Reviews

The John Report: WWE NXT 05/20/25 Review

By John Canton • Published May 21, 2025 11:11 EDT

This week’s WWE NXT featured Joe Hendry and Trick Williams putting on musical performances while Kelani Jordan faced Zaria in singles action.

The NXT Battleground PLE is on Sunday, May 25th, so I’ll review that show that night or the next day because there’s an AEW show that night too.

They are at the WWE Performance Centre in Orlando for this week’s show. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport, and check out my NXT TV review archive. Let’s get to it.

There was some pre-show walking shown of Myles Borne with the No Quarter Catch Crew, Oba Femi, Joe Hendry and Ricky Saints. When Ricky arrived, he walked out to the ring for a promo.

It was Vic Joseph, Booker T, and Corey Graves on commentary. Mike Rome was the ring announcer.

Je’Von Evans vs. Sean Legacy vs. Ashante Thee Adonis

The NXT North American Champion Ricky Saints is on commentary. Sean Legacy is from Evolve and was in the battle royal a few weeks ago.

Evans punched Adonis off the apron to the floor. Legacy hit an impressive double foot stomp and dropkick to knock Evans out of the ring. Adonis jumped off the top with a twisting attack on Evans on the floor. Evans dropkicked Legacy out of the ring. Legacy was fighting Adonis on the floor, so Evans hit a suicide dive onto both guys. Evans even flipped onto his back, but he was okay. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued.

Adonis was in control as he went for a superkick, but it was blocked. Evans hit an impressive spinning kick on Legacy. Adonis nailed Evans with a lariat. Legacy jumped off the top with a missile dropkick on Adonis. Legacy hit a Spanish Fly on Evans for two. Legacy hit a somersault dive over the top onto Adonis. Evans hit a super hurricanrana on Legacy off the top. Evans hit a spinning kick on Legacy and Adonis sent Evans out of the ring, but Evans managed to break up the pin attempt. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for them. Adonis hit a DDT on Evans, followed by a superkick for two because Legacy hit a springboard 450 Splash to break up the pin. Legacy went for a move on Adonis, but Evans hit a Cutter. Evans took out Legacy with a dive on the floor. Evans went up top and hit an incredible Frog Splash on Adonis for two because Legacy made the save. I thought that was it. Ethan Page showed up at ringside and got into a fight with Ricky. Security guys were there, so Evans dove over the top onto the guys on the floor. Adonis jumped over the top onto Ricky, Page and the security guys. Adonis jumped off the top for a splash, Legacy avoided it and Legacy hit a spinning slam off the shoulders for the pinfall win after 14 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Sean Legacy

Analysis: ***3/4 It ended up being a great match that exceeded expectations. I didn’t think they’d have nearly a four star match in this one, so kudos to everybody involved. Getting more than 10 minutes certainly helped them. I didn’t know much about Legacy before this match, but he showed a lot of talent in this match. Also, it’s nice to see Adonis in a featured match like this because he doesn’t get booked in longer matches that often. I thought Evans would win since he’s been pushed the most out of this trio, so it was a nice surprise to have Legacy get the big win.

Ava, the NXT GM, was in her office telling Mr. Stone and Stevie Turner to try to get control of that situation at ringside. Jasper Troy and Tyra Mae Steele walked in as the WWE LFG winners. Ava said they’ll have their debut matches soon. They gave Ava their signed contracts. Troy said he’s going to make an impact, and it starts tonight.

Analysis: I watched most of WWE LFG, and I think they chose the right winners. For the guys, I thought Anthony Luke might win, but as the show went on, Jasper Troy did a better job as a character and he has a lot of potential. Steele is an Olympic Gold Medal winner who has picked up pro wrestling quickly, and she has a bright future. A lot of people from that show will be on NXT TV soon.

(Commercial)

A video aired about Jordynne Grace working out. Grace talked about how Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer and herself were all top free agents. Grace said now that she and Vaquer have beaten Giulia, so they are competing for that top spot. Grace talked about how she and Stephanie both dominated their own territories. Grace said that Vaquer escaped with the title once, but there is no escape this time. Grace said she’ll prove she’s the best.

Lola Vice spoke to her friend Stephanie Vaquer, who said she’ll talk to her later. Fallon Henley and Jacy Jayne walked in to talk trash. Vice spoke about how Henley and Jayne seem to have problems. Jayne told Henley to take care of Vice tonight.

Trick Williams Rap Performance

Trick Williams walked out to the arena rapping about how he ain’t ever backing down to an Average Joe. Trick kept on repeating that part a lot since it was the chorus. Booker was doing his adlibs during the song. Trick even did a Hendry-style stare into the camera. Joe Hendry was shown watching it on a TV and he was playing the guitar.

Analysis: It was a solid performance by Trick. Nice job by him.

Kelly Kincaid interviewed Josh Briggs. Briggs said that this match was for his friend Inamura, who returned to Japan after his NXT run ended.

The Shawn Spears entrance was next. Spears against Briggs was during the break for some fans the action continued.

Josh Briggs vs. Shawn Spears (w/Brooks Jensen, Niko Vance and Izzi Dame)

It was a physical start, with Briggs working over Spears with punches. They started during a break for some fans and then it came back to the full audience. Briggs hit an impressive leaping clothesline. Spears managed to take control with a neckbreaker. Briggs hit a sidewalk slam and a splash. Spears avoided a Chokeslam and clotheslined Briggs out of the ring. Briggs caught Spears and Briggs sent Spears onto the commentary table. Vance charged at Briggs, so Briggs sent Vance into the steel steps. Jensen distracted the referee, Dame hit Briggs with a boot to the face and Spears got an inside cradle for the win. It lasted about 6 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Shawn Spears

Analysis: **1/4 A cheap win by Spears, thanks to his allies outside the ring. It could be leading to Briggs realizing he needs to be in The Culling with Spears, but I’m not sure where it’s going.

After the match, Briggs went after Spears, but Vance & Jensen were there to help Spears. Hank & Tank ran out for the save, so they cleared the ring. Hank & Tank stood tall with Briggs in the ring.

Analysis: That sets them up for a six-man tag team match. Does Briggs turn heel to join The Culling? It might happen.

Kelani Jordan spoke to Zaria and Sol Ruca in the locker room. Jordan made sure that if she won, she would get a title shot at Ruca at Battleground. Zaria was confident that she’d beat Jordan like she did two weeks ago. Jordan assured them that she would win.

The Chase U boys were up next.

(Commercial)

There was a backstage scene with Thea Hail yelling at Tatum Paxley about her actions next week. Paxley said that you don’t understand the toll that it takes to lose everybody that you were close to. Hail said she understands what it takes to lose people. Jaida Parker hit a running knee to knock Hail down. Parker told Hail to save herself next time. Parker told Paxley she felt bad for her, then Paxley questioned that, and Parker said, “hell no,” and called Tatum “stupid.” Parker left.

Analysis: I want to see Parker get back in the title mix soon. I’d like to see her win a title within the next few months, and I think Parker should be more of a babyface because the fans don’t want to boo him.

OTM – Lucien Price & Bronco Nima vs. Chase U – Uriah Connors & Kale Dixon (w/Andre Chase)

The OTM boys are back after Price was out for a few months with an injury. OTM was aggressive early on. Dixon hit a DDT on Price, but then Price used his power to counter Connors. Nima nailed Connors with a clothesline. Price used Connors to knock Dixon off the apron to the floor. OTM hit a double team spinebuster combo on Connors for the win. It went about 3 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: OTM – Lucien Price & Bronco Nima

Analysis: *1/2 A squash match tag team win to put over OTM in their return. I think OTM could be Tag Team Champions this year. The Chase U boys will have a story where they probably lose a lot of matches before figuring out how to win. It’s what Hank & Tank did as well.

A face off between Oba Femi and Myles Borne was up next.

(Commercial)

Face to Face: Oba Femi and Myles Borne

Myles Borne walked out to the ring for a promo as he prepares for his NXT Title shot at Battleground on Sunday in Tampa. The NXT Champion Oba Femi was up next. The reaction for Femi was louder and he’s got the better theme song/presentation too.

Femi said that a lot of people didn’t believe Borne could make it this far, but look at Borne now because he’s the number one contender for the NXT Title. Femi said that this is not a fight for the title, but it’s a fight for people with limitations like Borne. Femi said he finds it to be misleading. Femi knows that Borne is a good person, but this isn’t a Disney movie with a happy ending. Femi said that when he steps into the ring with Femi at Battleground, Borne’s dream will die. Femi said he’d be merciless, relentless, and unforgiving. Femi told Borne to join the line and the list of victims at the hands of Oba Femi.

Borne said he’s not alone because the No Quarter Catch Crew has been helping him. Borne said he is there to represent an entire community and every parent with a child who doesn’t fit in. Borne said it’s about making a statement. Borne said doctors and nurses underestimated him. Borne said that opponents at the amateur level and coaches underestimated him, but he proved them wrong. Borne said he’ll have the toughest match of his career at Battleground, but he’s been fighting battles all his life. Borne said this isn’t a Disney movie, that every ruler falls. Borne said that he might be hard of hearing, but they are going to hear the 1…2…3 loud and clear. Borne left.

When Oba Femi turned around, Jasper Troy attacked Femi with a running body attack. Troy gave Femi a Bossman Slam and left the ring when Borne got into the ring. Borne tried to pick Femi up, but Femi slapped his hand away. Borne picked up the NXT Title and Femi stuck his hand out, so Borne gave the title back to him.

Analysis: It was a solid promo exchange from Oba Femi and Myles Borne. We know Borne is partly deaf, so he’s fighting to overcome that and it’s easy to support a guy who is trying to inspire others. I also think it’s very unlikely that Femi will lose, but at least they can have a match where Femi comes close to losing a few times, and it looks like Borne could lose. We heard from Troy earlier in the night saying he was going to make an impact and he did. Troy looks believable as a guy who could beat Femi, so having him attack Femi shows that the NXT bosses are high on Troy and likely want to push him quickly.

They showed Ava’s office, where she was yelling at Ricky Starks and Ethan Page about fighting earlier. Starks said if it isn’t tonight, he’s going to destroy Page. Page said he’s having too much fun making his life hell. Starks suggested putting his NXT North American Title on the line, and Page wondered when he could get a title shot. Ava said that Sean Legacy has a claim for a title shot, but she’ll make an exception and she booked Starks against Page next week on NXT.

Analysis: It is a bit strange to not have Starks in action at Battleground, but we already saw him beat Page at Stand & Deliver last month, so it makes sense not to do it at Battleground. It’s still a good match for next week on NXT. I think Page will be going to the main roster in the WWE Draft, which is likely coming soon.

Lola Vice entered for singles action.

(Commercial)

There was a NXT Spotlight video featuring Tony D’Angelo. Tony said that the worst thing about betrayal is that it comes from family. Tony said he thought that Stacks and him were built the same and demonstrated loyalty. Tony said that he brought Stacks to NXT, but that wasn’t good enough because Stacks wanted the glory. Tony said that Stacks only sees what The Don allows him to see. Tony called Stacks that he’s got guts, but he doesn’t have brains. Tony said that at Battleground there is no bail out, there’s just Tony breaking his face. At NXT Battleground, Tony D faces Stacks.

Analysis: Good video featuring Tony D talking about that storyline with Stacks, which lasted about three years before the turn. I know I constantly mention people going to the main roster, and I think Tony D is somebody who could be heading that way, too. Tony has been in NXT for nearly four years, so at some point I think going to the main roster will happen, but the Mafia gimmick probably won’t be the same if it happens.

Lola Vice vs. Fallon Henley (w/Jacy Jayne)

Henley got out of an armbar and hit a thrust to the throat. When Vice went for an armbar again, Henley got to the ropes to break the hold. Vice did a good job with a headscissors and a kick to the ribs. Henley came back with a kick to knock down Vice on the floor. They went on a break for some fans. The action during the break was mostly Henley in control and slowing it down.

The women did a double clothesline spot to knock them both down. Vice got some momentum going with multiple kicks to the body. Booker was yelling a lot during this entire show and it was more annoying than usual. Most weeks I don’t mind, but it was excessive this week. Vice kicked Henley in the back for a two count. Henley came back with a Blockbuster for a two count. Jayne got on the apron to yell at Vice, so Vice threw Henley into Jayne and Vice hit a back fist to Henley’s face for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Lola Vice

Analysis: *** A solid match to give Vice a win at a time when she isn’t being featured that much. It also continues the story that Henley and Jayne are having issues, so the Fatal Influence group may be ending soon, unless it’s all a ruse and they will remain together.

After the match, Fallon Henley and Jacy Jayne argued about what happened.

Analysis: I think Jacy Jayne is the most underused woman in NXT and I’d love to see her get a shot as a singles wrestler with a push. However, she’s also been part of NXT for four years. Gigi Dolin was there that long and WWE just released her. I hope Jayne doesn’t get that same fate, but I don’t know if she’ll ever get that singles push she deserves.

Stephanie Vaquer Interview

The NXT Women’s Champion Stephanie Vaquer was interviewed by Kelly Kincaid. Vaquer said she had her first WWE tryout in 2018 but wasn’t ready. Vaquer talked about her journey, saying the tough times were necessary to get here. Vaquer said that being in in NXT is a dream come true and she knew was born to be a WWE superstar. Vaquer said that the time she spent in Japan and Mexico has all been worth it. Vaquer said Jordynne Grace is her biggest challenge. Vaquer said she went through hell to be the best luchador. Vaquer said she has conquered continents. Vaquer told Grace that when she gets close to Vaquer’s flame, she will burn in flames.

Analysis: It was a decent interview that revealed more about Vaquer. Although English isn’t her first language, she got through it fine.

Kelani Jordan made her entrance for singles action.

(Commercial)

A video aired about the four Darkstate guys. Saquon Shugars talked about how they put the fear in this locker room. Shugars called Dion Lennox a leader of men. Lennox spoke about how tough Cutler James is, so James spoke about Osiris Griffin waking up pissed off and being dangerous. Griffin said when Shugars opens his mouth, the people open their ears. Shugars said when Darkstate strikes, nobody is safe.

Analysis: I have been surprised by NXT not featuring Darkstate more in the last few weeks. They started off with a big push, they have won every match, but they aren’t being featured every week.

The announcers discussed the NBA Playoffs, with the Indiana Pacers facing the New York Knicks in the East Finals. Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers and Jalen Brunson of the Knicks were involved on Smackdown last June, so now they are in a big matchup in the playoffs.

Kelani Jordan vs. Zaria (w/Sol Ruca)

It was a fast pace early on, with Jordan getting a cross body block and a hurricanrana. Jordan tried a move on the floor, but Zaria caught her and Zaria swung Jordan into the barricade. They went to a break for some fans as Zaria dominated Jordan for a few minutes.

The match continued with Jordan hitting a DDT. Jordan used her athleticism to hit a cartwheel elbow and a dropkick. Jordan kicked off the ropes, which led to an awkward-looking DDT on Zaria for two. Jordan got a sunset flip on Zaria for two. Zaria got back to the power game with a clothesline. Zaria had Jordan on her back and ran Jordan into the turnbuckle. Jordan superkicked Zaria off the apron, Ruca caught Zaria and Jordan kicked Ruca to knock Zaria down. Ruca got on the apron, Zaria went for a Spear, Jordan avoided it and Zaria hit Ruca to knock Ruca down. Jordan did a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! and used her body to add to the cover for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Kelani Jordan

Analysis: *** It was a good match that also felt repetitive because it was the second match in a row that somebody got on the apron and took a bump, and it led right to the finish. It is strange that they would book a similar finish in this match. I don’t mind Jordan winning since it sets her up against Ruca. It feels like Zaria going heel against Ruca is coming, perhaps in a few months.

It sets up Sol Ruca to defend the NXT Women’s North American Title against Kelani Jordan at Battleground.

There was a rundown of the Battleground card:

* NXT Women’s North American Championship: Sol Ruca (c) vs. Kelani Jordan

* NXT Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Jordynne Grace

* The Culling – Shawn Spears, Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance vs. Josh Briggs, Hank Ledger & Tank Walker

* NXT Championship: Oba Femi (c) vs. Myles Borne

* Tony D’Angelo vs. Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo

* TNA World Championship: Joe Hendry (c) vs. Trick Williams

Analysis: I like the card, but the first two NXT PLE’s this year had stronger lineups.

A Joe Hendry concert was next.

(Commercial)

Next week on NXT: Ricky Starks defends the NXT North American Championship against Ethan Page.

Joe Hendry Concert

Joe Hendry was in the ring with his guitar and the TNA World Title. They had another guitar in the ring and a red carpet. Joe said it was time for a concert right here on NXT. Joe said be nice to Trick Williams because it was his first time trying. Joe dedicated this song to his opponent at Battleground, Trick Williams.

Joe sang that you’ll hear the sounds of Joe Hendry as the TNA World Champion at Battleground. Joe mocked Trick for holding the title for only a couple of weeks. Joe trashed Trick for whining. Joe obtained footage of the good old days when Trick was a crappy sidekick of Carmelo Hayes. A video aired of when Melo and Trick were in a haunted house and it was edited with Joe’s face in it. Trick was shown running like a coward. Joe said that Trick says “Whoop That Trick” but “Everybody else said Melo’s bitch” so the fans sang along.

Analysis: I remember when Joe Hendry did a Matt Cardona song about being Edge’s Bitch and it was a better song. This was still pretty good, it was funny to mock the haunted house thing from a few years ago and the fans were into it as usual.

Trick Williams made his entrance, and the fans chanted “Melo’s Bitch” at him. Trick entered the ring to say “Average Joe” in Hendry’s face. Trick punched Hendry in the face, and Trick hit a spinning kick to the face. Joe got the second guitar that was in the ring and hit Trick in the knee with it. Joe hit the Standing Ovation slam on Trick. Joe sang: “And at the end of the day, Joe Hendry is the champion of TNA.” Hendry held up the TNA World Title over a fallen Trick. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: The second guitar was in the ring for the segment, so I figured it was a gimmicked guitar that would be used in an attack. That happened as Hendry used it to hit Trick in the knee to block the Trick Shot move. Well played. I think Hendry winning at Battleground makes sense, but maybe there will be a twist, and having Trick win to say he’s the first contracted WWE wrestler to hold the TNA World Title is possible.

===

Three Stars of the Show

Je’Von Evans, Sean Legacy and Ashante Thee Adonis
Joe Hendry
Kelani Jordan

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The Scoreboard

This week: 7.25 out of 10

Last week: 7

2025 Average: 7.41

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Final Thoughts on WWE NXT

What’s cool about NXT is you don’t know how good some of these wrestlers are until they get a chance to show it. Myles Borne won a battle royal two weeks ago, and people realized he had a lot of potential. On this show, the best match was between Sean Legacy, Je’Von Evans and Ashante Thee Adonis. Legacy is barely known by most WWE fans while Adonis rarely has long matches, so kudos to them and Evans for putting on a great match to open the show. Legacy made a name for himself in that match.

Other matches were pretty good, with the women’s division featured heavily, as usual. I wouldn’t call it a great show, but it was solid, as usual, by NXT.

I don’t think the Battleground lineup is as strong as most NXT PLE shows, but the talent always works hard and puts on good matches, so I am looking forward to it.

The next NXT PLE is Battleground on Sunday, May 25th in Tampa. Here’s the lineup: