WWE NXT Revenge continued its thrilling journey on April 21, 2026, with an action-packed episode that left fans divided. The second week of the revamped show saw a mix of exciting matches, shocking moments, and questionable booking decisions. In this article, we’ll dissect the best and worst of the evening, exploring what worked and what didn’t in the world of NXT.
3 Things We Hated
1. The Underwhelming Finish to the Main Event
The main event of the evening featured a high-stakes match between Bronson Matthews and the reigning NXT Champion, Cody Rhodes. The bout was intense, with both men giving it their all, but the finish left many fans underwhelmed. The decision to have Matthews get caught in a Cross Rhodes, only for Rhodes to seemingly drop the title in a shocking twist, was met with confusion and disappointment. According to a source close to the matter, the creative team was initially planning a more straightforward victory for Rhodes, but last-minute changes led to the unconventional finish.
“‘The finish was supposed to be a solid 1-2-3, but something changed at the last minute, and suddenly we’re dealing with a dropped title,” said a WWE insider. “It’s not the worst thing in the world, but it’s not what fans were expecting either.”
2. The Overuse of the “Newbie” Angle
One of the biggest criticisms of NXT Revenge so far has been the overreliance on the “newbie” angle, where established stars are portrayed as being out of their depth when facing newcomers. While this can be an effective way to build momentum for up-and-coming talent, it can also come across as disingenuous and lazy. In week two, this angle was taken to an extreme when Bronson Matthews, a relatively new face, was given a major push after beating Cody Rhodes. The implication that Matthews’ victory was somehow a fluke or a result of Rhodes being “out of his element” felt like a cop-out, and many fans were left feeling frustrated by the narrative.
3. The Disappointing Debut of a Key Star
One of the most hyped debuts of the year was the introduction of 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist, Jack Edwards. Unfortunately, his appearance on NXT Revenge was a letdown, with Edwards struggling to find his footing in the ring against a relatively unknown opponent. The match itself was lackluster, with Edwards relying too heavily on his athleticism rather than showcasing any real in-ring chemistry. As one observer noted, Edwards’ performance was a missed opportunity to make a lasting impression on the NXT audience.
“‘The Olympic Gold Medalist was supposed to burst onto the scene like a supernova, but instead, he fizzled like a damp firework,” said a ringside observer. “It’s clear that Edwards needs more time to develop his skills and build confidence in the ring.”
3 Things We Loved
1. The Explosive Match Between Thea Hail and Rukmini Bhat
One of the standout matches of the evening was the intense encounter between Thea Hail and Rukmini Bhat. The two women brought the house down with their high-flying moves and lightning-quick exchanges, showcasing the incredible athleticism and skill that makes NXT Revenge so compelling. The finish, a thrilling pin by Hail after a series of near-falls, left fans on the edge of their seats and begging for more.
2. The Promising Debut of a Hidden Gem
In a surprise twist, NXT newcomer, Kaida Kuzuki, made a stunning debut in week two, taking on established star, Lacey Shaw. Kuzuki’s performance was nothing short of sensational, with the young talent showing a natural charisma and in-ring ability that left many in attendance buzzing. According to sources close to the matter, Kuzuki was originally slated to debut in a lesser role, but after impressing the creative team with her skills, she was given the opportunity to shine in a bigger bout.
“‘Kuzuki is one of the most exciting new talents to emerge in NXT in years,” said a WWE insider. “Her debut was everything we hoped for and more – she’s got the potential to be a major star.”
3. The Continuing Rise of Bronson Matthews
As noted earlier, Bronson Matthews’ victory over Cody Rhodes was a major talking point of the evening. While the finish was underwhelming, Matthews’ performance itself was exceptional, showcasing a newfound level of confidence and skill that has fans eagerly anticipating his next move. According to sources, Matthews has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to improve his craft, and his hard work is starting to pay off.
“‘Bronson Matthews is one of the most improved talents in the NXT roster,” said a WWE insider. “His dedication to his craft is inspiring, and we’re excited to see where he goes from here.”
In conclusion, WWE NXT Revenge week two was a mixed bag of results, with some standout performances and questionable booking decisions. While the show still has its moments, it’s clear that the creative team is struggling to find the right balance between showcasing established stars and pushing new talent. With some tweaks to the narrative and a renewed focus on delivering high-quality matches, NXT Revenge has the potential to be one of the most exciting shows in the WWE universe.
However, for now, it remains to be seen whether the show can live up to its full potential. With the upcoming NXT Pay-Per-View event on the horizon, fans are eagerly anticipating what’s in store for the revamped show.