NXT’s Unpredictable Night: A Deep Dive into the July 21 Episode

The latest episode of WWE NXT wasn’t just another show—it was a masterclass in storytelling, unpredictability, and the art of keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Personally, I think this episode was a testament to NXT’s ability to blend high-stakes matches with character development, all while setting the stage for future storylines. Let’s dive into what made this night so compelling.

The NXT Championship Street Fight: More Than Just a Match

Tony D’Angelo vs. Naraku in a Street Fight for the NXT Championship was the highlight of the night, and for good reason. What makes this particularly fascinating is how NXT used this match to redefine the stakes of the title. The Street Fight stipulation wasn’t just a gimmick—it was a narrative device to showcase D’Angelo’s grit and Naraku’s desperation.

In my opinion, D’Angelo retaining the title was the right call, but it raises a deeper question: What’s next for Naraku? If you take a step back and think about it, Naraku’s loss could either bury him or elevate him, depending on how NXT handles his character moving forward. Meanwhile, Mike Santana’s debut adds a new layer of intrigue. What this really suggests is that the NXT Championship scene is about to get even more crowded—and that’s a good thing.

Reina Volcan’s Debut: A Star is Born?

Reina Volcan’s squash match against Skylar Raye was exactly what it needed to be: a showcase of her potential. One thing that immediately stands out is her presence. From her entrance to her in-ring style, Volcan feels like a star in the making. But here’s the thing—what many people don’t realize is that NXT has a history of hyping up newcomers only to lose momentum. Volcan’s long-term success will depend on how NXT builds her beyond these early wins.

A detail that I find especially interesting is Skylar Raye’s role in this. Why bring her in just to lose? It’s a missed opportunity, especially after her LFG win. This raises a broader question about NXT’s treatment of its developmental talent. Are they truly invested in building stars, or are they just filling slots?

The Women’s Division: Feuds and Futures

The women’s division continues to be a hotbed of storytelling, with Jaida Parker vs. Nattie and Kendal Grey vs. Lola Vice taking center stage. What makes these feuds stand out is their focus on personal rivalries rather than just title chases. In my opinion, this approach adds depth to the characters and keeps the division feeling fresh.

The NXT Underground match between Grey and Vice is a perfect example. Both women delivered strong promos, which is a pleasant surprise given their past performances. What this really suggests is that NXT is willing to invest in character development, even for midcard feuds. However, the involvement of Thea Hail feels like a wildcard. Personally, I think Hail’s character evolution is one of the most underrated storylines in NXT right now.

The Tag Team Division: A Missed Opportunity?

The match between DarkState and the makeshift team of Saquon Shugars, Noam Dar, and Romero Moreno was solid, but it left me wanting more. What many people don’t realize is that NXT’s tag team division has been struggling for relevance lately. DarkState’s win was expected, but it doesn’t do much to elevate them as a threat.

From my perspective, Dar and Moreno have untapped potential as a team. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the crowd was clearly behind them. If NXT doesn’t capitalize on this, it’ll be a missed opportunity. Meanwhile, Shugars continues to show promise, but his feud with Dion Lennox feels like it’s dragging on. Sometimes, less is more.

The Culling’s Identity Crisis

Shawn Spears vs. Niko Vance was the weakest link of the night, and it’s not hard to see why. The Culling, once a promising stable, has lost its edge. Without Spears, Vance and Izzi Dame feel directionless. What this really suggests is that NXT needs to either revamp The Culling or disband them entirely.

Spears’ return as a babyface was interesting, but it lacked the impact it could have had. Personally, I think he should revisit his ‘Perfect 10’ gimmick for one last run. As for Vance, he needs a personality overhaul. Without it, he’ll remain just another face in the crowd.

Final Thoughts: A Step in the Right Direction

Overall, this episode of NXT was a B-tier show with A-tier potential. The highs were high—the Street Fight, Volcan’s debut, and the women’s feuds—but the lows were noticeable. Matches like Keanu Carver vs. Hank Walker felt like filler, and The Culling’s storyline continues to stall.

If you take a step back and think about it, NXT is at a crossroads. They have the talent, the storylines, and the momentum, but they need to be more consistent. This episode was a reminder of what NXT can be when it fires on all cylinders. Here’s hoping they keep the momentum going.