During tonight’s WWE NXT event at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, NXT GM Ava revealed plans for the future of the WWE NXT Championship, setting up a high-stakes six-man ladder match. The show featured intense matches including Joe Hendry versus Dion Lennox in a No Disqualification bout, Jasper Troy’s defense of the NXT Men’s Speed Championship against Tavion Heights, and a tough fight between Lola Vice and Kelani Jordan. Izzi Dame also took center stage to discuss her recent win of the Women’s North American Championship.
This event served as a critical moment to showcase fresh rivalries and introduce a formidable new presence that could reshape the NXT men’s division and championship hierarchy.
Setting the Stage for the Next NXT Champion
The show began with NXT GM Ava standing in the ring amidst the entire NXT locker room, highlighting the openness of the men’s division and the uncertain future of the NXT Championship. Ricky Saints made his entrance, immediately demanding recognition as the top contender and declaring himself the present force to beat, dismissing others as future champions. Despite his bold claims, Ava emphasized the competitiveness of everyone present, announcing the upcoming six-man ladder match that would determine the new champion. The championship belt was then suspended above the ring, signaling the stakes.
The atmosphere quickly intensified when Keanu Carver, the latest addition from the Evolve roster, appeared suddenly and demolished everyone in sight, instantly establishing himself as a dominant force in NXT. His overwhelming display left Saints visibly shaken, suggesting Carver may drastically alter the division’s dynamics moving forward.
MESSAGE. SENT. With the entire locker room setting their sights on the NXT Championship, it’s new signee Keanu Carver who stands tall!! ?@KeanuCarverWWE pic.twitter.com/5ESFDEYmGH
Lola Vice and Kelani Jordan Deliver a Fierce Battle
The women’s division heated up as Kelani Jordan ambushed Lola Vice even before the match officially began. Jordan dominated early, launching an aggressive offense and landing a high-flying move off the top rope. However, the match took a turn when Jordan attempted an illegal roll-up using the ropes, only to be caught by the referee. As Jordan argued the call, Vice capitalized with a decisive Uraken strike, securing the victory.
Despite interference and fierce exchanges, Lola Vice emerged victorious, signaling her intent to challenge for higher honors in the women’s division.
“I’m coming after that title!”Consider yourself warned, @izzi_wwe! ?@lolavicewwe pic.twitter.com/KacfYFnXZB
Jasper Troy Retains the NXT Men’s Speed Championship
In a high-energy contest, Tavion Heights pressured reigning champion Jasper Troy relentlessly. Despite being outmatched at times, Troy utilized his signature Blackhole Slam to retain his title. The match stood out as one of the better displays in the often brief and chaotic Speed Championship bouts.
Following the match, Lexis King launched a surprise attack on Tavion Heights, hinting at further developments in their rivalry.
ZaRuca vs. WrenQCC vs. Fatal Influence.The winner will earn a shot at the @ThisIsTNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship! ? pic.twitter.com/ZBODDTbasJ
Return of Glamour Sparks Intense Rivalry
Blake Monroe addressed last week’s events, insisting she never lost control but rather lost patience during her confrontation with Thea Hail. Monroe’s speech was interrupted when Jaida Parker appeared. After a brief exchange, Parker attacked Monroe, executing a devastating tear drop hip attack and later a signature move called Hypnotiq that sent Monroe flying off the apron. This brawl left the crowd excited over the growing hostility between the two competitors.
Channing ‘Stacks’ Lorenzo Holds Onto TNA International Title
Shiloh Hill pressed aggressively in his match against TNA International Champion Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo. Even with Hill’s spirited efforts, Stacks managed to secure the win through a roll-up assisted by ringside interference from Grace. Stacks retained the championship, though Hill’s energy suggested he remains a threat in the division.
“This was calculation, timing and simply outsmarting everyone else.”This was all part of the plan for @izzi_wwe… ? pic.twitter.com/8vnTjy2PiT
Joe Hendry Triumphs in Violent No Disqualification Fight
The No Disqualification match between Joe Hendry and Dion Lennox was marked by chaos, with factions OTM supporting Hendry and DarkState backing Lennox. The competitors exchanged brutal moves, including a chair-assisted spinebuster from Hendry and a spear through a table from Lennox. The turning point came when Tony D’Angelo unexpectedly intervened, striking Lennox with a chair and then delivering spinebusters to both wrestlers before the referee counted Hendry’s pinfall victory.
Following the match, D’Angelo violently clashed with security summoned by GM Ava, further escalating tensions backstage.
Tatum has lost it! ?Trying to get to @izzi_wwe, @TatumPaxley dropped an official!! pic.twitter.com/2QqR2FOLsr
Ongoing Evolution and Uncertainty in NXT’s Competitive Landscape
Tonight’s event underlined how WWE NXT is navigating a period of transformation with emerging talents like Keanu Carver and escalating rivalries across divisions. The introduction of a crucial six-man ladder match for the NXT Championship elevates suspense, while confrontations in the women’s division and ongoing title defenses add depth to the season’s storytelling. Fans will be closely watching these storylines unfold, especially with the prominence of new signings and shifting alliances.
As the divisions continue to develop new stars and reshape existing hierarchies, the upcoming events promise further intensity and drama in the chase for championship gold.
No qualifying match needed…Ricky Saints has a spot in the NXT Championship Ladder Match on February 3rd! ?@starkmanjones pic.twitter.com/Z4MoQYYbbG
2026 is already off to a chaotic start… ?The Vanity Project AND @KeanuCarverWWE are ready to take over! pic.twitter.com/518xf19zrv
MESSAGE. SENT.
With the entire locker room setting their sights on the NXT Championship, it's new signee Keanu Carver who stands tall!! 😱@KeanuCarverWWE pic.twitter.com/5ESFDEYmGH
— WWE (@WWE) January 14, 2026
"I'm coming after that title!"
Consider yourself warned, @izzi_wwe! 😤@lolavicewwe pic.twitter.com/KacfYFnXZB
— WWE (@WWE) January 14, 2026
ZaRuca vs. WrenQCC vs. Fatal Influence.
The winner will earn a shot at the @ThisIsTNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship! 👀 pic.twitter.com/ZBODDTbasJ
— WWE (@WWE) January 14, 2026
Are you ready for this, @OfficialEGO?!
The North American Champion will defend his title against the debuting @ElioLeFleurWWE NEXT WEEK! 😲 pic.twitter.com/JSFLMi0X4f
— WWE (@WWE) January 14, 2026
A new sensation is headed to NXT… 🦅
Get to know @ElioLeFleurWWE! pic.twitter.com/oVYpkikBqG
— WWE (@WWE) January 14, 2026
"This was calculation, timing and simply outsmarting everyone else."
This was all part of the plan for @izzi_wwe… 👀 pic.twitter.com/8vnTjy2PiT
— WWE (@WWE) January 14, 2026
Tatum has lost it! 😱
Trying to get to @izzi_wwe, @TatumPaxley dropped an official!! pic.twitter.com/2QqR2FOLsr
— WWE (@WWE) January 14, 2026
No qualifying match needed…
Ricky Saints has a spot in the NXT Championship Ladder Match on February 3rd! 👊@starkmanjones pic.twitter.com/Z4MoQYYbbG
— WWE (@WWE) January 14, 2026
2026 is already off to a chaotic start… 😅
The Vanity Project AND @KeanuCarverWWE are ready to take over! pic.twitter.com/518xf19zrv
— WWE (@WWE) January 14, 2026
