The January 21 edition of WWE NXT brought fans another thrilling episode from the Capitol Wrestling Center in Orlando, Florida. This event marks a significant moment as it continues the exciting build-up toward Vengeance Day, which will take place on Saturday, February 15, at the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington D.C. As the wrestling world gears up for the high-stakes event, this edition of NXT featured multiple developments that will have long-lasting implications for WWE’s future.

For those who weren’t able to watch the action live, the NXT results can be found here as the show goes live at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT on The CW Network. While only two matches were confirmed beforehand, fans quickly discovered that there was much more in store for them. From new rivalries to title defenses and surprising confrontations, the episode delivered excitement in abundance. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of everything that went down on the January 21 edition of NXT.

What Happened This Week On WWE NXT?

The show kicked off with a notable surprise for NXT viewers: Corey Graves was added to the commentary team. Graves, known for his sharp and insightful commentary, provided a new dynamic for the evening’s action. Fans were excited to hear his perspective on the matches, as his unique voice in the commentary booth always adds an extra layer of intensity and drama to the show. As the evening progressed, it became clear that Graves’ addition was going to uplift the general experience for viewers.

Tony D’Angelo vs. Ridge Holland – NXT North American Championship Match

The first major match of the evening saw Tony D’Angelo defend his NXT North American Championship against Ridge Holland. This was a match full of high stakes and intense competition, as both competitors were determined to walk away with the coveted title. Things quickly escalated when Shawn Spears interfered, leading to a chaotic brawl outside the ring. The Family members clashed, but the real turning point came when Izzi Dame entered the fray, providing crucial assistance to Tony D’Angelo.

D’Angelo’s successful defense of his title didn’t come easily. The match was hard-fought, and Ridge Holland was relentless in his pursuit of the championship. However, thanks to Dame’s timely intervention, D’Angelo was able to retain his North American Championship. As the match concluded, it was clear that D’Angelo’s reign as champion was still intact, but his rivalry with Ridge Holland was far from over.

Backstage Segment – Wes Lee and Trick Williams

After the action inside the ring, the show shifted backstage, where Wes Lee, flanked by Tyson Dupont and Tyriek Igwe, was seen engaging in a heated exchange with Dion Lennox. Lee was in a brash and confident mood, mocking the fallen Trick Williams, who was once the NXT Champion. This prompted Williams to enter the scene, and things quickly escalated when Williams slapped Lee, sending him flying across the backstage area.

This confrontation set the stage for a series of personal rivalries and matches that would unfold throughout the night. Fans were left wondering how the feud between Wes Lee and Trick Williams would evolve, especially after the physical altercation that took place backstage. The intensity between the two competitors was palpable, and their upcoming encounters were highly anticipated.

Bayley Addresses the NXT Audience

The next segment saw Bayley making her way to the ring to address the NXT crowd. She wasted no time in addressing the attack she had suffered from Roxanne Perez the previous week. Bayley boldly declared that Perez was unfit to lead the locker room and stated that she, Bayley, would restore order and discipline to NXT. Her strong words were met with mixed reactions from the crowd, who clearly had divided opinions about her presence in NXT.

Before Bayley could continue, the NXT Women’s Champion, Giulia, made her entrance, and the two superstars began what seemed like a heart-to-heart conversation. However, this moment was quickly interrupted by Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade, who entered the ring to challenge the notion that Bayley and Giulia were the true role models of NXT. The crowd’s boos were deafening, signaling their displeasure with Perez and Jade’s claims. In a swift and dramatic turn of events, Bayley and Giulia attacked Perez and Jade, leaving them battered and struggling to recover outside the ring.

Dion Lennox vs. Wes Lee

Wes Lee, still nursing the sting from Trick Williams’ slap, entered the ring to face Dion Lennox. The match was short but sweet, as Lee made quick work of Lennox, securing the victory with ease. After the match, Lee took to the microphone, calling out Trick Williams and challenging him to a match in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 28. Williams, not one to back down from a challenge, immediately accepted the challenge, further escalating their feud.

The ongoing tension between Lee and Williams continued to be a focal point of the show, with both superstars making it clear that their rivalry was far from over. Fans eagerly awaited the upcoming showdown in Atlanta, where the two men would finally settle their differences in the ring.

Stephanie Vaquer Interview

In another backstage segment, Stephanie Vaquer had a stern warning for both Fallon Henley and Shotzi. She made it clear that, no matter who walked away with the title, she had her sights set on them and was coming for the championship. Vaquer’s bold declaration signaled that the NXT Women’s Championship scene was about to get even more competitive and unpredictable.

Lexis King vs. Charlie Dempsey – NXT Heritage Cup Match

Next up was the highly anticipated NXT Heritage Cup match between Lexis King and Charlie Dempsey. The match began with a competitive first round, but things quickly escalated when it was revealed that King had brass knuckles in his bucket. Despite the temptation to use them, King opted against it initially. However, as the match continued, King scored the first fall with mere seconds left on the second round’s clock. Dempsey responded in the third round, tying the match up.

In a dramatic turn of events, King chose to use the brass knuckles after a low blow and secured the second fall, successfully retaining the NXT Heritage Cup. The match was a thrilling contest that showcased both King and Dempsey’s in-ring abilities, leaving fans on the edge of their seats throughout.

Karmen Petrovic vs. Jaida Parker

Karmen Petrovic faced Jaida Parker in a match that showcased Parker’s dominance for the majority of the contest. However, Kelani Jordan provided a distraction that halted Parker’s momentum, allowing Petrovic to take control of the match. The ongoing tension between Parker and Jordan only added fuel to the fire, making this rivalry far from over.

Jakara Jackson and Lash Legend Backstage Segment

Backstage, Jakara Jackson and Lash Legend were seen gearing up for their upcoming title match against Bianca Belair and Naomi. They were joined by Zaria and Sol Ruca, who spoke about the significance of the fight. Jackson and Legend were determined to bring the gold back to NXT, and the stakes for their match couldn’t have been higher.

Luca Crusifino & Channing ‘Stacks’ Lorenzo vs. Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance

The match between Luca Crusifino and Channing ‘Stacks’ Lorenzo against Brooks Jensen and Niko Vance was chaotic right from the start. The two teams brawled outside the ring before the bell even rang, setting the tone for an intense contest. Shawn Spears was in Jensen and Vance’s corner, but Tony D’Angelo was absent from Crusifino and Lorenzo’s side. This absence played a role in Jensen and Vance picking up the victory, marking a big win for them.

Fraxiom Backstage Segment

Nathan Frazer and Axiom were interviewed backstage as they previewed their upcoming NXT Tag Team Championship defense against The Rascalz on the January 23 edition of TNA Impact. However, their plans were interrupted by Josh Briggs and Yoshiki, who claimed they were next in line for the titles. OTM’s Bronco Nima and Lucien Price also entered, leading to a massive brawl. This backstage chaos highlighted the growing tension within the NXT Tag Team division.

The Family Confronts Tony D’Angelo Backstage

After their loss, The Family confronted Tony D’Angelo backstage. D’Angelo explained that he had been delayed by Izzi Dame, who had prevented him from leaving. He reminded Channing ‘Stacks’ Lorenzo that he had been the underboss for two years and that Lorenzo should be able to handle things without him. This conversation hinted at further friction within The Family, suggesting that the power dynamics may shift in the coming weeks.

Ava’s Office

In Ava’s office, Je’Von Evans requested a shot at Ethan Page, but Ava warned him that his jaw had not yet healed. On a more positive note, Cedric Alexander had been cleared for action and was eager to seek revenge. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller also made their presence known, announcing a special Waller Effect on the January 28 edition of NXT, where the NXT Champion, whether it’s Oba Femi or Eddy Thorpe, will be featured.

Oba Femi vs. Eddy Thorpe – NXT Championship Match

The final match of the night saw Oba Femi face off against Eddy Thorpe for the NXT Championship. While Thorpe showed some moments of brilliance, it was clear that Femi was the dominant force throughout the match. Femi secured the victory, cementing his position as the NXT Champion. After the match, Trick Williams entered the ring, and the two had an intense face-off, which ended with Femi delivering a knee to Thorpe, further establishing his dominance.

This edition of WWE NXT proved to be a thrilling installment, filled with intense rivalries, high-stakes matches, and surprising developments. As the road to Vengeance Day continues, fans can expect even more drama and excitement in the weeks to come. Stay tuned for the latest updates, as the NXT roster continues to deliver action-packed moments each week.