Photo by Bradlee Rutledge/WWE via Getty Images

WWE NXT Stand & Deliver 2026: Best and Worst From Saturday's Event

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Apr 5, 2026 4:41 PM ET

Saturday marked a new WWE NXT special: Stand & Deliver. In the main event, Tony D'Angelo managed to become the new NXT Champion.

Here is the best and worst of WWE NXT Stand and Deliver 2026, in descending order:

The Worst

2. Birthright vs. Hank, Tank, Shiloh Hill and Wren Sinclair

This was exactly what was needed -- they did not overstay their welcome, yet still delivered a dynamic match to open the night. It was not spectacular, and no one had much time to stand out, but more was expected of Birthright as a group.

1. Outside the Big Stage

For the first time since the event took on the Stand and Deliver name, it takes place outside of WrestleMania weekend and its venue -- perhaps better suited to a more fitting setting for the brand. Nevertheless, those TakeOver days are missed, even if the event was good overall.

Tony D'Angelo Celebrates in the ring during NXT: Stand and Deliver at The Factory on April 4, 2026, in St Louis, Missouri.Photo by Bradlee Rutledge/WWE Via Getty Images

The Best

3. Joe Hendry vs. Tony D'Angelo vs. Ricky Saints vs. Ethan Page

Another thrilling match, with a very logical ending. Truthfully, it is hard to picture Hendry staying in NXT much longer, as a call-up to the main roster is not a far-fetched idea -- especially given that he has already had exposure there.

At the very least, it gives fans a new superstar to root for, while D'Angelo gets the opportunity to establish himself as a major star. Saints and Page were bound to betray each other, and this was a good way for it to happen. A solid main event overall.

2. Sol Ruca vs. Zaria

It was a good match, and Ruca won cleanly, another devastating setback for Zaria. As before, she had not won anything, and that is not a good sign. It is unclear what lies ahead for her -- beyond her match against Izzi Dame -- although Ruca could set her sights on the title or simply move up to the main roster. They had a good match, though Zaria needed the win more here.

1. Jacy Jayne vs. Lola Vice vs. Kendal Grey

The match intensified toward the end, maintaining the same energy and momentum throughout. Vice earned a deserved victory, though she came close to falling short once again, having been within reach of the win on numerous occasions without managing to get it. Grey's moment will come, and Jacy Jayne could well be on her way to the main roster, so this was the right call in every sense.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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