Last night’s WWE NXT episode was a testament to the growth and excitement of the NXT brand, featuring a highly anticipated tag team championship match and a plethora of thrilling performances from the up-and-coming talent.
Tag Team Championship Chaos: DarkState Defends Against The Vanity Project
The main event of the evening saw DarkState, the reigning NXT Tag Team Champions, put their titles on the line against The Vanity Project, a formidable new duo consisting of Jackson Drake and his protégés, Osiris Griffin and Ricky Smokes. The match was a clash of styles, with DarkState’s high-flying antics facing off against The Vanity Project’s power-based offense.
According to sources close to the match, Osiris Griffin and Ricky Smokes have been working tirelessly to perfect their chemistry in the ring, and it paid off in a big way last night. Griffin, in particular, showed off his impressive strength and agility, shrugging off Smokes’ attacks with ease and countering with brutal strikes.
However, DarkState was not about to let their titles slip without a fight. Led by the cunning and resourceful Ethan Sage, they employed a range of tactics to keep The Vanity Project at bay, including clever reversals and expertly timed counterattacks.
In the end, it was Sage who emerged victorious, pinning Smokes after a picture-perfect spear. The crowd erupted in cheers as DarkState celebrated their hard-won victory, cementing their status as one of the top tag teams in NXT.
Other Notable Matches
In other action on the card, Io Shirai took on the formidable Xia Li in a thrilling contest that saw both women give it their all. Shirai’s lightning-fast speed and agility proved to be too much for Li, who was left reeling after a series of devastating kicks and strikes.
Meanwhile, in a closely contested match, Roderick Strong emerged victorious over the up-and-coming star, Kushida. Strong’s experience and cunning ultimately proved to be too much for the young Japanese wrestler, who was left frustrated by his narrow loss.
Post-Match Interview with Roderick Strong
After his match, Roderick Strong spoke with WWE NXT commentators Vic Joseph and Booker T about his victory over Kushida.
“I’ve been in this business long enough to know that you’ve got to stay focused and keep your eyes on the prize,” Strong said. “Kushida is a talented young wrestler, but he’s still learning the ropes. I’m the veteran here, and I’m not about to let anyone take my spot at the top.”
When asked about his plans for the future, Strong remained tight-lipped. “I’m not looking too far ahead,” he said. “I’m just taking things one match at a time. But make no mistake, I’m here to stay – and I’m going to keep on winning.”
Backstage Drama
Sources close to the NXT locker room have revealed a growing sense of tension between top stars Cody Rhodes and Damian Priest. According to reports, the two men have been at odds over a number of issues, including Rhodes’ recent comments about Priest’s in-ring style.
“Cody and Damian have been butting heads for weeks now,” said a WWE insider. “It’s getting to the point where it’s affecting their performances in the ring. We’ll just have to wait and see how it all plays out – but one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be explosive.”
What’s Next for WWE NXT?
As the dust settles on last night’s episode, one thing is clear: WWE NXT is hotter than ever. With a talented roster of up-and-coming stars and a range of thrilling matches on the horizon, fans are in for a real treat.
Stay tuned for more updates from the world of WWE NXT – and get ready for a wild ride!
WWE NXT Results – February 24, 2026
- DarkState (c) vs. The Vanity Project (w/ Jackson Drake) – NXT Tag Team Championship Match: Ethan Sage pins Ricky Smokes after a spear
- Io Shirai vs. Xia Li: Io Shirai wins via pinfall after a series of kicks and strikes
- Roderick Strong vs. Kushida: Roderick Strong wins via pinfall after a series of strikes and a strong clothesline
Follow us on social media for the latest news and updates from the world of WWE NXT!