Reviews

The John Report: WWE NXT 06/23/26 Review

By John Canton • Published Jun 23, 2026 21:57 EDT
WWE NXT June 23
WWE NXT June 23 - Images via WWE.com

This week’s WWE NXT features Great American Bash title match contract signings for Tony D’Angelo-Naraku and Lola Vice-Kendal Grey, and more.

The next WWE NXT PLE is the Great American Bash, which is this Sunday, June 28th. We know most of the lineup going into this week’s TV show, and there will likely be more matches added during this show. I’ll try to get a GAB preview posted later in the week. I haven’t decided yet if I’ll review GAB live on Sunday or review AEW Forbidden Door live, since they are both on Sunday night. NXT’s show is starting one hour earlier for the main show, so that helps.

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.

The show began with NXT GM Robert Stone telling NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo that Naraku will sign the contract and that he needs Tony to stay in line. Tony said he wants the contract signed by the end of the night. Stone said it would happen. The Evolve Champion, Aaron Rourke, was walking by. Tony said he’s done a good job and wished him good luck. Rourke said thanks and right back at you. Stone told Tony no messing around tonight.

It was Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett on commentary. Wade spoke about his love for NXT while Vic mocked Wade for having more grey hair compared to when he was there in the past. Mike Rome was the ring announcer. Booker T is off again this week. Corey Graves filled in last week.

Evolve Championship: Aaron Rourke vs. Tristan Angels

This is my first time reviewing an Aaron Rourke match. He’s a flamboyant guy. Angels has the Mr. NXT sash that he stole from Shiloh Hill. Rourke did an impressive backflip, followed by a dropkick and a running kick. Rourke hit a missile dropkick off the middle turnbuckle. As Angels applied a chinlock, the lights went off, and then Shiloh Hill’s laugh played to distract Angels. Rourke hit Angels with a clothesline out of the ring. Angels tripped up Rourke on the apron. That led to a break for some fans as Angels was in control.

The challenger Angels was in control with an armbar. Angels sent Rourke into the turnbuckle. Rourke made a comeback with elbows and a jumping side kick. Rourke hit a fallaway slam. Rourke jumped off the turnbuckle with a Codebreaker double knee attack for two. Angels kicked Rourke off the turnbuckle to the floor. Angels tried to grab the Mr. NXT sash, but somebody pulled Angels under the ring and the fans were singing “Shiloh” for Hill. When Angels got back into the ring, Rourke hit a spinning kick. Rourke went up top and hit the Molly Go Round somersault senton on Angels for the pinfall win after about 9 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Aaron Rourke

Analysis: *** A solid match to put over Aaron Rourke as the Evolve Champion, while also continuing the story between Tristan Angels and Shiloh Hill since Hill caused Angels to lose. I think Rourke is somebody who is going to be on NXT regularly later this year because he’s got charisma and is very talented in the ring. Angels is solid, but a guy who is still young and not that established yet.

Tony D’Angelo approached Naraku in the parking lot with NXT GM Robert Stone there as well. Naraku handed Tony the contract, then Tony opened it, and a fireball sparked in Tony’s face. Stone shouted for somebody to call 911, and Naraku was laughing about it.

Analysis: That was evil by the guy who used to be known as Evil.

(Commercial)

There was an ambulance in the NXT parking lot, and Tony D’Angelo had his face covered with a towel. Tony was put in the ambulance, while NXT GM Stone was there to tell them to take care of the champ.

Face to Face: Saquon Shugars and Dion Lennox

There’s a Shugars/Lennox match at Great American Bash, so now they get to talk. Dion said he’s already decided how the Great American Bash is going to go. Shugars said he got exactly what he wanted – Lennox 1 on 1. Shugars said they put him through a commentary table, and he knew he couldn’t get attacked by Darkstate again. Shugars talked about taking out Dion’s friends. Shugars said he had to make sure it was just the two of them at GAB.

Shugars wondered if he was the issue, and he let them down. Shugars said no because Lennox was acting like a leader, but what NXT needs is Shugars in a position that Dion was given. Shugars said that Dion was a pretender put in Saquon’s spot. Dion said that he is a superstar. Dion said that Darkstate didn’t need Shugars, and then Shugars said that there’s no Darkstate without him. Shugars said he loved Darkstate. Shugars said that James and Griffin are lost without him. Shugars told Dion he can’t touch him. Shugars said he’s up next while Dion is up never.

Dion said that Shugars said that he has talked about how he’s up next. Dion said that everything you loved about Saquon is fake because he’s putting up a façade. Dion said that they never knew that Shugars wasn’t somebody they could trust. Dion talked about how Shugars can’t do anything on his own without second-guessing. Dion said they had to babysit him, so dropping him wasn’t a mistake – it was a correction. Dion said nothing would change. Dion said that he’ll expose Shugars, while claiming his name is signed on his death warrant, and Dion will stamp it. Dion left while Shugars was frustrated in the ring.

Analysis: It was a fine promo exchange with Saquon Shugars making the point that he loved being part of Darkstate, but now he can show them what he can do on his own. Dion Lennox took the heelish route, saying Darkstate never needed Shugars and had to babysit him. I think Shugars should win at GAB, but if Lennox wins, that’s okay because it feels like they are going to have two or three matches in this rivalry.

Hank & Tank were backstage talking to comedian Matt Mathews, who I don’t know, but he was on a few weeks ago. The Vanity Project was talking to GM Robert Stone in the background. Anyway, Hank & Tank left with Mathews.

A commercial aired for SummerSlam on August 1 & 2 in Minneapolis.

(Commercial)

There was an “NXT Spotlight” video about NXT North American Champion Myles Borne. Borne talked about how he knew what he was capable of in the NQCC, and he proved it by winning the gold. Borne talked about Tavion Heights being like a brother to him. Heights spoke about how they were brothers, but then said that Borne was a champion while Heights was pushed aside. Heights said he won’t be forgotten. Heights said he’ll be selfish at the Great American Bash when he leaves as the new NXT North American Champion. Borne said he’ll walk out proving that he made the right choice as the NXT North American Champion.

Analysis: I like both guys, but Myles Borne hasn’t had much of an NXT North American Title reign in terms of memorable matches or feuds. I wouldn’t mind seeing Heights win some gold by cheating to push his heel attitude.

Tavion Heights was backstage with Women’s Speed Champion Wren Sinclair, who was in the NQCC with him. Wren tried to give him advice, but Heights complained about how he doesn’t have anything, while she has a title, and Borne has a title, while Charlie Dempsey is in BirthRight. Heights was frustrated and left.

Kendal Grey walked in to talk with his best friend, Wren Sinclair, who mentioned she was cleared to compete again. Grey spoke about preparing for her contract signing, and they talked about having cake later. That’s nice.

Hank Walker & Tank Ledger (w/Matt Mathews) vs. BirthRight – Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo & Uriah Connors (w/Lexis King, Charlie Dempsey & Arianna Grace)

The Belly Boys Hank & Tank got some offense early on and did some quick tags. Stacks and Connors got some shots in on Hank, but then Hank hit an impressive clothesline on Stacks. Tank tagged in for a double team body slam on Stacks. Tank clotheslined Stacks out of the ring and hit an atomic drop on Connors. Stacks argued with Matthews at ringside, then Connors hit a dive on Tank. BirthRight argued with Matthews some more, so Hank & Tank hit suicide dives on the BirthRight guy to knock four of them down. They went on a break for some fans as the heels in BirthRight took over.

It was BirthRight in control of Hank as Stacks hit a suplex into a pin attempt by Connors for two. When Hank finally broke free, Tank was on fire with a cross body block off the turnbuckle on both opponents. Tank sent both opponents out of the ring, followed by Tank hitting a cannonball off the apron onto the floor. Hank & Tank hit a double flapjack-style slam for two because Stacks broke up the pin. Stacks hit a springboard elbow drop for two on Hank because Tank broke up the pin. Stacks went for a springboard move, but Hank caught him and hit a slam. After Hank did that, Connors hit a Swanton Bomb off the top on Hank. BirthRight bullied Mathews on the floor, but Mathews avoided a punch by Dempsey and sent Dempsey into King’s groin for a comedy spot. Hank & Tank splashed both of their opponents. Hank & Tank hit their double team powerslam/shoulder tackle on Stacks for the pinfall win. It went about 12 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Hank & Tank

Analysis: ***1/4 It was an entertaining match with the babyface team, Hank & Tank, finding a way to get the win. They found a way to involve Mathews outside the ring with the comedy spot as well. The BirthRight guys work well as a team, but it’s not like they are being pushed that much. Hank & Tank winning could lead to them getting a title shot soon, since the tag team division is lacking great babyface teams right now.

Shiloh Hill was interviewed by Sarah Schreiber, who asked if things were done with Tristan Angels. Hill said they are not even, and it’s far from it. Hill said now that he’s cleared body and mind, this Sunday at the Great American Bash, he’ll show Angels while nobody sleeps on Shiloh Hill.

Analysis: I’m a bit surprised that they would add Hill-Angels to the Bash since there are title matches that should be added. At least there’s a story for Hill-Angels with Hill seeking revenge.

(Commercial)

They showed Tony D’Angelo getting checked out at the hospital, and there wasn’t a shot of Tony’s face because it was from a distance.

Women’s NXT Title Contract Signing

The NXT Women’s Champion, Lola Vice, and Kendal Grey were backstage with NXT GM Robert Stone sitting by them to moderate the contract signing. Vice said that they are crossover athletes. Vice claimed that Grey crumbles under pressure. Grey admits that she has failed, but it won’t be the case at the Great American Bash. Grey said she needs to win. Grey said she plans to raise the bar even more. Grey said everybody wants to see what she does as the NXT Women’s Champion and they’ll see it at Great American Bash. Grey signed the contract.

Vice said that Grey isn’t doing anything that Vice hasn’t already done. Vice said that people will still talk about Grey. Vice said she knows what it means to win this NXT Championship. Vice said that she will beat Grey, she’ll retain and Grey will learn to humble herself. Vice said that Grey can push this women’s division further when Vice is done, but Vice isn’t done yet. Vice said she’ll see her at Bash. Vice signed the contract.

Analysis: The promos were okay. They are both confident babyfaces who are easy to like. I’m ready for Kendal Grey as the champion. No offense to Lola, who I like, but I don’t think she needs a long title reign. I think Grey should win at GAB.

Keanu Carver vs. EK Prosper

The powerful Carver hit a body slam. Carver ran over Prosper with a shoulder tackle. Carver tossed Prosper across the ring. Prosper got some offense going with two dropkicks and a missile dropkick after that. Carver hit a press slam off the shoulders. Prosper hit a move and Carver bumped to the floor. When Prosper tried for more, Carver hit him with a forearm. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued.

It was Carver in control, as you’d expect, since the heel is usually in control after a break. The speedy Prosper tried a cross body block, but Carver hit a body slam. Carver launched Prosper across the ring with a German Suplex. Prosper fought back with a knee smash and a dropkick after getting launched in the air. Prosper hit a springboard moonsault onto Carver on the floor. Back in the ring, Carver avoided a leaping Prosper and hit a huge lariat for a two count. Prosper kicked Carver and jumped off the top with a leg lariat for a two count. Prosper jumped off the top, Carver avoided it and Carver hit a Pounce. Carver went for a lifting move, but Prosper flipped over with a sunset flip for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: EK Prosper

Analysis: ***1/4 An upset result with Prosper getting the shocking win because everybody watching likely assumed Carver would win here. I’m surprised it went as long as it did. That’s not a knock on Prosper, who I like a lot, but I figured Carver would win more decisively. Nope. Prosper is really good, and I want to see him getting more opportunities.

After the match, Carver attacked Prosper with a clothesline to the back of the head. Prosper was out of the ring, so Carver hit him with a Powerbomb through the commentary table. The NXT Officials showed up to get Carver out of there.

Analysis: A quick way to get people to forget about the loss. Carver was a sore loser with that cheap attack, but it was also impressive to see the power that Carver has.

The NXT Women’s North American Champion, Zaria, talked about her issues with Tatum Paxley. Zaria talked about how they were in the shadows of others in the past, but then Paxley became a champion, and Zaria won her title at Paxley’s expense. Zaria claimed that Paxley was addicted to pain. Zaria said she’d give Paxley a rematch at Great American Bash so she can beat Paxley again and Paxley can revel in that pain forever.

Analysis: I expect Zaria to retain there. They have good chemistry together.

NXT GM Robert Stone talked to Naraku about his fire attack on Tony D’Angelo earlier. Stone said he should suspend Naraku. Naraku said you can’t do anything to him because then you’d have no title match at Great American Bash. Naraku walked away laughing.

Keanu Carver walked in, so Robert Stone complained about what Carver just did out there. Carver said he’s running through everybody until he gets his title match. Carver said EK isn’t the first, and he won’t be the last.

Izzi Dame, along with Niko Vance & Shawn Spears, made her entrance for singles action.

A commercial aired for Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 18th.

(Commercial)

NXT Women’s Speed Tournament Match: Arianna Grace (w/Stacks, Charlie Dempsey, Lexis King & Uriah Connors) vs. Izzi Dame (w/Shawn Spears & Niko Vance)

This has a 3-minute time limit. They are both heels. The winner gets a title shot at the Great American Bash. Dame hit a boot to the face and a Sky High sitout spinebuster for two. Dame jumped off the turnbuckle, Grace avoided it and Grace hit a senton for two. Dame rolled through a cross body block for two. Grace hit a pump kick. Dame punched Stacks off the apron. Dame slammed Grace off the top turnbuckle. Grace hit a running elbow smash for two. Dame hit another boot to the head. Spears tried to tell Dame what to do, so Dame slapped Spears’ hand and then Grace did an inside cradle on Dame for the pinfall win at 2:18.

Winner by pinfall: Arianna Grace

Analysis: *1/2 I think that finish was about as lame as it gets since a dude in his 40s, Shawn Spears, apparently needs a high five from Izzi Dame during a match, and by doing a high five, it made Dame lose her focus and gave Grace the win with an inside cradle. Weak ending, but it does continue the story of Dame being frustrated with Spears.

The win by Arianna Grace means she’ll challenge Wren Sinclair for the NXT Women’s Speed Title at Great American Bash.

After the match, Izzi Dame stared at Spears and Dame looked angry about the loss, as if slapping a friend’s hand cost her the match. Spears said he was sorry about what happened. Wren Sinclair walked out with her Women’s Speed Title to stare at Arianna Grace.

Robert Stone was on the phone talking to AAA GM Rey Mysterio. When Sarah Schreiber asked about it, Stone said he’ll see Rey and some luchadores at Great American Bash. Stone said he’ll make a decision about the NXT Title situation later in the show. Vanity Project showed up with Jackson Drake complaining about how they weren’t part of the Great American Bash. Stone told them there’s a tag team match coming up and they should watch it. Stone left.

(Commercial)

There was an NXT Origins video about Alexa Bliss. This has aired on the main roster shows, too.

Karmen Petrovic was backstage with Nikkita Lyons, watching Natalya brag about her win over Jaida Parker last week, while Nattie got a Guinness World Record for Most Submissions on WWE TV. Jaida Parker walked in looking sag. Petrovic and Lyons mocked her a bit while Parker didn’t address them. Petrovic and Lyons left. OTM walked in to check on their buddy Parker, who said she was not alright. Parker left. OTM said she’s going to be alright, and she’ll go through it. Lucien Price asked Bronco Nima about being on AAA this past week. Nima spoke about how they had to handle some business, and Nima said they are good.

Dorian Van Dux & Sean Legacy vs. The Culling – Shawn Spears & Niko Vance (w/Izzi Dame)

Legacy tripped up Spears, hit a double foot stomp to the back and a dropkick. Vance got in there for his team with a shoulder tackle on DVD. The athletic DVD hit a hurricanrana. After DVD hit a belly-to-back suplex, Legacy tagged in and hit a standing moonsault. Legacy tripped Spears into the ropes and hit a flatliner. Legacy was on the apron trying to fight both opponents, but Spears hit a dropkick to send Legacy to the floor. That led to a break for some fans as The Culling took over.

The match continued with heels in control until DVD got the hot tag and hit a missile dropkick. DVD hit a Death Valley Driver on Spears. DVD went up top and hit a moonsault on Spears for two because Vance made the save. Spears hit a superkick on DVD. Vance hit a shoulder tackle on legal man Legacy. Vance hit a spinning slam off the shoulders for two when Spears tried for the pin. Legacy hit a Pele Kick on Spears, sent Vance out of the ring and DVD hit a moonsault on Vance. Legacy hit a Sliced Bread and a springboard 450 Splash. DVD made the tag and hit a Shooting Star Press on Spears for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Dorian Van Dux & Sean Legacy

Analysis: ***1/4 The exciting team of DVD and Legacy picking up the win was the right call here to establish them as a team with a lot of upside. Plus, The Culling have been having issues for several weeks, so of course it continued here. That finishing sequence by DVD and Legacy was nice to see.

After the match, Niko Vance picked up Shawn Spears and then Vance clotheslined Spears. Vance tossed Spears over the top to the floor. Vance gave Spears a Chokeslam through the commentary table. Dame looked on as if she approved of what Vance did.

Analysis: That’s it for The Culling as we knew it. I’m not sure what kind of future Shawn Spears has on NXT since he’s a dude in his 40s with a much younger roster around him.

There was a rundown of the NXT Great American Bash lineup.

* NXT Women’s North American Championship: Zaria (c) vs. Tatum Paxley

* NXT North American Championship: Myles Borne (c) vs. Tavion Heights

* Saquon Shugars vs. Dion Lennox

* WWE Women’s Speed Championship: Wren Sinclair (c) vs. Arianna Grace

* Shiloh Hill vs. Tristan Angels

* NXT Women’s Championship: Lola Vice (c) vs. Kendal Grey

* NXT Championship: Tony D’Angelo (c) vs. Naraku

The NXT GM, Robert Stone, was shown walking backstage while carrying the NXT Title for a final segment to end the show.

(Commercial)

There was a recap of Tony D’Angelo getting attacked by Naraku’s fireball.

Let’s Hear from NXT GM Robert Stone

Robert Stone was holding the NXT Title and said that the NXT Championship match at the Great American Bash will happen. Stone called out Naraku.

Naraku walked out to the ring and said if you have nobody for him to face, then he’ll take the championship.

Mason Rook walked out, saying nobody is handed a title in NXT, so if D’Angelo can’t compete, then Rook will face Naraku.

Jackson Drake walked out with The Vanity Project. Drake complained about Rook being out there. Drake complained about them not being involved in the Great American Bash. Drake said you need somebody to fight for that NXT Championship in the main event. Drake called Rook “Pork Chop” a few times, so Rook attacked Drake. Rook clotheslined Drake over the top to the floor. Rook and Drake went fighting to the back.

Analysis: That makes me think they will add Mason Rook vs. Jackson Drake to NXT Great American Bash, or perhaps do it on NXT TV next week.

Naraku said there is still nobody to challenge him. Stone said it was never Mason or Jackson. Stone said it was always him – Tony D’Angelo.

Tony D’Angelo walked out to the ring with a bandage on his right eye, and there was blood all over the bandage. Tony tried to hit a spinebuster on Naraku, but Naraku gouged the eye, and Tony let go. Tony held up the NXT Title in the ring.

It was confirmed that Tony D’Angelo will still defend the NXT Championship against Naraku at The Great American Bash. The announcers mentioned other matches at GAB. Tony D and Naraku were shown on the split screen having a staredown. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: I never really doubted that they would go away from the Tony D/Naraku match. The fireball attack was a way to make things more personal and make it seem like Tony was at a disadvantage because of the eye. Perhaps Naraku will win the NXT Title. I think a title change is very possible.

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Three Stars of the Show

  1. EK Prosper
  2. Dorian Van Dux & Sean Legacy
  3. Hank & Tank

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The Scoreboard

This week: 7.25 out of 10

Last week: 7.5

2026 Average: 7.11

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Final Thoughts on WWE NXT

It was a solid show in terms of advancing storylines for the Great American Bash card, which now has 7 matches on the card. It felt like there were so many people on this show between all the matches, the people at ringside during matches, promo segments, backstage segments, and so on. They really do a nice job of utilizing most of the roster on this show. The match quality wasn’t as strong as last week’s show, but there was still a lot to like.

The WWE NXT Great American Bash PLE takes place on Sunday, June 28th in Orlando. Here’s the lineup so far.

* NXT Championship: Tony D’Angelo (c) vs. Naraku

* NXT Women’s Championship: Lola Vice (c) vs. Kendal Grey

* NXT North American Championship: Myles Borne (c) vs. Tavion Heights

* Saquon Shugars vs. Dion Lennox

* NXT Women’s North American Championship: Zaria (c) vs. Tatum Paxley

* Shiloh Hill vs. Tristan Angels

* WWE Women’s Speed Championship: Wren Sinclair (c) vs. Arianna Grace

NXT Great American Bash streams live on Sunday, June 28, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on the CW Network in the United States and on Netflix internationally.

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Thanks for reading. My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email [email protected]

Twitter/X @johnreport