WWE’s NXT Homecoming 2025 special held on September 16 marked a significant celebration of the brand’s 11-year history as it returned to its original home at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. This event was stacked with surprise appearances, nostalgic moments, and memorable matches, spotlighting a blend of NXT legends and current stars. Notably, an unexpected mention of a top AEW wrestler stirred backstage buzz, while iconic WWE figures like Triple H (HHH), Shawn Michaels (HBK), Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, Candice LeRae, and Shayna Baszler energized the crowd with their presence. The event also thrilled fans by reviving the old-school NXT theme song, melding nostalgia with the brand’s vibrant present.
According to sources close to WWE and detailed reports from WWE.com and Fightful, NXT Homecoming 2025 aimed to honor the legacy of the brand by showcasing key moments and wrestlers, both past and present. The event featured dynamic matches, including the Women’s Tag Team Championship defense by Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair, alongside intense bouts involving top NXT talents such as Rhea Ripley, Lyra Valkyria, and members of The Fatal Influence stable: Jazmyn Nyx, Fallon Henley, and Jacy Jayne[1][4][5].
AEW Wrestler Mentioned on NXT
One of the most talked-about moments backstage came from a surprising mention of a major AEW star during a storyline segment. While WWE and AEW traditionally operate as separate entities, cross-company references are rare and generate significant speculation. Sources familiar with the event confirmed that this mention was carefully scripted as a nod to acknowledge wrestling’s broader landscape, subtly acknowledging the competitive yet respectful atmosphere between the promotions.
Though the exact name of the AEW talent was kept hush, insiders revealed it was a high-profile performer with a notable history in WWE’s developmental system before jumping to AEW. This move generated quite a stir among fans and online communities, underscoring WWE’s awareness of the wrestling industry’s evolving dynamics[2].
Star-Studded Appearances: HHH, HBK, Alexa Bliss & More
NXT Homecoming was marked by electric appearances from WWE legends Triple H and Shawn Michaels, both instrumental in building NXT’s foundation. Their presence symbolized the event’s significance, with Triple H delivering an inspiring speech about NXT’s evolution. Shawn Michaels, known as HBK, added a nostalgic vibe, reminding fans of the brand’s roots and impact on the wrestling world[4][6].
Top female stars Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair not only appeared but successfully defended their Women’s Tag Team Championships, demonstrating WWE’s commitment to elevating the women’s division. Their match received widespread praise for blending star power with technical prowess, while Candice LeRae and Shayna Baszler added depth to the card, reminding fans of NXT’s role in developing versatile, hard-hitting female talent[1][5].
Return of the Old-School NXT Theme Song
One of the most nostalgic highlights was the return of the classic NXT theme song, which WWE blended cleverly with modern elements for the Homecoming special. This musical throwback was seen in the video package featuring rising stars like Je’Von Evans, Fatal Influence’s Jazmyn Nyx, Fallon Henley, Jacy Jayne, Ricky Saints, Lola Vice, and Oba Femi. The montage beautifully bridged NXT’s past with its present, amplifying the emotional resonance of the evening for longtime viewers[1].
Additional Surprises and Future Implications
Beyond the announced matches and main attractions, speculation around surprise entrants and appearances was rife. Predictions suggested that Chelsea Green and a returning Secret Service duo might show up to further enrich the women’s tag team division. Furthermore, rumors of surprise returns by Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch created buzz, fueled by recent storyline developments on WWE’s main roster connected to their past NXT roots[2].
Inside sources believe that the Homecoming event served multiple purposes: celebrating NXT’s legacy, building momentum for upcoming flagship events like Wrestlepalooza, and providing a platform for talented stars transitioning between brands or breaking onto the main roster. Fans are also expecting WWE to build on the Homecoming’s success by integrating more surprise appearances and cross-brand storytelling[2][7].
Impact and Reception
The event received high marks from media outlets like Bleacher Report and Ringside News, which praised both the match quality and the palpable sense of community felt at Full Sail University. Audience reactions highlighted the emotional power of seeing wrestling legends in one place and how the return to Full Sail underscored NXT’s unique identity within WWE. Analysts noted that the combination of nostalgia, surprise star power, and rising talent made NXT Homecoming 2025 a memorable chapter in WWE history[5][6][8].
Final Thoughts from WWE Insiders
According to a WWE insider close to the production, “NXT Homecoming was more than just a show; it was a heartfelt acknowledgment of everything NXT has contributed to the wrestling world. Bringing back the classic theme and those surprise appearances reminded everyone why this brand means so much — to wrestlers and fans alike.” The insider also highlighted the importance of subtle AEW references as a sign of evolving storytelling tactics that acknowledge wrestling’s competition while respecting its history[2].
NXT Homecoming 2025 ultimately positioned itself as a compelling fusion of legacy, innovation, and entertainment, showing that WWE is committed to nurturing its talents and honoring its roots while keeping fans excited about the future.
This article is based on an aggregation of information from WWE.com, Fightful, Wresting Headlines, and multiple insider reports following the NXT Homecoming 2025 event.