The John Report: WWE NXT 12/23/25 Review
This week’s WWE NXT features Chelsea Green facing Sol Ruca, Lola Vice in action against Izzi Dame, and more.
It’s two days before Christmas for this episode of NXT. It was taped last week, and next week’s episode was taped as well to give talent and staff some time off during the holiday season. The next live episode of NXT is a big one on January 6th, which they call New Year’s Evil.
There is a report that some NXT wrestlers like Je’Von Evans, Sol Ruca, Joe Hendry, and NXT Champion Oba Femi could be joining the main roster soon. Trick Williams was also called a free agent on SmackDown last week. On Raw, they said Evans is a free agent now, so that means he’ll be on the main roster instead of winning the NXT Title like I’ve been predicting. I think all of those people, plus others, are ready for the main roster. It’s just a matter of using them well when they get there. With SmackDown going to three hours, they will need more people on the show, so it makes sense to bolster the rosters in the new year.
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.
On the Netflix version of NXT that I’m watching, they have edited the show, so there won’t be action during the break like a live show. I won’t even mention the commercials in my review. The runtime is 1 hour, 20 minutes. The whole show was available at 8 p.m. ET, so of course I’ll go in order.
There was pre-show walking shown of Thea Hail, Ricky Saints, Je’Von Evans, Chelsea Green with Ethan Page and Alba Fyre, and Sol Ruca with Zaria.
The commentary team was Vic Joseph and Booker T. Mike Rome was the ring announcer.
Izzi Dame (w/Shawn Spears) vs. Lola Vice
The ladies exchanged strikes early on. It took one minute for Booker to bust out his “checks and championships” line this week. Dame hit a clothesline. Vice sent Dame out of the ring and jumped on her with a senton splash on the floor. Dame was able to come back with a slam for two. Vice tripped up Dame and kicked her a few times against the turnbuckle. When Vice tried a Sleeper, Dame dropped back to break free. Dame hit a German Suplex. That’s where they placed a break, and the match continued.
Dame was going for a Boston Crab, but Vice sent her into the turnbuckle. Vice rolled up Dame for two. Vice continued the attack with kicks and a German Suplex of her own. Vice hit her running hip attack. Spears grabbed Vice’s foot while the referee wasn’t looking and Dame kicked Vice out of the ring. Tatum Paxley showed up with a chainsaw that she had on, so Spears ran away. Dame went back into the ring and Vice hit a back fist on Dame for the pinfall win. It went about 7 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Lola Vice
Analysis: *** A decent match to give Vice a distraction win thanks to crazy Paxley costing Dame the match. They worked hard, Dame dominated for a bit, and Vice showed a lot of fire in fighting back.
After the match, Kelani Jordan attacked Lola Vice from behind with punches and kicks. Jordan kicked Vice in the ribs. A referee stopped Jordan from doing more.
Analysis: It continues the Jordan-Vice issues that have been brewing for weeks and sets them up for a match.
Thea Hail and Jordynne Grace spoke backstage about Hail winning the NXT Women’s North American Championship last week in controversial fashion. Grace said that it was the right decision. Hail thanked Grace for standing up for her. Hail left to address her win.
A WrestleMania 42 commercial aired.
The NXT North American Champion, Ethan Page, approached Myles Borne in the locker room. Page said that Leon Slater has the match that Borne wants at New Year’s Evil. Page said that Trick Williams and Ricky Saints made a change, and they are better off for it. Page said that this is a shark tank, not Raw or SmackDown. Page said that if you can survive here, then Monday and Friday will be a cakewalk. Page said either move up or move out. Page said that next week, you can watch Page take care of TNA’s best.
Analysis: It was Ethan Page trying to tell Borne to turn heel because it worked for guys like Trick and Ricky. I think Borne is the one that will beat Page for his title, so the yare planting the seeds for that to happen.
Let’s Hear from Thea Hail
The NXT Women’s North American Champion, Thea Hail, made her entrance. She beat Blake Monroe last week in an unplanned title change after a senton splash when Blake was a bit too slow to kick out, so the referee counted the pin.
Hail said that some people couldn’t believe that she won, but she did it. Hail said she’s seen people celebrate to win a title. Hail said nothing compares to actually having a title. Hail said that this is the greatest thing of her life. Hail said you guys have watched her grow up and life is so hard sometimes. Hail said that she was a senior in high school, she was an 18 year old girl and all those opportunities led her to this. Hail said that everything has led her there. Hail said so many people doubted her, but she believed. Hail said if you believe, then you can make history and be the youngest NXT Women’s North American Champion in history. Hail said growing up in NXT has been hard, difficult and messy, but it’s been real. Hail said she finally feels like a grown ass woman.
Blake Monroe interrupted and Booker said, “Thank God.” Blake looked distraught and walked out with slippers, a rob and casual clothes. Blake said that was a fluke, a mistake, and an inconvenience that she now has to deal with. Blake went barefoot into the ring, saying she never thought the number three would haunt her so much. Blake said she wants her title back right now. Hail said it’s her title now because Blake lost and the referee counted 1, 2 and 3. Blake said that the referee had no idea what he was doing. Hail said that because she faces things head on, Blake gets her rematch at New Year’s Evil. Blake said don’t pity her and they got into a fight as they exchanged punches. The referees went out to the ring to break it up. Hail celebrated with her title in the ring while Blake was on the floor.
Analysis: I liked Hail’s promo about how big a moment it was for her and how far she has come in NXT to finally become a champion. Monroe did a nice job of selling how sad she is without the title. The rematch makes sense since it was an accidental title change in the first place. Doing it in two weeks from now builds it up a bit and gives Hail a few more weeks as champion. I think Blake is going to win the title back at New Year’s Evil, but if not, that’s okay too. Blake will probably win the NXT Women’s Title in 2026 at some point.
A video aired about Evolve’s Eli Knight since he’s making his NXT TV debut. Eli said he’ll show us why he’s fly like no other. They also showed a video of NXT’s Tavion Heights in action.
Sol Ruca, who was with Zaria, was interviewed by Sarah Schreiber about possibly being the Women’s US Champion. Ruca talked about the ups and downs of the year she has had, like holding two titles, but she lost them without being in the ring. Ruca said she beat Bayley at Saturday Night’s Main Event, so things are good. Ruca said she had her best friend by her side. Zaria said she’ll be there with her.
Men’s Speed Tournament: Tavion Heights vs. Eli Knight
This match has a 3-minute time limit. Eli Knight comes from Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling, so Booker was excited to see him. LA Knight’s name in TNA was Eli Drake, so here’s a guy named Eli Knight. That’s a bit strange.
Knight was aggressive early with two dropkicks and a top rope moonsault onto Heights on the floor. Back in the ring, Knight hit a top rope splash for two. Knight hit a jumping heel kick. Knight kicked off the top turnbuckle and hit a moonsault for two. Knight hit a Sliced Bread neckbreaker. Knight went up top with a moonsault, but Heights avoided it. Heights hit a belly-to-belly side slam for the pinfall win at 2:01.
Winner by pinfall: Tavion Heights
Analysis: **1/4 Heights only hit one move in the match and got the win with it. Knight is very quick and fun to watch. It was a smart move to let Knight get a lot of offense in the match to show what he can do.
After the match, Heights shook Knight’s hand and they hugged.
An interview with Oba Femi and Leon Slater was next.
A distraught Blake Monroe was backstage complaining about what happened. Evolve Men’s Champion Jackson Drake walked up to her. Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes from Evolve were also there. They were hitting on Blake. Drake said they wanted to give Blake Christmas presents. Smokes said they all believe her. Baylor said it was an Orlando Screwjob. Drake said that Blake would win the title back. The guys spoke some more about Blake possibly losing, so Blake got mad and told them to love. Blake got Smokes to give his gift, but she didn’t open it.
Oba Femi-Leon Slater Interview
The NXT Champion Oba Femi and TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater were seated with Kelly Kincaid backstage for an interview about their match at New Year’s Evil for Femi’s title. Kelly mentioned Femi having a dominant year, including two reigns as NXT Champion. Femi said 2025 was a year of success and he was able to erase his only blemish with another championship reign. Femi said he has proven he is the Ruler of NXT. Femi said he’s the Ruler of WWE too. Femi said that Cody Rhodes felt the shift and the WWE Universe felt the shift. Femi said that Slater will feel the shift at New Year’s Evil.
Slater said that this brother believes every word he says. Slater said he knows it’s the most difficult match of his life. Slater said that wrestling found him at a very young age. Slater said that he became a sponge for this and he started training at 9 years old. It was all he wanted to do, so it doesn’t sound so mad. Slater said that he has no intention of slowing down. Slater said he’s a moment maker and record breaker. Femi said that his sob story has no happy ending. Slater said he lets his ability do the speaking for him. Slater said at New Year’s Evil, we’ll find out who speaks louder. Femi said, “We’ll see.” They shook hands.
In two weeks time at New Year’s Evil, Oba Femi defends the NXT Title against Leon Slater.
Analysis: Good job by two babyfaces talking about their match in two weeks. Femi has every reason to be confident as the dominant NXT Champion while Slater is the underdog, but he’s also a guy who has proven he can win big matches against bigger opponents. I would be surprised if they put the NXT Title on a TNA guy like Slater. It will be a competitive match for sure, but I think Femi should retain even if he is going to the main roster soon.
Face to Face: Je’Von Evans and Ricky Saints
The NXT GM Ava was in the ring to call out Je’Von Evans and Ricky Saints for a chat. There were security guys in the ring and on the floor. Je’Von Evans was out first and he was cheered heavily, while Ricky Saints was booed.
Evans said he didn’t know why they should be talking because they could be fighting outside. Ricky said that Evans can barely rent a car, much less be the face of a brand. Ricky said that Evans should model himself after Ricky. Evans said that you know that Evans had Ricky beat. Evans said that Ricky is jealous. Ricky trashed Evans saying he sounds like he has marbles in his mouth while Ricky claims he checks every box. Evans said he seems to check every box enough for Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis to put him on Raw and SmackDown. Evans said that Ricky hasn’t been there yet. Evans said that he was on John Cena’s last show, while Ricky wasn’t even thought about. Evans said that he didn’t beg these fans to pick him over Ricky. Evans said that Ricky is trippin’ and out of his damn mind. Evans threatened to beat his ass.
Ava said that you can prove who is better next week for the last time. Ava said that this will end next week.
Analysis: It was a quick promo exchange where both guys made their points well. Ricky trashed Evans for being young and naïve, while Evans tried to tell the veteran Ricky that he belongs and the fans love him because he works hard. I am not going to predict who wins the match because we already know since spoilers are out.
It ends NEXT WEEK. 😲
@starkmanjones and @WWEJeVonEvans will get their hands on each other for the final time to end the year… pic.twitter.com/pCtVamFPAs— WWE (@WWE) December 24, 2025
Kendal Grey, the Evolve Women’s Champion, and Wren Sinclair were confronted by NX Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne, Women’s Speed Champion Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid. They talked trash with Jayne saying she’s not going to lose her title to Grey. Jayne said she wants a warmup match next week against Wren, who accepted the challenge.
Stacks and Arianna Grace were backstage getting ready for their match. Stacks kissed his fiancée Grace because their tag team match was up next.
Next week on NXT: Ricky Saints vs. Je’Von Evans.
Christmas Chaos Mixed Tag Team Match: Shiloh Hill & Skylar Raye vs. Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo & Arianna Grace
Stacks is the TNA International Champion. Stacks and Grace kissed, so Hill and Raye went after them. There are no tags in the match. It’s men against men and women against women. Raye hit an atomic drop on Grace and Hill hit an atomic drop on Stacks. Hill hit a light body slam on Stacks and a clothesline out of the ring. Raye put a box onto Grace’s body. Hill tossed Rey over the top onto both opponents on the floor. Hill hit Stacks in the back with a keyboard. Grace and Ray battled over a kendo stick. Raye splashed Grace against the turnbuckle and put Grace upside down. Hill and Raye beat on their opponents with candy cane kendo sticks.
They returned from a break as Stacks and Grace were in control. Grace got a gift from under the tree. It’s a bowling ball. Grace accidentally hit Stacks in the groin and dropped the ball on his feet, so Stacks oversold it. Hill took out a tooth and put it in Grace’s hand and she was freaking out. Raye hit a missile dropkick on both opponents. Hill hit a running shoulder tackle on Stacks and a spinning splash for two. Hill put a wreath on Stacks. Grace ran into a Christmas tree because Raye moved. Grace was back into it with a cookie sheet that she used to attack their opponents. Stacks set up a table at ringside. The fans booed as Grace and Stacks kissed again. Hill kicked Stacks while Raye sent Grace into the ring post. Hill put some pine cones onto the table and gave Stacks a Powerbomb onto the table of pine cones. Raye went up top and hit a Frog Splash on Grace for the pinfall win. It went about 9 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Shiloh Hill & Skylar Raye
Analysis: **3/4 A silly match with some comedy spots and plenty of weapons used. The “rookie” team of Hill and Raye worked well together. Grace loses nearly every match she has, so the result wasn’t much of a surprise. I liked the final few minutes Hill and Raye working well together to finish off their opponents.
Dion Lennox and Darkstate were backstage talking to NXT GM Ava. Dion said he wanted to face Joe Hendry, so of course Hendry appeared. They had a staredown. Ava said not here. Cutler James warned Hendry saying they will be watching him. Hendry said NXT has given so much to him this year. Hendry suggested a concert next week on NXT and Ava approved.
OTM’s Lucien Price and Bronco Nima were interviewed by Kelly Kincaid backstage. She mentioned their loss to Hank & Tank. Jackson Price, Ricky Smokes and Brad Baylor interrupted, and they are from Evolve. Baylor said that Swipe Right will have a big impact on the tag team division. OTM were mad about being interrupted. The Evolve guys gave Kelly Kincaid their gifts. It set up a match.
Men’s Speed Tournament: Andre Chase vs. Lexis King
It’s a 3-minute time limit match. Chase was wearing a protective mask due to a nose injury. Chase hit a neckbreaker on King, along with a roundhouse kick to the head. Chase knocked King out of the ring and hit a clothesline on the floor. Chase jumped off the top, King avoided it and hit a superkick for two. King hit a clothesline to the back of the head. Chase hit a double knee attack to the left arm. Chase hit a Russian legsweep right into a submission where he pulled on the right arm. King sent Chase to the apron and Chase came back with a punch. King hit an up kick. King hit the Coronation neckbreaker for the pinfall win at 2:46.
Winner by pinfall: Lexis King
Analysis: ** A decent match for the time given. They are two veterans who
Tavion Heights will face Lexis King to determine who gets as a shot at the Men’s Speed Championship.
Kelani Jordan was shown walking out of the women’s locker room and she was angry. Tavion Heights and Myles Borne were talking. Borne said maybe Ethan Page was right that something has to change. Hank & Tank walked in doing their hyped up talking routine. They wanted Heights and Borne to be confident. Heights fired up Borne.
At New Year’s Evil on January 6 the lineup looks like this:
* NXT Championship: Oba Femi vs. Leon Slater
* NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne vs. Kendal Grey
The Women’s US Title match main event was next.
Next week on NXT on December 30th.
* Ricky Saints vs. Je’Von Evans
* NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page vs. Moose
* Jacy Jayne vs. Wren Sinclair
* Joe Hendry’s New Year’s Eve…Eve Concert
Sol Ruca made her entrance with Zaria for the main event. The Women’s US Champion Chelsea Green, with Alba Fyre & Ethan Page, was next for the main event.
Chelsea Green (w/Ethan Page & Alba Fyre) vs. Sol Ruca (w/Zaria)
Ruca was in control with a surfboard variation hold. Green broke free and kicked Ruca away. Fyre tried to help Green, so Zaria pulled Page and Fyre bumped to the floor. Green did a hair pull to knock Ruca down. Green slapped Ruca in the face. Green hit a forearm, Ruca came back with a forearm and Green hit an elbow smash. Ruca clotheslined Green out of the ring. Ruca went up top and hit a moonsault onto Green, Page and Fyre. I don’t think Fyre was touched, but she sold it anyway.
It was Green in control with a leg scissors around the waist. They showed Green benefitted from a Fyre distraction and hit a boot to the face to take control. Ruca worked over Green with elbow smashes. Green did a monkey flip across the ring. Ruca hit a German Suplex. Ruca hit a missile dropkick and running knee for two. Ruca went for a springboard attack, Green avoided it and Green hit a Rough Ryder that her husband Matt Cardona uses and that got a two count. Ruca hit an elbow and went to the turnbuckle, but Green hit a German Suplex off the middle turnbuckle. Green went for an elbow drop off the middle ropes, but Ruca moved. Ruca hit a cartwheel DDT for two because Page put Green’s foot on the ropes. Zaria confronted Page and Moose showed up to fight Moose. Page and Moose went fighting to the back. Sol went for a Soul Snatcher, Fyre grabbed her leg (the referee never saw it because he was looking at the guys in the aisle) and Green hit the Unpretty-her on Ruca for the pinfall win after about 8 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Chelsea Green
Analysis: ***1/4 Good TV main event. I didn’t expect a title change here, even if it was a live match. Ruca is fun to watch, but the numbers game gave Green an advantage and it led to Green capitalizing on the chaos to get the win. Green is the type of heel who should rarely win clean anyway, so that kind of result was the right way to end the match.
After the match, Zaria checked on Ruca. Zaria charged and hit a Spear on Green and Fyre. Ruca hit a double Soul Snatcher on Green and Fyre. Zaria and Ruca celebrated.
There was another rundown of next week’s show. Ruca and Zaria celebrated in the ring. That was the end of the show.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Chelsea Green
- Lola Vice
- Sol Ruca
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The Scoreboard
This week: 6.75 out of 10
Last week: 7.25
2025 Average: 7.31
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Final Thoughts on WWE NXT
It was a weaker lineup for this taped show. This time of year rarely has big matches, but they are doing a nice job of building to New Year’s Evil.
The two women’s matches stood out as the best of the night with the Green/Ruca match as an entertaining main event and the Vice/Dame match was fine too. Both matches had finishes where outside distractions caused the finishes.
There was a lot of talking to set up future matches. The Je’Von Evans/Ricky Saints segment wasn’t anything special, but they made their points and have a big match next week.
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John Canton
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