The WWE NXT Showdown event on October 7 will feature a high-stakes clash between NXT and TNA talent, with official teams now announced and a new title match added to the card. The event will include two Survivor Series-style elimination matches pitting NXT wrestlers against their TNA counterparts, alongside a North American Championship defense by Ethan Page against Mustafa Ali, marking Ali’s return to NXT after his 2023 release.
Team Captains and Qualifying Matches Establish Showdown Lineups
At Tuesday’s WWE NXT episode, the general managers named team captains who will lead their respective squads at the upcoming showdown. NXT General Manager Ava appointed Ricky Starks and Jacy Jayne as captains for the NXT men’s and women’s teams, respectively. In response, TNA Director of Authority Santino Marella chose Mike Santana and the newly crowned TNA Knockouts Champion Kelani Jordan to captain the TNA men’s and women’s squads.
Two qualifying matches determined additional members of NXT’s rosters: Myles Borne secured a win over Josh Briggs, and Lola Vice defeated Fallon Henley, earning spots on their respective teams.
Official Roster Announcements for NXT and TNA Squads
The final teams for the men’s and women’s Survivor Series matches were officially revealed during the show’s closing segment. Representing NXT’s men’s side are Ricky Starks, Myles Borne, Trick Williams, and Je’Von Evans. These competitors will face TNA’s Mike Santana, Frankie Kazarian, Moose, and Leon Slater.
On the women’s side, NXT’s team is comprised of Jacy Jayne, Lola Vice, Sol Ruca, and Jaida Parker. They will battle TNA’s Kelani Jordan, The IInspiration duo of Cassie Lee and Jessie McKay, along with Mara Sade, formerly known as Jakara Jackson.
“Here are the men’s teams for Showdown: TEAM @WWENXT: Ricky Saints, Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans and Myles Borne TEAM @ThisIsTNA: Mike Santana, Frankie Kazarian, Moose, and Leon Slater” — WWE
“TEAM @ThisIsTNA on the women’s side for Showdown: Kelani Jordan, Jessie McKay, Cassie Lee, and Mara Sadé” — WWE
“TEAM @WWENXT on the women’s side for Showdown: Jacy Jayne, Sol Ruca, Jaida Parker and Lola Vice” — WWE
Conflict Erupts as Showdown Approaches, Shawn Michaels Observes
The episode concluded with an intense interpromotional brawl breaking out between NXT and TNA wrestlers, escalating tensions ahead of the showdown. Shawn Michaels made a surprise appearance, smiling as he watched the onstage chaos unfold before the crowd.
“HISTORY WILL BE MADE. IT’S GOING TO BE A TNA vs. NXT SHOWDOWN!!!!” — WWE
Mustafa Ali Returns to NXT and Challenges Ethan Page for North American Title
A major highlight was Mustafa Ali’s first NXT appearance since his release in 2023. Ali confronted North American Champion Ethan Page, recounting how he had earned a title shot at NXT No Mercy 2023, only to be released nine days prior. Ali disclosed that he had discussed his return with General Manager Ava and publicly challenged Page for the North American Championship at the Showdown event. The segment escalated into a brief but intense brawl, concluding with Ali executing a dropkick on Page.
“NO. WAY. MUSTAFA ALI IS HERE! 😱 @MustafaAli_X @ThisIsTNA” — WWE
“Why wait?! Mustafa Ali and Ethan Page gave us a little preview of Showdown!!!” — WWE
Full Event Card for NXT vs. TNA Showdown on October 7
The October 7 event on CW will showcase multiple high-profile battles between NXT and TNA talent, as well as championship matches. The confirmed lineup includes:
- Men’s Survivor Series match: Team NXT (Ricky Starks, Trick Williams, Myles Borne, Je’Von Evans) versus Team TNA (Mike Santana, Frankie Kazarian, Moose, Leon Slater)
- Women’s Survivor Series match: Team NXT (Jacy Jayne, Sol Ruca, Jaida Parker, Lola Vice) against Team TNA (Kelani Jordan, The IInspiration, Mara Sade)
- Tag Team Championship unification: NXT Tag Team Champions Darkstate face TNA Tag Team Champions The Hardys
- North American Championship match: Ethan Page defends against Mustafa Ali
Implications for WWE NXT Showdown and Future Rivalries
This event marks a critical moment as WWE’s developmental brand NXT goes head-to-head with TNA in an intense interpromotional rivalry. The presence of former WWE talent like Mustafa Ali fuels anticipation and uncertainty about the outcomes. The Showdown not only tests the dominance of established champions but also offers opportunities for fresh storylines and potential title changes. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these rivalries evolve and what the fallout means for both organizations moving forward.
Here are the men's teams for Showdown:
TEAM @WWENXT:
Ricky Saints, Trick Williams, Je'Von Evans and Myles Borne
TEAM @ThisIsTNA:
Mike Santana, Frankie Kazarian, Moose, and Leon Slater pic.twitter.com/lLAwMfSEKH
— WWE (@WWE) October 1, 2025
TEAM @ThisIsTNA on the women's side for Showdown:
Kelani Jordan, Jessie McKay, Cassie Lee, and Mara Sadé pic.twitter.com/X7j8yp2Bvw
— WWE (@WWE) October 1, 2025
TEAM @WWENXT on the women's side for Showdown:
Jacy Jayne, Sol Ruca, Jaida Parker and Lola Vice pic.twitter.com/Akn1Gtw7Co
— WWE (@WWE) October 1, 2025
HISTORY WILL BE MADE.
IT'S GOING TO BE A TNA vs. NXT SHOWDOWN!!!! pic.twitter.com/Z5rYKCqCdE
— WWE (@WWE) October 1, 2025
NO. WAY.
MUSTAFA ALI IS HERE! 😱@MustafaAli_X @ThisIsTNA pic.twitter.com/fqE5ioFiUA
— WWE (@WWE) October 1, 2025
Why wait?!
Mustafa Ali and Ethan Page gave us a little preview of Showdown!!! pic.twitter.com/gfB0J1xuqj
— WWE (@WWE) October 1, 2025
