendy Choo last week while saying she has her eyes on the NXT Women’s Title match.

Let’s Hear from Cameron Grimes

Cameron Grimes made his entrance looking sad with a red dress shirt and slacks. Grimes lost to Bron Breakker in the NXT Title match last week, so he is frustrated about that loss. The fans chanted “to the moon” to support Grimes before he spoke. Grimes said that he wishes he could give us an excuse about why he didn’t leave last week with the NXT Championship. Grimes said he came into the match in great shape, he even hit the Cave In on Bron Breakker, but he didn’t beat him. Grimes said Breakker is at home with a sling on, but he’s the champion. Grimes talked about how last month he lost the NXT North American Championship, then he went all-in on Bron Breakker and he guesses that’s just life, so he is destined to be a loser. Grimes said he thought he would go to the moon, but he’s crashed into the sun.

JD McDonagh (former Jordan Devlin) interrupted saying he saw his match with Bron last week and he showed a ton of heart, which nobody can take away from Grimes. JD said that Grimes should maybe do his crying in the back. JD said after Bron pinned Grimes, Cameron became old news and the game changed when JD showed up. JD spoke about how they thought he’d debut this week but he did it last week. Grimes dared JD to jump him from behind and said instead of the “Irish Ace” we just see an “Irish Asshole.” That led to an “asshole” chant. JD with a headbutt, Grimes tried a move, but JD left and Grimes wanted him to get his ass in there.

Analysis: That should be a very good match whenever it happens (we found out later that it’s next week). Grimes is a skilled talker that did a nice job of being the sad guy at the start of the promo, then he got aggressive when JD got in his face and the fans rallied behind Grimes there. I hope Grimes stays a face because he’s been a heel a lot in the past. JD has a lot of confidence, which is understandable after his attack on Breakker last week.

They showed Diamond Mine watching their match last week when The Creed Brothers beat Roderick Strong and Damon Kemp. Kemp thanked them for the film study and said that maybe they can run it back sometimes. The Creeds left. Roderick Strong showed up yelling at Kemp for costing them the Tag Team Titles. Strong told Kemp he is going to face Kemp in a match next week.

Analysis: Strong continues to be the heelish leader of the group while the other guys are typical faces.

Kayden Carter made her entrance with Katana Chance.

(Commercial)

Grayson Waller complained in an interview with Mckenzie Mitchell about not winning the NXT North American Title last week and blamed it on Wes Le, so they have a story that started last week.

They showed Roxanne Perez getting looked at it in the trainer’s room with Cora Jade there.

Tatum Paxley vs. Kayden Carter (w/Katana Chance)

They got into an argument last week, so they are having a match now. Carter was in control early with a springboard dropkick. Carter dropkicked Paxley out of the ring, so Paxley’s friend Ivy Nile showed up at ringside for support. Paxley came back with her own dropkick followed by a neckbreaker and a twisting splash for two. Carter used her legs to apply a leg submission on Paxley, who managed to get to the ropes to break the hold. Nile encouraged Paxley, who countered a move with an inside cradle for the pinfall win after four minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Tatum Paxley

Analysis: *1/2 A quick match to give Paxley a win. It also showed that Nile is starting to believe in Paxley more and may welcome Paxley into the Diamond Mine group soon. It’s a way for them to be a women’s tag team, so that’s fine. The work in the match was passable, but nothing special.

They showed Joe Gacy and the Dyad saying there’s been a breakthrough among the Schism, which is this group’s name. Gacy said that next week, they will reveal themselves.

This was an “Earlier Today” segment. They showed a video when Sanga did a cannonball in a pool much to the delight of the roster, but Duke Hudson didn’t seem like to it. It led to a match challenge, so that’s up next.

(Commercial)

There was another “Earlier Today” video with Brooks, Jensen and Fallon Henley hanging out. The Pretty Deadly duo walked in and complained about Brooks & Jensen bringing those NXT UK Tag Team Titles. Briggs challenged them to a barfight, but Fallon Henley yelled that it’s not happening in their bar. Henley said that it can happen next week in the ring. Pretty Deadly lift. Briggs said they were buying everybody drinks.

Analysis: I guess NXT superstars can book matches a week in advance now? Sure.

Sanga vs. Duke Hudson

They are two of the taller guys in NXT with Duke at 6’5” and Sanga looks like an inch or two taller. Sanga was in control sending Duke into the top turnbuckle and hitting a shoulder tackle, which is a Kevin Nash/Diesel sequence of moves. Hudson came back with a DDT. Barrett thought Hudson was ready for Maximum Male Models. Sanga managed a corner splash along with a sidewalk slam. Duke with a boot to the face, but Sanga bounced off the ropes and hit a Chokeslam for the pinfall win after about three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Sanga

Analysis: *1/2 A quick win to put over Sanga in a big way. The fans are behind Sanga as a likable big guy with some good power moves. The Chokeslam looks great.

There was a promo from Von Wagner, Robert Stone and Sofia Cromwell about Von’s match with Solo Sikoa. Von said that they’ll find out how tough Solo really is.

Solo Sikoa was shown in his locker room. Solo dared Wagner to throw him into the crowd and do things to him. Solo said it’s go time up next.

(Commercial)

The lovely Toxic Attraction trio of NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Rose, Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne were interviewed by Mckenzie Mitchell. They didn’t like Mckenzie accusing them of taking out Roxanne Perez earlier in the show. Mitchell noted that last week, Rose said that she would be surprised if Perez even made it to the match. Rose said when you’re the champion, everything falls into place.

Solo Sikoa vs. Von Wagner (w/Mr. Stone)

They started fighting on the floor and then went into the ring to start the match. It was even in the first couple of minutes until Wagner hit a shoulder tackle. Solo got some momentum going with two shoulder tackles and a body slam. Solo hit a running senton splash. They went to a commercial break.

(Commercial)

Wagner was in control as he choked Solo against the middle rope. Wagner hit running clotheslines in the corner, then Solo moved and Solo hit a belly to back suplex. Solo no sold a kick followed by a Samoan Drop by Solo along with the running hip attack in the corner. Wagner left the ring, Solo no-sold when his head was bounced off the commentary table (Samoans have hard heads) and they kept brawling up the aisle towards the entrance area. It was a double countout finish after 11 minutes. Referees showed up to break it up.

Match Result: Double Countout

Analysis: **1/2 It was just an average match. Solo is really good while also having the crowd behind him, so his matches are never dull. Wagner isn’t that interesting, but he looks impressive from a physical standpoint. When they book a finish like that it usually means another match is coming with a stipulation, so we’ll probably see this again soon.

They showed the NXT North American Champion Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams hanging out with four ladies. They celebrated in a penthouse. Hayes said they were like Kobe & Shaq, Pac & Snoop, and they were a dream team. They also celebrated with the ladies in a pool while shouting off some catchphrases.

Lash Legend dribbled a basketball around a bit and did a promo about her match with Indi Hartwell.

(Commercial)

A video aired for Chase University with Andre Chase, Bodhi Hayward and Thea Hail in London, England. Chase claimed he would be knighted as well. They were actually in London taking pictures at the various sights around England.

Indi Hartwell vs. Lash Legend

Hartwell hit Legend with a forearm that sent Legend out of the ring. Legend came back to drive Hartwell into the ring apron. Legend did a submission move with Hartwell on her back. Hartwell hit a sidewalk slam for two. Legend slowly set up Hartwell on the turnbuckle, then Alba Fyre appeared on the platform with the basketball and Legend was distracted by that. Indi hit a spinebuster. Indi went for a springboard move, but completely fell off the ropes. Legend tried a cover and then Indy got an inside cradle for the pinfall win after four minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Indi Hartwell

Analysis: * A quick match to put over Hartwell. Bad match. I really don’t think Indi was supposed to slip off the top rope. The crowd was about as quiet as it gets for the NXT crowd. Legend is the tallest woman in NXT that uses some power moves, but still has a way to go in terms of selling moves and some of her offense. Hartwell is skilled in a lot of areas, so it’s just a matter of giving her a bit of a push to give her some momentum.

Post match, Alba Fyre went after Legend with her baseball bat, but Legend moved. Fyre chased after her with the bat, Legend moved and Fyre hit the commentary table with the bat. Legend escaped to the back.

They showed some members of the women’s locker room talking about what happened to Roxanne Perez. Meanwhile, Von Wagner and Solo Sikoa were still brawling with referees trying to break it up. The fight continued in the backstage area.

Tony D’Angelo and his crew were interviewed backstage. Tony put Elektra Lopez over for doing a great job while Elektra said she had nothing to do with Roxanne because Tony never made the order. Tony and his guys made their entrance.

(Commercial)

The show returned with Von Wagner and Solo Sikoa fighting outside the building. Wagner threw Solo into some fencing area and Solo threw Wagner into a garage door. Sofia Cromwell showed up to tell Wagner to stop. Mr. Stone told Solo this ain’t over and Solo choked Stone. Solo launched Mr. Stone into a trash bin.

Analysis: As I noted earlier I think they’ll probably have a No Holds Barred type of match or maybe even a cage match to keep the rivalry going.

There was a QR code on the screen that you’re able to scan if you want.

Tony D’Angelo & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo vs. Edris Enofe & Malik Blade

Tony had Cruz and Wilde with him at ringside while Santos Escobar has been discharged from the hospital according to Vic. Enofe hit an impressive dropkick, Blade tagged in and they did a kick into an elbow combo for two. Stacks delivered a kick to the chest to give the heels control and Tony tagged in with a clothesline. Tony hit an impressive suplex tossing Enofe across the ring. Enofe got a nearfall on Stacks, but then Stacks hit a running uppercut for a two count. Blade got the hot tag with a couple of clotheslines and a leg drop. Blade got a two count after a spinebuster. Tony shoved Enofe into the steel steps while on the floor and Stacks sent Blade into the turnbuckle. Tony hit the cradle suplex/neckbreaker for the pinfall win after six minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Tony D’Angelo & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo

Analysis: ** Just an average match. Enofe & Blade have talent, but they don’t get pushed much. Since Tony is pushed often on NXT, it makes sense for his team to win.

After the match, Cruz and Wilde hit a double-team kick/legsweep on Blade because Tony told them to do it. Tony was proud of them.

Nikkita Lyons was interviewed by Mckenzie Mitchell, who is much smaller than Lyons. Nikkita said that she is not the type of woman to attack somebody from behind, which was her way of saying she had nothing to do with what happened to Roxanne. Nikkita said she would be ready to replace Roxanne if needed.

Analysis: I think Nikkita will be the next NXT Women’s Champion whenever WWE does the next NXT Premium Live Event. Rumor is it will be in late August.

The Toxic Attraction trio of Mandy, Jacy & Gigi made their entrance.

(Commercial)

A video aired about Axiom debuting next week. He talked about being like a comic book superhero character. That’s the masked character that used to be A-Kid, so he got a new name.

Next week on NXT:

* JD McDonagh vs. Cameron Grimes.

* Brooks Jensen & Josh Briggs defend the NXT UK Tag Team Titles vs. Pretty Deadly.

The Toxic Attraction trio of NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Rose, Jacy Jayne & Gigi Dolin made their entrance with all of them looking wonderful. The announcers wondered if Roxanne was ready to wrestle.

The lovely Rose said it’s been long enough, so Mandy said that Roxanne Perez isn’t woman enough to step up and challenge Mandy tonight. Mandy said that Roxanne can’t beat her while adding that “no one can.” The fans were chanting “shut the hell up” and “let her talk” at the same time. Rose said that Perez can’t challenge her for the title while adding that she runs NXT.

Cora Jade made her entrance with her skateboard. Jade told Rose to shut the hell up. Jade said that the fans were promised an NXT Title match, so that’s what they’ll get. Jade said if Roxanne can’t go then Jade will step in to face Rose.

Roxanne Perez made her entrance holding her ribs while talking to a referee to let him know she was okay. The referee went into the ring and they started the match.

NXT Women’s Championship: Mandy Rose vs. Roxanne Perez

Perez had her ribs taped as she tackled Rose with punches. Rose punched and kicked Perez in the ribs. Perez got a rollup for two. Rose caught Perez in her arms leading to a fallaway slam. Rose with knees along with shoulder tackles to the ribs of Perez. Roxanne came back with a dropkick. Rose lifted up Perez with a move driving the ribs of Perez onto the top rope. Rose drove Perez back-first into the ring apron. They went to break.

(Commercial)

The match returned with Rose in control with a spinebuster for two. Rose drove Perez back first into the turnbuckle along with shoulder thrusts. Perez came back with a sunset flip. Rose ran, Perez got a knee up and Perez jumped off the middle ropes with a cross body block. Roxanne did a nice job of selling the move. Perez with two running double axhandles, then two corner splashes and even a legsweep for two. Perez went for Pop Rox, Rose got out of that and Rose went running into the steel ring post. Perez hit a suicide dive onto Rose on the floor. Perez shoved Jayne and Dolin into the ring posts to knock them down. Perez hit Pop Rox on Rose on the floor. Perez sent Rose into the ring, the referee was looking at Jayne on the opposite side of the ring, so that led to Jade taking her Tag Team Title and hitting Perez with the title! Heel turn by Jade. Jade hit Perez in the lower back. Rose hit the running knee on Perez for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Mandy Rose

Analysis: **3/4 It was good for the time given. Big turn at the end with Jade costing Perez the win. I’ve been following the storyline and that turn really came out of nowhere. Perez sold the back injury really well, then she kept coming back for more with some nearfalls along the way and it looked like maybe Rose would lose, but Jade was the difference-maker. It was a turn out of jealousy with Rose capitalizing for the win.

Rose celebrated the win with Jayne & Dolin. They showed replays of the key spots in the match. Barrett said that there were jealous women who were jealous of Roxanne’s rise.

Jade went into the ring post mast and her super flimsy skateboard broke while she was swinging it to try to attack Perez. Ouch! The poor thing broke! That was comical. Jade said that Perez brought her there and this is what Roxanne does. Jade called her selfish. Jade hit Perez with a broken piece of the skateboard. Jade stood over Perez with the fans booing. End show.

Analysis: It seemed like such a random turn and not something that was obviously coming. I guess NXT felt like this was the best route for these women that are Tag Team Champions. Jade was popular with the fans, so now we’ll see how she does as a heel. Perez is good in the face role.

Three Stars of the Show

1. Roxanne Perez
2. Giovanni Vinci/Apollo Crews
3. Mandy Rose

The Scoreboard

This week: 5.75 out of 10

Last week: 5.25

Final Thoughts

It was yet another average NXT. I really liked the Vinci/Crews match to open the show and set the stage for the rest of the night. However, none of the other matches really came close to being as good as that match.

The big news is Cora Jade turning on Roxanne Perez. People that watch NXT regularly will think of it as a big moment, but the casual NXT observers probably have no idea who either woman is. I’m glad Mandy Rose kept her title at least.

No Bron Breakker hurt the show a bit, but they got through it just fine.

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John Canton

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