WWE NXT’s latest episode on April 7, 2026, was a testament to the brand’s ability to deliver high-octane action and exciting storylines. However, like any other show, it was not without its flaws. In this article, we will take a closer look at three things that we loved about the episode and three things that left us wanting more.
3 Things We Loved
1. Undisputed Era’s Reunion
The episode kicked off with a major surprise as the Undisputed Era made its highly anticipated return to NXT. Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, and Roderick Strong, accompanied by their manager MSK’s tag partner, Wes Lee, stormed the ring and laid waste to several superstars, including Bron Breakker and Tommaso Ciampa. The reunion was a masterclass in building tension and delivering a impactful entrance.
“It’s not just about the guys coming back, it’s about what they bring with them,” a source close to the group revealed. “They’ve been working together behind the scenes, and you can feel the chemistry when they step into that ring together. It’s like no time has passed at all.”
This reunion has the potential to shake up the NXT landscape, and we can’t wait to see how it plays out in the coming weeks.
2. Io Shirai’s Dominant Performance
Io Shirai put on a clinic in the main event of the evening, defeating Roxanne Perez in a thrilling match that saw the Japanese superstar use every ounce of her experience and skill to outmaneuver her opponent. Shirai’s performance was a testament to her status as one of the best female wrestlers in the world, and it’s clear that she’s still got it.
“Io Shirai is a force to be reckoned with,” said a WWE insider. “She’s been in the business for years, and it shows. She knows how to work a crowd and get the job done, no matter what. She’s a true champion, and it’s an honor to have her on our roster.”
Shirai’s victory was a welcome sight for fans of the brand, and we hope to see more of her in the coming weeks.
3. Cameron Grimes’ Gritty Performance
Cameron Grimes has been on a roll lately, and his performance against Carmelo Hayes was no exception. Grimes showed his trademark grit and determination, refusing to back down even when the odds were against him. His match against Hayes was a closely contested affair, with both men giving it their all in a bid for victory.
“Cameron Grimes is a hidden gem,” said a source close to the brand. “He’s got a lot of heart and is willing to put in the work to get the job done. He’s got a bright future ahead of him, and we’re excited to see what he does next.”
Grimes’ performance was a highlight of the evening, and we’re looking forward to seeing more of him in the coming weeks.
3 Things We Hated
1. Poorly Executed Segment with Tony D’Angelo
Tony D’Angelo’s segment with various NXT superstars was a misfire, feeling forced and unnatural. The Italian-American superstar struggled to find his footing, and the whole thing felt like a waste of time.
“I just don’t know what they were going for with that segment,” said a WWE insider. “It felt like they were trying to cram too much into too little time, and it ended up being a mess. I’m not sure what Tony D’Angelo’s character is supposed to be, and it’s hard to take him seriously when he’s doing segments like that.”
Unfortunately, the segment was a low point of the evening, and we hope to see more focus on building Tony D’Angelo’s character in the coming weeks.
2. Overuse of the “Authority Figure” Role
NXT’s use of authority figures as a crutch has become tiresome. The constant need to involve them in matches and storylines is a distraction from the action in the ring, and it’s starting to feel like a cheap trick to get a reaction from the crowd.
“I think they’re relying too heavily on the authority figure role,” said a source close to the brand. “It’s a tired trope, and it’s not doing the show any favors. They need to find new ways to tell stories and involve their characters, rather than relying on the same old tricks.”
We hope to see a move away from the authority figure role in the coming weeks, and a focus on building more engaging storylines.
3. Lack of Closure on the Ciampa-Dijak Storyline
Tommaso Ciampa’s ongoing feud with Dijak has been one of the most compelling storylines on NXT, but the lack of closure on the episode left fans feeling frustrated. The two men had a solid match, but the aftermath was messy, with Ciampa being attacked by Bron Breakker and Dijak being carted away on a stretcher.
“I’m not sure what they’re doing with that storyline,” said a WWE insider. “It feels like they’re just dragging it out for the sake of dragging it out. I think they need to wrap it up soon, or risk losing fans’ interest.”
We hope to see some resolution to the Ciampa-Dijak story in the coming weeks, and an end to the frustrating lack of closure.
In conclusion, WWE NXT’s latest episode was a mixed bag, with some standout performances and some notable missteps. While the Undisputed Era’s reunion was a highlight, the poorly executed segment with Tony D’Angelo and the overuse of the authority figure role were low points. We hope to see a move away from these issues and a focus on building more engaging storylines in the coming weeks.