Breaking Down NXT Battleground (2024)

 Written by: Danny Albers 

WWE held its annual event NXT Battleground, an important event for multiple reasons. It’s the first show live at the UFC Apex since WWE and UFC became sister companies under the same ownership. The event also marked the first time an active TNA wrestler competed in a singles match on WWE, promoting TNA’s brand. And finally, it marked the first show that was headlined by Trick Williams as the poster boy of the brand, facing star Ethan Page, a man who debuted in WWE from AEW not long ago. Let’s break down the card. 

1. NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match: Kelani Jordan, Michin, Sol Ruca, Fallon Henley, Jaida Parker, Lash Legend  

Result: Kelani Jordan wins the NXT North American Women’s Title 

I don’t think the women on the main card could have executed a ladder match like this the way the athletic girls on NXT did. An incredible match, and some great spots. Sol Ruca hitting her finisher off the steps was incredible, and all 5 women throwing Lash Legend onto the ladder got a massive pop. I’ve been writing about how high on Kelani Jordan I was, and I love that she got the win here. Fallon Henley gave me real Mickie James during her TNA run vibes in this match. This was a fast, but fun opener. 

2. NXT Tag Team Championship: © Nathan Frazer & Axiom VS The OC (Gallows & Anderson) 

Result: Frazer and Axiom win by pin

The Palate cleanser of the show. After the high and exciting opener, the four men in this match brought out a traditional and slow paced tag match. Nate and Axiom brought out a new side of them in this match. They were more physical, and abandoned the high flying. This feud felt personal from the start, and they sold it perfectly. It really felt like these 4 men hated each other. The OC got all those wins to amplify this win for the champions. Big win for Nate Frazer and Axiom. 

3. NXT Underground: Shayna Baszler VS Lola Vice 

Result: Lola Vice wins by TKO 

I don’t love WWE Underground because I think it’s trying to replicate an MMA bout. When two wrestlers don’t have the background, it’s not the best format. However, Vice and Baszler are both legitimate MMA fighters, and they worked this fight perfectly. More importantly, Lola Vice got over as a dangerous threat by beating up Shayna. Baszler didn’t have to put over Vice, but she might have created a star. I didn’t love the lighting and the pounding of the superstars on the outside.I like how there were more elements to this match than inside the ring that still made this a WWE match, not like Rhonda and Shayna at SumerSlam last year. It was a good match and a good showcase for Lola Vice. 

4. North American Championship: © Oba Femi VS Wes Lee VS Joe Coffey 

Result: Oba Femi wins by pin to retain

Oba Femi is my favorite wrestler on NXT and in WWE. The man is a monster and he moves so naturally in the ring. And this match did a great job in making him look unbeatable. Besides facing Wes Lee, who as the announce team called him is the “greatest North American Champion in history,” Femi also had to deal with Joe Coffey and Gallus. The match was a little bit sloppy, and slower than you’d expect from a match that has Wes Lee in it. But the most important thing happened and that’s Femi came out looking dominant. It served its purpose. 

5. NXT Women’s Championship: © Roxanne Perez VS Jordynne Grace 

Result: Roxanne Perez wins by pin 

A historic match. WWE showed off the UFC fighters in attendance for this one. I wish they’d show the TNA wrestlers there to support Jordynne Grace. TNA and WWE met for the first time on a pay per view. The first thing that stood out to me? The new great for Roxanne Perez made her look legit. I’m glad she dumped the other gear that made her look like a little girl. This was a great match, and WWE brought in outside interference to cause Roxanne to get a win and protect the legitimacy of Jordynne Grace. This doesn’t appear to be a one and done thing with Grayce, as she might jump into a program with Tatum Paxley. This was an awesome moment to watch! The true Forbidden Door has been opened. 

6. NXT Championship: © Trick Williams VS “All Ego” Ethan Page 

Result: Trick Williams wins by pin to retain 

Ethan Page debuted on NXT a couple weeks ago. I’m not sure if this was planned, but I’m so happy this was the main event. Trick got a well-known competitor to face him. The win helps elevate Trick Williams who’s just starting his title reign. There’s a lot of interesting feuds going forward. Cody said he’s visiting NXT to check in on his old friends Ethan Page and Shawn Spears. Could this be a faction starting under Cody? Will WWE continue this feud or work with Je’von Evans? Solid match, it kind of was forgettable given how good the women’s title match was. 

A good first event at the UFC Apex, which is a slightly larger version of Full Sail. I felt like all the competitors stepped up tonight. No new champions besides the inaugural North American Champion Kelani Jordan. It was another short show which is a great show. It was easy to consume, and some of the feuds seem like they might continue aside from Lola and Shayna, and the tag champion match. 

Show Grade: B-