The WWE NXT universe witnessed a night of shocking upsets and thrilling victories at New Year’s Evil 2026, with four championship titles on the line. The sold-out crowd at the Capitol Wrestling Center was electric, as the likes of Io Shirai, Carmelo Hayes, and Ilja Dragunov battled for supremacy in their respective divisions.
Io Shirai Defends the Women’s Championship Against Roxanne Perez
In the main event of the evening, Io Shirai put her Women’s Championship on the line against the feisty Roxanne Perez. The challenger had been building momentum over the past few weeks, taking down several top contenders in the process. However, Shirai’s experience and cunning proved too much for Perez, as she successfully retained her title.
According to a WWE insider, Io Shirai’s victory was a testament to her growth as a competitor. “Io has been working tirelessly to improve her in-ring skills and develop her character,” the source revealed. “Her win over Roxanne Perez showcases her ability to adapt and overcome adversity, making her one of the most formidable champions in NXT.”
Carmelo Hayes Regains the NXT Championship Against Wes Lee
In a highly anticipated rematch, Carmelo Hayes faced off against Wes Lee for the NXT Championship. The challenger had taken Lee by surprise just a few weeks ago, but Lee was determined to regain his title. Unfortunately for Lee, Hayes’ momentum was too great to be stopped, as he successfully regained the championship.
After the match, Hayes celebrated his victory in the ring, saying, “I’ve been waiting for this moment for what feels like an eternity. I’m the best champion this title has ever seen, and I’m going to do everything in my power to prove it.”
Ilja Dragunov Falls Short in Championship Bid Against Oro
In the evening’s first championship match, Ilja Dragunov put his sights on the NXT United Kingdom Championship, held by the formidable Oro. The challenger’s aggressive style and intense training regimen had many believing he had what it took to take down the champion. However, Oro’s cunning and experience ultimately proved to be too much for Dragunov, as he successfully defended his title.
Thea Hail and Ivy Nile’s Tag Team Championship Match Falls Apart
In a chaotic match, Thea Hail and Ivy Nile faced off against the formidable team of Tiffany Stratton and Cora Jade for the WWE NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship. However, the match quickly descended into chaos, with all four competitors engaging in a massive brawl that spilled outside the ring.
As the referee struggled to regain control, the match was eventually declared a no-contest, with neither team able to emerge victorious.
Tatum Paxley and Izzi Dame’s Thrilling Match Comes to an End
In an exciting match earlier in the evening, Tatum Paxley faced off against the up-and-coming Izzi Dame. The challenger had been making waves in NXT with her impressive in-ring skills and fearless attitude, and many believed she had the potential to take down the veteran champion. However, Paxley’s experience ultimately proved too great, as she successfully retained her title.
After the match, Paxley was seen celebrating with her team, saying, “I knew Izzi was going to push me to my limits, but I’m not one to back down from a challenge. I’m the strongest champion this title has ever seen, and I’m going to do everything in my power to prove it.”
The Future of NXT Looks Bright
As the dust settles on New Year’s Evil 2026, one thing is clear: the future of NXT looks brighter than ever. With a new crop of talented competitors emerging and championship titles being defended in thrilling matches, the possibilities are endless.
As the WWE continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in professional wrestling, fans can expect even more excitement and drama in the months to come. With the likes of Io Shirai, Carmelo Hayes, and Ilja Dragunov leading the charge, NXT is poised to take the world of professional wrestling by storm.
Only time will tell what’s in store for these talented competitors, but one thing is certain: the future of NXT is looking brighter than ever.