Good Morning Wrestling Fans 👊

This Thursday’s edition of Straight Shoot UNFILTERED is loaded. We have your full NXT Homecoming recap, a spotlight on Corey Graves’ red-hot run at the commentary booth, and some extra memes in honor of Mr. Teshk’s Birthday Bash.

☕ Grab your coffee. The stories are rolling, the laughs are waiting, and the Straight Shoot crew is just getting started…

NXT came home to Full Sail University, and the energy felt like a playoff game. From banners on the walls to legends on the ramp, the brand’s roots were honored while the future took center stage. By the end of the night, fans were already buzzing about next week’s Winner Takes All showdown.

The Opening Ceremony

The night began with a powerful video package celebrating NXT’s history. When Triple H walked out, the building erupted. He spoke about NXT being a “whisper turned into a roar” before Shawn Michaels joined him for a mutual victory lap. William Regal punctuated the nostalgia with his iconic “WarGames” line, and the segment shifted to the present when Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss reminded everyone that the women’s division remains the heartbeat of NXT.

Why it mattered: Star power fueled nostalgia without overshadowing the roster. It set the tone for a show that respected the past while pushing forward.

⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆

Women’s Tag Team Championship

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss defended against The Culling’s Izzi Dame and Tatum Paxley. The challengers looked sharp, cutting the ring in half and nearly stealing the match after blocking Twisted Bliss. But once Charlotte cleared the apron, Bliss sealed the win with a Sister Abigail.

Why it worked: The champs looked crisp, while The Culling gained credibility by forcing adjustments.

⭐ Rating: ★★★¼

Sami Zayn Spotlight

United States Champion Sami Zayn hit the ring to spotlight rising star Je’Von Evans, calling him the future of NXT. The moment was cut short by Josh Briggs, who forced security to step in before tempers boiled over.

Why it mattered: Zayn’s endorsement elevated Evans, while Briggs carved a lane as the bully.

⭐ Rating: ★★★

Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes vs. DIY

The crowd roared as DIY reunited, hitting familiar double-team spots that nearly ended the match. Just when victory seemed near, The Miz interfered, giving Carmelo Hayes the opening to land Nothing But Net and secure the win with Trick Williams.

Why it worked: Match of the night. Nostalgia, crisp pacing, and layered storytelling delivered everything fans wanted. Trick and Melo stood tall, but questions about trust remain.

⭐ Rating: ★★★★¼

North American Championship

Ethan Page defended against a returning Tyler Breeze, who came back in shape and nearly stole the show with a Figure Four around the post. Page endured the pressure, landing a Twisted Grin from the ropes for a clean win. Post-match, both El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. and Tavion Heights made their presence felt, lining up the next wave of challengers.

Why it mattered: Page earned a legitimate defense, while the title picture feels more competitive than ever.

⭐ Rating: ★★★¼

The Grayson Waller Effect

Grayson Waller stirred the pot with Oba Femi and Ricky Saints, with Ricky delivering a standout promo about “delay not being denial.” Trick Williams hit the ring, and the segment exploded into a major announcement. Next week it’s official: Oba Femi vs. Trick Williams in a Winner Takes All match, with both the NXT Title and TNA World Title on the line.

Why it worked: A broadcast-level hook that guarantees conversation heading into No Mercy.

⭐ Rating: ★★★★

Finn Balor’s Surprise Return

Lexis King declared himself the Homecoming King, only for the lights to drop and Finn Balor’s music to hit. The crowd went wild as Myles Borne struck first, setting the table for Balor to finish it with the Coup de Grace.

Why it mattered: Quick, decisive, and gave the crowd a moment they’ll replay for years.

⭐ Rating: ★★★

Main Event

The night closed with Rhea Ripley, Stephanie Vaquer, and Lyra Valkyria defeating Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Jazmyn Nyx). Lyra absorbed punishment, Vaquer flipped the tempo, and Rhea slammed the door shut with a Riptide. The women’s division stole the spotlight again, with Bianca Belair at ringside to elevate the stakes even further.

Why it worked: Cohesive trios action that put every woman over and ended with a star-studded exclamation point.

⭐ Rating: ★★★★

Closing Hook

Backstage, Trick Williams and Oba Femi locked eyes, with the graphic confirming their Winner Takes All match for next week. Two locker rooms, two belts, and one showdown that instantly became must-see TV.

Straight Shoot Takeaways

Final Thoughts

NXT Homecoming was a show that blended legacy with progression. From Triple H’s “whisper to roar” to the next generation seizing the spotlight, it felt like a true return home. DIY vs. Trick and Melo stole the night, Ricky Saints’ promo showed breakout potential, and the women bookended the card in style.

Straight Shoot Unfiltered Grade: 8.3/10. Full Sail proved why it remains hallowed ground, and the hook for next week ensures the momentum is far from over.

In a year full of commentary shakeups, one voice has cut through the noise. Corey Graves has proven to be one of WWE’s most reliable and engaging commentators, earning consistent praise for how he has handled every twist the company has thrown at him.

At WWE vs AAA: Worlds Collide, fans lit up social media with reactions to his performance. Graves did more than call the action. He pulled the audience into the story, providing backstory on unfamiliar luchadores, delivering historical context that added depth without slowing the pace, and keeping the energy high while letting the matches breathe. It was a masterclass in how commentary can elevate an event.

This success is no accident. Graves has embraced WWE’s current approach to the booth, where announcers are encouraged to develop their own voice rather than stick to rigid scripts. That freedom has allowed him to blend sharp wit, deep knowledge, and fan-first excitement in a way that feels both authentic and polished.

Even in moments when his role shifted, like being sent back to NXT or admitting he sometimes felt overlooked, Graves stayed professional and used those opportunities to grow. His recent calls show a commentator who is not just showing up but continuing to evolve his craft.

He has also earned respect from his peers. Veteran voices in WWE have praised his work, pointing out that Graves brings a balance of entertainment and insight that is rare to find. It is not just about filling a chair behind the desk. It is about shaping how WWE sounds in 2025.

👉 Whether it is Raw, NXT, crossover specials, or marquee main events, Corey Graves has become the voice fans want guiding them through the chaos.

Former WWE superstar Shotzi Blackheart is still battling with the company over one of the most iconic props of her career, her trademark tank.

In a new interview with SHAK Wrestling, Shotzi revealed she has been trying to reclaim the tank ever since her WWE contract expired. She even offered to buy it back outright, but the company has yet to agree.

“I’m not sure why they won’t give me the full tank back,” Shotzi said. “Like, I even offered to buy it. I was like, ‘Whatever you guys want for it, I will dish it out,’ just because it means so much to me, and it was such a big part of my career.”

WWE has returned certain custom parts of the tank that Shotzi herself provided, including the oversized skull that often decorated her entrance vehicle, but the company has kept the tank itself.

Shotzi believes the vehicle is likely just collecting dust in a warehouse. “I know they’re not going to use it. I’m sure it’s in the warehouse and there’s just a bunch of stuff piled on top of it,” she added. “So yeah, I’m still hoping, holding out, that they’re gonna give it back to me.”

👉 The tank was not just a prop. It became Shotzi’s signature entrance in NXT and on the main roster, a part of her identity that fans instantly connected with. Now she is fighting to bring it home.

WWE Hall of Famer JBL is not staying quiet after Ronda Rousey took shots at Alexa Bliss. On the Something To Wrestle podcast, JBL made it clear he thought Ronda’s take was off-base and came from a place of not fully understanding the business.

“I think it’s just naive is what it is. Like MJF said, it’s just not an understanding of the business. You put me against who do you want me to fight? Do you want to fight a guy who can’t sell a t-shirt or do you want to fight the number one merch guy? We’ll make money. Better than some guy that you know can wrestle that nobody cares about.”

JBL emphasized that Alexa has consistently been one of WWE’s top merchandise movers and one of the most marketable women in the company. In his view, dismissing that value just to chase headlines was unnecessary.

“Why do you want to bash somebody like Alexa, who’s still making a living? You’re just going to bash this person that’s making a living and try to discredit her because it gets you a few clicks. I don’t appreciate it.”

To his credit, JBL also added that he has a lot of respect for Ronda personally and noted she has always been kind to him. Still, he stood firm that targeting Alexa publicly was wrong and showed a lack of awareness of what drives the wrestling industry.

👉 JBL’s bottom line: wrestling is not just about in-ring ability, it is about who draws money, sells tickets, and keeps the business alive. By that standard, Alexa Bliss has more than earned her spot.

In honor of Mr. Teshk’s birthday yesterday, we thought we would share a few more than usual in this edition …

True fans go deeper. Premium members get giveaways, extended coverage, and first-look access you won’t find anywhere else!

Be Good People🤘
mr.teshk

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