By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
NXT TV
Orlando, Florida at the WWE Performance Center
Aired live March 25, 2025 on The CW Network
[Hour One] NXT opened with a video package touting Stephanie Vaquer defending the NXT Women’s Championship and the NXT Women’s North American Championship in the same night against Jaida Parker and Fallon Henley, respectively…
Vic Joseph checked in on commentary and narrated arrival shots of Stephanie Vaquer, Jaida Parker, the Fatal Influence trio, and Je’Von Evans. Joseph was joined on commentary by Corey Graves and Booker T. Entrances for the opening match took place…
1. Stephanie Vaquer vs. Jaida Parker for the NXT Women’s Championship. Ring announcer Mike Rome delivered in-ring introductions for the title match. NXT general manager Ava and a group of female wrestlers were shown watching the match on a backstage television.
Vaquer rolled Parker into an early pin for a near fall. Vaquer whipped Parker into a corner and followed her, but Parker used the ropes to push herself and then landed on the back of Vaquer heading into a picture-in-picture commercial break. [C]
There was a clunky spot coming out of the break where Parker powered up Vaquer. It looked like Vaquer was supposed to break free and land on her feet, but she stumbled. Vaquer went for a pin, but Parker reversed it, and the referee made a two count even though one of Vaquer’s shoulders was off the mat.
A short time later, Vaquer hit a 619 and then used her legs to drive Parker’s head on the mat several times. Parker rallied and took offensive control.
Jordynne Grace appeared on the apron and distracted Parker. Vaquer threw a kick at Parker, who blocked it. Parker ran the ropes and then Vaquer rolled her into a pin and got the three count.
Stephanie Vaquer defeated Jaida Parker in 9:25 to retain the NXT Women’s Championship.
After the match, Parker went after Grace at ringside, but a bunch of security guards stood between them. In the ring, Vaquer celebrated her win until “Fatal Influence” members Fallon Henley, Jacy Jayne, and Jazmyn Nyx attacked her and left her lying…
Powell’s POV: I expected more from Vaquer vs. Parker. It wasn’t awful, but it was underwhelming, and that finish was a groaner. On a side note, I am filling in for John Moore tonight. I could be mistaken, but I think John just needed a break from Booker T yelling “Oh yeah, man!” and “Here we go!” 700 times per episode.
Backstage, Trick Williams and Je’Von Evans had words. Williams said he was focused on Stand & Deliver and Oba Femi. Evans mentioned that he dropped Femi last week. Williams said Evans only dropped Femi because Femi was focused on him. Evans told him to keep doubting him. Williams said not everyone can hold the title in their hands. Evans mentioned Williams changing into something else. Williams said it’s a championship thing that Evans wouldn’t understand. Evans told him that he will after tonight…
Joseph hyped Stephanie’s Places premiering on ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu. Footage aired of CM Punk’s appearance on tomorrow’s premiere episode… Joseph also hyped his sit-down interview with Ricky Saints… [C]
Joseph hyped Saturday’s NASCAR race coverage on The CW…
Backstage at the viewing party, Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson asked Ava why Gigi Dolin and Tatum Paxley are getting a shot at the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Titles on Thursday’s Impact. Dolin and Paxley argued with Legend and Jackson…
Vic Joseph’s sit-down interview with Ricky Saints aired. The interview was conducted in front of the ring in the empty studio. Saints spoke about how he slept in his car at times during his independent career.
NXT North American Champion Shawn Spears showed and told Joseph that he would take it from here. Spears told Saints to relax and then took Joseph’s seat. Spears said he’s known Saints for a long time. Saints said it’s been too long. Spears asked Saints why he didn’t invite him to join The Culling. Saints said it’s because he would have said no.
Spears said the real reason is Saints’ arrogance that has plagued him wherever he goes. Spears boasted that he’s a champion and called his crew his family. Saints said the other members of The Culling are the reason Spears is the champion, and he said he would be the person who will take the title from Spears.
Culling members Brooks Jensen, Niko Vance, and Izzi Dame showed up and stood behind Spears, who told Saints it would be a bad idea to join his list of enemies. Spears also acted like the was going to tell Saints that he could always go back if things don’t work out in NXT, but then he said that Saints burned every bridge. Saints told Spears he better win the title then…
Wes Lee, Tyson Dupont, and Tyriek Igwe were shown watching a backstage television while Andre Chase, Uriah Connors, Kale Dixon, and Ethan Page sat behind them. Lee said Saints will realize he’s not the man in NXT. After Lee and his crew left, Page had words with Connors and Dixon, which led to Chase defending the duo. Chase said he had to handle something and then invited the giddy Connors and Dixon to join him…
Hank Walker and Tank Ledger were fired up when they came across “Motor City Machine Guns” Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, who told them that they had this. Hank and Tank made their entrance… [C[
2. Tyson Dupont and Tyriek Igwe (w/Wes Lee) vs. Hank Walker and Tank Ledger. The match was joined in progress. Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin were shown watching the match on a backstage television. Hank and Tank cleared their opponents from the ring. Tank held the ropes open while Hank performed a suicide dive on Dupont and Igwe.
Back in the ring, Lee provided a temporary distraction on the apron that led to his team taking offensive control. Later, Tank took a hot tag and had a nice offensive burst. Hank tagged in again and the duo set up for their finisher, but Lee distracted the official while illegal man Dupont broke it up. Dupont tagged in moments later and joined Igwe in performing a double team move on Hank that led to the pin…
Tyson Dupont and Tyriek Igwe defeated Hank Walker and Tank Ledger.
Powell’s POV: The match was fine for a developmental tag team match. I just wish NXT saved their distraction or interference finishes for when they are truly necessary, which clearly wasn’t the case here.
Backstage, Stephanie Vaquer was in the trainer’s room with ice on her hip. Ava asked her if she was sure that she could go through with the second match. Vaquer insisted that she would and left the room. Ava asked the trainer whether hew as sure that Vaquer could go and he mentioned something about as much as she could tolerate…
Je’Von Evans made his entrance… [C]
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviewed NXT Tag Team Champions Axiom and Nathan Frazer. Axiom spoke about challenging Gunther in Spain. Frazer was upset that he wasn’t invited. Axiom said it was supposed to be a surprise and everyone knows Frazer has a big mouth. The teammates continued to bicker…
Lexis King made his entrance…
3. Lexis King vs. Je’Von Evans for the NXT Heritage Cup. Joseph announced Andre Chase vs. Ethan Page for later in the show. Evans dropkicked King a few minutes into the match. King rolled to the floor and then King hit him with a suicide dive and landed on top of the broadcast table, just as Hank Walker did in the previous match. [C]
[Hour Two] Evans hit a nice spinning kick that sent King to ringside. Evans performed a dive over the ropes onto King at ringside. Evans threw King back inside the ring. The referee aggressively checked on King in an over the top fashion.
NXT Champion Oba Femi appeared at ringside and then powerbombed Evans on the apron. The referee turned around and counted while Evans was down. Oba counted along with the referee as Evans tried and failed to beat the ten count.
Lexis King beat Je’Von Evans via count-out in 10:40 to retain the NXT Heritage Cup.
After the match, the “Darkstate” music and lighting played. Dion Lennox, Saquon Shugars, Cutler James, and Osiris Griffin appeared in various spots in the crowd. Evans threw punches at Femi, who shut him down and set up for a powerbomb, but Evans slipped away.
Trick Williams entered the ring and tried to hit a Trick Shot knee strike on Femi, who moved, causing Williams to hit the move on Evans, who tumbled out of the ring. A group of security guards entered the ring to keep Femi and Williams apart while the Darkstate wrestlers were still in the crowd… [C]
Powell’s POV: A good match with a nice post match angle. More than anything, I’m happy NXT creative didn’t follow the lead of the main roster crew by giving us yet another pull apart brawl. That said, the finish of this match make me feel even more strongly about wasting a cheap finish on the tag team match. We’ve had three matches tonight and they’ve all had a distraction or outside interference. If they knew they were going to do that for two title matches, then I don’t think it’s asking too much of the creative team to bite the bullet and just have Tyson and Tyriek beat Hank and Tank clean.
Gigi Dolin and Tatum Paxley made their entrance while Joseph hyped their Knockouts Tag Team Title match against Ash and Heather By Elegance for Thursday’s TNA Impact television show. Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson made their entrance…
4. Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson vs. Gigi Dolin and Tatum Paxley. The bell rang and then Sol Ruca and Zaria walked to ringside. Legend jawed at the duo, which led to Ruca waving at her from the floor. Legend jawed at the duo again before tagging out briefly.
A short time later, Dolin took a hot tag. Legend and Jackson accidentally struck one another. She stumbled on the top rope before diving at Legend and Jackson. Joseph acknowledged the slip. Dolin and Paxley hit double running headbutts on Jackson. They followed up with their Cemetery Drive finisher and then Paxley pinned Jackson…
Gigi Dolin and Tatum Paxley beat Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson in 3:55.
Powell’s POV: Hey, they avoided having the duo at ringside play a significant part in the finish. Dolin and Paxley winning was logical given that they have the title match on Impact this week. Plus, they can always have Legend and Jackson get their win back at some point.
Tony D’Angelo sat in his restaurant while two random guys stood behind him and told him that the streets are talking. D’Angelo said he knows. Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo, Luca Crusifino, and Adriana Rizzo joined D’Angelo, who told them that he wants intel on the Darkstate faction members.
D’Angelo had Stacks stick around while the others made their exit. D’Angelo asked Stacks if he was good. Stacks said everything was good aside from Darkstate. D’Angelo said Stacks is underboss for a reason. DeAngelo spoke about how they grew up together and then recalled a story about saving Stacks back in those days.
D’Angelo asked Stacks if he can always trust him. Stacks stood up and put his hand on D’Angelo’s shoulder. “You can trust me, T, always,” Stacks said before leaving the room…
As Ethan Page was making his entrance, Ricky Saints came out and walked past him. Page was annoyed… [C]
Backstage, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin gave Hank Walker and Tank Ledger a pep talk about trusting each other and understanding that there are levels. Shelley and Sabin sang their praises and told them not to give up. Hank and Tank were receptive…
Andre Chase made his entrance with Uriah Connors and Kale Dixon…
5. Ethan Page vs. Andre Chase (Uriah Connors, Kale Dixon). Ricky Saints sat in on commentary for the match. Joseph apologized for Spears attacking Saints during their sit-down interview. “Just another Canadian that hates me,” Saints said of Page.
Page charged Chase, who held the top rope down, causing Page to tumble to the floor. Page barked at Connors and Dixon. Chase superkicked Page from the apron. Chase dove from the apron and clotheslined Page. Chase celebrated with Connors and Dixon going into a PIP break. [C]
Chase started to throw the Chase U kicks at Page, who grabbed his foot. Chase put Page down with a uranage slam for a near fall. Joseph spoke about Saints challenging Spears for the NXT North American Championship on next week’s show.
Later, Chase hit a neckbreaker on the apron. Joseph said it was a rude awakening for Page (I see what you did there, Vic, you smooth operator). Chase hit a DDT for a near fall. Page battled back and powerslammed Chase from the middle rope, but he only got a two count. Page stood up and hit his Twisted Grin finisher and then scored the pin.
Ethan Page defeated Andre Chase in 10:00.
After the match, Page stood in the ring and taunted Saints, who stood up and approached Page. Shawn Spears showed up and hit Saints with the NXT North American Championship belt. Brooks Jensen, Niko Vance, and Izzi Dame came out and stood next to Spears…
Powell’s POV: The expected quality match from the two veterans. I just hope the creative team can make me care about Connors and Dixon, who just come off like overzealous Chase fanboys. I’m surprised they’re going with Spears vs. Saints on next week’s show rather than saving it for Stand & Deliver, but I suppose next week’s match will set the table for a rematch on the WrestleMania weekend show.
A social media video of the Darkstate faction talking about how no one is safe…
Joseph gave another plug for Stephanie’s Place and then another clip of CM Punk’s appearance was shown…
Backstage shots aired of Stephanie Vaquer and the Fatal Influence faction… [C]
Trick Williams was asked by someone off-camera about Je’Von Evans. Williams said Evans was collateral damage. Williams said forget that. He said Evans is a distraction, just as Eddy Thorpe is a distraction. Williams said Oba Femi knows where to find him next week. Williams was asked about the Darkstate faction. Williams said it’s not his business…
Powell’s POV: It sure seems like Darkstate is Trick’s business, though I suppose there’s at least a chance that we’re in for a swerve.
Joseph hyped Shawn Spears vs. Ricky Saints for the NXT North American Championship for next week’s show…
Fatal Influence made their entrance for the main event. Stephanie Vaquer limped to the ring while making her entrance…
6. Stephanie Vaquer vs. Fallon Henley (w/Jacy Jayne, Jazmyn Nyx) for the NXT Women’s North American Championship. Mike Rome delivered in-ring introductions for the championship match. Henley went right at Vaquer and suplexed her before covering her for just a one count. Joseph mentioned that Giulia has yet to appear since Vaquer beat her for the NXT Women’s Championship. Henley was in offensive control and posed with Jayne and Nyx heading into a break. [C]
Vaquer superplexed Henley. Both wrestlers traded strikes once they stood up. Vaquer hit Eat Defeat and then worked over Henley in a corner of the ring until she had her seated on the mat. Vaquer hit double knees in the corner and then got Henley in the middle of the ring. Henley rolled Vaquer into a pin for a two count.
Henley tossed Vaquer to ringside a short time later. Vaquer took out Jayne with a kick, but Nyx took a cheap shot at Vaquer while the referee was tied up with Henley. Back in the ring, Henley got a near fall. Vaquer avoided a charging Henley in the corner. Vaquer set up for a move, but she gave it up to go after Nyx, who was on the apron. Vaquer shoved Henley into Nyx to knock her off the apron. Vaquer hit her SVB finisher and got the three count.
Stephanie Vaquer defeated Fallon Henley in 10:15 to retain the NXT Women’s North American Championship.
After the match, Jayne and Nyx joined Henley in attacking Vaquer. Jordynne Grace came out and cleared the Fatal Influence trio from the ring. Grace picked up the title belts and handed the North American belt back to Vaquer. When Vaquer went for the NXT Championship, Grace didn’t let it go for a few seconds. Vaquer yelled at Grace.
Jaida Parker ran out and hit Grace from behind, causing Grace to knock Vaquer over. Grace cleared Parker from the ring. Vaquer and Grace jawed at one another.
Backstage, Ava was with the female wrestler viewing party. Lola Vice stepped up and said she wants Vaquer next. Kelani Jordan stepped up and made her ace. Numerous women stood up and spoke about wanting to face Vaquer. The cameras cut back to the ring where Vaquer and Grace were still jawing, and Parker was shown watching while sitting on the floor in front of the broadcast table…
Powell’s POV: Vaquer putting both titles on the line was a nice hook going into the show. It lost some luster early when the first match ended with the weak distraction finish. Fortunately, Vaquer closed the night on a high note with a quality match with Henley and a good post match angle with Grace. But what’s up with the long wait for NXT Stand & Deliver match announcements? I will be back with our weekly same night audio review for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons). Let me know what you thought of NXT by grading the show below.
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