At the No Mercy event held on Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Ricky Starks captured the WWE NXT Championship by defeating Oba Femi, ending his 262-day reign. The unexpected turnaround occurred in a thrilling 17-minute match at the FTL War Memorial Arena, where Starks kicked out of a finish move, countered with a DDT followed by a Tornado DDT, securing the pinfall and championship victory. This moment left the WWE Universe excited and sparked widespread discussion on social media, drawing significant attention to the wrestler’s achievement.
This win marks a major milestone for Starks, known as a fan-favorite and two-time AEW champion, who has maintained friendships with various top WWE stars through past associations in All Elite Wrestling. The call for WWE to bring Starks aboard has grown louder following recent moves by notable figures like Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and Jade Cargill, who transitioned from AEW to WWE. Starks’ success at NXT heightens anticipation about his future role within the company.
WWE Figures Express Support for Starks’ Championship Moment
Among those celebrating Ricky Starks’ new title, Cody Rhodes, the current Undisputed WWE Champion, publicly shared his excitement. Rhodes posted a brief but emphatic message on X (formerly Twitter), accompanied by footage of Starks’ victory.
“Champ Rick” Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
Jade Cargill, the inaugural AEW TBS Champion, also praised Starks’ accomplishment on social media by posting a graphic celebrating his win along with an encouraging message.
“Love to see it! 💪🏾” Jade Cargill, Professional Wrestler
WWE Senior Vice President of Talent Development Shawn Michaels further acknowledged Starks’ achievement, sharing behind-the-scenes footage with a message that recognized his hard work and deserving title reign.
“Congrats Champ you earned tonight. @starkmanjones #NXTNoMercy” Shawn Michaels, WWE Senior Vice President
Starks’ Triumph Signals New Chapter for NXT and WWE
Ricky Starks’ unexpected victory is notable not only for ending Oba Femi’s extensive title run but also for shifting momentum within the NXT brand. With Starks now champion, WWE looks set to explore his potential as a key figure in upcoming storylines and events. This win may also influence further WWE talent signings from AEW, reflecting ongoing competition between the companies. Fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely as Starks embraces his role atop NXT, shaping the brand’s future direction.
Champ Rick https://t.co/icsRCPqexU
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) September 28, 2025
Love to see it! 💪🏾 https://t.co/kPrNEGdhMI
— Jade Cargill (@Jade_Cargill) September 28, 2025
Congrats Champ you earned tonight.@starkmanjones #NXTNoMercy pic.twitter.com/e592nZLiTA
— Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels) September 28, 2025
