Kendal Grey struggles but showcases potential as NXT women's champion

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WWE put The Great American Bash on The CW to counter program AEW’s Forbidden Door event this past weekend and then had Kendal Grey challenging Lola Vice for the NXT women’s championship as the main event of that show. It’s been clear since she was running through EVOLVE that the company sees big things in the amateur wrestling star but there’s still some growing to do in the developmental brand. Despite this, they went ahead and put the title on her. This week’s episode of NXT television saw her get the chance to go out in front of the live audience as champion for the first time, with the title around her waist and a microphone in her hand. She was very clearly having a hard time with it. Talking in front of a crowd with all eyes on her is not something she’s especially comfortable with but they turned that around by having her outright admit to it while giving her the chance to improve in real time. Here’s where she came out: The Grey Era has BEGUN! ☑️@kendalgreywwe pic.twitter.com/vt4q2QHBci — WWE (@WWE) July 1, 2026 She owned it just enough to give her plenty of runway, but it’s clear that despite being champion she is still a major work in progress. She’s got the support of all the right people, including another former amateur great who was fast tracked to the top, Kurt Angle, who had this to say on X after her big win: Witnessing the rise of the next generation is nothing short of incredible! I couldn’t be prouder to see Kendal Grey rocking my gear and claiming her throne as the new NXT Woman’s Champion! 🏆 @kendalgreywwe relentless dedication embodies everything we represent in this industry. There’s only one Kendal Grey, and I can’t wait to see her conquer new heights. But…… just a heads up, in 8 years, you might want to watch your back, Kendal. There’s another Angle eager to step into that ring, and she’s got her eyes on you! The only way to go from here is up. Right? Get complete NXT results and coverage of this week’s entire show by clicking here.