The July 7 edition of WWE NXT was taped following last week’s show to give the roster a well-earned Fourth of July break, but there was still plenty to move the women’s division forward. Kendal Grey defended the NXT Women’s Championship against Natalya, a new challenger emerged for the NXT Women’s North American Championship, and a fresh face officially arrived in NXT.
Let’s dive in.
Kali Armstrong Makes Her Intentions Clear
Kali Armstrong opened the show by declaring that Kendal Grey had become her target after winning the NXT Women’s Championship. She said she is done waiting for opportunities and plans to create her own, whether Kendal Grey or Natalya is champion.
Lola Vice interrupted to remind everyone she still wants her rematch, while Kelani Jordan once again argued that she has been overlooked for an NXT Women’s Championship opportunity. Before the conversation could go much further, Kali flattened both women with a double clothesline and shoulder tackle.
These opening promo segments are pretty much an NXT tradition at this point, but this one accomplished its goal of putting several title contenders in the same orbit.
A video package later featured Jaida Parker, who vowed to finally put Natalya behind her after admitting their rivalry had gotten inside her head.
Layla Diggs Wins No. 1 Contender’s Match
Layla Diggs, Izzi Dame, Lizzy Rain, and Thea Hail battled in a fatal four-way to determine the next challenger for Zaria’s NXT Women’s North American Championship.
The match was exactly what you would expect from these four: fast-paced, unpredictable, and packed with near falls. Lizzy Rain continued to impress, Thea Hail brought her usual nonstop energy, and Izzi Dame looked dominant whenever she was in control. In the end, Diggs capitalized with a moonsault onto Hail to secure the biggest victory of her NXT career.
Winner by pinfall: Layla Diggs
This was an entertaining match that could have gone to any of the four competitors. The final stretch was especially strong, and Diggs feels like a very believable next challenger.
Later in the show, NXT also aired the first vignette for newcomer Reina Volcan (formerly Nikki Blackheart), who promised to dominate the women’s division.
NXT Women’s Championship: Kendal Grey vs. Nattie
The main event saw Kendal Grey make her first NXT Women’s Championship defense against Natalya, with Wren Sinclair in Grey’s corner and Natalya accompanied by Karmen Petrovic and Nikkita Lyons.
The match leaned heavily into technical wrestling, with both women trading submissions and counters throughout. Outside interference briefly entered the picture before Lola Vice arrived to neutralize Natalya’s allies, allowing the match to return to a one-on-one contest.
Grey rallied late with overhead suplexes and survived Natalya’s Sharpshooter, reaching the ropes after Natalya dragged her back toward the middle of the ring. After a series of quick reversals, Grey suddenly connected with Shades of Grey to retain the championship.
Winner by pinfall: Kendal Grey
I really enjoyed this. Natalya continues to be one of the best veterans you could ask for in a championship match, and Grey looked right at home opposite her. The sudden finish also made Shades of Grey feel like a legitimate match-ending move, which is exactly what a champion’s finisher should be.
After the match, Jaida Parker confronted Natalya, making it clear their rivalry is not over. Parker also took out Karmen Petrovic and Nikkita Lyons before turning her attention back to Nattie.
The show ended with Kendal Grey standing tall as Kelani Jordan, Lola Vice, and Kali Armstrong surrounded the ring, each making it clear they have championship aspirations of their own.
Final Thoughts
This was another solid step toward NXT’s next championship programs. Layla Diggs earned the biggest opportunity of her career, Reina Volcan officially entered the picture, and Kendal Grey successfully passed her first title defense.
Sound off in the comments below.
One final note: On a personal note, this will be my last NXT review for the foreseeable future, as I’ll be taking an indefinite hiatus from weekly coverage. This was not an easy decision, but it feels like the right time for me to step back, recharge, and reassess my relationship with wrestling.
I’m incredibly grateful for the Diva Dirt community, whether you’re one of the long-time posters whose opinions I’ve enjoyed reading over the years, someone I’ve watched celebrate your favorites through all the highs and lows of their careers, my fellow DDW alumni, or Nick, who has truly been the heart and soul of this website. I’m grateful for the relationships that have grown beyond the online Stratusphere, including some of you I’ve even been lucky enough to meet in real life. This is not an easy decision, but I’m thankful for every memory, conversation, laugh, debate, promo and connection this place has given me. I appreciate all of you more than you know.