The John Report: WWE NXT 05/27/25 Review
This week’s WWE NXT featured Stephanie Vaquer facing Jacy Jayne, Ricky Saints in action against Ethan Page, Trick Williams as TNA World Champion, and more.
This episode followed NXT Battleground from Sunday night in Tampa. It was a pretty good show, but not at the level of Stand & Deliver, which is the best NXT PLE this year.
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.
I’ll go play-by-play for one or two matches and summary style for the rest of the show. Let’s get to it.
A video package showed NXT Battleground highlights with Trick Williams beating Joe Hendry to win the TNA World Title in the main event.
There was some pre-show walking shown of Jacy Jayne with Fallon Henley and Jazmyn Nyx, and they also showed Stephanie Vaquer.
It was Vic Joseph, Booker T and Corey Graves on commentary as usual. The ring announcer was Mike Rome.
NXT North American Championship: Ricky Saints vs. Ethan Page
Ricky and Page fought before the introductions took place. There were a bunch of security guys and referees at ringside. The referee, Adrian Butler, told Mike Rome that the match was starting right now, so the bell rang. Ricky and Page were aggressive in terms of their lockups and headlocks. Page gave Ricky a back body drop. Page wanted Ego’s Edge, but Ricky broke free and kicked Page in the head. Page sent Ricky into the steel steps. Page tried getting a chair, so a security guy stopped it.
Ava, the NXT GM, showed up to say she needed a winner and allowed them to fight. It sounded like Ava said No Disqualification, but the announcers said that the wrestlers would be able to have more leeway in this match. They went to a break for some fans as Ricky worked over Page with chops. Page grabbed the tights to send Page into the turnbuckle. Ricky came back with a clothesline for two. They went over the barricade and exchanged punches while surrounded by the fans. The security guys grabbed the wrestlers to take them away from the fans, so Page knocked the security guys down.
Ricky tackled Page over the commentary table and the announcers were hit by them. Page gave Ricky a Cutter on a chair that was on the floor, so the bottom of the chair hit Ricky in the throat. That was a nasty bump that Ricky sold well. Ricky crawled back into the ring and Page hit Ego’s Edge for a two count. Page punched Ricky repeatedly. Page tried to fight back with punches, so Page punched him in the throat while the referee was trying to get Ricky back. Page and Ricky exchanged punches, Ricky hit an uppercut punch and Page hit a superkick. Ricky came back with an impressive DDT. The fans were chanting, “This is awesome” for them. Ricky hit an overhead suplex and a reverse DDT for two. Ricky ran the ropes and Page hit a huge lariat, which led to Ricky doing a flip bump. Ricky hit Page with a forearm to the head. Ricky lifted Page, who escaped it by going to the apron and Page snapped the top rope into Ricky’s throat. Page hit his Wicked Grin (Cutter) for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Ethan Page
Analysis: ***3/4 I thought it was a great match. It was an intense match from the moment it began. The turning point was when Page hit the Cutter on the steel chair on the floor, which led to Page attacking Ricky’s throat throughout the match. Ricky did an excellent job of selling the attack by making it look like he had trouble breathing and he really wasn’t able to get much offense after that. Page came across as a vicious, crafty heel who had a game plan and executed it perfectly. I didn’t expect a title change because I thought Page would be on the main roster soon, but I’m certainly fine with it because Page is an awesome performer like Saints is.
Ethan Page celebrated with the NXT North American Title while Ricky Saints was being checked on in the ring.
Analysis: As I said above, I didn’t think Page would get the title from Saints. They will probably have another match soon and it wouldn’t shock me if Saints got the title back.
Fatal Influence’s Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley & Jazmyn Nyx were interviewed by Sarah Schreiber. Jayne said they knew they’d get a title shot, and all it took was slapping Vaquer in the face. Fallon Henley said that she should be the one getting a title shot since Jayne lost to Vaquer in the past. Henley and Jacy took shots at each other about how they had lost title matches. Jacy said it’s fine if Henley is in her corner or not.
A video aired about TNA’s Mike Santana talking about how he’s the standard of TNA. Santana said he thrived under pressure.
A commercial aired for WWE-AAA Worlds Collide and Money in the Bank in Los Angeles on June 7th.
(Commercial)
Josh Briggs and Yoshiki Inamura were together in the locker room. Inamura said that he came back for Briggs. Inamura said that there are still things to accomplish. Briggs suggested they become NXT Tag Team Champions together and Inamura suggested maybe something even bigger than that.
TNA’s Mike Santana made his entrance for his WWE debut match. He’s an experienced wrestler who has spent several years in TNA and also spent a few years in AEW. Graves mentioned that Santana broke in with the likes of Homicide, Low Ki and Amazing Red in TNA.
Mike Santana vs. Tavion Heights (w/Charlie Dempsey, Myles Borne & Wren Sinclair)
Santana was in control with a dropkick. After Santana sent Heights out of the ring, Santana hit a somersault dive over the top onto Heights on the floor. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Heights hit a release German Suplex to show off his power. Santana hit the Three Amigos suplexes for a two count.
Heights got some offense going with clotheslines and an impressive gutwrench suplex for two. There were some loud chops by Santana that got big reactions. Santana hit a rolling Cutter for a two count. The fans got into it with, “This is awesome” chants. Heights hit an overhead suplex and a Death Valley Driver. Santana slammed Heights off the shoulder. Santana hit his Spin The Block discus lariat for the pinfall win.
Winner by pinfall: Mike Santana
Analysis: ***1/4 That was a fun, competitive match. Heights had an impressive showing in defeat, while Santana got the big win in his NXT debut. Heights is a guy who has all the tools physically, so it’s just a matter of developing a character and getting more opportunities in singles. Santana is very good and fits in well with the NXT crew.
After the match, Santana and Heights shook hands and hugged. Charlie Dempsey didn’t like that.
(Commercial)
The High Ryze stable was shown, featuring Wes Lee, Tyson Dupont, and Tyriek Igwe. Lee said you can only trust in yourself until something real comes along. Lee put over Tyson and Tyriek while they all talked about loyalty. Lee said that you shatter the glass ceiling by staying true to the cause and they will rise.
Andre Chase spoke to his Chase U students Kale Dixon and Urijah Connors. Chase tried to advise them. Kale and Urijah spoke to NXT GM Ava, saying they wanted an opportunity. Ava said that she has a spot open next week, so they’ll be against Darkstate. Ava said it would be three of them against three members of Darkstate. Chase was frustrated and yelled, “We’re not a team.” Dixon and Connors looked worried.
A video aired about Stacks beating Tony D’Angelo at Battleground.
Luca Crusifino talked to Tony D’Angelo somewhere backstage. Tony said he thought Stacks whacked him. Luca said that Stacks put him in the car and let him out. Tony wondered why Luca didn’t reach out. Luca said if he reached out to Tony, he’d be putting everybody at risk since Rizzo is at the safe house. Luca said after the last few weeks, he had to come back. Tony said Luca cost him the match and Luca said that wasn’t his intention. Tony admitted he didn’t know who to trust. Luca told Tony he could trust him.
Analysis: I don’t know where the story is going, but I’m guessing Luca turns on Tony to join Stacks. Tony has been on NXT for nearly four years now, so at some point, I think WWE has to put him on the main roster, so that might be the story to write him out of NXT.
The TNA World Champion Trick Williams was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Trick Williams
The TNA World Champion Trick Williams made his entrance. Booker T was excited about it. The fans were chanting. “Whoop That Trick.” Trick said he was making history because for the first time ever, an NXT superstar is holding this TNA gold. Trick said he’s a two-time NXT Champion, NXT North American Champion, Iron Survivor winner and now he’s a TNA World Champion. Trick said that a lot of the same fans clapping were playing sing-along with Average Joe (Hendry), so he said they should feel stupid. Trick said that he’s the line between NXT and TNA now. Trick said that since NXT doesn’t appreciate him like he should, he’ll go to TNA and wear this gold. Trick mentioned past champions like Kurt Angle, Drew McIntyre, Bully Ray and AJ Styles as TNA World Champions. Trick said none of them compare to Trick, especially Joe Hendry. Trick claimed he would talk to management and make some changes while claiming that TNA is Trick-NA.
Mike Santana interrupted the promo to say that Trick is the main man on the block. Santana joined Trick in the ring. Santana gave Trick props for last Sunday. Trick said that Santana made his first mistake by interrupting his champion. Santana said Trick isn’t his champion. Santana said Trick was wrong to try to bring down TNA. Santana said that TNA is gaining momentum, and he’s not going to sit here listening to Trick trying to tear down TNA after what they have done to build the place. Trick said that Santana doesn’t know how things work since he’s never been TNA Champion. Trick said that when you carry the weight around here, then you can call the shots.
Santana said people like Trick piss him off. Santana said he’s a loud and proud Boricua from the Bronx, New York, which drew cheers. Santana said he’s seen people like Trick come and go. Santana told Trick he’s a pretender, a pretend fighter, a pretend rapper with high heels and tight ass pants on. The fans liked that. Santana said that Trick is a pretend ass champion. Santana said he’s going to be the one to take the TNA World Title from Trick. Trick said he can take off these lemon pepper steppers and beat his ass.
Santino Marella, the TNA Director of Authority, appeared on camera saying congratulations to Trick. Santino said that Trick will be a fighting champion and Santino spoke to Ava, so next week on NXT, Trick will defend the TNA World Title against Santana.
Trick held up his title in Santana’s face. Santana wanted a handshake, but Trick walked away. Trick tried a cheap attack, Santana punched him and Santana clotheslined Trick out of the ring. Santana held up the TNA World Title in the ring.
Analysis: Good segment. I thought Joe Hendry might be the one to interrupt Trick, but having Santana there made sense since he’s the standard of TNA. Santana’s promo was really good by taking shots at Trick’s clothes and wearing heels got some laughs from the fans. It sets up a big match next week with Trick against Santana. Having Santino announce it made sense since he’s the TNA boss. I also think Trick is doing well as a heel and I think it’s a natural role for him.
Stephanie Vaquer was in the women’s locker room, and Ava walked in, making Stephanie look short. Ava said that at Worlds Collide, Vaquer will team up with a partner against Chik Tormenta and Dalys. Vaquer said she’ll find a partner, but first, she needs to defend her NXT Women’s Title. Lola Vice walked in, saying she’d be Steph’s partner. Steph agreed, and Ava said perfect. Ava wished Steph good luck in her match and Lola said Steph didn’t need luck.
A commercial aired for NXT Great American Bash, Saturday Night’s Main Event, and Evolution on July 12 & 13. The Bash and SNME are both on Saturday the 12th.
(Commercial)
Jaida Parker vs. Tatum Paxley
Paxley hit an impressive butterfly suplex. Parker hit an impressive Backstabber, followed by the hip drop attack against the ropes and Parker did some high stepping. Paxley managed to get a rollup for a two count. Paxley hit a step up enziguri, cross body block and flipping leg drop to the head. After Paxley threw Parker out of the ring, Parker threw one of Paxley’s dolls into the ring. Paxley picked up the doll, and Parker hit Hipnotic (the running hip attack) for the pinfall win after four minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Jaida Parker
Analysis: ** It was okay for a shorter match to put over Parker. Paxley got some offense, but Parker is pushed more and I expected her to win. I think Jaida Parker is somebody who should be NXT Women’s Champion at some point this year or at least the NXT Women’s North American Champion.
After the match, Thea Hail went into the ring and attacked Parker with punches. Hail went for an armbar, but Parker left. Hail was seeking revenge for Parker’s attack on her the previous week.
Analysis: That should set up a Parker-Hail match.
A video package aired about Jasper Troy, the first male winner on LFG. They showed when Troy attacked NXT Champion Oba Femi. Troy’s debut match was next.
(Commercial)
Jasper Troy vs. Dante Chen
Troy is a former offensive lineman who is a big dude at 6’6” and over 300 pounds. It’s been a while since we have seen Dante Chen in a match on NXT. It’s not a great spot for him. Troy hit a back body drop and a clothesline that sent Chen over the top to the floor. Troy continued the attack with a backbreaker. Chen got some offense with a DDT and a pump kick. Troy ran over Chen with a body attack. Troy hit a Black Home Slam for the pinfall win after four minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Jasper Troy
Analysis: *3/4 Easy win for Troy. I thought it might be kept under two minutes, but it went nearly four minutes. The Black Hole Slam that Abyss used as a finisher is a good choice for a finisher.
The NXT Champion, Oba Femi, appeared on the platform in the back of the building with his NXT Title. Femi said he was going to show respect to Troy instead of attacking him like Troy did. Femi told Troy that he had Femi’s attention.
Analysis: It’s a big spot for Jasper Troy, which shows how the bosses feel about him.
A clip aired of the Cody Rhodes podcast on WWE’s YouTube channel and other places. His guest is his wife, Brandi Rhodes. New episodes are available every other Wednesday.
Charlie Dempsey spoke to the No Quarter Catch Crew’s Myles Borne, Tavion Heights, and Wren Sinclair. Dempsey wanted to give them more training. Borne said he was ready to be on his own. Borne challenged Dempsey to a match and if Borne wins then Dempsey lets him go. Dempsey said fine, but let’s make it a Rounds Match. Borne agreed and they shook hands.
Analysis: I think this will lead to the NQCC ending as a group soon. That’s fine with me.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Ethan Page…and others
Ethan Page was in the ring in his dress clothes, bragging about his NXT North American Championship win. Page said that we are celebrating tonight, but there was an interruption. Je’Von Evans wondered why Page didn’t invite him since they have history. Evans said he can’t think of anybody more undeserving of winning that title. Evans said that since we have WWE Worlds Collide, Evans talked to Ava and found out that Page is defending the NXT North American Title against Evans. Page said he didn’t deserve a shot at this. Evans said another guy had hops too.
It was Laredo Kid from AAA, the AAA Cruiserweight Champion. Kid said he’s the most complete luchador you will ever see. Kid said he’s in the match at Worlds Collide. Page wasn’t happy about a triple threat. Evans said there’s one more person.
Rey Fenix made his debut on NXT and the fans went wild for him. Fenix said it feels good to be in NXT. Fenix said everybody has been telling him about the passion and spirit. Fenix said that Page will lose the title at Worlds Collide in a Fatal 4-Way Match. Fenix said he’d feel the fire and burn him up.
Analysis: That should be a great match at Worlds Collide. I get the feeling that Page won’t have a long title reign like Starks.
Ava, the NXT GM, was talking to Robert Stone and Stevie Turner, who mentioned Sean Legacy’s big win. Ava said she wanted talent from different brands to compete for the NXT North American Title. Ava said that Sean Legacy will get a shot at the NXT North American Title. Turner mentioned Evolve crowing a Women’s Champion this week.
Analysis: There are so many shows. It’s hard to keep track of everything sometimes. I was impressed by Legacy and he does deserve a title shot since he won in a tag team match.
The Jacy Jayne-Stephanie Vaquer match is up next. When Vaquer was walking backstage, several women were staring at her to show how deep the division was.
(Commercial)
Tatum Paxley was frustrated in the backstage area. Sol Ruca and Zaria encouraged Paxley, saying if she needed somebody to talk to, they were there for her. The Culling was in the background, staring at Paxley as well.
Next week on NXT:
* TNA World Championship: Trick Williams vs. Mike Santana
* Rounds Match: Charlie Dempsey vs. Myles Borne
NXT Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer vs. Jacy Jayne (w/Fallon Henley & Jazmyn Nyx)
Vaquer ran down to the ring to start the match. Jayne tried a slap, but Vaquer came back with a slap of her own. Vaquer got a rollup for two. Vaquer hit an arm drag. Vaquer wanted the Devil’s Kiss, Jayne avoided it and Jayne kicked Vaquer in the ribs. Jayne hit a senton splash onto Vaquer for two. Jayne hit a superkick for a two count. Jayne hit a running splash on Vaquer and a suplex for two. Vaquer sent Jayne into the turnbuckle a few times and kicked Jayne a few times. Chik Tormenta and Dalys went down to the ring to distract Vaquer, but Lola Vice showed up to fight with them. Vaquer got back into the match with a springboard cross body block or maybe a forearm for two. Vaquer hit a running leg drop for two as the match continued during a break for some fans. Jayne got an elbow up to stop a Vaquer charge and Jayne hit a neckbreaker. Jayne hit a running cannonball splash against the turnbuckle. Booker tried to call Fatal Influence one of the greatest factions of all time, which is a stretch even though I like the three women. Jayne applied a chinlock.
Jayne sent Vaquer into the turnbuckle. Jayne went for a splash, but Vaquer fought back and got a sunset flip, but Jayne broke free with a kick. Jayne superkicked Vaquer for two. Jayne hit a spinning neckbreaker. Vaquer gave Jayne two backbreakers in a row. Vaquer and Jayne ran the ropes leading to a double hair pull takedown. Vaquer hit Eat Defeat and a clothesline. Vaquer hit a running splash against the turnbuckle. Vaquer went for a pin, Jayne rolled through and Jayne hit a knee smash for two. Jayne went for a cannonball, Vaquer avoided it and Vaquer hit a dragon screw leg whip. Jayne tripped up Vaquer on the apron. Vaquer sent Jayne face first into the ring apron. Vaquer sent Jayne into the steel steps. Vaquer picked up Jayne and hit a butterfly suplex into double knees. Henley went on the apron, so Vaquer sent Henley into Jayne and Vaquer kicked Jayne out of the ring. Henely and Jayne shoved Nyx to the ground. Vaquer jumped off the top with a cross body block on Jayne and Henley. Vaquer hit a belly-to-back suplex. Vaquer hit the Devil’s Kiss knee smash. Good job Jacy smacking the mat while Booker was yelling for it, so there was a “Booker T” chant. Vaquer applied an armbar on Vaquer by the ropes. Nyx distracted the referee, Henley spun around the ring post and kicked Vaquer, which the ref didn’t see. Jayne hit a spinning forearm on Vaquer for the one…two…and three! New champion! It went 13 minutes.
Winner by pinfall AND NEW NXT Women’s Champion: Jacy Jayne
Analysis: ***1/2 A very good match with a cheap ending to put over Jacy Jayne as the new champion. I don’t think many people expected a title change here. I certainly didn’t expect it. I liked how it was booked with Jacy getting help from her friends to win it. Nyx did the distraction, Henley did the cheap shot, and Jayne hit the final blow for the win.
SHOCKED. STUNNED. SPEECHLESS.
JACY JAYNE IS THE NEW NXT WOMEN’S CHAMPION!!! 🤯#WWENXTpic.twitter.com/DSw9Wu938t
— WWE (@WWE) May 28, 2025
The ring announcer, Mike Rome, was shown with a stunned look on his face. Rome announced Jayne as the winner.
Jacy Jayne celebrated with the NXT Women’s Title while Fallon Henley and Jazmyn Nyx were smiling to show that their issues were all fake and they were still on the same page. Jayne celebrated while Vaquer was on the floor. That was the end of the show.
Analysis: I don’t think Jacy Jayne has had many singles matches at NXT PLE’s in the last few years, but here she is as the new NXT Women’s Champion. Nice touch showing Mike Rome looked stunned about the match result. That makes it all the more shocking. I’m genuinely happy for Jayne since I’ve covered her career for four years in NXT, and she’s always been underutilized, in my opinion, so I’m thrilled to see her as NXT Women’s Champion for the first time in her career.
We have learned that Vaquer is heading to Raw and Jordynne Grace is heading to SmackDown. Knowing that, it makes sense why Vaquer would lose. Both women have very bright futures. I can see Vaquer in the Women’s MITB match and maybe she’ll win it.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Jacy Jayne
- Ethan Page
- Mike Santana
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The Scoreboard
This week: 7.75 out of 10
Last week: 7.25
2025 Average: 7.43
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Final Thoughts on WWE NXT
It was a very good episode this week and a newsworthy show because of the two title changes. I certainly didn’t go into this show expecting two title changes, but that’s what happened. Ethan Page beating Ricky Saints for the NXT North American Title was surprising and also a reminder that anything can happen in NXT. I liked that match a lot.
I’ll miss Stephanie Vaquer and Jordynne Grace in the NXT women’s division, but I’m not surprised they will be going to the main roster. Jacy Jayne has done a great job for four years and I’m happy to see her holding a title. Losing Vaquer, Grace, Roxanne Perez and Giulia all within the same month will hurt the NXT women’s division, but they still have a lot of depth and future stars who will develop.
The show felt it was booked very well with a nice balance of good matches, promos that advanced stories and a lot of people were used. I liked the Trick Williams-Mike Santana promo exchange a lot.
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John Canton
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Twitter/X @johnreport