The John Report: WWE NXT 01/20/26 Review
This week’s WWE NXT features a triple threat women’s tag team match, Ethan Page facing newcomer Elio LeFleur, and more.
On last week’s WWE NXT episode, we found out there will be a 6-man Ladder Match on February 3rd, where the winner will be crowned the new NXT Champion. There will be more qualifying matches on this week’s show. Speaking of that, NXT officially added Sean Legacy to the roster in a video with NXT boss man Shawn Michaels. Legacy was a top star on Evolve over the last year, and he’s really good in the ring as a babyface. He’s in one of those qualifying matches later.
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 opening video aired, showing highlights of last week’s show. Tony D’Angelo attacked Dion Lennox and Joe Hendry, who got the win over Lennox in the main event.
Ava, the NXT GM, talked to Security, saying she needed them to be on high alert.
The commentary team was Vic Joseph and Booker T, as usual. Mike Rome was the ring announcer.
It’s time for some ego to start the show as my fellow Canadian, Ethan Page, made his entrance as the NXT North American Champion and the AAA Mixed Tag Team Champion. Elio LeFleur is an NXT newcomer from France wearing a mask, and he gets a title shot in his NXT debut.
NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page vs. Elio LeFleur
Page knocked his smaller opponent down with a shoulder tackle. Elio got some offense going with a kick and a headscissors to send Page out of the ring. Elio jumped off the steps and hit a hurricanrana on Page on the floor. Page stopped a springboard attack by sending Elio into the turnbuckle and Page hit a backbreaker on the top turnbuckle. Page kicked Elio off the apron to the floor. They went on a break for some fans as Page took control over the next three minutes.
The champion Page hit a powerslam on Elio for a two count. Elio got out of a move with a back body drop. Elio hit some forearms, a springboard cross body block and an enziguri kick. Elio hit a twisting suplex for two. Elio went up top, he went for a 450 Splash, but Page avoided it and hit a big boot to the face for a two count. Elio hit a slap to the face and a German Suplex.. Page came back with a dropkick to the ribs. Elio hit a DDT with no cover. Page was on the floor, so Elio hit a moonsault onto Page on the floor. Back in the ring, Elio hit a jumping knee smash off the top for a two count. Elio hit a dropkick across the ring for a two count. Elio went up top, Page blocked with double knees and that got a two count. Elio countered a move and hit a hurricanrana. Elio hit a running boot to the face. Elio charged again and Page caught him with a Powerbomb, followed by Page holding onto the tights for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Ethan Page
Analysis: ***1/4 I thought Page would retain by cheating or Elio would win the title, so they went with Page getting the cheap win to continue his lengthy title reign. Page remains one of the best in NXT. It’s easy to see why WWE is excited about Elio LeFleur because he was impressive in terms of moves and did a great job of selling too.
Ricky Saints approached Ethan Page by the entrance area. Ricky said that they are keeping this place afloat. Page said he knocked some sense into Ricky the last time they had a match. Ricky said that they needed eachother. Ricky told Page to relax, and Ricky joined commentary.
(Commercial)
A clip aired from Booker T on WWE LFG criticizing the big man Keanu Carver, saying he won’t make it in this place. Later, they showed Carver exiting a room and saying he didn’t want a sitdown. Booker said he didn’t want to comment on it.
NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Shiloh Hill vs. Josh Briggs
Ricky Saints was on commentary. Briggs worked over Hill with strikes. Hill hit a neckbreaker and a shoulder tackle for a two count. They went to the apron, where Hill hit a leg drop to the back. Briggs avoided a cross body block, then Briggs hit a sidewalk slam and a splash for two. Hill hit a hurricanrana. Briggs tried to toss Hill into the ring post, but Hill came back with a cannonball off the steps. Briggs hit a clothesline on the floor. That led to a break for some fans as Briggs took control.
It was Briggs in control with a back elbow to knock Hill down. Hill fired back up with forearms, a headbutt and running shoulder tackle. Briggs sent Hill to the apron and Hill hit a clothesline off the top. Hill hit a slam, followed by a unique senton splash for a two count. Hill hit a boot to the face, Briggs came back with his own boot to the face and Briggs hit a Chokeslam for two. Hill tripped up Briggs by the ropes and hit a double underhook suplex for two. Briggs hit a boot to the face, but a moonsault off the top missed because Hill moved. Hill hit a popup neckbreaker for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Shiloh Hill
Analysis: *** A solid match to give Hill a big win. I thought Briggs might win to put him in the Ladder Match for the NXT Title, but having Hill win shows that the “rookie” is very capable and has a bright future. Hill sells well. I think he needs a better finisher, but other than that, he just needs more time in the ring to get better. Briggs is consistently good.
After the match, Tony D’Angelo attacked Hill wit ha forearm to the back. Tony D hit spinebusters on Briggs and Hill. After Tony left the ring, he stared at Ricky at ringside and left.
Analysis: The cheap attacks by Tony D continue. No security around to stop it.
Zaria was shown getting ready with Sol Ruca. Zaria was frustrated about some recent losses. Ruca said they need to put Zaria’s TNA loss behind them, and then Zaria said she’s not 100%, so if they lose, don’t blame her.
The Vanity Project – Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes entered for tag team action.
A commercial aired for Saturday Night’s Main Event this Saturday, January 24th, in Montreal.
(Commercial)
Chase U – Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors (w/Andre Chase) vs. The Vanity Project – Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes (w/Jackson Drake)
There were quick tags early on. Connors hit a moonsault and Dixon hit a superkick as they cleared the ring. The Chase U boys each hit suicide dives on the floor. Baylor tackled Dixon into the barricade, so Baylor slammed Connors off the top turnbuckle. Baylor hit a boot on Connors for a two count. Connors hit an enziguri kick and Smokes punched Dixon off the apron. Smokes hit a dropkick on Connors for two. Connors broke free to bring in Dixon, who hit clotheslines and kicks. Dixon chopped Baylor in the back to knock him out of the ring. Dixon cleared the ring, and hit a twisting cross body block on both opponents. That was impressive. Dixon went up top and hit a twisting splash for a two count. Connors bounced off the ropes with a Stunner for a two count on Smokes because Baylor made the save. The four guys were in the ring as they hit some strikes, including a superkick by Connors. Baylor hit a jumping knee on Dixon. Smokes tagged in with a double foot stomp/neckbreaker combo for the pinfall win after about 6 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: The Vanity Project – Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes
Analysis: **1/2 It was a fine for a shorter TV match to put over The Vanity Project guys as a new act on the NXT brand. Baylor and Smokes look like they are about 12 years old, but they can really go in the ring. The Chase U guys rarely win, so the result was obvious.
After the match, Chase checked on Dixon while Connors looked on as if he may not want to be in Chase U anymore. Heel turn coming? Perhaps.
Ava was in her office talking to Mr. Stone, when Lola Vice walked in. Vice wanted to talk about Izzi Dame. Thea Hail walked in saying she wants her rematch. Ava said that on February 3rd, it will be Izzi Dame defending the NXT Women’s North American Title against Dame and Vice. Lola was fine with that.
Jaida Parker was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.
(Commercial)
Keanu Carver was interviewed by Blake Howard, so Carver said that he’s only there because they made him be there. Howard mentioned Carver is in a NXT Title #1 Contender’s Qualifying Match next week. Carver said he’s not answering any of his dumbass questions. Howard mentioned that Carver was in the 2023 Breakout Tournament, but we hadn’t seen him much since then, and then Carver got up, shoved Howard, and left.
Analysis: I like the booking of Carver as an aggressive heel who is unpredictable. That’s what the show has needed.
Let’s Hear from Jaida Parker
The fans loved Jaida Parker with “Miss Parker” chants for her. Parker said she’s so happy to be back. Parker said that a few things have changed around here, but she hasn’t changed. Parker spoke about this new era, saying that she watched Kendal Grey impress, and she deserves her flowers. Parker criticized Blake Monroe and praised Lola Vice. Parker said she was not running back with excuses because she knows when she does return, her hard work will speak for itself. Parker said that standards get pressed and they keep getting up. Parker said that she’s the standard that refuses to bend. Parker said she hears the fans. Parker said everybody has something to say about her. Parker said they claim she’s not good enough, she doesn’t belong, smile more and talk less. Parker said she has days when she has other people telling her to get better. Parker said she caught eyes and attention. Parker said that pressure happens when she walks in that door and show everybody what she’s capable of. Parker said that she’s not going to dim her light because somebody else wants to feel safe next to her.
The lights went out, and then Blake Monroe said to put the spotlight where it belongs. Blake was in a red dress while standing on the platform. The lights came back on. Blake told Parker made a grave mistake last week. Blake said that Parker is just talk. Parker said that Blake talks so much because if she stopped talking, then she might have something to prove. Parker said now Blake has to deal with Miss Parker…bye.
Analysis: It’s a way to continue a fresh rivalry between a babyface Parker and a heel Monroe. Jaida Parker said a lot of things to show that she’s a confident babyface now. I think Parker is one of the better talkers in the women’s division in WWE, and so is Monroe. I like it as a rivalry.
There was a shot backstage as Myles Borne spoke to Ava about the NXT Title Ladder Match. Elio LeFleur walked up to Ava to thank her for the opportunity tonight. Ricky Saints was shown walking by, so Borne said he’ll be in the Ladder Match after he beats Dion Lennox next week. The NXT North American Champion Ethan Page approached Borne and wondered what version of Borne we’ll see in his match next week. Page wondered if it will be Borne with gumption or the Borne who always loses. Ricky left to do commentary on the next match. Page said that the choice is up to Borne, but they both know what Borne needs to do.
A commercial aired for the Royal Rumble on January 31st.
(Commercial)
There’s a clip of WWE Unreal Season 2. It’s on Netflix now.
NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Sean Legacy vs. Eli Knight
There were pre-tape promos from both guys before the match, and they are both NXT regulars now. Ricky Saints is on commentary again. They did a routine of moves without either guy getting the advantage and then a double dropkick at the same time. Legacy sent Knight out of the ring and Legacy hit a suicide dive on the floor. Legacy jumped off the top with a cross body block for two. Back in the ring, Knight jumped over Legacy and Knight hit a dropkick to send Legacy out of the ring. Legacy tried to trip up Knight, but Knight hit a springboard moonsault onto Legacy on the floor. There was a break for some fans for over three minutes as the action continued, and I’ll take a break too.
Legacy and Knight were each going for big moves. Legacy hit a clothesline. Knight was able to counter a move into a pin attempt for two. Knight charged, but Legacy hit a superkick. Legacy hit a Spanish Fly, and a springboard 450 Splash for a two count. Legacy went for a move, Knight got out of it and Knight hit a belly-to-belly into the turnbuckle. Knight jumped off the top with a double jump moonsault for two. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for them. Knight got a rollup for two. Knight went for a sunset flip, but Legacy countered into a pin for two. Knight hit a Sliced Bread neckbreaker. Knight went for a moonsault, but Legacy got his boots up. Legacy hit a twisting neckbreaker for the pinfall win. It went about 12 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Sean Legacy
Analysis: ***1/2 A fun match by two talented guys. They were really good at countering eachother, and hit plenty of big moves along the way. Legacy is very good, while Knight has a very bright future. I’m looking forward to more of these guys in the months ahead.
After the match, Legacy picked up Knight and Tony D’Angelo showed up to attack both guys again. Tony sent Legacy into the turnbuckle. Tony tossed Knight out of the ring. Tony D continued the attack by giving Legacy a Chokeslam onto the commentary table. Tony D left the ring while Ava waited for him with security. They cuffed Tony D’s hands together and walked to the back.
Analysis: I think Tony D should be the one to hold the NXT Title. It makes sense to me with Tony in a babyface role.
(Commercial)
The Culling’s Izzi Dame, Shawn Spears and Niko Vance talked about the Culling’s success. They bragged about Dame executing the plan that they put together. Vance said that he and Spears will go after the NXT Tag Team Titles after Darkstate and OTM end their rivalry, and then they will capitalize. Dame said that’s what The Culling does.
Tony D’Angelo was shown getting taken into a car in the parking lot. Ava said that Tony left her no choice. Tony said nothing when Blake Howard tried to interview him.
OTM spoke into the camera, saying they wanted Darkstate to put the NXT Tag Team Titles on the line.
The Vanity Project was hanging out with two women and talking about Jackson Drake’s match next week. Robert Stone said that Drake will face Joe Hendry net week, so Joe appeared. Hendry said he’s not going to turn down the opportunity to be in that ladder match and he’ll see Drake next week.
There were entrances for Fatal Influence and Sol Ruca & Zaria for the main event.
(Commercial)
Darkstate was talking in the locker room. NXT Tag Team Champions Saquon Shugars and Osiris Griffin talked about handling OTM. Dion Lennox said that if everybody wants a shot at them, that’s cool. Dion said he’s going to whoop Borne’s ass next week. They said when Darkstate strikes, nobody is safe.
Next week on NXT:
* NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifiers: Joe Hendry vs. Jackson Drake
* NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifiers: Andre Chase vs. Keanu Carver
* NXT Championship Ladder Match Qualifiers: Dion Lennox vs. Myles Borne
* NXT Tag Team Championships: Darkstate vs. OTM
Analysis: I’ll go with Hendry, Carver and Borne in those matches. Darkstate retaining also seems likely.
Kendal Grey & Wren Sinclair vs. Sol Ruca & Zaria vs. Fatal Influence – Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid (w/Jacy Jayne)
The winners get a shot at the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Titles. There are three women legally in the ring and the others are supposed to wait on the apron.
The trio of Grey, Ruca and Reid showed some athleticism early in the match. Wren made a tag and hit multiple chops on Zaria, followed by a double suplex. Wren hit a neckbreaker. Henley made a blind tag and hit a jumping kick on Wren. Zaria pulled Henry out of the ring and hit a superkick. Zaria hit a body slam. Ruca tagged in, they tried a double team move and Ruca couldn’t do it because her arm was hurting. Henley and Reid cleared the ring. Reid hit a suicide dive onto Zari on the floor. Wren hit a cross body block off the top and Grey hit a moonsault off the top. Grey got a two count of that. They went on a break for some fans, as the action continued.
Zaria and Grey were battling by the turnbuckle. Henley put Grey on her shoulders and Zaria hit a Doomsday Device lariat. The fans chanted, “This is awesome,” but it wasn’t particularly loud. Wren was on fire with chops on Ruca, and Wren sent Ruca into Reid. Wren hit a suplex and a belly-to-back suplex. Grey tagged in with a running uppercut for two. Reid hit a running knee on Ruca. Reid hit a sitout Powerbomb on Grey for a two count. Grey rolled up Reid for two. Jayne tried to get involved, but Grey kicked her out of the way. While Grey was applying an armbar on Reid, Ruca hit a springboard Superfly Splash for a two count. The trio of Grey, Reid and Ruca exchanged strikes. Grey and Reid superkicked Ruca out of the ring. Grey hit an overhead suplex. Ruca hit double knees and a German Suplex. Zaria tagged in and hit a double Spear on Grey and Reid. Henley hit a spinning kick on Ruca. Reid hit a headbutt, and Grey hit Shades of Grey on Zaria, but Reid broke up the pin with The Stomp. Jayne superkicked Grey on the floor, Wren hit a dropkick on Jayne on the floor. Henley sent Wren into the barricade. Reid kicked Zaria and hit a Crucifix Bread. Zaria hit a double headbutt and tried a move, but Henley hit a DDT. Ruca broke up the pin attempt. Ruca jumped off the ropes and hit a double Soul Snatcher on Henley and Reid. Zaria hit her version of the F5 on Henley for the pinfall win. It went about 13 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Sol Ruca & Zaria
Analysis: ***1/2 It was wild in the last few minutes with a lot of quick tags and big moves, but I think the right team won. The story was about how Zaria wanted to dominate, then she hurt her shoulder again, so Ruca was able to help her, and Zaria realized that they could do it together instead of Zaria always thinking that she could do it alone. Wren and Grey had plenty of good moments in the match, while Henley and Reid did well together, too.
The win means that Sol Ruca & Zaria will get a shot at the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Titles held by The Elegance Brand. They hugged to end the show.
===
Three Stars of the Show
- Sol Ruca and Zaria
- Sean Legacy
- Ethan Page
====
The Scoreboard
This week: 7.25 out of 10
Last week: 6.75
====
Final Thoughts on WWE NXT
I think NXT is being carried by the match quality at this point. There were good matches throughout the show. However, there really aren’t any compelling stories or feuds in NXT right now. It’s in reboot mode, so viewers have to have a lot of patience to get through these shows. I don’t think anything stands out that much.
===
Thanks for reading. My contact info is below.
John Canton
Email [email protected]
Twitter/X @johnreport