‘WWE NXT’ Review (Feb 17th 2026)
Welcome to this week’s review of NXT, right here on Nerdly. Let’s get straight into it and see what went down on this week’s show!
Match #1: Kelani Jordan def. Lola Vice
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Kelani Jordan tapped into a ruthless side of her that has been seldom seen, boosting her to a major victory over Lola Vice. Jordan went right after Vice’s injured right hand, even ducking the spinning backfist which led to Vice inadvertently smashing it into a wall. Vice rallied, but she couldn’t secure a grip on her submission, allowing Jordan to counter with a match-winning submission of her own.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #2: Tony D’Angelo def. Cutler James
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
In his first match in nearly a year, Tony D’Angelo dominated DarkState’s Cutler James with a massive Spinebuster ending the bout. After the match, D’Angelo attacked Dion Lennox with the steel steps until NXT officials broke up the fight.
My Score: SQUASH out of 5
Match #3: Fatal 4-Way No. 1 Contender’s Match – The Vanity Project def. Hank & Tank, The Culling and OTM
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
The Vanity Project are officially No. 1 Contenders to the NXT Tag Team Title after winning a thrilling Fatal 4-Way Match. The match was pure chaos as all four teams gave it their all, but Shawn Spears found himself the victim of a vicious Double Stomp. As the teams waged war on the outside, Ricky Smokes wisely shoved Brad Baylor on top of the lifeless Spears, giving Vanity Project their biggest win yet.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #4: Speed Tournament Final – Eli Knight vs. Elio LeFleur (Draw)
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
The Men’s Speed Tournament Final ended in controversial fashion when neither Eli Knight or Elio LeFleur could beat the clock. NXT interim General Manager Robert Stone made the announcement that both Superstars would advance to a Triple Threat Match against Speed Champion Jasper Troy.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #5: NXT North American Championship – Ethan Page def. Shiloh Hill
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Ethan Page set the record for most NXT North American Championship defenses by overcoming Shiloh Hill in the main event of NXT. Page was in deep trouble early on, forcing his new allies Jackson Drake and the Vanity Project to come out to try and help him. Because of the interference, the champion managed to hit a Twisted Grin on the outside and then another inside the ring to retain his title.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Final Verdict: 3.5/5
This week’s NXT felt like a solid, workmanlike episode rather than a must-see one, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. The in-ring quality was consistently good, with Kelani Jordan and Lola Vice setting the tone early with a surprisingly gritty opener. The Fatal 4-Way tag bout delivered the night’s most chaotic fun, and Ethan Page continues to look every bit the smug, record-setting North American Champion – even if the interference-heavy finish slightly dulled what could’ve been a truly standout main event. Tony D’Angelo’s squash served its purpose, the Speed Tournament draw added a bit of intrigue heading into the Triple Threat, and overall, the show flowed well without dragging. Nothing hit true “blow-away” levels, but there also wasn’t anything that felt like filler either. A steady, enjoyable episode that keeps stories moving without overreaching.
