WWE NXT Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights from June 18
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Cody Rhodes told Trick Williams his next challenger would be determined in a Battle Royal featuring talent from "different locker rooms."Credit: WWE.com.
After Battleground, WWE NXT barely had time to rest with an action-packed episode on June 18 that set the future of the brand heading toward Heatwave on July 7.
Last week, Cody Rhodes told Trick Williams that his next challenger would be determined in a 25-man Battle Royal this Tuesday.
WWE @WWE"You may know some of them, but some of them might be from different locker rooms"<a href="https://twitter.com/CodyRhodes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CodyRhodes</a> just informed <a href="https://twitter.com/_trickwilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_trickwilliams</a> of a GAME-CHANGING No. 1 Contenders Battle Royal for NEXT WEEK on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWENXT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWENXT</a>! <a href="https://t.co/fohSQdGpBD">pic.twitter.com/fohSQdGpBD</a>
Kelani Jordan defended her Women's North American Championship for the first time, facing veteran Michin. Was she ready to face a challenger as dangerous as The HBIC?
In a unique Triple Threat tag team match, Roxanne Perez teamed with Lola Vice against Meta-Four and Jacy Jayne and Jazmyn Nyx. Could Perez and Vice work together against two motivated teams?
Oba Femi spoke on his North American Championship run. What did he have to say on his future?
This show was certain to be must-watch for NXT fans, as the card for Heatwave comes together.
NXT Championship No. 1 Contender Battle Royal
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- Hendry got the biggest reaction of anyone, and the crowd was unhappy with his swift elimination.
- Oro Mensah attacked Ethan Page, taking him out of the contest without an elimination. Backstage, All Ego and Evans agreed to a main event match to determine the rightful No. 1 contender.
- Lexis King pulled off a few tricks, including setting up Tony D'Angelo to eliminate Edris Enofé. However, eliminating Berto put him on the wrong side of Angel Garza, who eliminated him.
- Nathan Frazer eliminated The Don, who later offered the Scot a Heritage Cup match. Frazer quickly signed despite Axiom telling him to focus on their tag team gold.
- The crowd was chanting "This is awesome" around the time it got down to the final four: Kazarian, Spears, Evans and Dragon.
Joe Hendry was the second-last entrant in the Battle Royal and cut a passionate promo about bringing the NXT Championship to TNA.
However, the NXT locker room teamed up to eliminate him first.
WWE @WWESay his name and he appears...<br><br>Joe Hendry is here for the Battle Royal!!!<a href="https://twitter.com/joehendry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@joehendry</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWENXT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWENXT</a> <a href="https://t.co/QjVVmVccyr">pic.twitter.com/QjVVmVccyr</a>
The other TNA representative, Frankie Kazarian, lasted to the final four, but Je'Von Evans sent him clean over the top rope.
Shawn Spears took out Dragon Lee but ran into a cyclone kick from The Young OG that wiped him to set up the final elimination.
Battle Royals can be messy matches, and this was started rough. However, the home stretch was fantastic, helped by a number of veterans taking the lead.
The Young OG is already challenging for the NXT Championship. He has put on great performances time and again to earn a big opportunity.
More importantly for NXT, there is an obvious story with Trick and Evans. The two are friends who have helped each other. The titleholder will now need to be the veteran and test the next future star of NXT.
While Hendry's elimination continued his feud with Kazarian in TNA, it would have been nice to see more of one of the hottest stars outside of WWE right now. NXT officials cannot have missed that reaction.
Result
Evans won the 25-man Battle Royal to become the No. 1 contender to the NXT Championship, last eliminating Spears.
Grade
B+
Notable Moments
Roxanne Perez and Lola Vice vs. Meta-Four vs. Jacy Jayne and Jazmyn Nyx
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- Backstage, Perez warned Vice to keep her eyes off the NXT Women's Championship.
- The Prodigy seemed pleased with Vice as a tag team partner throughout this match, though.
- Perez planted Nyx and Jackson with a DDT/Russian leg sweep combination and then tagged in Vice, who wiped out both heels with kicks and hip attacks.
- Nyx barely saved Jayne from the three-count after Meta-Four hit a wheelbarrow-cutter combination.
Roxanne Perez and Lola Vice looked dangerous together until The Prodigy took her shot, forcing a tag in after Vice hit the spinning back fist on Jakara Jackson.
Perez hit Pop Rox to win.
Afterward, Perez laid out her tag team partner with a spinning back fist and bailed before Vice could do anything about it.
WWE @WWEOne step ahead...<a href="https://twitter.com/roxanne_wwe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@roxanne_wwe</a> had to do it before <a href="https://twitter.com/lolavicewwe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lolavicewwe</a> did 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWENXT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWENXT</a> <a href="https://t.co/dVkX57rqwU">pic.twitter.com/dVkX57rqwU</a>
NXT only reinforced the poor placement of last week's main event segment by putting on this tag team match in the middle of the show.
This was a solid contest but clearly favored the champion and her likely No. 1 contender. The main memorable action spots focused on those two women.
Perez vs. Vice is an interesting pairing due to both standing as heels. The whole match showed that the women's division is heel-heavy, but Vice does seem to have the crowd on her side when she leans into their chants.
Result
Perez and Vice def. Lash Legend and Jackson as well as Jacy Jayne and Jazmyn Nyx.
Grade
B-
Notable Moments
NXT Women's North American Championship: Kelani Jordan (c) vs. Michin
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- Gallows and Anderson mocked Chase U backstage for letting Ridge Holland in. This seemed to set up a match for later.
- Sol Ruca wished Jordan luck on her way to the ring.
- Gallows saved Michin on a tope suicida, but Jordan wiped her out with a springboard crossbody.
Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson watched a competitive battle between Kelani Jordan and Michin from ringside.
However, Bronco Nima and Lucien Price distracted The O.C., allowing Jaida Parker to knock The HBIC off the top rope.
Jordan missed the interference but still had the wherewithal to capitalize with the One of a Kind Moonsault to win.
WWE NXT @WWENXTFirst title defense: ✅<a href="https://twitter.com/kelani_wwe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kelani_wwe</a> takes down <a href="https://twitter.com/MiaYim?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MiaYim</a> to remain the NXT Women's North American Champion!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWENXT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWENXT</a> <a href="https://t.co/SW2QECHIJK">pic.twitter.com/SW2QECHIJK</a>
Michin is always a capable leader in the ring, and she showed it here. She made Jordan look like a champion throughout while continuing to look like a more serious competitor in NXT than on SmackDown.
No one other than Fallon Henley is likely to dethrone Lani soon. These early defenses are all about elevating her standing so that she is permanently made in the women's division.
It would have been nice to see Jordan win clean here, but hopefully she will get some definitive victories as champion soon.
Result
Jordan def. Michin by pinfall to retain the NXT Women's North American Championship.
Grade
B
Notable Moments
Oba Femi and Wes Lee Agree to North American Championship Match
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- Femi put over Lee and Joe Coffey as two of NXT's greatest.
- Brooks Jensen caused a scene in the crowd that distracted from the promo. Police arrested Jensen in the background of an Eddy Thorpe interview.
- Lee said he declined a spot in the opening Battle Royal because he wanted a North American Championship match.
- Gallus complained backstage about Lee talking his way into a title match, but Tyson Dupont and Tyriek Igwe attacked them before they could act.
Oba Femi called out a familiar feeling after each victory: No matter how many step up to him, the result remains the same.
Wes Lee interrupted to demand another match as he was not pinned at Battleground.
The Nigerian Giant was ready to walk out, but Lee declared he is still the best North American champion. Femi agreed to a title match but said this would be Lee's only singles shot at the gold.
This was the right move for both men. Lee has unfinished business with the NXT North American Championship and presents an exciting challenge for Femi as the underdog who will never quit.
Femi vs. Lee can quickly become the hottest angle in NXT if highlighted properly. This match can elevate the North American Championship to new heights.
Grade
A
Notable Moments
Fallon Henley vs. Carlee Bright (w/ Kendal Grey)
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- Early in the night, an argument broke out backstage among the women of NXT led by Henley, who claimed she was the only one who deserved a shot at Jordan.
- NXT showed a vignette highlighting Izzi Dame's athletic background.
- Hank Walker told Tank Ledger that he was cleared for action, and they would challenge Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne.
- Tavion Heights agreed to join No Quarter Catch Crew, though Charlie Dempsey told him he had to earn it by beating Damon Kemp.
Carlee Bright came out with her friend, Kendal Grey.
However, Wendy Choo choked out Grey at ringside before Fallon Henley took down Bright with a Shining Wizard to win.
WWE @WWEWHAT IS SHE DOING HERE?!?<a href="https://twitter.com/therealestwendy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@therealestwendy</a> is taking out anyone and everyone 😳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWENXT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWENXT</a> <a href="https://t.co/sPY2AH6jSi">pic.twitter.com/sPY2AH6jSi</a>
In every era of NXT, a few stars are booked regularly on television who are not quite ready. Bright is one of those with clear potential but limited experience. She looked uncomfortable here.
To her credit, Henley worked around Bright's insecurities to make her look like a decent threat. However, she was certainly needed to carry the sloppy action.
Hopefully, Bright and Grey will learn under the bright lights and continue to grow a stacked women's division. In the meantime, Henley should be on track for NXT gold.
Result
Henley def. Bright by pinfall.
Grade
C-
Notable Moments
The O.C. (w/ Michin) vs. Chase U (w/ Thea Hail & Ridge Holland)
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- Hudson rolled with the hot tag, even pulling out a surprise top rope headscissors takedown.
- After the result, Hudson and Holland refused to admit the Englishman cheated to set up the Chase U win.
- NXT general manager Ava talked with Kelani Jordan about her next challenger. Jordan wanted to give it to Sol Ruca, but Arianna Grace butted in, setting up a match next week between Ruca and Grace for a title shot.
- Backstage, Henley commiserated with Jacy Jayne and Jazmyn Nyx about Ruca and Grace jumping the line for a title opportunity.
Michin returned the favor to Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson by joining The O.C. at ringside for this match.
Duke Hudson pulled out a shocking result, though, rolling up Anderson for three with a timely assist from Ridge Holland.
While it was nice to finally see Hudson and Andre Chase tagging together, this match never really got going. It felt like the teams weren't comfortable with each other.
Flat action led to a flat result, but hopefully this means Chase U will finally re-enter the tag team division. So much Chase U drama has distracted from one of NXT's most popular teams.
The O.C. could afford the loss, but NXT should remember this trio should be seen.
Result
Chase U def. The O.C. by pinfall.
Grade
C+
Notable Moments
Ethan Page vs. Je'Von Evans
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- Trick congratulated Evans in the trainer's room and questioned if he was healthy enough to fight Page. The champion said he did not want Page in NXT as he was an outsider taking shortcuts.
- The Young OG nearly took the win with a cyclone kick and diving crossbody.
"All Ego" Ethan Page quickly targeted the bandaged ribs of Je'Von Evans, making the commentary team, including Trick Williams, question The Young OG's decision to wrestle twice on Tuesday night.
WWE NXT @WWENXTThe champ wants a front row seat... 👀<br><br>New No. 1 Contender <a href="https://twitter.com/WWEJeVonEvans?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WWEJeVonEvans</a> takes on <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialEGO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficialEGO</a> NEXT in our main event of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWENXT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWENXT</a>! <a href="https://t.co/rQnZScXm9I">pic.twitter.com/rQnZScXm9I</a>
While Evans got close, he tripped The Young OG on the top rope and hit the Ego's Edge for the victory.
Shawn Spears arrived to beat down Evans, but with the help of Trick, The Young OG cleared the ring with a double spirngboard cutter. All four men were laid out in the ring to end the night.
Evans was understandably grounded throughout this match with Page, but he showed his ability all the same, selling the onslaught of All Ego.
It was a good bout, but both men seemed to be holding back. The result served as a quick restart for Page, who is right back in the NXT Championship scene.
The ending of the night signaled a Fatal 4-Way for the NXT Championship, which seems to discount the point of the earlier Battle Royal.
Overall, NXT may have done a bit too much with the world title scene when a simpler Trick vs. Evans build would have made the most sense.
Result
Page def. Evans by pinfall.
Grade
B-
Notable Moments
Overall Show
8 of 8
Major hype for this week's show did not pay off as NXT delivered a fairly flat night of action.
The Battle Royal promised major surprises and moments but amounted to a strong home stretch alongside a big win for a star already on the rise.
The main event was overkill, immediately taking away from the impact of Je'Von Evans' win. It was in character for Ethan Page to take his shot, but this could have waited at least one week.
Roxanne Perez vs. Lola Vice is developing into a fine feud, but time is running out to kick it into high gear with Heatwave around the corner.
Kelani Jordan delivered a solid first title defense and set herself up as a fighting champion. The O.C. put in a respectable night of veteran work, even if the group is already losing steam in NXT.
The most exciting element of NXT was Oba Femi vs. Wes Lee, though even that needs a greater hook in the next two weeks to sell Heatwave.
This was a fairly typical NXT. The show was more quantity than quality with a heavy dose of backstage segments. The goal should be to find a clearer focus again before Heatwave rather than trying to highlight everyone.
Grade: C-
