The NXT crowd at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando witnessed high drama on December 30, 2025, as Ricky Saints stunned the audience by defeating Je’Von Evans in a controversial main event. With stakes high ahead of New Year’s Evil, the bout delivered intensity, questionable tactics, and a finish that will fuel discussion among fans and wrestlers alike. The match results have put Ricky Saints and the ongoing NXT storylines under the spotlight as the brand heads into the new year.
Action-Packed Opener Sets the Tone
Before the main event chaos erupted, NXT kicked off with the North American Championship on the line as Ethan Page clashed with Moose. Page took advantage of a distraction to attack Moose from the start, leading to a battle outside and inside the ring. Moose unleashed a series of power moves, including a spear through the barricade and forceful blows, but Page narrowly escaped pinfalls, relying on ring awareness. After withstanding Moose’s aggression, Page countered and retained the title following a Twisted Grin, showcasing his resilience as North American Champion.
Recognition and High Stakes with Year-End Awards
NXT celebrated its standout performers with the Year-End Awards, an annual highlight. Contenders for Male Superstar of the Year included Je’Von Evans, Ricky Starks, Trick Williams, and Oba Femi, with Evans ultimately taking home the accolade. Despite some critique over his lack of mic skills, Evans’s athletic abilities remained unquestioned. In the tag team category, Zaruca emerged as NXT Tag Team of the Year, emphasizing the group’s impact and rising status within the promotion.
Backstage Tensions and Rivalries Intensify
Tensions simmered backstage among the roster, notably with Izzi Dame expressing her frustration over Tatum Paxley’s unpredictable behavior and the pair’s complicated dynamic. Dame, unafraid to voice her opinions, challenged Paxley to a confrontation, setting up the groundwork for their inevitable singles encounter at New Year’s Evil. Meanwhile, rival factions like The Culling and other fighters like Shawn Spears and Niko Vance were pulled into the ongoing drama, amplifying the stakes for the coming weeks.
Jacy Jayne Overcomes Wren Sinclair in a Grueling Contest
The women’s division took center stage as Jacy Jayne faced Wren Sinclair, with Fallon Henley and Lainey Reed at ringside. Jayne initially toyed with her opponent, but Sinclair fought back with crafty submissions and fierce strikes. The match’s momentum swung back and forth, but external interference from Fatal Influence allowed Jayne to regain the upper hand, ultimately winning with her Rolling Encore finisher.
Following the match, the action continued as Fatal Influence assaulted Sinclair, only to be run off by a vengeful Kendal Grey, demonstrating ongoing feuds and loyalties within the women’s locker room. The importance of alliances, such as Thea Hail seeking Jordynne Grace’s support for New Year’s Evil, became a recurring theme.
Joe Hendry’s Musical Mockery Interrupted by DarkState
Entertainment turned chaotic when Joe Hendry performed a satirical song poking fun at notable NXT names, including Trick Williams and Ricky Saints. The segment abruptly ended as DarkState stormed the ring, enveloped in strobe lights, blindsiding Hendry with their signature attack. This ambush served as a reminder of NXT’s unpredictable environment, where grudges are settled in and out of the ring.
Speed Tournament Delivers a Record-Breaking Upset
In a shockingly brief contest, Tavion Heights dispatched Lexis King in just eight seconds, advancing in the Speed Tournament. The quick victory highlighted the tournament’s intensity, while Lexis King’s abrupt loss raised eyebrows. After the match, Speed Champion Jasper Troy appeared to silently challenge Heights, indicating future clashes for the emerging star.
More Honors and Standout Performances
The “Match of the Year” award was revealed, with Oba Femi vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Trick Williams at Stand & Deliver claiming the top honor among memorable contenders. In the female division, Sol Ruca triumphed as Female Superstar of The Year, promising an even stronger impact in 2026. These awards punctuated a night that blended recognition with fierce competition across the board.
Main Event: Ricky Saints Seizes Victory Amid Controversy
Ricky Saints’ match with Je’Von Evans became the night’s focal point as personal issues boiled over. Evans, already fuming, pulled Saints from his entrance pose and punished him from the opening bell. Saints focused his attack on Evans’s leg, hurling him into barriers and the announce desk. Evans retaliated, using his athleticism to fly over the ropes and slam Saints through the equipment. Each man pushed the other to the limit, with near-falls and dramatic counters keeping fans on edge.
The decisive moment arrived after the referee was inadvertently taken out. Seizing the opportunity, Saints delivered a low blow unnoticed by the official, then executed his Roshambo finisher. With a second referee sliding in, Saints was declared the winner—prompting debate about the legitimacy of the outcome and further cementing his role as a cunning antagonist within NXT.
Fallout and What Comes Next for NXT
As the show ended, commentators Vic Joseph and others previewed high-profile title matches for the forthcoming New Year’s Evil event, including Tatum Paxley vs. Izzi Dame and Thea Hail’s North American Championship defense. Additional contests will see Jacy Jayne facing Kendal Grey and Oba Femi defending the NXT title against TNA X Division Champion Leon Slater. Saints, still gloating in the aftermath of his controversial win, cast a shadow over the roster, raising questions about what tactics and rivalries will define the new year.
The episode underscored NXT’s deep pool of talent and ongoing evolution, with contenders like Je’Von Evans and Trick Williams now positioning themselves for potential main roster opportunities. Meanwhile, rising groups such as The Vanity Project and rookies like Kendal Grey are making their presence felt. With unpredictable outcomes and shifting alliances, the aftermath of the Ricky Saints NXT match results ensures that anticipation and debate will continue well into 2026.
