WWE’s NXT: Homecoming special on September 16, 2025, delivered a nostalgic yet fresh experience for fans by merging the brand’s storied past with its vibrant present roster. The event was highlighted by the unexpected mention of an AEW wrestler on NXT programming, appearances by top WWE stars including Triple H (HHH), Shawn Michaels (HBK), Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, Candice LeRae, and Shayna Baszler, and the return of the iconic old-school NXT theme song, a move warmly embraced by the WWE Universe.

The NXT: Homecoming event took place live at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida, airing on The CW in the United States and via Netflix internationally[1][3]. The show featured a blend of high-stakes matches and memorable moments that paid tribute to NXT’s evolution since its inception.

AEW Mention Raises Eyebrows on WWE NXT

One of the most surprising elements of NXT: Homecoming was the subtle nod to an AEW talent during the broadcast. According to sources close to WWE and confirmed by Fightful’s insider reports, this marked a rare on-air acknowledgment of AEW by WWE, highlighting the changing dynamics in the pro wrestling world and perhaps signaling greater mutual recognition between the promotions. While WWE traditionally avoids referencing rival companies, this mention was part of a storyline device, possibly to enhance realism or intrigue in ongoing narratives.

Iconic WWE Legends Make Special Appearances

NXT: Homecoming served as a platform for WWE legends who have played crucial roles in the brand’s rise. Triple H (HHH) and Shawn Michaels (HBK), two architects of NXT’s growth during its early years, made impactful appearances during the show. Their involvement was both a tribute to legacy and an affirmation of WWE’s commitment to honoring its developmental brand’s roots.

Additionally, current WWE main roster stars Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair appeared at the event, further boosting the show’s prestige. The presence of these established stars, alongside notable NXT talents like Candice LeRae and Shayna Baszler, underscored WWE’s strategy of cross-brand collaboration to elevate NXT storylines[1][4].

Classic NXT Theme Song Returns Amid Video Package Tribute

The auditory highlight of NXT: Homecoming was the revival of the original NXT theme song, blending the classic and modern sounds in a new arrangement. This musical nod invoked deep nostalgia for longtime fans while introducing newer viewers to the brand’s rich history. The theme was featured prominently in the video package that aired during the show, which beautifully showcased a mix of past and present NXT stars—including Je’Von Evans, Fatal Influence (Jazmyn Nyx, Fallon Henley, Jacy Jayne), Ricky Saints, Lola Vice, and Oba Femi—emphasizing the brand’s ongoing evolution[1].

According to WWE.com and corroborated by footage released in the official NXT Homecoming hype package, the fusion of the classic anthem and visuals connected the era of NXT’s early days with the present day in a compelling audiovisual experience that delighted fans across generations[4][5].

Key Matches and Moments from NXT: Homecoming

The event delivered memorable in-ring action, including:

• Rhea Ripley, Stephanie Vaquer & Lyra Valkyria vs. The Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley & Jazmyn Nyx): A high-energy six-woman tag team bout that highlighted NXT’s dynamic women’s division.

• #DIY (Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano) vs. Trick Melo Gang (Trick Williams & Carmelo Hayes): A match blending NXT’s historic tag teams with fresh stars, demonstrating the seamless transition between generations.

• NXT North American Championship Match Featuring Tyler Breeze: Marked a key title defense adding prestige to the championship scene.

• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship vs. The Culling (Izzi Dame & Tatum Paxley): An intriguing match that showcased rising tag talents pushing the boundaries of the women’s tag division[1].

Behind-The-Scenes Insights and Fan Reactions

According to a WWE insider interviewed by Wrestling Headlines, the decision to bring back the original NXT theme and feature legends like HHH and HBK arose from a conscious effort to reinforce NXT’s identity amid increased competition in the wrestling market. “It’s about reminding fans why NXT became the gold standard for developmental wrestling and how it continues to build stars the right way,” the source explained.

Meanwhile, fans took to social media praising the blend of nostalgia and fresh talent. The AEW mention sparked extensive debate online, with wrestling enthusiasts expressing surprise and curiosity about WWE’s evolving approach to its competition.

Looking Forward: NXT’s Role in WWE’s Larger Landscape

NXT: Homecoming reaffirmed WWE’s commitment to its NXT brand as a premier developmental and touring brand that honors its past while pushing forward. With appearances from main roster stars and legends, coupled with rising stars showcased in compelling matches, WWE strategically positioned NXT to retain and grow a dedicated fanbase.

The inclusion of the classic theme and the acknowledgment of talent from other promotions hint at WWE’s nuanced approach to storytelling, blending tradition with innovation—all while maintaining the competitive edge in the wrestling industry.

As WWE continues to expand its global footprint, events like NXT: Homecoming illustrate how the company leverages its rich history and current roster talent to captivate audiences worldwide.

This detailed coverage was compiled based on information from WWE.com, Fightful reports, the official WWE YouTube channel, and wrestling news aggregators such as Wrestling Headlines, providing a comprehensive view of the NXT: Homecoming 2025 event.