The John Report: WWE NXT 06/02/26 Review
This week’s WWE NXT features Tony D’Angelo defending the NXT Title against Kam Hendrix, Darkstate facing Borne & Heights, and more.
It was announced on Tuesday that NXT Great American Bash will be on Sunday, June 27th, so it’s over two and a half months after Stand & Deliver took place in early April. NXT has cut down on the number of PLE’s they are doing this year compared to last year.
For this review, I’ll go play-by-play for some matches and a summary-style review for others.
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.
There was some pre-show walking shown of NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo and Kam Hendrix.
It’s Vic Joseph on commentary with Booker T as usual. Mike Rome was the ring announcer.
Zaria vs. Lizzy Rain
The powerful Zaria started with a tackle into the turnbuckle, and Rain came back with a dropkick. Rain connected with a headscissors and a kick to the head. Zaria avoided a DDT and hit a pump kick to take over. Zaria sent Rain hard into the turnbuckle. Tatum Paxley showed up at ringside with the NXT Women’s North American Championship, and Zaria looked at her, so Rain got a rollup for two out of that. Zaria punched Rain off the turnbuckle to the floor. They went on a break for some fans as Zaria was in control for a few minutes.
The match continued with Rain hitting a hurricanrana off the top, but Zaria came back with a Spear. Rain hit a clothesline, a springboard back elbow, and a Tornado DDT by Rain. Zaria hit a headbutt, and Rain countered a move with a rollup. Zaria came back with a knee smash, along with a discus clothesline. Rain hit a Cutter and a spinning slam off the shoulders for two. Zaria countered Rain with a German Suplex and a Spear. Zaria hit her version of the F5 for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Zaria
Analysis: *** It was a solid TV match. Zaria getting the win was what I expected, but I thought it would be a more dominant win. That’s not to say it upset me that Rain got plenty of offense. I’m just saying I think Zaria should be able to win more decisively and look stronger in a match like this. Rain is very talented and looks like a natural babyface, so she’s in the right role for sure.
After the match, Zaria wanted to do more damage to Rain, so Tatum Paxley went into the ring to stop it. Paxley said if you want it so bad then you can have your title match next week.
Analysis: That could lead to a Zaria title win next week.
Myles Borne and Tavion Heights were talking to Sean Legacy and DVD. Borne and Heights suggested that they become a tag team.
The Culling’s Shawn Spears and Niko Vance were talking to Izzi Dame, who wanted them to finish what they started with OTM.
Darkstate’s Cutler James and Osiris Griffin were making their entrance in the crowd, but Saquon Shugars used a pipe to attack James in the crowd.
(Commercial)
It was announced that NXT Great American Bash will be in Orlando on Sunday, June 28th. It’s on The CW in the US.
Vic said GM Robert Stone was postponing the Borne/Heights match against Darkstate because of Cutler James being attacked before the break.
The Culling – Shawn Spears & Niko Vance vs. OTM – Bronco Nima & Lucien Price
The OTM boys were working over Spears early, but then Spears broke free and brought in Vance, who worked over Price with some punches. Price smashed Vance with a massive clothesline. Vance sent Price shoulder-first into the ring post. That led to a break for some fans as the match continued with The Culling in control.
It was Vance battling Nima as The Culling dominated the action during the break. Nima hit a suplex on Vance. Price tagged in and hit a move on both opponents, along with splashes on both opponents. Price hit Vance with a knee for two. Vance hit a running elbow on Price. Spears tagged in for a double team neckbreaker/powerslam on Price. Spears was bleeding on the face somewhere. Price superkicked Vince on the apron, and Price hit a uranage on Spears. Nima tagged in for a double team slam off the shoulders on Spears for the pinfall win.
Winners by pinfall: OTM – Bronco Nima & Lucien Price
Analysis: **3/4 It was a decent tag team match to give OTM the win, while continuing the story of The Culling having issues. It seems like Spears will be kicked out of the group soon. I’m all for OTM getting wins, and hopefully it leads to an NXT Tag Team Title reign soon.
EK Prosper and Tate Wilder were talking in the locker room, with Prosper telling Wilder to be smart out there. Kam Hendrix mocked Wilder for still chasing his first win while Hendrix is already getting an NXT Title match. After Wilder left, Kam told Prosper he could tell his grandkids he saw Hendrix win the NXT Title. Hendrix left, and EK said he hopes Tony D kicks Hendrix’s ass.
Tate Wilder vs. Jackson Drake (w/Brad Baylor, Ricky Smokes & Myka Lockwood)
Drake was cocky and arrogant early on as Wilder hit a neckbreaker. After Drake left the ring, Wilder jumped off the steps onto the three Vanity Project guys on the floor. They went on a nearly 4-minute break for some fans as the match continued.
There was a double cross body block to knock Drake and Wilder down at the same time. Drake hit a Spear from inside the ring while Wilder was on the apron. Drake went up top, jumped off with a 450 Splash, Wilder avoided it and Wilder hit a TKO slam off the shoulders for two. Wilder went up top, took way too long and Drake went after him, so Wilder hit a Powerbomb. Wilder went up top and hit a twisting splash for a two count. Wilder punched Smokes and Baylor when they were on the apron. Wilder sent Drake out of the ring. Wilder tried a move on the floor, but Myka caught him and slammed Wilder into the steps and a Powerbomb on the apron. Drake went up top and hit a 450 Splash for the pinfall win.
Winner by pinfall: Jackson Drake
Analysis: *** A competitive match to put over Jackson Drake and specifically his ally Myka Lockwood at ringside since she was the difference maker in the match. It’s a throwback to when Chyna was in a similar role for Triple H nearly 30 years ago. Drake is very good for such a young guy, and he knows how to be an obnoxious heel.
NXT GM Robert Stone was interviewed by Emily Agard as he claimed the Great American Bash is going to be a big show. Osiris Griffin walked in, complaining about what happened earlier. Jasper Troy walked in, Griffin argued with him, and Dion Lennox hit Troy with a chair to the back. Darkstate’s Lennox and Griffin beat up Troy and left him lying on the floor.
The NXT Women’s Champion, Lola Vice, is up next.
(Commercial)
A commercial aired for SummerSlam on August 1 & 2 in Minneapolis.
Let’s Hear from Lola Vice
Lola Vice made her entrance as the NXT Women’s Champion and one-half of the AAA Mixed Tag Team Champions. Vice said she knocked out Izzi Dame last week just like she said she was going to do. Vice said she proved she was the complete package. Vice said that she continues to prove everyone wrong. Vice talked about how she envisioned winning the NXT Women’s Title and she told herself she would do anything in her power to make it here. Vice said she doesn’t make excuses. Vice said the big question is who’s next? Vice said that she loves that women in NXT are eyeing her championship. Vice said whoever steps up will be embarrassed and knocked out.
Kelani Jordan interrupted to say it’s finally time for her to get a shot at the NXT Women’s Championship. Jordan said she’s made it impossible to be denied any longer. Jordan credited Vice on becoming NXT Women’s Champion. Jordan talked about being TNA’s Knockouts Champion to prove herself. Jordan claimed that instead of being praised, she was questioned about it and criticized. Jordan said that’s why she got kicked out of the locker room. Jordan said she’s done asking and she’s done demanding. Jordan said she’s tapped Vice out, she’s beaten Kendal and Wren. Vice said if you blinked, then you missed Jordan’s Knockouts Title reign.
Kendal Grey interrupted with Wren Sinclair, who had a bandage on her left knee and a crutch. Grey said she’s already proven how she deserves a shot at the NXT Women’s Title. Grey said that she won Iron Survivor, and she pinned both of them. Grey said if anybody is up next, it’s her. Grey complained about what Jordan did to Wren. Jordan said all she needs is one opportunity to become NXT Women’s Champion. Jordan claimed Grey can’t win the big one.
Vice said next week, Grey will face Jordan in a #1 contender’s match for a shot at the NXT Women’s Title. Vice said that the winner will face her for the NXT Women’s Title at the Great American Bash. Jordan grabbed Vice’s title, so Vice threw an elbow, Jordan moved and Vice elbowed Grey by accident. Jordan left while Vice felt bad about her mistake.
Analysis: It was pretty obvious that this would lead to a Jordan/Grey contender’s match. They had an awesome match a few weeks ago, so I don’t mind seeing it again. I wouldn’t say the NXT women’s division is that hot right now, but these are talented performers who can have good matches.
A video aired about how next week, Shiloh Hill and Tristan Angels will be in a Mr. NXT Pageant.
Shiloh Hill asked Tatum Paxley if it was too over the top, but Paxley said no because it’s a pageant. Hill left to take care of some raccoon business. Paxley was attacked by Zaria backstage, and Zaria slammed Paxley onto an equipment crate. Zaria told Paxley her reign as champion is over. Hill was back and called for help.
(Commercial)
Tony D’Angelo was backstage talking to Mason Rook, with Tony telling Rook not to get involved in his title match tonight. NXT GM Robert Stone interrupted to say Rook will face Naraku next week. Naraku was looking on in the background. Tony told Rook that if he beats Naraku, then he’ll jump the line. Stone told Rook not to get involved in the title match tonight, and Rook seemed to understand.
WWE Speed Championship: Lexis King (w/Uriah Connors, Stacks & Arianna Grace) vs. Romeo Moreno (w/Noam Dar)
This match has a 5-minute time limit since it’s a title match. Moreno rolled up King and hit a dropkick. Moreno hit a German Suplex, followed by a leaping kick off the middle turnbuckle for two. Moreno got a rollup for two. King got some offense going with a running dropkick. King got a hold of Moreno’s leg for a single-leg crab submission. After Moreno broke free, King superkicked him. Moreno came back with a suplex. Moreno followed up with a superkick, and he pulled on the arm, leading to a suplex. King countered a submission into a pin attempt for two. King left the ring, so Moreno jumped on Stacks and Connors on the floor. Back in the ring, Moreno jumped off the top, but King caught him and applied a single leg crab. Moreno applied an inside cradle for two. Moreno hit a kick to the face. Moreno went for a springboard moonsault, King avoided it and hit a knee to the back. King hit the Coronation for the pinfall win at 4:33.
Winner by pinfall: Lexis King
Analysis: **3/4 It was pretty good for a shorter match. Moreno got plenty of offense, nearly won a few times, and then King hit three moves for the win. King’s win was the obvious result here. I like Moreno as a unique babyface who is early in his career.
Jaida Parker was backstage with other wrestlers when Nattie showed up to say Parker barely beat Nattie’s student last week. Nattie claimed Parker’s performance was less than mediocre. Parker suggested going to the ring or going outside. Nattie said she’s not afraid and she sees through all of it. Nattie said you can try to intimidate everybody else, but Nattie sees through it all. Nattie said that she knows that Parker is soft and left. Others in the room reacted to it while Parker said nothing.
Analysis: I look forward to the Nattie/Parker match whenever it happens.
(Commercial)
Keanu Carver was backstage talking to Tate Wilder and EK Prosper. Carver trashed Wilder for being dumb, and EK said somebody has to humble Carver, who warned them not to keep running their mouths.
Kendal Grey and Wren Sinclair talked about what happened. Wren said that Grey needs to face Jordan on her own, without Wren there.
Darkstate – Osiris Griffin & Dion Lennox vs. Myles Borne & Tavion Heights
Dion Lennox was filling in for Cutler James, who was attacked earlier in the show. Borne started against Dion. Heights got some offense going on Griffin. After Dion was in briefly, he brought Griffin back in, and Griffin sent Borne into the turnbuckle. Borne came back with a dropkick and clothesline out of the ring. Heights hit an overhead suplex on Dion on the floor. That led to a break as the match continued.
The match continued with Dion hitting a backbreaker on Borne. Griffin followed up with a backbreaker of his own on Borne. Dion launched Borne into the air, right into a powerslam by Griffin. Borne finally broke free as Heights tagged in with strikes and a neckbreaker. Heights hit an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Griffin tagged in and Heights slammed him off the shoulders. Heights hit an Exploder Suplex on Griffin across the ring. Dion held Heights’ foot and Griffin sent Heights into the turnbuckle. Dion tagged in for a Doomsday Device clothesline off the top for the pinfall win.
Winners by pinfall: Darkstate – Osiris Griffin & Dion Lennox
Analysis: *** A good tag team match between four talented young guys. It looked like Tavion Heights might get the win for his team because he was on fired after the hot tag, but Darkstate was able to get the decisive win.
After the match, Saquon Shugars was on a podium as he looked at Darkstate and warned them. In the ring, Heights was telling Borne he didn’t need his help.
Next week on NXT:
* NXT Women’s North American Championship: Tatum Paxley vs. Zaria
* NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Kendal Grey vs. Kelani Jordan
* Mason Rook vs. Naraku
* Mr. NXT Pageant – Shiloh Hill and Tristan Angels
Kam Hendrix made his entrance for the main event.
(Commercial)
The NXT Champion, Tony D’Angelo, made his entrance for the main event.
NXT Championship: Tony D’Angelo vs. Kam Hendrix
Kam hit a jumping kick to the face for two. Kam hit a neckbreaker for two. Kam connected with a DDT for two. Naraku was shown watching from the first row. Kam hit a clothesline against the turnbuckle. Tony came back with a lifting tackle. Kam took a breather on the floor until Tony brought him back in. Tony hit a corner clothesline, along with some chops. Tony had Kam on his shoulders and slammed him across the ring. Tony hit a suplex across the ring, followed by a clothesline over the top to the floor. When Kam got near the NXT Title, Naraku stared at him, so Kam went back into the ring. They went on break for some fans as Tony was in control with a hard whip into the turnbuckle. Tony applied a Half Crab submission, and then he turned it into an STF. Kam was able to get some momentum going with a clothesline. Kam hit a high elbow to knock Tony down for a two count.
The match continued with Tony getting a rollup for two. Kam hit a suplex into a slam for two. Kam tried a pin while putting his feet on the ropes, but the referee stopped the count. Tony hit an overhead suplex for two. Hendrix hit his jumping kick to the head and Kam hit a sitout Powerbomb for two. Tony worked over Kam with strikes. Kam went for a move, but Tony caught him with a Powerbomb for a two count. Kam went to the apron and hit a necksnap on Tony across the top rope. Kam tried to get a steel chair, but Mason Rook showed up to stop that. Tony left the ring and hit a back body drop on Kam on the table. Tony D hit his Dead To Rights modified Chokeslam for the pinfall win.
Winner by pinfall: Tony D’Angelo
Analysis: ***1/4 A good match that was competitive, with Kam Hendrix impressing throughout the match. Even though he’s not experienced in the ring, Hendrix seems like a natural in the ring and should be a big force moving forward. Tony D wasn’t in danger in the match, but he clearly has several guys going after his title.
After the match, there were some replays.
It was announced that Mason Rook vs. Naraku is a #1 Contender’s Match for the NXT Title at Great American Bash.
Analysis: I think Naraku will win.
Tony D held his title in the air. End show.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Tony D’Angelo
- Jackson Drake
- Zaria
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The Scoreboard
This week: 6.75 out of 10
Last week: 7
2026 Average: 7.06
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Final Thoughts on WWE NXT
A solid show that was a reminder that there’s a lot of young talent on this show and people who have barely been on TV. They are learning as they go. I think the match quality was just okay. Next week’s card looks stronger than what was presented this week.
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Thanks for reading. My contact info is below.
John Canton
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Twitter/X @johnreport