NWA Powerrr: July 8th Episode Recap

The NWA Powerrr episode aired on July 8th at 6:05 pm EST on the National Wrestling Alliance’s X (formerly Twitter) account. It continued the fallout from the NWA Hard Times V event. This episode featured two major championship matches and intense promos.

The main event saw NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Thom Latimer defending the prestigious “Ten Pounds of Gold” against Carson Bartholomew Drake. He invoked the NWA’s Lucky 7 rule to earn his title shot. Drake, self-proclaimed as “The Most Successful Man in the NWA,” had been building momentum with months of brash promos. He has claimed he was destined to dethrone Latimer.

The bout was a hard-hitting affair, showcasing Latimer’s technical prowess and resilience against Drake’s aggressive, opportunistic style. Latimer relied on his signature power moves, including a devastating piledriver, to maintain control. Drake, however, countered with high-energy offense, nearly securing the victory with a series of near-falls that had the audience on edge. The match culminated with Latimer retaining the title after a grueling exchange.

Thom Latimer’s victory solidified his reign as one of the most dominant champions in recent NWA history, but Drake’s performance likely keeps him in the title picture. The Lucky 7 rule’s invocation suggests Drake may have additional opportunities to challenge for the title. This feud could escalate further, given Drake’s outspoken persona and Latimer’s determination to hold onto the gold.

The second championship match of the night featured NWA World Tag Team Champions Knox and Murdoch defending against The SlimeBallz (Sage & Tommy), a team known for their unorthodox and unpredictable style. This match was part of the Hard Times V fallout, building on the SlimeBallz’s recent push as contenders. Knox and Murdoch, a powerhouse duo, leaned on their experience and brute strength to dominate early. The SlimeBallz, however, brought chaos to the ring with their high-flying and underhanded tactics, creating several close calls. The champions’ synergy ultimately proved too much, with Knox and Murdoch securing the win via their signature double-team maneuvers.

This victory reinforces Knox and Murdoch’s status as a cornerstone of the NWA tag team division. The SlimeBallz, despite the loss, showcased their potential as a threat. I look forward to seeing them on NWA 77. The tag team division remains competitive, with teams like The Southern Six (2024 Crockett Cup winners) looming as potential challengers.

Leading into the main event, Carson Bartholomew Drake delivered a fiery promo. He hyped his use of the Lucky 7 rule to secure his title shot. Drake proclaimed himself “The Most Successful Man in the NWA,” doubling down on his months-long campaign of self-promotion. He taunted Latimer, questioning the champion’s ability to withstand his momentum. This promo set the tone for their intense championship clash and further established Drake as a polarizing figure in the NWA.

Drake’s promo work continues to build his character as a cocky, ambitious contender. Even in defeat, his performance in the ring and on the mic ensures he remains a key player in the heavyweight title scene. Expect Drake to continue stirring controversy.

The July 8th episode is part of the NWA’s temporary run on X, which began October 1, 2024, and is set to conclude by July 29, 2025. NWA Powerrr moves to The Roku Channel in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This transition places NWA Powerrr in direct competition with WWE’s NXT on The CW. The move to Roku is expected to increase accessibility and exposure, which could influence how storylines are crafted to attract new viewers.

This episode continues the storyline threads from Hard Times V PPV. The focus on championship matches suggests the NWA is emphasizing its top titles to maintain fan interest. The fallout from Hard Times V sets the stage for future events.

NWA Powerrr continues to embrace its retro aesthetic. The commentary team featuring Joe Galli provided context for the matches. The production quality, taped at events like Hard Times V, maintains the NWA’s gritty, old-school vibe. This resonates with its dedicated fanbase but has drawn criticism from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The consistent presentation helps differentiate NWA Powerrr from competitors, but the move to Roku may prompt enhancements. The NWA’s ability to balance its nostalgic roots with modern wrestling expectations will be crucial.

The NWA Powerrr July 8th episode delivered a focused showcase of championship action and storyline progression, with Thom Latimer and Knox and Murdoch solidifying their reigns while Carson Drake and The SlimeBallz emerged as credible threats. The promos, particularly Drake’s, added fuel to ongoing rivalries. The looming transition to The Roku Channel signals a new chapter for the NWA. As the promotion builds toward NWA 77 and beyond. Fans can catch up on this episode and others on the NWA’s X account until July 29, 2025, when the show moves to The Roku Channel for free streaming in multiple regions.