The John Report: WWE NXT 03/10/26 Review
This week’s WWE NXT features Ricky Saints and Ethan Page teaming up against the championship team of Joe Hendry and Myles Borne, plus a whole lot more.
The NXT Vengeance Day PLE took place this past Saturday, and I thought it was a very good show that was actually better than I expected. Tatum Paxley defeated Izzi Dame to become the NXT Women’s North American Champion in the only title change, and Joe Hendry beat Ricky Saints to retain the NXT Title. The other matches featured Blake Monroe defeating Jaida Parker in a Street Fight, Tony D’Angelo overcoming Dion Lennox, and Lola Vice knocking out Kelani Jordan in an Underground Match.
It was also announced that next week’s March 17th episode of NXT in Houston will feature Jacy Jayne defending the NXT Women’s Title against Zaria and Sol Ruca in a triple threat match. That’s a big one.
The next NXT PLE is Stand & Deliver on April 4th in St. Louis, which should be their biggest show of the year, and I expect more than five matches on that event.
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.
A video package aired showing highlights of NXT Vengeance Day.
The commentary team was Vic Joseph and Booker T as usual. Mike Rome was the ring announcer.
Let’s Hear from Tatum Paxley
The new NXT Women’s North American Champion, Tatum Paxley, made her entrance for a promo. It is the second title that Paxley has won in her career since she is a former NXT Women’s Champion. The fans chanted “Tatum” for her.
Paxley said she’s the new NXT Women’s North American Champion. The fans chanted, “You deserve it” for her. Paxley said that she felt like she had to have friendships, and she would wonder if everything was worth it. Paxley said at Vengeance Day, it became very clear. Paxley said she won this title because of the fans supporting her. Paxley said she is feeling confident that she belongs and that all the pain was worth it. Paxley said she won the NXT Women’s Championship for The Culling and Izzi, but she won this NXT Women’s North American Title for herself.
Izzi Dame interrupted the promo as expected. Dame said it must have been the best day of Paxley’s life. Dame cued up a video showing Tatum Paxley’s early run in NXT.
Dame said it was painfully fake and said that Paxley is doing what she’s always done. Dame said that Paxley is trying to convince people she’s not a weirdo outcast. Dame said that this is another mask. Dame trashed Paxley, wondering how she is always pretending to be somebody else. The fans were chanting something at Dame, and it was hard to hear the promo. Dame said she wants her Women’s North American Championship Title back now. Paxley turned around to see Shawn Spears and Niko Vance standing on the apron. Dame kicked Paxley and hit a Powerbomb. Dame took the title from Paxley and held it up in the air.
Analysis: It was a good babyface promo from Tatum Paxley, who is very likable in her role, and if you’ve watched NXT for years like me, then you know how far she’s come. Dame’s promo was okay, but it was hard to hear because the fans don’t shut up sometimes with their chants. Anyway, there’s probably another Paxley-Dame match coming with a stipulation.
Ethan Page and Ricky Saints were talking in the locker room. Ricky complained about Page tossing the title past him at Vengeance Day, and Page said he felt bad about it. They both talked about how things have sucked for them lately. Ricky said if either of them gets the pin (he said Page on Borne and Ricky on Hendry), then they can get a title shot. Page said it’s barely a hiccup for them. Page said they can be back in title contention. Ricky said they will be two-time champions.
Analysis: The thing about this story is that Ricky thinks Ethan wants the NXT North American Title back, but Ethan really has his eyes set on winning the NXT Title again.
Jasper Troy made his entrance for a triple threat match.
A WrestleMania 42 commercial aired.
(Commercial)
Eli Knight vs. Jasper Troy vs. Sean Legacy
The big man Troy used his size advantage to splash Legacy against the turnbuckle and he tossed Knight across the ring. Troy slammed Knight onto Legacy. The initial attempt didn’t work, so Troy improvised and did it more like a Chokeslam. Knight tried an attack and Troy stopped that with a shoulder tackle. Legacy and Knight hit superkicks consecutively, along with a double superkick. Troy was on the floor, so Keanu Carver attacked him with a forearm to the back. Carver picked up Troy and gave him a Chokeslam through the commentary table. Carver yelled at Booker T since he’s a big Troy supporter. There are no disqualifications and no countouts in a triple threat match, so the match continued. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued.
It was Legacy and Knight battling in the ring while Troy stayed down on the floor for over three minutes during the break. Referees were checking on Troy. Knight hit a dropkick on Legacy, then jumped off the turnbuckle with a jumping kick. He also hit a springboard crossbody on Legacy on the floor. Knight followed up with a moonsault off the top turnbuckle for a two-count on Legacy. He then jumped off the top, landed on his feet, and delivered a pump kick. Legacy kicked Knight in the head and performed a sitout suplex for a two count. Knight responded with a head kick, and Legacy countered with an uppercut. Legacy kicked Troy down on the floor. He caught Knight and executed a Spanish Fly slam. Troy was back in the ring after about six months. He tackled Legacy into the turnbuckle and attacked Knight’s body. Troy slammed Legacy and then hit a back body drop on Knight onto Legacy. He tackled Knight into Legacy against the turnbuckle and executed a double Samoan Drop. Troy then hit a Chokeslam on Knight for a two count, as Legacy broke up the pin. Knight blocked a move from Troy on Legacy with a dropkick. Legacy hit a Sliced Bread neckbreaker on Troy, then performed a springboard 450 Splash on him. Knight delivered an impressive moonsault off the top rope, and both Legacy and Knight pinned Troy simultaneously, resulting in a double pin after 12 minutes. It was announced as a double pin, with two winners.
Winners by pinfall: Eli Knight and Sean Legacy
Analysis: ***1/4 It was an exciting triple threat match with a rare double pin finish that you don’t see very often. Keanu Carver’s attack on Jasper Troy was impressive because of Troy’s size. I like the intensity of both competitors. Troy sold Carver’s attack well, and he took several other moves as the match progressed. Knight and Legacy are incredible athletes with bright futures who make many moves look easy. I like both of them. They’re clearly capable of being in a babyface role this early in their careers, but hopefully they develop into interesting characters too.
Tatum Paxley was shown walking backstage, asking if she had seen Izzi Dame around. Shiloh Hill said he hasn’t seen her. Paxley said she had to find Dame before she leaves. Hill went with her into the parking lot.
Lexis King, Uriah Connors, Arianna Grace, and Stacks were getting ready for their match. King asked Connors if he had made the call. Connors said no, but his dad (Fit Finlay) did, and “they” are on their way.
(Commercial)
Lexis King & Uriah Connors (w/Stacks & Arianna Grace) vs. Charlie Dempsey & Tavion Heights
Connors has a “Birth Right” jacket on, so I guess that’s the group name. Connors (the son of Fit Finlay) matched up against Dempsey (the son of William Regal) early on as they exchanged some mat wrestling holds. Heights tagged in and hit a gutwrench suplex across the ring. King tagged in, Heights hit a body slam, and Dempsey tagged back in as Heights hit a slam into the mat. Dempsey was back in with a running knee to knock King down. Connors tagged in while Dempsey was battling King and Connors worked over Dempsey with punches. Dempsey fought back with a backbreaker on Connors. Heights tagged in with a neckbreaker on Connors, a punch on King and Heights hit a back body drop. Heights hit a belly-to-belly slam on Connors. Heights tackled Connors out of the ring to the floor. All four guys were on the floor. Dempsey hugged Heights on the floor, and then Dempsey saw his father, William Regal, with Fit Finlay. Dempsey saw his father, Regal, and hit a German Suplex on Heights on the floor. Dempsey put Heights into the ring. Connors hit a running kick on Heights. Dempsey hit The Coronation neckbreaker on Heights for the pinfall win after about six minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Charlie Dempsey & Tavion Heights
Analysis: **1/4 There’s the official turn by Dempsey to join the Birth Right group that I had predicted for several weeks. It was obvious that it was coming. I’m not sure if you can call it a turn since Dempsey is usually a heel anyway. Poor Heights didn’t see it coming, even though most viewers likely did. Finlay and Regal didn’t do anything physically, but their presence influenced Dempsey to do the right thing.
After the match, Charlie Dempsey lay on the floor; he nodded at his father, Regal, and Dempsey entered the ring. Dempsey stood beside King, Connors, Grace, and Stacks as part of the Birth Right group.
Analysis: That means the Birth Right group has four wrestlers who are the children of wrestling legends, with Dempsey (son of William Regal), King (son of Brian Pillman), Connors (son of Fit Finlay), and Grace (daughter of Santino). There is also Stacks, who is engaged to Grace. I like it. I hope the group does well.
There was chaos in the parking lot when The Culling’s Spears, Dame, and Vance saw that the wheels had been taken off their car. Robert Stone was there, asking Shiloh Hill what he had done. Hill said he didn’t know which one was The Culling, so he took apart all of them, and he’s not sure anybody is going anywhere any time soon. Stone was trying to maintain control.
Tony D’Angelo was shown walking backstage.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Tony D’Angelo
Tony D’Angelo cut a promo in the ring. He said he beat Dion Lennox and left Darkstate beaten and looking for answers, just like they left him. Tony mentioned he’s had time to reflect during his time away. He talked about how, when he looked in the mirror, there was one thing that man couldn’t achieve. Tony said he buried himself six feet under and became the man standing in that ring, proving he’s the toughest son of a bitch in NXT. There were “Tony” chants for him. Tony explained that the second reason he came back is to win the NXT Championship. The fans cheered that.
Tony mentioned Joe Hendry, the NXT Champion. Joe said that he has no issue with Joe. Tony said that if it were him a year ago, they would have had a sit-down and broken some bread. Tony said he has to break Joe’s face, so that’s what he’s going to do. Tony said he’d love to say this is just business, but it’s personal to him. Tony told Joe to prepare himself for Tony’s actions because he will not be denied. Tony said that he will be the next NXT Champion. Tony’s music played to end it.
Analysis: A quick promo where Tony D’Angelo finally made it clear he’s coming for the NXT Title. Tony wanted to take care of Darkstate first, and after doing that, he’s now going for the NXT Title. I believe Tony will win the title sometime this year, but I don’t know exactly when. He’s been in NXT for over four years, has won the NXT North American Title, and now he should finally get the NXT Title. I thought Tony was very impressive at Vengeance Day. I like this new character he has.
Sol Ruca was in the locker room when Lola Vice approached her and wished Sol good luck. Vice said it felt good to knock out Kelani Jordan. Lola said she wants Sol to win the NXT Women’s Title, and then she wants to face Sol for the title at Stand & Deliver. Sol said a lot has to happen before Stand & Deliver. They did a butt/hip tap salute to end it.
Fatal Influence made their entrance for Lainey Reid’s match up next.
(Commercial)
Myles Borne was backstage with Wren Sinclair and Kendal Grey. They asked if they had seen Joe Hendry because they needed to talk about their match. Wren said, “Joe Hendry,” and opened a fridge door, but there was no sign of Joe, obviously. Joe walked in from behind them. Borne wondered where Joe was. Joe said he had business to take care of, but they will talk strategy. Wren left for her match, and Grey was eating a cake that was in the fridge.
Analysis: That was an awkward segment. It’s an example of the silliness that NXT sometimes is.
Sol Ruca vs. Lainey Reid (w/Jacy Jayne & Fallon Henley)
Ruca tripped up Reid and did some surfing on the back. Ruca stomped on Reid’s knee. Reid hit a shoulder tackle, followed by a side headlock. Reid hit a dropkick to knock Ruca down. Ruca hit a spinning slam to send Reid into the mat for a two count. Ruca gave Reid a monkey flip across the ring. Ruca used her legs to flip Reid over the top to the floor. Ruca hit a moonsault off the turnbuckle onto Reid on the floor. Jayne tried a cheap attack, Henley distracted the referee, Jayne held onto Ruca’s leg, and Reid stomped on Ruca to take control. They took a break for some fans as the action continued, with Reid in control for about three minutes.
Reid sent Ruca into the turnbuckle, but Ruca avoided a charge and hit a dropkick. Ruca kicked Reid into the turnbuckle. Reid went to the apron and kicked Ruca two times. Reid hit a Sunner-like move for a two count. Ruca had Reid on her shoulders, and Ruca dropped back with an Electric Chari Drop to put Reid down. Zaria was shown watching on a TV backstage. Ruca hit Reid with an uppercut and two back elbows. Ruca hit a release German Suplex. Ruca hit a dropkick off the middle turnbuckle and a running knee got a two count. Ruca went for a springboard move, Reid avoided it, and Reid hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count. Ruca countered Reid into a pin attempt. Ruca hit an X-Factor into the mat. Ruca hit a spinning slam off the shoulders for two. Reid used her legs to roll up Ruca for two. Ruca kicked Reid by the ropes. Reid tripped up Ruca going for a big move. Reid jumped over Ruca and hit a Crucifix Bomb. Reid went for the knee smash, but Ruca avoided it. Ruca jumped back up and hit a Soul Snatcher for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Sol Ruca
Analysis: ***1/4 A competitive match with Reid getting a lot of offense. Ruca’s win was expected, and I thought it might be more decisive, but a win is all that mattered. I’m also surprised that Fatal Influence didn’t try to cheat more for Reid. Anyway, Ruca’s Soul Snatcher looked great as usual to end the match.
After the match, Sol Ruca stood in the ring and stared at NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne since they have a title match with Zaria next week.
The NXT Interim GM Robert Stone was talking to WWE Speed Champion Eli LaFleur, Eli Knight, and Sean Legacy. The Vanity Project (NXT Tag Team Champions Ricky Smokes & Brad Baylor and Evolve Champion Jackson Drake) walked in, discussing their NXT Tag Team Titles and how they have dominated the division. They want to defend the titles at Stand & Deliver. TVP left. Legacy and Knight suggested they team up, and Stone said he thinks he has an idea.
Wren Sinclair made her entrance with Kendal Grey for Wren’s singles match.
(Commercial)
Blake Monroe was interviewed by Blake Howard (I guess Blake is a popular name). Monroe said that Jaida Parker learned when you play with hell, you always get burned. Monroe said that Stand & Deliver will be about her in St. Louis. Monroe said she’s the conversation and controversy, so what will she do? Tatum Paxley interrupted with the NXT Women’s North American Title, asking if they had seen Izzi. They said they have not seen Izzi. Monroe was eyeing Paxley’s title. Monroe told Howard that he had to do something about his name because it, like other things around here, belonged to her.
Analysis: I think that’s a tease that Blake Monroe is going for the NXT Women’s North American Title. I’m not surprised by that.
NXT Women’s Speed Tournament Finals: Wren Sinclair (w/Kendal Grey) vs. Thea Hail
There’s a 3-minute time limit here. They are excitable babyface wrestlers. Hail hit a dropkick. Wren hit a slap to the face, a rolling senton and a head slam into the mat. Hail kicked Wren in the ribs and hit a neckbreaker. Wren went to the floor, so Hail hit a suicide dive onto Wren on the floor. Hail went for a move off the ropes, but Wren avoided it and Wren got a rollup for two. Hail got hold of the left arm and went for a Kimura Lock, but Wren countered it and applied the Final Wrench submission, hooking the arms. Hail tapped out. Wren got the win at 1:58.
Winner by submission: Wren Sinclair
Analysis: ** A fast-paced match as usual with the Speed rules. I think the right woman won with Wren countering Hail’s Kimura and picking up the win. Both women are easy to like.
The win by Wren Sinclair means she’ll challenge Fallon Henley for the Women’s Speed Title next week on NXT in Houston.
Analysis: I think that will be a title change, and Wren will win her first title in her home state of Texas.
Robert Stone was in his office talking to the NXT tag teams. Stone said that he’s created a tournament with the winners earning a shot at the NXT Tag Team Titles at Stand & Deliver. OTM went into the room and got into a fight with Darkstate. They went to a break.
Analysis: A tournament sounds fine for a title shot. I thought they might do a multi-team match to get more teams on the show, so we’ll see how it ends up.
A commercial aired for the WWE 2K26 video game.
(Commercial)
The NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne, Women’s Speed Champion Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid were interviewed by Blake Howard. Jayne talked about how many titles have changed hands recently and complained about having to defend her title in a triple threat. Henley trashed Wren Sinclair, saying all she has to do is beat her within five minutes. Wren walked in to say she can beat Henley in five minutes. Kendal Grey said that Fatal Influence will be losing one of their titles, and Grey would be coming after Jayne at Stand & Deliver if Jayne is still champion. Reid said they don’t have time for this and Fatal Influence left.
Analysis: I certainly think that Fatal Influence losing both of their titles is a possibility. It could lead to the end of the group. It wouldn’t shock me if Jayne got called up to the main roster after WrestleMania, too.
They showed the backstage area where Tatum Paxley attacked Izzi Dame from behind with a forearm. Dame fought back. Security was there to break it up. Robert Stone went up to the women to say that Dame can get her title rematch next week on NXT in Houston, and it will be a Steel Cage Match.
Analysis: There’s the stipulation match for Paxley and Dame. I didn’t expect it to be a Steel Cage Match, but that should be interesting. I think Paxley should win.
It was time for the main event tag team match with the heel duo of Ethan Page up first, followed by Ricky Saints. Both of them have good theme songs. Just saying.
A commercial aired for NXT Stand & Deliver on Saturday, April 4th in St. Louis.
(Commercial)
The NXT Interim GM, Robert Stone, was interviewed by Blake Howard about the NXT lineup in Houston next week. Stone said that OTM and Darkstate are out of the tag team tournament. The Vanity Project talked to Stone, who said that TVP is against El Grande Americano, Rayo, and Bravo. Stone said he’ll let Vic Joseph make the next announcement.
Vic Joseph mentioned that they were only supposed to be a team at this desk for three months, but they’ve been together for over three years. Vic also said that next Tuesday on NXT in Houston will be Booker T Appreciation Night. Booker was genuinely surprised by that, and they played Booker’s song. Booker then hugged Vic at ringside.
Analysis: That’s cool for Booker, who is a 2-time WWE Hall of Famer. I have always been a fan of his since he was a WCW guy on the rise and loved his run in WWE too. As an announcer, Booker isn’t my favorite, but he’s good at putting over talent, and that’s the job.
The NXT North American Champion Myles Borne was up first, and he got some cheers. The fans also loved the NXT Champion Joe Hendry.
Joe Hendry & Myles Borne vs. Ethan Page & Ricky Saints
Can I call Saints and Page the Absolute Ego? It’s not an official name, but it would work.
Joe and Ricky started the match as Joe hit a shoulder tackle. Joe held Ricky, Borne tagged in and hit a dropkick. Borne hit a spinning slam on Ricky for a two count. Myles punched Page on the apron, which allowed Ricky to hit a belly-to-back suplex on Borne. Page tagged in and went for a suplex, but Borne hit his own suplex. Page tackled Borne into the turnbuckle. Borne tried to fight back, so Page hit him with a boot to the head. Ricky grabbed a title and tossed it across the ring way too far. Ricky did a fake apology as payback for what Page did at Vengeance Day. They went on a break for some fans as the match continued. The heels were in control as they made quick tags to work over Borne. Ricky hit an elbow drop on Borne. Booker mentioned the name Absolute Ego, so maybe it is going to be a thing. Ricky hit a spinebuster on Borne. Page hit a body slam and Ricky tagged in with a splash for a two count.
Page went for a splash on Borne, who moved, so Page hit the turnbuckle. Ricky pulled Joe off the apron to prevent a tag. Page sent Borne against the turnbuckle. Ricky hit a DDT on Borne for two because Joe broke up the pin. Page hit a knee attack on Joe and sent Joe out of the ring. Ricky set up Borne on the top turnbuckle and hit a punch to the jaw. Ricky went up top and hit a superplex. Page followed up with a top rope splash on Borne for some Power & Glory for a two count. Page went for a powerslam, Borne blocked it and Borne hit an elbow drop reverse DDT. Joe tagged in against Ricky and Joe was on fire with clotheslines. Joe hit a neckbreaker on Page and a fallaway slam on Ricky. Joe hit an Attitude Adjustment on Page. Joe hit an Olympic Slam on Ricky for two. The fans chanted, “We Believe” for Joe. Page grabbed Joe’s leg and Ricky hit Joe. Ricky and Joe did a double clothesline to knock eachother down. Page tossed the NXT Title to Ricky in the ring. The referee, Adrian Bulter, stopped Ricky from using the title, and Joe got a rollup for two. Ricky ran the ropes, Page made the tag and Ricky hit a Spear. Ricky was mad at Page for tagging in. Borne dropkicked Ricky out of the ring. The referee made Borne leave the ring. Page hit Twisted Grin on Joe on the NXT Title. The referee was dealing with Borne, so he never saw the title usage. Page covered Joe for the win. The match went about 12 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Ethan Page & Ricky Saints
Analysis: ***1/2 A big win for the heels, and I liked the finish a lot. They did a great job using the title for the finish because the referee never removed the title from the ring. The referee’s positioning for the cheating by Page was perfect. It was classic tag team wrestling and I really like the Page/Saints team a lot. Joe eating the pin was the right finish because it sets up Page to challenge him for the NXT Title at Stand & Deliver, but it’s also a possibility that it could be a triple threat match with Ricky Saints involved as well. There is also Tony D’Angelo, another guy who could be involved in it.
After the match, Ricky Saints celebrated with Ethan Page after the big win. They plugged NXT in Houston next week. Page and Saints did their poses in the ring while staring at eachother while Vic made the point that maybe Ricky realized that Page did something that Saints couldn’t do. That was the end of the show.
The lineup for NXT in Houston next week on March 17th looks like this:
* NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne vs. Sol Ruca vs. Zaria
* NXT Women’s North American Championship Steel Cage Match: Tatum Paxley vs. Izzi Dame
* WWE Speed Women’s Championship Match: Fallon Henley vs. Wren Sinclair
* NXT Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Match: Hank & Tank vs. Birthright
* El Grando Americano, Rayo and Bravo vs. The Vanity Project
* Booker T Appreciation Night
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Three Stars of the Show
- Ethan Page & Ricky Saints
- Sol Ruca
- Tatum Paxley
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The Scoreboard
This week: 7 out of 10
Last week: 7.25
2026 Average: 7.05
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Final Thoughts on WWE NXT
It was a solid episode of NXT to build up next week’s bigger show in Houston. The matches were solid throughout the night. I don’t think any one match stood out above the rest. The main event tag was fun with Ethan Page & Ricky Saints getting a big win to set up Page for an NXT Title shot against Joe Hendry, most likely.
The angle with Charlie Dempsey finally joining Birth Right was cool. Nice cameo by Fit Finlay and William Regal there.
I like the NXT card in Houston next week and I think there will be some title changes too.
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John Canton
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