The Revenge special delivered exactly what we needed
NXT just wrapped up its Revenge special, and let’s be real: while the main roster is busy counting down the seconds until Vegas, the developmental crew is busy putting on absolute clinics. Tony D’Angelo and Ethan Page throwing down for the NXT Title felt like a throwback to the days when guys actually wanted to maim each other for a piece of gold. D’Angelo has developed into a top-tier act, and Ethan Page brings that specific brand of chaotic energy that keeps every crowd on their toes. Watching D’Angelo work through the high-stakes pressure, it’s clear the promotion has someone who can carry a house show loop without breaking a sweat.
Lola Vice vs. Jacy Jayne left some questions on the table
Let’s talk about the division because Lola Vice and Jacy Jayne didn’t quite hit the high notes I was expecting. Jacy Jayne has been a staple of the NXT women’s division for a while now, but something felt flat about the execution here. It was a serviceable match, but we are spoiled by the depth of talent currently residing in the Performance Center. Sometimes the chemistry just isn't there, and this felt like a mechanical sequence that lacked the violent spark we saw during earlier, more grounded feuds in this same ring. It wasn't a total bust, but it certainly didn't elevate either competitor to that next tier of title contention.
Joe Hendry and the power of the crowd
The appearance of Joe Hendry always brings a certain, well, viral electricity to the building. You don't have to be a TNA loyalist to recognize when someone has figured out the secret algorithm for crowd engagement. As TNA on AMC might actually be the move that sticks this time, seeing crossovers like this makes you realize wrestling is having a legitimate moment. Hendry isn't just a meme; he is a worker who knows how to operate the microphone like a lead singer at a stadium rock concert. If you aren't paying attention to how these characters move across promotions, you are missing out on the most interesting era of the industry since the mid-nineties.
Mid-card chaos and the Myles Borne factor
Myles Borne is in an interesting spot right now. He’s becoming the utility knife of the brand, the kind of guy who can eat a pin or pull a surprise victory out of nowhere to keep the show rolling. The booking on this card felt deliberate, designed to shake up the standings just days before the industry collectively loses its mind over WrestleMania 41 is three days away and the internet is losing its mind. We are seeing a shift where the mid-card talent is being used to build real momentum rather than just filling time between commercial breaks.
The verdict on the booking
Could they have done more with the pacing? Absolutely. There were segments where the momentum shifted faster than a hot take on Twitter, and it made the show feel disjointed in parts. However, NXT has always been the laboratory where they experiment. Sometimes it blows up in their faces, and sometimes you get a classic that lives in the archives for a decade. The Revenge title bouts were solid, and that is all you can really ask for in a week where our eyes are mostly glued to the spectacle setting up in Allegiant Stadium. We walked away with clear winners, a few fresh directions, and the confirmation that even on a Tuesday, this sport remains the best soap opera on television.
Ultimately, Tony D’Angelo holding the top spot makes complete sense for where the company is heading. He has the charisma, the character work is dialed in, and he doesn't need to overcompensate with high-flying nonsense to get a reaction. Ethan Page fought like a man possessed, and while the finish left plenty to talk about, you couldn't characterize the effort as anything less than high-stakes. If this was just the lead-up to the big weekend in Vegas, we are in for a ride that will probably leave our voices raspy and our wallets empty.
