The NXT Evolution: Beyond the Ring and Into the Future
Wrestling isn’t just about the moves—it’s about the stories, the characters, and the moments that make you lean forward in your seat. The July 21 edition of WWE NXT was a masterclass in this, blending high-stakes matches with subtle narrative threads that hint at bigger things to come. Personally, I think this episode was a turning point for NXT, not just because of the in-ring action, but because of the strategic storytelling that’s setting the stage for the future.
The NXT Championship: More Than Just a Title
Tony D’Angelo vs. Naraku in a Street Fight wasn’t just a match—it was a statement. What makes this particularly fascinating is how NXT is repositioning the championship as a symbol of evolution. D’Angelo’s retention feels like a placeholder, a bridge to Mike Santana’s inevitable challenge. In my opinion, this isn’t about who holds the title; it’s about what the title represents in the NXT ecosystem. D’Angelo’s reign has been solid, but Santana’s arrival injects fresh urgency into the title scene.
One thing that immediately stands out is how NXT is using the championship to tell larger stories. Naraku’s near-win wasn’t just a close call—it was a missed opportunity to establish him as a dominant heel. But if you take a step back and think about it, keeping the title on D’Angelo allows NXT to build Santana as the ultimate challenger, someone who can redefine what it means to be the NXT Champion.
Reina Volcan: The Next Big Thing?
Reina Volcan’s debut against Skylar Raye was exactly what it needed to be: a showcase. What many people don’t realize is that NXT has a history of mishandling debuts, but Volcan’s entrance and in-ring presence felt like a star is born. Her Rack Attack finisher is already iconic, and her theme music? Chef’s kiss.
But here’s the thing: Volcan’s rise isn’t just about her. It’s about the women’s division as a whole. With Tatum Paxley lurking in the background, Volcan’s story is already layered. Personally, I think NXT is setting her up as the face of the division, but they need to handle her carefully. Too many squash matches, and she’ll lose her edge. Too few, and she’ll lose momentum.
The Midcard Maze: Feuds That Matter
Jaida Parker vs. Nattie was a prime example of how NXT is using midcard feuds to build character depth. What this really suggests is that NXT understands the value of non-title rivalries. Parker’s win, thanks to Thea Hail’s towel toss, was a clever twist, but it also raises a deeper question: Why wasn’t the finish cleaner? A detail that I find especially interesting is how NXT is positioning Parker as a rising star, but they’re doing it without rushing her into the title picture.
Meanwhile, Kendal Grey vs. Lola Vice in an NXT Underground match is a feud I’m genuinely excited for. Both women delivered on the mic, which is a rarity in NXT. In my opinion, this match could be a career-defining moment for Vice, especially if Grey wins and sends her to the main roster.
The Culling’s Conundrum
Shawn Spears vs. Niko Vance was… underwhelming. The Culling, once a promising stable, feels like an afterthought. What makes this particularly fascinating is how NXT is struggling to find a purpose for Vance and Izzi Dame. Without Spears, the group lacks direction. Personally, I think The Culling should disband, allowing Vance to find his footing as a solo act.
Spears, on the other hand, needs a rebrand. His “Perfect 10” gimmick was gold, and bringing it back could reignite his career. If you take a step back and think about it, NXT has a habit of recycling old ideas, but this is one instance where it could actually work.
The Future of NXT: A Balancing Act
NXT is at a crossroads. The brand is trying to balance established stars with new talent, and it’s not always a smooth process. Reina Volcan, Mike Santana, and even Saquon Shugars are the future, but they’re being built alongside veterans like Tony D’Angelo and Nattie. What this really suggests is that NXT is playing the long game, investing in stories that will pay off months—if not years—down the line.
One thing that immediately stands out is how NXT is using its tag team division as a testing ground. DarkState vs. Saquon Shugars, Noam Dar, and Romeo Moreno was a solid match, but it also highlighted the division’s lack of depth. In my opinion, NXT needs to focus on building new tag teams, not just relying on existing ones.
Final Thoughts: NXT’s Potential and Pitfalls
This episode wasn’t perfect. Matches like Keanu Carver vs. Hank Walker felt like filler, and the overuse of certain spots (looking at you, Eddie Guerrero chair fake-out) was noticeable. But what makes NXT compelling is its willingness to take risks. From Volcan’s debut to Santana’s arrival, this episode felt like a stepping stone to something bigger.
Personally, I think NXT is on the verge of a renaissance. The brand has the talent, the stories, and the momentum. The question is: Can they sustain it? If they can, NXT might just reclaim its spot as the most exciting wrestling show on TV.
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