The energy in Houston was electric as WWE NXT delivered a stacked night of action, drama, and surprises. From a heated eight-person tag to a jaw-dropping NXT Championship main event, the yellow brand continues to push boundaries and build momentum heading into a new era.
Booker T Sets the Stage
Kicking off the evening with hometown pride, Booker T welcomed the roaring crowd at 713 Music Hall. He ran down the evening’s loaded card and made it clear: fans were in for a wild ride. And wild it was, from start to finish.
Eight-Person Mixed Tag Team Match Turns Chaotic
Winners: The Culling (Shawn Spears, Niko Vance, Izzi Dame & Tatum Paxley)
What started as a showcase of unity and determination quickly spiraled into controlled chaos. The newly assembled team of Hank Walker, Tank Ledger, Zaria, and Sol Ruca had the fans rallying behind them, but their cohesion wasn’t enough to hold back the sinister force of The Culling.
Just as momentum began to shift, the arena lights cut out unexpectedly. In that moment of darkness, something changed. When visibility returned, Tatum Paxley was seen pinning Zaria, scoring the win for her team. Many suspect the eerie interruption was orchestrated by the mysterious DarkState faction, who were spotted lurking in the crowd. Did they manipulate the outcome, or was Paxley’s cunning all her own?
Blake Monroe vs. Wren Sinclair
Winner: Blake Monroe
Wren Sinclair showed grit in this singles bout, but Blake Monroe came in laser-focused and with something to prove. Monroe’s offense was crisp and relentless, eventually wearing down Sinclair with a devastating running knee strike to seal the victory. Monroe continues to rise, and it’s clear NXT management is paying attention.
Ricky Saints vs. Jasper Troy
Winner: Ricky Saints
Jasper Troy brought his signature power game, but Ricky Saints showcased speed, technique, and sharp ring IQ. In what was arguably the sleeper match of the night, Saints managed to slip out of a fireman’s carry and counter into a sunset flip for the three-count. A quick win, but an impactful one.
Jacy Jayne Speaks with Gold in Both Hands
Still riding high after her shocking dual-championship triumph, Jacy Jayne, the reigning NXT Women’s Champion and TNA Knockouts World Champion, made her presence felt. With both titles on her shoulders, she addressed the NXT Universe with confidence and edge.
Jayne called herself the “undeniable face of women’s wrestling” and warned both locker rooms—NXT and TNA alike—that she’s not slowing down anytime soon. Who will step up to the double champ? Time will tell.
The Deadman Walks Again
One of the night’s most spine-chilling moments came when The Undertaker made a surprise appearance, confronting Trick Williams in the ring. The two exchanged words, and while the Deadman didn’t throw a punch, the message was crystal clear: Trick Williams is being watched by someone from beyond the shadows.
The NXT roster and fans alike were left stunned, unsure of what to make of The Phenom’s sudden arrival. Is Trick being warned… or summoned?
Main Event: NXT Championship Triple Threat Match
Oba Femi (c) vs. Josh Briggs vs. Yoshiki Inamura
Winner and Still Champion: Oba Femi
In a hard-hitting, physically brutal main event, Oba Femi proved once again why he’s a force of nature in NXT. Challenged by the rugged Josh Briggs and the explosive Yoshiki Inamura, the champion had to weather multiple near-falls and a thunderous lariat barrage.
But Oba wouldn’t be denied. After knocking Inamura off the apron with a monstrous shoulder tackle, he caught Briggs mid-charge with the Oba Bomb for the pinfall. Femi stood tall to close out the show, championship in hand and message sent: this is still his kingdom.
Final Thoughts
This week’s NXT delivered an intense mix of storytelling and in-ring quality. From shocking lights-out finishes to legends returning from the shadows, July 22 will be remembered as one of the most unpredictable nights in recent NXT history.
