The WWE NXT developmental brand experienced unexpected turmoil on September 23 when Total Nonstop Action (TNA) wrestlers invaded during a high-stakes main event, prompting a sharp response from NXT’s general manager, Ava. The incident involving a winner-takes-all match between TNA Champion Trick Williams and NXT Champion Oba Femi sparked a chaotic brawl that disrupted the show’s usual order.
Chaos Erupts as TNA and NXT Clash in Main Event
During the climactic fight, tensions escalated after Trick Williams slapped Mike Santana, triggering TNA wrestlers to flood the ring. Soon after, members of the NXT locker room came to confront the invaders, resulting in a fierce brawl between the rival promotions. This upheaval was particularly notable due to Ava’s absence, whose leadership has generally kept the NXT brand well-managed and orderly. Her short break from her duties was felt keenly when the disorder unfolded live on the episode.
Expressing her disbelief over the incident, Ava took to X (formerly Twitter) to react to the chaotic footage. Her succinct but pointed reaction was:
i leave for ONE day … https://t.co/kmdyFNjgyr— A V A (@avawwe_) September 24, 2025
In response to Ava’s post, Tatum Paxley jokingly questioned if she was partly responsible for the chaos, but Ava reassured her by saying she was “perfect.” Another NXT talent, Kelly Kincaid, teased that Ava had taken all their “brain cells” with her during her absence, which might explain the disorder. Ava replied humorously that she herself had only one brain cell left, reflecting her mixed feelings about the situation.
Shawn Michaels Shares His Reprimand After the NXT and TNA Brawl
Besides Ava, other WWE officials were also visibly upset by the infighting between NXT and TNA wrestlers. Shawn Michaels, the head of NXT, shared his reaction on X, where a clip showed him visibly angry as he watched the fracas unfold. He quickly moved backstage to control the chaos and directed security to intervene, highlighting the severity of the disruption.
“This doesn’t end here,” Shawn Michaels declared.
His firm statement underscored that the matter would have ongoing repercussions, signaling WWE’s intolerance for such disorder within its developmental brand.
Wider Implications and What to Expect Moving Forward
The clash between TNA and WWE NXT shows a rare fracture in the normally well-disciplined environment of WWE’s developmental territory, challenging the control of key figures like Ava and Shawn Michaels. The incident not only disrupted the episode but likely sets up a storyline built around the tensions between the two promotions. Given Ava’s immediate disapproval and Michaels’ stern warning, internal disciplinary measures and storyline developments seem imminent.
Amidst these events, attention is also turning to other personnel moves within WWE, such as Matt Cardona’s return to NXT, keeping fans engaged with ongoing narrative shifts in the brand.
i leave for ONE day … https://t.co/kmdyFNjgyr
— A V A (@avawwe_) September 24, 2025
not you you’re perfect
— A V A (@avawwe_) September 24, 2025
all i have is one left 💔
— A V A (@avawwe_) September 24, 2025
