The John Report: WWE NXT 03/17/26 Review
This week’s WWE NXT features a big Jacy Jayne-Sol Ruca-Zaria triple threat, plus Tatum Paxley facing Izzi Dame in a Steel Cage, Booker T appreciation, and more.
The NXT brand is on the road in Houston this week. I know they had some travel issues leaving Orlando yesterday because of severe weather, but they made it there, and I hope it turns out to be a great show. The women’s division is prominently featured this week. Last week’s NXT episode concluded with the heel team of Ethan Page and Ricky Saints defeating the championship team of Joe Hendry and Myles Borne in the main event.
NXT Stand & Deliver is on April 4th, so they need to start building that card as well.
They were at the 713 Music Hall in Houston, TX, for this week’s show. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport and check out my NXT TV review archive. Let’s get to it.
They showed Booker T arriving in a Cybertruck earlier in the day, greeting students from his wrestling school. They also showed Tatum Paxley and Izzi Dame with Shawn Spears and Niko Vance
The NXT Women’s Title match was leading off the show. It was Vic Joseph and Booker T on commentary. Mike Rome was the ring announcer. Booker was excited in his hometown of Houston.
Sol Ruca was up first, followed by her former best friend, Zaria, who turned on Sol recently. The NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne was last with her Fatal Influence friends Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid.
NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne vs. Zaria vs. Sol Ruca
The first pinfall or submission wins. There are no countouts and no disqualifications in a WWE triple threat match.
It is not a big venue in Houston, but it is nice to see them outside of Orlando for the first time this year. Jayne superkicked Zaria to start the match. Sol and Jayne exchanged pin attempts early on. Zaria got back in there to stomp on Jayne. Jayne gave Sol a headscissors and Zaria got a hold of Sol by the ropes. Jayne hit a Codebreaker double-knee attack on Zaria, but Sol broke up the pin with a springboard splash off the top for two. Sol superkicked Jayne and Zaria pulled Jayne out of the ring. Sol hit a backflip over the top onto Reid and Henley on the floor. It wasn’t smooth, but it was good enough for the women to bump and sell it. Jayne sent Sol into the steel steps. Jayne kicked Zaria on the floor. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued.
Jayne and Zaria exchanged strikes in the ring while Sol was on the floor. Sol got back up and hit a cross body block on both opponents. Sol hit a German Suplex on Jayne and then Zaria kicked Jayne to knock her down. Zaria and Sol finally had a long staredown, leading to a slugfest. Zaria hit a discus clothesline, but Sol came back with a dropkick. Jayne hit a senton splash on Sol. Jayne hit a neckbreaker on Zaria. Sol jumped over a charging Zaria, who hit Jayne with a spear. Sol hit a Spear on Zaria after that. Sol went up top, but Zaria tripped up Sol on the top turnbuckle. Jayne hit double knees to Zaria’s back. Jayne and Sol were on the top turnbuckle, so Zaria hit a German Suplex on Jayne and Sol did a moonsault bump out of that. Zaria got two counts on each opponent. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for the three ladies. Jayne went up top and hit a dropkick on Zaria. Jayne hit cannonballs on both opponents. Zaria slammed Jayne off the shoulders, almost like an F5, for a two count because Sol broke up the pin. Sol hit a rising kick. Zaria headbutted Sol. Zaria went for an F5, but Sol countered it with an X-Factor. Sol clotheslined Zaria out of the ring. Sol hit a Soul Snatcher on Jayne, but you could tell Zaria would break up the pin, and she did by pulling Sol out of the ring. Zaria gave Sol an F5 on the floor. Reid and Henley got involved, so Zaria knocked Reid down and hit an F5 on Henley on the floor. As that was going on, Jayne put her left arm on Sol for the pinfall win. That means Jayne got the win after Sol took the F5 on the floor.
Winner by pinfall: Jacy Jayne
Analysis: ***1/2 It was a very good triple threat match that could have gone to any of the three women. I like how the finish was done with Zaria doing the damage, but Jayne’s friends kept Zaria busy enough on the floor to allow Jayne to get the cheap win and keep the title. It puts over Jayne as a crafty champion, but also a lucky champion since Zaria and Sol also had moments where they looked like they might win. I thought Zaria was going to win, but keeping it on Jayne is fine, and it might lead to Kendal Grey being the one to take the title from Jayne. By not having Sol or Zaria win, I still think they’ll have a singles match at Stand & Deliver. Perhaps Sol will go to the main roster after that.
Wren Sinclair and Kendal Grey were talking about Wren’s match. Charlie Dempsey walked by with Birth Right. Dempsey said that Wren found somebody she relates to better, and Dempsey found people he can relate to as well. Dempsey left with Birthright. Grey said she had her eye on the NXT Women’s Title. Lola Vice walked in to wish Wren good luck and told Grey she was going for the NXT Women’s Title.
Ricky Saints was walking backstage for a promo up next.
A WrestleMania 42 commercial aired featuring CM Punk and Roman Reigns.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Ricky Saints…and Ethan Page
The former NXT Champion, Ricky Saints, made his entrance, and he was booed by the crowd. Ricky slipped while getting into the ring. Ricky said he can slip, but he never falls because he’s the main event. He talked about how he’s back on the same page with Ethan Page because they know how to pivot. The fans chanted, “What,” so Ricky told them to save that for Myles Borne, who has well-known hearing issues. Ricky said, luckily for everyone, the roster is safe because Ricky and Ethan are focused on singles gold. He claimed Ethan is on his way to becoming a two-time NXT North American Champion, and Ricky is on his way to becoming a two-time NXT Champion.
Ethan Page walked out to talk with his friend Ricky and suggest they form a tag team called the Bounce Back Boys. Page mentioned he was the one who pinned Joe Hendry last week. Ricky said that was a small detail. Ricky said he’d let Ethan call out Myles Borne. Ethan said he wants to be a two-time champion and hinted at the NXT Title, but Ricky said that wasn’t the plan.
The NXT Champion Joe Hendry made his entrance as the fans sang along to his song. Booker T was excited about it. Joe said that you said his name and he has appeared in Houston, so the fans chanted “We Believe” for him. Joe mentioned that Ethan has some good points. He added that he was smashed in the head with the NXT Title, and maybe Ricky doesn’t have what it takes to get the job done like Ethan. Joe criticized Ricky’s failures, saying he couldn’t beat Joe, he couldn’t play guitar, and he couldn’t sing. Ethan said that you should give Ricky a break. Joe pointed out that Ethan and Ricky faced each other at Stand & Deliver last year, so maybe they can do something similar this year. Ricky bragged about beating Ethan last year. Ethan said he went on to win the NXT North American Title after that. Ethan and Ricky argued some more as Ethan boasted about pinning Joe last week. Ethan and Ricky attacked Joe with punches, but Joe responded with a double clothesline and a fallaway slam on Ricky. Joe also hit a fallaway slam on Page. Tony D’Angelo entered the ring and hit a spear on Joe. Tony also hit a spinebuster on Ricky and another on Page. Tony’s music played to end it.
Analysis: It looks like they are doing a 4-way match for the NXT Title at Stand & Deliver, which is not a surprise. They did the story where Ricky Saints acted like Ethan Page wasn’t interested in the NXT Title, but it was pretty obvious that Page wanted to go after that title that he once held. I don’t mind involving Tony D since he’s never been NXT Champion and it makes sense for him to be in the title picture. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tony D won the NXT Title at Stand & Deliver, but it really is a tough match to call.
Fit Finlay and William Regal were backstage with the Birthright group. It included Charlie Dempsey, Lexis King, Arianna Grace with Stacks, and Uriah Connors. Finlay was happy to see the group together. Regal wanted them to win the NXT Tag Team Titles while looking at his son Dempsey. Regal talked to Robert Stone, telling him he was doing a good job as Interim NXT GM. Regal said he would speak to Shawn Michaels about making Stone the permanent GM of NXT. Stone thanked him, and they shook hands.
Analysis: I think making Robert Stone the permanent GM of NXT makes sense. Stone does a good job. Having a great former boss like William Regal endorse Stone also helps.
Los Americanos made their entrance for tag team action.
(Commercial)
The Vanity Project – Jackson Drake, Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes vs. Los Americanos – El Grande Americano, Rayo & Bravo
This is an odd choice for a match since they are all heels, although I think Los Americanos will be cheered. Jackson Drake is the Evolve Champion, and Baylor & Smokes are NXT Tag Team Champions. El Grande Americano is Ludwig Kaiser, Rayo is Pete Dunne, and Bravo is Tyler Bate.
There were some punches by Bravo on Smokes. The fans were chanting in Spanish as Bravo threw some punches. Drake helped Smokes out while the referee was distracted. TVP did some bad dancing to piss off the fans. Bravo jumped off the top with a cross body block. Rayo and Grande cleared the ring. Los Americanos all hit moves on their opponents on the floor. There was a blind tag by Baylor with a flatliner, Smokes kicked Rayo in the back, and Drake hit a German Suplex for two. The fans booed. That led to a break as TVP were in control.
It was TVP in control of Rayo for nearly four minutes during the break. Drake hit two vertical suplexes and did an Eddie Guerrero-style shake, which drew boos. Rayo countered with an Explex counter to toss Drake down. Grande was cheered heavily when he got the tag. Grande hit a back body drop and a clothesline. Grande hit a double Blockbuster on two guys for a two count because Drake broke up the pin. Bravo got a hold of Drake on his shoulder and spun him around into a slam. Bravo and Rayo put on cowboy hats and hit dives onto two guys on the floor. Grande hit an Air Raid Crash on Baylor for a two count. Drake kicked Grande and jumped off his back to hit a dive over the top on Rayo & Bravo on the floor. Drake hit a Burning Hammer on Grande for a two count. Baylor held Grande, Smokes tagged in with a dropkick, and Drake tagged in with a 450 Splash for a two count. Drake kicked Grande, who fired back up, and Grande hit a jumping kick. Drake got a rollup, and Rayo pointed out that Baylor was trying to cheat. Grande put the metal object in his mask and headbutted Baylor. Grande missed an attack and Rayo hit a superkick. Smokes tagged in and Bravon hit a cross body block. Grande tagged back in and hit a running headbutt with the loaded metal mask for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Los Americanos – El Grande Americano, Rayo & Bravo
Analysis: ***1/2 It turned into a very entertaining tag team match. The Vanity Project boys are really good for some dudes in their early 20s. They know how to get heat as heels, they bump well, and they look credible offensively, too. Drake is especially talented. It was weird seeing Los Americanos as faces since they have been heels on the main roster, but this Spanish-speaking crowd loved the phony luchadores, and this match kicked ass. Big win for Grande using the metal in the mask, while Rayo & Bravo were great throughout the match too. I’m not sure if this will lead to anything, but it felt more like a one-off.
The Interim NXT GM Robert Stone was talking to Elio Lefleur, who is the WWE Speed Champion. Sean Legacy walked in on crutches with a foot injury. Elio said he can team with Eli Knight in the tag team tournament, so Stone booked it. The guys left. Sol Ruca walked up to Stone, saying she was screwed out of the title again. Sol said she wants to talk to Zaria in the ring because she has a lot to say, so Stone was okay with that.
A tribute to Booker T is next as we end the first hour.
(Commercial)
Booker T Appreciation Night
Vic Joseph was in the ring to host the Booker T appreciation segment. Booker’s wife, Sharmell, and their kids (they have twins – a boy and a girl) were in the ring along with some other people. The 2-time WWE Hall of Famer Booker T was cheered and the fans gave him a big ovation. Vic said it’s been three years since they have been a commentary team together. Vic said that Booker didn’t want his legacy to be the championship because he wanted it to be about creating moments for the fans. Vic cued up a video paying tribute to Booker.
A video tribute aired about Booker T with NXT people like Shawn Michaels, Jasper Troy, Vic Joseph and Joe Hendry talking about Booker’s impact on the business. They showed a clip of Booker’s legendary supermarket fight with Steve Austin and an old interview of Austin talking about it. Vic talked about how Booker is part of the NXT family. Shawn said that Booker is a coach and trainer at heart. Jacy Jayne talked about Booker giving her confidence. Troy spoke about Booker’s influence on his career. Stephanie Vaquer mentioned how Booker made the Devil’s Kiss amazing. Shawn discussed Booker running his Reality of Wrestling promotion. Trick Williams spoke about how he calls him Uncle Book. Vic called Booker the best commentator he’s worked with. There were more kind words spoken about Booker T, including Shawn Michaels, The Usos, Roxanne Perez, Jacy, Trick, and it ended with Booker’s legendary catchphrase.
Analysis: Awesome video. I loved Booker T as a wrestler, especially as a guy on the rise in WCW, and I’m glad he was so successful in WWE too. There are a lot of people who criticize Booker as an announcer, but I don’t mind him in the role because he is there to try to help the talent in the ring by adding to their presentation.
Booker was emotional in the ring as Vic noted all the people around who loved and supported him. Vic gave Booker a plaque that said it was Booker T. Appreciation Night. The fans chanted, “You deserve it.” Booker said it’s been 35 years of doing this. Booker mentioned his family and students being there. Booker thanked the fans for making it all possible. There was an interruption.
Keanu Carver walked out there with a microphone and told the fans to shut up. There were some guys who tried to stop Carver, so Carver beat them on his way to the ring. Carver said you have 10 seconds to get out of his ring before Carver does something to Booker. Craver hit a spinebuster on some wrestler and tossed another guy out of the ring. Jasper Troy ran down to the ring to fight with Carver. Troy was able to overpower Carver and gave Carver a clothesline over the top to the floor. Booker’s music played while Booker talked to Troy in the ring.
There were members of the roster on the stage applauding Booker. It led to Booker cutting a promo saying that kind of thing shouldn’t be happening in his damn city. Booker’s music played, and Troy raised Booker’s hand so the fans could cheer some more. They went on a break during this part of the celebration.
Analysis: I’m not surprised that they turned this Booker T Appreciation Night into an angle to further a storyline. I have said in the past that I think Keanu Carver has major potential as a singles star, and I like that he has the loose cannon gimmick that he does very well. This story also looks like it is being done to turn Jasper Troy into a babyface, which could be a good thing for him as well.
WWE Women’s Speed Champion: Fallon Henley (w/Jacy Jayne & Lainey Reid) vs. Wren Sinclair (w/Kendal Grey)
The entrances were done during the break. Mike Rome did the championship introductions for the ladies. Wren is from Texas, so she’s in her home state looking for her first title win. This match has a 5-minute time limit.
Henley was in control early on with some strikes and nearfalls. Henley hit an overhead suplex. Henley hit a legsweep for a two count. Henley had her left shoulder taped up after getting attacked by Zaria. Wren got some offense going with a double underhook suplex for a two count. Wren was able to counter a Henley move and sent her face first into the mat. Henley ran the ropes and hit a Slingblade-like move. Wren wrenched on the left shoulder to send Henley into the mat. Wren chopped Henley a few times and got a rollup for two. Wren hooked the two arms into the Final Wrench submission and Henley gave up. New champ is Wren Sinclair at 3:38.
Winner by submission AND NEW Women’s Speed Champion: Wren Sinclair
Analysis: **1/4 I’m glad Wren Sinclair won a championship in WWE, even if it’s the Women’s Speed Title, which probably doesn’t even need to exist. That said, it’s her third singles title for the women of NXT, so that’s not a bad thing. The match was short because of the rules, but they did their best to make it exciting within the time they had. Henley wasn’t defending the title much anyway, so Wren’s win made sense. Winning it in Texas is good for Wren, too, since it’s her home state.
Wren Sinclair celebrated as the new WWE Women’s Speed Champion with Kendal Grey by her side. The fans loved it.
Ethan Page and Ricky Saints were talking to Interim NXT GM Robert Stone. Ricky complained about Tony D’Angelo attacking them. Ethan Page wanted Stone to do something about this with Tony D. Ethan claimed Ricky wants to face Tony D next week on NXT. Ricky wasn’t thrilled about it. Page said that Ricky can take care of this vigilante once and for all. Ricky said that Page will be in his corner. Stone was fine with it.
Hank & Tank made their entrance for tag team action.
(Commercial)
Birthright – Stacks & Uriah Connors (w/Lexis King, Charlie Dempsey & Arianna Grace) vs. Hank Walker & Tank Ledger
This is part of a tag team tournament that will lead to an NXT Tag Team Title match. The belly boys Hank & Tank got some offense early, but then the heels cheated thanks to their friends on the floor. Stacks hit a missile dropkick on Hank. Connors hit a running kick on Hank and Stacks hit a boot to the face for two. Hank broke free, so Tank got the tag, leading to some clotheslines. Tank hit Connors with a knee smash. Tank hit a cannonball off the apron onto two guys on the floor. Tank hit a powerslam on Stacks. Hank hit a superplex and Tank jumped off the top with a Swanton Bomb on Stacks. Hank got a two count because Connors broke up the pin for a two count. Hank sent Connors to the apron, so Connors hit a kick, but Hank hit a kick of his own. Stacks tried an attack and Hank hit a Bossman Slam on Stacks. King went into the ring, so Hank & Tank splashed him. Connors made a blind tag. Hank & Tank did their double team slam on Stacks, and Connors flipped over Hank into a pinfall for the win after about 6 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Birthright – Stacks & Uriah Connors
Analysis: **3/4 A good match for the time given. Lexis King’s presence helped his buddies Stacks & Connors get the win after Connors made a blind tag that Hank & Tank never saw. Every match doesn’t have to be long. They made the most of their time, and it was solid wrestling. It also makes sense for Birthright to win as a new group.
Joe Hendry talked to Robert Stone in the backstage area. Hendry wanted a match with Tony D’Angelo next week, but Stone said that they’ve already made Ricky Saints against Tony D next week on NXT.
There was a fight outside the building as Darkstate’s Dion Lennox, Saquon Shugars & Osiris Griffin beat up the two OTM boys, Lucien Price & Bronco Nima. It looked like Price took a bump onto some tables while Shugars kicked Nima’s head into the side of a trailer. Darkstate stood tall over OTM to end it.
(Commercial)
The NXT Women’s North American Champion Tatum Paxley was backstage with her friend Thea Hail, who encouraged Paxley ahead of her match. Paxley said that NXT needs more women like Hail. Kelani Jordan walked in doing her mean girl routine on Hail. Jaida Parker entered the room to trash talk Jordan, then Hail spoke up and said that she’ll make Jordan tap out next week.
Fatal Influence was backstage with Jacy Jayne, happy about her win, while Fallon Henley was frustrated about her loss. Lainey Reid was trying to keep things positive. Henley and Reid said they’ll face Wren and Kendal next week because they know Jayne won’t have a match before Stand & Deliver. Jayne said she wouldn’t mind if they took care of Kendal Grey.
Analysis: That makes me think they’ll go with Jacy Jayne-Kendal Grey at Stand & Deliver, and I think Grey will win the NXT Women’s Title.
The NXT North American Champion, Myles Borne, was talking to Robert Stone backstage. Stone said there will be a Gauntlet Eliminator Match to determine Borne’s next challenger at Stand & Deliver. Lexis King walked in to chat with Stone, and King said, since they’ll be claiming the NXT Tag Team Titles, then they might as well claim the NXT North American Title. King said he knows Stone will do the right thing because, after all, it’s their birthright.
Analysis: A heel like Charlie Dempsey or Lexis King challenging Myles Borne for the NXT NA Title is a logical match for Stand & Deliver.
It was announced that singer Sexyy Red will be appearing live at NXT Stand & Deliver on April 4th in St. Louis. Booker was excited.
Izzi Dame made her entrance for the main event.
(Commercial)
Next week on NXT:
* Tony D’Angelo vs. Ricky Saints
* NXT North American Championship #1 Contender’s Gauntlet Eliminator
Tatum Paxley made her entrance as the NXT Women’s North American Champion for the Steel Cage Match main event. Tatum was announced as being “from Texas” without saying a city. That’s strange.
NXT Women’s North American Championship: Tatum Paxley vs. Izzi Dame
Izzi Dame attacked Tatum Paxley before Paxley could get into the ring. Dame stomped on Paxley’s arm on the ring steps. Dame suplexed Paxley on the floor. Dame slammed the cage door into Paxley’s head. Dame put Paxley into the ring. Dame grabbed a steel chair and brought it into the cage. The bell rang to start the match.
Paxley got some offense going with a kick to the gut and some punches. Paxley rolled up Dame for a two count. Paxley hit a jumping kick to the head. Dame tried to climb the cage, so Paxley went after her and they each slammed the other woman’s head into the cage. Dame sent Paxley’s head into the cage a few times. They were still on the top rope, sending their heads into the cage, and both women bumped into the ring. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. Paxley hit a knee to the face. Paxley charged, Dame avoided the attack and Paxley hit the steel cage. Dame hit a catapult to send Paxley’s throat into the bottom rope for two. Dame sent Paxley into the cage two more times. Dame put Paxley on her shoulders and sent Paxley into the cage again. Dame charged, Paxley avoided it and Dame hit the cage. Paxley threw Dame into the cage and dropkicked Dame into the cage.
The match continued with Paxley in control. Paxley went to the top turnbuckle while Dame was down on the ground. Vic mentioned it was pinfall or submission in this match with no escape win. Paxley went for a climb, so Dame went after her. The women were on top of the cage where they exchanged punches. Dame was able to stand on the top of the cage, she got a hold of Paxley, who had her knees on the top of the cage and Dame hit a superplex from the top rope. Big bump there, leading to Dame getting a two count. They showed Tatum Paxley’s mom in the crowd. Paxley countered Dame and sent her into the cage. Paxley went up top, kicked Dame and Paxley hit a twisting cross body block for a two count. It was like Jeff Hardy’s Whisper in the Wind move. Dame hit a Codebreaker double knee attack, Paxley was on her feet and Dame hit a sitout Powerbomb for a two count. Dame got a hold of the steel chair and she hit Paxley in the back with the chair a few times. Dame tried a lift, Paxley got out of it, and Dame sent Paxley back-first into the cage. Dame slammed Paxley back-first into the cage again. Paxley got a hold of the cage and Paxley hit a Code Red style move onto the chair that was in the ring. Paxley hit a spin kick into the chair. Paxley hit Cemetery Drive for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Tatum Paxley
Analysis: ***1/2 It was another great match between these two, likely marking the end of the feud. They used the cage effectively, slamming into it multiple times throughout the match. Dame did a good job playing the aggressive heel, using weapons like a steel chair and sending Paxley into the cage. There was never a moment I thought Paxley wouldn’t win, though. This was a feud-ending match, with Paxley defeating Izzi Dame again to retain the title. I enjoyed it.
Tatum Paxley was celebrating on the ramp when a door opened, and it was Blake Monroe. Blake opened the door and grabbed Paxley. Blake pulled Paxley under the ramp. Blake posed with the NXT Women’s North American Title to end the show.
Analysis: That’s an easy way to have Tatum Paxley move on to her next feud against Blake Monroe. That’s fine with me. I like them both.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Tatum Paxley
- Los Americanos
- Jacy Jayne, Izzi Dame, Wren Sinclair
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The Scoreboard
This week: 7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7
2026 Average: 7.09
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Final Thoughts on WWE NXT
It felt like a better-than-usual episode of NXT, with the three longer matches standing out. The women’s division once again dominated the show, featuring three title matches and impressive performances from Jacy Jayne, Zaria, Sol Ruca, Wren Sinclair, and Tatum Paxley, among others.
I enjoyed the Tatum Paxley-Izzi Dame Steel Cage Match in the main event. I think this feud elevated Paxley and Dame as performers, which is the goal of any rivalry. I’m especially happy for both women improving as performers over the last six months.
Although there is no official announcement for Stand & Deliver on April 4 yet, you can tell from the show where certain titles are headed. If I were in charge of NXT, I would have announced a match or two by now because the event will be here soon, and you need to start promoting some big matches.
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Thanks for reading. My contact info is below.
John Canton
Email [email protected]
Twitter/X @johnreport