WWE NXT is officially making a historic return to its original home, Full Sail University, for a one-night-only special titled NXT Homecoming on September 16, 2025. This momentous event marks the brand’s first broadcast from the Winter Park, Florida campus since 2020 and will air live on The CW network at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT, providing fans with a thrilling blast from the past combined with the current evolution of NXT[1][2].
The Birthplace of NXT: A Historic Relationship
Since its early days, Full Sail University has played a pivotal role in the development of NXT, serving as the brand’s broadcast home from 2012 through 2020. The partnership was unique, as it gave students at the university hands-on opportunities to work alongside WWE production teams in the state-of-the-art Full Sail Live venue. Proceeds from live ticket sales even contributed to scholarships for Full Sail students pursuing degrees in entertainment-related fields[1][2].
John P. Saboor, Full Sail’s Executive Director and Head of Partnerships, expressed enthusiasm about the renewed collaboration:
“We are thrilled to welcome our partners from WWE back to campus for NXT Homecoming. This event not only celebrates NXT’s meteoric rise but also strengthens the long-standing partnership that has afforded thousands of students real-world experience alongside some of the industry’s finest professionals.”[2]
Why the Return Now? The Significance of “Homecoming”
The decision to bring NXT back to its roots comes nearly five years after the brand moved its tapings away from Full Sail, prompted primarily by logistical challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, NXT broadcasts were shifted to WWE’s Performance Center and other venues, altering the dynamic and atmosphere that Full Sail’s intimate setting uniquely provided[4].
According to sources close to WWE backstage, the Homecoming event aims to rekindle the nostalgic energy that helped define the “golden era” of NXT in the 2010s, while showcasing the brand’s current roster and direction ahead of major upcoming events:
“Bringing NXT back to Full Sail is more than symbolic; it’s a return to the vibe and fan engagement that made the brand special. Management wants this event to set the tone for an exciting new chapter.”[1]
With ticket sales opening on August 27 for the general public after a short pre-sale period, it’s expected to be a sought-after event for both longtime fans and new followers of NXT.
What to Expect: Talent, Atmosphere, and Production
The Full Sail Live venue is renowned for its electric atmosphere, which can amplify every moment inside the ring. Over the years, it has witnessed breakthrough performances from future WWE and AEW stars such as Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Bronson Reed, Raquel Rodriguez, and others who honed their skills on this very stage[1].
Fans attending or tuning in can expect a night filled with high-stakes matches, special appearances, and exclusive surprises reflective of both NXT’s roots and its promising future. The live broadcast on The CW channel ensures the event will reach a wide audience eager for quality wrestling entertainment.
Industry insiders suggest that the production will leverage Full Sail’s unique environment—complete with close fan proximity and an energetic crowd—to create a visually and emotionally compelling show:
“The intimacy of Full Sail really elevates the storytelling and in-ring emotion, something that’s harder to replicate on bigger stages. WWE knows this and will make sure NXT Homecoming feels special in every aspect.”[3]
The Broader Context: WWE’s September and October Lineup
The Homecoming show at Full Sail is part of WWE’s plan to feature several standout NXT events in the fall of 2025. Later in the season, the iconic Halloween Havoc is scheduled for October 25 in Prescott Valley, Arizona, adding another layer of excitement for the brand’s loyal fanbase[3].
These events underline WWE’s strategy to blend nostalgia with fresh storytelling and athlete development, leveraging historic venues like Full Sail while expanding NXT’s reach through modern broadcast platforms.
Final Thoughts
NXT’s return to Full Sail University is a significant event steeped in history and renewed energy. For longtime followers, it represents a homecoming filled with deep emotions and cherished memories. For newer fans, it offers a chance to witness NXT in a setting that has contributed immensely to its identity and success.
As the countdown to September 16 begins, both WWE and Full Sail University are poised to offer a memorable night that celebrates where NXT started — and hints at where it is headed next.
Fans interested in attending should prepare for ticket sales starting August 27, while those at home won’t want to miss this rare broadcast event on The CW.
This milestone signals a promising future for NXT, rooted in tradition and driven by innovation. WWE and Full Sail’s partnership continues to be a powerful force in sports entertainment education and production, proving that the best homecomings are those where history and the future collide.