Fresh off Great American Bash, the June 30 edition of WWE NXT shifted its focus toward the next chapter of the women’s division. Kendal Grey celebrated becoming NXT Women’s Champion for the first time, new challengers quickly emerged, and Kelani Jordan closed the night with a statement win in the main event.
Kendal Grey Celebrates Becoming Champion
The new NXT Women’s Champion, Kendal Grey, opened the show alongside her best friend, WWE Women’s Speed Champion Wren Sinclair, to celebrate her title victory.
Grey admitted she has never been comfortable speaking in front of crowds and reflected on the pressure she put on herself after John Cena selected her for Iron Survivor. She talked about falling short in previous title opportunities before saying this championship proves she belongs. Grey also embraced the fact that she is not a “traditional” champion, joking that she doesn’t even like wearing makeup, but promised she would always wrestle like one.
Wren brought out a cake to celebrate both of them leaving Great American Bash as champions, but the moment did not stay peaceful for long.
Kelani Jordan interrupted to complain about being overlooked once again and demanded an NXT Women’s Championship match. Before Grey could respond, Tatum Paxley attacked Jordan and the two brawled to the back.
It was a nice championship celebration that established Grey’s character while immediately setting up the next challengers.
Jaida Parker Def. Karmen Petrovic
Later in the night, Jaida Parker looked to rebound from her recent loss to Natalya against Karmen Petrovic, who had Natalya, Nikkita Lyons, and Layla Diggs in her corner.
Karmen found success after Natalya distracted the referee long enough for a cheap shot, but Parker fought through it. She recovered with Hipnotic before finishing Karmen with Déjà Vu.
Winner by pinfall: Jaida Parker
A solid bounce-back victory for Parker. Karmen continues to fit naturally as a heel, and Parker immediately reminded Natalya that the score between them is far from settled.
Afterward, Parker pointed toward Natalya and simply said, “That’s one.”
Backstage, Robert Stone later booked Kendal Grey to defend the NXT Women’s Championship against Natalya next week after Natalya demanded an opportunity.
Kelani Jordan vs. Tatum Paxley
Kelani Jordan and Tatum Paxley delivered another quality match in the main event, with Kendal Grey watching from commentary.
Jordan targeted Paxley’s foot and ankle throughout the match, while Paxley continued to fight through the injury and nearly stole the win with several close nearfalls. During the match, Kali Armstrong blindsided Grey at ringside, forcing the new champion to leave commentary.
Jordan stayed focused on the injured foot before finally putting Paxley away with a twisting Angle Slam and her One of a Kind moonsault.
Winner by pinfall: Kelani Jordan
Another very good match between these two. Jordan’s strategy never changed, and that consistency paid off with a clean victory. It certainly feels like she is positioning herself for another NXT Women’s Championship opportunity.
After the match, Paxley remained in the ring before being attacked by newcomer Nikki Blackheart, who has yet to receive her WWE name. The powerhouse laid Paxley out before staring into the camera to close the show.
Final Thoughts
NXT wasted little time establishing its post-Great American Bash direction. Kendal Grey’s championship reign is already off to a busy start with Natalya waiting next week, Kelani Jordan continues building her case for a title shot, and a new powerhouse has arrived by targeting Tatum Paxley.
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