WWE’s recent NXT: Homecoming special, held on September 16, 2025, marked a significant moment in the brand’s history by uniting past and present stars while paying homage to NXT’s roots with the return of its classic theme song. The event featured well-known names such as Triple H (HHH), Shawn Michaels (HBK), Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, Candice LeRae, and Shayna Baszler appearing at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida, creating an electric atmosphere that thrilled long-time fans and newcomers alike.

One surprising highlight of the night was the subtle mention of an AEW wrestler during the broadcast—a rare occurrence given the rivalry between the two promotions. This acknowledgment sparked extensive buzz among fans and insiders, hinting at WWE’s evolving stance towards its competition. According to sources close to WWE, the mention was intentional, meant to generate intrigue and acknowledge the broader wrestling landscape beyond WWE’s walls[4][5].

NXT Homecoming 2025: A Return to Roots and Celebration of Legacy

The NXT: Homecoming event aired live on The CW in the United States and internationally on Netflix. It emphasized a blend of nostalgia and excitement for the current roster. A specially produced video package showcased talents like Je’Von Evans, Fatal Influence (Jazmyn Nyx, Fallon Henley, and Jacy Jayne), Ricky Saints, Lola Vice, and Oba Femi, effectively bridging NXT’s storied history with the future of the brand[1][8]. The classic NXT theme song made a memorable comeback, reinforcing the brand’s identity and electrifying fans with a sense of familiarity while Energizing the walk to the ring experience for numerous performers.

Key matches throughout the two-hour event included championship bouts and high-impact contests such as Rhea Ripley, Stephanie Vaquer, and Lyra Valkyria’s victory over Fatal Influence, and the North American Championship defended by Tyler Breeze. The highly anticipated tag team match pitting #DIY (Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano) against Trick Melo Gang (Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes) also captivated the crowd, highlighting NXT’s current top tier talent and exciting future stars[1][4][6].

Star-Studded Appearances Elevate the Event

Adding immense prestige to NXT: Homecoming, WWE brought in some of its biggest names. Triple H and Shawn Michaels—both central figures in NXT’s original rise—were in attendance, galvanizing the event’s theme of honoring the past. Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair, two of WWE’s premier female superstars, also made appearances, underscoring WWE’s investment in solidifying NXT as a platform for cutting-edge women’s wrestling talent. Candice LeRae and Shayna Baszler further emphasized the importance of the women’s division within NXT’s evolving narrative[4][8].

WWE.com confirmed that these appearances were not just cameos but intentional celebrations of NXT’s rich lineage and a symbolic passing of the torch to the current generation of wrestlers. Sources within WWE described the night as “a perfect balance between nostalgia and progression,” with leadership eager to showcase the depth and quality of the NXT roster while honoring the brand’s tradition[4].

AEW Mentioned on NXT: A Notable Moment

One of the most talked-about moments from NXT: Homecoming was the brief mention of an AEW wrestler. While the identity of the individual was not foregrounded during the broadcast, wrestling journalists and sources such as Fightful and insiders from various podcasts have noted the inclusion as a strategic nod to the competitive wrestling landscape. This act is perceived as a subtle acknowledgment of AEW’s impact and a possible sign of WWE lightening its historically strict stance against its rival promotion[5].

A WWE insider commented, “This mention wasn’t accidental — it was WWE’s way of saying they respect the wrestling world as a whole, and that NXT is confident enough to engage with the wider industry without fear.” This could signal future collaborations or more open competition between promotions, according to backstage sources.

Looking Ahead: NXT’s Growing Momentum

WWE’s announcement of upcoming NXT live events in October across Michigan and Ohio—marking the brand’s return to these cities after more than five years—is further proof of NXT’s resurgence and expanding footprint. These shows will showcase notable champions such as NXT Champion Oba Femi, NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne, and North American Champion Ethan Page, along with other rising stars[2].

Fans can expect a continuation of the high-caliber matches and storytelling that were hallmarks of NXT: Homecoming, with WWE seemingly reinforcing NXT as a crucial part of its programming and talent development pipeline.

Final Thoughts

NXT: Homecoming 2025 succeeded in evoking nostalgia with its return to Full Sail University and the revival of the classic theme song, while also spotlighting WWE’s current NXT talent and legends from its past. The surprise AEW mention added an intriguing layer to the event’s narrative, suggesting a new chapter in inter-promotional dynamics.

As WWE continues to bolster NXT with star power and a blend of legacy and fresh faces, fans can anticipate more events that honor the brand’s heritage while pushing its present and future wrestlers into the limelight.

Sources: WWE.com, Fightful, Ringside News, Bleacher Report, podcasts, insider reports.