In this WWE NXT 7/14/26 review, it’s Kelani Jordan vs. Lola Vice vs. Kali Armstrong in a Triple Threat Match to determine the new No. 1 contender for the NXT Women’s Championship, Naraku goes one-on-one with Tate Wilder, and more.
Here are some thoughts on NXT.
Blake WWE NXT 7/14/26 Review
1. Sean Legacy and Dorian Van Dux vs. Vanity Project was a fine match for the NXT Tag Team Championship. They aren’t taking the titles off of Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes right now, and for good reason. This group is the Fatal Influence of the men’s division. Jackson Drake is a rising solo star, and the Baylor/Smokes combination is excellent.
2. Speaking of both Drake and the tag titles, there were interesting developments with Tavion Heights and Myles Borne. Drake defeated Heights in singles action, with Vanity Project’s numbers advantage being the story. Where was Borne? A fair question. With Heights asking Borne to consider going after Baylor and Smokes, this should escalate that decision. Borne also seems to be a target for Kam Hendrix when he returns from injury.
3. The Shiloh Hill and Tristan Angels stuff is….not my favorite thing in NXT. I’ve mentioned the potential with Hill as a top star. He should be a future NXT Champion and even be the person who takes the title off of Naraku (we’ll get to that). They’re running with this “fog is coming” idea, and it works for Hill’s personality. But didn’t he already beat Angels at Great American Bash? Why are they still doing this?
And yes, I understand it’s because Hill wants his tooth back, which Angels smashed on the steel steps. Again, just not a huge fan of it.
4. Back to Naraku. He defeated Tate Wilder, and now his attention turns to the rematch with Tony D’Angelo next week for the NXT Championship. It’s a Street Fight after their parking lot brawl to cap off the show, so expect shenanigans. I also think he has to win the title. D’Angelo’s reign has been solid, but Naraku allows for more flexibility to have superstars like Hill and Mason Rook on the chase for the gold.
5. OTM and Hank and Tank turned down Saquon Shugars. Romeo Moreno and Noah Dar did not. Good choice for those two dudes, who have tag team title aspirations. Television time is important!
6. Zaria retaining the NXT Women’s North American Championship was obvious after the Layla Diggs injury, but I enjoyed the four-way match. I don’t know if WWE sees anything more than a midcard to upper midcard act in Lizzy Rain, but she’s great in the ring and brings a unique energy. Izzi Dame and Nikkita Lyons have WWE main roster potential, so this foursome was an intriguing watch.
7. It’s the debut of Reina Volcan next week. The promo material was basic, but her in-ring presence is where she can make the biggest impact.
8. Also set for next week is the blowoff match between Nattie and Jaida Parker. That should equal a big win for Parker, who could be another intriguing opponent for Grey. Shawn Spears vs. Niko Vance is on the card as well, which is an opportunity for Vance to showcase his skills as a singles wrestler.
9. Lola Vice earns her rematch against Grey by defeating Kelani Jordan and Kali Armstrong. They fooled me, as I thought Jordan would finally move closer to the championship. But that’s sort of the point, isn’t it? Jordan has a storyline that is similar to Sami Zayn‘s journey to a world championship. She’ll get there, and when she does, the crowd will appreciate the payoff. Meanwhile, Armstrong’s personality is great, and she has the “it” factor to be a future NXT champion.
Vice isn’t gonna dethrone Grey, but the match should be a quality showdown between the top two stars in the NXT women’s division.
What did you think of the July 14 edition of WWE NXT? Did you enjoy the Nattie vs. Kendal Grey match? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Thanks for reading!