In the world of WWE NXT, the road to the Great American Bash is paved with intriguing storylines and championship implications. Let's dive into the June 18 episode and explore the key moments that shaped the narrative.
The Women's Division: A Tale of Interrupted Celebrations
One of the most frustrating tropes in NXT is the overuse of interruption segments, especially when it involves the top women. Zaria's championship celebration was a prime example of this. Instead of letting her revel in her moment, Kelani Jordan, Kendal Grey, and Lola Vice turned the focus onto themselves and their petty disputes. This segment not only wasted valuable time but also made some of NXT's best wrestlers look small in the process. It's a shame that such talented performers are relegated to these repetitive and uninspired storylines.
North American Championship Contenders: Heights and Drake
In a match that felt inevitable, Tavion Heights defeated Jackson Drake to earn a title opportunity against Myles Borne. While Heights deserves this shot, the build-up to the match was lacking. Heights' attitude towards Borne is becoming tiresome, and he needs to embrace a full heel turn or accept some responsibility for his struggles. On the other hand, Drake's flashy style might be better suited for a face role, as he shares similar ring moves with Je'Von Evans, his former tag partner.
Women's Speed Championship Tournament: Dame and Hail
Izzi Dame, backed by The Culling, advanced to the finals of the Women's Speed Championship Tournament after defeating Thea Hail. This match highlighted the challenges of speed matches in NXT, which often fall into the trap of being either rushed or clunky. Hail, once a promising young star, seems to have lost her momentum, and NXT's massive bet on Dame remains unfulfilled. Dame has yet to live up to the expectations of a rising star, and her performance in this match was awkward and uninspiring. Hopefully, she can turn things around in the finals.
Tony D'Angelo and Naraku: An Intriguing Dynamic
Tony D'Angelo and Naraku's meeting in a private location added an intriguing layer to their storyline. Naraku, despite his lack of action in NXT so far, presents an intriguing threat. D'Angelo's smart reference to Naraku's past with the House of Torture hints at a possible evil facade that Naraku might be hiding. Will he cheat his way to the top? Or will he reveal a ruthless side? This tease keeps the story engaging, but NXT needs to deliver on the promise of Naraku's character development soon.
Nattie vs. Jaida Parker: A Smart Clash of Styles
Nattie's victory over Jaida Parker was a well-executed match that forced Ms. Parker to adapt her style. This clash of styles was a smart move, and it showcased the grit and determination of Ms. Parker. Nattie's heel taunting added an extra layer to the match, and her win keeps the story moving forward. With the right follow-up match, Jaida Parker has the potential to evolve from a popular loser to a future champion.
Arianna Grace and Layla Diggs: A Star in the Making
Layla Diggs, a relatively new addition to NXT, shined in her match against Arianna Grace. Diggs was the star of the match, showcasing her athleticism and character. Grace, a former Knockouts champion, played loose with the rules, but Diggs' performance was the highlight. TNA's recent presentation of Grace has been better than NXT's, and it would be a missed opportunity not to capitalize on her recent Knockouts Championship reign.
Tag Team Match: Vice, Grey, Zaria, and Jordan
The tag team match between Vice, Grey, Zaria, and Jordan was well-wrestled but felt like a mere placeholder on the road to Great American Bash. It served its purpose of keeping these women on TV, but it lacked the intensity and urgency needed to build towards a potential Vice vs. Grey title match. Zaria's loss, protected by Paxley's appearance, sets up a likely rematch, and a potential return to her rivalry with Lizzy Rain.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the June 18 episode of WWE NXT felt like a missed opportunity. While there were some intriguing moments, such as the D'Angelo-Naraku dynamic and Nattie's clash with Jaida Parker, the show lacked the tension and excitement needed to build towards the Great American Bash. Some of the most exciting new acts, like Mason Rook and Tristan Angels, were sidelined, and repetitive tropes overshadowed the talent of the women's division. NXT has the potential to deliver game-changing moments, but this episode fell short of that promise.
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