With The Great American Bash just days away, NXT turned up the intensity on the July 8 episode, stacking the night with pivotal matchups, heated rivalries, and a glimpse into what’s next for the road to Clash in Paris.
The evening kicked off with a bang as Ricky Saint battled through a grueling gauntlet match, outlasting not one, not two, but three challengers Brad Baylor, Ricky Smokes, and Jackson Drake. Saint’s performance wasn’t just dominant; it was a statement. With eyes on the future of NXT’s singles division, he’s clearly someone to watch.
In another hard-hitting encounter, Charlie Dempsey showcased his technical prowess against Tavion Heights. Dempsey’s ground game was simply too much for Heights to handle, as the Brit executed a precise strategy that left no room for error. Clean, clinical, and commanding—that’s how you describe Dempsey’s win.
Later in the night, Joe Hendry teamed up with Mike Santana in a clash of charisma and intensity. The duo worked in perfect sync to defeat the powerful pairing of Tyriek Igwe and Tyson Dupont. Hendry’s crowd connection and Santana’s in-ring explosiveness proved to be a winning combination, and it left fans buzzing about a potential tag team run.
On the women’s side, Kelani Jordan continued her upward momentum with a convincing win over Lainey Reid. Jordan’s athleticism shone through, and as the women’s division gears up for the upcoming Battle Royal, she’s looking more and more like a real contender.
Speaking of tag team gold, the NXT Tag Team Championship was on the line as Hank Walker and Tank Ledger defended their titles against The Culling, comprised of Niko Vance and the ever-dangerous Shawn Spears. Despite the challengers bringing an unpredictable edge, the champions held firm and walked out with the belts still around their waists. Experience and grit won out this time, but the division feels more volatile than ever.
Before the show closed, NXT revealed the full lineup for the highly anticipated Women’s Battle Royal at Clash in Paris. With names like Nikki Bella, Giulia, Nia Jax, Natalya, and many more confirmed, the winner will earn a future title opportunity, and with this stacked field, it’s anyone’s game.
As the final bell rang, it was clear: NXT isn’t just building toward The Great American Bash. It’s crafting a future packed with rising stars, bold rivalries, and title dreams. July 8 wasn’t just a go-home show, it was a spark that lit the next fire.
