Hey everyone, welcome back to another NXT recap. If you were anywhere near that snowstorm this week, hopefully you’re inside, warm, and not shoveling as you read this. On this episode, we finally reached the boiling point of a months-long storyline between Zaria and Sol Ruca. The tension has been simmering for a while. Now it’s time to see how it paid off. Let’s dive in.
Backstage in the women’s locker room, Wren Sinclair and Kendal Grey were discussing Wren’s participation in the Women’s Speed Tournament. Enter Kelani Jordan, who walked in with the kind of energy that suggests she reads her own press.
Jordan reminded everyone that she made Lola Vice tap out, then pivoted to belittling both Grey and Wren. That lasted about five seconds too long. Lola Vice stormed in and kicked Jordan, sending the locker room into a brief scramble before other women separated them.
Underground Match Set for Vengeance Day
Later backstage, Lola Vice tracked down Interim NXT GM Robert Stone and demanded an Underground Match against Kelani Jordan. Stone agreed, booking it for NXT Vengeance Day on March 7. That’s a big stipulation match without a title attached. It doesn’t need one. The animosity sells itself.
NXT Women’s Championship
Jacy Jayne (c) (w/ Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid) vs. Sol Ruca (w/ Zaria) No DQ
Sol Ruca made her entrance first, Zaria by her side. Everything appeared aligned. Jacy Jayne followed with Fatal Influence backing her, carrying herself like a champion who already knew the ending.
Before the bell could even ring, Zaria speared Sol Ruca in the center of the ring. Zaria hoisted Ruca onto her shoulders and planted her with an F5. No hesitation. No remorse. She leaned in and yelled “Good luck” as she stepped away.
Vic Joseph reminded viewers this was No Disqualification. Ruca, somehow, told the referee she was ready to compete. The bell rang. Jayne immediately blasted her with the Rolling Encore forearm smash and covered.
Winner by pinfall: Jacy Jayne
After the bell, Zaria wasn’t done. She dragged Ruca out of the ring and delivered another F5 onto the commentary table. Then she called Sol a bitch and kissed her on the forehead. Cold. We knew the turn was coming. The timing is what matters. Zaria chose the exact moment that would cost Ruca the most.
Tatum Paxley/Izzi Dame Segment
From the crowd, Tatum Paxley cut a promo about acceptance and love. She said the NXT fans have supported her, and when she wins the NXT Women’s North American Championship, that title will belong to them too.
Izzi Dame appeared, reminding Paxley that she will never be enough. They were separated by people in the crowd.
Short segment, effective contrast. Paxley plays the earnest babyface well. Dame remains dismissive and direct.
Women’s Speed Tournament: Blake Monroe vs. Thea Hail
Blake Monroe has somehow found herself in the Speed Title picture, and whether that’s elevation or detour remains unclear. The match started fast. Thea Hail came out aggressive, immediately rolling Monroe into quick pin attempts. Hail followed with a superkick for a two-count, then knocked Monroe to the floor.
That’s when Jaida Parker entered the equation. With the referee distracted, Parker hit Hipnotic on Monroe on the outside. Clean strike. No official saw it. Monroe rolled back into the ring. Hail capitalized with a flipping neckbreaker and secured the pin at 1:08.
Winner by pinfall: Thea Hail
Booker T audibly questioned what was happening tonight. Monroe was visibly furious in the ring afterward while Jaida Parker taunted her from the floor. It advances their rivalry, but Monroe continues to absorb the damage.
Backstage, Zaria approached Jacy Jayne and Fatal Influence letting the champ know “You owe me.” Zaria told Jayne she wants her title match next week. If not, she’d do to Jayne what she just did to Ruca. She walked off without waiting for a reply.
Izzi Dame then entered Stone’s office to discuss Tatum Paxley. Stone suggested settling things amicably. Dame reminded him this is Tatum Paxley they’re dealing with. Fair point.
Next week! NXT Women’s Championship Match: Jacy Jayne vs. Zaria
Solid episode. The Zaria heel turn landed. It was the obvious route, but obvious isn’t a flaw when the build has been this long. We finally reached the beat we’ve been circling for months. Time to push the story into its next phase.
I am still not entirely sure what is happening with Thea, Blake, and Jaida. There’s a decent chance creative might not know either. But I am very much looking forward to the Underground match between Lola and Lani. That stipulation fits both of them perfectly and they are going to bring the intensity.
All around, good stuff. Looking forward to next week’s NXT Women’s Title Match. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!