Tonight’s WWE NXT: 6 Hits & 2 Misses (August 5)

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As a devoted movie buff, I’ve just wrapped up another thrilling episode of WWE NXT! Tonight’s show was all about setting the stage for the upcoming NXT Heatwave, and it’s clear that some significant matches have been lined up for the event. However, there were also several ongoing stories and potential feuds given more spotlight throughout the night. To top it off, we even got a few tantalizing crossovers from SmackDown! In this recap, I’ll be dissecting the pivotal moments of the evening, determining if they were triumphant successes or regrettable flops. Let’s dive right into the first clash of the night!

Hit: Monroe Aura and Jordynne’s Rage

The opening bout of the evening featured Blake Monroe versus Kelani Jordan, primarily serving as a prelude for future encounters in Monroe’s escalating rivalry with Jordynne Grace. Although their contest was brief, it proved engaging and we can hope that they will engage in a more prolonged encounter at some point down the line.

In my perspective, what we witnessed was yet another extraordinary display from the fiery Grace, who seems to have discovered an ideal niche where she can shine brightly in NXT. Charging into the ring in her neck brace, Grace pursued Monroe relentlessly, pushing her towards the exit and almost cornering her. This rivalry is rapidly becoming a captivating spectacle, and at Heatwave, it looks like this feud could reach new heights entirely. Moreover, any victory for Kelani, even a count-out win, is always a welcome sight.

Miss: Darkstate Is Everywhere

Tonight’s WWE NXT featured a significant role for the group known as DarkState. They disrupted the Tag Team Division by launching attacks, followed by a pre-recorded message, and then targeted the team consisting of Oba Femi, Trick Williams, Moose, and Je’Von Evans. Frankly, there’s been a lot of DarkState, but unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be going well for them at this point.

“We not done yet!”

What’s DarkState got in mind next?!?

— WWE (@WWE) August 6, 2025

Restoring a struggling act that’s been off-beat since its introduction, and expanding its screen time seems unusual, and I hope this isn’t the direction we’re heading in future episodes. DarkState could benefit from less frequent appearances, as too much of it can be overwhelming, and the promotional material doesn’t exactly boost their appeal either. At present, they appear aimless and uncertain about their purpose or identity. Perhaps they’ll find their footing as the narrative unfolds, but for now, I’d prefer a single DarkState segment per episode until they get a better grasp of their role.

Hit: Both Stars Shining

Despicable, @LexisKingWWE!

— WWE (@WWE) August 6, 2025

In simpler terms, although the fight between Lexis King and Myles Borne wasn’t prolonged, it was beneficial for both wrestling legends. Myles Borne demonstrates exceptional skills in the ring, and as entertaining as the Randy Orton comparisons are, they become increasingly convincing with each match he competes in. Similarly, Lexis King is skillfully playing his role as a detestable heel, and I enjoy seeing him push the boundaries of that character during matches. In this encounter, King viciously stomped Borne’s head on the steel steps, creating a memorable moment that bolstered his image despite losing the match. I hope there will be further developments in their rivalry, as I believe both wrestlers will continue to grow from it if it continues.

Hit: Thea Hail 3.0

As a film enthusiast, I’ve been following Thea Hail’s journey since the early days of Chase U, and it’s been fascinating to witness her transformation. This new version of her character seems to have struck a perfect balance, drawing elements from her past personas while staying true to who she is at her core.

Before she even entered the ring, a side-splitting video of her taking digs at Jax caught my attention. It was refreshingly original and undeniably Thea – a brilliant introduction that set the stage perfectly.

In the ring, Hail proved her mettle in the underdog story against Jax. Despite facing overwhelming odds, Hail’s indomitable spirit kept her going strong. She not only survived but almost pinned down the former Women’s World Champion, which is no easy task. Add a dash of sass with the double birds, and you get an engaging duo that’s likely to captivate audiences for weeks to come. Hail truly deserves the limelight.

Miss: NXT Championship Repeat

During one part focusing on the NXT Championship scenario, DarkState didn’t ruin a timeless segment; instead, it felt reminiscent of previous ones. Even Moose’s appearance failed to make it feel fresh and original, as it seemed repetitive.

Initially, Oba Femi demonstrated a formidable presence, emphasizing his dominance in NXT as he’d vanquished almost everyone there. However, Trick Williams and Je’Von Evans emerged, engaging in their usual banter with Femi, a scenario that seems to recur frequently. If this sounds familiar, it’s because it often unfolds every other week. Williams continues to shine on the microphone, while Evans grows more confident with each appearance (the absurdly funny remark brought a genuine smile). However, these repeated interactions have become rather predictable at this stage, further validating Femi’s initial assertion.

Although Moose joining the mix is great, he’s primarily involved due to Williams and the TNA Championship, making his presence seem insignificant for the NXT Championship. After Heatwave (or during), NXT needs to make some changes to the main event scene to keep it interesting, as another month of this could quickly become repetitive, unless Femi is headed for the main roster.

Hit: Say His Name, He Appears

At NXT, Joe Hendry, the ex-TNA World Champion, made an appearance alongside Moose, adding to the star-studded lineup. A memorable scene unfolded when Wren Sinclair and Charlie Dempsey were conversing backstage. Seeking to lift Dempsey’s spirits, Sinclair decided to sing Hendry’s signature tune. Though Dempsey wasn’t fond of it, the moment became even more precious as Hendry unexpectedly emerged from a refrigerator – yes, a mini fridge!

Enhancing the scene was Sinclair showing her enthusiasm as a devoted fan, donning an outfit reminiscent of Hendry’s style. As Dempsey and Hendry prepare for their ring encounter, Sinclair, one of NXT’s charming superstars, is an ardent supporter. To top off the segment, she managed to snap a selfie with Hendry. Sinclair’s collaboration with Hendry is an unexpected yet delightful pairing that I didn’t realize was necessary until now, and I hope this means we’ll see more of them working together in future events.

Hit: A Ringing Endorsement

Over the past few months, I’ve been riding a remarkable wave of success, and things just got more thrilling when Ethan Page transformed the NXT North American Championship into the new NXT Canadian Championship. Tonight, Tavion Heights challenged Page in an exciting new match-up for the North American Title, but the most captivating moment of the segment wasn’t that confrontation.

The accolade is given to Chelsea Green, who joined the Secret Service to bolster Page’s title reign as Champion. Green acknowledged Page as the greatest North American champion, then backed Page (a fellow Canadian) and confronted Heights. This instigated a response from Heights, who struck Page and threatened to find someone to challenge Green. The upcoming mixed tag team match promises to be even more exciting with this new addition, and I’m eager to see who NXT selects for the roster.

Hit: Complete Chaos in the Main Event

The closing contest of the night featured Sol Ruca versus Tatum Paxley for the NXT Women’s North American Championship. However, the chaos that ensued in the finale was far from ordinary. Despite this main event, numerous subplots intertwined, making the ending remarkably chaotic. Both Ruca and Paxley delivered an exceptional match, with their fan-favorite status adding intensity to their competition.

In the final moments, Paxley’s tale with The Culling and Izzi Dame unfolded alongside the ongoing feud between Lash Legend and Nia Jax, which had been escalating since Nia’s match against Hail. These two clashed fiercely, even managing to send each other crashing through a barricade. Meanwhile, other members of The Culling would taunt Zaria at ringside, with Ruca stepping in to prevent further conflict. The fight in the ring culminated with what might be the best finisher in WWE right now – Ruca’s Sol Snatcher – leading to an exhilarating end to a fairly action-packed NXT event.

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2025-08-06 07:14