On September 9, 2025, the NXT event at the Capitol Wrestling Center in Orlando, Florida, delivered a night full of high-energy matches and surprising twists, highlighted by Sol Ruca’s unexpected upset in the NXT Fatal Influence match. The event, broadcast live on the CW Network with commentary from Corey Graves, Vic Joseph, and Booker T, showcased intense competition among several rising stars and experienced veterans. The spotlight on Sol Ruca in the Speed Championship semifinals injected fresh excitement into the tournament’s unfolding drama.
Je’Von Evans and Josh Briggs Open the Night with a Hard-Fought Bout
The evening began with Je’Von Evans clashing with Josh Briggs in a physical contest that ignited the crowd’s enthusiasm. After storming to the ring, Evans caught Briggs off guard and gained an early near-fall. Despite the audience showing strong support for Evans, Briggs countered with powerful offense. The crowd’s vocal jeers, including “Briggs you suck,” underscored the growing tension between the competitors.
Evans displayed agility with several huracanranas and a daring tope suicida over the announce table. Briggs responded with ruthless tactics, including a chair-assisted attack using a silver chain to secure the three-count victory at 12:45. The match was noted for its classic big-versus-small dynamic, serving as a solid showcase for both men.
Rivalries Build Backstage with Trick Williams and Oba Femi
Backstage interactions hinted at escalating rivalries, particularly with Ricky Saints, Oba Femi, and Trick Williams. Williams declared he had “championship business” with Oba Femi, suggesting tensions that Saints might not fully comprehend. These moments set the stage for upcoming confrontations in the tag team landscape of NXT.
DIY Reunion Sparks Tension with Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes
Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano, known collectively as #DIY, returned to the ring to mark their 10-year anniversary as a team, expressing feelings of nostalgia and ownership over NXT. The mood shifted quickly as Trick Williams interrupted, claiming his crew’s superiority and igniting a heated exchange. Carmelo Hayes entered to support Williams, intensifying the rivalry by challenging the legacy of #DIY.
Hayes confidently described himself as the renovator collecting rent from what he called a “squatter” in Williams. The playful crowd interaction included chants of “You’re a squatter,” highlighting the ongoing feud among these wrestlers. Ciampa’s provocation over who was the “big brother” added further layers to the story, although Hayes urged them to focus on the current conflict. Despite fan interest, a proposed multi-generational tag team match at NXT Homecoming was deferred to a later date.
Speed Tournament Semifinal Sees Lainey Reid Clinch Victory Over Faby Apache
In a highly anticipated Speed Tournament semifinal, Lainey Reid faced Faby Apache in a match marked by lightning-fast moves under a strict three-minute time limit. The encounter featured high-impact maneuvers and counters, including slams and a quick knee strike to the jaw that secured Reid’s win at 2:38.
With this victory, Reid earned the right to challenge Candice LeRae in a forthcoming match that will determine Sol Ruca’s next contender. Natalya’s presence at ringside added significance to Apache’s efforts, as her upcoming Worlds Collide match loomed. The brevity of this semifinal was noted as a limiting factor despite its exciting pace.
Sol Ruca Exhibits Energy Backstage Before Her Crucial Match
Backstage, Sol Ruca and Zaria shared a spirited moment with Hank Walker & Tank Ledger, performing chest bumps to pump up the atmosphere. Their enthusiasm foreshadowed the crucial role Sol Ruca would play in the event’s near-final encounters, setting the tone for an impactful Speed Championship sequence.
Dark Side Emerges in Promo Targeting Jordynne Grace
A chilling pre-recorded promo from Blake Monroe foreshadowed an intense personal feud, as she threatened Jordynne Grace with dark and ominous language. The visual setting featured Monroe in a red-lit tub with a candle, implying a sinister turn in the story and heightening anticipation for future confrontations.
Tag Team Championship Match Between Hank & Tank and DarkState Delivers High-Stakes Action
The NXT Tag Team Championship match featured defending champions Hank Walker and Tank Ledger against challengers DarkState, composed of Dion Lennox and Osiris Griffin, accompanied by Saquon Shugars and Cutler James. The champions had held the titles for 127 days, with expectations high for a strong defense.
Tank was targeted early, forcing Hank to battle both opponents alone before teamwork brought momentum back. The face team executed synchronized tope suicidas that energized the crowd. Despite several near-falls and physical sequences, DarkState capitalized on interference and distractions, eventually rolling up Hank for a surprising win at 10:48. This match blended spot-heavy moments with storytelling elements, including a brief appearance by Joe Hendry through a staged wall collapse, adding drama to the finish.
Flag Match Announcement Sets Scene for Upcoming Nationalistic Feud
A voiceover outlined the parameters of the next match, a Flag Match involving Tavion Heights. While the concept carried a traditional nationalistic theme, the presentation acknowledged modern audiences’ mixed feelings toward such gimmicks. Heights’ entrance closed this segment before the show returned to commercial break, leaving fans eager for the match to unfold.
Sol Ruca’s Upset Resonates Within the NXT Fatal Influence Match
Sol Ruca’s performance in the NXT Fatal Influence match offered a surprising and rapid upset that shifted the tournament’s direction. Her victory not only advances her standing in the Speed Championship race but also elevates the level of unpredictability within NXT’s competitive ranks. This win marks a significant milestone in Ruca’s career trajectory, signaling her arrival as a serious contender.
As the tournament progresses, Ruca’s momentum is likely to influence subsequent matchups, heightening stakes for established stars like Candice LeRae and intensifying rivalries fueled by recent backstage tensions. Fans can expect future events to build on these narratives as the Speed Championship final approaches.
