WWE NXT Vengeance Day 2026 lived up to its name, delivering a night of vengeance and payback as the black and gold brand’s top stars clashed in a series of thrilling matches. However, the event was not without its missteps, with some segments and performances falling flat. Here, we take a closer look at the best and worst of NXT Vengeance Day 2026.
3 Things We Loved
1. Cameron Grimes and Carmelo Hayes Deliver a Thrilling Match
One of the standout matches of the night was the No. 1 Contender’s Number One Match between Cameron Grimes and Carmelo Hayes for the NXT North American Championship. The two men put on a clinic, delivering a high-flying and hard-hitting contest that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. In the end, Carmelo Hayes emerged victorious, but not before Grimes had a chance to redeem himself.
According to a WWE insider, Grimes was initially hesitant to compete at Vengeance Day, citing concerns about the match’s booking. However, after a pep talk from NXT General Manager Will Regal, Grimes was convinced to give it his all, and the result was a match for the ages.
“Cameron Grimes has been one of the most consistent performers in NXT, and it’s no surprise that he delivered again at Vengeance Day,” said the insider. “He’s got the talent, the charisma, and the drive to be a top star, and it’s only a matter of time before he breaks through to the main roster.”
2. The D’Amelio Family Makes Their NXT Debut
In a shocking twist, the D’Amelio Family made their NXT debut, with Charles and Marcus D’Amelio taking on Roderick Strong and Adam Cole in a tag team match. The family’s in-ring debut was met with a mixture of cheers and jeers, but they proved themselves to be more than just social media influencers. The match was a highlight of the night, with the D’Amelio brothers showing a surprising amount of skill and athleticism.
According to a source close to the D’Amelio Family, they had been training in secret for months, determined to prove themselves as legitimate wrestlers.
“The D’Amelio Family has been a thorn in the side of the WWE for years, and it’s no surprise that they decided to take their talents to NXT,” said the source. “But what’s surprising is how well they performed. They’re not just social media personalities – they’re actual wrestlers with a lot of heart and a lot to offer.”
3. Io Shirai and Raquel González Put on a Show
In a highly anticipated match, Io Shirai and Raquel González clashed in a thrilling contest that saw both women give it their all. The match was a showcase of their skills and athleticism, with both women delivering high-flying moves and taking a beating in the process. In the end, González emerged victorious, but not before Shirai had a chance to prove herself as one of the best women in NXT.
According to a WWE insider, Shirai was initially hesitant to compete in the match, citing concerns about her knee injury. However, after some convincing from González, Shirai decided to give it a shot, and the result was a match that will be remembered for years to come.
“Io Shirai and Raquel González are two of the best women in NXT, and it’s no surprise that they delivered a match for the ages,” said the insider. “They’re both incredibly talented, incredibly athletic, and incredibly dedicated to their craft. They’re a true force to be reckoned with in NXT, and it’s only a matter of time before they break through to the main roster.”
3 Things We Hated
1. The Match Between Ilja Dragunov and Grayson Waller Falls Flat
One of the biggest disappointments of the night was the match between Ilja Dragunov and Grayson Waller, which failed to live up to expectations. The match was marred by poor booking and a lack of chemistry between the two men, resulting in a contest that was more boring than exciting. In the end, Dragunov emerged victorious, but not before Waller had a chance to make a comeback.
According to a source close to the NXT creative team, the match was booked at the last minute, with Dragunov and Waller being given little time to prepare.
“Ilja Dragunov and Grayson Waller are both talented wrestlers, but they were given a raw deal in this match,” said the source. “They were thrown together at the last minute, and it shows. The match was poorly booked, and it was a shame to see two talented wrestlers waste their time on a subpar contest.”
2. The Post-Match Segment Between Finn Bálor and Bron Breakker Was A Snooze
In a post-match segment that failed to deliver, Finn Bálor and Bron Breakker clashed in a lackluster contest that was more boring than exciting. The segment was marred by poor booking and a lack of chemistry between the two men, resulting in a contest that was more cringeworthy than compelling. In the end, Bálor emerged victorious, but not before Breakker had a chance to make a comeback.
According to a WWE insider, the segment was originally supposed to be a major angle, but it got cut short due to time constraints.
“Finn Bálor and Bron Breakker are two of the biggest stars in NXT, and it’s a shame that their post-match segment fell flat,” said the insider. “They’re both incredibly talented, but they were given a raw deal in this match. It’s a shame that their talents were wasted on a subpar contest.”
3. The NXT Tag Team Championship Match Was A Mess
In a match that was more chaotic than compelling, the NXT Tag Team Champions, Gallus, defended their titles against the team of MSK. The match was marred by poor booking and a lack of chemistry between the two teams, resulting in a contest that was more confusing than exciting. In the end, Gallus emerged victorious, but not before MSK had a chance to make a comeback.
According to a source close to the NXT creative team, the match was originally supposed to be a major angle, but it got cut short due to time constraints.
“The NXT Tag Team Championship match was a mess from start to finish,” said the source. “It was poorly booked, and it was a shame to see two talented teams waste their time on a subpar contest. It’s a shame that their talents were wasted on a match that failed to deliver.”
In conclusion, NXT Vengeance Day 2026 was a mixed bag of surprises and disappointments. While some matches and segments failed to deliver, others exceeded expectations and left a lasting impression on the NXT universe. With a talented roster and a wealth of creative possibilities, NXT is poised to continue delivering exciting content in the months to come.