This week’s WWE NXT episode featured a surprising turn involving Je’Von Evans, TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater, and The Culling, which includes Shawn Spears, Niko Vance, Izzi Dame, and Tatum Paxley. Lyra Valkyria appeared as well, encountering her former ally Paxley and gifting her a doll during their exchange. The WWE NXT Fatal Influence botch moment took center stage, drawing notable attention.
Valkyria recently took part in WWE NXT: Homecoming, substituting for WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton during the show’s main event. Alongside Rhea Ripley and current WWE Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer, she helped defeat Fatal Influence — the trio of Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Jazmyn Nyx. Valkyria is set to return to the ring on the October 6th episode of RAW to face Roxanne Perez.
Fallon Henley and Fatal Influence Drama Deepens
Following Fallon Henley’s defeat to Lola Vice on WWE NXT, a backstage scene unfolded between Henley and NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne, wherein Jayne expressed regret for placing Henley in Vice’s path. Lainey Reid then made a significant revelation, pledging her loyalty to Fatal Influence and confessing she was the hooded assailant who attacked Vice with a knee during Jayne’s title defense at No Mercy.
Reid also stated that Jazmyn Nyx was no longer part of Fatal Influence, admitting she had attacked Nyx. Notably, Nyx has been written off television after opting not to renew her WWE contract.
Matt Cardona’s Surprise Appearance Affects NXT Competition
Matt Cardona, formerly known as Zack Ryder, unexpectedly influenced a match between Myles Borne and Josh Briggs. As Briggs attempted to use a chain, Cardona interfered, distracting him just long enough for Borne to connect with his finisher “Borne Again,” securing the victory. This win earned Borne a spot on Team NXT for the upcoming Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match during WWE NXT vs. TNA Showdown.
Matt Cardona with the save?!? 😱@mylesborne_wwe gets the win to earn his spot on Team NXT!!!@TheMattCardona pic.twitter.com/5PXQHX38EE
— WWE (@WWE) October 1, 2025
Backstage Confusion Sparks Over Wrestler Allegiances
A backstage segment featuring Kelani Jordan and Jordynne Grace led to some name confusion. Grace mistakenly referred to Hendry as “Joe Henry” during the interaction. When confronted by fans online, Grace responded with humor about the ongoing mispronunciation.
The fact that I’ve been saying his name wrong for years and no one corrected me says more about y’all than about me 😭
— Jordynne Grace, WWE Wrestler
Ongoing Rivalries and Storyline Shifts in NXT
These latest interactions, including Valkyria’s surprising gift to Tatum Paxley and Reid’s confession to internal Fatal Influence conflicts, emphasize ongoing tensions within NXT’s women’s division. Jessy Jayne’s apology to Henley reflects the complex relationships forming around title contention and alliances.
Meanwhile, the departure of Jazmyn Nyx following contract decisions leaves a gap within the faction, reshaping Fatal Influence’s narrative and impacting future storylines.
Upcoming Matches and Implications for WWE NXT Events
Valkyria’s scheduled RAW match against Roxanne Perez on October 6th is anticipated, while Myles Borne’s qualification for Team NXT sets up important stakes for the Survivor Series Elimination Match. The integration of external talent such as Matt Cardona into NXT matches continues to add depth and unpredictability to the brand.
Significance of the WWE NXT Fatal Influence Controversy
The WWE NXT Fatal Influence botch and subsequent revelations notably affect faction dynamics and character trajectories within NXT. Such moments, involving surprising loyalty flips and backstage drama, play a crucial role in shaping upcoming events and fan engagement.
With departures, unexpected returns, and shifting alliances, the evolving landscape promises to impact storylines leading into major cross-promotional events like the WWE NXT vs. TNA Showdown and subsequent RAW programs.
Matt Cardona with the save?!? 😱@mylesborne_wwe gets the win to earn his spot on Team NXT!!!@TheMattCardona pic.twitter.com/5PXQHX38EE
— WWE (@WWE) October 1, 2025
Is this the right move?@kelani_wwe and @Santana_Proud aren't sure where @JordynneGrace and @joehendry's allegiances lie… pic.twitter.com/uylIL6CfUU
— WWE (@WWE) October 1, 2025
The fact that I’ve been saying his name wrong for years and no one corrected me says more about y’all than about me 😭 https://t.co/T9bFMISsZ7
— Jordynne Grace (@JordynneGrace) October 1, 2025
