The latest episode of NXT, held on August 26, 2025, at the Capitol Wrestling Center in Orlando, Florida, set the stage for an exciting title match as Ricky Saints declared his intention to challenge Oba Femi for the NXT Title. With less than a month until the No Mercy event, where Lola Vice is set to face Jacy Jayne for the Women’s Title, the stakes are rising in NXT’s competitive landscape.
The show opened with a recap of the recent Heatwave event, highlighting Saints’ determination to claim the NXT Championship. He expressed unwavering support for Je’Von Evans, who faced a setback against Femi at Heatwave. Saints emphasized his desire for the NXT Title, prompting Josh Briggs to enter the fray and claim he deserved the first shot at the title. Ava, the authority figure, quickly resolved the dispute, announcing a match between Saints and Briggs for later in the evening.
In a match that featured two rising stars, Kelani Jordan faced Blake Monroe after Monroe expressed her ambition for the Women’s Title. The bout showcased Jordan’s athleticism and resilience, culminating in a decisive victory for Jordan at 4:17 with her signature move, One Of A Kind. While Jordan is making strides in her career, she still has room for growth to truly elevate her status within the roster.
Another notable match involved Lexis King facing Myles Borne in a blindfold match. King, accused of foul play, managed to secure a win after a series of cunning moves, including a low blow that stunned Borne. The match concluded at 4:55, with King’s Coronation finishing off Borne. This encounter exemplified the ongoing narrative of deception and rivalry within the NXT division.
Adding to the evening’s drama, Wren Sinclair teamed up with Kendal Grey to confront The Culling. Despite their lack of partnership history, Sinclair and Grey demonstrated chemistry, though they ultimately fell short against The Culling, with Sinclair pinned after a Sky High maneuver at 3:30.
As the main event approached, Ricky Saints and Josh Briggs clashed for an NXT Title shot. The match unfolded with intense back-and-forth action, featuring impressive maneuvers from both competitors. Saints emerged victorious after a springboard tornado DDT at 12:46, securing his opportunity to challenge Femi for the championship. Saints’ victory has positioned him as a formidable contender, bringing renewed excitement to the NXT Title picture.
The night concluded with a tense staredown between Saints and Femi. Saints asserted that Femi is feeling the pressure of being champion, while Femi promised to prove Saints is merely average. This confrontation sets the tone for their upcoming title match, building anticipation for No Mercy.
The episode also previewed future matches, including a six-man tag featuring Vice, Sol Ruca, and Zaria against Fatal Influence, further establishing storylines leading into No Mercy. As NXT continues to evolve and develop its talent, the stage is set for high-stakes encounters and compelling narratives that will captivate fans in the weeks to come.
In summary, the August 26 NXT event effectively transitioned from Heatwave, engaging audiences by building anticipation for the upcoming No Mercy event while showcasing emerging talent.
