WWE NXT delivered an action-packed night at the WWE Performance Center in Winter Park, Florida, on September 9, 2025, featuring intense battles, title defenses, and rising stars staking their claim. The evening kicked off with a high-energy clash between Je’Von Evans and Josh Briggs, followed by pivotal tag team and women’s tag contender matches that set the stage for upcoming title opportunities. Commentary from Vic Joseph and Booker T, with Mike Rome as the ring announcer, helped elevate the drama in every contest.
Je’Von Evans vs. Josh Briggs: A Thrilling Opening Match
The night started explosively as Je’Von Evans launched a surprise Stage Dive before the opening bell, immediately setting the tone for a fast-paced encounter. Evans utilized his high-flying arsenal, including a dynamic Handspring Corkscrew Kick and Frog Splash, to take early control. However, Josh Briggs proved to be a formidable foe, absorbing the punishment and responding with powerful forearm smashes, a running clothesline, and his signature Bossman Slam.
Briggs’s resilience shone when he capitalized on an opportunity using a steel chain to stun Evans, sealing the victory in just over three minutes. This win underscores Briggs’s rising momentum in NXT’s heavyweight division and suggests a bright future for him as a contender.
According to sources close to WWE backstage, “Briggs is being positioned as a cornerstone for NXT’s power division, with this win highlighting his growing influence in the brand.”[2][4]
DarkState Defends NXT Tag Team Championship Successfully
In a highly anticipated tag team title match, DarkState—comprising Dion Lennox and Osiris Griffin—put their NXT Tag Team Championships on the line against the formidable duo Hank Walker and Tank Ledger. DarkState captured the gold just weeks earlier at NXT Heatwave but have faced consistent challenges from Walker and Ledger, who are eager to reclaim the belts.
On this night, DarkState showcased cohesion and tenacity, overcoming their challengers with tactical teamwork. Their successful defense consolidates their status as credible champions within the tag division.
A WWE insider noted, “DarkState’s chemistry has improved significantly since winning the titles, and the booking clearly reflects WWE’s faith in them being long-term champions.”[1][5]
The Culling Earns No. 1 Contender Status in Women’s Tag Team Title Triple Threat Elimination Match
The battle for a shot at the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship escalated in an intense triple threat elimination match featuring The Culling, Fatal Influence, and Za-Ruca. The match was marked by fast-paced exchanges and strategic eliminations, with Za-Ruca being the first to fall after an accidental Sol Snatcher inflicted by Sol Ruca herself.
The climax saw The Culling triumph over Fatal Influence, securing their position as the No. 1 contenders to face current champions Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, who are now part of the SmackDown roster but will soon need challengers from NXT.
This victory signals a new chapter in the women’s tag division, adding fresh intrigue to upcoming championship bouts. A wrestling analyst remarked, “The Culling’s raw intensity and work ethic demonstrate why they’re the right choice to shake up the women’s tag titles.”[1][4]
Continued Progress in the WWE Speed Women’s Championship Tournament
The night also featured a gripping first-round WWE Speed Women’s Championship tournament match between Lainey Reid and AAA star Faby Apache. Reid secured the win with a decisive running knee, advancing closer to a championship opportunity against current titleholder Sol Ruca.
The tournament highlights WWE’s commitment to elevating women’s wrestling, building anticipation around the Speed Women’s Championship. Fans are eager to see how this tournament unfolds, with dynamic competitors showcasing their talents on each program.
Tavion Heights vs. Ethan Page: Flag Match Thriller
In a back-and-forth Flag Match, Tavion Heights gained payback against Ethan Page in a contest that pushed both to the limits. Each competitor risked everything to capture their respective flag, including top-rope maneuvers and high-impact suplexes.
Heights eventually secured victory with an Avalanche Belly to Belly Suplex, then draped the Canadian flag over Page as a statement. The match also featured a surprise moment when former NXT Superstar Tyler Breeze made a return, capturing a selfie with the fallen champion, adding buzz to NXT’s evolving storylines.[4]
A Backstage Perspective: Momentum Shifts in NXT
Backstage at the WWE Performance Center, talent and officials alike acknowledged September 9’s show as a turning point for many NXT stars. A WWE official shared, “Tonight’s results have shifted momentum for some key players—Briggs’s victory, DarkState’s defense, and The Culling’s ascent all tell us WWE is seriously ramping up the stakes for the fall season.”
This atmosphere of rising tension and opportunity creates an exciting environment where new rivalries and alliances will undoubtedly emerge in the weeks ahead.
Closing Thoughts
WWE NXT on September 9, 2025, reaffirmed the brand’s role as WWE’s proving ground, with exhilarating matches and storyline developments. Whether through physical contests like Evans vs. Briggs or strategic tag battles, the evening set up future feuds and title hunts that promise to captivate viewers.
With DarkState solidifying their tag team reign and The Culling emerging as top contenders, the tag divisions are heating up. Meanwhile, the WWE Speed Women’s Championship tournament and the flag match offer further layers of intrigue, spotlighting emerging stars.
Fans can look forward to a thrilling autumn season as NXT continues building new stars and compelling storylines that bridge the path to WWE’s bigger stages.
Reported from the WWE Performance Center, Winter Park, Florida. Commentary by Vic Joseph and Booker T, with ring announcements from Mike Rome.