Kendal Grey injured during NXT Underground title defence, retains over Lola Vice
Kendal Grey suffered a bloody head injury during her NXT Women’s Championship defence against Lola Vice on the August 4 episode of WWE NXT; Grey ultimately retained the title by forcing Vice to submit in an armbar. The match was paused for medical attention after blood was seen coming from Grey’s ear, prompting concern among fans.
The contest was held under NXT Underground rules, which feature no ropes and allow only knockout or submission finishes, and Lola Vice entered the bout undefeated in that stipulation. The championship match closed the show and featured special ring introductions by Mike Rome, with members of the NXT roster surrounding the ring at the start. Grey and Vice exchanged submissions and strikes early, with the absence of ropes eliminating traditional rope breaks.
Action spilled outside the ring where both competitors used the announce table and arena floor, and the turning point came when Grey attempted a dive that Vice avoided, sending Grey into the steel steps. Moments later blood began pouring from Grey’s ear, and WWE’s medical staff attended to the champion following a commercial break. Officials surrounded Grey as she was evaluated while Wren Sinclair stayed by her side during the check.
Despite the stoppage, Grey insisted on continuing, telling those around her, "I got it! I got it!" and wrapping her own head before returning to the match. On her return she visibly struggled with balance and Lola Vice targeted the injured champion in an effort to capitalise on the situation. Vice came close to finishing the match on multiple occasions.
Vice trapped Grey in an ankle lock and later transitioned into a rear-naked choke, applying heavy pressure on the champion. After Vice removed her gloves she accidentally struck the referee with a backhand, leaving the official down and Grey appearing to fade. Wren Sinclair slapped Grey to revive her and Grey then replied with a superkick.
Following another exchange, Grey locked Vice in a tight armbar and forced the former NXT Women’s Champion to submit, securing the title defence. The bout concluded with Grey retaining the NXT Women’s Championship despite the earlier injury and stoppage.
WWE has not issued an official medical update on Kendal Grey since the match, and the severity of the injury has not been confirmed; until the company provides further information Grey’s condition remains uncertain.