On July 29, 2025, the NXT brand aired a live event from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, broadcast on The CW. The show began with a poignant moment of silence and respect from the NXT roster, staff, and fans, who stood together to honor the late Hulk Hogan, wrestling legend Terry Bollea, who passed away earlier that year. A large banner bearing Hogan’s image was displayed, accompanied by a somber ten-bell salute and a tribute video that had originally aired on Raw the previous evening.
This opening set a reflective tone for the evening, acknowledging Hogan’s profound impact on the industry. His legacy was celebrated quietly but solemnly, emphasizing the wrestling community’s respect for one of its most iconic figures.
Notable Matches and Character Developments Mark the Night’s Early Segments
The first contest featured Jaida Parker against Jazmyn Nyx, surrounded by the faction Fatal Influence. Parker secured a victory via pinfall after a carefully executed hip attack in the corner, overcoming Nyx’s early offensive attempts and submission efforts. The crowd’s enthusiastic support for Parker stood out, signaling her rising popularity.
Backstage, Je’Von Evans was shown gearing up, visibly energized by recent advice from wrestling great The Undertaker, who urged him to challenge the top talent. Evans exchanged verbal jabs with TNA World Champion Trick Williams and was promptly confronted by Wes Lee and the members of The High Ryze faction. The tension escalated quickly, culminating in Lee delivering a vicious cardiac kick to Evans before promising to make his intentions official with Ava next week.
In another lighter moment backstage, a humorous segment unfolded with tag team contenders Kale Dixon and Uriah Connor brandishing chairs, debating attacking the champions to earn a title shot. After a brief confrontation involving the champions Hank & Tank, the tension eased into a handshake and official match announcement, much to the amusement of Andre Chase and welcomed levity for the audience.
Charismatic In-Ring Performances Build Momentum
The technical wrestling prowess of Charlie Dempsey and Tavion Heights was showcased next, with Heights overcoming Dempsey to win his freedom from the New Quarter Catch Crew. Both wrestlers displayed impressive chain wrestling and striking maneuvers, culminating in a belly-to-belly suplex for the decisive three-count. The respectful post-match handshake indicated a possible shift in faction dynamics, as NQCC’s future was uncertain with this loss.
In a women’s division confrontation, Lash Legend triumphed over Fallon Henley after some interference from Nia Jax, who used her signature AnNIAlator move to decisively end the contest. This match introduced an intriguing cross-brand storyline involving Legend’s claims about eliminating Jax at the upcoming Evolution event, adding layers to the ongoing rivalry within NXT.
Je’Von Evans and Wes Lee Deliver an Electrifying Main Event
The night’s highlight was undoubtedly the Wes Lee vs Je’Von Evans match, which lasted just over thirteen minutes of relentless action. The bout began with Evans attacking Lee before the bell and continued with intense back-and-forth exchanges. Evans, inspired by Undertaker’s advice, unleashed a flurry of chops and a spectacular flipping coast-to-coast maneuver, culminating in a springboard cutter from the top rope to secure the victory.
Throughout the match, the interference attempts by Evans’ associates were repelled, maintaining the contest’s integrity. Evans demonstrated marked improvement in his in-ring storytelling and charisma, while Lee showcased his signature agility and striking ability. The electrifying atmosphere energized the crowd and marked this contest as a standout moment for NXT on the evening.
“That was one hell of a match. I really think Wes Lee and Je’Von Evans could wrestle a 10-hour Iron Man match and make it exciting. This really woke up the crowd and got them excited. 13 minutes of raw electricity.” — David Miller, PWTorch Contributor
Additional Storylines Advance and Future Matches Announced
Following the main event, Oba Femi was seen observing Evans and Trick Williams from the balcony, hinting at a potential upcoming triple threat match involving these competitors. The NXT Focus segment featured Vic Joseph interviewing Myles Borne, who addressed accusations regarding his hearing loss made by Lexis King. Borne revealed the medical challenges he faced as a child, including persistent pulmonary hypertension and severe hearing impairment due to necessary ventilator use.
In related storyline developments, Ava, Ricky, and Robert Stone provided updates on recovery from injuries, while Lexis King was placed in a match against Borne for the following week as tensions between the characters continue to build. These backstage segments added emotional depth and continuity to the weekly programming.
Other matches announced for next week’s card include Blake Monroe versus Kelani Jordan, Sol Ruca defending the North American title against Tatum Paxley, and Chase U contesting the NXT Tag Team titles, maintaining momentum across the brand.
North American Title Match Sees Ethan Page Retain Against Santino Marella
In the penultimate match, Ethan Page defended his NXT North American Championship against returning WWE veteran Santino Marella. Marella showed flashes of brilliance, employing technical moves and high-impact maneuvers. The bout featured dramatic moments, including a sunset flip and a stunner, while the crowd’s chants supported Marella’s spirited effort.
Despite Marella’s impressive offense, Page retained his title by exploiting the referee’s distraction and using his Twisted Grin finisher. Marella’s return was notable for the energy and skill he demonstrated despite the loss, adding excitement and experience to the show’s roster.
“No big surprise here. Marella showed some flashes of brilliance, but had about as much of a chance at winning the title as I would have at getting a date with Stephanie Vaquer.” — David Miller, PWTorch Contributor
Character Moments and Backstage Drama Round Out the Broadcast
The evening included character-focused vignettes, including Blake Monroe’s confrontation with Booker T and a heated exchange involving Lola Vice and Jaida Parker, which escalated to a brawl involving multiple women, highlighting the competitive tension within the NXT women’s division. Tatum Paxley expressed her desire for a North American title opportunity, linking with Shawn Spear and Niko Vance, while Luca Crusifino ominously noted that “no family lasts forever.”
Elsewhere, an intriguing mysterious segment featured Tony D’Angelo at a restaurant, where the atmosphere shifted dramatically after a subtle but unsettling interaction, ending the scene on a suspenseful note and leaving viewers eager for further developments.
Significance of the Episode and Anticipated Future Directions
This broadcast of NXT offered a mixture of solemn respect, exciting in-ring competition, storyline progression, and character building. The Wes Lee vs Je’Von Evans match anchored the night with high energy and skillful wrestling, reinvigorating the crowd and showcasing both men’s rising potential within WWE’s developmental brand.
The tribute to Hulk Hogan underscored the event’s broader respect for wrestling history, providing emotional weight to the proceedings. Expect the storylines around Evans, Lee, Trick Williams, and Oba Femi to intensify, likely culminating in further multi-person matches in the near future.
As the NXT roster continues to evolve with fresh rivalries and character arcs, the brand is poised to deliver compelling narratives and memorable in-ring performances, keeping fans invested and anticipating what comes next.
