WWE NXT delivered an electrifying episode on September 9, 2025, from the WWE Performance Center in Winter Park, Florida. Packed with high-stakes matches and tournament action, the show built significant momentum toward the upcoming NXT Homecoming special. Highlights included DarkState’s first televised defense of the NXT Tag Team Championship, intense singles battles, and pivotal contests in the WWE Speed Women’s Championship tournament.
DarkState vs. Hank & Tank: NXT Tag Team Titles on the Line
The focal point of the night was the NXT Tag Team Championship match, where reigning champions DarkState, consisting of Dion Lennox and Osiris Griffin, put their belts on the line against former titleholders Hank Walker and Tank Ledger. This marked DarkState’s first televised defense since capturing the titles at NXT Heatwave on August 24.
The rivalry between these two teams has been intensely personal, with heat carrying over from their previous encounters. DarkState, known for their blend of raw power and high-octane teamwork, faced off against the gritty resilience and brute force of Hank and Tank.
The match itself was a showcase of athleticism and strategy, with both teams trading momentum. DarkState ultimately demonstrated why they are the top team in NXT’s tag division, successfully retaining their championships and reinforcing their dominance as a cornerstone of the brand’s tag team scene.
According to a WWE insider, “DarkState’s cohesion as a unit has never been stronger. Their chemistry and in-ring IQ make them nearly impossible to beat right now, and the company is fully behind them as the face of NXT’s tag division.”
Je’Von Evans vs. Josh Briggs: Physical, High-Flying Opener
Kicking off the night was an emotionally charged singles match pitting Je’Von Evans against Josh Briggs. Before the bell even rang, Evans made a statement with a daring stage dive onto Briggs, setting a frenetic tone. The match featured a fast-paced exchange of aerial maneuvers and power moves, with Evans showcasing his agility through a Handspring Corkscrew Kick and Frog Splash.
Briggs countered with punishing strikes and heavy body shots, notably using a Bossman Slam that nearly ended the contest. The physicality escalated as Briggs targeted Evans’ right knee to limit his mobility. The back-and-forth battle held fans on the edge of their seats, highlighting both competitors’ resilience and skill.
Je’Von Evans is coming off a recent loss in his bid for the NXT Championship and is clearly seeking redemption. His performance against Briggs reinforced that he remains a top contender in the NXT roster.
Women’s Speed Championship Tournament Heats Up
The WWE Speed Women’s Championship tournament continued with an exciting First Round match between Lainey Reid and AAA star Faby Apache. The bout had a three-minute time limit, emphasizing speed and precision, and served as a clash of styles between Reid’s quickness and Apache’s veteran savvy.
Meanwhile, last week’s winner Candice LeRae awaits in the finals after defeating Xia Brookside. The tournament is set to crown a new challenger to Sol Ruca, the reigning champion who simultaneously holds the North American Women’s Title, making her one of the most dominant competitors on the NXT women’s roster.
To determine the next challengers for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles, a Number One Contenders Triple Threat Elimination Match took place involving the teams of ZaRuca, The Culling, and Fatal Influence. With Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss now on SmackDown, NXT’s women are stepping up to fill the championship scene’s void.
Flag Match and Other Exciting Encounters
An emotionally charged Flag Match saw Tavion Heights face Ethan Page, adding a unique stipulation to test competitiveness and pride. The episode also featured backstage interviews, including a segment where Trick Williams hinted at assembling a partner to confront the duo of DIY, sparking intrigue for future tag team storylines.
Setting the Stage for NXT Homecoming
With the NXT Homecoming event looming, tonight’s show successfully set up compelling narratives moving forward. From the ongoing Speed Women’s Championship chase to DarkState’s reign as tag champions and Je’Von Evans’ pursuit of redemption, the brand is buzzing with anticipation.
Sources close to the NXT creative team revealed, “The momentum going into Homecoming is tremendous. Expect to see some surprises and major developments that will shake up the status quo, particularly in the women’s division and tag team ranks.”
Fans can look forward to fresh rivalries and possibly dream matches as NXT builds toward one of its most exciting events of the year.
Full Match Highlights
Je’Von Evans vs. Josh Briggs: Evans opened aggressively with a pre-match stage dive. Both wrestlers exchanged innovative offense and powerful strikes. Briggs targeted Evans’ knee, but Evans’ aerial offense kept him in the fight.
Lainey Reid vs. Faby Apache: A fast-paced, three-minute bout emphasizing quickness and technical skill, part of the ongoing Speed Women’s Championship tournament.
Number One Contenders Triple Threat Elimination: ZaRuca & Zaria, The Culling (Izzi Dame & Tatum Paxley), and Fatal Influence battled to determine next challengers for the WWE Women’s Tag Titles.
NXT Tag Team Championship: DarkState (Dion Lennox & Osiris Griffin) retained against Hank Walker & Tank Ledger in a brutal, highly physical contest full of momentum swings.
Flag Match: Tavion Heights vs. Ethan Page added a unique stipulation angle hard-hitting and emotionally charged encounter.
WWE NXT on September 9 continued to prove why it remains the proving ground for tomorrow’s biggest stars, blending high-octane in-ring action with compelling storylines. The nights ahead promise even greater excitement as the NXT Homecoming approaches. Stay tuned.