WWE NXT delivered an action-packed episode on September 9, 2025, broadcast live from the WWE Performance Center in Winter Park, Florida. From intense singles bouts to chaotic multi-team elimination matches, the show set the stage for major developments heading into the fall season. DarkState successfully defended their NXT Tag Team Championships while rising stars like Josh Briggs and Lainey Reid made strong statements. Here is a detailed rundown of the night’s highlights and backstage insights.
Josh Briggs Defeats Je’Von Evans in Hard-Hitting Opener
The show kicked off with a highly physical contest as Josh Briggs faced the explosive high-flyer Je’Von Evans. Before the bell even rang, Evans launched a surprising stage dive, immediately setting a chaotic tone. Both competitors showcased contrasting styles: Evans’ aerial agility clashed with Briggs’ brute strength and power moves.
Evans dazzled fans with a Handspring Corkscrew Kick and a near-fall Frog Splash. However, Briggs turned the tide with relentless bodyshots, a back elbow, and his signature Bossman Slam. The match reached a dramatic climax when Briggs introduced a steel chair, only to have it confiscated by the referee. Demonstrating cunning, Briggs later struck Evans with a steel chain-wrapped right hand, securing a hard-fought victory.
This win firmly positions Briggs as a powerhouse contender in NXT’s singles division. According to a WWE insider, “Josh’s victory tonight is part of a bigger push backstage. Management sees him as a future champion who can bring a new edge to the brand.”
DarkState Retain NXT Tag Team Titles Amid Ringside Chaos
The NXT Tag Team Championship match saw champions DarkState (Dion Lennox & Osiris Griffin) defend against the brutal team of Hank Walker & Tank Ledger. The bout was fiercely contested, with both teams trading momentum in a testament to their intense rivalry that has been brewing since Heatwave on August 24.
In an unexpected twist, ringside chaos unfolded when Cutler James accidentally summoned Joe Hendry, whose surprise appearance sparked a wild frenzy. Utilizing the disruption, DarkState capitalized on Hank Walker’s distraction. Lennox rolled up Walker for the decisive pinfall, allowing DarkState to retain their titles in what proved to be a strategic victory.
A source close to DarkState noted, “They thrive in adversity. The title run won’t be easy given the competition, but this win shows they have the resilience to remain on top for the foreseeable future.”
Women’s Speed Tournament and Number One Contenders Triple Threat
The night continued with key matches advancing the WWE Speed Women’s Championship Tournament and determining new challengers for the Women’s Tag Team titles.
In the semifinals of the Speed Tournament, Lainey Reid defeated AAA veteran Faby Apache in a fast-paced encounter that thrilled the audience. With Natalya watching ringside, Reid’s victory sets up a finals date against Candice LeRae, who recently advanced past Xia Brookside. The winner will earn a shot at champion Sol Ruca.
Meanwhile, a high-stakes Number One Contenders Elimination Match unfolded featuring three teams: Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Jazmyn Nyx), The Culling (Tatum Paxley & Izzi Dame), and ZaRuca (Sol Ruca & Zaria). The Culling eventually emerged victorious, positioning themselves as the next challengers for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships held by Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, who currently reside on the SmackDown roster.
Ethan Page and Tavion Heights Clash in Intense Flag Match
In a specialty Flag Match, Tavion Heights took on Ethan Page in a brutal bout defined by high stakes and tactical warfare. Heights ultimately defeated Page, showcasing his growing prowess in the NXT landscape.
Carmelo Hayes Returns to Support Trick Williams Against #DIY
The episode also featured a notable segment with Carmelo Hayes’ return to NXT. Hayes appeared ringside backing up Trick Williams in a confrontation against the reunited tag team #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa). The surprise return adds fuel to an already intense rivalry, signaling further developments in the tag division.
Backstage Insights and Future Outlook
Sources close to WWE management revealed that the creative team is focusing on building new stars while keeping established teams like DarkState strong to maintain brand stability. The booking of Josh Briggs, Lainey Reid, and The Culling is seen as part of a deliberate long-term plan to refresh NXT’s competitive landscape heading toward NXT’s next big TakeOver event.
A backstage insider commented, “NXT wants to strike a balance between thrilling, high-flying matches and grounded, storytelling-driven wrestling. Tonight’s show perfectly encapsulated that philosophy with a mix of chaotic brawls, strategic tag matches, and tournament progressions.”
WWE NXT Results Summary – September 9, 2025
| Match Type | Result |
|---|---|
| Je’Von Evans vs. Josh Briggs | Josh Briggs wins via chain-wrapped punch |
| NXT Tag Team Championship | DarkState (c) def. Hank Walker & Tank Ledger |
| Women’s Speed Tournament Semifinal | Lainey Reid def. Faby Apache |
| Women’s Tag Team #1 Contenders Elimination | The Culling def. Fatal Influence & ZaRuca |
| Flag Match | Tavion Heights def. Ethan Page |
WWE NXT’s September 9 episode set a dynamic tone for the brand’s immediate future, highlighted by compelling in-ring action and storyline progression. Fans can expect rising stars like Josh Briggs and Lainey Reid to continue gaining momentum, while veteran teams hold their ground with strategic cunning. Stay tuned as NXT builds toward bigger matches and title opportunities in the weeks ahead.