On August 26, 2025, NXT delivered an intense episode of NXT TV from the Capitol Wrestling Center in Orlando, Florida, featuring key confrontations and rising title contenders. The show aired live on the CW Network, with commentary by Corey Graves, Vic Joseph, and Booker T, and ring announcements by Mike Rome. The episode focused heavily on setting up upcoming championship matches, including a pivotal #1 Contender’s showdown between Josh Briggs and Ricky Saints.
Lola Vice’s performance stood out during the evening’s action, capturing fans’ attention amid a stacked card that also included fierce battles from Kelani Jordan and Blake Monroe, as well as an intriguing buildup involving Myles Borne and Lexis King.
Opening Confrontations Set the Tone for Championship Aspirations
The episode began with Ricky Saints taking center stage, receiving a strong reaction from the crowd as he expressed his determination to challenge NXT North American Champion Oba Femi. Saints acknowledged the depth of talent in the locker room but made it clear he was ready to claim the title for himself after six months of competing against top opponents. His direct callout of Femi highlighted the growing tension in the division.
Shortly after, Josh Briggs made his entrance, exchanging pointed words with Saints. Briggs confidently dismissed Saints’ attitude but also admitted respect for his toughness, delivering a notable compliment. The interaction intensified with playful jabs, including jokes about appearances, underscoring the high stakes of their upcoming match for a shot at No Mercy.
Ava then appeared on the ramp to officially announce the main event of the night: a #1 Contender’s match between Josh Briggs and Ricky Saints. The winner would earn the coveted opportunity to challenge for the North American Championship, promising an extended build toward their title clash.
Kelani Jordan Secures Victory Over Blake Monroe
The first match of the night saw Kelani Jordan face Blake Monroe in a physically demanding contest. Jordan started strong with a series of dropkicks and an arm drag, applying pressure with several nearfalls. Monroe countered with a mix of ground strikes and a notable back kick, showing resilience throughout the battle.
The match featured back-and-forth momentum, including a tense moment outside the ring where Monroe attempted to escape only to be confronted by Jordynne Grace, whose presence at the exit raised the stakes for Monroe’s ongoing storyline. Both competitors demonstrated their offensive arsenal, but Jordan ultimately sealed the win with a split-legged moonsault after a sit-out DDT.
The bout lasted just over four minutes, with Jordan emerging victorious to reinforce her pursuit of the North American Championship.
“where are you going? You have a match!”
—Jordynne Grace
According to commentator Kelly Wells, Jordan’s win bolsters her claim for the title picture, while Monroe’s heel character continues to gain traction despite some in-ring limitations.
Backstage Tensions and Pre-Match Interviews Build Drama
Earlier backstage segments featured Ava and Blake Monroe discussing Monroe’s desire for a title match, only to be met with resistance from Kelani Jordan, who challenged Monroe’s immediate rise. Ava suggested they settle their rivalry in tonight’s match, adding emotional weight to the contest.
In a separate segment, Vic Joseph interviewed Myles Borne about his upcoming blindfold match against Lexis King. Borne described King as an instigator whose role is to create chaos, while expressing confidence in navigating the match with fan support. This storyline promises to escalate with the build to the blindfold match announced by Ava.
Build-Up to Main Event and Championship Implications
The main focus of the episode remained the looming clash between Josh Briggs and Ricky Saints. Both wrestlers showcased their determination and confidence, setting up what promises to be a hard-fought contest for the #1 Contender spot. The winner will earn a chance to challenge Oba Femi for the North American Championship at No Mercy, a significant milestone in their careers.
Throughout the night, the mix of in-ring action and backstage drama successfully advanced storylines, with Lola Vice’s spirited performance becoming a highlight amid the intense competition. Fans can expect continued rivalries and title opportunities to develop as NXT builds toward No Mercy and beyond.
