At NXT Heatwave this past August, ‘The Standout’ Kelani Jordan defeated NXT Women’s Champion Kendal Grey for the title in a shocking moment that very few saw coming. Following the loss, Grey would miss several weeks of action after suffering from vertigo and a disruption of her vestibular system, which stemmed from a right ear injury and repeated head trauma, something we saw the former NXT Women’s Champion suffer after her NXT Underground match against Lola Vice. Grey returned to television on November 3rd to inform her best friend Wren Sinclair that she’s all clear and set to return to action. This past Tuesday, Jordan talked about wanting to take a break after successfully defending the title against Sinclair at Halloween Havoc and then defeating the first NXT Women’s Champion, Paige, on November 3rd. Grey would interrupt ‘The Standout’, claiming she never got her rematch, and NXT general manager Robert Stone agreed, marking the match for the November 17th edition of NXT.
After six weeks, Grey is finally back in action. During her time off, we’ve seen segments of her undergoing physical therapy and working with a sports psychologist to manage dizziness and anxiety. She hated the time away from the ring, but knew it was necessary for her health and future well-being. The former NXT Women’s Champion was beaten down by her opponent for next Tuesday during the go-home episode before Halloween Havoc, sending a message to Sinclair. With the WrenQCC back together once again, questions will form about what’s next for this dynamic duo. Can a fully healthy Grey get back the title she lost at Heatwave? Then, what does the future hold for Sinclair, and what do her championship aspirations look like?
During her NXT Women’s Championship reign, ‘The Standout’ has defended the title against the likes of Jaida Parker, Sinclair, and Paige, and will have a fourth defense against Grey on the 17th. As the inaugural NXT Women’s North American Champion, Jordan has showcased her special of a talent she is in over the past two years. This past Tuesday, ‘The Standout’ was invited by John Cena to partake in the John Cena Classic starting December 14th, being the first woman formally known to be in the women’s side of this tournament. She will certainly hope to remain NXT Women’s Champion by the time the John Cena Classic rolls around. Yet, she’ll have to finish off the one thorn in her side that’s been poking at Jordan for months, which is Grey.
This NXT Women’s Championship match will absolutely be the main event for November 17th’s episode. We know this one will be a battle, as both superstars are technically sound in the ring. Grey will need to focus on beating down Jordan and then getting the Ankle Lock in once the champion is out of gas, while ‘The Standout’ will have to take out the former NXT Women’s Champion as quickly as she can, so Jordan can focus on her well-deserved break and the John Cena Classic. This will be a hard-hitting affair, with both women looking to embarrass the other.
Even though I believed Grey or Sinclair would be the one to dethrone Jordan, I don’t think Grey will get it done next Tuesday. ‘The Standout’ will find some way to win against her biggest rival and show her dominance as champion. Sinclair could play a part for the former NXT Women’s Champion, yet she may help Grey rather than distract her friend or screw her over. Jordan should continue to reign as champion until we see who the next contender is come NXT TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs.
