Ricky Saints captured the NXT Championship in a surprising result during the WWE NXT No Mercy premium live event held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This WWE NXT major title change unfolded in the main event, ending Oba Femi’s reign and marking a significant moment in the brand’s storyline.
Limited Title Shifts Despite Multiple Championship Defenses
Four championships were contested at the event, but only the NXT Championship changed hands. Earlier in the night, Sol Ruca successfully defended the WWE Women’s Speed Championship against Jaida Parker. Ethan Page retained his NXT North American Title with a victory over Tavion Heights, while Jacy Jayne overcame Lola Vice to keep hold of the NXT Women’s Championship. These successful defenses set the stage for a dramatic finale.
Ricky Saints Ends Oba Femi’s NXT Championship Reign
In the main event, Ricky Saints defeated Oba Femi to seize the NXT Championship, concluding Femi’s run with the title that began in early January at the New Year‘s Evil event, where he claimed it in a three-way match against Trick Williams and Eddy Thorpe. Saints secured his victory using his newly introduced springboard tornado DDT finishing move.
Since his NXT television debut in April 2023, Oba Femi had lost only twice before this match, both defeats coming against Tony D’Angelo. Saints, by contrast, is a relative newcomer to WWE, having joined NXT in February 2025, just a day after departing AEW. Earlier this year, Saints briefly held the NXT North American Championship, winning it from Shawn Spears before dropping it back to Ethan Page.
“WHAAAAT?!!! RICKY SAINTS DETHRONES THE RULER!
Ricky Saints is the NEW WWE NXT CHAMPION!”
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV)
Implications for NXT and Future Storylines
This unexpected title change by Ricky Saints injects fresh energy into the NXT championship scene, likely leading to new rivalries and storyline directions. Given Saints’ rapid rise since joining WWE this year and his recent reign as North American Champion, he is positioned as a central figure in NXT’s upcoming programs. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Oba Femi responds to this setback and which contenders will challenge Saints next.
As the WWE NXT roster adjusts to this shift and prepares for future events, the No Mercy show will be remembered for its singular but impactful major title change, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of the brand’s competitive landscape.
WHAAAAT?!!! RICKY SAINTS DETHRONES THE RULER!
Ricky Saints is the NEW WWE NXT CHAMPION!pic.twitter.com/tq6PISjXYz
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) September 28, 2025
