WWE NXT brought the heat to Tampa, Florida, on Saturday night as the brand hosted a live event at the University Area Community Complex. The show featured a mix of rising stars, recent NXT recruits, and a special appearance from TNA’s Joe Hendry, who continued his crossover run with WWE. With a packed card and plenty of surprises, the night delivered action, drama, and a few glimpses into the future of NXT’s roster.
Women’s Division Showcases Depth
The night kicked off with a six-woman tag team match that highlighted the growing depth of NXT’s women’s division. Zena Sterling, Kali Armstrong, and Tyra Mae Steele combined forces to defeat the team of Masyn Holiday, Nikkita Lyons, and Layla Diggs. The bout was a fast-paced showcase of teamwork and athleticism, with all six competitors getting moments to shine. Sterling and Armstrong, both recent NXT signees, looked comfortable in their roles, while Tyra Mae Steele continued to build momentum as a fan favorite.
According to a WWE insider, “The women’s division is in a really strong spot right now. You saw a lot of chemistry tonight, and it’s clear NXT is investing in building multiple factions and rivalries for the coming months.”
Aaron Fara Makes Statement in Singles Debut
One of the most talked-about moments of the evening was the singles match between Aaron Fara and Mike Derudder (also known as Mike D Vecchio). Fara, a recent addition to the NXT roster, picked up a decisive victory, signaling his arrival as a serious competitor. The match was competitive, with both men trading offense, but Fara’s technical prowess and ring awareness gave him the edge.
“Fara is someone the creative team has been excited about for a while,” said a source close to the NXT locker room. “He’s been working hard in the Performance Center, and tonight was his chance to show what he can do in front of a live crowd.”
Karmen Petrovic Continues Winning Streak
Karmen Petrovic continued her impressive run with a victory over Tatyanna Dumas. Petrovic, known for her aggressive style and in-ring charisma, controlled much of the match and secured the win with a well-executed finisher. The win adds to Petrovic’s growing reputation as one of NXT’s most promising female talents.
Tag Team Action: Jensen and King Shine
Brooks Jensen and Lexis King teamed up to take on the newly debuted duo of Jaime Garcia (Zozaya) and Cyril Coquerelle (Aigle Blanc). The match was a showcase of tag team chemistry, with Jensen and King’s rule-bending tactics proving effective against the fresh faces. Garcia and Coquerelle, both recent NXT recruits with backgrounds in international promotions, showed flashes of potential but ultimately fell short.
“Jensen and King are becoming a real force in the tag division,” said a backstage source. “They’re not just winning matches—they’re creating memorable moments and building heat with the crowd.”
Trick Williams Delivers in Singles Match
Trick Williams continued to build his reputation as one of NXT’s most entertaining performers with a singles victory over Shiloh Hill. The match was preceded by a brief promo from Williams, who declared himself the most entertaining talent in any wrestling company. Hill answered the challenge, but Williams’ confidence and in-ring ability proved too much to overcome.
OTM Dominates in Tag Team Bout
OTM (Bronco Nima and Lucien Price) picked up a win over the team of Dante Chen and Nathan Angel (Nathan Cranton). The match was a hard-hitting affair, with OTM’s power and teamwork giving them the upper hand. Chen and Angel, both relatively new to the NXT scene, showed resilience but couldn’t match OTM’s experience.
Zaria Stands Tall in Fatal Four-Way
The highlight of the undercard was a fatal four-way match featuring Zaria, Lola Vice, Kelani Jordan, and Chantel Monroe. Zaria emerged victorious after pinning Monroe, with Jordan and Vice battling to the back before the finish. The match was a showcase of high-flying action and intense competition, with Zaria solidifying her status as a top contender in the women’s division.
“Zaria is someone the creative team sees as a future champion,” said a WWE insider. “She’s got the look, the moves, and the charisma to be a major player in NXT.”
Main Event: Joe Hendry, Je’Von Evans, and Tavion Heights vs. The Dark State
The main event saw a special team of Joe Hendry, Je’Von Evans, and Tavion Heights take on The Dark State (Saquon Shugars, Dion Lennox, and Cutler James), with Osiris Griffin in their corner. The match was a hard-hitting, fast-paced affair, with Hendry’s star power and Evans’ athleticism making a big impact. The team of Hendry, Evans, and Heights ultimately emerged victorious, sending a strong message to The Dark State.
“Joe Hendry’s appearances in NXT have been a real boost for the brand,” said a source close to the event. “He brings a different energy, and the crowd responds to him. It’s clear WWE is looking at ways to integrate outside talent to keep things fresh.”
Looking Ahead
The NXT live event in Tampa was a strong showing for the brand, with a mix of established stars and rising talent delivering memorable moments. With the women’s division, tag teams, and singles competitors all getting opportunities to shine, NXT continues to build momentum heading into the final months of 2025.
“NXT is in a really good place right now,” said a WWE insider. “The creative team is focused on building new stars and creating compelling storylines. What you saw in Tampa is just the beginning.”
Stay tuned for more WWE NXT news and results as the brand prepares for its next live event and the upcoming television tapings.