WWE NXT Homecoming delivered an electrifying night of action on September 16, 2025, at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. The event showcased high-stakes matches, notable returns, and championship defenses that set the stage for fresh rivalries heading into the fall season. Fans witnessed standout performances from Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams, a fiercely competitive Women’s Tag Team Championship contest, and an intense North American Title showdown, cementing NXT’s reputation as a breeding ground for wrestling’s rising stars.

DIY vs. Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams — Two Titles on the Line

The night’s marquee tag team match featured Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams facing off against longtime fan favorites #DIY (Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano) with both the NXT Tag Team Championships at stake. The storyline had been building for weeks, with Trick Williams’ verbal confrontation with #DIY culminating in this high-profile clash. The chemistry between the teams delivered in-ring storytelling that fans relished, blending technical prowess with raw intensity.

According to Wrestling Inc., the bout was hard-hitting and strategic, with Hayes and Williams coordinating seamlessly against the veteran duo[1]. Reports from ProWrestling.net praised the match’s storytelling depth, noting how #DIY’s experience clashed against the youthful momentum of Hayes and Williams, creating edge-of-your-seat drama through the bout’s duration[6]. Ultimately, the match underscored the growing status of Hayes and Williams as NXT’s dominant tag team.

Women’s Tag Team Championship: Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair Defend With Authority

The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair defended their titles against The Culling’s formidable duo, Tatum Paxley and Izzi Dame. Their championship reign, which began with a successful defense against Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez on WWE Raw, was put to the test in this televised appearance.

Fightful sources revealed the champions showed superior teamwork and experience, controlling the match’s pace and neutralizing The Culling’s aggressive tactics[1]. The challengers earned praise for their determination, having earned the title opportunity by defeating multiple teams in a Number One Contenders Triple Threat Elimination Match. Despite their efforts, Bliss and Flair’s chemistry and in-ring savvy ensured they retained their titles, much to the delight of the Full Sail crowd.

NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page vs. Tyler Breeze

In what many considered a match of contrasting styles, Ethan Page defended the NXT North American Championship against the returning Tyler Breeze. Breeze, renowned for his charm and technical skill, reignited his rivalry with Page following a flag match loss earlier in September.

Fightful reported that Breeze’s return created significant buzz as he looked to capitalize on Page’s recent vulnerabilities after his loss to Tavion Heights[1]. The match itself featured tactical exchanges and crowd-pleasing maneuvers, with Page relying on his power and resilience to fend off Breeze’s opportunistic offense. Ultimately, Page retained, solidifying his reign but leaving the door open for future challengers.

Fatal Influence Faces Rhea Ripley, Lyra Valkyria, and Stephanie Vaquer

One of the event’s highly anticipated six-woman tag matches featured NXT mainstay Rhea Ripley teaming with Lyra Valkyria and Stephanie Vaquer to take on the faction Fatal Influence. This bout spotlighted rising talent and established stars, combining Ripley’s dominance with Valkyria and Vaquer’s emerging presence.

WrestleZone’s coverage noted that Ripley’s return and leadership were pivotal, as she drove her team to overpower Fatal Influence’s members, including Jacy Jayne and Fallon Henley[2]. The match emphasized faction warfare themes and set the stage for future confrontations in the women’s division.

Special Appearances and Segments

In addition to matches, the event featured a special edition of The Grayson Waller Effect, with guest appearances by NXT Champion Oba Femi and number one contender Ricky Saints. This segment added character-driven storytelling, advancing ongoing narratives ahead of upcoming championship bouts[2].

Backstage sources close to WWE confirmed that multiple talents, including Grayson Waller, embraced this platform to establish personality-driven rivalries pivotal to the next chapter of NXT programming.

Backstage Insights and Future Prospects

According to a WWE insider interviewed by Fightful, the Homecoming event was designed as a “reaffirmation of NXT’s core identity — blending veteran expertise with new star-making moments.” They revealed that the tag team championship feud and women’s division storylines will be central to NXT’s direction over the coming months.

Sources also indicated plans to continue building on Tyler Breeze’s return, with potential rivalries developing around the North American Championship that fans should watch closely[1][2].

Fan and Critical Reception

Wrestling fans praised WWE NXT Homecoming for maintaining the brand’s reputation for high-quality wrestling mixed with captivating storylines. Reviewers from ProWrestling.net and WrestleZone gave particularly positive notes to the tag team championship match and Ripley’s squad’s victory, emphasizing the emotional investment those segments fostered[6][2].

A passionate crowd at Full Sail University amplified the atmosphere, contributing to an electric night of wrestling that delivered both nostalgia through the return of beloved stars and excitement for upcoming NXT storylines.

WWE NXT Homecoming 2025 showcased a perfect blend of championship drama, intense rivalries, and star-making performances, reinforcing NXT’s status as WWE’s vital developmental and creative hub. Fans and insiders alike can expect these matchups and personalities to dominate conversations as the brand moves toward its next peak.