WWE NXT - Best and Worst - Randy Orton makes embarrassing botch, Ex-Bloodline member returns, Title reign ends after 273 days
The second week of NXT's move to the CW Network provided a variety of big moments. Both the NXT North American Championship and NXT Tag Team Title were on the line. Neither title match, however, closed the show.
That honor went to hometown hero Randy Orton and his opponent, Je'Von Evans. Orton bested The Bouncy One even after they missed the biggest spot of the match. Jey Uso's appearance was announced last night but he merely showed up to pat Trick Williams on the back.
While many of the same names hold the gold - Roxanne Perez, Trick Williams, Axiom, and Nathan Frazer - a lot could change with several returns and additions. After another big show on the CW Network, here's the best and worst for this week's episode of NXT.
#3. Best - Stephanie Vaquer is officially in NXT
After her signing was announced over the summer, NXT fans eagerly awaited the debut of former CMLL star Stephanie Vaquer. Vaquer's name jumped to the forefront of professional wrestling when she appeared in AEW only to lose the NJPW Strong Women's Title to Mercedes Mone.
She then opted to sign with WWE. Her debut was teased before Roxanne Perez and Giulia faced off last week. As Giulia confronted Perez and Cora Jade this week, she was flanked by Vaquer.
The international stars stood tall to end the segment. Both women held the NXT Women's Championship, teasing a potential blockbuster showdown for the belt.
#3. Worst - Being off TV gets Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson another title shot
WWE had a built-in storyline where any member of Fatal Influence could have challenged Kelani Jordan for her title. It would have also made sense if Jacy Jayne and Fallon Henley challenged Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill for the Women's Tag Titles.
The trios feuded over the last two weeks. Fatal Influence predictably lost to all three champions, again stunting any credibility they may have as heels. As Jordan, Belair, and Cargill celebrated their victory backstage, Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson randomly showed up to ask for another title shot.
They were the last NXT duo to unsuccessfully challenge for the titles, losing to the Unholy Union in late July. They haven't been in an angle for a few weeks but get a shot at the belts on this week's SmackDown.
It would have made much more sense had Fatal Influence received a shot after a post-match attack. They could have picked up some lost heat that way.
#2. Best - The women's division is getting better and better each week
The current NXT women's division is laden with talent and performers with varying skill sets. As Perez lords over the division as its champion, she'll only find it harder to keep her title.
Not only did the addition of Giulia and Vaquer instantly increase the quality of competitors, but Jade and Nikkita Lyons are also back in the mix. Vignettes have also aired for the impending debut of Aussie powerhouse Delta.
The division was mostly filled with amateur athletes from the NIL/collegiate ranks. It's now getting even better with legitimate stars from the independent and world wrestling scene.
#2. Worst - Je'Von Evans loses and gets a title opportunity
This is by no means an indictment on Je'Von Evans's ability or character. It's more about the context in which things played out all night. Wes Lee interrupted Trick Willams to start the show.
He staked his claim to a shot at the NXT Title. As the former champion who lost the title in a match with a special referee, Ethan Page also demanded another shot from NXT GM Ava.
She hesitated to give him one before booking Lee vs. Page in a #1 Contender's bout next week. The winner will face Trick Williams at Halloween Havoc. Evans had lost to Randy Orton in the main event but Ava added him to the match "after what he showed her" against Orton.
Of the three participants, only Wes Lee can say he won his last match. He and Page are both former champions. Adding Evans to another title match feels strange since Ava is supposed to be unbiased.
#1. Best - Tony D completes an emotional journey to title glory
Perhaps the best moment of the night involved NXT 2.0 original Tony D'Angelo. As the lone Big Four reboot member left in NXT, The Don has struggled to win singles gold.
He fell against Ilja Dragunov at Stand & Deliver and then to Femi, setting him on a journey of doubt and self-reflection.
The journey gave Adrianna Rizzo a more prominent role as she helped D'Angelo rediscover his confidence. The entire arc would have been pointless had he lost to The Ruler of NXT again.
Femi was protected in defeat as D'Angelo won via a roll-up after one of the brand's better matches this year. He'll be gunning for Trick Williams by the end of 2024.
#1. Worst - Randy Orton misses the biggest spot of his match
The entire match between Randy Orton and Je'Von Evans was based on two things. The first is that Orton is from St. Louis and the show took place in his hometown this week.
The second was that The Viper wanted to see how high Evans could get before he hit him with an RKO. The match was the usual Orton offering - slow and plodding in spots and he hit his usual signature moves.
Evans had a few moments to highlight his athletic ability, including the much-anticipated big RKO spot. When it went down, Evans jumped off the top buckle but Orton was out of position to land the move.
The Viper ended the match after picking The Bouncy One back up and to properly execute the move. It was supposed to be one of Orton's best RKOs but fell flat due to a missed spot.