The NXT Title clash between Oba Femi and Ricky Saints at the No Mercy event shocked wrestling fans with an intense and passionate showdown on September 28. This match, featuring a classic David vs. Goliath narrative, highlighted the skill and determination of both competitors, ultimately crowning Saints as the new NXT Champion in front of a raucous crowd.
Following the momentum from WWE’s Wrestlepalooza PLE and AEW’s All Out pay-per-view events, the focus shifted to October’s upcoming shows with various promotions airing notable matches during the week of September 22 to 28. Among the highlights on Monday Night RAW, Friday Night SmackDown, NXT, NXT No Mercy, AEW Dynamite, and AEW Collision, the bout between Oba Femi and Ricky Saints stood out as the top-rated contest by TheSportster’s rating system.
Highlights from the No Mercy Showdown Between Oba Femi and Ricky Saints
The NXT Title match exemplified storytelling where the larger Oba Femi dominated early, using his power advantage to toss Ricky Saints around the ring repeatedly. Saints relied on his agility and speed to counter the imposing champion, turning the tide with multiple impactful DDTs. Despite Femi’s physical dominance, Saints defied expectations and secured the victory, ending the match as the newly crowned champion. Both wrestlers synchronized their moves flawlessly, engaging the eager crowd until the final bell.
Oba Femi versus Ricky Saints earned an overall rating of 8.25 out of 10 from TheSportster, reflecting high marks across storytelling, technical skill, character psychology, and crowd interaction. Scoring breakdowns included a 2 out of 2.5 for storytelling, an impressive 2.25 for technical ability, and full 2 points each for character work and crowd reaction, demonstrating the match’s balance of in-ring execution and emotional investment.
Other Standout Matches of the Week Across WWE and AEW Programming
While Oba Femi vs Ricky Saints topped the charts, several other contests captured the audience’s attention with strong performances and unique match quality during this period.
A Heated Women’s Championship Battle: Jacy Jayne vs Lola Vice
The NXT Women’s Championship match between Jacy Jayne and Lola Vice was a slow-building contest, with both competitors effectively managing crowd energy throughout the event. The action intensified as the match progressed, though minor technical errors were present. Jacy Jayne, despite the crowd passionately supporting Lola Vice and her family in attendance, retained her title through a controversial finish involving interference from a mysterious assailant. This conclusion dampened the crowd’s enthusiasm but did not overshadow the intense atmosphere generated during the bout.
Strong Performances in WWE SmackDown and AEW Collision Matches
On WWE SmackDown, Sami Zayn accepted an open United States Title challenge from Je’Von Evans, resulting in a fluid match that exhibited Evans’ athleticism and charisma despite lacking a detailed storyline. Though the crowd reaction was positive, the bout was mainly a fun showcase rather than a psychological drama.
Meanwhile, AEW Collision featured Kyle Fletcher defending the TNT Championship against Komander, who returned after months away from competition. Fletcher’s power collision with Komander’s agility engaged fans and produced a well-paced, smoothly executed contest. Fletcher’s tournament victory was clear early on, but Komander’s performance was lauded for elevating the match’s excitement.
Impressive Duels at NXT No Mercy and WWE Raw
The opening NXT No Mercy match demonstrated Je’Von Evans’ growth as he defeated Josh Briggs in a heated encounter that combined strong psychology and storytelling. Evans showcased resilience, selling injury effectively, while Briggs played the role of a dominant heel, establishing a dynamic contest despite some pacing issues.
On WWE Raw, the main event between Rhea Ripley and Asuka achieved a rating of 7.75 and stood out due to the high-energy delivery and chemistry between the two athletes. The match also revealed Asuka’s gradual shift to a darker character, culminating in a post-match heel turn that energized the storyline despite occasional overacting, particularly from ringside by Kairi Sane.
AEW Collision’s Fierce Trios Match Ignites the Crowd
The Death Riders faced The Paragon and Matt Menard in a brutal trios match fueled by intense personal animosity, especially between Daniel Garcia and Menard. The heated rivalry translated into impactful in-ring action, with Garcia securing the victory for his team through forceful offense. Roderick Strong’s explosive tagging and world-class talent received special notice, and the bout was considered one of AEW’s best matches during the week due to its strong pacing and storytelling.
Intense Weaponized Steel Cage Contest at NXT No Mercy
Jordynne Grace clashed with Blake Monroe inside a weaponized steel cage in a match charged with palpable hostility. The rivalry was evident throughout, with both women delivering hard-hitting spots including a dramatic finish where Grace executed an Air Raid Crash driving Monroe through a table for the win. Despite moments of sluggish pacing and some complex maneuvers, the hard-nosed bout resonated with fans and was a key attraction at NXT No Mercy.
What the Future Holds After the Oba Femi vs Ricky Saints Match
Oba Femi’s reign as NXT Champion ending marks a pivotal moment for NXT’s title scene, injecting new energy and excitement. Ricky Saints’ unexpected victory resonates as a testament to perseverance and skill overcoming physical disadvantage, setting up potential fresh rivalries and storyline possibilities. The passionate fan reaction suggests that this match will be remembered as a defining moment in NXT’s calendar, raising expectations for upcoming shows. As WWE and AEW continue to build toward their major October events, the standard set by the Femi-Saints encounter raises the bar for the quality and intensity of future matches.
