On a busy Tuesday night packed with wrestling action, “WWE NXT” competed head-to-head against “AEW Dynamite Grand Slam Paris,” giving the Wrestling Inc. team plenty to analyze. You can find detailed outcomes on the separate NXT and AEW Dynamite Grand Slam Paris results pages. Now, it’s time to reflect on the experience of watching both shows simultaneously, sharing thoughts on the low points of NXT alongside the thrilling moments from the Grand Slam’s main event. As always, the comments remain open for fans to join the conversation. Without further ado, let’s dive into the highlights and disappointments from this modern revival of the Wednesday Night Wars.
Disliked: A Talented Wrestler Struggling with Acting
It’s widely acknowledged that Kendal Gray stands out as one of the top wrestlers not only in WWE NXT but company-wide, so her injury at this crucial time before major events like Halloween Havoc and the upcoming Deadline is a significant loss. WWE’s effort to keep her relevant on-screen through therapy session vignettes has backfired, with the latest installment being worse than the previous one. This storyline, which casts her as someone needing therapy because she can’t wrestle, badly misfires—especially since she’s still inexperienced in non-wrestling roles. Given her limited microphone skills and underdeveloped persona, these backstage scenes only highlight her weaknesses, making her appear more like an awkward actress than a wrestling star. The best move would have been to simply let her recover off-screen, preserving her image as a phenomenal wrestler rather than a character trapped in cringe-worthy therapy angles. The episode even ended with a therapist comically ending the sessions abruptly—a far-fetched depiction of therapy that won’t be missed anytime soon.
Liked: Continuing the Trios Title Saga with Strickland, New Level, Page, and Brodido
Initially unsure how ROH World Champion Bandido’s match against Kofi would unfold, it became clear it was meant to further the ongoing AEW World Trios titles rivalry between Bandido, “Hangman” Adam Page, Brody King, and their challengers New Level and Swerve Strickland. The match began with King and Austin Creed at ringside while Strickland, accompanied by Prince Nana, faced off against Page in a tense face-off that nearly erupted into a brawl. That distraction allowed Bandido to connect with a 21-plex and secure the win. Post-match tensions suggested possible fractures within the champions’ faction, especially with King cautioning Page about putting their priorities first. The anticipation for their rematch at WrestleDream intensified when New Level and Strickland agreed to a two-out-of-three-falls title defense, which should set the stage for an exciting and dynamic encounter. This feud’s evolving alliances and stipulation changes are great storytelling elements fans rarely see in AEW, making the upcoming bout a must-watch.
Disliked: Myles Borne’s Heel Turn Fails to Impress
Myles Borne’s transition to a villainous character has fallen flat, making him one of the dullest figures on WWE NXT. Although a feud with Tavion Heights was expected due to their past as a tag team, Borne’s lack of charisma makes it hard to engage with his heel persona. The segment where he confronted fellow heel Grayson Waller, ostensibly to challenge for the NXT Championship, did little to add excitement. The interaction was underwhelming, with Grayson not contributing meaningfully and the clash quickly shifting to set up Borne against Tony D’Angelo next week—an angle that might have been better developed backstage or without unnecessary clutter. D’Angelo’s promo showed promise, but it was overshadowed by Borne’s unimpressive antics. Even the “loaded punch” gimmick, indicated by coins falling, was poorly executed and failed to deliver dramatic impact. Injuries in the roster might have forced last-minute story alterations, but that doesn’t excuse the subpar writing and character management on display here.
Liked: The Arrival of Shido Ash and Viktor Zanov on NXT
In their 2026 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic first-round battle against Hank Walker and Tank Ledger, newcomers Shido Ash and Viktor Zanov made a strong first impression. Prior to this match, Ash’s only claim to fame seemed to be his relationship with Tiffany Stratton, but both wrestlers showed impressive skills and potential ringside chemistry. Their hard-hitting styles complemented their opponents’ more playful personas, creating a compelling contrast that stood out in an otherwise unremarkable episode. There is clear promise for both as tag team competitors and singles stars once they gain more experience and polish. Ash and Zanov were indeed the highlights on a night when little else in NXT captured interest.
Disliked: WWE Appeared Disinterested in Competing Tonight
WWE has often aggressively counter-programmed AEW events, sometimes bringing in big names like Cody Rhodes or scheduling high-profile title matches to vie for viewers’ attention. This week, however, WWE seemed to put in minimal effort, almost conceding defeat. While AEW’s Grand Slam France featured four title matches with exciting gameplay, NXT presented no title defenses, not even for the North American Championship. The main event, a battle royale for the next challenger to the NXT Women’s title, was entertaining but lacked marquee names to truly challenge AEW’s draw. Aside from some smaller Dusty Rhodes Classic matches, NXT offered nothing distinct or noteworthy. This unusually lethargic approach may indicate WWE’s acknowledgment that fans will watch their preferred promotions regardless or a strategic choice to rest during pre-recorded episodes. Whatever the reason, it was a puzzling move that could affect viewership numbers and future inter-promotion battles.
Liked: A Thrilling Main Event at AEW Grand Slam
The showdown between Will Ospreay and Kazuchika Okada went exactly as anticipated, delivering a back-and-forth exchange packed with stiff strikes and signature finishers. Ospreay’s aerial maneuvers wowed the audience, and the crowd remained captivated even when Okada miraculously kicked out of a Rainmaker revelation. Ospreay’s victory was meaningful on multiple levels—it avenged previous losses to Okada and set him up as a forthcoming dominant force with new challengers ahead. Okada’s rare near-fall only elevated the match’s drama and placed the spotlight on Ospreay’s ascent as AEW World Champion. The win sets up intriguing future confrontations, including the announced Clockwork Carnage match at WrestleDream, with competitors like Samoa Joe adding to the excitement. This main event was a showcase of skill, storytelling, and high stakes that truly electrified fans.
Fan Take:
This evening’s split-screen clash between AEW and WWE highlights the evolving wrestling landscape where quality storytelling and star power carry the night. For fight fans, these contrasting approaches underscore how compelling narratives and dynamic characters continue to shape the sport’s future, proving that it’s not just competition but creativity that keeps audiences hooked.
Source: www.wrestlinginc.com
