Grayson Waller’s reaction to Zilla Fatu’s WWE NXT debut included a sharp, worked‑shoot jab — tweeting 'Just what WWE needs, another overrated Uce' and tying Fatu’s introduction to Waller’s evolving straight‑shoot persona as he angles with Montana and other newcomers in NXT.
Zilla Fatu will develop in WWE's NXT before any main-roster run, following a path similar to Solo Sikoa. He disrupted the NXT Championship No.1 Contender's Match to make an impression, prompting mixed fan reactions about adding another Anoa'i to the Bloodline. WWE's plan appears to be to let him prove himself in NXT first before a potential Bloodline push.
Wrestling Observer Live’s Bryan Alvarez and Filthy Tom Lawlor recap NXT, preview Grand Slam in Mexico, and note WWE announced a Roman Reigns match in Mexico City next month, delivering the latest wrestling news and analysis.
The Bryan & Vinny Show returns with Nixi XS to discuss AEW Dynamite, which they deem among the best post-PPV editions with two standout promos and strong wrestling, and the Tuesday NXT show, which sparked debate over what worked; Vinny liked the second hour while Bryan was more mixed, making for a lively, engaging podcast.
CM Punk reacted on Instagram to Grayson Waller’s fiery NXT promo, calling it a “frustration distilled and funneled into a bullet aimed at the competition.” The WWE star’s promo opened the show and targetted Waller’s grievances with Austin Theory and the NXT landscape, with Waller returning from a TV hiatus; Punk’s praise underscores the promo’s heat and potential build for ongoing NXT storylines.
After Lola Vice and Mr. Iguana lost the AAA World Mixed Tag Team Championship to La Hiedra and Laredo Kid, ending a 168-day reign, reports indicate Vice is being called up to WWE's main roster, likely to SmackDown, with an August 4 NXT rematch against Kendal Grey looming.
Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia will return on tonight's NXT to announce, marking her first appearance at the Performance Center in about a year; the show features matches including The Vanity Project vs. Sean Legacy and Dorian Van Dux for the NXT Tag Team Championship, Lola Vice vs. Kelani Jordan vs. Kali Armstrong in a triple-threat to become the No. 1 contender to the NXT Women's Championship, and Zaria vs. Layla Diggs for the NXT Women's North American Championship.
WWE NXT taped for July 7 reveals Layla Diggs winning the North American Championship contendership; Niko Vance defeated Shiloh Hill but was chair-attacked by Shawn Spears; Keanu Carver beat Tank Ledger; Sean Legacy and Dorian Van Dux won the Tag Team Championship contendership as Kali Jordan and Lola Vice interrupted Kali Armstrong, whom Kali Armstrong laid out; Kendal Grey (c) defeated Nattie to retain the NXT Women’s Championship; and two #1 Contender Four-Way matches were set for 7/7.
Kendal Grey captured the NXT Women's Championship on a live episode, signaling a fast-tracked push but highlighting that she’s still developing her mic and in-ring skills, with Kurt Angle publicly backing her ascent as she grows into the role.
The Bryan & Vinny Show recaps AEW Dynamite, highlighting an Owen finals qualifier and a surprise women’s debut, then delves into a mostly average NXT episode with the hosts noting limited graphics and offering their usual commentary.
This NXT recap argues the brand feels more experimental than focused, lacking a clear breakout star and a cohesive identity as a development brand, even as promising threads emerge (OTM, Bronco Lima & Lucien Price, Sol Ruca’s intercontinental linkage). It critiques recurring tropes around title scenes, notes the evolving Culling storyline, and suggests NXT needs a clearer direction as its roster shifts toward the main roster.
WWE announced the John Cena Classic, a one-night event at Backlash pitting main roster stars against NXT wrestlers, with the champion crowned by fan vote and a new title named after Cena; specifics on format and timing were not disclosed.
Talk around the Performance Center suggests NJPW star Hiromu Takahashi could join WWE, with reports that he may debut in NXT under the Naraku or Nox Raijin name. The chatter follows EVIL’s NXT appearance and WWE trademarks around Naraku and Nox Raijin, underscoring Takahashi’s decorated junior heavyweight résumé as a potential WWE signing.
NXT’s latest reset leans into chaos: Tony D’Angelo attacks Tavion Heights before the bell, Kam Hendrix interferes mid‑match, and Will Kross reveals a new name—Mason Rook—after costing both men. The roster is being shuffled with new faces and growing pains, while Kali Armstrong shines and a potential North American Championship four‑way looms for Lizzy Rain, Zaria, Nikita Lyons, and Tatum Paxley. Noam Dar returns and is set to face Jackson Drake next week; Naraku is teased for a debut, and DarkState tensions threaten to fracture the tag division. Keanu Carver’s interview bit lands awkwardly, and while the episode aims for a fresh, chaotic vibe, it often feels scattershot rather than cohesive.