The NXT tag team division just witnessed a brutal clash as Hank Walker and Tank Ledger successfully defended their titles against the vicious duo The Culling on the July 8 episode of WWE NXT.
The Build-Up: Mystery Attack Sparks Tension
The confrontation stemmed from Hank & Tank accusing The Culling of a recent backstage ambush. Tatum Paxley and Izzi Dame aligned with The Culling provoked the champions into a title defense that escalated into a violent showdown. Despite interference attempts, Hank & Tank rose to the occasion with grit and resilience.
Ringside Drama & Title Retention
As the match unfolded, Ledger kicked out of an Impaler DDT from Spears moments later, Sol Ruca and Zaria neutralized Paxley and Dame’s interference, returning parity to the match. Seizing momentum, the champs clotheslined Vance out of the ring and executed a precise running elbow-powerslam combo to pin Spears and retain the NXT Tag Team Championship. This marks nearly three months at the top for the team, since winning gold at Stand & Deliver in April.
Championship Push: From Gauntlet to The Culling
Hank & Tank’s journey began on April 15, with a grueling gauntlet victory to become number-one contenders culminating in their title win at Stand & Deliver over Fraxiom . Since then, they’ve dominated NXT’s tag team landscape, surviving challenges from Briggs & Inamura, Battleground’s six-man tag brawl, and now The Culling.
👥 Allies Arrive: Sol Ruca & Zaria Make Their Mark
The match’s turning point came when Sol Ruca and Zaria charged into action, fending off Dame and Paxley. Their timely intervention swung the balance, enabling Hank & Tank to stage a comeback and ultimately capture the win. Expect those bonds to be tested or strengthened—heading into NXT’s next chapter.
What’s Next for NXT Tag Champs?
- Will The Culling regroup and demand immediate rematches?
- How far will alliances like Ruca & Zaria evolve prove pivotal or tear apart the champions?
- With nearly 90 days as champions, will Hank & Tank face fresh foes at Great American Bash or even cross over into WWE’s main roster spotlight?
Wrap-Up
The brutal encounter between Hank Walker & Tank Ledger and The Culling delivered dares, drama and domination. The champions once again proved their supremacy with the help of allies Sol Ruca & Zaria—while new rivalries simmer just beneath the surface. NXT’s tag division remains a hotspot of unpredictable twists and hard-hitting action, and the next chapter promises even more explosive moments.
