Stephanie Vaquer made a remarkable return to WWE NXT this week, reigniting excitement among fans eager for fresh storylines and talent. Her unexpected appearance came during a highly competitive tag team match, as she and Rhea Ripley challenged the dominant Fatal Influence faction ahead of the upcoming Homecoming event, setting the stage for a thrilling clash.
Key Matches Highlight NXT’s Growing Rivalries
Earlier in the show, Josh Briggs secured a hard-fought victory over Je’von Evans, continuing Briggs’ push as a promising mid-card heel, despite the win not being clean. Both wrestlers displayed strong chemistry, suggesting potential for future encounters. Meanwhile, a spotlight segment featuring Trick Williams and Carmello Hayes built tension as Melo’s betrayal of Trick added layers to NXT’s ongoing internal conflicts, hinting toward an exciting Homecoming tag team bout.
The women’s division match between Lainey Reid and Faby Apache offered a fast-paced encounter highlighting Reid’s emerging presence and Apache’s established skill set. Though brief, their match demonstrated the speed-focused style within NXT, with Reid’s aggressive approach drawing positive attention.
Tag Team Dynamics and Character Developments
Dark State continued to demonstrate their dominance with a crucial win over Hank & Tank, reinforcing their credibility as tag team champions. Despite moments of distraction, Dark State’s momentum remains strong, although calls for a darker, more intense persona for the group have been voiced among fans. Hank & Tank’s role as underdogs still garners support, showcasing their entertaining ring style.

The addition of Tyler Breeze’s flamboyant return after the Ethan Page vs. Tavion Heights flag match revitalized interest, with Breeze’s presence providing a nostalgic boost. Although flag matches have a mixed reputation, Breeze’s involvement delivered a memorable highlight and could signal more appearances in future storylines.
Stephanie Vaquer and Rhea Ripley Ready to Challenge Fatal Influence
The tag match featuring Sol Ruca and Zaria against Fatal Influence and The Culling exceeded expectations, with tensions mounting among Fatal Influence members leading to visible dissension. Vaquer’s return alongside Rhea Ripley introduces a strong opposition to Fatal Influence just before Homecoming, intensifying the rivalry between NXT Black & Gold and NXT 2.0 factions. This clash promises to elevate the stakes and deliver compelling action to viewers.
Anticipation Builds for WWE NXT Homecoming Event
The recent episodes of NXT have focused heavily on building layered feuds and character arcs, particularly emphasizing faction conflicts and fresh talent pushes. Stephanie Vaquer’s WWE NXT return represents an important catalyst that could reshuffle dynamics within the women’s division and beyond. As Homecoming approaches, fans can expect intensified battles and storylines that leverage the intense competitiveness and evolving alliances across the roster.
“I’m all for a Josh Briggs push. They seemed to have done this one other time and it fell by the wayside. He has the potential to be a great mid-card heel and although it wasn’t a clean win over Je’von Evans, I think it worked for him.” —Nate Lindberg
“This will more than likely be a fun matchup between these two teams for Homecoming.” —Nate Lindberg
“I like Natalya and I hope to see more of the Nattie character, rather than Natalya moving forward. Her aggressiveness is awesome.” —Kelly Wells
“If they are going to be credible tag champs, they need to compile wins (even distraction wins).” —Nate Lindberg
“What saved this match for me was the return of Tyler Breeze. I forgot how much I missed his flamboyancy.” —Nate Lindberg
“I’m excited by the concept of NXT (Black & Gold) s. NXT 2.0. That should be a lot of fun.” —Nate Lindberg
