This week’s NXT put the spotlight firmly on its women’s division, a smart move given the rising popularity of the Women’s North American Championship. Beyond just featuring them in matches, the show focused on developing and showcasing the personalities of its female stars. Even segments like Trick Williams’ were more about highlighting Lash Legend than anything else. The mysterious dynamic between Trick and Lash, along with Meta Four’s unexpected departure without Ms. Legend, added layers to the narrative, emphasizing the importance of the women’s roster.
In the main event, Chelsea Green proved her worth, demonstrating that she’s more than just a gimmick on the main roster. Her match against Roxanne Perez showcased her credibility and hinted at potential storylines to come. Additionally, the introduction of a new championship belt for the women brought excitement, with competitors participating in a combine akin to those in professional sports. While the criteria for rankings remained unclear, the focus on character development over recent weeks promises intriguing matchups and rivalries.
The return of Wes Lee after a lengthy hiatus was another highlight, with his match against Josh Briggs showcasing his resilience following major back surgery. The addition of Ivar observing from ringside added an interesting element to the story, hinting at future developments. The ongoing feud between Shayna Baszler & Lola Vice and their opponents added further depth to the women’s division.
Fallon Henley’s heel turn provided a fresh narrative direction, with her ruthless tactics against former friend Kelani Jordan signaling a new chapter for her character. The women’s matches stood out amidst a somewhat lackluster showing from the men’s division, indicating the need for clearer direction in that regard.
Overall, while the show had its ups and downs, the focus on the upcoming tournament and the continued development of the women’s division left a positive impression.