WWE NXT Winners, Grades and Reaction From June 16 (2026)

The NXT Paradox: When Potential Outshines Execution

There’s something inherently fascinating about WWE NXT. It’s a breeding ground for raw talent, a place where stars are born and narratives are crafted. Yet, as I watched the June 16 episode, I couldn’t shake the feeling that NXT is trapped in a paradox: it has all the ingredients for greatness, but the execution often falls flat. Personally, I think this is where NXT’s true challenge lies—not in the lack of talent, but in the inability to harness it effectively.

The Women’s Division: A Tale of Missed Opportunities

Let’s start with the women’s division, which has been NXT’s crown jewel in recent years. The segment featuring Zaria, Kelani Jordan, Kendal Grey, and Lola Vice was a prime example of what’s going wrong. On paper, it should have been a highlight—a celebration of Zaria’s championship win, a moment to elevate her as a dominant force. Instead, it devolved into a messy interruption promo, a trope NXT seems unwilling to abandon.

What makes this particularly fascinating is how NXT undermines its own stars. Zaria, one of the best talkers in the division, was reduced to a sideshow as Jordan, Grey, and Vice hijacked the segment. In my opinion, this is a symptom of a larger issue: NXT’s insistence on forcing rivalries instead of letting them organically develop. The tag match setup felt predictable, and Vice even called out the trope in the script—a meta moment that only highlighted the problem.

If you take a step back and think about it, NXT’s women’s division is a microcosm of its broader struggles. There’s so much talent, yet the storytelling often feels rushed or disjointed. The Women’s Speed Championship Tournament, for instance, had moments of brilliance but was ultimately marred by clunky execution. Thea Hail, once a priority, now feels like an afterthought, while Izzi Dame, despite NXT’s investment, hasn’t quite lived up to the hype.

The Men’s Division: Intrigue Without Direction

The men’s division isn’t faring much better. The match between Jackson Drake and Tavion Heights was a solid contest, but it left me with more questions than answers. Heights’ victory sets up a North American Championship match against Myles Borne, which should be a highlight of Great American Bash. Yet, Heights hasn’t fully sold himself as a contender, and his dynamic with Borne feels stale.

One thing that immediately stands out is Drake’s potential. He’s too flashy to stay a heel forever, and his in-ring style is reminiscent of Je’Von Evans—a comparison that’s hard to ignore. But what this really suggests is that NXT is struggling to find a clear direction for its rising stars. The Vanity Project feels like a priority, but their path to Great American Bash is anything but clear.

Then there’s Tony D’Angelo and Naraku, a pairing that could be compelling but hasn’t quite clicked yet. Naraku’s charm feels like a facade, and while the tease of his “evil” side is intriguing, it’s not enough to sustain interest. Personally, I think NXT needs to accelerate this storyline—either fully embrace Naraku as a villain or pivot to something more engaging.

The Bigger Picture: NXT’s Identity Crisis

What many people don’t realize is that NXT’s struggles aren’t just about individual matches or storylines. It’s about identity. NXT used to be the place where wrestlers could take risks, where experimentation was encouraged. Now, it feels like a watered-down version of the main roster, stuck in a cycle of predictable tropes and underdeveloped narratives.

The Women’s Speed Championship Tournament is a perfect example. Speed matches in NXT often feel rushed or clunky, and this tournament was no exception. Arianna Grace vs. Layla Diggs had potential, but it was over before it could truly shine. Diggs, in particular, feels like an underrated gem, but her character hasn’t been given the spotlight she deserves.

Meanwhile, NXT’s sidelining of exciting new acts like Mason Rook, Lizzy Rain, and Tristan Angels is baffling. These are the wrestlers who could inject fresh energy into the brand, yet they’re relegated to quick backstage segments. If you ask me, this is a missed opportunity—one that NXT can’t afford to keep making.

Final Thoughts: A Brand in Transition

As I reflect on the June 16 episode, I’m left with a sense of frustration. NXT has all the tools to be great, but it’s struggling to put them together. The road to Great American Bash should be a time of heightened tension and excitement, yet this episode felt tame and forgettable.

In my opinion, NXT needs to take a step back and reevaluate its approach. The talent is there, but the storytelling needs to catch up. Whether it’s giving stars like Zaria and Diggs more room to shine or developing long-term narratives for wrestlers like Heights and Naraku, NXT needs to find its footing again.

What this really suggests is that NXT is at a crossroads. It can either continue down this path of mediocrity or reclaim its identity as a bold, innovative brand. Personally, I’m rooting for the latter. Because when NXT is firing on all cylinders, there’s nothing quite like it in wrestling.

Overall Grade: C-