The October 28, 2025, edition of WWE NXT delivered intense action and pivotal moments live from the Capitol Wrestling Center in Orlando, Florida, following the explosive Halloween Havoc event. Fans witnessed key title defenses and fresh rivalries heating up, particularly with defenses from outside promotions integrated into WWE’s ecosystem.
Kelani Jordan Defends TNA Knockouts World Title Against “The Juggernaut” Jordynne Grace
The show opened with a high-stakes match as TNA Knockouts World Champion Kelani Jordan put her title on the line against the formidable “Juggernaut” Jordynne Grace. This match continued the burgeoning cross-promotional collaboration between WWE NXT and Impact Wrestling’s TNA brand, showcasing NXT’s increasing role as a platform for top talent across the wrestling landscape.
Jordan displayed resilience and technical prowess, while Grace’s powerhouse offense tested the champion’s limits. According to WWE insiders, the decision to feature this title on NXT was a strategic move to elevate Jordan’s profile within WWE’s ambit while giving Grace a significant spotlight to build momentum for future storylines[2].
Kendal Grey Retains WWE EVOLVE Women’s Championship Over Lash Legend
Another major title defense involved WWE EVOLVE Women’s Champion Kendal Grey taking on “The Boujee Bully” Lash Legend. This match further cemented the interconnected storyline narrative between WWE’s developmental brands and EVOLVE, which WWE acquired years earlier.
Grey’s blend of agility and ring IQ helped her thwart Lash Legend’s aggressive tactics to retain her title. Backstage sources revealed that WWE plans to spotlight Grey as a cornerstone for the evolving Women’s Division on NXT as part of a longer-term push[2].
New Champions Crowned Post-Halloween Havoc: Highlighting Blake Monroe, Tatum Paxley, and DarkState
The aftermath of Halloween Havoc saw several championship shifts that set the stage for fresh rivalries:
Blake Monroe captured the vacant NXT Women’s North American Championship, marking a significant milestone in her NXT career. Monroe’s victory over Zaria showcased her emerging star power and versatility in high-pressure situations[1].
In a remarkable upset, Tatum Paxley dethroned Jacy Jayne to become the new NXT Women’s Champion. Paxley’s win over the leader of Fatal Influence sent shockwaves through the division, signaling a potential shake-up among NXT’s women’s ranks. Sources close to WWE note that Paxley has been benefiting from increased creative faith within the company, reflecting WWE’s intent to build new female stars[3][4].
The NXT Tag Team Championships changed hands as DarkState (Dion Lennox and Osiris Griffin) defeated the legendary Hardy Boyz in a brutal Broken Rules match. The contest incorporated staples of hardcore wrestling such as tables, ladders, chairs, and trash cans, intensifying the physicality. DarkState’s victory marks a resurgence for the team as key players in NXT’s tag division. WWE creative reportedly sees DarkState as a team with potential main roster viability after this significant win against fan favorites[3].
Ricky Saints Retains NXT Championship, Fending Off Trick Williams
In the main event of the evening, reigning NXT Champion Ricky Saints successfully defended his title against the challenger Trick Williams. The match was a hard-fought battle with Williams employing ruthless tactics focusing on Saints’ back, including a jumping neckbreaker and submission tactics.
Despite Williams’ aggressive offense and high-impact moves such as slamming Saints through the announce table, Saints showcased resilience and ring savvy by countering a critical Trick Shot into a spear and finishing with a commanding Tornado DDT to retain his championship. Industry observers suggest this victory keeps Saints at the top of the NXT hierarchy, positioning him as a credible, enduring top champion for the brand[3][7].
Emerging Storylines and Future Outlook for NXT
Tuesday’s NXT episode reflected WWE’s continued efforts to blend its developmental system with external talent from partner promotions, balanced with building homegrown stars. The successful integration of TNA and EVOLVE champions defending titles on NXT television fosters a vibrant, interconnected wrestling universe.
A WWE source told Ringside News, “The plan is to showcase not just our talent but to embrace the evolving wrestling landscape. With names like Kelani Jordan and Kendal Grey featured prominently, NXT becomes a melting pot of emerging and established talent.” This strategy is expected to culminate in fresh rivalry arcs leading toward WrestleMania season and beyond[2].
Fans can expect the fallout from these title changes to dominate upcoming episodes, as new champions Blake Monroe and Tatum Paxley prepare to defend their gold against determined contenders. The tag division’s boost courtesy of DarkState’s win adds fresh excitement in a division historically celebrated in NXT.
Where to Watch and Stay Updated
WWE NXT airs at 8 PM ET on The CW in the United States and is available internationally via streaming platforms such as Netflix. Wrestling fans are encouraged to follow live coverage and updates from trusted wrestling news outlets for real-time results and analysis.
Key Takeaways:
- Kelani Jordan successfully defended the TNA Knockouts World Championship.
- Kendal Grey retained the WWE EVOLVE Women’s Championship in a hard-fought contest.
- Blake Monroe and Tatum Paxley captured the NXT Women’s North American and NXT Women’s Championships, respectively.
- DarkState dethroned the Hardy Boyz to win the NXT Tag Team Championships.
- Ricky Saints held onto the NXT Championship after a brutal encounter with Trick Williams.
This October 28 episode solidifies NXT’s place as a hub of dynamic storytelling, blending in women’s evolution, tag team resurgence, and cross-promotional title defenses that keep the brand uniquely compelling heading into the final quarter of 2025.