Reviews

The John Report: WWE NXT 02/25/25 Review

By John Canton • Published 25th February 2025
WWE NXT February 25 Review

This week on WWE NXT featured Ricky Saints in his first match, The Hardy Boyz back in a WWE ring, Stephanie Vaquer’s title defense, and more.

They are on the road this week so I’ll go with a regular review. I am watching the Netflix version of the show here in Canada.

They are at The Andrew J Brady Music Center in Cincinnati for this week’s show. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport, friend me on Facebook, or chat with me on the Bluesky App as well. Let’s get to it.

There were arrivals shown from earlier in the day including Ricky Saints & Je’Von Evans, Ethan Page with Wes Lee, Tyson & Tyriek and The Hardy Boyz as well.

The commentary team was Vic Joseph, Booker T & Corey Graves. There was a ramp connecting the entrance to the ring, so that’s a different look for NXT. AEW was in this venue for Dynamite on January 15th, so if it looks familiar to you then that’s why.

NXT Women’s North American Championship: Stephanie Vaquer vs. Karmen Petrovic (w/Ashante Thee Adonis)

Karmen was in control with a crucifix pin attempt. Vaquer broke free and applied a submission while hooking the arms. Karmen hit a running elbow along with a Slingblade-like move for two. Karmen connected with a sliding kick for two. Vaquer hit a backbreaker and a suplex. Vaquer hit a running leg drop for two. Vaquer missed a charging attack when Karmen moved and Karmen sent Vaquer out of the ring. Karmen hit a suicide dive onto Vaquer on the floor. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Karmen connected with a clothesline for two. Karmen hit Vaquer with multiple knees to the ribs. Vaquer got a rollup for two. Vaquer hit a cross body block and Karmen rolled through with a punch. Karmen worked over Vaquer with forearm smashes. Karmen grabbed a headlock until Vaquer hit a jawbreaker.

The match continued as Vaquer took control with a dropkick along with multiple chops to the chest. Vaquer hit a belly-to-back suplex. Vaquer did her knee drop combo that Booker loves a lot and the fans were chanting “Stephanie” for Vaquer. There was a running knee attack by Vaquer for a two count. Vaquer headbutted Karmen down. Karmen did a handspring hurricanrana off the ropes like Trish Stratus and a spinning kick by Karmen got a two count. Karmen got an inside cradle for two. Vaquer hit a DDT for two. Vaquer hit Eat Defeat and a kick to the head. Vaquer hit a 619 kick called a Feint Kick and Vaquer went for a springboard attack, but Karmen hit a superkick for a two count. Great spot. They exchanged strikes including headbutts by Vaquer and Karmen hit a spin kick to the gut. Vaquer hit a dragon screw leg whip out of the corner. Vaquer hit the SVB backbreaker onto the knee for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Stephanie Vaquer

Analysis: ***1/4 It was an entertaining match for Vaquer’s first title defense. Vaquer is so impressive in the ring, and she is becoming my favorite women’s in-ring performer in NXT. From a performance standpoint, Vaquer makes everything look easy and she looks credible as well. Karmen has improved a lot in the last few months and she was able to hold her own, which is cool to see for my fellow Canadian.

The NXT Women’s Champion Giulia got into the ring with Vaquer. Giulia said congratulations to Stephanie. Giulia spoke about how Vaquer said she is the best champion, but Giulia said she is the best champion. Vaquer claimed she was the champion of champions. Giulia said they should find out who the best woman is. Vaquer said they are friends, but title for title and champion vs. champion and they held up their titles. The fans cheered.

Analysis: I am a fan of the match idea, but I thought it would be further down the line since they haven’t been champions for that long. Perhaps WWE is going to want to put one of them on the main roster soon. Anyway, I’m sure Vaquer and Giulia will have a great match whenever it happens.

Arianna Grace was shown talking to TNA’s Director of Authority Santino Marella earlier today. They are father-daughter even though it’s not acknowledged. They talked about what’s happening on the show tonight. Lola Vice walked up wanting a match, Grace was rude to her and Vice had a line about how nobody in your family taught you to fight, which led to Santino nearly doing the Cobra, but he stopped himself. Anyway, Vice challenged Grace to a match.

Lexis King was backstage with the NXT Heritage Cup and he walked up to NXT Champion Oba Femi. King said that he’s going to beat Moose in King’s hometown and then fans will be talking about the Ruler vs. the King.

A commercial aired plugging the Elimination Chamber PLE on Saturday in Toronto. I will be there.

(Commercial)

There was a photo posted on social media of the four mystery attackers standing outside the arena. I believe it was Dion Lennox who posted it.

TNA X-Division Championship: Moose vs. Lexis King

King is in his hometown of Cincinnati. King is the NXT Heritage Cup Champion, but only the X-Division Title is on the line.

Moose was in control with chops to the chest along with a toss across the ring. Moose sent King into the turnbuckle, King moved and Moose hit the turnbuckle. King hit a jumping kick on Moose, then a shoulder tackle to the ribs and Moose sent King into the turnbuckle. King stagged Moose back a bit, King sat on the turnbuckle and Moose dropkicked King from the turnbuckle to the floor. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Moose sent King hard into the steel steps. King fought back to avoid a move on the apron and King kicked Moose. King hit a running forearm off the apron to Moose’s head to knock Moose down on the floor. Back in the ring, King jumped off the top, Moose caught him and hit a Book End. King was able to knock Moose down leading to kicks to the body. King charged at Moose, who gave King a back body drop over the top onto the ramp. The fans chanted “holy shit” after that. Moose gouged King’s face to remain in control.

Moose was dominating King with slaps to the face, so King fought back with strikes and two forearms to the head. Moose hit a boot to the head. King hit a superkick and a hurricanrana for two. King hit a somersault over the top onto Moose on the floor. The fans were fired up supporting King. Back in the ring, King went up top and hit a cross body block for two. Moose hit a kick to the head and Moose jumped to the top rope leading to a cross body block. Moose got back up and hit a Powerbomb for a two count. Good nearfall with Moose looking shocked about that kickout. King hit a superkick followed by The Coronation for a two count. That is King’s finisher. Moose powered out of a move by King. Moose charged, King avoided it and Moose hit a Spear for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Moose

Analysis: ***1/2 I liked the match a lot. I thought that Moose would dominate more than he did, but King was able to get plenty of offense throughout the match. The pacing of that match was really good because they kept on doing big moves with counters, but they also sold pretty well too. The fans were into the match since they wanted hometown guy King to win and he nearly did, but Moose winning was expected.

The NXT Champion Oba Femi made his entrance to confront Moose in the ring. Femi congratulated Moose on getting past Lexis King, but now we need to focus on this. Femi said that this what everybody wanted. Femi said that Ava made the match official in two weeks at NXT Roadblock in two weeks at MSG Theater in New York City. Femi said it’s a collision that nobody has ever seen before. Femi held up his title and they exchanged words.

Analysis: That’s going to be an awesome match in two weeks. I think Femi will win.

Shawn Spears was shown in a video package saying his goal is to guide individuals and find their inner light. Spears talked about transforming Brooks Jensen saying he is who he has been searching for all along. Spears said that Niko Vance’s ferocity is not a curse, it’s a gift. Spears talked about Izzi Dame as the embodiment of cunning beauty and Dame knows that if you control the narrative, victory is guaranteed. Spears talked about how Tony D’Angelo and his family never saw it coming. Spears said that there’s a new family here to take over NXT. Spears said the only thing left to do is take the North American Championship next week.

Analysis: Spears didn’t name the group, so we don’t know that yet, but I do like the group. Dame could be somebody to watch in the women’s division if she gets more opportunities. I think Spears could win the NXT NA Title next week.

Jordynne Grace was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.

(Commercial)

They showed the NXT bus earlier in the day featuring wrestlers while Arianna Grace was talking to Kelani Jordan while Jaida Parker was in the back of the bus. Parker yelled at Jordan since she was talking about Parker, so Jordan got up and they argued a bit. That was it.

Let’s Hear from Jordynne Grace

Jordynne Grace said that from the moment she stepped foot into a WWE ring last year, she knew where she belonged. Grace said that she walked in as an outsider carrying the weight of an entire company on her back. Grace said after spending time in NXT, she knew she had to be part of it. Grace said she didn’t hesitate about signing. Grace said she had a singular goal to become a champion in the best women’s division of the world. That led to “NXT” chants. Grace said that she knows that Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer felt the shift. Grace said that they felt the foundation beginning to crack when she arrived. Grace said it was only a matter of time when she’s standing in the ring across from them. Grace said that a juggernaut is unstoppable…and here’s Roxanne Perez.

Roxanne Perez said welcome back to Grace. Perez said that any female wrestler who wants to be a big star knows that NXT is the place to be. Perez claimed she made the division famous and Perez said she put the brand on her back for the last 12 months. Perez said that this is still her division and it’s her world now. Grace said if this Perez’s division, where is “her” title? Perez said that Grace couldn’t beat her for it at Battleground. Perez said Grace just got here, so don’t make Perez send her back to TNA. Perez said that there’s a gap between them. Perez said that she was going to win the Elimination Chamber in Toronto and become the Women’s World Champion. Perez said that they’ll call her Roxy Two Belts. Grace said “Everyone has a plan until” and Grace punched Perez in the face. Grace tried a slam, but Perez broke free and got out of the ring. The phrase is “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face” in case you’re wondering.

Analysis: It was a solid mission statement kind of promo from Grace talking about wanting to win gold in NXT. It will probably happen later this year. Perez is likely going to be on the main roster full time soon, so I assume this segment will lead to Perez losing to Grace before Perez goes to the main roster full time.

Trick Williams was reading about his loss to Eddy Thorpe in the locker room when Je’Von Evans walked up to him. Evans said that Trick shouldn’t worry about his loss to Eddy Thorpe. Evans thinks that they are going through the same thing and Trick said no. Trick said that Evans is fighting for a smile while Trick is going for the NXT Championship. Trick told Evans to stay in his lane. Evans tried to talk to Trick, but Trick was angry towards him. Ricky Saints walked up, he tried a handshake, Trick touched knuckles and said he heard about him. Trick left. Ricky said to Evans he gets being angry, but does it have to be all the time around here?

The Hardy Boyz tag team match against NQCC was up next.

(Commercial)

Jaida Parker was interviewed by Sarah Schreiber backstage. There were technical difficulties on Netflix. Parker was speaking about Kelani Jordan and said that Jaida Parker don’t play to end it.

The TNA Tag Team Champions The Hardy Boyz got a huge pop for their entrance. It was good to hear that classic Hardy song on a WWE show again. The last time the Hardys teamed up in WWE was April 19, 2019, and this is their first NXT match.

The Hardy Boyz – Matt & Jeff Hardy vs. No Quarter Catch Crew – Myles Borne & Tavion Heights (w/Charlie Dempsey & Wren Sinclair)

Jeff held Heights for Matt, who hit an elbow smash to the arm. Jeff tagged in for a double team back elbow. Jeff did a snapmare followed by a dropkick to the back. Heights powered Jeff into the turnbuckle and Borne tagged in with an armbar. Matt made the tag against Heights leading to a necksnap across the top rope. Borne launched Heights into a clothesline on Matt. Matt avoided a double team move and Jeff hit his running corner splash on Borne. Matt hit a DDT on Heights. Jeff clotheslined Borne over the top to the ramp. Jeff jumped off Matt’s back leading to a leg lariat on Borne over the top rope. Borne countered a move by Jeff leading to a powerslam for two. Heights had a hold of Jeff, but Jeff kicked Heights to break free. Matt tagged in to send the heads of both opponents into the turnbuckle and Matt hit a Side Effect on Heights. The NXT Tag Team Champions Axiom & Nathan Frazer were seated on chairs on the ramp watching the match. Heights hit Matt with a powerslam. Heights sent Matt into the turnbuckle leading to Heights hitting a clothesline. Borne tagged in with uppercuts and punches. Borne grabbed a headlock.

The NQCC boys were in control as Heights tagged in leading to a headlock on Matt. After Matt sent Heights out of the ring, Matt hit a jawbreaker on Borne. Jeff jumped onto Heights on the floor. Jeff tagged in with an atomic drop on Borne along with he patented dropkick and leg drop combo for two. Heights was in the ring illegally, Jeff fought back against both opponents and Jeff hit his Whisper in the Wind twisting attack on both opponents. The fans loved it. Heights picked up Jeff leading to a double team neckbreaker for two because Matt broke up the pin. Borne picked up Jeff, Matt made the blind tag and Jeff hit a Twist of Fate and Matt hit a neckbreaker for two because Heights broke up the pin. They sent Heights out of the ring. Borne went for a dropkick, Matt avoided it and Matt hit a Twist of Fate. Jeff jumped off the top with a Swanton Bomb and Matt covered Borne for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The Hardy Boyz – Matt & Jeff Hardy

Analysis: ***1/4 I liked the match and the fans were so into it because they loved seeing The Hardy Boyz in WWE again. The team of Borne & Heights continues to impress every time they are out there. I’d like to see more from them. Anyway, the Hardys looked sharp throughout the match with some great tag team moves and the fans absolutely loved it.

After the match, the Fraxiom duo of Nathan Frazer & Axiom entered in the ring as the NXT Tag Team Champions. Axiom welcomed The Hardys to NXT. Matt said he loves NXT. Matt said he has seen them defend their titles and they are on an impressive run. Frazer said they are standing there as the greatest tag team in the world today with the greatest tag team of all time. Jeff said spare the small talk. Jeff said that we can find out who the best tag team in the world is.

Santino Marella made his entrance as the TNA Director of Authority and he got a huge pop from the fans! Yeah! Santino rules. Santino said that he has been talking with Ava in the back. Santino said that at NXT Roadblock in two weeks it’s going to be Fraxiom against The Hardy Boyz for the TNA Tag Team Titles.

Analysis: The pop for Santino was so great to hear. I love that guy. That will be an awesome match. Roadblock in New York City has a very strong lineup so far.

The D’Angelo Family were together in a restaurant. Stacks tried to apologize to Tony D’Angelo about last week and Tony Said he appreciated what Stacks did, but Tony had to lay low. Tony said he was beaming with pride watching Stacks lead the family. Tony talked about how he’ll handle Shawn Spears next week. Luca Crusifino spoke up when Stacks showed concern and Tony said that Stacks is the Underboss, so he gets to have a say. Tony assured Stacks it would be okay while Adrianna Rizzo said that Tony has got this. That was it.

A video was shown from WWE LFG featuring Bubba Ray Dudley talking to his team and a wrestler showed off his dance moves. WWE LFG airs Sunday nights on A&E.

(Commercial)

There was a clip from “Over The Weekend” when Sol Ruca was talking to Zaria at the WWE PC. Piper Niven did her Secret Service gimmick clearing the room. Chelsea Green showed up for a massage. Zaria and Sol trashed them for not winning a tag team match lately. It led to a match challenge for next week. Zaria & Sol left while Green complained about Niven agreeing to it.

Analysis: An easy way to set up a match. I don’t mind it.

Lola Vice vs. Arianna Grace

Grace hit two jabs to the face, and she celebrated. Vice beat up Grace with kicks along with a running hip attack. They left the ring where Grace sent Vice into the ring post. They went into the ring where Grace hit a jumping back elbow. Grace worked over Vice with punches and kicks. Grace hit a neckbreaker. Vice came back with spinning kicks to the body and a stomp to the back. Vice hit a spinning back fist for the pinfall win. It lasted about three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Lola Vice

Analysis: *1/2 An easy win for Vice. Grace is not booked like a serious wrestler most of the time, but I find her entertaining.

There was a backstage attack that featured the NQCC guys Dempsey, Borne & Heights laid out on the floor looking like they have been attacked. The door opened to show that the four mystery guys were leaving, so they did the attack.

(Commercial)

Eddy Thorpe was shown walking around Cincinnati saying there was once a time when his people stood proudly on this land. Thorpe said that they were forcibly removed and forced out west. Thorpe said that at Vengeance Day, he beat Trick Williams, yet the powers that be want to deny him an opportunity at the NXT Title. Thorpe said he still got labeled a bad guy. Thorpe said he fights for the same opportunities that Trick gets. Thorpe said he wanted to face Trick as badly as Trick wanted to face him, so he told Trick to name the time and place.

Analysis: I think Trick is going to win whenever he faces Thorpe again.

Ava the NXT GM was interviewed by Sarah Schreiber in the arena in the upper deck. Ava talked about being live in New York City for Roadblock. Ava mentioned the big matches like Femi-Moose and Frazer & Axiom vs. Hardys. Ava said that at Roadblock, Giulia will face Stephanie Vaquer in a Title vs. Title match where one woman will walk out with both titles.

Analysis: That is a loaded lineup for NXT Roadblock with three title matches and one of them is the Giulia/Vaquer match for both titles.

Next week on NXT

* NXT North American Championship: Tony D’Angelo vs. Shawn Spears

* Kelani Jordan vs. Jaida Parker

* Sol Ruca & Zaria vs. Chelsea Green & Piper Niven

It was main event time with the heel side of Wes Lee with Tyson Dupont & Tyreke Igwe and Ethan Page up first.

(Commercial)

Je’Von Evans made his entrance by putting in his mouthguard to sell his broken jaw injury at the hands of Page. Ricky Saints (not Starks) made his entrance with the lights going out. The start of Ricky’s song says “Welcome to the Revolution” and then it’s a jazzy kind of tune.

Ricky Saints & Je’Von Evans vs. Ethan Page & Wes Lee

I’ll just call him Ricky in the PBP because otherwise, I’m going to write “Starks” out of habit. Evans went after Page, he chased Page out of the ring and legal man Lee kicked Evans to knock him down. Back in the ring, Evans went for a springboard attack, but Lee caught him. Evans got a springboard rollup followed by a top rope hurricanrana. Evans hit an impressive dropkick for two. Ricky got the tag and he got a nice ovation. Ricky hit an uppercut followed by two arm drags and Ricky hit an atomic drop. Lee slapped Ricky, so Ricky came back with punches. Evans tagged in for a double team arm dragon on Lee. Ricky held Page and Evans hit an impressive dropkick. Evans sent Lee out of the ring so both heels were on the floor. There was a break for some fans as the action continued. Evans worked over Lee with uppercuts and an armbar. Lee broke free and sent Evans into the turnbuckle. Page was legal for his team as he sent Evans hard into the turnbuckle. Evans chopped Page and Ricky tagged in for a double suplex. Ricky hit a knee drop. Trick was back in with a double axhandle and a kick for Page. Trick went up top, but Page stopped that. There was a distraction by Lee’s buddies on the floor and Evans was tripped on the turnbuckle. Page caught Evans and hit a backbreaker onto the top turnbuckle. Evans sold it well by bumping to the floor.

Page sent Evans back into the ring followed by a Boston Crab submission, so Lee tagged in with a senton splash on Evans’ back. Lee trapped Evans’ legs leading to punches to the back. Page tagged in with a splash on Evans and Lee hit double knees on Evans. Page launched Evans into the air leading to a powerslam for two. Evans slipped out of an Ego’s Edge attempt and Evans hit a jumping kick on Page. Ricky tagged in with clotheslines for legal man Lee and a back body drop on Lee. Ricky hit an impressive Tornado DDT on Page. Ricky hit a running elbow on Lee and a gutbuster. There were “Ricky” chants from the fans. Ricky hit a Spear on Lee for two because Page broke up the pin. Evans punched Page out of the ring. Evans hit a suicide dive onto Page on the floor. Evans and Page went over the barricade, so they went fighting to the back. Lee kicked Ricky and sent Ricky shoulder-first into the turnbuckle. Lee went for a leaping attack, Ricky avoided it and Ricky hit a spinning slam. Ricky sent Tyson and Tyreke off the apron to the floor. Lee hit a Meteora for two. Lee told Ricky he never should have come to NXT. Lee went for the Cardiac Kick, Ricky caught him and Ricky hit the Roshambo running powerslam for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Ricky Saints & Je’Von Evans

Analysis: ***1/2 It was a tag team match that became a singles match and it was obvious that Ricky was going to win because it’s not like they would have him lose his debut match in NXT. The Evans/Page story is going to continue since they went fighting into the crowd and we know Evans is going to need the win over Page. I thought Ricky was impressive while Lee is a great worker, so I’m not surprised that it was an entertaining match.

Ricky Saints celebrated the win. The announcers plugged what’s coming next week. Ricky continued to celebrate and that was the end of the show.

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Three Stars of the Show

  1. The Hardy Boyz – Matt & Jeff Hardy
  2. Ricky Saints & Je’Von Evans
  3. Stephanie Vaquer

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The Scoreboard

This week: 7.75 out of 10

Last week: 8

2025 Average: 7.5

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Final Thoughts on WWE NXT

It was a great show for the second week in a row as NXT continues to roll. They have a nice balance of entertaining matches, the promos are solid and they are probably the best WWE show in terms of booking week to week. They not only set up matches for next week but also set up matches for two weeks from now in New York City. It’s a testament to how well the shows are booked where they can go week to week and stick with the plan.

I enjoyed seeing the Hardy Boyz back in a WWE ring. The fans loved seeing them too. Ricky Saints showed that he belongs in WWE with an impressive performance in his first NXT match. There was predictability with some of the matches, but that’s going to happen sometimes.

The women’s division continues to be booked well. I’m excited about the Giulia-Vaquer match in two weeks. Having that on the same show as Femi-Moose and Fraxiom-Hardys is pretty damn cool. I’m looking forward to all of those matches.

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Thanks for reading. My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter/X @johnreport