The women’s Survivor Series-style elimination match at the upcoming NXT vs. TNA Showdown now has an official special guest referee: Jordynne Grace. WWE’s NXT General Manager Ava made the announcement this past Saturday, confirming Grace’s key role in officiating the highly anticipated multi-competitor bout scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2025, live on The CW from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida[1][4].
NXT and TNA Renew Rivalry With Women’s Elimination Match
This special event marks a continuation of the growing collaboration between WWE’s NXT brand and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), spotlighting roster crossovers and stylistic clashes. The women’s match pits Team NXT — consisting of Jacy Jayne, Sol Ruca, Jaida Parker, and Lola Vice — against Team TNA, made up of Kelani Jordan (TNA Knockouts Champion), Cassie Lee, Jessie McKay, and Mara Sadè[1][2][3].
In this elimination-style showdown, each team faces off in a fast-paced match, requiring intricate officiating to manage the chaos and time-sensitive rule enforcement. Grace, a respected competitor with deep ties to both promotions and recognized for her authoritative in-ring presence, was chosen to bring balance and fairness to the contest.
Backstage Insights: Why Jordynne Grace?
According to a WWE insider close to production, “Jordynne’s experience and the respect she commands among both NXT and TNA talent made her the clear choice to handle this high-profile bout. She’s been vocal about wanting to be involved in this event, and this role acknowledges her importance to the partnership.” The insider also mentioned that Grace’s recent public frustrations about being left out of the female team lineups made her appointment as referee a strategic decision to keep her invested and prominent in the storyline[4].
Grace’s involvement as referee also reflects the mutual recognition of her impact on the TNA-WWE alliance. There was some tension prior to this official announcement, as Grace expressed on social media her disappointment about not being included on either women’s team. The resolution via this special role addresses those backstage concerns while enhancing the story narrative[4].
Official Teams and Other Highlighted Matchups
Alongside the women’s match, the event features notable bouts that deepen the rivalry between the two brands:
| Match Type | Team NXT Members | Team TNA Members |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s Survivor Series-Style Elimination | Jacy Jayne, Sol Ruca, Jaida Parker, Lola Vice | Kelani Jordan, Cassie Lee, Jessie McKay, Mara Sadè |
| Men’s Survivor Series-Style Elimination | Ricky Saints, Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans, Myles Borne | Mike Santana, Frankie Kazarian, Moose, Leon Slater |
| Tag Team Championships “Winner Takes All” | DarkState (Dion Lennox & Osiris Griffin) | The Hardys (Matt & Jeff Hardy) |
| NXT North American Championship | Ethan Page (Champion) | Mustafa Ali (Challenger) |
The men’s and women’s matches mirror each other in intensity and stakes, emphasizing the brand vs. brand competitive atmosphere. Notably, every match is designed without outside interference bans to preserve the one-on-one or team-versus-team integrity, a factor that puts even more pressure on Grace’s role to maintain order in the women’s match[1][3][6].
Event Details and How to Watch
The NXT vs. TNA Showdown kicks off at 8 PM ET on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, and will be broadcast live on The CW network. The special two-hour event takes place at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, seen as a proving ground for NXT talent, now shared with TNA stars through this newly established partnership[1][4].
Fans can expect intense physicality, storyline surprises, and cross-promotional fireworks as the two rosters battle for supremacy. With champions and veterans like Kelani Jordan and Mike Santana leading TNA’s squads, and stalwarts such as Jacy Jayne and Ricky Saints anchoring NXT teams, the stakes are soaring.
What This Means for NXT and TNA’s Partnership
The appointment of Jordynne Grace as special guest referee symbolizes the trust and bridging of relationships between WWE’s NXT and TNA talent. Sources in WWE management have hinted this event is a “testing ground” for potential future collaborations, blending fanbases and expanding the scope of professional wrestling programming.
A WWE backstage source commented, “This event isn’t just a one-off; it’s an experiment in how two growing brands can complement each other. Jordynne’s role is pivotal — she’s respected on both sides, which helps keep the match credible and exciting.”
Conclusion: A Must-Watch Match for Wrestling Fans
Jordynne Grace’s official naming as special guest referee elevates the women’s elimination match to a focal point of the NXT vs. TNA Showdown event. Her presence not only balances the competing factions but also enriches ongoing narratives while honoring the wrestler’s integral role in the partnership.
With the entire card featuring championship bouts, elimination matches, and veteran duels, the Tuesday night special promises drama, technical wrestling, and suspenseful moments that could shape the futures of both NXT and TNA programming.
Wrestling fans worldwide should mark their calendars for October 7 and tune in live on The CW to witness history — and watch Jordynne Grace take on her unique responsibilities as the authoritative in-ring official for one of the evening’s most talked-about matches[1][4][6].