WWE NXT on September 9, 2025, was all about setting the stage for Homecoming. The night blended fast-paced action, shocking betrayals, and the kind of returns that shift momentum instantly. Storylines for both the men’s and women’s divisions took clear steps forward, and while some matches were short, they served their purpose to create big-picture intrigue.
1️⃣
Je’Von Evans vs. Josh Briggs
The show opened with Evans demanding to fight, and Briggs stepped up immediately. Evans used his signature aerial style, dazzling the crowd with speed and agility. Briggs, however, leaned into raw power and underhanded tactics. After the referee was distracted, Briggs used a hidden chain to knock Evans out and steal the victory in under four minutes. Evans looked resilient, but Briggs left no doubt he’ll do whatever it takes to win.
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A tense meeting in Ava’s office saw Oba Femi and Ricky Saints arguing over respect and opportunity. Trick Williams arrived to press the issue of where management stands. Before tensions boiled over, Carmelo Hayes made his return, instantly changing the atmosphere. Hayes and Trick called out #DIY, setting up a clash for Homecoming that will test whether old friends can stay aligned or break apart under the pressure of facing Gargano and Ciampa.
2️⃣
Women’s Speed Tournament: Lainey Reid vs. Faby Apache
This first-round tournament match had a strict three-minute limit, forcing nonstop action. Faby Apache made her debut with a flurry of strikes and quick counters, nearly stunning Reid in the opening moments. Reid kept her composure, timing her offense perfectly, and scored the deciding pin just before the buzzer. Apache looked strong in defeat, while Reid advanced, proving her adaptability in the high-stakes environment.
3️⃣
NXT Tag Team Championship: DarkState (c) vs. Hank Walker & Tank Ledger
The challengers came in fired up, using their size and brawling chemistry to push DarkState to the edge. The champions slowed the pace and took advantage of every distraction and opening. Chaos erupted late, and Lennox snuck in a roll-up on Walker to keep the belts in DarkState’s possession. The challengers looked impressive but fell short, while the champions continued their reign with cunning strategy.
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Fatal Influence Promo Interrupted
Jacy Jayne and the rest of Fatal Influence took the ring to demand respect and belittle the women’s division. Stephanie Vaquer answered the challenge, followed by Tiffany Stratton, who reignited old tensions. Just when the crowd thought it was ending there, Rhea Ripley made her shocking return. The reaction was thunderous as Ripley confronted the faction and stood tall to close the show, sending a clear message that “Mami” is back to reclaim her dominance.
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This week’s NXT was driven by storylines and the return of major players. Briggs’ dirty win over Evans kept the men’s undercard hot, while Carmelo Hayes’ return with Trick Williams injected serious star power into the Homecoming build. The Speed Tournament continued to deliver its quick-burst action, with Lainey Reid advancing at the expense of Faby Apache’s strong debut. DarkState’s tag team defense reinforced their grip on the titles, proving they can outlast any challengers.
The undisputed highlight, however, was Rhea Ripley’s return. Her presence immediately elevates the women’s division and sets up a collision course with Fatal Influence. NXT delivered everything it needed to: storyline progression, surprises, and the kind of ending that leaves fans eager for next week.
