The John Report: WWE NXT 08/05/25 Review
This week’s WWE NXT featured Sol Ruca facing Tatum Paxley, Blake Monroe against Kelani Jordan, and more.
The NXT Heatwave PLE is on August 24th, so they should start building to that event.
I’ll go play-by-play for one or two matches and summary style for the rest of the show. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport, and check out my NXT TV review archive.
They are at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando for this week’s show. Let’s get to it.
The commentary team was Vic Joseph, Booker T, and Corey Graves.
Blake Monroe vs. Kelani Jordan
There’s a Maybelline New York ad in the middle of the ring. They got to the action right away with Jordan hitting a cross body block for a two count. Blake sent a charging Jordan out of the ring. Blake was in control with a dropkick. A card was shown arriving and we saw their legs, but we didn’t see who it was. Blake hit a Slingblade and posed in the ring. Jordan applied a half crab submission, but Blake got to the ropes. Jordan hit an Angle Slam for two. Blake hit a headbutt and a knee smash to the face. Jordynne Grace showed up in a neckbrace so it was Grace, who was in the car. Blake ran out of the ring, out the back door and into a car, where she was driven off. The referee counted Blake out. It went about 5 minutes.
Winner by countout: Kelani Jordan
Analysis: **1/4 They were on their way to a really good match, but then it ended suddenly as Grace showed up to go after Blake. I’d like to see Blake face Jordan again.
Andre Chase talked to Kale Dixon and Urijah Connors. Chase wasn’t confident about them winning tonight, but then the guys were excited about it.
(Commercial)
NXT Tag Team Championships: Hank Walker & Tank Ledger vs. Chase U – Kale Dixon & Urijah Connors (w/Andre Chase)
Connors hit a superkick and Dixon hit a STO after a superkick for a two count. Hank kicked Connors in the head when he tried a move. Tank tagged in and hit a splash for a two count. Dixon hit a twisting dive over the top onto Hank & Tank on the floor. The champs got back into it as Hank hit a spinning splash on Dixon. Hank & Tank hit their powerslam/splash combo. Hank covered Dixon and it looked like three, but the referee bizarrely claimed that Dixon’s shoulder was up. Hank hit a Bossman Slam. Hank & Tank did their double team powerslam/splash combo again and Hank pinned Dixon for the win. It went about 4 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Hank Walker & Tank Ledger
Analysis: **1/4 It was fast paced for the time they were given. I’m not sure what happened on that messed up pin attempt. Kane and Urijah don’t win many matches, so it was booked in a way where they had some nearfalls, but they were unable to get the win.
After the match, the four-man Darkstate group showed up to attack Hank, Tank, Dixon and Connors. Darkstate hit their Assisted Powerbomb on Tank for two.
Analysis: That likely means that Darkstate are coming for the NXT Tag Team Titles and they might win them.
Jacy Jayne was backstage with her NXT Women’s & TNA Knockouts Titles, along with Fallon Henley and Jazmyn Nyx. George Iceman from TNA showed up to tell Jacy that Ash By Elegance is going to win the TNA Knockouts Title. Jayne dismissed him. Lainey Reid walked in to say that is Nyx’s job to shine the titles and Nyx left with the titles.
Myles Borne spoke to Tavion Heights backstage and Heights wished Borne good luck in his match.
(Commercial)
Tatum Paxley was with The Culling in the backstage area. Izzi Dame said she believed in her and The Culling believed in her. Dame told Tatum that this is her moment.
They showed Thea Hail doing some Instagram, having iced coffee. She complained about Nia Jax being in NXT, so they have a match later.
Lexis King vs. Myles Borne
King tripped up Borne by the turnbuckle and hit a foot stomp. King jumped off the top with nothing and Borne hit his impressive dropkick for two because it’s not his finish anymore. Borne sent King out of the ring and hit a cross body block on the floor.
(Commercial)
They were out of the ring, where King sent Borne into the steel steps. King stomped on Borne’s left ear since Borne is partially deaf. King continued the attack with a running dropkick on Borne against the turnbuckle. Borne hit a snap powerslam. Borne hit a couple out of suplexes and the Borne Again (Zig Zag) for the pinfall win after 9 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Myles Borne
Analysis: *** A competitive match to give Borne a win because we know NXT wants to build him up. King does a good job as a heel who can be ruthless at times, but he’s not being pushed much these days.
Darkstate was backstage doing a promo with Osiris Griffin, saying they attacked Hank & Tank in the past. Cutler James said that they have been on their ass and right up their butt, so the other guys were staring at him because it was awkward phrasing. Dion Lennox said they aren’t done yet.
Nia Jax vs. Thea Hail
The last time Jax had a singles match in NXT was in 2016 against Asuka, thanks to Vic. Hail went for a running attack, but Jax was there to knock her down. Jax hit a Samoan Drop and was in full control as she tossed Hail out of the ring to the floor.
(Commercial)
Jax knocked down Hail with a body attack, followed by a leg drop for two. Hail managed to get some offense after Jax went crashing into the turnbuckle. Hail flipped around Jax’s upper body and hit a DDT for two. Hail hit a springboard senton for two. Jax tripped up Hail by the turnbuckle and splashed her a few times. Jax hit the Annihilator splash to finish off Hail after 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Nia Jax
Analysis: **1/2 I’m surprised they went 10 minutes for this match, but the story worked with Hail as a babyface full of heart and Jax overpowered Hail throughout the match. Hail does a nice job of selling, while also looking believable as she makes her comebacks. No surprise that Jax got the dominant win.
Nia Jax was interviewed by Kelly Kincaid in the ring. Jax said that any ring she steps into, is her ring. Jax said that Lash Legend isn’t going to make her name of Jax’s match. Jax wondered what Lash has done. Lash did a promo responding to Jax and they got into a fight. Security quickly broke up.
The NXT Champion Oba Femi was shown backstage for his promo segment up next.
(Commercial)
Jordynne Grace was talking to NXT GM Ava in Ava’s office. Ava said that at Heatwave, it will be Grace against Blake Monroe at Heatwave. Ava said that she thinks Blake deserves to get her ass kicked. Grace said you can count on it.
Analysis: That’s a good match for Heatwave since Blake turned on Grace, and they have been building to a singles match showdown.
Let’s Hear from Oba Femi
Oba Femi was in the ring with the NXT Title talking about how Yoshiki Inamura and Josh Briggs failed to take the title from him. Femi said that for over 200 days, he has held this title and carried this brand. Femi wondered who is worthy enough to take this title from him. Femi said that NXT is supposed to be about building for the future. Femi said the future isn’t looking bright because he’s beat them all and the result remains the same…here comes Trick Williams.
The TNA World Champion Trick Williams walked out to the ring saying that Femi is a big dog. Trick said that he is the biggest dog that NXT has to offer. Trick got into the ring and Femi wondered if Trick was trying to convince the fans or himself. Trick said he was trying to convince Femi. Trick claimed he’s carrying two brands. Femi said that Trick could never beat him for the NXT Title, which is true. Trick said that he isn’t the same man that you saw a few months ago and he made himself…HIM. Trick said that he’s the man who will take Femi off the mountain.
Je’Von Evans was next to join the promo party. Evans told Trick he’s goofy as hell. Evans said that he’s out here trying to go after the biggest dog in the yard, Oba Femi, yet Trick is here trying to make it about himself. Evans said that Trick can barely defend the TNA World Title, so how will that work? Trick told Evans to mind his business while grown folk were talking. Evans suggests that he faces Trick and whoever wins will face Femi for the NXT Title. Femi said that they can have the match tonight, but Trick said no to that. Trick said that they should do it in two weeks in a nice city like Philadelphia.
Moose from TNA made his entrance. Femi beat Moose earlier this year in a great match, so now Moose is back. Moose said in ten days at TNA’s Emergence, Trick has a date with the face of the franchise aka Moose. Moose said that after he takes the TNA Title off Trick, the name synonymous with whooping that Trick is Moose. Moose mentioned his Femi history at Roadblock, but then the lights went out.
Darkstate made their entrance and attacked the four guys in the ring. The foursome of Femi, Trick, Moose, and Evans fought together to clear the ring of Darkstate. Femi threw a body over the top to the floor.
Analysis: There was a lot going on there to set up some future matches. I think Evans should beat Trick and Evans should be the one to beat Femi for the NXT Title, but I don’t know if Evans will do that at Heatwave or somewhere down the line. As for Darkstate, that failed attack can set up a tag team match.
(Commercial)
The NXT Heritage Cup Champion Stack was working out backstage when Arianna Grace showed up to talk to him. Grace said she was there to check on him. Stacks said he’ll be alright. Lash and Jax were shown fighting backstage and went crashing into a guitar. Security broke it up.
Analysis: I like Grace and Stacks possibly as a pairing because they are engaged to be married, so I’m sure they will enjoy working together.
Wren Sinclair was talking to Charlie Dempsey backstage while Charlie said that he trained Tavion and Myles too well. Wren sang the Joe Hendry song, so then Joe Hendry appeared out of a fridge. Joe said it felt great to be back on NXT. Dempsey wondered why Joe was even here. Joe had a blue shirt for Dempsey and Dempsey said he’ll never wear that. Hendry challenged Dempsey to a match and Sinclair said that Dempsey accepts. Wren took a photo with Joe.
Analysis: Easy way to set up a match for next week.
Stacks vs. Yoshiki Inamura
Stacks attacked Yoshi before Yoshi made his full entrance. This was not for Stacks’ NXT Heritage Cup. Stacks was on offense early, but when he went up top, Yoshi was back up and slammed Stacks off the top rope. Yoshi did a great job of firing up, and throwing strikes. They left the ring where Stacks tackled Yoshi into the ring apron. Yoshi slapped Stacks hard in the face. Arianna Grace showed up at ringside and slapped Yoshi in the face. The referee ejected Grace, so Josh Briggs went into the ring and kicked Yoshi. Stacks covered Yoshi for the win. It went about 4 minutes. Grace was smiling at ringside.
Winner by pinfall: Stacks
Analysis: ** A cheap win for Stacks thanks to Briggs getting involved. It furthers the story of Briggs turning on Yoshi, while Grace will likely be paired with her fiancée Stacks, which sounds like a good idea for both of them.
Ethan Page was backstage for a promo up next.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Ethan Page
Ethan Page was in the ring for a promo as the NXT North American Champion. Page bragged about being the Canadian standard of excellence. Page said that Santino Marella was just not able to get the job done. Page noted that Santino is Canadian, which makes him better than the fans here. Page said that it doesn’t make him great like Page. Page talked about great Canadians like Alexander Graham Bell, Wayne Gretzky, Bret Hart and then there’s the Greatest Canadian of all-time, Ethan Page. The fans booed. Page held up the NXT North American Title that had the Canadian flag leather strap. Page told the fans to stand as he sings the Canadian national anthem.
Tavion Heights told Page to chill with all of that. Heights said we didn’t want to hear what sounds like a Canadian goose dying. Heights said it was cool for Page to respect his country. Heights mentioned representing USA at the Olympic games. Heights said that Page needs to be knocked off the perch he’s on. Heights said he knows it’s time for him to break out and you know that Heights is a weapon in human form.
Page shut that down by saying no. Page told Heights to learn to walk and run before you can dance with All Ego.
Chelsea Green made her entrance with the Secret Hervice (Piper Niven & Alba Fyre) by her side. Green didn’t like Heights interrupting the greatest North American holding the North American Championship. Green said that the best American heroes come from Canada. Green said that Page is the model Canadian, second only to Green. Green said that the first ever Women’s US Champion is a proud Canadian and she came out to support her countryman. Green said that a trashy American like Heights would have the balls to hit a woman like her, so Heights said that he wouldn’t and he punched Page. Page sold the punch very well. Heights told Green he’ll find a woman who will hit her.
Analysis: It’s never a bad thing to see Chelsea Green on a show because she’s so entertaining, and she certainly looked great as usual. It was funny seeing her out there supporting Ethan Page and as a fellow Canadian myself, I support them as well. It’s a way to get some cheap heat. I like the idea of a younger guy like Tavion Heights facing off against Ethan Page. I think Page is a guy who is destined for the main roster soon, so if he loses the title before that, then it should be to a younger guy on the rise, and Heights certainly fits the bill. Anyway, it sounds Heights will get a mixed tag team partner for a match against Page and Green.
Lola Vice was backstage talking to Kelani Jordan, saying a win is a win. Jacy Jayne and Fallon Henley interrupted to mock Jordan for winning on a countout. Jazmyn Nyx walked in with Jayne’s titles. Nyx said she got Jayne and Henley a tag team match for next week, and now she has found her opponents.
Sol Ruca was backstage with Zaria, talking about Ruca’s match. Nia Jax and Lash Legend were there and they got into a fight again. Ava the GM was there to tell Jax and Lash that they can have a match next week.
(Commercial)
Oba Femi, Trick Williams, Moose and Je’Von Evans were in the office talking to Ava the NXT GM. Ava said that Evans will be against Trick in two weeks on NXT and the winner gets a NXT Title match against Femi at Heatwave. Ava said that the four of them can face Darkstate next week. Hank & Tank walked in saying they wanted to face Darkstate. Ava said they can defend the NXT Tag Team Titles against Darkstate at Heatwave.
Analysis: That sets up three future matches and it was announced quickly, so that’s fine with me.
Interview with Ricky Saints
Ricky Saints did a sitdown interview with Kelly Kincaid. Ricky talked about how he had a target on his back because of his status in pro wrestling. Ricky talked about his past issues with Ethan Page and he had a target on his back for a guy like Jasper Troy. Ricky said that Ethan Page knows NXT is where he needs to be to get where he wants to go. Ricky said that Troy is young, angry, and has all this rage, but he’s inexperienced, and does not understand his plan yet. Ricky said that everyone is striving to be on a Monday or a Friday night. Ricky said on his road to that, he wants to be NXT Champion. Ricky admitted he lost to Jasper Troy by countout. Ricky said that in two weeks in Philadelphia, things will go way worse for Troy because things won’t end up how they did before.
Analysis: Good interview with Ricky, who is likable as a top babyface in NXT. I think he could be NXT Champion someday, but he also might be on the main roster sooner rather than later.
Next week on NXT:
* Lash Legend vs. Nia Jax
* Oba Femi, Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans & Moose vs. Darkstate
* Jacy Jayne & Fallon Henley vs. Lola Vice & Kelani Jordan
Analysis: Good lineup. All three matches were set up on this show.
Tatum Paxley made her entrance for the main event, joined by The Culling.
(Commercial)
On NXT in Philadelphia in two weeks on August 19th:
* Trick Williams vs. Je’Von Evans
* Jasper Troy vs. Ricky Saints
Sol Ruca made her entrance as the NXT Women’s North American Champion, joined by Zaria. Sol still has the Women’s Speed Title even though it appears as though Speed might be gone.
NXT North American Championship: Sol Ruca (w/Zaria) vs. Tatum Paxley (w/Izzi Dame, Shawn Spears & Niko Vance)
Sol has been champion for 107 days. Paxley got a rollup for a two count early on. Paxley tried a choke, but Sol got out of that and hit a slap to the face. Sol did the surfboard submission that is fitting for her as a surfer babe. When Sol let her go, Sol hit a dropkick. Sol jumped from the apron into the ring and hit an X-Factor into the mat. Spears went on the apron, so Zaria got in his face. The Celling’s three members argued with Zaria, so Sol hit a moonsault off the top onto Spears and Vance while Dame sold too, even though she wasn’t touched.
(Commercial)
Paxley hit an impressive DDT for a two count. They showed Paxley hitting a neckbreaker off the ropes to take control during the break. Sol countered a DDT attempt by hitting a cartwheel. Sol kicked Paxley in the ribs and hit some chops. Sol tripped up Paxley and hit a superkick. Sol hit a neckbreaker. Sol hit a running back splash and a backpack slam for two. Sol hit a running knee to send Paxley to the apron. Paxley came back with an impressive step-up enziguri kick. Paxley hit a springboard moonsault for a two count. They battled by the turnbuckle where Sol overpowered Paxley and hit a Sunset Flip Powerbomb. Sol charged, Paxley moved and Paxley got a rollup for two. Sol hooked the arms and hit a spinning slam on Paxley for two. Sol kicked Paxley to knock her down. Sol went up top, jumped off with a moonsault, Paxley moved and Sol hit a Spear. Sol was on the apron, she slipped, going to the top, and Sol climbed to the top. Paxley headbutted Sol and Paxley hit an impressive neckbreaker off the top. Dame stopped Spears from using the doll as a weapon. Nia Jax and Lash Legend were fighting at ringside. Lash tackled Jax into the barricade and broke the barricade. Paxley was watching that, so Sol hit the Sol Snatcher on Paxley for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Sol Ruca
Analysis: ***1/2 I liked the match. They worked hard, had some creative spots, and Paxley hit some great moves as she came close to getting the win. Sol continues to impress a lot as the NXT Women’s North American Champion. That neckbreaker that Paxley did off the top rope was excellent. They had great chemistry in this match.
Sol Ruca celebrated in the ring while Paxley, Jax, and Legend were down on the floor. Sol held up her title, and that was the end of the show.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Sol Ruca
- Myles Borne
- Tatum Paxley
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The Scoreboard
This week: 7 out of 10
Last week: 7.25
2025 Average: 7.33
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Final Thoughts on WWE NXT
The show was okay this week, but it didn’t feel that interesting at any point. They did set up some matches for Heatwave, as well as next week’s NXT and in two weeks in Philly, so that’s good to see.
I felt like this episode was lacking in terms of match quality, but kudos to Sol and Paxley for having a competitive main event match.
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John Canton
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