This week’s NXT opened with Bayley coming to the ring to take on Jade. Even thought Jade and Roxanne Perez are no longer BFFs, Bayley and Jade still have unresolved issues.
This felt like a personal fight from the moment they made contact. It was less about proving who was the better wrestler and more about making sure they hurt each other.
Neither competitor had a long time in the driver’s seat, so this felt like a very competitive fight. Bayley had a significant experience advantage, but Jade is no longer a rookie who is afraid of her mentors, so it felt like an even matchup.
Jade had a slight speed advantage, but Bayley had her beat in the power department.
The Role Model hit all of her usual moves, but she was distracted by Perez who came out to Bayley’s old music and dressed in her old gear. The former Hugger went after the faux Hugger, but Jade seized the opportunity and dropped Bayley with a DDT to score the pin and the win.
Not only was this a strong performance for both women, but the ending was also surprisingly good. This was a big win for Jade, and it became even bigger when NXT general manager Ava announced she would be added to the women’s title match at Vengeance Day.
Result: Jade defeated Bayley
Notable Moments and Observations
—The crowd was being very vocal while booing Jade.
—Perez was so funny doing her impression of Bayley. You could tell she was actually a fan and knew that era of The Role Model’s career well.
—The look on Perez’s face when Jade won was perfect.
