WWE NXT returned to the Performance Center on September 23, 2025, delivering a high-octane night of action as the black-and-gold brand prepares for the upcoming No Mercy pay-per-view. The card featured a brutal Lights Out Match between Myles Borne and Lexis King, a pivotal No. 1 Contenders clash for the WWE Women’s Speed Championship, and an explosive cross-brand confrontation between NXT and TNA. Fans were treated to physical battles, surprising attacks, and shifting momentum in key storylines.
Myles Borne Edges Lexis King in Violent Lights Out Match
The night’s opening bout instantly set an intense tone as longtime rivals Myles Borne and Lexis King settled their bitter feud in a no-holds-barred Lights Out Match. From pre-bell chaos that saw Borne attacking King with a steel chair and cane, to high-impact moves like Borne’s signature “Borne Again” finisher through a table, the match delivered relentless physicality.
Borne ultimately triumphed after whipping King with a belt, spearing him through the barricade, and then climbing the steel steps to execute a picture-perfect Borne Again through a table for the pinfall victory. The win did not come easy, with King absorbing multiple weapon shots and employing his own devastating moves, including The Drive By and The Kitchen Sink chair strikes. The brutal encounter added another chapter to their heated rivalry heading into No Mercy.
A WWE insider commented backstage, “The intensity between Borne and King has been building for months, and tonight’s Lights Out Match was the perfect way to elevate both men. It’s tough to predict what either will do next, but the stakes have never been higher.”
Lainey Reid Surges to No Mercy Opportunity by Defeating Candice LeRae
In a high-speed contest with direct No Mercy implications, rising star Lainey Reid defeated veteran Candice LeRae to become the number one contender for Sol Ruca’s WWE Women’s Speed Championship.
Reid’s aggressive style and lightning-fast strikes culminated in a decisive knee strike that incapacitated LeRae and secured the victory, punching her ticket to a future title showdown. This win solidifies Lainey Reid’s ascent in the women’s division as a credible challenger for the Speed title.
LeRae, known for her tenacity and experience, showed grit but ultimately couldn’t keep pace with Reid’s youthful energy. The match was a showcase of speed, agility, and heart, setting up a compelling championship storyline for the upcoming No Mercy event.
Jordynne Grace Defeats Arianna Grace Amid Post-Match Weapon Chaos
Jordynne Grace overcame Arianna Grace in a competitive singles match, highlighted by Jordynne’s impressive spinning sit-out slam for the finish. However, the real chaos unfolded after the bell when Blake Monroe ambushed Jordynne. The two exchanged weapon strikes in a heated brawl that drew security to intervene, intensifying Jordynne’s ongoing storyline involving Monroe.
This altercation adds layers of tension that could culminate in a hardcore match scenario at No Mercy or subsequent NXT events, further enriching the female wrestler depth on the brand.
DarkState Reasserts Dominance with Six-Man Tag Team Victory
The formidable group DarkState (Dion Lennox, Osiris Griffin, and Saquon Shugars) displayed their dominance in a six-man tag match by dismantling the trio of Joe Hendry, Kale Dixon, and Uriah Connors. Despite strong teamwork evident between Hendry and Dixon, they were ultimately overpowered by DarkState’s ruthless tactics.
DarkState ended the match by isolating Uriah Connors and landing their signature Power Bomb, reinforcing their threat as a dominant faction within NXT.
NXT Champion Oba Femi and TNA World Champion Trick Williams’ Winner-Takes-All Ends in Chaos
The highly anticipated winner-takes-all title match between NXT Champion Oba Femi and TNA World Champion Trick Williams concluded in a no-contest. The climax saw a dramatic invasion by the TNA locker room, spiraling into a chaotic brawl that engulfed both rosters and left the match unresolved.
This cross-brand confrontation appears to be the launching pad for a larger NXT vs. TNA rivalry storyline, which insiders believe could define the next chapter of WWE’s brand wars. One source close to the creative team shared, “The TNA invasion was designed to shake things up at NXT and create intrigue heading into the fall. Both brands have a lot to prove, and the war is just getting started.”
Additional Notes: Tavion Heights’ Sneak Attack & Lola Vice’s Impact
Tavion Heights made a shocking move by ambushing Ethan Page during the ruse involving El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr., adding more intrigue to the ongoing feuds surrounding these competitors.
Lola Vice delivered a stunning knockout blow to Jacy Jayne, underlining Vice’s rise as a dangerous presence in the women’s division.
Looking Ahead: No Mercy Stakes Rising
With the final NXT stop before No Mercy complete, the card clearly sets the stage for several must-watch matches at the pay-per-view. Myles Borne’s brutal win over Lexis King adds intensity to their ongoing saga, while Lainey Reid has earned a shot at Sol Ruca’s Speed Championship. The unresolved champion vs. champion showdown between Oba Femi and Trick Williams hints at a potentially explosive future, depending on how the TNA invasion storyline evolves.
Fans should anticipate high drama and physicality in the coming weeks as these feuds continue to escalate, culminating on the No Mercy stage.
For continuous updates and detailed WWE NXT coverage, stay tuned.