WWE has officially expanded the blockbuster lineup for NXT Gold Rush 2025, set to take place at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on November 18. Fresh off capturing the AAA Mixed Tag-Team Titles in Mexico, Ethan Page and Chelsea Green will defend their newly won belts against the challenger duo of Joe Hendry and Thea Hail in a highly anticipated cross-promotional clash.
Title Clash Adds International Flair to NXT Gold Rush
In a surprise announcement during the November 5 episode of NXT, after celebrating their recent AAA success, Ethan Page and Chelsea Green’s moment was hijacked by Joe Hendry and Thea Hail. What initially seemed to be a North American Championship challenge quickly turned into a direct challenge for the AAA Mixed Tag-Team Championships. Thea Hail’s dramatic reveal from inside a giant cake doused the champions and their ally Alba Fyre in whipped cream, firing up the crowd and intensifying personal rivalries.
WWE later confirmed this mixed tag team championship match for the special event. This addition not only deepens the already star-studded card but also highlights WWE’s ongoing partnership with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA), showcasing international championship stakes on NXT’s prominent platform[3][4][6].
NXT Gold Rush 2025: A Celebration of Championships
NXT Gold Rush has established itself as a showcase themed around titles, and the 2025 edition continues that tradition with a unique multi-promotion approach. This year’s event marks a collaboration not only with AAA but also with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and WWE’s Evolve brand, making for a diverse championship evening.
The event is scheduled to air in two parts on The CW Network, with the live portion on November 18 and the taped second part airing the following week, November 25. The first part kicks off at 8 p.m. ET from New York City’s Theater at Madison Square Garden, reinforcing the significance of the venue to WWE’s storied history[1][2][4].
Already Confirmed Gold Rush Matches
Before this recent announcement, WWE had revealed several high-profile title defenses set for Gold Rush:
- WWE Speed Women’s Title: Zaria faces either Fallon Henley or Skylar Raye
- TNA Knockouts Title: Kelani Jordan defends against Jordynne Grace and Lei Ying Lee in a triple-threat match
- NXT Women’s North American Title: Blake Monroe defends against Sol Ruca, pending her medical clearance
With the addition of the AAA Mixed Tag-Team Championship match, the event’s emphasis on inter-brand rivalry and international competition is stronger than ever[4].
Backstage Insights: WWE Insider Weighs In
According to a WWE insider closely following NXT Gold Rush preparations, the decision to add the Mixed Tag Team title clash was driven by the company’s desire to amplify the special’s cross-promotional allure and capitalize on the momentum of Page and Green’s AAA title victory.
“This bout strikes the perfect balance between wrestling skill, storytelling, and international cooperation,” a source revealed. “It’s not just a title defense; it’s about bringing authenticity and excitement to NXT Gold Rush, reminding fans that WWE is serious about elevating multiple brands under one roof.”[4]
What This Means for WWE’s NXT Brand and Beyond
The addition of Ethan Page and Chelsea Green versus Joe Hendry and Thea Hail brings a fresh dynamic to the NXT Gold Rush card, blending AAA’s distinct lucha libre style with NXT’s gritty storytelling. This match not only gives NXT fans a rare opportunity to see multiple promotions’ champions clash but also reinforces WWE’s strategy to leverage partnerships and broaden the appeal of its developmental brand.
Expect high drama, intense tag team chemistry, and a match that could set the tone for future WWE-AAA collaborations. Whether Green and Page can hold onto their newly won belts or Hendry and Hail emerge victorious remains a compelling storyline through the November 18 event.