On a night packed with emotion, surprises, and championship-caliber showdowns, WWE’s NXT Battleground 2025 didn’t just meet expectations, it blew them away.
Broadcast live on Peacock from the electric atmosphere of the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, the May 25th event brought fans to their feet with major moments and a monumental title change that will echo across both NXT and TNA.
Let’s talk about the biggest story first: Trick Williams is your new TNA World Heavyweight Champion. That’s not a typo. In a cross-promotional battle that had fans buzzing since it was announced, Trick overcame Joe Hendry in a clash of charisma, power, and sheer will. Hendry, who’s been a dominant force as TNA’s top champion, looked like he had it in the bag after landing the Standing Ovation. But Trick showed heart—and strategy. A last-minute surge, capped off with a devastating Book End through the announce table, paved the way for a Trickshot that sealed the deal. One, two, three. New champ.
And yes—TNA’s top prize now lives in NXT.
Oba Femi Holds the Throne
In the main event, Oba Femi proved once again why he is The Ruler. Facing an inspired Myles Borne, the champ had to dig deeper than usual. Borne was fast, clever, and fearless, landing a flurry of aerial attacks that almost tipped the scales. But Oba weathered the storm, countering a late flurry with back-to-back Falls From Grace to retain the NXT Championship. After the match, a nod of respect showed that while Borne lost the bout, he may have just leveled up.
Vaquer Survives Grace—For Now
The NXT Women’s Championship match was a war. Stephanie Vaquer, already regarded as one of NXT’s finest, had her hands full with Jordynne Grace, whose TNA roots gave her a different kind of power game. The match was stiff, technical, and packed with momentum swings, but in the end, Vaquer landed a dazzling Spiral Tap to secure the win. Post-match, she found herself face to face with Dalys and Chik Tormenta, and the tension suggests her problems are just beginning.
North American Gold Stays with Sol
Sol Ruca and Kelani Jordan may have stolen the show. Their clash for the NXT Women’s North American Championship was a highlight reel waiting to happen. Counters, aerials, near-falls, it was all there. The final sequence was insane: Jordan nailed an Avalanche Frankensteiner, only for Sol to land on her feet and come back with a Sol Snatcher from halfway across the ring. That’s the kind of moment you don’t forget. Ruca retains, but both walk away as stars.
Other Highlights from the Night:
- Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo defeated Tony D’Angelo in a brutal personal battle that blurred the line between family and foe. A low-blow and Sick Kick sealed the deal after interference and emotional hesitation from the Don.
- Josh Briggs, Hank Walker, and Tank Ledger scored a feel-good win over The Culling. The post-match beatdown was thwarted by the surprise appearance of Yoshiki Inamura, who came in swinging chairs and got a huge pop from the crowd.
- Ethan Page and Ricky Saints couldn’t wait until Tuesday. Page blindsided Saints mid-promo, escalating their feud heading into their Tuesday title clash. Expect fireworks.
Final Thoughts:
NXT Battleground 2025 wasn’t just another event, it felt like a turning point. With a TNA title changing hands, interpromotional drama brewing, and rising stars like Sol Ruca and Myles Borne delivering breakout performances, NXT continues to carve its own identity in the larger WWE ecosystem.
One thing’s for sure: Trick Williams holding TNA gold is going to change the landscape, and everybody from NXT to TNA, is officially on notice.
Let the fallout begin.
