rThe July 1, 2025, episode of WWE NXT was broadcast from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, on The CW Network (with streaming on Netflix for international audiences). It was pre-taped on June 24th and delivered a high-energy show while advancing storylines. It established key matches for the upcoming NXT Great American Bash on July 12 and WWE Evolution on July 13. With a focus on cross-promotional talent from TNA Wrestling, intense in-ring action, and pivotal character developments, this episode laid a strong foundation for NXT’s immediate future.
WWE NXT Match Results and Recaps
Joe Hendry def. Wes Lee
The opening match saw TNA Wrestling star Joe Hendry face Wes Lee, accompanied by High Ryze (Tyson DuPont and Tyriek Igwe). The numbers game initially favored Lee, but Mike Santana’s surprise return to WWE NXT evened the odds. He neutralized High Ryze. Hendry capitalized on this by hitting his signature Standing Ovation to secure the victory. Trick Williams, the TNA World Champion, watched from commentary. It added tension to Hendry’s ongoing quest to reclaim the title. Post-match, Hendry and Santana stared down Williams, signaling their intent ahead of TNA’s Slammiversary on July 20.
Future Impact
Hendry’s win strengthens his position as a top contender for the TNA World Championship. It could potentially set up a rematch with Williams at Slammiversary. Santana’s return to NXT suggests a deeper integration of TNA Wrestling talent, which could lead to more cross-promotional storylines. This would enhance NXT’s appeal by blending rosters. It would also position Hendry as a fan-favorite babyface. His loud entrance ovation indicates strong crowd support.
Myles Borne def. Lexis King
Myles Borne (accompanied by University of Florida football players George Gumbs Jr. and Tyreak Sapp) faced Lexis King. King mocked Borne and his guests, which backfired as the NXT Universe rallied behind Borne. He secured the win with a crushing Neckbreaker and celebrated with the Gators post-match. The crowd’s reaction to King’s taunts amplified Borne’s babyface momentum. The involvement of real-life athletes added a unique layer of authenticity to the segment.
Future Impact
Borne’s victory elevates him as an emerging star in NXT. This win potentially positions him for a bigger role in the men’s division. The inclusion of college athletes hints at WWE NXT experimenting with celebrity or crossover appearances to draw mainstream attention. This strategy could expand viewership if continued.
Lainey Reid def. Thea Hail
Lainey Reid pulled off an upset by defeating Thea Hail. She showcased newfound aggression. Reid used a Jumping Knee Strike and leveraged the bottom rope for a controversial pinfall victory. The match highlighted Reid’s evolution into a more ruthless competitor. Thea Hail’s high-energy performance kept her a fan favorite despite the loss.
Future Impact
Lainey Reid’s win marks her as a rising heel in the women’s division. It could potentially lead to a feud with Thea Hail or a push toward the NXT Women’s North American Championship. Hail’s loss could spark a redemption arc. This would add depth to her character as she navigates setbacks.
Izzi Dame and Tatum Paxley def. Sol Ruca and Zaria
Accompanied by The Culling (Niko Vance and Shawn Spears), Izzi Dame and Tatum Paxley upset the formidable team of Women’s North American Champion Sol Ruca and Zaria. A critical moment came when Paxley shoved Dame out of harm’s way. So Zaria accidentally speared Ruca. Tatum Paxley knocked Zaria out of the ring. This allowed Izzi Dame to hit a Sit-out Spinebuster on Ruca for the pin. Backstage, Ruca and Zaria warned Paxley about being manipulated by Dame. But Paxley reaffirmed her loyalty to Dame. She hinted at a strengthening alliance within The Culling.
Future Impact
This victory establishes Dame and Paxley as a cohesive tag team, potentially positioning them as contenders for the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships or a challenge to Ruca’s North American title. The accidental spear adds tension to Ruca and Zaria’s partnership, which could lead to a split or a storyline exploring trust issues. Paxley’s alignment with The Culling suggests a heel turn, which may reshape her character arc and lead to conflicts with other babyfaces.
Yoshiki Inamura def. Jasper Troy in a NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match
In the main event, Yoshiki Inamura battled Jasper Troy to determine Oba Femi’s challenger for the NXT Championship at WWE NXT: Great American Bash. The hard-hitting match saw Inamura overcome Troy’s Black Hole Slam to earn the title shot. Post-match, Inamura stared down Femi, who appeared at the entrance, while Je’Von Evans attacked Troy with a Springboard Missile Dropkick. Jasper Troy’s pre-match promo emphasized his fearlessness and desire for a rematch with Femi. However, Inamura’s resilience stole the spotlight. Evans’ post-match attack suggests an ongoing rivalry with Troy.
Future Impact
Inamura’s victory sets up a high-stakes title match against Oba Femi at WWE NXT: Great American Bash on July 12. It pits two powerhouses against each other. This could elevate Inamura if he wins or solidify Femi’s dominance as champion. Evans’ attack on Troy indicates a potential feud that would add another layer to the men’s division. Femi’s confidence in welcoming tough challenges reinforces his status as a formidable champion.
Key Promos and Segments
Jordynne Grace’s Promo and Fatal Influence Confrontation
Jordynne Grace delivered an emotional promo about self-doubt and her journey to belong in WWE NXT. She is aiming to make history by defeating NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne at Evolution 2 PLE. Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley, Jacy Jayne, and Jazmyn Nyx) interrupted. They mocked Grace, which led to a 3-on-1 beatdown. Newcomer Blake Monroe made a dramatic save, clearing the ring. NXT General Manager Ava then announced a tag team match for Great American Bash on July 12: Jordynne Grace and Blake Monroe vs. Fatal Influence.
Future Impact
Grace’s promo solidified her as a relatable babyface, setting up her title match against Jayne at Evolution as a must-watch clash. Monroe’s involvement positions her as a rising star and a potential ally for Grace. This could lead to a long-term partnership or a breakout singles run. The tag match at Great American Bash will likely escalate the feud, with Fatal Influence’s heel tactics creating opportunities for dramatic storytelling. This segment also highlights NXT’s focus on its women’s division. It’s a key draw for the upcoming all-women’s Evolution event.
Luca Crusifino Breaks from The D’Angelo Family
Luca Crusifino addressed his loyalty to The D’Angelo Family, but when Tony D’Angelo and Stacks intervened. Crusifino snapped, attacking both men and declaring his independence.
Future Impact
Crusifino’s split from The D’Angelo Family marks a significant character shift, potentially turning him into a solo heel or a wildcard in the men’s division. This could lead to a feud with Tony D’Angelo and Stacks. This should add depth to NXT’s midcard storylines. The angle also opens the door for new alliances or rivalries, enhancing Crusifino’s visibility.
Ethan Page and The Vanity Project Challenge Ricky Saints
In Ava’s office, Ethan Page, alongside The Vanity Project (Jackson Drake, Brad Baylor, and Ricky Smokes), confronted Ricky Saints. Page offered him a rematch for the NXT North American Championship, but only if he survives a Vanity Project Gauntlet Match.
Future Impact
This segment advanced the rivalry between Page and Saints. The gauntlet match serves as a high-stakes hurdle for Ricky. It reinforces Page’s heel persona and establishes The Vanity Project as a dominant faction. Saints’ underdog journey could resonate with fans. It would set up a future title shot if he overcomes the gauntlet.
Wren Sinclair Supports Tavion Heights
Wren Sinclair backed Tavion Heights, who challenged Charlie Dempsey to a match to determine his future with No Quarter Catch Crew (NQCC). Dempsey accepted and promised to settle the matter definitively.
Future Impact
This sets up a pivotal match that could redefine Heights’ role in NQCC, either cementing his place or leading to his expulsion. Sinclair’s involvement suggests a potential alliance with Heights. This could evolve into a mixed-tag or faction-based storyline. This angle adds intrigue to the NQCC storyline, keeping the group relevant in NXT’s midcard.
Broader Implications for NXT
Cross-Promotional Synergy with TNA Wrestling
The episode heavily featured TNA Wrestling talent, with Joe Hendry, Mike Santana, and references to Trick Williams’ TNA World Championship reign. This collaboration enhances NXT’s roster depth. It introduces fresh matchups to appeal to fans of both promotions. The Hendry-Williams-Santana dynamic is a cornerstone of this partnership. Continued integration of TNA Wrestling stars could boost NXT’s viewership. The episode’s reported 627,000 viewers (down from 729,000 the previous week) suggests challenges in maintaining audience retention for pre-taped shows.
Women’s Division Spotlight
The women’s division took center stage with Grace’s promo, Monroe’s debut, and the Dame-Paxley victory. With Evolution 2 PLE approaching, NXT is positioning its women as key players, potentially drawing mainstream attention to the all-women’s event. The Grace-Jayne feud and Monroe’s emergence could elevate the division. Tatum Paxley’s heel turn and alliance with The Culling add complexity to the tag team landscape.
Building Toward the Great American Bash and Evolution 2 PLE
The episode effectively built momentum for the Great American Bash, with Inamura vs. Femi and Grace/Monroe vs. Fatal Influence confirmed for July 12. These matches, combined with the Saints-Page gauntlet and Heights-Dempsey, create a stacked card that balances established stars and rising talent. Evolution 2 PLE’s focus on women’s wrestling is further amplified by Grace’s storyline, potentially attracting a broader audience.
Viewership and Presentation Challenges
The pre-taped nature of the episode, due to the July 4 holiday, may have contributed to its low viewership. WWE NXT drew 627,000 viewers. It was the lowest of 2025 and had a 0.15 rating in the 18-49 demographic. While Netflix’s ad-free streaming option offers flexibility for international viewers, the lack of live energy could impact fan engagement. WWE NXT may need to emphasize live broadcasts or surprise elements to regain momentum.
Conclusion
The July 1st episode of WWE NXT was a pivotal show that advanced key storylines and set the stage for the Great American Bash and Evolution 2 PLE. Standout performances from Joe Hendry, Yoshiki Inamura, and Jordynne Grace, coupled with surprising developments like Luca Crusifino’s rebellion and Tatum Paxley’s heel turn. It showcased NXT’s ability to blend fresh talent with established stars. The continued TNA Wrestling crossover adds excitement, while the women’s division remains a focal point. However, NXT must address viewership challenges to maintain its momentum. With a stacked card for upcoming events, NXT is poised for a thrilling summer, provided it capitalizes on its storytelling and cross-promotional opportunities.
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