WWE NXT MAY 14, 2023 RESULTS

NXT will forever be the fortress of hope for WWE, not just for new talents but from where the example for amazing action will always come. I still cheer in my dream at Stand and Deliver... Just kidding! Stand and Deliver's Ladder match was amazing and the women involved are iconic...

This week as we are forwarding into the WWE NXT Women's Title Tournament, which is stunning, we saw more and more action and a lot of former besties and frenemies were in action separately tonight.

CORA JADE VS. FALLON HENLEY

NXT WOMEN'S TITLE TOURNAMENT ROUND 1

So, this match can be seen and reviewed from two perspectives - as a professional who writes about wrestling and as a fan. Actually, these are some of the possible approaches to a match review for all matches, but I am pointing at them here for fun. 

Approaching it as a "professional women's wrestling analyst and connoisseur" I can say that I like the work of both Cora and Fallon. I like how their careers were managed and I think they received a lot of great and well-deserved opportunities, as I hope to see Fallon getting more. Cora for sure will get the biggest moments in the near future. The match was good and entertaining.

Approaching as a fan: Phew! Fans won't have an easy task! Who to support? The decorated villain Jade or the Next Door Rural Vibe Good Girl Henley? I decided to cheer for Fallon, despite knowing where things are going. 

Come on! We already know that Cora Jade is receiving the push that she deserves for her work as a mean girl and traitor (LOL). She is doing her gimmick super great and she deserves to be in the finals of the tournament. So, Fallon was a good stepping stone and even giving her best with an injured leg, she didn't stand any chance, because the script is already written. I really hope to see more from Henly because she is one of those, solid workers on who you can rely to help others sell their image. She's a great wrestler, but it's not her time.

WINNER: CORA JADE

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

THEA HAIL VS. KIANA JAMES

This match was a little break from the tournament euphoria. It was old school Kiana James making someone pay for their crossing her backstage. 

It's all business and it's done in the ring for James!

The former tag team champion showed us that she can do it on her own and doesn't need anyone. Hial on the other hand... she has a bit immature, and the college girl character is a bit annoying. If it wasn't for my desire to see new faces and be open to them, I might be hating her gimmick. But in the current landscape, she's fresh.

And she knows how to hit!

Thea really put on display many simple moves, in an unstoppable chain of attacks toward the powerful and athletic Kiana. But in the end, it's not Hails time either. James took the victory, using her ability to capitalize on her opponent's mistakes, and was victorious.

I am not giving this match 3 stars because it was not that good, as well I didn't give Hebly and Jade 4 for the same reason. I am rating it low because it's another inconsistency for one show. Prove me wrong and next time they'll get more from me.

WINNER: KIANA JAMES

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐/5

JACY JAYNE VS. ROXANNE PEREZ

NXT WOMEN'S TITLE TOURNAMENT ROUND 1

I heard that Roxanne was saying that she is tired to be underestimated! Really? 

Girl, you became NXT Women's Champion at 21 (for the record Paige/Saraya is the youngest, winning the belt at 20), defeating one of the longest reigning champions at the time Mandy Rose (third longest reign with 413 days, after Asuka with 522 days, and Shayna Baszler with 416 days). You had a match with Meiko Satomura and retain your title i.e. lived to tell the story. You receive so many opportunities and I can proudly name you the Rey Mysterio female version of the future, and you are not even an Underdog anymore in NXT! You are a former ROH Women's World Champion, kid! ROH is a legendary promotion, they were the 3rd largest and most respected one... How old were you when you did that? You, were 19 years old, Rok-C!!! Younger than Paige!

Only a fool can underestimate you!

Maybe Jacy Jayne despite her cruelty and brutal domination in some parts of the match was one of those who didn't learn their lesson not to look down at Roxanne. We know that Jayne wants to establish her solo career at any expense and if she can smash her former partner Dolin or someone else she doesn't miss the chance. Well, the chance/the script wasn't on her side. 

The match was dynamic. Both women in it are famous that they give all they have while they perform in the ring. I think that the post-match attack from Gigi Dolin toward Jacy Jayne is a good sign that their war is not over and we should wait for its end further. Meanwhile, I am happy for Roxanne, despite thinking that she is not ready for a second round and that her former-bestie Cora Jade should grab the belt, so they can reignite the feud. That doesn't mean that Perez is not suitable to go through the brackets straight to the finals. For now, all we know is that she is joining Cora Jade, Lyra Valkyria, and Tiffany Stratton for the semi-finals.

WINNER: ROXANNE PEREZ

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

OVERALL:

We had some backstage segments with Lash Legend, Hail, and James, interviews with Roxanne for example, Ivy Nile is starting a valet feud with Ava (the Rock's daughter)...

NXT is always eventful when it comes to the women's roster. The brand has so much to show and so many new faces, that it can always keep the attention of the fans and connoisseurs. I am really disappointed by the way NXT presents its talent, and last night's show definitely was intriguing. 

The tournament which will determine the fate of the NXT Women's Title is stealing the spotlight, but this is how it should be. We are at the semi-finals and two more matches keep us away from the one which will crown the new Champ at NXT Battleground, Sunday, May 28th.

So it looks like we will have the semi-finals matches as follows: Tiffany Stratton vs. Roxanne Perez (I am betting on Perez), and Lyra Valkyria vs. Cora Jade to put more salt in their fresh rivalry from a few weeks. It smells like NXT's creatives will reignite Jade vs. Perez, to give a huge kick push to Cora!