The John Report: WWE NXT 10/28/25 Review
This week’s WWE NXT followed Halloween Havoc as Kelani Jordan faced Jordynne Grace in the main event.
The WWE NXT brand is coming off Halloween Havoc last Saturday. There were three title changes at the show as Darkstate beat The Hardys to win back the NXT Tag Team Titles, Blake Monroe won the Women’s NXT North American Title after beating Zaria (who was defending it for Sol Ruca) and Tatum Paxley beat Jacy Jayne to win the NXT Women’s Title. All of that made it an eventful show and I thought it was one of the best NXT PLEs this year.
They are doing two NXT Gold Rush shows on November 18th and November 25th, so that’s what they are building to. The NXT Deadline PLE is on December 6th.
I will do a summary style review for most of the show and then play-by-play for one or two matches.
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 Halloween Havoc highlights.
It was Vic Joseph on commentary with Booker T. Mike Rome was the ring announcer.
Trick Williams was shown backstage yelling at the production team, telling them to watch out in terms of what they show. Trick was yelling about Ricky Saints and saying that for three years, he’s been running this place. Trick walked out to the ring without his music playing.
Let’s Hear from Trick Williams
Trick said that at Halloween Havoc, he gave Ricky Saints the best he had. Trick claimed that he beat Ricky like a drum and a bum that he is. Trick said one more time, he wants his title match.
NXT GM Ava arrived with security. Ava said if you want to talk about this like adults then they can do that. Ava said there was no controversy on Saturday because Trick lost. Trick claimed he was the biggest star NXT has to offer. Trick bragged about his credentials beating guys like Ilja Dragunov, Carmelo Hayes, Ethan Page, Pete Dunn and so on.
Ricky Saints ran out to the ring with the NXT Title. They got into a brawl and more security guys showed up to break it up. They cut away quickly.
Analysis: It felt like the feud was going to end at Halloween Havoc when Ricky Saints won, but it’s not over yet. I don’t mind it that much because they have good chemistry together and NXT is lacking top heels after Trick, so it keeps Ricky busy as the champion.
A video aired featuring Axiom facing Jasper Troy in the WWE Speed tournament for a title shot. They each spoke about how they would win.
The new WrestleMania 42 commercial was shown promoting the event next April in Las Vegas.
(Commercial)
WWE Speed Match: Jasper Troy vs. Axiom
The winner gets a title shot against WWE Speed Champion, El Grande Americano. This match has a 3-minute time limit.
Axiom worked over Troy with kicks to the legs. Rayo and Bravo of Los Americanos were watching in the crowd. Axiom slapped Troy repeatedly. Troy got some offense with a tackle into the turnbuckle and a backbreaker. Troy headbutted Axiom out of the ring. Axiom wrenched the left leg against the ropes. Axiom hit a missile dropkick off the top. Axiom hit a jumping knee, but Troy came back with a body attack to knock Axiom down. Axim jumped on Troy’s back with a sleeper attempt. Troy broke free and hit a clothesline, leading to a flip bump by Axiom. Troy hit a front powerslam and a Black Hole Slam called the Vortex by Vic.
Winner by pinfall: Jasper Troy
Analysis: ** It was fine for a short match that was about the power of Troy against the speed of Axiom. Troy could improve a lot if he got to work more with talented workers like Axiom, who makes everybody better. Troy hit some familiar power moves that WWE legends used and he did them well.
A graphic was shown saying that El Grande Americano defends the WWE Speed Championship against Jasper Troy on November 11th.
The WWE Women’s Speed Champion, Sol Ruca, was backstage with Zaria, and they were with NXT GM Ava. Sol is still injured with a left knee injury and Sol said she wanted to give up the title instead of somebody defending her title. Sol said she looked forward to winning back her title that she never lest. Zaria was sad about that and left. Ava said they’ll have a tournament to crown a new champion.
Tatum Paxley and The Culling were backstage for a promo up next.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Tatum Paxley and The Culling
Tatum Paxley made her entrance as the new NXT Women’s Champion and was greeted with cheers and “Tatum” chants. She was joined by The Culling’s Izzi Dame, Shawn Spears and Niko Vance. The fans chanted, “You deserve it” for Paxley.
Paxley shouted, “We did it!” Paxley said she has dreamt about this moment for so long as the new NXT Women’s Champion. Paxley said that Halloween Havoc was the best night of her life and she was excited about sharing it with the fans. Paxley said this is about what this title represents. Paxley said she’s never going to forget the heartache that she’s gone through to get to this moment. Paxley said when she got the opportunity, she made the most out of it. Paxley said if this “creepy little weirdo” can be NXT Champion then anybody can be. Paxley said she wanted to open up an opportunity to every woman who deserves it.
Izzi Dame tried to talk Paxley out of that. Dame said it’s been a long four years for Paxley, but she earned it and nobody is happier than her. Dame said that Paxley has chased this title for a long time, so are you sure you want to put the title on the line already? Dame told Paxley that people have to earn a title shot. Paxley said she’s going to do this her way.
Paxley said she was going to spin the wheel and whoever it lands on will get a title shot against Paxley tonight. Shawn Spears mentioned Izzi Dame’s name is not on there. Paxley said she never wants anything to come between them. Paxley spun the wheel and it landed on Lola Vice. Paxley said she’s going to defend the NXT Women’s Title against Lola Vice tonight.
Analysis: Good promo from Paxley as the excitable, likable champion. Paxley is a face while the group are heels, so we can all see how this is going to go with Dame turning on Paxley out of jealousy. It’s just a matter of when that happens.
Trick Williams was backstage looking for Ricky Saints and for Ava, but he couldn’t find them.
Kendal Grey, the Evolve Women’s Champion, told her friend Wren Sinclair that she’s ready for her match with Lash Legend. Wren tried to mention her Wren-Q-CC idea, but Grey cut her off. Grey told Wren to come out there with her.
(Commercial)
Women’s Evolve Championship: Kendal Grey (w/Wren Sinclair) vs. Lash Legend
The Women’s Evolve Title is usually not defended on NXT, but they want to feature Kendal Grey more, I think, so here she is with a title defense.
Lash hit a running elbow to knock Grey down. Lash used her power to toss Grey out of the ring to the floor. Grey came back with a crucifix pin attempt. When Grey tried a double foot stomp, Lash caught the foot and tossed Grey out of the ring. Lash hit a jumping boot to the face. They went to a break and the action continued here on Netflix, but I don’t review that part of the match.
(Commercial)
It was Lash in control after a forearm smash for a two count. Lash splashed Grey against the turnbuckle. Grey hit a cross body block and a dropkick to get some momentum going. Grey connected with a German Suplex. Lash pulled Grey out of the ring and they did a spot where Grey DDT’d Lash on the floor. Back in the ring, Lash caught leaping Grey and sent her into the top rope. Grey avoided a kick by Lash and Grey hit a jumping flatliner called Shades of Grey for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Kendal Grey
Analysis: ***1/4 That was a pretty good match with Lash showing off her power while Grey is a former amateur wrestler who is improving as a WWE superstar. Grey is an emerging star who is going to be a big deal in the months ahead. Her match when she won the championship was outstanding and she showed off her talent again here. Lash showed off her power throughout the match, while Grey was effective at making comebacks. Lash has improved a lot in recent years, and I would like to see her with a title at some point, too.
Myles Borne was shown doing a promo on his phone about how it’s either him or Tavion Heights in their match. Borne said no matter what happens, Heights should be ready to do whatever it takes. Tavion Heights also did a phone promo about Josh Briggs getting involved in their business. Heights said that Borne is like a brother, but brother’s fight and that’s reality. Heights said he has something to prove to Borne.
(Commercial)
Lola Vice spoke to Tatum Paxley backstage about their match coming up. Vice said that Paxley earned that title shot and now Vice gets a fair shot. Vice said she’s going to knock Paxley out to become the new NX Women’s Champion. Paxley said she loves her passion. Paxley said she worked her ass off for this, and her reign will not end that quickly. Izzi Dame walked up to Paxley, questioning her decision, and Paxley left confidently.
Tavion Heights vs. Myles Borne
They were former allies in NQCC, but they are now on their own, doing their own thing. They are still good friends.
There was an exchange of pin attempts early on with some multiple two counts. Booker said they were being too nice with some mat wrestling and he wanted to see them throw some strikes. Borne hit a running cross body block while Booker criticized them for “hugging eachother” too much. Heights showed off his speed, leading to a clothesline.
(Commercial)
Josh Briggs walked out to ringside to watch the match and he joined commentary. Borne hit a moonsault press on Heights for two. The fans were singing, “Briggs, go away,” at Briggs. Heights applied an Ankle Lock, and Borne got out of it, leading to a snap powerslam. Heights hit an impressive overhead suplex across the ring. Briggs trashed both guys for hugging for five minutes to start the match. Briggs got on the apron, Heights punched him and Borne clotheslined Heights out of the ring. Born hit a slingshot cross body block on Heights and Briggs on the floor. Heights went for a belly to belly, but Borne countered it and got an inside cradle for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Myles Borne
Analysis: *** It was a solid technical wrestling match with a cheap ending involving Josh Briggs to give Tavion Heights an out for losing to Myles Borne. It would be interesting to see if one of them goes heel down the road to try to develop a bit of a personality. Borne seems to be more like a babyface long-term. I can see Borne going after the NXT North American Title held by Ethan Page and Borne might win it from him.
After Heights and Borne congratulated eachother on the match, Briggs pulled Heights out of the ring, and they fought to the back. Trick Williams went into the ring and hit Borne in the back with a chair.
Trick Williams called out Ricky Saints, saying he was a wannabe Trick Williams. That led to Ricky going into the ring and they got into a fight again. Security went out to ringside to break up the fight as best they could.
Analysis: The Trick-Ricky rivalry continues to be intense. Trick hitting Borne with a chair will likely lead to them having a match soon.
Kelani Jordan, the TNA Knockouts Champion, was backstage getting ready for her match.
Tatum Paxley made her entrance with Izzi Dame.
A commercial aired for NXT Gold Rush on November 18 & November 25th featuring titles from NXT, TNA, Evolve and AAA will be defended. They’ll do a live show and then tape the following week’s show because it’s only one night at MSG Theatre.
(Commercial)
The NXT North American Champion, Ethan Page, was backstage with his friend Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre. Page said that they had a big match for the AAA Mixed Tag Team Titles this Sunday. They bragged about their titles. Page mentioned Green is looking for “Slaygent” people to join her security. Thea Hail walked by, saying she believed in Joe Hendry, so Hendry emerged from some crate backstage. Hendry told them to worry about their opponents. Fyre said that Hendry just appears. Green said they would be AAA Mixed Tag Team Champions. Hail showed up and took Joe away.
Analysis: That was a silly and fun segment. I like everybody involved with that. Page should be on the main roster with Green as an ally. I support my fellow Canadians.
NXT Women’s Championship: Tatum Paxley (w/Izzi Dame) vs. Lola Vice
Paxley and Vice fought over some holds on the mat to start the match. Vice went for an armbar, but Paxley got out of it. Paxley hit a cross body block. Vice came back with an arm drag. Paxley applied an armbar. Jacy Jayne and Fatal Influence were shown arriving at the building. Vice went for a back fist, Paxley avoided it and Fatal Influence showed up. They beat up Dame at ringside and threw Dame into the barricade. Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid attacked Paxley and Vice, so the referee called for the bell. It went about 4 minutes.
Match Result: No Contest
Analysis: *1/2 A short match to set up the finish with Jacy Jayne and Fatal Influence getting involved. They did some basic holds for a few minutes without hitting their big moves.
The Fatal Influence trio of Jayne, Henley and Reid beat up Paxley and Vice. Jayne hit a knee smash on Vice, and Vice was thrown into the turnbuckle. Paxley tried to fight on her own, but Fatal Influence beat her up some more. Jayne hit her Rolling Encore forearm to put Paxley down. Jayne and Fatal Influence stood tall.
Analysis: It should lead to Jayne getting a title rematch against Paxley soon. They could also do Jayne, Henley & Reid against Paxley, Vice, and Dame as well. We found out later that the tag team match is next week.
(Commercial)
Blake Monroe Video Message
A video aired about the new NXT Women’s North American Champion, Blake Monroe, in the bathtub, talking about her title win at Halloween Havoc. Blake said that the title represents the obsession that follows her everywhere she goes. Blake said that when you face the glamour, hell is never too far behind. Blake said she can take everything you love and make it hers. Blake claimed she would have her first title defense in New York City. Blake said nothing burns brighter and darker than Blake Monroe. Blake said her starlight curse will live forever.
Analysis: I like Blake Monroe as a champion. It’s easy to like Blake. She looks great and backs it up in the ring.
There was a video from NXT Anonymous that showed Je’Von Evans talking to Leon Slater about what was happening on NXT. Darkstate, who are the NXT Tag Team Champions, approached Evans and Dion Lennox bragged about how they beat the Hardys. Darkstate warned Evans that they were going to “cook his ass” among other things.
Analysis: I would like to see Evans do more than just be in a tag team. I thnk they will wait until Stand & Deliver in April to put the NXT Title on him.
Next Tuesday on NXT:
* Women’s WWE Speed Tournament begins
* Tatum Paxley, Izzi Dame & Lola Vice vs. Fatal Influence – Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid
Jordynne Grace made her entrance for the main event.
(Commercial)
Sol Ruca and Zaria were interviewed by Kelly Kincaid. Sol said that she can’t stand seeing Blake Monroe with her title. Zaria said that she’s entering the Speed tournament. Jacy Jayne walked in to say Sol isn’t the only one to lose a title this week. Jacy said she’ll see Tatum and friends next week.
There was a replay of the Trick Williams-Ricky Saints fight from earlier in the show.
The TNA Knockouts Champion, Kelani Jordan, was up next for the main event. Jordan had some near gear and hairstyle. She can pull off different looks well.
TNA Knockouts Championship: Kelani Jordan vs. Jordynne Grace
Grace is a former 3-time TNA Knockouts Champion, so it’s a title she’s very familiar with. This is the third different women’s championship defended on this show.
They spent about a minute going for moves and countering eachother. Jordan slapped Grace, so Grace tackled Jordan with a Thesz Press, along with punches. Grace teased a suplex to the floor that was never going to happen and Jordan stopped her with a kick. Grace was holding onto the ropes as Jordan hit a splash onto Grace’s legs to knock Grace out of the ring. Jordan hit a springboard moonsault onto Grace on the floor. Jordan kicked Grace’s left knee into the steel steps. They went on a break.
(Commercial)
The powerhouse Grace hit Jordan with a reverse Alabama Slam into the mat. Jordan attempted some kicks, Grace ducked a strike and Grace body slammed Jordan a few times. Jordan did a chop block to the back of the left knee. Grace sent Jordan into the turnbuckle a few times, and Grace hit a couple of clotheslines. Grace hit a spinebuster for two. There were “NXT” and “TNA” chants from the crowd that likes to chant things. Jordan hit a jumping kick to the head. Jordan kicked the leg and hit a splash, but Grace caught her and rolled through. Jordan landed on her feet to counter a move and Jordan hit a split-legged Stunner for a two count. Grace hit a back elbow and a front slam. Grace went for a move off the turnbuckle, but the foot slipped to sell the leg injury and Jordan stomped on Grace for two. Grace powered up Jordan and hit a Powerbomb for a two count. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for the ladies. Jordan kicked Grace into the ropes, Grace went to the apron and Grace went to the turnbuckle, so Jordan met her there. Jordan gave Grace a Spanish Fly off the top rope for a two count. Great move! Trick Williams and Ricky Saints showed up at ringside and they were fighting. Referee Derk Sanders left the ring to try to break up the fight. Jordan grabbed the TNA Knockouts Title and thought about using it. Grace hit a German Suplex for two because Sanders slid in to count. Ricky and Trick went into the ring, leading to Ricky clotheslining Trick out of the ring. Jordan grabbed the title, Grace walked up to her and Jordan hit Grace with the Knockouts Title! The referee never saw it. Jordan covered for the pinfall win. It went 13 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Kelani Jordan
Analysis: ***1/2 A great title match with a cheap finish to show that Jordan would do anything to win the match. Does it make Jordan a heel now? It might. She has been a babyface throughout her NXT run, so it would be interesting to see her as a different type of character. Grace sold the knee throughout the match; she came back strong and nearly won a few times. The chaos caused by Ricky and Trick helped Jordan unintentionally because it allowed Jordan to cheat. It’s been great to see how much Jordan has improved as a performer in the last few years. If she is a heel, then I think she’ll do well, but it will take time for her to really develop in that role.
After the match, Ricky and Trick were fighting at ringside. Ricky tackled Trick through the thin platform that’s in the back part of the building.
Ava, the NXT GM, showed up saying that in two weeks, on November 11th, they will have a NXT Title Match – Last Man Standing. Ricky and Trick kept on fighting while security and referees tried to break it up. The fans chanted “NXT” as the show went off the air.
Analysis: There’s a solution to all the fighting throughout the show. I like it. It was done in a way where Ava had to make a ruling, she did, and now we get a title match in two weeks. Ricky and Trick did a nice job of making it a believable, intense fight. A strong ending to the show with fans chanting “NXT” for the chaos.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Kelani Jordan
- Tatum Paxley
- Kendal Grey, Trick Williams, and Ricky Saints
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The Scoreboard
This week: 7.25 out of 10
Last week: 6.75
2025 Average: 7.31
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Final Thoughts on WWE NXT
A solid show this week. I wouldn’t call it great, but plenty of good things throughout the night. The women’s division was featured heavily since three different women’s titles were defended on this show. The Kelani Jordan-Jordynne Grace match was very good and had a shocking finish with Jordan going heelish at the end there.
This show featured a lot of the younger talent in NXT who are going to be utilized a lot more in the coming months. Superstars like Troy, Borne, Heights, and Grey in particular all have bright futures not just in NXT, but all of WWE. It’s a matter of developing their characters for the long term.
The Ricky Saints-Trick Williams story continued throughout the show with Trick’s promo early on and then a lot of fighting throughout the night. Good intensity shown by both men. At the end, Ava announced a Last Man Standing Match for the NXT Title on November 11th, so that’s a big match, and it should be awesome.
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John Canton
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