WWE NXT Review - July 4, 2023

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Blair Davenport def. Roxanne Perez

With this being the first match in the feud, it makes sense for Davenport to go over. Maybe this leads to Perez' main roster call-up? They worked well together and had a solid outing. This was a notable win for Davenport with Perez being a former NXT Women's Champion. Hopefully she can work her way up to being the top heel in the division at some point because she can definitely hold her own in that spot.

Mustafa Ali def. Tyler Bate

Both of these guys are super skilled, so unsurprisingly, this was a damn good match. Ali is still doing that character where he's basically a heel masquerading as a babyface, so at some point, there should be a definitive turn. If he's headed toward a NXT North American Championship clash with Wes Lee, it made sense for him to win. I appreciated that they got an ample amount of time and that Bate was made to look competitive in defeat.

Kelani Jordan def. Tatum Paxley

Jordan has been an impressive prospect on Level Up as of late and is obviously athletic but is going to need a lot more reps. I'm actually surprised she's being used on NXT TV this soon because she isn't completely ready, but this was fine for what it was. Her post-match promo wasn't the best, but again, she'll get better in time. Cora Jade carried her on that front. Also, will Jordan really benefit from being paired with Dana Brooke, who the audience hasn't gotten behind since her return to NXT?

Eddy Thorpe def. Damon Kemp in an NXT Underground Match

I had my reservations about this because of the train wreck that was Raw Underground three years ago, but this ended up exceeding expectations. It was booked like a brawl that highlighted the legitimate wrestling/fighting backgrounds of both men, and the lack of ring ropes made for a cool visual. I don't know if this would work for everyone, but it did with these two. Gable Steveson was given his time to shine afterward, but we'll see if this leads to him becoming a regular on the show any time soon or if it was simply a one-off for now.

Lyra Valkyria def. Jacy Jane

Valkyria's character still needs tweaking, but it seems the crowd has warmed up to her a little more. She and Jane had a perfectly passable match and Valkyria winning was the right call. Jane attacked Valkyrie afterward to move the feud forward. I can't say it's a storyline I particularly care about, but at least it's something to keep both women busy for now. Jane will only improve in the ring from working with Valkyria, and maybe Valkyria can improve on promos by working with Jane.

Von Wagner Attacked Javier Bernal

Wagner had his big breakthrough a week or two ago and now his babyface turn is apparently complete. All of the character work NXT has done with him must have worked because he was actually over with the crowd during this brief segment. I'll give them credit: it's the most interesting Wagner has been his entire NXT run. His matches are still whatever, but I appreciate them trying something different with Wagner and seemingly having some success.

The Dyad def. The Creed Brothers in a Losers Leave NXT Match

I was among those who was able to remain unspoiled regarding the outcome of this match despite this being a taped show, so this had suspense for me because it could have easily gone either way. The Dyad have gone public with their desire to leave the company when their contracts expire soon, whereas Creed Brothers are due a main roster call-up. The Dyad winning was a pleasant surprise, but I hope we see get the return of Grizzled Young Veterans out of this as teased last week. This was a very well-wrestled match to boot.

Bron Breakker and Ilja Dragunov Brawled

Breakker was running down everything he's accomplished in NXT and how he's ready for what's next when Dragunov emerged, which was only logical because their bad blood from a few weeks ago was never paid off. This brawl obviously sets up a match between the two for The Great American Bash where I have to assume Dragunov wins to send Breakker off to the main roster and to get Dragunov another step closer to challenging for the NXT Championship.

Overall Show

This was a quality edition of NXT despite being a taped show. Creed Brothers losing was notable as it means a main roster call-up is imminent and Perez may not be far behind. We got setup for Breakker vs. Dragunov eventually (likely at The Great American Bash as noted) and an excellent video package for Baron Corbin teasing another character change. Even the NXT Underground match delivered. This was a thumbs-up episode coming off a strong two-week Gold Rush special.

SEE MORE: NXT Reviews