NXT Highlights: WWE NXT took place on at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. The show continued the build toward the Great American Bash later in the month. Arianna Grace faced Layla Diggs in one semifinal, while Izzi Dame took on Thea Hail in the other semifinal.
The advertised main event featured Tavion Heights and Jackson Drake facing each other to determine the next challenger for Myles Borne’s NXT Men’s North American Championship. The rivalry between Nattie Neidhart and Jaida Parker also continued as they met in a grudge match.
WWE NXT Highlights
Zaria Celebrates Title Win
New NXT Women’s North American Champion Zaria opened the show by celebrating her title win. She said she spent too long living in Sol Ruca’s shadow and being overlooked while others were called the future of the division. Now, with the championship around her waist, Zaria declared that the future belongs to her and said winning the title was a correction of what should have happened all along.
Kelani Jordan interrupted and congratulated her before offering advice about dealing with fans and expectations. The conversation quickly turned into an argument when Kelani complained about Kendal Grey receiving an NXT Women’s Championship opportunity.
Kendal Grey then arrived to defend herself, followed by Lola Vice, who challenged both Zaria’s confidence and Kendal’s claims. The four women traded insults until NXT official Robert Stone stepped in and made a tag team match for later in the night, pitting Zaria and Kelani Jordan against Kendal Grey and Lola Vice.
Jackson Drake vs Tavion Heights (#1 Contender’s Match)
Heights controlled much of the early action with his amateur wrestling background. Drake fought back after the break with a handspring Ace Crusher, a running shooting star press, and a suicide dive that nearly secured the win. The match became chaotic late when Swipe Right and Myka Lockwood got involved at ringside.
But Myles Borne neutralized the interference before it could change the outcome. Back in the ring, Heights regained control and finished Drake with the Height of Glory to score the pinfall victory and become the new No. 1 contender.
Izzi Dame vs Thea Hail (#1 Contenders Tournament Semifinals)
Izzi Dame advanced to the WWE Speed Women’s Championship No. 1 Contender’s Tournament final with a victory over Thea Hail in a match contested under a three-minute time limit. Hail came out aggressively with quick pin attempts and later trapped Dame in a Fujiwara armbar before transitioning into a double wristlock. However, Dame managed to reach the ropes to force a break.
As time began running out, both women increased the pace. Hail nearly stole the win with a blockbuster and continued pressing the action, but a missed springboard senton proved costly. Dame immediately capitalized, catching her opponent with a Busaiku knee to score the pinfall victory and secure her place in the tournament final.
Jaida Parker vs Nattie Neidhart
Jaida Parker and Nattie Neidhart had a technical match. The match became increasingly submission-focused late. Parker trapped Nattie in a Rings of Saturn multiple times, but Neidhart repeatedly found the ropes.
Nattie then targeted Parker’s legs and knee, softening her up for the finish. In the closing moments, Neidhart hit a discus lariat, and locked in the Sharpshooter. Parker fought to reach the ropes but could not escape.
Arianna Grace vs. Layla Diggs (#1 Contender’s Semifinals)
Arianna Grace advanced to the WWE Speed Women’s Championship No. 1 Contender’s Tournament final after defeating Layla Diggs in a fast-paced semifinal match.
As the three-minute time limit wound down, outside distractions became a factor. Diggs took out Stacks and Birth Right with an Orihara moonsault before rushing back to the ring with less than 30 seconds remaining. Grace capitalized on the opening, catching Diggs off guard and rolling her into an inside cradle for the pinfall victory. Arianna now moves on to the tournament final.
Kelani Jordan & Zaria vs. Kendal Grey & Lola Vice
Kelani Jordan and Lola Vice started with a fast exchange before Zaria and Kendal Grey became involved. Zaria used her power advantage early. Grey and Vice relied on quick tags and submissions to keep control.
Grey nearly had Zaria trapped with a Fujiwara armbar and later a cross armbar. But Zaria escaped with a deadlift powerbomb. The match eventually broke down with all four women fighting at once.
The finish came when Tatum Paxley appeared at ringside. Zaria became distracted by her former rival, allowing Lola Vice to capitalize. Vice connected with an uraken backfist and pinned Zaria for the victory. After the match, Paxley attacked Zaria and reignited their rivalry.
FAQs
Q. Who opened WWE NXT as the new champion?
A. Zaria opened the show as the new NXT Women’s North American Champion.
Q. Who became the new No. 1 contender on NXT?
A. Tavion Heights earned a future title opportunity by defeating Jackson Drake.
Q. What happened in the main event tag team match?
A. Kelani Jordan and Zaria faced Kendal Grey and Lola Vice. After the match, Paxley attacked Zaria and reignited their rivalry.
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