The John Report: WWE NXT 10/21/25 Review
This week’s WWE NXT featured a Ricky Saints-Trick Williams contract signing and more on the road to Halloween Havoc.
The WWE NXT brand will present the Halloween Havoc PLE on October 25, and it’s a card full of title matches at this point. Last week’s show featured Tatum Paxley winning a battle royal to win a shot at the NXT Women’s Title, held by Jacy Jayne, at Halloween Havoc.
I’m doing a live review because I have time to do it tonight, so let’s see what NXT has in store for us.
They were at the WWE Performance Center 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.
A video package aired showing highlights of last week’s show.
The commentary team was Vic Joseph and Booker T, with Mike Rome as the ring announcer.
Let’s Hear from Tatum Paxley with The Culling
Tatum Paxley made her entrance, joined by The Culling’s Izzi Dame, Shawn Spears and Niko Vance. The fans chanted “you deserve it” for Paxley as the NXT Women’s Title challenger.
Paxley was excited while saying she did it. Paxley said she outlasted 19 other women and she’ll finally get a shot at the NXT Women’s Championship. Paxley said it’s been four years of seeing her at her lowest, you’ve seen her lose her friends and one friendship that has always had her back – the fans that have always been there for her. Paxley said now she’s on her way to her first PLE and it’s fitting that it’s the scariest night of the year at Halloween Havoc. Paxley said she has The Culling and her best friend, Izzi. Paxley said she’ll bring singles gold to The Culling and she knows they have her back, so she’ll become the new NXT Women’s Champion.
The Fatal Influence trio of NXT Women’s Champion, Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid made their entrance. Jayne said that Paxley doesn’t stand a chance in hell on Saturday. Jayne knows that Paxley has the support, but deep down, everyone knows there’s no shot that Jayne is walking out with the championship. Jayne said that when it matters most, you can’t beat her. Jayne told Paxley she’s not special and said she was barely even average. Jayne said at least Dame would stand a shot as the number one contender.
Paxley said that you cannot get between Dame and her. Paxley said that Jayne should know how long it can take to reach the top. Paxley said that, a lot like Jayne, she kept getting better. Jayne said she was in empty rings night after night. Paxley said that it’s her time to become NXT Women’s Champion.
Fallon Henley said that Paxley is going to lose. Henley said she hopes The Culling doesn’t leave Paxley when she loses. Dame said that, unlike Fatal Influence, The Culling has been stronger than ever, and Paxley’s a great addition to the group, while claiming they’d accept Paxley for who she is. Jayne said she used to think so strongly of Dame, but things are different with Paxley around. Dame said she is in full control of her group. Paxley said she knows her friends support her and her friends are happy for her. Paxley said she’s ready to prove it. Henley said Reid is ready to step up. The heels tried to attack, but Dame and Paxley cleared the ring. Henley and Reid pulled Jayne out of the ring.
Analysis: A solid promo segment to set up a tag team match for later. It was also a chance for Tatum Paxley to do a confident promo instead of always acting weird and like somebody who doesn’t believe in herself. It’s good to see Paxley evolve as a character. Jayne did well as the champion, as usual. I think Paxley might win at Halloween Havoc.
Stacks and Arianna Grace were shown walking hand in hand for his match up next. They mentioned Santino calling Stacks his future son-in-law last week, and Arianna mentioned she may have mentioned something to her dad, Santino. Stacks told her to come to ringside with him, and she said she was happy to do it.
Leon Slater was backstage with Je’Von Evans, who was telling Slater to focus on his X-Division Championship. Evans said that they can focus on Halloween Havoc after Slater beats Stacks’ ass.
A commercial aired promoting Halloween Havoc.
(Commercial)
TNA X-Division Championship: Leon Slater (w/Je’Von Evans) vs. Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo (w/Arianna Grace)
Leon Slater is a talented 21-year-old British wrestler who is the X-Division Champion. Evans is the same age, so they have bonded as friends.
Stacks took control early as he stopped a sunset flip and stomped on Slater. Stacks sent Slater into the turnbuckle. Stacks sent Slater hard into the turnbuckle. Stacks did it again. Slater hit a hurricanrana, followed by a spin kick to the head. Slater hit a cartwheel back elbow. Slater did a slingshot dive over the top onto Stacks on the floor. Evans put a headset on and said they’ll be right back after this commercial break. The action continued on Netflix as Slater chopped Stacks several times while Evans was right by them on the commentary table. Back in the ring, Slater sent Stacks into the turnbuckle for two. Slater hit Stacks with a back elbow and a dropkick. Slater hit a belly-to-back suplex. Slater hit a forearm. Stacks crawled under the ring and tried a cheap attack, but Slater stopped that with a kick to the head. Slater went for a springboard attack, but Stacks hit the ropes, so Slater hit his ribs on the ropes.
The match continued with Stacks applying an abdominal stretch. Slater countered that into a pin attempt for two. Stacks suplexed Slater into the top rope. Stacks hit a knee drop to the head for two. Stacks picked up Slater and slammed him into the mat for two. Stacks hit a gutbuster with double knees for a two count. Slater countered a move into a pin attempt for two. Slater picked up Stacks and did a spinning slam across the ring. Grace went on the apron, Slater hit the apron and Grace went into Evans’ arms. Stacks left the ring, Slater followed and Stacks sent Slater into the commentary table. Stacks went back into the ring, Slater kicked him and Slater hit a cross body block off the top. Slater hit a jumping side kick, along with a running boot to the head. Slater sent Stacks out of the ring. Slater hit a somersault dive over the turnbuckle onto Stacks on the floor. Impressive move. Slater went up top and hit the Swanton 450 on Stacks for the pinfall win. That move is incredible. It went about 12 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Leon Slater
Analysis: ***1/4 I thought it was a very good match with Stacks showing what he’s capable of if he’s given a chance in a match like that. Slater is an incredible athlete. I love that Swanton 450 finisher. Slater is like Je’Von Evans in a lot of ways because he is so young and he’s already very good, so I enjoy watching him every time he’s out there. I hope Stacks gets more TV time because he deserves it.
After the match, Je’Von Evans congratulated Leon Slater for the win. Evans mentioned Halloween Havoc and how he wanted to be in action at the show. Slater suggested that they team up. They said they didn’t care who it was. Mr. Iguana showed up with La Parka. Iguana did a promo about how they spoke to Ava and she had the very same idea. Iguana said it will be La Parka and Iguana against Evans and Slater at Halloween Havoc. Iguana said that they’re going to take over Arizona at Halloween Havoc. The fans cheered. They liked Iguana a lot.
Analysis: I was hoping for Evans against Slater at Halloween Havoc, but I don’t mind the tag team idea. Iguana was very popular with the fans.
A video aired about Zachary Wentz and Jasper Troy talking about their upcoming WWE Speed match.
(Commercial)
WWE Speed Match: Jasper Troy vs. Zachary Wentz
This match has a 3-minute time limit in a WWE Speed tournament to earn a title shot against Men’s Speed Champion El Grande Americano. They showed the two Los Americano guys (Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate) in the crowd.
Wentz hit Troy with some kicks and a headscissors. Wentz kicked Troy a few times and did a double stomp on the back. Wentz hit a cross body block that sent Troy over the top to the floor. Wentz hit a twisting dive over the top onto Troy on the floor. Wentz went up top and hit a Swanton Bomb for two. Troy finally got some offense with a running body attack and a Black Hole Slam for the pinfall win at 2:05.
Winner by pinfall: Jasper Troy
Analysis: ** It was a dominant win by Troy because he hit just two moves to win the match. Wentz did fine for his part, but he had no shot here.
Kelani Jordan, the TNA Knockouts Champion, was outside the women’s locker room and other women on the roster dumped her clothes on the floor. Lola Vice said that Jordan isn’t welcome there since she fought for TNA. Jordynne Grace tried to support Jordan, who said that Grace was jealous because Grace hadn’t been a champion in NXT yet.
(Commercial)
Darkstate And The Hardys Promos
Darkstate was featured in a video talking about how they destroyed The Hardys last week. Dion Lennox said that they are the here and now. Saquon Shugars said you’ll find out about Darkstate…and it was interrupted.
The Hardys were shown at home with the NXT Tag Team Titles and the TNA Tag Team Titles. Matt Hardy’s kids were there. Matt said that they knew Darkstate wouldn’t go away, so he said we knew you’d come. Jeff said that you think you have them where you want them. The Hardys went into the Lake of Reincarnation and being broken is where they thrive. Broken Matt Hardy and Brother Nero emerged from the lake. Matt called them “State of Dark.” Matt’s wife Reby was playing the piano. The Hardys said it will be a Broken Rules Match. They said that anything goes and Darkstate will be obsolete. Matt said that Darkstate are sentenced to deletion.
It was confirmed that the NXT Tag Team Championship match is a Broken Rules Match.
Analysis: That’s cool that it will be The Broken Hardys at Halloween Havoc. Since Halloween Havoc is known for having some spooky characters, it’s fitting for the Hardys to adopt their more unique looks.
A clip was shown from SmackDown last week when Blake Monroe distracted Sol Ruca during a tag team match. Charlotte Flair capitalized and beat Sol with a Figure Eight. Sol was selling a left leg injury after.
Sol Ruca was backstage with her NXT Women’s North American Championship and Women’s Speed Championship. Sol had her left knee in brace and was with crutches. Zaria was with her. Zaria asked Sol if she wanted to do this and Sol said she was sure.
Analysis: There were only 14 minutes of in-ring action in the first hour. That’s not a lot for NXT.
(Commercial)
Sol Ruca Addresses WWE Universe
Sol Ruca was in the ring with the NXT Women’s North American Championship and Women’s Speed Championship. She was in the ring with Zaria and NXT GM Ava. Ruca said that she was injured on SmackDown. Ruca said that she doesn’t know when she’ll be cleared, but she knows that she can’t compete at Halloween Havoc. Ruca talked like she had to relinquish her titles, but didn’t officially say it.
Blake Monroe interrupted to say you don’t have to worry about the future of the North American Championship because she is right here. Blake said that she was supposed to have the match at Halloween Havoc, so she was the number one contender, and she should be the champion. Blake said that she came to NXT to make it glamorous. Zaria said that Blake does not deserve to be handed a title. Zaria praised Ruca for defending her title. Zaria said in NXT, they do not give handouts. Blake said that this brand needs a North American Champion and who better than her. Ruca said she doesn’t know when she’ll be back. Zaria said it could be a few months or a few weeks. Zaria said that she’s got her. Blake spoke up, so Zaria told her to shut her mouth. Zaria said she can defend the title against Blake at Halloween Havoc. Zaria said she can defend the championship in Sol’s honor. Blake didn’t like that idea.
Ava said that although it is a bit unconventional, she thinks it’s a great idea. Ava said since it is Sol’s title, it is Sol’s choice. Sol said that she fought so hard for this title, but there is nobody in this world that she trusts more than Zaria, so Sol says yes. Ava made it official with Blake Monroe facing Zaria for the NXT Women’s North American Championship. Blake complained to Ava about it. Zaria picked up Blake and slammed her off the shoulders. Zaira posed with the NXT Women’s North American Title over Blake while Sol looked concerned as if she wasn’t sure this was a good move.
Analysis: It was a fine segment. Blake was a bit over the top as the heel at the end there, but that’s what heels do. I like how Ava left it up to Sol to decide if she wanted to do what Zaria suggested. There wasn’t a specific injury announced for Sol Ruca, except to say that she is hurt and is unable to defend the title on Saturday. Zaria was very eager to defend it for Sol, so it opens the possibilities for future stories. Zaria could hold onto the champion for a while and then have a big ego, which leads to a heel turn when Sol comes back. They could also have Blake win at Halloween Havoc (that’s what I think they should do) and then that leads to tension with Zaria & Sol, so that sets up their split with Zaria going heel. As mentioned, I think Blake should win at Halloween Havoc and go from there.
There were comments from Axiom and Shawn Legacy about their WWE Speed match.
(Commercial)
They showed Myles Borne and Tavion Heights talking in the locker room. It was filmed by NXT Anonymous. Heights and Borne were frustrated about recent losses. Josh Briggs walked in saying he’s glad that he pissed off the fans by beating Matt Cardona. Briggs trashed both guys, saying there’s only room for one of them at the top and it’s Briggs, not them.
WWE Speed Match: Axiom vs. Shawn Legacy
It has a 3-minute time limit. It should be a very fast match. Legacy hit a Blockbuster off the turnbuckle. Axiom hit a German Suplex and a running kick to the head. Legacy hit a sitout reverse suplex for two. Legacy went for a springboard 450 Splash, but Axiom caught him and went for an armbar. Axiom went for a Triangle Choke submission, so Legacy powered out of it. Axiom hit an enziguri kick. Legacy hit a Spanish family. There was under one minute left. Legacy superkicked Axiom. Axiom hit a jumping knee. Legacy hit a forearm to the jaw. Legacy kicked Axiom to knock him down. Axiom kicked Legacy. Axiom went up top and hit a Spanish Fly off the top for the pinfall win at 2:57.
Winner by pinfall: Axiom
Analysis: **1/2 It was a fast-paced match with some big moves by both guys. Axiom is so much fun to watch while Legacy is definitely ready to be in NXT full time instead of just being an Evolve guy.
Axiom will face Jasper Troy. The winner will challenge El Grande Americano for the WWE Speed Title.
Ethan Page was featured in a video package talking about his Day of the Dead Match against Hijo Del Dr. Wagner Jr. for the NXT North American Title. The right side of Page’s face was shown, and then he faced the camera to show that half of his face had face paint on it. Page bragged about how good he is. Page said that Wagner will be the one who is left for dead in the desert.
Analysis: I think Page should win that. I also think Page should be on the main roster, so if he does lose, then I hope it’s because he’s going to the main roster.
(Commercial)
Hank Walker & Tank Ledger vs. OTM – Bronco Nima & Lucien Price
Hank & Tank went after OTM in the aisle, so the teams got into a fight. Hank and Tank hit suicide dives on opposite sides of the ring. Hank hit a bulldog, along with a senton splash. Price got some offense going with a clothesline. Nima sent Hank into the turnbuckle and OTM did some choking against the top rope. Price sent Hank into Nima, who hit a jumping stomp to the chest of Hank. Price clotheslined Hank against the ropes. Tank got the tag and hit some clotheslines. Tank hit an atomic drop, along with a springboard shoulder tackle for two. Price hit a uranage slam on Hank. Tank kicked Price out of the ring. Nima hit a tilt-a-whirl slam on Tank. Price tagged in for a double team spinebuster on Tank for the win. It went about 5 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: OTM – Bronco Nima & Lucien Price
Analysis: **1/4 A decisive win to put over OTM since they had a long layoff. They are a physically impressive team, so it’s just a matter of booking them strong and giving them that positive momentum.
After the match, Nima hit Hank with the steel steps. Nima and Price picked up Tank and gave him a double Spinebuster through the commentary table. OTM celebrated.
Wren Sinclair was on the phone, talking to Charlie Dempsey, saying she hoped he was having a good time in Japan. Lash Legend was in the background as Wren said she knows he told Wren not to do anything embarrassing. Lash Legend walked by Wren, who suggested a Wren QC and Lash wasn’t interested. Kendal Grey, the Women’s Evolve Champion, stood up for her friend Wren, and Grey didn’t like how Lash was talking to Wren. Lash told Grey to watch herself.
Fatal Influence made their entrance for tag team action.
(Commercial)
The Culling – Tatum Paxley & Izzi Dame vs. Fatal Influence – Jacy Jayne & Lainey Reid (w/Fallon Henley)
Reid connected with a clothesline on Paxley, who came back with a knee to the face. Jayne tagged in with a hurricanrana. Paxley avoided a charging Jayne and Paxley hit a double underhook suplex. Paxley hit a cross body block on Jayne against the turnbuckle. Dame clotheslined Jayne. Jayne hit an elbow smash on Dame. Reid tagged in and was met by backbreaker by Dame. Paxley hit an elbow drop on Reid. Jayne was in illegally, and Paxley hit a dropkick. Paxley kicked Henley on the floor, Jayne held onto Paxley and Reid hit a neckbreaker to take control. They went to a break for over three minutes, and I’ll take a break too, as Fatal Influence was in control.
Paxley hit a roundhouse kick on Reid and Paxley brought in Dame against Jayne. Dame hit a boot on Reid, along with a splash on both opponents. Dame jumped off the turnbuckle with a double knee attack. Dame hit a Chokeslam on Jayne for two. Jayne countered Dame and hit a DDT. Paxley was back in, but Jayne was ready with a superkick. Paxley hit a unique looking neckbreaker for two because Reid made the save. Dame clotheslined Reid out of the ring. Paxley rolled up Jayne for a two count. Paxley hit a roundhouse kick. Henley was on the apron, so Dame went after her. Ried pulled Dame out of the ring. Paxley was distracted by that, so Jayne hit a Rolling Encore elbow on Paxley for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Fatal Influence – Jacy Jayne & Lainey Reid
Analysis: *** Good tag team action with Fatal Influence getting the big win because Paxley was distracted by the chaos on the floor, so Jayne was able to capitalize and win. It tells the audience that the numbers game is a significant factor for Fatal Influence, so Paxley must find a way to overcome it at Halloween Havoc.
After the match, Henley and Reid sent Dame into the steel steps. The Fatal Influence trio isolated Paxley, but Paxley fought out of it. Paxley hit a dropkick and forearm. Paxley hooked the leg and flipped over Jayne for a sitout slam. Paxley held up the NXT Women’s Title to celebrate.
Analysis: Momentum for Paxley going into Halloween Havoc
The NXT Title contract signing between Ricky Saints and Trick Williams was next.
(Commercial)
NXT Championship Contract Signing
The NXT GM, Ava, was in the ring to host he contract signing. There were four security guys on the ring apron. The ring had a table that was covered, the contract, and two chairs. Trick Williams made his entrance looking confident as usual while the fans chanted “Whoop That Trick” for him. Ricky Saints was up next as the NXT Champion, and the fans loved him.
Trick Williams said that even though Ricky is the champion in NXT, Trick is still the main event and the man in NXT. Trick claimed he was the man to put NXT on his back. Trick said it’s not because he loves NXT, while saying he doesn’t owe NXT or TNA anything. Trick said he loves himself, so he said he’ll be a 3-time NXT Champion. Trick signed the contract.
Ricky Saints said he’s an emotional guy and he owns it. Ricky said that he’s been more focused as the NXT Champion. Ricky mentioned that Trick lost the plot since he became NXT Champion because Trick thought he was bigger than the title. Ricky said that Trick was ready to leave this place a while ago. Trick mentioned Ricky was on the indies for decades. Trick said he looks good and like a champion. Ricky signed the contract. Trick said that Ricky was cosplaying to be a stunt double for Trick, who said nobody can replace him. Trick said at best, Ricky can be his stand in. Trick said he’ll whoop his ass for the championship.
Ricky said that Trick would have folded like the shirt he’s got on if he was on the journey that Ricky went on. Ricky said he’s the blueprint and Trick is trying to be like him. Ricky said that he’s the face of NXT and this is his house. Ricky said that Trick’s ass will be locked out because he is “Absolute” Ricky Saints. The security guys went into the ring, so Trick punched Ricky and Trick kicked Ricky. Trick tried a move, but Ricky picked him up and put Trick through the table in the ring. Ricky celebrated over Trick on the broken table.
Analysis: There was a lot of trash talking by Trick as usual and I thought Trick would stand tall to end this, so I was a bit surprised that Ricky got the advantage. I think Ricky will retain at Halloween Havoc even though the ending suggests that he might lose. However, with this creative team they aren’t stuck in their old ways, so the booking is less predictable sometimes.
* NXT Tag Team Championships Broken Rules Match: The Hardys (Matt & Jeff Hardy) (c) vs. Darkstate (Any 2 of Dion Lennox, Osiris Griffin, Saquon Shugars & Cutler James)
* NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne (c) vs. Tatum Paxley
* Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater vs. Mr. Iguana & La Parka
* NXT North American Championship Day of the Dead Match: Ethan Page (c) vs. Hijo Del Dr. Wagner Jr.
* NXT Women’s North American Championship: Zaria vs. Blake Monroe
* NXT Championship: Ricky Saints (c) vs. Trick Williams
Ricky Saints remained standing in the ring while Trick was out on the mat, selling that table bump for a few minutes. Ricky posed and that was the end of the show.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Leon Slater
- Tatum Paxley
- Fatal Influence – Jacy Jayne & Lainey Reid
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The Scoreboard
This week: 6.75 out of 10
Last week: 7
2025 Average: 7.31
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Final Thoughts on WWE NXT
I like NXT, so I didn’t mind this show. However, I think for casual fans, this was not that interesting. The match quality was weak for NXT and promos were okay, but there wasn’t anything that felt like a big deal.
They promoted Halloween Havoc well. I don’t think the card is that strong for it, but at least there’s an effort to promote the matches heavily, which they did well. It was cool seeing the Broken Hardys again, too.
The NXT brand doesn’t feel that hot right now. Everybody works hard, so I give them credit. I just wish they had some storylines that were more interesting.
The next WWE NXT PLE is Halloween Havoc on October 25th. Here’s the lineup so far.
* NXT Championship: Ricky Saints (c) vs. Trick Williams
* NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne (c) vs. Tatum Paxley
* NXT North American Championship Day of the Dead Match: Ethan Page (c) vs. Hijo Del Dr. Wagner Jr.
* NXT Tag Team Championships Broken Rules Match: The Hardys (Matt & Jeff Hardy) (c) vs. Darkstate (Any 2 of Dion Lennox, Osiris Griffin, Saquon Shugars & Cutler James)
* NXT Women’s North American Championship: Zaria vs. Blake Monroe
* Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater vs. Mr. Iguana & La Parka
You can watch NXT Halloween Havoc when it streams live on Saturday, October 25, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, exclusively on Peacock in the United States and on Netflix internationally.
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Thanks for reading. My contact info is below.
John Canton
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Twitter/X @johnreport