The WWE Performance Center in Winter Park, Florida, played host to an action-packed edition of NXT on February 24, 2026. The evening began with a highly anticipated WWE NXT Tag Team Championship match, pitting the reigning champions, DarkState, against the up-and-coming duo of The Vanity Project.
The Main Event: DarkState vs. The Vanity Project for the WWE NXT Tag Team Championship
The sold-out crowd was electric as the bell rang, signaling the start of the highly anticipated match between DarkState (c) and The Vanity Project (w/ Jackson Drake). The Vanity Project, consisting of Osiris Griffin and Ricky Smokes, entered the ring to a mix of boos and cheers, with the latter being met with a standing ovation.
The match began with Griffin and Smokes showing a clear difference in style, as Griffin used his power to bully Smokes around the ring. However, Smokes refused to back down, countering Griffin’s attacks with quickness and agility. The Vanity Project worked together seamlessly, showcasing their chemistry and experience in the ring.
As the match progressed, Smokes began to gain momentum, landing a series of high-flying moves that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Meanwhile, Griffin struggled to keep up, but his sheer strength and power allowed him to stay competitive.
A Surprising Turn of Events
In a stunning turn of events, Jackson Drake, the manager of The Vanity Project, attempted to interfere in the match. However, his plans were thwarted by the quick thinking of DarkState, who managed to send Drake crashing to the floor.
The match continued, with both teams trading near-falls and delivering high-impact moves. In the end, it was DarkState’s experience and teamwork that paid off, as they managed to secure the win and retain their championship title.
Backstage Reaction
According to a WWE insider, the backstage area was abuzz with excitement following the match. “The Vanity Project has been one of the most consistent and promising teams in NXT, and their performance tonight only solidified their position as top contenders for the tag team title,” the source revealed. “While DarkState managed to retain their championship, it’s clear that The Vanity Project is a force to be reckoned with, and fans can expect to see them challenge for the title again soon.”
Other Notable Matches
The evening’s card also featured a thrilling match between up-and-coming superstars, Bronson Matthews and Maverick Johnson. Matthews, who has been making waves in NXT with his high-flying moves and charisma, was pitted against the seasoned veteran, Johnson.
The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both superstars delivering impressive moves and near-falls. In the end, Matthews emerged victorious, showcasing his incredible athleticism and determination.
Post-Match Interview
Following his win, Matthews spoke to the media, expressing his gratitude to the crowd and his opponents. “I’m thrilled to have come out on top tonight, and I want to thank Bronson Matthews for giving me a run for my money,” he said. “I’m excited to see where this win takes me, and I’m looking forward to taking on the best of NXT in the coming weeks.”
A Look Ahead
The February 24 edition of NXT was a testament to the incredible talent and depth of the WWE roster. With The Vanity Project emerging as top contenders for the tag team title, fans can expect to see some exciting matches in the coming weeks. As for Matthews, his victory has solidified his position as a top contender, and fans can look forward to seeing him take on the best of NXT in the near future.
The WWE Performance Center continues to be a hotbed of talent, with new superstars emerging every week. The February 24 edition of NXT was a thrilling reminder of the incredible depth and excitement that NXT has to offer, and fans can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented roster.