Oba Femi Shocks Fans with Fierce NXT Title Defense

On September 27, 2025, the War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hosted the intense and chaotic NXT No Mercy event, which was streamed live on Peacock in the United States and Netflix internationally. Among the night’s highlights was Oba Femi’s relentless defense of his NXT Title, a performance that left fans stunned and energized throughout the evening. The focus on Oba Femi’s NXT Title Defense dominated much of the event’s storyline and atmosphere, amid a series of brutal matches and heated rivalries.

Pre-Match Build-Up Heightens Anticipation

Sam Roberts and Megan Morant kicked off the preshow by analyzing each matchup, highlighting contenders’ strengths and weaknesses. The tense atmosphere was amplified by clips from last week’s unresolved brawl between Oba Femi and Trick Williams, which degenerated into chaos when multiple TNA wrestlers stormed the ring.

Additional footage recounted Kelani Jordan’s victory over Lei Ying Lee for the TNA Knockouts Championship at TNA Victory Road, showcasing the competitive landscape of the title scene. Meanwhile, the volatile feud between Blake Monroe and Jordynne Grace was revisited to underline the personal stakes involved.

Wrestler Tavion Heights sat down with Blake Howard, sharing his passion for competition and life outside the ring, expressing confidence in his upcoming North American Championship challenge against Ethan Page. Heights revealed personal interests, including fishing and collecting Pokémon cards, remarking,

“I’m a grown man, and I buy what I want with my grown man money.”

 His vow to claim the North American title added to the tension surrounding the event.

Ricky Saints returned to the site of his childhood home in New Orleans, describing the adversity he overcame, including the destruction of his home by a hurricane. His determination to prove himself came across vividly in candid street interviews, reinforcing his motivation to defeat Oba Femi and validate his career.

Lainey Reid reflected on her athletic background in horse racing and college soccer, emphasizing her rapid ascent within NXT and ambitions to secure the Women’s Speed Championship. Yet, just before the event, Reid suffered an injury that forced her withdrawal, leading to a surprise change in the evening’s lineup.

Opening Matches Set a Fierce Tone

The event began with Je’Von Evans battling Josh Briggs, delivering a hard-hitting contest in front of an engaged crowd. Evans, cheered loudly by fans, faced a barrage of power moves from the antagonistic Briggs. The match showcased a contrast of styles—Evans’ agility and speed clashing with Briggs’ brute strength. Despite sustaining a hip injury early on, Evans managed to rally with a series of high-impact moves, including a surprise superkick, before finally securing the victory after countering a chokeslam with his signature cutter.

Following this, Sol Ruca defended her NXT Women’s Speed Championship against the late replacement Jaida Parker after Lainey Reid’s injury. The brief but frantic match featured rapid exchanges, counters, and high-flying maneuvers typical of the Speed title format. Ruca emerged victorious after successfully executing her finishing submission hold, the Sol Snatcher, ensuring her reign continued.

Oba Femi Holds Fort in High-Stakes Title Defense

Oba Femi’s main event clash against Ricky Saints was the centerpiece of the evening, a bout steeped in personal history and professional ambition. Femi, reigning as NXT Champion since January, faced a challenger driven by a desire to overcome past hardships and prove himself. The match itself was a fierce, back-and-forth battle marked by strategic moves and emotional intensity.

The contest showcased Femi’s resilience and technical skill as he absorbed Saints’ aggression and powerful offense. The rivalry, underscored by long-standing animosity and mutual respect, reached a boiling point as the crowd responded to the unpredictable shifts in momentum. Femi managed to retain the NXT Title, surprising many who had expected a possible title change given Saints’ passionate drive.

Additional Conflicts and Future Storylines

During the event, Joe Hendry was interviewed by Kelley, where he openly expressed respect for the dominant faction Dark State. Hendry recounted recent threats and attacks from the group that landed him in the hospital, stating,

“When Dark State strikes, ain’t nobody safe.”

 His conflicted stance—contemplating whether to resist or align with Dark State—added another layer of suspense to the evening’s tension.

The interaction between Lash Legend and Jaida Parker also contributed to the chaotic scene. Legend’s attempt to disrupt Parker led to a brief but explosive confrontation, emphasizing the unpredictable and volatile nature of rivalries within NXT’s women’s division.

Impact and What Lies Ahead for NXT Champions and Contenders

Oba Femi’s tenacious defense of the NXT Title reinforces his position as a dominant champion amid a fiercely competitive roster. The near-acquisition by Ricky Saints, embodying a story of personal triumph, leaves the door open for continued rivalry and narrative development within the brand. As the fans process the turbulence and unpredictability of No Mercy, many anticipate fresh challenges and evolving alliances.

Meanwhile, Je’Von Evans’ victory sets him up for significant involvement, potentially targeting the X-Division, while Sol Ruca’s successful defense solidifies her status as a formidable force in the women’s speed category. The unresolved tensions surrounding Dark State and Joe Hendry hint at future dramatic encounters that could shape upcoming NXT events.

This event’s intensity and upheaval underscore the volatile nature of NXT’s wrestling landscape, where fierce competition, personal stories, and unexpected developments keep fans deeply engaged and eager for the next chapter.