NXT recap & reactions (Mar. 24, 2026): Why is Johnny wrestling?

Key Points:

• Johnny Gargano, despite limited involvement and a lackluster performance, was made the number one contender for the Men’s North American Championship, highlighting NXT's current mediocrity and unimaginative booking.
• Several emerging talents like Shiloh Hill, Charlie Dempsey, Dion Lennox, and Jackson Drake were built up over weeks but ultimately overshadowed by Gargano's unexpected title shot, which felt like a missed opportunity for fresh storytelling.
• The show featured notable segments such as Tatum Paxley’s psychological tactics, a raw and emotionally charged promo exchange between Sol Ruca and Zaria, and the buildup of new feuds including Kelani Jordan vs. Jaida Parker and Lola Vice vs. Kendal Grey.
• Confusing storyline decisions, such as the Men’s NXT Champion defending Joe Hendry despite prior tensions, contributed to a sense of disjointed storytelling and lack of coherence leading into the upcoming Stand & Deliver event.
• Overall, the episode struggled with pacing, logic, and impactful moments, relying heavily on a few standout storylines while the rest of the roster and narratives felt underutilized ahead of the major show at Madison Square Garden.