Reviews

The John Report: WWE NXT Battleground 2025 Review

By John Canton • Published May 25, 2025 19:56 EDT
WWE NXT Battleground 2025 Review tjrwrestling

This is WWE NXT Battleground featuring Stephanie Vaquer facing Jordynne Grace, Joe Hendry taking on Trick Williams, Oba Femi against Myles Borne, and more.

Battleground is the third NXT PLE of the year, and it’s in the same building as two other WWE shows over three days. We already saw Saturday Night’s Main Event at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, and Monday’s Raw will be there, too.

There was also going to be NXT on Tuesday night, but slow ticket sales canceled that plan. The NXT brand will be back home in Orlando on Tuesday. Let’s get to it.

NXT Battleground
From Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida
Sunday, May 25, 2025

There was some pre-show walking shown of Stephanie Vaquer, Jordynne Grace, Oba Femi, Myles Borne with the NQCC, Joe Hendry and Trick Williams.

A video package aired hyping up the Battleground matches.

The commentary team was Vic Joseph, Booker T and Corey Graves as usual for NXT. Mike Rome was the ring announcer.

It was Sol Ruca up first on her skateboard along with her friend Zaria. Kelani Jordan was the first woman to hold the NXT Women’s North American Championship, so she was trying to win it back.

NXT Women’s North American Championship: Sol Ruca (w/Zaria) vs. Kelani Jordan

Ruca and Jordan each tried moves, Jordan hit a jumping elbow attack. Ruca jumped over Jordan a few times while Jordan did a cartwheel. That looked like a rehearsed beginning, which is fine for wrestlers who train at the WWE PC. Ruca knocked Jordan down and did some back surfing. Ruca tripped up Jordan and turned it into an STF. After Jordan got out of it, Ruca hit a superkick. Ruca hit a delayed vertical suplex. Ruca and Jordan exchanged pin attempts four times in total. Jordan got onto Ruca’s back leading to a Crucifix Bomb for two. Ruca went to the apron, she kicked Jordan and then Jordan blocked a springboard attempt. Jordan hit a leg drop to the back of Ruca for a two count. Jordan hit a Northern Lights Suplex on Ruca for two. Jordan hit a spinning slam for two. Jordan applied a Half Crab submission, but Ruca had her knee on the mat and Ruca got out of it. Jordan went up top, Ruca jumped to the top rope and Ruca hit a top rope X-Factor. That was impressive and looked great. The fans chanted, “This is awesome!” for the two women. Ruca hit a backpack slam and a running knee to the jaw. Jordan hit a neckbreaker onto the knee and a kick while they were on the apron. Jordan hit a spinning kick to the head to knock Ruca out of the ring. Jordan hit a springboard moonsault onto Ruca on the floor.

They went back into the ring where Jordan jumped off the top, Ruca caught her and Ruca hit a Backstabber with both knees to the back instead of the knees. Ruca did an impressive cartwheel and then a backflip over the top onto Jordan on the floor. That was incredible. Back in the ring, Sol hit a springboard Frog Splash for two. Ruca went for a slam, but Jordan countered it with a DDT. Jordan went up top and hit her own Frog Splash for two. They battled by the turnbuckle, Jordan went for a Poison Rana off the turnbuckle, but Ruca did a backflip onto her feet! These women are amazing athletes. Ruca hit a Spear for two. Ruca went for Soul Snatcher, but Jordan stopped it. Jordan went up top and hit a Spanish Fly off the top for two. Ruca and Jordan exchanged strikes, Ruca hit a superkick and Ruca charged into a kick by Jordan. Jordan went for a One of a Kind moonsault, but Zaria helped Ruca move out of the way. The referee saw it and ejected Zaria from ringside. Jordan kicked Ruca down on the floor. Back in the ring, Jordan countered Soul Snatcher. They battled on the top rope where Ruca hit a headbutt. That set up Ruca jumped off the top and Ruca hit a Soul Snatcher off the top for the pinfall win! It went about 14 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Sol Ruca

Analysis: ***3/4 That was a great match. It’s amazing to see how talented these two women are. They’ve only been wrestling for three or four years, yet they are already so talented they can have a match that good. They are outstanding athletes who make difficult moves look easy. Zaria getting involved was a bit of a surprise, but I think it’s going to lead her turning heel even though she was trying to help Ruca. Jordan did a nice job of countering Ruca throughout the match, but then Ruca hit the best Soul Snatcher I’ve ever seen, and that was enough for the win. I hope Ruca and Jordan are proud of that match because it was impressive.

A commercial aired for WWE Money in the Bank and WWE-AAA Worlds Collide on June 7th. Both shows are in Los Angeles.

There was a commercial for WWE Night of Champions on June 28 in Saudi Arabia.

A clip was shown of Josh Briggs losing to Shawn Spears on NXT this past week due to The Culling getting involved. After the match, Briggs was saved by Hank & Tank to set up a six-man tag team match.

Shawn Spears was featured talking to The Culling. Spears talked about how they can rely on his wisdom and experience, but Spears will lean on them both them. Spears said that Briggs, Hank & Tank are a challenge, but The Culling will be victorious. Niko Vance and Brooks Jensen talked about how big the match is for them. Brooks said that they are the epitome of what true friends are. Izzi Dame said they’ll let Hank & Tank know they are coming for the Tag Team Titles. Dame said they’ll do whatever it takes to win.

Mike Santana of TNA was interviewed by Sarah Schreiber. Santana said it took him 16 years to make on WWE TV. Santana said he made it very clear he’s coming for the TNA World Title. Santana said he doesn’t mix words. Santana said he wants the winner of tonight’s match – Joe Hendry or Trick Williams. Charlie Dempsey and NQCC walked up to trash Santana for demanding things. Dempsey said he’s sick and tired of these outsiders here. Tavion Heights spoke up, saying he wanted an opportunity against Santana, who agreed to it. They agreed to a match in two days on NXT. In the background, Jacy Jayne and Fallon Henley were arguing.

Analysis: I have enjoyed Santana’s rise in TNA as a singles guy, so it’s good to see him in NXT as well.

The Culling – Shawn Spears, Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance (w/Izzi Dame) vs. Josh Briggs, Hank Walker & Tank Ledger

Hank & Tank are the NXT Tag Team Champions.

Briggs hit a leaping clothesline on Vance. Hank & Tank tagged in for splashes and Hank hit a bulldog. The heels were sent out of the ring, so Hank, Tank and Briggs dove onto them on the floor. Vance headbutted Hank and Vance sent Hank into the ring post. Good bump by Hank on the floor. The heels worked over Hank for a few minutes. Hank broke free with a back body drop. Tank got the tag and he was in control with suplexes. Tank dove onto Vance on the floor. Tank hit a shoulder tackle on Spears. Briggs was back in with a kick on Vance and a backbreaker on Jensen. Hank & Tank hit a double superplex and then Vance & Jensen hit double headbutts off the top. Briggs hit a moonsault off the top onto Spears for a two count. Impressive move by a bigger guy like Briggs. Tank tagged in against Jensen, who avoided a move and hit a kick. Jensen hit a rising kick to the face of Tank. Spears took out Briggs on the floor. Vance held Tank and Jensen jumped off the top, so it was a double foot stomp into a powerslam for two because Hank made the save barely. Hank sent Vance into the ring post. Tank slammed Jensen over the top and clotheslined Jensen out of the ring. Hank & Tank hit a double shoulder tackle on Spears on the floor. Briggs hit a sidewalk slam on Jensen. Vance held Briggs and Dame hit a boot to the face. Jensen rolled up Briggs for two. Briggs avoided a splash by Jensen and Briggs hit a lariat. Hank and Tank each made quick tags, leading to their Honk Honk double-team splash. Hank & Tank hit their powerslam/shoulder tackle combo for the pinfall win. It went about 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Josh Briggs, Hank Walker & Tank Ledger

Analysis: ***1/4 A solid tag team match that followed the formula by having the heels in control for most of it and then the faces made the comeback for the win. Hank & Tank winning is fine with me because it makes them look like strong champions. The Culling are fine as midcard heels, but they aren’t getting the big wins to really break through.

After the match, The Culling tried to attack again, but Yoshiki Inamura was there to stop a chair from being used. Inamura fought with Briggs, Hank and Tank to clear the ring. Briggs hugged Inamura in the ring.

Analysis: The story was that Inamura was going back to Japan, but it turns out he’s back in NXT and it looks like he’s here to say.

Ethan Page was interviewed by Sarah Schreiber. Page trash talked Ricky Saints saying he’s insecure. Page talking about facing Starks for the NXT North American Title this Tuesday night. Ava the GM interrupted to say that Page and Starks will kick off the show on Tuesday. Ava said whoever wins the NXT North American Title match will defend it on June 7th at Worlds Collide. Ava wished Page good luck.

There was a video package around the Tony D’Angelo-Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo issues leading to their match. Stacks turned on Tony D at Stand & Deliver last month, which set up this match.

Tony D’Angelo vs. Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo

Tony slapped Stacks and that led to punches. Tony clotheslined Stacks out of the ring. Stacks got some offense with a forearm smash to knock Tony down. Tony hit a back body drop, along with a punch. Stacks tried a strike, Tony caught him and Tony suplexed Stacks over the top rope onto the floor. Tony sent Stacks ribs-first into the side of the ring. Tony sent Stacks into the ring post. Stacks managed to send Tony into the stairs as well. Stacks stomped on Tony against the turnbuckle, followed by a cannonball splash for two. Stacks grounded Tony with a body scissors around the waist. Tony fought out of that with punches. Stacks hit a jumping kick and a knee drop to the back of the head for two. Tony hit an overhead belly-to-belly suplex across the ring. Tony hit two belly-to-belly side slams and a huge spinebuster. He does that move very well. Tony worked over Stacks with punches to the ribs. Stacks hit a jumping kick to the head. Stacks went for a running attack, Tony avoided it and sent Stacks into the mat. Tony hit a German Suplex for two. Tony used his power to hit a Powerbomb. Tony worked over Stacks with repeated punches to the head, but then Tony stopped himself and he felt bad about what he was doing to his former best friend, the Underboss. Stacks called Tony weak and said he knew it. Stacks kicked Tony into the ring post. Stacks went for a cannonball, Tony avoided it and Stacks hit the ring post. Back in the ring, Tony hit a running kick like a Claymore Kick. Tony hit his Fugget About It cradle suplex for two. That’s a finisher for Tony sometimes. Tony was selling a rib injury, so Stacks hit Tony with a forearm. Stacks jumped off the top with a missile dropkick to the ribs, knocking Tony out of the ring.

Stacks crawled to the turnbuckle where he was looking for a crowbar, but it wasn’t there. Tony sent Stacks into the ring post. Tony hit a clothesline and a running Spear. Tony worked over Stacks with elbow smashes to the upper back. Stacks said he was sorry and he made a mistake. Tony put Stacks’ mouth on the turnbuckle and stomped on Stacks’ back. Tony hit a massive Spinebuster. Luca Crusifino showed up at ringside to stare at Tony, who wondered where he had been. The referee was looking at Luca, so Stacks kicked Tony with a low blow. Stacks hit a running knee to the head for the pinfall win after 15 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo

Analysis: *** The match was solid, but it didn’t really get to the next level, where I’d rate it over three stars. I think Stacks had to win to give him momentum as a heel. Tony had a lot of offense, but Stacks got the cheap win thanks to the low blow and the running knee to the head for the win. I think it would have been better if it was a stipulation match because there is nothing else on this show that has a stipulation on it. They can probably do another match on NXT TV or another NXT PLE where it’s a Street Fight kind of match, but we’ll see down the road.

After the match, Luca Crusifino went into the ring to try to hug Tony, but Tony pushed him away.

Analysis: Tony D has trust issues now, which is understandable. I think Luca will also turn heel and join Stacks.

A clip aired of Stephanie’s Places with her husband Triple H as the guest. It’s on ESPN Plus and other places. We have covered a lot of the conversation in our TJRWrestling news section over the last few days.

Trick Williams was shown getting ready for the match. Vic said it’s the main event.

The video package aired for the Stephanie Vaquer-Jordynne Grace match.

Jordynne Grace was up first, looking determined as the challenger. At Stand & Deliver, Grace had a title shot, but it was a four-way match and Vaquer found a way to retain. Stephanie Vaquer got a big ovation as the NXT Women’s Champion due to how skilled she is in the ring. I like Vaquer’s entrance music and the way she carries herself like a star. Vaquer is my favorite woman in NXT right now and one of my favorite women in all of WWE.

NXT Women’s Champion: Stephanie Vaquer vs. Jordynne Grace

Grace used her power early on with a shoulder tackle and an armbar. Vaquer and Grace exchanged pin attempts with about five nearfalls in a row. Vaquer did an impressive headscissors leading into a pin attempt. Vaquer hit a suplex, but Grace avoided a move by the ropes and Vaquer hit a belly-to-back suplex. Vaquer teased her knee smash move, but Grace rolled out of the ring with Vaquer. Grace slammed Vaquer back-first onto the commentary table. Grace stared at Booker at ringside since Booker gets excited for Vaquer’s knee smash move. Grace slammed Vaquer into the barricade. They were back in the ring where Grace applied a Boston Crab submission until Steph got to the ropes. Vaquer was on Grace’s back going for a submission move, but Grace hit a backpack slam to remain in control. Grace hit a front slam and Grace missed a splash off the turnbuckle because Vaquer moved. Vaquer applied an armbar on Grace by the ropes. Vaquer hit a springboard cross body block and a boot to the arm. Vaquer hit a running clothesline. Vaquer hit the Meteora double knees and a belly-to-back suplex. Vaquer put her legs around the head and hit the Devil’s Kiss knee smashing into the mat as Booker went crazy. Good job by Grace slapping the mat and the fans were into it. Vaquer got a two count. Grace no sold a clothesline attempt and Grace hit a spinebuster. Grace hit a sitdown Powerbomb for a two count. Vaquer came back with a DDT that didn’t look smooth and it got a two count. Vaquer went up top, Grace delivered a punch and Grace slapped Vaquer three times. Grace hit a superplex off the middle turnbuckle and followed up with a Jackhammer for a two count. That was an impressive sequence by Grace.

Grace went for a Powerbomb, Vaquer slipped out of it and got a two count. Vaquer went for SVB, Grace got out of it and Vaquer countered a move leading to an inside cradle for two. Vaquer and Grace did more counters and Vaquer got a rollup for two. Vaquer hit a superkick to send Grace out of the ring. Vaquer left the ring, and Grace tried a slam, but Vaquer shoved Grace into the barricade, knocking it over. Great bump by Grace there. Vaquer brought Grace into the ring and hit SVB for just a two count. The fans were shocked that it was just a two count since that is Vaquer’s finisher. Grace and Vaquer exchanged forearms. Grace hit a spinning back fist to the head. Vaquer gave Grace a nasty dragon screw leg whip out of the corner. I think the referee said, “Gotta go,” to tell the women to go into their finish soon. Vaquer went up top, Grace went after her and Vaquer knocked Grace down. Vaquer jumped off the top with a Spiral Tap twisting splash for the pinfall win after 16 minutes. Vaquer nailed it perfectly.

Winner by pinfall: Stephanie Vaquer

Analysis: **** It was an excellent match that felt like a main event-level performance by two talented women, and that’s why I got four stars for it. Vaquer doesn’t always do the Spiral Tap off the top, but she needed it to put Grace away since Grace kicked out of Vaquer’s SVB finisher earlier in the match. I like that storytelling because it tells the audience that the wrestler, in this case, Vaquer, needed to do a little bit more to win a match. I liked some of the spots in the match like Grace countering Vaquer’s knee smash with a slam onto the table and then Vaquer sending Grace through the barricade. They were creative in this match and I liked how competitive it was. Awesome match. As always, I was very impressed by Vaquer, and Grace certainly kept up with her. That was fun.

Stephanie Vaquer celebrated in the ring with the NXT Women’s Title. Vaquer stared at two women from AAA at ringside.

A commercial aired for WWE’s October shows in Perth, Australia when they do SmackDown, Crown Jewel and Raw.

The TNA World Champion Joe Hendry was shown getting ready.

Ricky Saints Interview

Sarah Schreiber was in the ring and she introduced the NXT North American Champion Ricky Saints for an interview. Ricky spoke about how he seems to be Ethan Page’s new obsession. Ricky said that he thought it was over at Stand & Deliver. Ricky said that he knew that Page’s greed wouldn’t need an opportunity like this to fade away. Ricky was fine with facing Page on NXT this Tuesday. Sarah mentioned the champion has to defend the title against Worlds Collide. Ricky said that if he had to defend the title against the best that AAA has to offer…and here comes Ethan Page with a cheap attack.

Ethan Page went into the ring after Ricky, but Ricky was ready for him and Ricky punched Page to knock him out of the ring. Security guys went to the ring to hold Page, so Ricky jumped off the top with a cross body block on Page on the floor.

Analysis: A quick interview segment to push the NXT North American Title match on Tuesday. I think Ricky is going to retain and I can see Page going to the main roster soon.

A commercial aired about WWE Clash in Paris and Raw the next night in Paris. That’s August 31 and September 1.

The video package aired for the NXT Championship match between champion Oba Femi and challenger Myles Borne. It featured Myles Borne talking to Vic Joseph so we could learn more about Borne’s story. Borne said he proved himself in the battle royal and he will be ready. Borne said he was confident he could go toe to toe with Oba Femi.

Myles Borne made his entrance with his NQCC allies. Tavion Heights and Wren Sinclair are happy for him, while Charlie Dempsey seems jealous. The group went to the back. It wasn’t a big reaction for Borne, but he urged the crowd to show some love. The NXT Champion Oba Femi got a bigger reaction, while the fans loved shouting out during his song.

NXT Championship: Oba Femi vs. Myles Borne

Femi showed off his power early by shoving Borne away when Borne tried a move. Borne hit a dropkick to stun the champion. Femi hit a running shoulder tackle to knock Borne down. Borne hit an enziguri kick to the head and Femi tackled Borne into the turnbuckle. Borne jumped off the turnbuckle with a cross body block. Femi suplexed Borne ribs-first against the top rope. Femi gave Borne a vertical suplex. Femi stood on Borne’s chest while they were by the ropes. Femi nailed Borne with a forearm to the back. Femi connected with a lifting backbreaker onto the knee for two. Femi did a head slam into the mat, but Borne came back with a dropkick. Borne charged at Femi, who knocked Borne down. Femi hit another lifting backbreaker. Borne was able get some momentum with a dropkick to knock Femi out of the ring. Femi blocked a move and hit a forearm smash. Femi picked up Borne and hit double knees to the ribs.

They did a spot where Femi went crashing into the middle ring post. Borne worked over Femi with punches and then Femi was sent out of the ring. Borne went over the top with a somersault pin attempt for two. Borne went up top and hit a forearm smash for two. Borne hit a powerslam for two. Borne hit forearms and went for a moonsault, but Borne moved. Borne countered a move, did a double stomp and a moonsault. Femi got a hold of Borne and hit a Chokeslam for two. Borne went for a suplex, but George got out of it and Borne came back with a DDT. Borne went up top, jumped off with nothing because Femi moved. Femi hit a forearm. Borne came back with a German Suplex. Borne went up top and jumped off with a Frog Splash for a two count. Good nearfall. Borne hit a clothesline, Femi hit a forearm to the jaw and Borne hit a dropkick. Borne ran the ropes, Femi launched him into the air and Femi hit an uppercut. Femi hit Fall From Grace for a two count. Femi was stunned by that. Femi hit two running uppercuts. Borne rolled up Femi for a two count. Femi hit a lariat and Borne did a flip bump. Femi tossed Borne across the ring. Femi hit Fall from Grace and another Fall from Grace for the pinfall win after 17 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Oba Femi

Analysis: ***1/2 The great NXT Champion Oba Femi retains as I expected because while Myles Borne put up a fight, this didn’t seem like the right time for a title change. Perhaps they could have a match down the road that Borne could win, but it would have been foolish to do a title change. Borne came close to winning with the Frog Splash, and he kicked out of Fall From Grace, so it showed that Borne nearly found a way to win. Femi had to hit the Fall from Grace three times in a row to win the match, which puts over Borne a lot, even in defeat.

After the match, Oba Femi left the ring with the NXT Title. Femi nodded at Borne in the ring as a sign of respect.

There was a commercial for SummerSlam.

A commercial aired for NXT Great American Bash, Saturday Night’s Main Event and women’s only Evolution on July 12 and 13. The way Vic said it made it seem like NXT Great American Bash and SNME will be on the same day. It’s all in Atlanta.

Stephanie Vaquer was backstage arguing with the two women from AAA. Ava, the NXT GM, was there. Jacy Jayne was arguing with Fallon Henley in the background, so Jayne slapped Vaquer and then they were separated.

This Tuesday on NXT:

* NXT North American Championship: Ricky Saints vs. Ethan Page

* Jasper Troy’s NXT debut

* Tatum Paxley vs. Jaida Parker

* Mike Santana vs. Tavion Heights

The TNA World Title match between Joe Hendry and Trick Williams was up next. There was a video package to set up their main event match. It was narrated by former TNA World Champion AJ Styles, who spoke about what it meant to be a TNA World Champion. Good stuff using Styles for that.

Trick Williams was up first as the challenger, while Booker did his adlibs for his entrance. Trick is a heel now, yet the fans still sing his song and support him. The TNA World Champion Joe Hendry made his entrance, and the fans sang his song as he made his way down to the ring. Hendry has been champion for 126 days, and this is his sixth title defense. Mike Rome did the championship introductions.

TNA World Championship: Joe Hendry vs. Trick Williams

This is the first time the TNA World Title has been defended on a WWE PLE. It’s in the main event, so that’s cool.

Joe chopped Trick and clotheslined Trick out of the ring. Joe did a high jump style leap over the top rope onto Trick on the floor. When they went back into the ring, Joe hit a delayed vertical suplex for two. Joe hit his Standing Ovation slam for a two count. Joe went for a fallaway slam, but Trick landed on his feet. Trick with a flipping slam on the shoulders for a two count. Hendry had Trick on his shoulders, and Joe hit a spinning slam for a two-count. Trick hit a knee to the ribs, along with a swinging neckbreaker for two. Trick applied a front headlock to wear Hendry. Joe was able to power bump and hit a suplex. Joe remained in control with a fallaway slam across the ring. Trick missed a jumping kick, Joe caught him and Joe hit the Standing Ovation for a two count because Trick got his left leg on the bottom rope.

Joe picked up Trick going for an Attitude Adjustment, but Trick avoided it and Trick hit a spinning kick to knock Hendry out of the ring. Trick and Joe battled on the floor, where Trick sent Trick into the steel steps. Trick went on the steel steps by the commentary table and Trick hit Joe with a Book End through the commentary table. Back in the ring, Trick hit a Trick Shot knee for a two count. Trick was near the ropes, but Joe did a regular kick. Trick grabbed the TNA Title, the referee stopped that and Joe got an inside cradle for two. Joe went for a lifting move, Trick did an eye rake and Trick gave Joe a flatliner onto the TNA World Title. It was just Joe’s hand hitting the title. Trick hit his Trick Shot knee and covered Joe for the pinfall win. It went about 15 minutes. The fans reacted to it in a big way and treated it like a big moment.

Winner by pinfall AND NEW TNA World Champion: Trick Williams

Analysis: ***1/4 History has been made since a WWE NXT wrestler Trick Williams is the TNA World Champion. This was one of those matches where I thought Hendry would retain, but it was always possible that maybe history would be made by putting the TNA World Title on a WWE guy like Trick. It’s a very interesting move where you think it’s possible, but don’t really know if it will happen. They did a nice job of making it controversial because Trick brought the TNA World Title into the ring, did an eye gouge and slammed Hendry onto the World Title (sort of) before hitting his finish for the win. I can see Hendry getting the title back in a few months, but I find it interesting that they did this title change on this show and it makes me want to see what’s happening next.

Trick Williams celebrated with the TNA World Title. Trick celebrated right in front of Hendry’s face. They showed TNA President Carlos Silva at ringside as well. Trick continued to celebrate while Hendry was in the ring. Trick held up the title some more, and that was the end of the show.

This event had a runtime of 2 hours, 44 minutes on Netflix for me in Canada.

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Five Stars of the Show

  1. Stephanie Vaquer
  2. Trick Williams
  3. Jordynne Grace
  4. Sol Ruca/Kelani Jordan
  5. Oba Femi

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Final Thoughts on WWE NXT Battleground

I’m going with a 7.25 out of 10.

The show was pretty good, but it wasn’t at the same level as Stand & Deliver last month. The two women’s matches stood out the most to me. I thought Stephanie Vaquer-Jordynne Grace was the best match, just ahead of the Sol Ruca-Kelani Jordan opener. They were different kinds of matches since Vaquer-Grace was about power and technical wrestling. The Ruca-Jordan match was a lot of fun because of how athletic they are. They make difficult moves look easy.

Trick Williams winning the TNA World Title will get a lot of attention for the show since he is the first WWE wrestler to win TNA’s World Title. I figured it would happen at some point, but I didn’t know if he’d beat Joe Hendry here or at another show. It was cheap for Trick, which is fitting for him as a heel.

It was a card that felt like it was lacking something. There were no stipulation matches, and it was five singles matches, along with a six-man tag. The Tony D/Stacks match could have benefited from being more of a brawl. I think if they presented some matches differently, it would be a better show. It was still good, but also weaker than the first two WWE NXT PLEs this year.

Here are my NXT PLE rankings for this year:

Stand & Deliver (April 19) – 8.5 (out of 10)

Vengeance Day (February 15) – 7.75

Battleground (May 25) – 7.25

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Thanks for reading. My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email [email protected]

Twitter/X @johnreport