The John Report: WWE NXT 12/09/25 Review
This week’s WWE NXT features Kelani Jordan facing Jordynne Grace, Blake Monroe’s open challenge, and more.
The NXT Deadline PLE from Saturday was a great show that saw Oba Femi win the NXT Title for the second time, while Je’Von Evans and Kendal Grey won the Men’s and Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge matches. They will earn NXT Title and NXT Women’s Title matches at New Year’s Evil on January 6th.
I’m doing this as a live review on a cold Tuesday night. This is for my late friend Ed Eastin Jr., who passed away on Monday, far too soon. A great man who loved wrestling. I’ll write more about him in another review later in the week because he meant a lot to me.
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 NXT Deadline highlights. I rated it as the second-best NXT PLE this year, behind Stand & Deliver from WrestleMania weekend. Tony D’Angelo returned to attack Je’Von Evans at the end of the show.
Let’s Hear from Oba Femi
The NXT Oba Femi said that true power stands still and watches the world revolve around it. Femi said he’s a two-time NXT Champion because he is true power. Femi said that Ricky Saints momentarily knocked The Ruler off his throne at No Mercy, so congrats to Ricky for that. Femi said that NXT is not the same without The Ruler on top. Femi said at Deadline that he rose from the ashes and reclaimed his title. Femi said that the title belongs to him because this is the way it is supposed to be.
Femi said that at Saturday Night’s Main Event, he’ll stand across the ring from Cody Rhodes. Femi said that Cody will not see potential, the future, he’ll see the now. Femi said Cody will see The Ruler, the bringer of war, in all of his glory – Oba Femi.
Ricky Saints walked into the ring and admitted that maybe there would never be another chance for him to regain that title. Ricky said that he remembered who he is, “Absolute” Ricky Saints. Ricky said that he’s not going to fade to the back because he’s putting all his bets on his heart and fighting back. Ricky said that he’s undoing all mistakes. Ricky said that the records show that it’s Ricky 1 and Femi 1, so now Ricky is demanding his rematch for the NXT Championship.
Je’Von Evans made his entrance as the Iron Survivor Challenge winner. Evans said he’s been watching Deadline over and over again. Evans said he survived the Iron Survivor Challenge and got in the ring with the other two guys. Evans said he earned an NXT Title shot at New Year’s Evil. Evans said it made him wonder why wait until January to have the match? Evans said he’s on fire, he’s locked in and ready right now. Evans said nobody will dictate his moment. Evans suggested they have that NXT Championship match tonight.
Ricky asked Evans what’s the rush? Ricky said that Evans is having all these great matches. Ricky said that if he gets the title back, then they can do this title match. Ricky wondered if he was sure this was the play.
Evans said that’s all he hears about how he is the future. Evans said he is the right now. Evans said he’ll align the stars himself. Evans said that nobody is touching him at the age of 21. Evans said he’s doing it at AAA, NXT, Raw, SmackDown, and NXT live events. Evans said nobody is touching him. Evans said if he’s putting money on anybody tonight, then it’s Je’Von Evans. Ricky said go and get yours.
Femi said that you two want to come and tell the champion what to do. Ricky wondered if Femi was saying no to the Iron Survivor. Evans said that Oba knows for a fact that Evans has your number. Femi said he’s never been afraid of Evans, and every time they have wrestled, Femi has always beaten him, and it will be no different tonight. Femi said, “Game on!” Je’Von’s music played to end it.
Analysis: Good job by everybody involved here. Je’Von Evans is so likable because of his wrestling style, and he comes across as a confident babyface rather than being some cocky guy who is in over his head. Oba Femi accepting the challenge isn’t a surprise since he’s a fighting champion as well. Ricky Saints made a good point about wanting a rematch with Femi since they are 1-1 as well. I liked how this was done, while also setting up a massive main event for later.
A video package aired about the Jordynne Grace/Kelani Jordan rivalry. That match is next.
(Commercial)
The video package aired about John Cena’s legacy in wrestling in major WrestleMania matches.
Tatum Paxley spoke in a darkened room surrounded by dolls. Paxley spoke to Izzi Dame, saying she had nothing left to lose. Paxley had dolls that looked like Shawn Spears and Niko Vance. Paxley said now they are going to play her game while claiming two will go, so then it will be just Paxley against Dame.
Analysis: I mentioned in my preview that I thought Dame would win the first match, leading to a rematch, and I think that rematch will be won by Paxley. That makes sense to me.
The commentary team of Vic Joseph and Booker T welcomed us to the show. Mike Rome was the ring announcer.
Jordynne Grace vs. Kelani Jordan
Grace was aggressive with a clothesline on the floor and some punches when they got into the ring. Grace hit two body slams. Grace hit a Michinoku Driver for a two count. Grace and Jordan smacked eachother in the face. Jordan kicked Grace away, but Grace sent Jordan into the turnbuckle. Grace hit a knee smash, along with an elbow drop. Grace went for a splash off the turnbuckle, but Jordan moved to avoid it. Jordan dropkicked the left knee. Jordan worked over Grace’s left knee. They battled on the apron, where Jordan hit a superkick. Jordan got a hold of Grace’s knee and slammed the knee onto the apron. They went on a break for some fans, and I’ll take a break too.
The match continued with Grace hitting a suplex. Grace was selling a left knee injury. Grace went for a move on the floor, but Jordan slipped out of it and hit a chop block to the left knee. Jordan sent Grace into the steel steps. Jordan went for a chair shot to the leg, but Grace moved. Back in the ring, Grace hit a spinebuster for two. If Jordan had hit Grace with the chair, it would have been a DQ. Grace went for a backslide and then turned it into two clotheslines. Grace rolled through Jordan, leading to a rolling German Suplex for two. They left the ring where Grace hit a Grace Under Pressure off the steps onto Jordan on the floor. Grace grabbed the steel chair, but the referee took it away from her. Jordan kicked Grace into the barricade, and Grace went crashing through the thin barricade. Back in the ring, Jordan went up top and hit a 450 Splash for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Kelani Jordan
Analysis: ***1/4 That was a match full of action, and both women brought the intensity. Jordan was able to outsmart Grace by shoving her into the barricade, which Grace sold as a big bump, even though those barricades are pretty thin. The key thing is, it sounds good when you break those barricades. I thought Grace might win because I feel like she could use a big win, but I don’t mind seeing the heel Jordan get some momentum with a victory like that.
The Women’s North American Champion, Blake Monroe, was backstage, and her open challenge is next.
(Commercial)
Jordynne Grace was shown in the women’s locker room, and she was sad about losing her match. Other women in the locker room were in their wrestling gear, teasing that they might answer the open challenge. Thea Hail told Grace not to doubt herself. Grace wondered if she was getting advice from a 16-year-old. Hail said she’s 22 and has been there since she was 18, so she’s a grizzled veteran now. Hail left.
Blake Monroe’s Open Challenge
The wonderful NXT Women’s North American Champion, Blake Monroe, made her entrance. Monroe claimed that other women in NXT look up to her. Monroe said she wants to give back for the holiday season, and who doesn’t want some glamour in their lives? Monroe said she wanted to do an open challenge, and Ava agreed, so let’s see who wants a title match?
There were several women from the locker room who made their entrance, but the referees held them back. Thea Hail went into the ring, applied the Kimura Lock, and Blake tapped out. There was no referee in the ring, and the bell never rang. The open challenge never got started.
Analysis: That was chaotic and felt rushed. It was just an angle to have Hail “beat” Monroe without having an actual match. It will probably set them up for a future match.
The rookie Shiloh Hill was interviewed by Kelly Kincaid ahead of his debut match on NXT. Hill was excited about his opening match and said it’s time to show the world why no one sleeps on Shiloh Hill.
(Commercial)
Shiloh Hill vs. Lexis King
Hill won LFG season two. Booker wants King to go on the main roster. Hill sent a charging King over the top to the floor. King slowed it down and chopped Hill a few times. King hit Hill with a knee to the ribs, along with a dropkick. After King did a disrespectful slap to the face, Hill was back up for a double clothesline. Hill gave the referee his mouthguard and then he fired up. Hill hit a swinging neckbreaker. Hill no sold a superkick, and fired up with a back body drop. Hill lifted up King and hit a neckbreaker for the pinfall win after about 4 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Shiloh Hill
Analysis: *** Easy win for Shiloh Hill since it was his debut on NXT and King rarely wins matches, so that result was obvious. The spot where Hill took the mouthguard out was weird more than anything, but I guess it worked in terms of firing him up.
Ethan Page was shown backstage for a promo up next.
(Commercial)
The NXT Champion Oba Femi was interviewed by Kelly Kincaid, who mentioned Femi is defending the title tonight. Femi said as the champion, you learn to expect the unexpected. Femi said he hopes Cody Rhodes is watching tonight because he has no idea what The Ruler is capable of. Femi said that Cody is the man who carries this place, but who will carry him when Femi puts him in the ground. Femi said he’ll break the Iron Survivor Evans, and then on Saturday, he’ll break the American Nightmare. Femi left to prepare.
Let’s Hear From Ethan Page
Ethan Page made his entrance as the NXT North American Champion and the AAA Mixed Tag Team Champion. Page is perhaps my favorite wrestler in NXT and also a fellow Canadian who is from a city about one hour from me.
Page said it doesn’t matter who he faces when it comes to his North American Title. Page said he’s the only guy to ask the questions that nobody else has the balls to ask. Page bragged about breaking a jaw in the past. Page mentioned that wrestlers today are obsessed with their TikTok videos and doing point photos with their childhood hero wrestlers. Page bragged about being a champion. Page said that we get to see John Cena have his last match and walk away for good. Page said that a week after Cena is gone, he’ll be a distant memory and he’ll leave a void. Page said that the void will be filled by a man with a giant ego. Page talked about winning the NXT Title in record time, and now he’s turned the NXT North American Title into the most prestigious title in NXT. Page said other wrestlers couldn’t take the title from him. Page spoke about how he’s also a AAA Mixed Tag Team Champion, so he’s 1 of 1, unlike others in WWE. Page mentioned three big days in your life as the day you are brought in this world, when you leave this world and when you realize Page is the best wrestler in the world. Page said NXT will be perfectly fine with him around.
The lights went out and there was a walking video of Tony D’Angelo on a bridge. The lights came back on, and Tony D was in the ring behind Page. Tony spiked Page with a spinebuster. Tony tossed some black materials onto a fallen Page in the ring.
Analysis: A strong, cocky heel champion promo from Ethan Page, which he is very good at doing. Tony D attacking Page is similar to when he attacked Je’Von Evans at Deadline, so it looks like Tony is targeting some of NXT’s biggest stars. It will be interesting when Tony does a promo to see if he’s dropped the mafia gimmick because he has a thicker beard now, and wears a different kind of coat.
It’s Sol Ruca against Wren Sinclair up next, so there was some backstage walking.
(Commercial)
The foursome of Dion Lennox, Myles Borne, Joe Hendry, and Leon Slater were in the office with NXT GM Ava. Ava informed them that next week will be a 4-way match between them, and the winner gets an NXT Title match at New Year’s Evil. Her explanation was that they were all tied at Deadline, so it’s a fair way to determine the next challenger. Ethan Page walked into the room, complaining about Tony D. Ava said she didn’t know what Tony was doing there. Borne mocked Page by teasing that somebody was behind him. Page acted scared, and he left.
Analysis: That’s a big 4-way match for next week. I’ll pick Hendry to win.
Sol Ruca vs. Wren Sinclair (w/Kendal Grey)
Wren got a rollup early on. Ruca came back with an X-Factor into the mat. Zaria appeared in the crowd as she watched from a distance, and Ruca was distracted by that. Ruca and Wren exchanged pin attempts. Wren hit a running bulldog on Ruca for two. Ruca came back with two elbows and a missile dropkick off the middle turnbuckle. Wren came back with a double underhook suplex. Sol hit boots to the back of Wren. Dol jumped off the turnbuckle with a Soul Snatcher on Wren for the pinfall win after about 3 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Sol Ruca
Analysis: *1/2 Easy win for Sol Ruca. I like Wren Sinclair a lot, and it would be cool to see her get a push, but it’s not happening right now. This was about giving Ruca a win after not winning at Deadline.
After the match, Zaria was shown doing some light applause for So,l the winner. Zaria left. Sol went after her.
The Fatal Influence trio made their entrance for a promo.
A commercial aired for the Royal Rumble from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 31. They have SmackDown in Saudi Arabia the night before, too.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Fatal Influence
The NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne was in the ring with Women’s Speed Champion Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid. They are Fatal Influence. Kendal Grey and Wren Sinclair were in the ring with them.
Jayne said that this is as good as it gets for Grey. Jayne said that Grey is living the dream. Jayne said that Grey’s 15 minutes of fame are almost done. Jayne said that the fans will move on to the next flavor of the month, so where does that leave Grey? Jayne said that potential doesn’t win championships. Jayne said that Grey has the Evolve Championship, but this NXT Women’s Title is on a different level. Jayne said she owned this year because this was the year of Jacy Freakin’ Jayne. Jayne said that she went from being overlooked to the most dominant woman in the NXT Women’s Division. Jayne bragged about her success some more. Jayne said everybody realized this year that she is the rock star and the glue that holds this division together. Jayne called Grey a bootleg Kurt Angle with a ponytail who doesn’t stand a chance at beating Jayne.
Grey said that Jayne has momentum, but Grey has the momentum now. Grey said she is a rookie who has so much to learn. Grey said nobody expected her to win Iron Survivor, and she did. Grey said nobody expected Jayne to beat Stephanie Vaquer for the title, and that’s what she loves about wrestling – anything can happen. Grey said if Jayne wants to treat their match as a joke, then go ahead. Grey said that the best part of being an underdog is the face people make when the underdog bites back. Jayne laughed about Grey thinking she belongs in the ring with the greatest women’s faction. Wren spoke about how the Wren QCC already has a title, but they might add two more titles. Reid warned Wren, and Henley said they’ll show this rookie Grey where she belongs. Reid and Henley hit some cheap shots. Wren tried to fight back, but the three Fatal Influence girls dominated the two babyfaces. They stood tall to end it.
Analysis: It furthered the story to build the Jayne-Grey match for New Year’s Evil. Jayne is the confident NXT Women’s Champion, while Grey is the underdog who pulled off the upset at Deadline, and she thinks she can do it again. They are well-defined roles for the wrestlers, and it’s easy for the fans to follow. As for the attack, it was dominated by Fatal Influence 3 on 2, so maybe Wren and Grey will get an ally soon.
A video aired over the last few weeks about Hank & Tank going on a tour of Japan, and they won the GHC Tag Team Titles in the NOAH promotion.
Hank & Tank were interviewed by Kelly Kincaid. Hank & Tank said it was great and bodacious to be in Japan. Hank Walker said that they are ready to do what the Belly Boys do best. OTM interrupted. Tank Ledger said let’s not forget what happened before they went to Japan. The teams exchanged words. Tank challenged them to a tag team match next week, and OTM agreed.
The WrestleMania 42 commercial aired, featuring the women’s division, and Tiffany Stratton spoke about how great she is.
(Commercial)
Blake Monroe spoke to Ava, the NXT GM, in her office. Blake complained about how Ava set her up to be embarrassed. Blake said no more open challenges ever again. Ava said this was Blake’s idea. Ava said she’ll make Blake defend her title against Blake Monroe next week. Blake wasn’t happy.
Sol Ruca caught up to Zaria in the parking lot. Zaria said she just wanted to support her. Zaria said she wished Ruca the best for her match against Bayley at SNME. Sol wanted Zaria to be there. Zaria was excited about that and they hugged.
Analysis: They seem good again, but will it last? Maybe Zaria turns heel at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Could happen.
Next week on NXT:
* NXT Title #1 Contender’s Match: Joe Hendry vs. Dion Lennox vs. Myles Borne vs.
* NXT Women’s North American Championship: Blake Monroe vs. Thea Hail vs, Leon Slater
Je’Von Evans made his entrance for the main event.
(Commercial)
They showed Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo winning the TNA International Title at Final Resolution thanks to an assist from Lexis King.
The NXT Champion Oba Femi made his entrance. Vic mentioned Femi beat Evans at Heatwave and Stand & Deliver (that was a 3-way). Ring announcer Mike Rome did the championship introductions.
NXT Championship: Oba Femi vs. Je’Von Evans
There were about 14 minutes until the end of the show. They went to the turnbuckle where there was a break, and Evans hit a superkick. Evans went for a springboard Cutter, but Femi blocked it. Evans hit a running knee for a two count. Femi rocked Evans with a forearm to the jaw. Evans avoided a clothesline and hit a jumping spin kick for two. Femi came back with an uppercut, hard whip into the turnbuckle and Femi hit a backbreaker. Femi stood on Evans’ ribs and grabbed a chinlock. Evans sent Femi face first into the turnbuckle, along with a dropkick that knocked Femi out of the ring. Evans kicked Femi on the floor, but Femi stopped a springboard attack by pulling Evans’ leg on the apron. Evans tried a springboard moonsault, Femi caught him and Evans sent Femi into the apron. Femi came back with a hard chop to the chest. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. Femi lifted up Evans and sent him face first into the apron. Back in the ring, Evans went for a cradle for a two count. Femi was back up with a clothesline. Femi stomped on Evans’ ribs. Femi hit a suplex.
The champion Femi remained in control with a backbreaker onto the right leg for two. Evans came back with punches, so Femi hit him with a double axhandle to the back. Evans hit a hurricanrana over the top to the floor. Evans gave Femi a hurricanrana on the floor. Femi charged, Evans avoided it and Femi went flying over the table. Booker T took a tumble because his left leg got caught on cable by the commentary table. Femi managed to crawl back into the ring to break the referee’s countout count. Evans hit a Frog Splash off the top onto Femi’s back. Femi went up top and hit another Frog Splash for a two count. Evans worked over Femi with punches, along with a spinning kick to the head to knock Femi out of the ring. Evans hit a dive over the top onto Femi on the floor. Back in the ring, Evans went up top, jumped off and Femi hit him with a forearm smash. Femi splashed Evans, but Evans came back with a German Suplex. Femi was back up and Evans hit a Cutter for a two count. Evans bounced off the ropes and Femi hit a jumping uppercut for two. Femi tossed Evans across the ring. Femi went for Fall From Grace, but Evans countered it with a Cutter. Evans jumped off the top with a Cutter and covered for one…two…no because Ricky Saints pulled the referee out of the ring. Evans hit a dive onto Saints on the floor. Evans hit a spinning kick. Femi came back with a big clothesline. Femi hit two running uppercuts. Femi hit Fall From Grace (sitout Powerbomb) for the pinfall win after 14 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Oba Femi
Analysis: **** That was an outstanding main event. Any time you can get a four-star level main event match that’s a wonderful thing for any wrestling show. Femi and Evans have excellent chemistry together. There were a lot of cool moves, along with counters throughout the match. I thought there were a few times where Evans might win, which made the match the match better because there ere so many nearfalls in the match. When Evans hit that Cutter off the top, I thought that might be it, but there’s Ricky Saints to break it up and get booed loudly because of it. After that, it was not a surprise to see Femi retain.
Speechless. 😲
Oba Femi beats Je'Von Evans to retain the NXT Championship… pic.twitter.com/Mju4m1KHSE
— WWE (@WWE) December 10, 2025
It will still be NXT Champion Oba Femi against WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13th.
After the match, Oba Femi rolled out the NXT Title and stared at Ricky Saints. Femi left while Saints looked at Evans from a distance. End show.
Analysis: Was that a heelish look from Ricky Saints? I think so. I think Ricky will turn heel because of this.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Oba Femi
- Je’Von Evans
- Kelani Jordan
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The Scoreboard
This week: 7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
2025 Average: 7.32
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Final Thoughts on WWE NXT
It was a good show carried by the outstanding main event between Oba Femi and Je’Von Evans. Femi got the win thanks to Ricky Saints, who may have turned heel out of jealousy after losing the NXT Title. Femi and Evans killed it in the match as usual.
Other than that, the best match was the Kelani Jordan/Jordynne Grace match that saw Jordan come up with the crafty heel win. The other matches didn’t really do much for me, but at least they are trying to feature some different people.
They did a nice job of setting up two big matches for next week as well. I liked the show.
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Thanks for reading. My contact info is below.
John Canton
Email [email protected]
Twitter/X @johnreport