Tuesday night’s WWE NXT edition from the Orlando Performance Center delivered intense action as the fallout from Heatwave continued to unfold. In a loaded card headlined by the clash between rising stars Blake Monroe and Kelani Jordan, fans also witnessed the revival of a legendary stipulation with Lexis King stepping into a blindfold match against Myles Borne. The card further featured notable tag team contests and faction warfare, keeping the NXT momentum rolling toward upcoming pay-per-view events.
Blake Monroe vs. Kelani Jordan: Heatwave Rematch Intensifies Rivalry
Following their hard-fought victories at NXT Heatwave, Blake Monroe and Kelani Jordan renewed their rivalry in a singles matchup that stole the spotlight. Monroe, known for his technical prowess and underrated agility, sought to assert dominance over Jordan, a fierce competitor with a rising profile in NXT’s women’s division.
The bout was a showcase of resilience and skill, with Monroe utilizing quick counterattacks and Jordan relying on power-based offense. According to sources close to WWE, backstage buzz indicated this match was designed to highlight both wrestlers’ versatility as part of a broader narrative buildup toward No Mercy next month. A WWE insider noted, “Monroe and Jordan’s chemistry is undeniable. Management sees this feud as a launching pad for both of them to break into the main event scene.”
Monroe ultimately secured a hard-earned victory, further solidifying his momentum following Heatwave, while Jordan’s performance demonstrated she remains a formidable threat in NXT’s crowded field[1][3][5].
Lexis King vs. Myles Borne: Blindfold Match Brings Back the Drama
One of the evening’s most talked-about bouts was the return of the classic and infamous blindfold match involving Lexis King and Myles Borne. This match type, rarely seen in WWE in recent years, requires competitors to wrestle blindfolded, adding unpredictability and a psychological edge to the contest.
Lexis King, known for her cunning and in-ring intelligence, faced off against the physical and aggressive Borne. The blindfold stipulation intensified their rivalry and added dramatic tension, forcing both performers to rely on instincts and crowd cues. Fans and commentators alike praised the match for its suspense and storytelling.
This bout also served as a unique highlight for NXT, signaling WWE’s willingness to revisit traditional gimmick matches to elevate feuds on developmental TV. Insider sources suggest that the blindfold match was booked to test both King’s and Borne’s versatility and to potentially position the winner for bigger storylines moving forward[1][3][5].
Faction Warfare and Tag Team Action: Fatal Influence and The Culling in Key Clashes
Outside the marquee singles matches, NXT programming featured ongoing faction battles that underscore the brand’s faction-heavy storytelling. Fatal Influence—the trio of Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Jazmyn Nyx—took on the trio of Lola Vice, ZaRuca, and Sol Ruca in a high-energy six-woman tag team showdown.
The match was a fast-paced affair showcasing Fatal Influence’s cohesion and heel tactics against the resilient tactics of Vice and her partners. Lola Vice’s momentum from Heatwave translated into a strong showing here, helping her team contend against the ruthless Fatal Influence faction[1][5].
Meanwhile, The Culling (Izzi Dame & Tatum Paxley) were set in a tag clash against Wren Sinclair and a mystery partner, adding an element of surprise to the evening. This match served as a crucial step in building tension between these competing factions and setting up potential future rivalries on the show[1][3].
Backstage Insights: WWE’s Development Strategy
Sources within WWE indicate that NXT’s current creative direction focuses on elevating mid-card talents through intense rivalries and diverse match types. According to a WWE creative scout familiar with the Orlando Performance Center’s plans, “The brand is investing heavily in building unique identities for its emerging stars. Matches like the blindfold bout allow performers like Lexis King to showcase range beyond traditional wrestling. Meanwhile, feuds like Monroe versus Jordan highlight athletic storytelling that appeals to a broader audience.”
This strategy, reportedly, will be critical in shaping WWE’s future main roster roster calls, as the company looks to refresh its talent pool with compelling personalities and innovative matchups.
What’s Next for NXT?
With No Mercy looming on the horizon, WWE NXT continues to build anticipation through compelling story arcs and high stakes contests. The outcomes and performances on August 26 have set the stage for intensified battles:
Blake Monroe’s win over Kelani Jordan positions him as a strong contender for upcoming women’s division titles.
Lexis King’s blindfold match victory may propel her into more high-profile feuds that utilize her unique skill set.
Faction rivalries such as Fatal Influence versus Vice’s squad promise escalating conflict as alliances and betrayals come to the forefront.
Fans should keep an eye on how these threads unravel on future episodes, where new alliances might form and fresh talent might emerge from the ranks.
The August 26, 2025 NXT episode proved once again that WWE’s developmental brand offers a dynamic mix of athleticism, drama, and innovation, all while nurturing the new generation of wrestling superstars poised to define the next era. As reported throughout the night’s action and backstage chatter, the future of WWE looks bright with talents like Monroe, King, Vice, and Jordan leading the charge into the coming months[1][3][5].