NXT Level Up results, July 26, 2024: Chen edges James spirited battle

Jaida Parker def. Layla Diggs

In a foul mood after her associates in OTM were defeated by The O.C. on NXT, Jaida Parker attempted to take out her frustrations on rookie Layla Diggs, who was seeking her first singles win.

A former gymnast and track and field standout, Diggs endured a few early strikes and some trash talk before escaping her opponent’s clutches with an impressive split into an arm-drag takedown and a standing moonsault for a two-count.

Parker, however, got back on track by elevating off the top rope to land the devastating Tear Drop and soon earned the victory with a wicked knee strike to the face.

Dion Lennox def. Uriah Connors

Following a heated dispute during their loss to Hank Walker and Tank Ledger as tag team partners, Dion Lennox and Uriah Connors seemingly severed their short-lived alliance with a hard-hitting singles clash.

As was the case when they were partners, Lennox looked to rely on brute strength and ring acumen, while Connors attempted to bend and outright break the rules at every turn.

Lennox turned the tide with a debilitating lariat and ring-shaking spinebuster, and even though Connors rolled up Lennox and grabbed the ropes for leverage during a pin attempt, he was caught red-handed by the ref. Seconds later, Lennox secured the win with a clutch rollup of his own.

Dante Chen def. Cutler James

By his own admission, Dante Chen had never been challenged to a match as respectfully as he was when Cutler James approached him in the backstage area.

Nevertheless, Chen was still prepared for a fight, blistering James with rapid-fire fists and kicks.

James, who wanted to test himself against The Gatekeeper of NXT, claimed the upper hand with a scoop slam and a picture-perfect back suplex, though Chen lived up to his moniker when he unloaded on his foe with an electric Chentle Touch for the three-count.