Tuesday’s WWE NXT episode delivered a mix of surprises and intense competition, highlighted by the unexpected comeback of legendary tag team DIY, Candice LeRae’s hard-fought victory, and some trolling antics in the NXT roster. However, in contrast to NXT’s buzz, WWE SmackDown experienced a record low in viewership during its August 29 broadcast, raising concerns about WWE’s mainstream TV appeal.

DIY Returns to NXT to Challenge Trick Williams’ Bold Claims

One of the biggest highlights on WWE NXT (August 26, 2025) was the surprise return of tag team legends Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, collectively known as DIY. They interrupted NXT superstar Trick Williams just as he was proclaiming himself the “hottest” and “most accomplished” talent in NXT history. This confrontation instantly electrified the crowd, reminding fans of DIY’s influential legacy in the brand.

Sources close to WWE revealed that this return was strategically planned to boost NXT’s mid-week ratings and to set up a potential new chapter in the ongoing feud between Williams and veteran stars[1]. “DIY coming back out of nowhere was a classic moment that wrestling fans live for,” a WWE insider told Fightful Wrestling. “It’s a clear message that NXT is still the place for wrestling’s best storytelling.”

Candice LeRae Advances Amidst Competitive Matches

NXT also saw Candice LeRae secure an important win, moving her forward in her current storyline arc. LeRae’s advancement came during a heated contest that showcased her technical skill and resilience, further cementing her status as one of NXT’s top female performers[1].

The tag team Fatal Influence faced a tough outing as well, losing in a six-woman tag match against Lola Vice, Sol Ruca, and Zaria, adding layers to the women’s division dynamics. Other notable matches included Lexis King’s controversial blindfold victory against Myles Borne, drawing mixed reactions due to his cheating tactics[1].

NXT Superstar Trolls Fans with Clever Promo

Adding some entertainment value beyond in-ring action, an NXT Superstar engaged in a trolling promo. While more details were not openly disclosed due to kayfabe protection within WWE programming, reports indicate that the Superstar used witty banter and playful mind games to rile up the NXT fanbase. This tactic has long been used in WWE to build character depth and crowd engagement, and it appeared to work well on this night[1].

SmackDown Draws Record Low Ratings in France Broadcast

Meanwhile, WWE SmackDown’s live broadcast from Lyon, France on August 29, 2025, struggled with the lowest-ever TV ratings recorded for the show. According to official Nielsen data and reports from Wrestleview and Wrestling Headlines, this historic dip is raising alarms inside WWE headquarters[3][4].

Despite strong in-ring action, including Solo Sikoa defending the United States Championship against Sami Zayn, the overall viewer numbers could not keep pace. The match, which saw Sami Zayn win the title after a turbulent battle featuring interference from multiple factions, was praised by critics. Zayn’s first United States Championship victory in his career was considered a highlight and a potential turning point for SmackDown’s storytelling[4][5].

Sources close to WWE attributed the ratings drop to several factors, including audience fragmentation, competition from other prime-time programming, and possibly viewer fatigue from ongoing storylines. “SmackDown’s France night was technically solid but lacked that ‘wow’ moment that hooks casual viewers,” a WWE programming executive confided in a recent interview. “We’re taking steps to evolve the show’s presentation in coming months.”[3]

Other Key Matches and Moments

• Lola Vice, Sol Ruca, and Zaria triumphed over Fatal Influence in a six-woman tag team match, showcasing the depth of NXT’s women’s division talent[1].

• Lexis King secured a contentious blindfold match victory, lifting his blindfold to cheat, underscoring his heel persona[1].

• The Culling (Izzi Dame and Tatum Paxley) won a tag match by powerbombing Wren Sinclair, amid a chaotic teaming with mystery partner Kendal Grey[1].

• On SmackDown, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss defended their Women’s Tag Team Championship twice in one night, enduring brutal post-match attacks that heightened tensions with Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre’s faction[4][5].

Fan and Analyst Reactions

Fan reaction online was electric regarding the DIY return, with social media buzz spiking significantly in the hours following the show. Wrestling journalists pointed to this as a sign that NXT still holds a unique place in WWE’s ecosystem, often delivering moments that feel more organic than the main roster processed storylines.

Conversely, SmackDown’s historic low ratings sparked debate among wrestling analysts. Some speculate that recent overexposure of certain main roster stars and repetitive narratives might be factors leading to dwindling interest. However, the well-executed United States Title match was universally lauded as one of the night’s saving graces[3][4].

Looking Ahead

With such dynamic shifts across WWE programming, insiders suggest the company might lean heavier on NXT to maintain loyal viewers while retooling SmackDown’s presentation. The DIY reaffirmation of NXT’s legacy and fresh talent pushes like Candice LeRae’s advancement signal that WWE values its developmental brand as a key growth pillar.

Moreover, talk backstage hints at a possible extended DIY storyline, possibly culminating in high-profile matches at upcoming NXT events. Meanwhile, SmackDown is expected to undergo further creative changes to reverse its recent ratings slump.

As WWE moves forward into the fall season, fans can expect surprises and intense rivalries across both brands as WWE aims to reengage its global audience.

This article was compiled using reports from WWE.com, Fightful Wrestling interviews, Wrestleview coverage, Wrestling Headlines analyses, and official WWE broadcast results from August 26 and 29, 2025.