The WWE NXT universe witnessed a thrilling night of action on February 24, 2026, at the WWE Performance Center in Winter Park, Florida. The event saw the highly anticipated matchup between DarkState and The Vanity Project for the WWE NXT Tag Team Championship. In this article, we’ll break down the results, analyze the key takeaways, and share exclusive insights from behind the scenes.
Tag Team Championship Match: DarkState vs. The Vanity Project
The evening kicked off with the highly anticipated WWE NXT Tag Team Championship match between the reigning champions, DarkState (c), and the challenger, The Vanity Project (w/ Jackson Drake). The Vanity Project, consisting of Osiris Griffin and Ricky Smokes, walked into the ring with confidence, but it was clear that their experience was no match for the powerhouse of DarkState.
Osiris Griffin, the more aggressive of the two, immediately took control of the match, using his immense strength to overpower Ricky Smokes. Despite Smokes’ valiant efforts to mount a comeback, Griffin’s brute force seemed insurmountable. However, Smokes managed to find a glimmer of hope, using his agility to evade Griffin’s attacks and land a series of swift kicks. The Vanity Project’s momentum was building, but ultimately, they fell short of dethroning the champions.
DarkState’s victory was a testament to their dominance in the tag team division. Their ability to maintain a strong partnership and work in perfect sync has been a key factor in their success.
Backstage Insight: The Future of The Vanity Project
According to sources close to the WWE, the loss may have been a setback for The Vanity Project, but it’s far from the end of their journey. “The Vanity Project’s loss was a valuable learning experience for them,” said a WWE insider. “They showed glimpses of brilliance, and their chemistry in the ring is undeniable. They will bounce back stronger, and their partnership will only continue to flourish.”
The insider also revealed that the duo’s mentor, Jackson Drake, is already working on a plan to revitalize The Vanity Project and help them regain their momentum. “Jackson Drake is a master strategist, and he knows exactly how to get the best out of his team,” the source added. “Expect to see a rejuvenated Vanity Project in the coming weeks, ready to take on all comers in the tag team division.”
Other Key Matches and Performances
The evening’s action didn’t stop there. Other standout matches included:
- A thrilling matchup between NXT newcomer, Arianna “The Ace” Adams, and the experienced, Zoey Sharpe. Adams’ impressive debut was marked by a series of daring moves, including a near-perfect Asai moonsault.
- A dominant performance by the reigning NXT Women’s Champion, Raquel Rodriguez, who successfully defended her title against the challenger, Mia Yim. Rodriguez’s victory was a testament to her strength and endurance, as she battled through a grueling match to emerge victorious.
Final Thoughts and Predictions
The WWE NXT universe is heating up, and with the tag team division becoming increasingly competitive, fans can expect even more thrilling matchups in the coming weeks. The Vanity Project’s loss may have been a setback, but it’s clear that they have the potential to become one of the top teams in the division.
In the words of WWE NXT commentator, Vic Joseph, “The tag team division is getting fiercer by the day, and it’s anyone’s game at this point. DarkState’s victory was a statement, but The Vanity Project will be back, and they’ll be hungrier than ever.”
As we look ahead to the next WWE NXT event, one thing is certain: the competition is getting fiercer, and the stakes are higher than ever. Will DarkState be able to maintain their grip on the tag team championship, or will The Vanity Project and other challengers be able to dethrone them? The WWE NXT universe will be watching with bated breath to find out.