The John Report: WWE NXT 06/30/26 Review
This week’s WWE NXT features Vanity Project defending the NXT Tag Team Titles, Jaida Parker facing Karmen Petrovic, and more.
The WWE NXT PLE Great American Bash took place on Sunday night, and it was a pretty good show. The big news coming out of it was that Kendal Grey became the NXT Women’s Champion for the first time after beating Lola Vice in a great match in the main event.
This is the sixth show review I’ve written over the last five days. I have enjoyed pro wrestling for nearly 40 years and spent half of that writing about it, but it’s certainly been a lot over the last week. I’ll get through it as best I can. 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 opening video package showed Great American Bash highlights.
It was Vic Joseph and Booker T on commentary. Mike Rome was the ring announcer. Booker was off for the last two weeks to attend to a family matter, as he mentioned on his podcast recently.
Let’s Hear from Kendal Grey
The new NXT Women’s Champion, Kendal Grey, made her entrance wearing the championship around her waist. Grey was walking with her best friend, Wren Sinclair, backstage, and Wren stayed backstage. The fans cheered for Grey as usual. The fans chanted, “You deserve it,” for Grey.
Kendal Grey said she is more nervous talking to you guys than she was wrestling in the main event this past Sunday. Grey said talking isn’t something she’s used to and it’s not something she is really good at. Grey said when she was a little girl, she would hide so her teacher wouldn’t pick her in class. Grey said that when John Cena picked her for Iron Survivor, it led to all these opportunities, and she didn’t know if she was ready for them. Grey said it put pressure on her, but she puts pressure on herself. Grey said before NXT, she wasn’t used to losing in high school and college. Grey said she dominated in Evolve. Grey admitted she dropped the ball when she had NXT Women’s Title opportunities in the past. Grey said she had voices in her head wondering if she could hang with the women’s division. Grey said this title proves she belongs.
Grey said she knows she doesn’t look like a normal champion. Grey mentioned last week that Lola Vice has her designer dresses, her heels, and looks like a superstar. Grey said that’s not her, and she admitted she doesn’t like it when they put makeup on her, and she even takes some of it off. Grey said she’s not going to dress like Barbie and she’ll be nervous when she talks to the fans. Grey said that she may not always talk like a champion, but she’s going to wrestle like a champion. Grey said she’s going to take this division to a level that nobody has seen before. Grey said she thrives under pressure and when you step into the ring with her, it’s her match, her tempo and her pace. Grey said all the other girls will find out they can’t keep up with Kendal.
Analysis: I thought Kendal Grey did a good job there. She was honest in speaking about how promos aren’t her strength, but she spoke from the heart, and you could tell that she had the attention of the audience. As she gets more experience, she’ll get better at promos like that. In-ring, Grey is outstanding at a very early stage in her career, and she’s a joy to watch.
Wren Sinclair made her entrance as the WWE Women’s Speed Champion, and she brought out a cake for Grey. Wren wanted Grey to have her moment out here because she deserves it. Wren said that they both walked out of Great American Bash as champions. Wren said Grey had the best idea for a celebration with a two-layer cake.
Kelani Jordan interrupted the promo to complain about a lack of opportunities as usual. Jordan wanted Grey to give her a shot at the NXT Women’s Championship. Jordan complained about not even getting a match at the Bash, and instead got attacked by a lunatic for speaking the truth. That lunatic Tatum Paxley showed up and jumped onto Jordan. They went fighting to the back. Grey and Wren had some cake and said: “Welcome to NXT!” Fun.
Analysis: That should set up Jordan for a match with Paxley. Jordan and Grey have had several great matches, so I assume it’s going to happen again soon.
As the announcers were talking about matches coming up, Keanu Carver was seen standing over Vikingo while holding a weapon and Vikingo was grabbing his leg. NXT GM Robert Stone showed up, so Carver said Vikingo can’t have a title match against EK Prosper now. Stone called for medical.
Analysis: NXT is the home of the random attacks backstage and in the parking lot, so here we go with a backstage attack before the first match.
(Commercial)
The NXT Women’s North American Champion Zaria and Izzi Dame were chatting backstage. Dame was complaining and Zaria said she sounded desperate. Lizzy Rain was backstage listening to rock music and making a lot of noise, so Dame asked what she was doing. Rain said she was making it rain. Dame said she would fix everything herself and left.
Kelani Jordan complained to NXT GM Robert Stone about what Tatum Paxley did. Stone said he didn’t see it because now Vikingo is out of action. Stone put Jordan in the main event against Paxley. Stone found Carver and put him in a match with EK Prosper.
NXT Tag Team Championships: Vanity Project – Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes (w/Jackson Drake & Myka Lockwood) vs. Dr. Wagner Jr. & Galeno
Wagner and Galeno are from AAA, and they are brothers. Galeno is dressed in black with a mask and he hit a shoulder tackle on Smokes. Wagner sent Smokes into Baylor and knocked both guys out of the ring. Wagner hit a somersault dive over the top onto both champions on the floor. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued and I’ll take a break there.
It was Smokes in control of Wagner as the match continued. Wagner kicked Smokes to break free. Galeno tagged in against Baylor with repeated clotheslines against the turnbuckle and a body slam. Galeno ran the ropes and hit a splash for two because Smokes made the save. Galeno tossed Smokes into the ring after Smokes became legal. Wagner tagged in with a dropkick on Smokes for two because Baylor put Smokes’ foot on the bottom rope. Smokes rolled up Wagner for two. Baylor hit Wagner with a forearm to the jaw. Smokes hit a dropkick into a spinebuster by Baylor for two. Wagner kicked Baylor in the back of the neck. Galeno hit a reverse suplex into the mat for a two count. Wagner stood on Galeno’s shoulders and hit a splash on Baylor. Galeno hit a back body drop on Smokes onto the pin, so it broke up the pin by accident. Drake went on the apron, Wagner punched him, Smokes kicked Wagner and Baylor Smokes hit a double team top rope double foot stomp, reverse DDT for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Vanity Project – Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes
Analysis: *** It was an entertaining match with the young champions, The Vanity Project, picking up the big win. I didn’t expect a title change there, so the result was to be expected. Wagner and Galeno worked well together as a brother tag team, and I liked a lot of their power moves. Baylor and Smokes do a nice job of being annoying heels.
There was a backstage segment with BirthRight’s Stacks & Connors and OTM talking to NXT GM Robert Stone. Connors complained about Vanity Project only defending the titles three times in four months, and only once against an NXT team. Sean Legacy walked in claiming he and his partner wanted a title shot, but there was nobody with her. Darkstate’s Osiris Griffin & Cutler James also showed up to ask for a title shot. Noam Dar & Romeo Moreno also made their case. Stone admitted that Vanity Project needs to defend their titles more. Stone said there can be a Fatal 4-Way match next week for a shot at the NXT Tag Team Titles, saying OTM, Darkstate, BirthRight and Legacy-DVD can be in the match. When Romeo asked about his team, Stone told them to build their resume more. Dar said Stone was right.
Analysis: There were a lot of people in one scene, and it’s hard to recap it all. As I said, it’s going to lead to a 4-way tag team match next week. Next week’s show was taped after this week’s episode to give everybody a break.
Jackson Drake was in the ring with Vanity Project for his match up next.
(Commercial)
Mason Rook vs. Jackson Drake (w/Brad Baylor, Ricky Smokes & Myka Lockwood)
Rook caught a leaping Drake and hit a powerslam. Rook went for a splash, but Drake avoided it. Drake hit a senton splash on Rook. Booker received a call from Cam Hendrix, who said he was coming soon. Rook avoided a springboard moonsault. Rook hit a clothesline, followed by a senton splash. They went on a break there, and I’ll take a break too.
The match continued with Drake using his knees to block a splash. Drake did a handspring off the ropes into a Cutter for two. Rook hit a back body drop and a spinning slam. Rook hit a cannonball splash against the turnbuckle for two. Drake avoided a splash, kicked Rook and Drake hit a springboard double foot stomp for a two count. That was impressive. Rook caught Drake and hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count. Drake jumped up and spun around Rook, leading to an impressive DDT for two. Rook hit a headbutt, Drake jumped onto Rook’s back and hit a Code Red. Drake hit a Poison Rana to spike Rook on his head, but Rook got back up and hit a clothesline. Rook hit a sitout Powerbomb for a two count. That was a great nearfall because most of the crowd thought that was it. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for them. Lockwood distracted the referee, so Smokes went into the ring and Rook tossed Smokes onto Baylor on the floor. Drake hit a Backstabber double knee attack and covered while Myka held onto Rook’s foot (the referee never saw it) for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Jackson Drake
Analysis: ***1/2 It turned into a very good match with Drake benefiting from his allies at ringside to get the win. That nearfall after Rook hit the Powerbomb was great, and that’s when the fans really came alive for the match. Drake is very impressive in terms of making difficult moves look easy, while Rook moves well for a 300-pounder. That was a fun match.
After the match, Rook got a hold of Baylor and hit a clothesline. Rook put Smokes on his back and hit a cannonball splash onto Baylor against the turnbuckle. Rook pointed at Drake on the floor.
Analysis: That post match attack makes it seem like there could be a Rook-Drake rematch soon.
EK Prosper was talking to Tate Wilder in the locker room. EK said he was preparing for Vikingo and now he has to face Carver. Wilder said nobody can do the things that Prosper does. Wilder fired up Prosper to get revenge on the man who put him through a table. Prosper said he was fired up and left.
(Commercial)
NXT GM Robert Stone was approached by Kali Armstrong, who wanted an opportunity. Stone said he can’t just hand out title shots. Kali claimed she can beat Kendal. Stone told her that actions speak louder than words. Kali understood and left.
EK Prosper vs. Keanu Carver
Proper beat Carver last week, and then Carver gave him a Powerbomb through the commentary table. They replayed Carver putting Hank Walker through a table at Great American Bash. Prosper attacked with a kick, but Carver tackled Prosper into the turnbuckle. Prosper jumped over Carver and hit a dropkick. Prosper sent Carver out of the ring and hit another dropkick. Prosper hit a somersault dive over the top onto Carver. Prosper hit a Tornado DDT on the floor. Back in the ring, Prosper hit a Frog Splash off the top for two. They went on a break for some fans, and I’m taking a break too.
The powerhouse Carver was in control, which is normal because the heel is usually in control coming back from a break. They replayed Carver hitting a massive German Suplex across the ring. Prosper delivered two kicks, but Carver hit a massive clothesline. Carver launched Prosper across the ring. Prosper countered a powerslam into a Stunner. Prosper ran the ropes and hit a clothesline. Prosper hit a springboard moonsault to knock Carver down. Prosper went up top and hit a leg drop across the chest. Carver got back up first as Prosper sent Carver out of the ring. When Prosper tried a dive, Carver punched him and slammed Prosper into the commentary table. Tank Ledger showed up and sent Carver hard into the barricade at ringside as payback for Carver attacking Hank Walker at the Great American Bash. The referee never saw it, but he saw Carver was down. Carver got back in before the 10-count. Prosper hit a running knee/kick to the face. Prosper went up top and hit a moonsault onto Carver for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes. Prosper beat Carver two weeks in a row.
Winner by pinfall: EK Prosper
Analysis: ***1/4 I thought it was a very good match by these two guys for the second week in a row. While I think Carver needs to win more matches, I think he has improved a lot in terms of selling and also looking like a badass. You can just tell Carver is getting more comfortable out there. Prosper is a special athlete and so much fun to watch. It’s rare to see Carver lose a match, much less two in a row in back-to-back weeks. In this case, at least Carver can blame the interference.
They showed NXT GM Robert Stone in his office when he spoke to NXT Women’s Champion Kendal Grey, who said she didn’t care about who she had to face. Nattie walked in with her buddies Karmen Petrovic, Evolve Women’s Champion Nikkita Lyons and Layla Diggs. Nattie talked about opportunities for her friends and how she deserves a title shot. That led to Stone booking Grey against Nattie for next week on NXT. That’s good.
Jaida Parker made her entrance for singles action.
(Commercial)
Karmen Petrovic (w/Nattie, Nikkita Lyons & Layla Diggs) vs. Jaida Parker
Parker lost to Nattie two weeks ago, so Parker was trying to bounce back. Parker was in control early on with a hip drop on Karmen by the turnbuckle. Karmen bailed to the floor, so Parker went after her and Karmen tripped her up on the apron. Back in the ring, Karmen sent Parker into the turnbuckle. Karmen hit a running kick on Parker against the turnbuckle. Karmen hit the Eat Defeat boot to the face for a two count. Parker hit a back elbow to the face. Parker tripped up Karmen and applied the Rings of Saturn submission, but Karmen got her foot on the bottom rope to break the hold. Karmen left the ring, so Parker kicked her down. Karmen was back in the ring, distracted the referee and Nattie hit a cheap shot on Parker, while Diggs didn’t want to do it. Parker was back in the ring with a clothesline and a front suplex into the mat. Parker hit a Hipnotic running hip check and a Déjà Vu (Sky High) for the pinfall win after about 5 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Jaida Parker
Analysis: **1/4 A solid match to give Jaida Parker after losing to Nattie two weeks ago. It’s nice to see my fellow Canadian Karmen Petrovic back on NXT TV. I think Karmen is better in this heel role because she can show off her personality more, and she wasn’t going anywhere as a face. Parker got the easy win here.
After the match, Parker told Nattie that’s one, and she left.
Tatum Paxley was backstage talking to her buddy Shiloh Hill. Paxley credited Hill for his win. Hill said once he reaches that point, it’s like he gets to come out and play. Paxley said they are more alike than they think and she’s happy the fun side of Shiloh is back. Hill wished Paxley good luck. They hugged. Niko Vance walked up to Hill and said The Culling is better off without Paxley and Spears. Vance said the easiest way to the top is to pick off weak superstars one by one. Hill said that’s cool, but don’t talk about Tatum like that. Vance said, “Nice smile” to Hill, who had taken his teeth out.
The NXT Champion, Tony D’Angelo, was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.
A commercial aired for AAA and NXT Heatwave on August 30th.
(Commercial)
Sean Legacy was backstage talking to Dorian Van Dux, and Legacy wondered where he was. DVD felt bad about it. Legacy informed DVD that they’re in a 4-way match next week for a shot at the NXT Tag Team Titles. They were excited about it.
Wren Sinclair and Myles Borne were backstage talking about their title wins at Great American Bash. Tavion Heights walked in to talk to Borne, so Wren left. Heights spoke about how Hank & Tank fight together like brothers and stick together no matter what. Height said that no matter what happens, they get past it. Borne said that’s what he tried to tell him this whole time. Borne left, while Heights was left to think about it.
Let’s Hear from Tony D’Angelo
The NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo made his entrance and he was still wearing tape on his right eye after taking a fireball to the eye from Naraku last week. Tony said when you use something for every day, you start to take it for granted. Tony talked about how last week he was burnt and scared when he was in an ambulance. Tony said that he had to sign waivers just so he could compete to keep this championship. Tony admitted he paused before he signed the last contract because he had to ask himself if he was willing to risk his health for this championship. Tony said he was willing to do it. Tony said that Sunday was the definition of blind rage because he hit him with a Spear through the perch, and he won. Tony said he’s done with Naraku. Tony said that his eye is going to make a full recovery. Tony said that he’s the master of his fate and captain of his soul. Tony claimed there isn’t a man in that locker room who is willing to swim in deep waters and take this championship from Tony D.
Analysis: It was a fine promo from Tony D as the confident babyface champion who is easy to like and support. I think character-wise, Tony could be more interesting, but he’s fine in this role as the hard-working and likable wrestler who is the face of the brand right now. I kept waiting for an interruption during that promo, but there wasn’t an interruption.
Kendal Grey made her entrance as the NXT Women’s Champion and touched fists with Tony D.
As Tony D made his way backstage, he was attacked by Naraku with a steel chair. They went into the ring and Naraku hit an STO onto a steel chair in the ring. Naraku left as referees and Grey checked on Tony D in the ring.
Analysis: There’s the cheap attack from Naraku to likely set up another match with Tony D.
(Commercial)
There was a replay of Naraku’s cheap attack on Tony D before the break.
* NXT Tag Team Titles #1 Contender’s Match: OTM vs. Legacy/Dux vs. Birthright’s Stacks & Connors vs. Darkstate’s Osiris Griffin & Cutler James.
* NXT Women’s North American Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Lizzy Rain vs. Layla Diggs vs. Tatum Paxley vs. Izzi Dame
* NXT Women’s Championship: Kendal Grey vs. Nattie
Analysis: I think that the lineup is stronger than this week’s.
Tatum Paxley vs. Kelani Jordan
Kendal Grey was on commentary. It was Jordan in control early on with a knee lift and head slam into the mat. Jordan hit a cross body block. Paxley did a hair grab, into a flipping takedown that led to Paxley grabbing a headlock. Jordan hit a back elbow, and Paxley hit a dropkick to knock Jordan out of the ring. Jordan got hold of Paxley’s feet and pulled her out of the ring. Jordan tried a moonsault onto the floor, but Paxley avoided it and Paxley superkicked Jordan in the ribs. They were going to a break when Kali Armstrong showed up and sent Grey into the barricade. I’ll stick with the action for this match as Paxley went for a spin kick, Jordan moved and Paxley’s foot hit the turnbuckle. Paxley was selling the right foot injury. Jordan wrenched on Paxley’s leg against the bottom rope. Paxley and Jordan exchanged pin attempts. Jordan kicked Paxley’s leg to knock her down. Jordan wrenched Paxley’s foot into the mat. Jordan stomped on Paxley’s foot.
The match continued with Paxley charging at Jordan and it looked like a Spanish Fly from Jordan. They replayed Kali Armstrong knocking Grey down on commentary, and Grey was taken to the back. Paxley and Jordan exchanged strikes. Paxley kicked Jordan in the leg and Paxley hit two forearms. Paxley hit a German Suplex across the ring. Paxley set up Jordan against the ropes and hit an enziguri kick. Paxley hit a flipping leg drop to the back of the head for two. Paxley went up top, she went for a 450 Splash, Jordan moved, and then Jordan jumped off the top, so Paxley moved. Paxley hit a slingshot suplex and a Fisherman’s Buster for two. Jordan broke free to stomp on Paxley’s foot and Jordan applied a submission on the right foot. Jordan and Paxley exchanged pin attempts and Paxley kicked out to knock Jordan all the way to the floor. Jordan was back in the ring with a forearm. Paxley went for a kick, Jordan blocked it and Jordan kicked Paxley’s right foot. Jordan went for a Cutter, Paxley moved and Paxley hit a kick. Jordan avoided another kick and Jordan hit a spinning slam. I don’t know if it was Paxley who hit the move. Jordan kicked Paxley in the right knee. Jordan hit a twisting Angle Slam, and Jordan jumped off the top with a One of a Kind moonsault for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Kelani Jordan
Analysis: ***1/2 It was the usual very good match between both of these talented women. Paxley did a nice job of selling the foot/ankle injury, and Jordan attacked it throughout the match. It was a relatively clean win for the heel Jordan, who should be in line for an NXT Women’s Title match soon.
After the match, Tatum Paxley was in the ring, staring at Kelani Jordan. Paxley was attacked by newcomer Nikki Blackheart, but they didn’t say her name because she’ll have a new name in WWE. The powerhouse Blackheart hit a clothesline and an elbow drop. Blackheart put Paxley on her shoulders in a move like a torture rack. Blackheart stared into the main camera, moved too soon, and was told to keep staring, so she went back to staring. End show.
Analysis: It’s another new wrestler for the women’s division. Blackheart should be a force. Paxley has been rumored to go to the main roster soon, so she lost her second match in a row and may put over Blackheart as well.
The NXT Women's Division just keeps getting STRONGER!! 💪 pic.twitter.com/ZADQENuvb0
— WWE (@WWE) July 1, 2026
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Three Stars of the Show
- Kelani Jordan
- Jackson Drake
- EK Prosper
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The Scoreboard
This week: 7 out of 10
Last week: 7.25
2026 Average: 7.11
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Final Thoughts on WWE NXT
It was another week where the women’s division had some entertaining matches, and it was nice to see some young guys like EK Prosper, Jackson Drake and Vanity Project picking up wins. The future is bright in NXT. I think overall it was weaker than some recent episodes, but still a solid wrestling show.
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Thanks for reading. My contact info is below.
John Canton
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Twitter/X @johnreport