The WWE NXT Homecoming event returned to Full Sail University in Orlando this week, reigniting excitement among fans with a mix of nostalgia and current star power. Ahead of NXT’s upcoming N Mercy pay-per-view on September 27, the event celebrated the brand’s history while showcasing the talent that drives its future.
Legends and Leaders Reunite to Celebrate NXT’s Legacy
The evening began with a tribute video honoring NXT’s early days at Full Sail during the 2010s, highlighting the growth and evolution of the brand. Following this, the classic NXT introduction played, featuring today’s leading wrestlers.
Triple H, WWE’s Chief Content Officer and the architect behind NXT, opened the show to a roaring ovation. He praised the unique environment of Full Sail University and emphasized the fans’ role in transforming NXT from a whisper to an undeniable force in wrestling.
“You are the ones who said NXT is the future, and that future is now,”
he declared, leading to chants of “NXT” from the crowd.
Shawn Michaels, the current NXT boss, joined Triple H in the ring, drawing equal admiration from the audience. Michaels acknowledged Triple H’s demanding responsibilities with Raw and SmackDown, while expressing confidence in the NXT roster steering the brand forward. Triple H responded by praising NXT as the best show on the CW, calling it a global sensation. After playful banter about a possible return, Michaels quipped the situation would become “a very, very big problem.”
William Regal, former NXT General Manager, made an appearance to further stir enthusiasm, hinting at the legendary WarGames format with a knowing smile, though it was clear the segment was for entertainment rather than a future storyline tease.
Women’s Tag Champions Highlight NXT’s Strong Female Division
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, recognized as the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, made a notable entrance for their match against The Culling, represented by Izzi Dame and Tatum Paxley. Their segment reinforced the prominence of women in NXT’s rise, with Flair emphasizing that regardless of management changes, the women’s division has been and remains the backbone of the brand’s success.
Flair namedicons such as the Four Horsewomen, including Asuka and Carmella, alongside Bliss and Paige, as pillars of this revolution. Bliss added a defiant note towards any detractors, sparking fans to chant “Suck it” in response. This exchange underscored NXT’s ongoing commitment to elevating its female wrestlers as central figures in the brand’s identity.
Match Highlights and Atmosphere at Full Sail
The Women’s Tag Team Championship match featured intense moments, with Bliss and Dame initially carrying dolls as props that hinted at their characters’ eccentricities. The competitors exchanged high-impact moves, including Bliss performing a crossbody block and headscissors, with Flair applying strategic attacks like chop blocks and neckbreakers. After a brief break, The Culling managed to isolate Flair, showcasing their teamwork and adding tension to the match’s narrative.
The event atmosphere was noted for its energy, augmented by the presence of WWE’s commentary team, Vic Joseph and Booker T. Vic referenced Full Sail’s long-standing history of hosting over 400 NXT episodes, placing the night’s show within a larger legacy. Booker T’s experience lent weight to the commentary as fans witnessed the blend of history and current competition unfold.
Backstage Moments and Promotions Fuel Anticipation
Backstage, Tatum Paxley shared a warm moment with Lyra Valkyria before their match, highlighting the camaraderie among NXT’s female talent. Meanwhile, a commercial promoted Wrestlepalooza, scheduled for September 20, signaling continued events that keep the momentum alive for NXT followers and the wider WWE fanbase.
Notably, the stage setup at Full Sail has changed from past iterations, with a ramp now connecting the entrance area to the ring. This reflects modifications due to space constraints, marking a subtle but significant update to the presentation style fans have come to expect.
Nostalgia Blends with Current Storylines in a Dynamically Charged Show
The NXT Homecoming event successfully combined the brand’s rich history with developments in its current roster, creating a show filled with anticipation and celebration. The presence of influential figures like Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and William Regal added gravitas and stirred excitement, while Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss’s commentary on the women’s division firmly positioned it as a cornerstone of NXT’s identity.
By reconnecting with its roots at Full Sail University and spotlighting the wrestlers who drive its present and future, NXT Homecoming reinforced the brand’s significance within WWE’s ecosystem. Fans can look forward to how this momentum carries into upcoming events such as N Mercy and Wrestlepalooza, where emerging storylines and athleticism will continue to define the brand.
