The John Report: WWE NXT 11/25/25 Review (NXT Gold Rush Part 2)
This week’s WWE NXT continues NXT Gold Rush while Trick Williams faces Myles Borne, and some more title matches.
The NXT Gold Rush episode last week was the first of two Gold Rush episodes from MSG Theater. They taped this episode after last week’s show to give the talent a break this week for the US Thanksgiving. I did read the spoilers, so I know the results going in, but I can still enjoy the show.
NXT’s next PLE is Deadline on December 6th, so they will need to start building a card for that show too.
They were at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City for this week’s show. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport, and check out my NXT TV review archive. Let’s get to it.
On the Netflix version of NXT, I’m watching, they have uploaded the show without any commercials. On a live show, there’s action during the break, but in this case, since it was taped, there won’t be any of that. Also, the broadcast is 1 hour, 22 minutes.
There was some pre-show walking shown of the Fatal Influence trio, Trick Williams, and Myles Borne.
A video package aired recapping last week’s NXT Gold Rush show. The big title change was Jacy Jayne winning back the NXT Women’s Title from Tatum Paxley after Izzi Dame turned on Paxley.
It was Vic Joseph and Booker T on commentary. Mike Rome was the ring announcer.
WWE Evolve Championship: Jackson Drake (w/Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes) vs. Shawn Legacy
Drake is the heel champion at 23 years old, and Legacy is the babyface at 30 years old. Drake looks like he’s 15 years old. I know both are talented, but I haven’t reviewed many of their matches. Peter Rosenberg was on commentary since he’s the Evolve ring announcer.
Legacy hit two atomic drops, and the fans got behind the babyface Legacy as he hit a standing moonsault for two. Legacy unloaded on Drake with chops. Drake’s buddies distracted Legacy, so Drake hit Legacy in the back. Legacy came back with a slam on the apron. Legacy showed off his quickness with a dropkick. Legacy was tripped at ringside, then he broke free, but Drake hit a suplex into the turnbuckle.
(Commercial)
Drake hit a running kick against the turnbuckle. Drake hit a knee strike, but Legacy came back with a kick to the ribs. Legacy hit a German Suplex. Legacy hit a springboard missile dropkick. Drake rolled out of the ring, so Legacy hit a dive over the top on all three guys on the floor. Back in the ring, Legacy hit a sitout suplex like a Falcon Arrow for two. Drake got his knees up to block a splash from Legacy. Drake hit a standing backflip with a double knee smash on Legacy for a two count. After Legacy left the ring, Drake hit him with a suicide dive. Legacy went up top with Drake and hit a Spanish Fly style powerslam off the top on Drake for a two count. Good nearfall there. Drake countered a Legacy move, leading to a double knee gutbuster. Drake jumped off the top with a knee to the back of the head. Drake hit a running knee called the Unalignment (thanks, Peter, for the name) for the pinfall win. It went about 8 minutes without the commercial time.
Winner by pinfall: Jackson Drake
Analysis: ***1/4 I enjoyed the match. They are both very athletic, and you can tell Legacy is more polished, but Drake has a huge upside. Legacy has a natural babyface style. Drake is also very athletic and certainly knows how to be a heel. I thought the finish could have used some more cheating from Drake to further establish that he’s a heel, but I also understand wanting to book a clean finish sometimes. It wouldn’t surprise me if Legacy joined the NXT roster full-time. He’s certainly somebody who could do well there.
They showed a sad Sol Ruca earlier in the day, talking to NXT North American Champion Ethan Page, who approached her. Page said she’d still be Women’s North American Champion if she didn’t think about her friend Zaria so much. Ethan told Ruca to only focus on herself, not Zaria. Myles Borne walked in to tell Ruca not to listen to him. Page mentioned Borne’s match tonight and Borne called it the biggest match of his career. Page said that Trick Williams only focuses on himself, yet here’s Borne focusing on others. Page said that’s why he won’t have to focus on Borne. Page left.
Analysis: It’s classic Ethan Page telling people they need to be more selfish. I have said in the past that I think Borne is the guy who may take the NXT North American Title from Page. They just teased it there.
Fallon Henley made her entrance with her Fatal Influence friends.
(Commercial)
A John Cena video aired from the interview about his career, and he spoke about what success means to him.
WWE Women’s Speed Championship: Zaria vs. Fallon Henley (w/Jacy Jayne & Lainey Reid)
The WWE Women’s Speed Championship is vacant. There’s a 5-minute time limit in this title match, and the clock was on screen.
Henley jumped on Zaria’s back, so Zaria sent her into the turnbuckle. Henley got a sunset flip for two. Zaria and Henley each went for pin attempts. Zaria countered Henley and sat on top of her for a two count. Henley rolled up Zaria for two. Henley hit a cross body block for two. Zaria sent Henley into the turnbuckle, followed by a running splash. Zaria hit a suplex for two. Zaria applied a Texas Cloverleaf submission, but Henley broke the hold by getting to the ropes. Henley shoved Zaria into the turnbuckle. Zaria came back with a boot to the face. Zaria applied a sleeper by the turnbuckle. Zaria jumped off the turnbuckle with a clothesline, so Henley left the ring. Zaria slammed Henley onto the apron and there was 1 minute left. Henley capitalized on her friend’s distraction and hit two feet to the face. Henley jumped off the top with a cross-body block, Zaria rolled through, and Zaria went for her version of an F5, but Henley hit a DDT for two. There were 10 seconds left, and the clock ran out. The 5 minutes were up.
NXT GM Ava arrived to say that we are in New York City and there needs to be a new Speed Champion. Ava said this is now sudden death.
Zaria went for a press slam, Henley avoided it and left the ring.
(Commercial)
The two women exchanged strikes. Henley applied a Rings of Saturn submission, pulling back on the arms. Zaria was back up with a punch. Henley hit Zaria in the throat. Zaria slammed Henley off the ropes. Zaria hit two clotheslines, a pump kick, and an overhead suplex across the ring. Henley countered Zaria into a two count. Zaria came back with a Spear, so Henley rolled out of the ring. Reid pulled Henley out of the way to avoid a Spear on the floor, and Zaria went crashing into the steel steps. Henley hit a Shining Wizard knee and a Fameasser running leg drop to the head for the pinfall win after about 9 minutes.
Winner by pinfall AND NEW WWE Women’s Speed Champion: Fallon Henley
Analysis: *** It was a good match that was longer than most Speed matches since they got more than five minutes. They went for a lot of nearfalls early to show how competitive they were. Zaria got a lot of power offense in the match, but she wasn’t able to hit her finisher. Henley benefitted from her allies at ringside since Reid moved Henley out of the way on the floor, and Zaria hit the steel steps. After that, it was two moves by Henley, and that was it. I assume the story with Zaria and Ruca will be that they are both mad at eachother due to losing title matches, the heel turn is probably coming soon. I assume it’s Zaria turning heel, but it could be Ruca as a surprise.
The new WWE Women’s Speed Champion Fallon Henley posed with her Fatal Influence friends, the NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne, and Lainey Reid. The group has two titles now.
A video aired about WWE LFG Season 2 winner Shiloh Hill. Shiloh talked about his love of wrestling, which he watched with his dad. He also mentioned that his dad passed away before Shiloh went to college. Shiloh talked about having different jobs in his life. Shiloh also spoke about losing his tooth during his early days of WWE training and how he didn’t want to replace it because of how tough he looked. He’ll tell us more about himself next time.
Analysis: I think in terms of personality, Shiloh will do well. Whether he can cut it in the ring, that’s up to him.
(Commercial)
John Cena Names NXT Deadline Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Competitors
There was a taped message from Intercontinental Champion John Cena talking about how, as he leaves WWE, he wants to leave the business better than when he found it. Cena said that the Iron Survivor Challenge can launch a superstar’s career to the next level. Cena mentioned Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater as two guys with bright futures at 21 years old. Cena said that the next spot goes to Joe Hendry, who is a self-made superstar. Cena said Joe made himself impossible to ignore. Cean said he believed in Joe Hendry. Cena picked Darkstate’s Dion Lennox to show what he’s got. The last spot will be given to the winner of tonight’s main event: Myles Borne or Trick Williams. Cena said his time is up, but the time is now for the wrestlers. The winner gets a shot at the NXT Title.
The Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge competitors are: Je’Von Evans, Leon Slater, Joe Hendry, Dion Lennox, and the Myles Borne/Trick Williams winner.
Analysis: I want Je’Von Evans to win, but I think it’s a hard match to predict.
Jordynne Grace and Lei Ying Lee entered for their triple threat match.
(Commercial)
There was an NXT Focus video showing Izzi Dame turning on Tatum Paxley last week. Dame said she knows Paxley will cry about her downfall like she always does. Dame said she’ll explain everything next week. Dame told Paxley that it is what it is.
TNA Knockouts Championship: Kelani Jordan vs. Jordynne Grace vs. Lei Ying Lee
They showed TNA President Carlos Silva and TNA’s Tommy Dreamer at ringside. Grace is no stranger to the Knockouts Title as a former 3-time KO Champ. Lee used to be Xia Li in WWE.
Grace sent Jordan into the turnbuckle and Lee kicked Grace into Jordan. Grace had Jordan on her back, and Lee jumped off the turnbuckle with a Blockbuster for a two count on Grace. Lee did a sweep kick on Grace, followed by a running knee. Lee punched Grace repeatedly. Jordan shoved Lee off the top rope to the floor. Grace sent Jordan face first into turnbuckle. Grace hit a running uppercut on Jordan. Grace hit a splash off the middle turnbuckle for a two count. Jordan hit a double stomp to Lee’s back after knocking both women down. Jordan tossed Lee out of the ring. Jordan hit a sitout DDT on Grace for a two count. Jordan sent Grace into Lee on the apron and then Jordan hit a leg drop to the back of Grace to send her out of the ring. Grace hit a springboard moonsault onto both opponents on the floor.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Jordan hitting a top rope Frog Splash on Grace for two because Lee made the save. Lee hit a running forearm on Grace. Jordan went for a DDT, Grace avoided it and Lee kicked Jordan. Lee jumped off the turnbuckle with a missile dropkick for a two count. Grace hit a back body drop on Lee. They did a German Suplex/Northern Lights Suplex combo spot that saw Grace get a two count on Lee. Lee and Grace exchanged strikes by the turnbuckle. Jordan slammed Lee off her shoulders. Jordan went up top with Grace and hit a Spanish Fly off the top for two. That was a bit of an awkward landing, but I think they were okay. Jordan went for a kick, Lee caught it and applied a Half Crab submission. Grace picked up Lee and hit a stiff Powerbomb for two. Grace hit a double Powerbomb on Jordan for two because Lee broke up the pin. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for the ladies. Lee went for a move on Grace, but Grace fought out of it. The fans chanted, “Women’s wrestling” for them. Jordan pulled Grace off the apron to the floor. Jordan kicked Lee, Jordan went up top and Jordan went for a 450 Splash, but Lee avoided it. Lee hit a roundhouse kick to Jordan. Grace was back up with an elbow on Lee. Jordan rolled up Grace for two. Grace hit a back fist on Jordan. Grace hit a spinning Powerbomb off the shoulders. Lee hit a spinning kick to the back of Grace’s head. Lee covered Jordan for the pinfall win to win the TNA Knockouts Title after about 11 minutes without the commercial time.
Winner by pinfall AND NEW TNA Knockouts Champion: Lei Ying Lee
Analysis: ***1/2 Great match ending with a new champion as the Knockouts Title is back on a TNA wrestler. I figured Jordan wouldn’t have a long reign because it makes sense to have the Knockouts Title on a TNA wrestler. This was a fast-paced, exciting triple threat match full of nearfalls, counter moves, and a hot crowd that was really into it. I loved hearing the “Women’s wrestling” chant and I’m sure the ladies liked it too. Jordan’s reign as TNA KO Champion saw her turn heel, so at least it helped her character evolve. I’m happy for Lee as the winner, while I didn’t think Grace winning would make sense since she left TNA for NXT, so no point in going backwards like that.
After the match, Lei Ying Lee celebrated the win while TNA President Carlos Silva put the title on Lee’s waist. The fans cheered for Lee as the new champion.
The Fatal Influence trio was talking in their locker room. Jacy Jayne told Lainey Reid this is the moment she’s been waiting for, so then they can all be champions. Ava, the NXT GM, walked in talking about the interference that Jayne and Henley benefited from to win their matches, so Ava banned Jayne and Henley from ringside. Fatal Influence wasn’t happy about it.
(Commercial)
Ricky Saints Interview
The NXT Champion Ricky Saints was interviewed by Sarah Schreiber for a sitdown interview. Ricky said that Oba Femi coming back to NXT means that all the eyes are on him. Ricky talked about people doubting how long he’s going to be the champion. Ricky said last week he was confident. This week, he’s starting to question that a little bit. Sarah mentioned Ricky beat Femi at No Mercy, so what’s different about Deadline? Ricky wondered if No Mercy was just the luck of the draw, so he truly doesn’t know if he can beat Femi again. Ricky said he wondered if he couldn’t beat Femi again, then it would be all for naught. Ricky said that he also has a bigger voice while saying that he takes the pressure head on. Ricky said that if he doesn’t beat Femi, then who can? But Ricky knows he can. Ricky said that the impossible is possible when it comes to Ricky Saints. Ricky said he’ll prove that to every voice inside him and to everybody out there. Ricky said he’ll do it because he’s Ricky Saints, the NXT Champion. Sarah thanked him and wished him good luck at Deadline.
At NXT Deadline, Ricky Saints defends the NXT Title against Oba Femi.
Analysis: It was a solid interview from Ricky, who is a very good talker. Title change? I don’t think so because I think Femi will be on the main roster early next year, but if Femi wins it back then it’s just so he can drop it to Je’Von Evans. Just my opinion anyway.
WWE Women’s Evolve Championship: Kendal Grey (w/Wren Sinclair) vs. Lainey Reid
The commentary team was joined by Peter Rosenberg again since he’s the voice of Evolve.
Grey tripped up Reid and hit some punches. Reid slapped Grey in the face. Reid hit an uppercut. Grey came back with punches. Grey tripped up Reid and hit a dropkick. Reid sent Grey to the apron, where Reid connected with a punch. Grey went for a kick, Reid caught the foot and Reid sent Grace face first into the steel steps.
(Commercial)
It was Reid in control as she set up Grey on the top turnbuckle. Grey fought back and Grey hit a moonsault onto a standing Reid. Grey worked over Reid with elbows, along with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Reid came back with a stomp on the hand and then a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count. Reid charged and Grey hit a spinning powerslam-like move for a two count. Jacy Jayne went on the apron to distract Grey and Fallon Henley was on the other side. Sinclair punched Henley off the apron. Jayne charged, Grey avoided it and Jayne knocked Wren off the apron. Charlie Dempsey was there to catch Grey, so he is back. The referee ejected everybody from ringside. Reid got a rollup for two. Reid hit a superkick. Reid went up top, but Grey popped up after her and Grey hit a German Suplex off the top with Reid doing a good flip bump to land like doing a moonsault. Grey hit the Shades of Grey flatliner for the pinfall win after about 7 minutes. That doesn’t include the commercial break time.
Winner by pinfall: Kendal Grey
Analysis: ***1/4 A solid match between two women with big upside. Grey absolutely has all the tools to be a major star, but they will need to work on her personality. In the ring, she has improved so much, and you can tell that she’s an incredible athlete. Reid does a good job as a heel. The chaos at ringside hurt the match a bit, but I get that it was done to give Reid a nearfall. I’m glad Grey kept the title, and I want to see Grey in NXT more.
Darkstate was shown talking backstage. Dion Lennox said it’s time to bring singles gold to the family and he’s going to go crazy in the Iron Survivor Challenge. Dion said when they strike, nobody is safe. They left to go watch the Trick and Myles match.
(Commercial)
John Cena Selects Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Competitors
The Intercontinental Champion John Cena talked about how NXT’s women’s division was overflowing with incredible talent. Cena named the five women in the Women’s Iron Survivor match, and he mentioned Sol Ruca, saying he’s excited to see what she will do. Cena mentioned Lola Vice, wondering when she will get her shot, and Cena said her time is now. Cena spoke about how Kelani Jordan feels she’s the standout and now she can prove it. Cena also selected Jordynne Grace by saying that he admires her strength because she has what it takes to succeed as a superstar. For the final selection, Cena is picking the Evolve Women’s Champion, Kendal Grey, saying she’s found her footing and can accomplish anything in WWE.
To summarize it, that means the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge competitors are: Sol Ruca, Lola Vice, Kelani Jordan, Jordynne Grace and Kendal Grey.
Analysis: I like it. Good choices. I think Sol Ruca might be my pick to win, but maybe Kelani Jordan, since she recently turned heel and could get a singles push out of it.
Next week on NXT:
* Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Summit
* Josh Briggs vs. Tavion Heights
Myles Borne vs. Trick Williams
The winner gets the fifth spot in the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Match at NXT Deadline.
Trick hit a running clothesline to start the match. Borne was able to come back with a dropkick. Trick grabbed Borne by the head and slammed him into the mat. Trick hit a suplex for two. Trick did a backhanded slap to the head. Borne hit his Born Again move, which is the Zig Zag from Dolph Ziggler, but Trick kicked out at two.
(Commercial)
The action continued with Trick hitting a flapjack into the mat. Borne hit some uppercuts to stagger Trick against the turnbuckle. Trick came back with a body slam. Borne got two rollups in a row for two counts. Trick slammed Borne off the shoulders like a fireman’s carry. Trick charged right into a powerslam by Borne for two. Borne hit two clotheslines, along with a dropkick and atomic drop. Borne hit a reverse DDT with an elbow drop for two. They showed Joe Hendry, Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater watching the match on a TV backstage. Trick countered a Borne move and hit a Book End. Borne was back up, but Trick kicked him in the head. Trick and Borne each hit a neckbreaker at the same time. Trick held onto the ropes to block a move and Trick sent Borne over the top to the floor. Trick hit a spinning kick to knock Borne down. Trick charged, Borne moved and Borne hit Born Again on the floor. Back in the ring, Borne hit another Born Again for the pinfall win after about 8 minutes, not including the commercial time.
Winner by pinfall: Myles Borne
Analysis: *** The match was even most of the way, with Borne getting the win with a third Born Again to win the match. I’m not surprised by the result since Borne is a star on the rise, while Trick is likely going to be off NXT soon and go on to the main roster. Trick has put over multiple people in recent months due to the likely main roster move.
Myles Borne celebrated the win in the ring.
Darkstate’s music hit as the four members of NXT Tag Team Champions Darkstate surrounded the ring. Before Darkstate could get into the ring, the trio of Joe Hendry, Trick Williams and Leon Slater stood beside Borne to face off with Darkstate. That was the end of the show.
Analysis: That will probably lead to a 4-on-4 tag team match next week. Five of the guys are in the Iron Survivor Challenge, so it makes sense to do it there.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Lei Ying Lee, Kelani Jordan & Jordynne Grace
- Myles Borne
- Jackson Drake and Kendal Grey
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The Scoreboard
This week: 7.25 out of 10
Last week: 7.75
2025 Average: 7.31
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Final Thoughts on WWE NXT
A solid wrestling show with good matches throughout the episode. I don’t think any of the matches stood out that much above the others, but it was entertaining throughout the show.
I liked the choices for the Iron Survivor Challenge matches, and it’s nice to have John Cena praise the talent the way he did, even though he’s just reading what the creative team put out there. It’s the thought that counts.
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Thanks for reading. My contact info is below.
John Canton
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Twitter/X @johnreport