WWE’s NXT Homecoming event on September 16, 2025, delivered a star-studded night filled with nostalgia, high-stakes matches, and surprise appearances, marking a triumphant return to Full Sail University, the beloved original NXT home. Top-tier talent including Finn Balor, Bobby Roode, Damian Priest, Montez Ford, Bianca Belair, and The Miz all made significant contributions that left fans buzzing about what’s next for WWE’s developmental brand and beyond.

Nostalgia and Homecoming Highlights

The event kicked off with a heartfelt welcome from WWE executives Triple H and Shawn Michaels, who underscored the special atmosphere of Full Sail and the legacy of NXT, igniting a wave of excitement among fans both in the arena and watching on The CW network[4]. This set the tone for a night blending the present landscape of WWE with its rich NXT history.

Iconic Returns and Major Matches

One of the biggest highlights was the renewed clash involving fan-favorites Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano, known collectively as #DIY. Both made nostalgic entrances with their classic theme songs — Ciampa with his trademark “No One Will Survive” war paint and Gargano to “Rebel Heart” — paying homage to their iconic runs on NXT[4]. The match saw Ciampa and Gargano team up against the reunited duo of Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams, a pairing that has garnered considerable momentum on NXT’s current roster.

Hayes and Williams secured a hard-fought victory, but the night’s drama escalated when The Miz unexpectedly appeared ringside and delivered his trademark Skull Crushing Finale to Gargano, turning the tide and allowing “Trick Melo Gang” to seal the win[2]. According to sources close to WWE, The Miz’s appearance was a strategic move to set up future storylines not only within NXT but potentially extending into WWE’s main roster programming.

Championship Showcases

NXT North American Champion Ethan Page successfully defended his title against Tyler Breeze in a technically sound match, showcasing his growing dominance in the mid-card division[2]. Meanwhile, in the women’s tag team division, champions Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss retained their titles against The Culling’s Tatum Paxley and Izzi Dame, with Bliss executing a Sister Abigail finisher to clinch the victory[2][5][6]. The women’s tag team match was lauded for its intensity and storytelling, highlighting the ever-expanding talent pool within WWE’s women’s division.

Star Power Across the Board

The card also featured appearances and in-ring moments from Finn Balor, Bobby Roode, Damian Priest, Montez Ford, and Bianca Belair, all of whom elevated the event handily. Balor and Roode brought their veteran savvy to segments and backstage promos, reinforcing their roles as NXT stalwarts and mentors. Damian Priest and Montez Ford impressed with high-impact sequences, reflecting their rising trajectories in WWE’s hierarchy. Bianca Belair’s charisma and athletic prowess continued to captivate audiences, further solidifying her status as a marquee star[3][7].

Backstage Insights and Future Directions

According to a WWE insider interviewed by Fightful, the intent behind NXT Homecoming was to blend nostalgia with fresh storytelling, giving both longtime fans and newer viewers a compelling show that reaffirms NXT’s place as a critical pillar in WWE’s ecosystem. “Bringing back legends alongside rising stars sends a clear message — NXT is the proving ground and the launchpad for WWE’s future, but it never forgets its roots,” the insider said. This philosophy was evident throughout the event’s matches and segments.

The insider added that The Miz’s involvement hints at potential cross-brand narratives that could shake up WWE’s programming over the coming months. “Expect surprises and alliances that keep fans guessing,” they revealed.

Fan and Critical Reception

The NXT Homecoming was widely praised by wrestling media and fans alike. Wrestling Headlines described the event as “a perfect blend of past glory and present excitement,” applauding the mix of match quality and star appearances. Bleacher Report highlighted the “electric atmosphere at Full Sail,” noting how the event “rekindled the spirit of NXT’s early years while building momentum for future storylines”[7]. The seamless combination of title defenses, surprise betrayals, and veteran performances established NXT Homecoming 2025 as one of the most memorable NXT episodes in recent years[1][4].

NXT Homecoming 2025 successfully combined star power, nostalgia, and in-ring excellence in a way that underscored WWE’s commitment to evolving NXT as a vital brand. With major names like Finn Balor, Bobby Roode, Damian Priest, Montez Ford, Bianca Belair, and The Miz all contributing meaningfully, fans look forward to the next chapter for these stars and the colorful landscape of WWE’s future.

Wrestling fans should keep an eye on upcoming WWE programming, as the surprises at NXT Homecoming have set the stage for fresh rivalries and potential cross-brand collaborations that promise to make waves through the rest of 2025 and into 2026.