Welcome to our WWE NXT review where we look at the biggest hits and misses from the White and Gold brand.
The June 18, 2024, episode of NXT featured multiple matches and segments. Some surprise names showed up for the 25-man battle royal. We also got a teaser of the NXT Heatwave main event.
Here’s what went down on WWE NXT this week.
Hit – Say his name, and he appears
NXT kicked off with the 25-man battle royal. The match featured stars from RAW, SmackDown NXT, as well as TNA. Frankie Kazarian and Joe Hendry both showed up. Hendry cut a promo before entering the ring. However, he was eliminated within seconds.
Joe Hendry got a massive pop from the NXT audience. There’s no denying that he’s universally adored. He didn’t win the battle royal, but something tells me this is only just the beginning. WWE even uploaded a clip of Hendry confronting Shawn Michaels backstage after his elimination.
NXT vs. TNA during the Survivor Series weekend? I believe.
Miss – Roxanne Perez missed the spot
Lola Vice teamed up with Roxanne Perez in a triple threat tag team match. They squared off against Jacy Kayne and Jazmyn Nyx and Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson. Roxanne picked up the win for her team following a Pop Rox on Miss Jackson. She took out Lola with her own backfist finisher after the match.
The tag team match itself was okay. Roxanne’s Pop Rox on Jackson looked weak. The back fist to Lola failed to connect her face and hit her shoulders. Lola fell down from the impact but started laughing because she knew Roxanne messed up. I think Miss Vice did sell the botched impact perfectly.
Hit – Kelani Jordan vs. Michin on WWE NXT
Kelani Jordan put her NXT Women’s North American Championship on the line against Michin. Both women went back and forth for nearly nine minutes. Jaida Parker showed up to cause a distraction for Michin, allowing Kelani to pick up the win.
A solid first televised title defense for Kelani Jordan. She and Michin had a good match. Yes, there was some miscommunication but the overall action made for entertaining TV. Michin losing due to Jaida’s interference would probably set up a six-person tag team match between The OC and OTM.
Miss – WWE NXT Tag Team Champions aren’t on the same page
Nathan Frazer was in the 25-man battle royal. He didn’t tell Axiom about it. Axiom confronted his tag team partner in the locker room. Luca Crusifino showed up with the NXT Heritage Cup match contract. Frazer signed it, to which Axiom said, “Unbelievable.”
I think it’s too early for NXT to plant the seeds of dissension. Axiom and Frazer have had some incredible tag team matches over the past few months. They need to have a lengthy run as NXT Tag Team Champions.
Hit – Ethan Page vs. Je’Von Evans
Je’Von Evans put his number one contender’s spot on the line against Ethan Page. Page targeted Evan’s bruised ribs throughout the match. He picked up the win with an Ego’s Edge. Shawn Spears jumped Evans after the match before Trick Williams made the save. The closing moment saw Evans take out both Spears and Page with a springboard cutter.
The whole purpose of the battle royal was to set up a main event match between Page and Evans. Page was never eliminated because he got attacked by Oro Mensah. The match between Page and Evans was good. Page worked as the cocky heel while Evans shined with some spots. The fatal four-way tease with Evans, Page, Spears, and Trick surrounding the title was impressive.
READ MORE: NXT Heritage Cup Match, Tag Team Turmoil, More Set For 6/25 WWE NXT
