WWE NXT Review - December 31, 2024

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Kelani Jordan def. Lola Vice

Jordan hasn't done a whole lot of winning since losing the NXT Women's North American Championship, so this was a necessary victory for her. She and Vice had a good match in the time they were allotted. Cora Jade inadvertently cost Vice the win and the three of them brawled afterward along with Stephanie Vaquer (who beat Jade on last week's episode). They'll all fight in a Fatal 4-Way next week for a future shot at the NXT Women's North American title.

Ethan Page def. Cedric Alexander

Alexander is an established ally of Je'Von Evans, so it was logical for Alexander to have an issue with Page after what he did to Evans two weeks ago. This was on the shorter side for some reason, but it was a fun sprint while it lasted. Page attacking Alexander afterward put more heat on him as well. I'm digging this new serious side of Page. Between his NXT, Ring of Honor, AEW and TNA runs, I can't remember the last time he had this type of edge.

The Meta-Four (Jakara Jackson and Lash Legend) def. Gigi Dolin & Shotzi and Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter in a Triple Threat Tag Team Match

This was set up after all of the tag team chaos on last week's show. It's weird because nothing was at stake, yet The Unholy Union told Meta-Four post-match that they also want an opportunity at the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. They may as well have made this a number one contender's match. Nonetheless, this was okay but a bit messy at times. Shotzi really needs to stop doing that stupid dive to the outside.

Izzi Dame def. Sol Ruca

Dame has been completely directionless since Kiana James got drafted to the main roster without her and I can't recall a single match she's won on television in recent months, so even with the miscommunication between Ruca and Zaria at ringside, I was genuinely surprised Dame won here. The match was fine, but it only existed to tease more tension between Ruca and Zaria. If Giulia and Vaquer are going to remain babyfaces, turning Zaria heel seems like the right move.

Tyriek Igwe, Tyson Dupont and Wes Lee def. Hank Walker, Tank Ledger and Andre Chase

I like the idea of Lee forming a faction with Igwe and Dupont, or at least being loosely aligned with them. They'd benefit greatly from the extra exposure, especially as heels. Hank and Tank called upon Chase to be their partner, and although Chase put forth a commendable effort, he walked away toward the end, presumably because he still lacks confidence. This was a solid six-man tag team match.

Eddy Thorpe Attacked Oba Femi and NXT Champion Trick Williams

Mike Rome was going to announce who won the award for NXT Male Superstar of the Year when he was interrupted by Femi and I don't think it was ever actually revealed (though I have to assume it was Williams). Both Femi and Williams cut quality promos and left me looking forward to a singles match between them that we're not getting at New Year's Evil. Thorpe standing tall over them both was what needed to happen, but he's still far from a threat to the title.

Overall Show

In addition to everything above, the winners of NXT's annual year-end awards were also revealed throughout the night. This show definitely did not need to happen. I know it wasn't live, but they could've easily aired video packages and replayed NXT's best matches of the years as they have in the past during the holiday season. This was a serviceable show and more matches were confirmed for New Year's Evil, but a lot of what we got felt like filler that isn't worth seeking out.

SEE MORE: NXT Reviews