The NXT Championship remained around the waist of Ricky Saints on November 11, 2025, as he survived an incredibly physical Last Man Standing match against challenger Trick Williams at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. The brutal encounter tested both competitors to their absolute limits, with Saints ultimately proving why he deserves to wear the gold around his waist.
A Rematch Born From Unfinished Business
This wasn’t the first time these two powerhouse competitors had faced off for the prestigious NXT Championship. Saints had previously retained his title against Williams at NXT Halloween Havoc on October 25, but that encounter left unresolved tensions between the two rivals[4]. Williams clearly felt he had unfinished business with the champion, and WWE management granted him another opportunity to dethrone Saints in what would prove to be one of the most punishing matches of the evening.
The Last Man Standing stipulation meant there would be no escape for either competitor—the match could only be won by keeping an opponent down for a ten-count, unable to beat the referee’s count and return to their feet. This type of match is infamous for its brutality and often spills beyond the confines of the wrestling ring into the surrounding arena.
Physical Warfare Defines The Match
From the opening bell, both Saints and Williams came out aggressively, immediately establishing the tone for what would become an exhausting battle of wills. The match showcased the evolution both competitors have displayed throughout their time in NXT, with each man bringing legitimate grappling skill, power, and resilience to the squared circle.
The bout took the competitors all over the WWE Performance Center, utilizing the ring, the floor, and various pieces of equipment to wear each other down. In a Last Man Standing match, every move carries additional significance—there’s no pinfall to end the match quickly, so both wrestlers must inflict enough damage to keep their opponent grounded when the count reaches ten.
Saints’ experience as NXT Champion proved invaluable during the encounter. Having held the title through multiple defenses, he’s developed an understanding of how to control the pace of these high-stakes matches and manage the punishment. His ability to stay one step ahead of Williams’ aggression, combined with his own power offense, kept him ahead in what became an increasingly desperate situation as the match progressed.
The Unexpected Return
What many observers didn’t anticipate was the involvement of another major figure in NXT who had been away from the brand. During the closing moments of the match, Oba Femi made a shocking return to NXT[1]. This surprise appearance added another layer of intrigue to an already captivating main event, though it remains to be seen what role Femi will play in the ongoing title picture.
The return of Femi serves as a reminder that NXT’s talent roster continues to evolve and develop, with wrestlers moving between brands and occasionally returning with surprising timing. Whether this return sets up a future title challenge for Saints or another storyline remains a developing situation.
Saints Retains Through Heart and Determination
Despite the grueling nature of the encounter, Saints managed to keep Williams down for the ten-count when it mattered most. The victory showcases the champion’s ability to perform under pressure and overcome dangerous challengers. Williams, despite his loss, demonstrated why he remains one of NXT’s most dangerous competitors—the match was competitive enough that had fortune fallen differently at any moment, the outcome could have been reversed.
Saints’ retention of his championship extends his reign and continues his story as NXT Champion. The next chapter of his tenure will likely involve determining who steps up next to challenge for the opportunity to dethrone him.
NXT Championship Picture Evolving
“Sources close to the NXT creative team indicate that management is pleased with the way the title program between Saints and Williams has played out, and there are multiple directions the championship picture could head from here,” according to an industry insider familiar with WWE’s planning processes. “The return of Oba Femi adds another compelling element to the conversation, and expect NXT to build its next major storyline around these emerging contenders and the questions raised by tonight’s return.”
The NXT Championship remains one of WWE’s most prestigious titles despite the brand’s history of being a developmental territory. The caliber of matches and competitors Saints continues to face proves that NXT’s main event scene is thriving with fresh talent and compelling storylines that resonate with the brand’s dedicated fanbase.
Looking Ahead for Ricky Saints
Saints will now likely enter a period where WWE evaluates his next challenger. Trick Williams has proven himself worthy of multiple title shots, demonstrating that he belongs in the conversation with NXT’s elite. However, with Oba Femi’s unexpected return to the brand, the landscape has shifted considerably.
The NXT Championship has historically served as a launching pad for wrestlers who go on to bigger opportunities on RAW or SmackDown. Saints’ success in defending his title could position him for significant growth within the company. His ability to have quality matches with different opponents—demonstrated by his encounters with Williams—shows his versatility as a champion.
Conclusion
The Last Man Standing match between Ricky Saints and Trick Williams delivered the physical combat that the stipulation promises. Saints’ retention of the NXT Championship on November 11, 2025, represents another successful title defense for the champion, but the night’s bigger story may be Oba Femi’s mysterious return to the brand. As NXT moves forward, expect the championship picture to develop in exciting directions that will keep the brand’s audience engaged and invested in the ongoing narrative surrounding its most coveted prize.