This year’s WWE NXT season began with a notable partnership involving TNA, leading to crossover appearances by several talents. At NXT Battleground, Trick Williams captured the TNA World Championship from Joe Hendry, highlighting the alliance between the promotions. However, tensions surfaced during NXT Homecoming as many TNA wrestlers voiced displeasure over feeling overlooked by the NXT brand, despite their contributions.
Several wrestlers formerly associated with WWE but now competing in TNA expressed frustration on social media, pointing out their exclusion from the Homecoming event. Names such as Mustafa Ali, Cassie Lee, Matt Hardy, and Matt Cardona publicly criticized the handling of TNA’s presence during this significant WWE showcase.
Voices from TNA Criticize NXT’s Handling of the Partnership
Mustafa Ali was among the first to highlight dissatisfaction, tweeting of the disrespect shown towards TNA’s future despite celebrating NXT’s history.
“NXT celebrates its past but disrespects TNA’s future.Many will talk about it. A few will do something about it.Consider this a warning @ShawnMichaels. @WWENXT#NXTHomecoming” – Mustafa Ali
Matt Hardy took issue with the scheduled Winner Takes All match featured at Homecoming, where Trick Williams (holding the TNA World Championship) was set to defend the title against Oba Femi, an NXT talent.
“Trick vs Oba is set up for the TNA Title at #NXTHomecoming?!? Even tho Trick is a @WWENXT talent who currently holds the @ThisIsTNA Championship, he shouldn’t be defending against a NXT talent. This is utter BS – It’s a TNA title & should always be defended against TNA talent!” – Matt Hardy
Similarly, Matt Cardona expressed frustration both with Trick Williams’ reign as the TNA World Champion and with how WWE NXT treated TNA overall.
“I can’t be the only one who is sick of Trick Williams and his reign as @ThisIsTNA World Champ. I’m also sick of how @WWENXT treats TNA. Should I drive over to Full Sail? I’m only 30 minutes away. #NXTHomecoming” – Matt Cardona
Xia Brookside pushed back against the narrative that NXT controlled TNA, affirming the strength of TNA’s roster, especially the Knockouts division.
“I’m so done with hearing @WWENXT has control over @ThisIsTNAWe can stand our ground with every single one of you! There’s a reason they call us the KNOCKOUTS! #NXTHomecoming” – Xia Brookside
Current TNA International Champion Steve Maclin also added his voice, making it clear he was tired of relying on nostalgia in the ongoing promotion.
“I’m not here for nostalgia. I’m fed up. #HoldTheLine@ThisIsTNA#NXTHomecoming” – Steve Maclin
These posts are just a sample of the widespread discontent shared by TNA stars during the WWE NXT event, highlighting the strain within the alliance. Meanwhile, the looming match between Oba Femi and Trick Williams for both the TNA and NXT Championships was announced as a major feature for the coming week.
Highlights from NXT Homecoming Show Emphasize Brand History
The Homecoming edition kicked off with a nostalgic vignette bathed in NXT’s signature black and gold colors. Triple H greeted fans, teasing his involvement in administrative roles following Shawn Michaels’ departure. William Regal also appeared, a key figure historically linked to NXT’s rise.
The Women’s Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair retained their titles in a match against The Culling. The show featured Finn Balor’s iconic entrance causing a distraction that set up an ambush on Lexis King by Myles Borne. The event’s main bout saw Rhea Ripley, Stephanie Vaquer, and Lyra Valkyria face the group known as Fatal Influence.
Implications of the WWE NXT and TNA Dispute
The ongoing WWE NXT TNA controversy underscores tensions in the crossover strategy, where TNA stars feel sidelined despite their active roles. The exclusion of notable TNA talents from the Homecoming event and the contentious Winner Takes All match setup reveal underlying disagreements about the integration and representation of both brands.
This division could impact future collaborative events between NXT and TNA, potentially prompting management to reconsider how each promotion’s roster is showcased. The vocal criticism from prominent TNA figures signals the need for clearer boundaries and respect for TNA’s identity within WWE programming moving forward. Fans and industry insiders will be watching closely to see if these disputes are resolved or escalate in upcoming shows.
NXT celebrates its past but disrespects TNA’s future.
Many will talk about it. A few will do something about it.
Consider this a warning @ShawnMichaels. @WWENXT #NXTHomecoming
— Mustafa Ali (@MustafaAli_X) September 17, 2025
Trick vs Oba is set up for the TNA Title at #NXTHomecoming?!? Even tho Trick is a @WWENXT talent who currently holds the @ThisIsTNA Championship, he shouldn’t be defending against a NXT talent. This is utter BS – It’s a TNA title & should always be defended against TNA talent!
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) September 17, 2025
I can’t be the only one who is sick of Trick Williams and his reign as @ThisIsTNA World Champ. I’m also sick of how @WWENXT treats TNA. Should I drive over to Full Sail? I’m only 30 minutes away. #NXTHomecoming
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) September 17, 2025
I’m so done with hearing @WWENXT has control over @ThisIsTNA
We can stand our ground with every single one of you! There’s a reason they call us the KNOCKOUTS! #NXTHomecoming
— Xia Brookside ☆ ザイヤ・ブルックサイド (@XiaBrookside) September 17, 2025
I’m not here for nostalgia. I’m fed up. #HoldTheLine@ThisIsTNA #NXTHomecoming
— Steve Maclin (@SteveMaclin) September 17, 2025
