WWE has announced that a special edition of NXT will air live from the Andrew J. Brady Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. The episode will be broadcast on The CW Network starting at 8 p.m. ET.
Fans can purchase tickets beginning Friday, January 31, at 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT through Ticketmaster. Additionally, an exclusive pre-sale will run from 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT on January 30 to 11:59 p.m. ET/8:59 p.m. PT for fans using the code NXTLIVE on Ticketmaster.
This marks part of WWE’s historic five-year partnership with The CW, which debuted in November 2023, bringing NXT to broadcast television for the first time in its 13-year history. NXT now joins The CW’s lineup of live sports programming, which features ACC and Pac-12 football and basketball, the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and the Emmy®-winning Inside the NFL.
Shawn Michaels, WWE Hall of Famer and NXT’s creative leader, expressed his excitement on social media, stating, “We’re tuning up the band and taking #WWENXT to the @BradyMusicCtr in Cincinnati on Tuesday, Feb. 25!”
We're tuning up the band and taking #WWENXT to the @BradyMusicCtr in Cincinnati on Tuesday, Feb 25!
WWE NXT star Arianna Grace has revealed on social media that she has officially become a United States citizen, sharing a celebratory photo online. Grace, the real-life daughter of former WWE star and current TNA Wrestling authority figure Santino Marella, proudly posed in front of the United States and Department of Homeland Security flags. The Canadian-born wrestler smiled while holding a miniature American flag to mark the occasion.
Grace’s announcement caught the attention of Chelsea Green, the reigning and inaugural Women’s United States Champion. In a response, Green, who earned her Green Card last year, saw a role in her adminstration for her fellow Canadian.
Grace has been absent from WWE television for some time, with her last televised NXT match occurring in July 2024. While fans haven’t seen her in NXT for some time, Grace has played a pivotal role in TNA Wrestling, where she’s served as the official NXT-TNA liasion. With WWE’s recently announced multi-year partnership, fans can expect to see much more of Miss NXT in both promotions.
Cora Jade’s pursuit of the TNA Knockouts World Championship will lead her to competing on a future episode of TNA iMPACT. After this week’s show, TNA filmed next week’s episode of their weekly flagship show. During the taping, the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion took on TNA Wrestling’s Hyan.
This match marked Jade’s first time competing for TNA Wrestling, but not her first time competing for the company. In 2019, Jade competed as Elyana Black against Havok during the TNA Prelude to Glory event. Jade, again as Elyana Black, has also competed for AEW, making her one of a select few to compete in the three major wrestling promotions in the United States.
Jade appeared at TNA Genesis where she confronted Masha Slamovich after the TNA Knockouts World Champion retained her gold against Rosemary. Jade was also a part of this week’s iMPACT, where her distracting presence would cost Slamovich and Spitfire in six-woman tag-team action.
Cora Jade had shared her intent to win the TNA Knockouts World Title, which if successful would be a historic first between the two parties. With a match between Jade and Slamovich seeming inevitable, it remains to be seen whether it’ll be the champion or the challenger who has the home-field advantage.
In late 2024, Zaria exploded onto the scene in WWE NXT after a high-profile run in the Australian wrestling scene. Now, the powerhouse is set to take a break from wrestling, but has assured fans that it’s only a temporary break.
Y’all are funny. Life happens and you have to take a step back for a bit. I’ve got a whole career ahead of me, 5 weeks isn’t gonna hurt. Have patience little ones.
Zaria gave no word why she is taking a five-week break, but fans are already eager to see her back in the ring. The Australian’s most recent match came at a December 20, NXT live event where she, Gigi Dolin, and Shotzi came up short against Fatal Influence.
Zaria currently boasts a 3-3 record since arriving in NXT, with her most recent victory coming over two months ago against Wren Sinclair. This has come as a surprise to fans given that WWE made a big deal upon her arrival on the silver brand. Zaria is one of three high-profile female signings WWE NXT made in 2024, alongside Stephanie Vaquer and Giulia.
The Australian powerhouse’s arrival in WWE NXT may not have gone as many would have predicted but fans remain excited to see what’s to come. Though Zaria won’t be in action just yet, it’s only a matter of time before she is back showcasing her physical dominance in the ring.
In a historic moment for professional wrestling, the January 23, 2025 episode of TNA Impact featured the first-ever defense of a WWE-sanctioned championship on TNA programming. NXT Tag Team Champions Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) successfully retained their titles against The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz) in a match that showcased the growing collaboration between WWE and TNA Wrestling.
Fraxiom secured the victory with a dynamic Flying Spanish Fly and Phoenix Splash combination on Miguel, but the finish wasn’t without controversy. Wes Lee, along with Tyson Dupont and Tyriek Igwe, interfered by taking out Wentz, creating a critical opening for the champions to retain their titles.
This groundbreaking match was made possible by the multi-year partnership between WWE and TNA, announced on January 16, 2025. The agreement allows talent from NXT and TNA to appear on each other’s programming and premium live events, ending decades of rivalry between the promotions.
The successful defense of the NXT Tag Team Championships on TNA Impact marks a pivotal milestone, signaling a new era of collaboration and opportunity for the wrestling industry. This partnership opens the door for unprecedented crossovers that could reshape the sport’s landscape.
Diamond Dallas Page has put over former NXT Champion Trick Williams after his surprise appearance at last night’s episode of the Black & Silver show.
The wrestling veteran made a brief on-screen appearance during the show, being shown as part of the crowd during the main event NXT Championship match between Oba Femi and Eddy Thorpe.
Page took to X on Wednesday morning to comment on his visit. He posted some backstage photos with Williams, claiming that the 30-year-old has a bright future ahead:
“A little over a year ago I was doing an interview and I was asked who I thought would be the next #NXT Superstar to cross over to the main #WWE roster and make a serious impact. I said it would be Trick! Nothing has changed. I think you can expect big things when my man crosses over”
Trick Williams dropped the NXT title to Oba Femi in a triple-threat match at New Year’s Evil earlier this month. This ended his second run with the championship at 98 days. The former champion confronted Femi after he retained his title at last night’s show, indicating that he was not out of the title picture just yet.
It’s not known if DDP’s surprise visit to the performance center had any behind-the-scenes significance. He signed a new legends deal with the company in October last year and it’s possible that his on-screen appearance is tied to some future storyline development.
A little over a year ago I was doing an interview and I was asked who I thought would be the next #NXT Superstar to cross over to the main #WWE roster and make a serious impact. I said it would… pic.twitter.com/6VNw1Eznzp
At TNA Genesis 2025, Cora Jade confronted Masha Slamovich following Slamovich’s Clockwork Orange match victory over Rosemary. During an appearance on Busted Open Radio, Jade shared what she told the reigning TNA Knockouts World Champion.
“I said that title is gonna be mine. That TNA Knockouts Title is coming to me.”
Jade is aware of the skepticism from fans who doubt her chances against Slamovich, widely regarded as one of the toughest women in wrestling today. While Jade’s matches in WWE may not have been as brutal as what Slamovich displayed at Genesis, she’s no slouch to getting violent in the ring.
“I think people forget that before I got here [WWE NXT] I was doing hardcore matches. I had a deathmatch right before I got signed.”
Jade is hardly the only name wanting to cross the line in the WWE-TNA partnership. Fresh off his World Championship victory at Genesis, Joe Hendry has challenged John Cena to a showdown in the ring and on the mic. WWE’s Sheamus would love the chance to step in the ring with TNA’s Nic Nemeth in a revival of their feuds as part of WWE.
The multi-year partnership between WWE and TNA has sparked excitement among fans and promises plenty of thrilling moments. While an official match between Jade and Slamovich has yet to be announced, it seems likely that they will meet in the ring again soon.
The January 21 episode of WWE NXT on The CW saw a major return to the silver brand as Andre Chase was a part of the show’s broadcast. Chase made his long-awaited comeback after being absent since his stable, Chase U, was dismantled. Ridge Holland brought an end to Chase U during the November 19, episode, a move that also saw Holland become number one contender for the NXT Championship. After two months away, Chase resurfaced this week with a sad piece of advice for one of NXT’s most popular tag-teams.
During the second hour of this week’s show, Chase appeared backstage looking noticeably depressed and disheveled. As an old Chase U clip played on a television behind him, Chase made his return and delivered a sobering message to Hank and Tank, telling them to split up now because “all tag teams just end in heartbreak.” It was an uncharacteristically somber statement from the former leader of Chase U who had been a force of positivity during his Chase U days.
Chase didn’t say much more before walking off. While his future remains uncertain, it’s clear that his journey in NXT is far from over. Whether Chase U will reunite remains to be seen, but right now, Chase wants no part of any group, and is warning others against teaming up.
Corey Graves made his return to the NXT commentary desk during tonight’s broadcast, ending a brief hiatus tied to recent public controversy. Graves had missed the January 14 episode after voicing dissatisfaction on social media regarding his transition from the WWE main roster to NXT. During his return, Graves addressed viewers indirectly, saying:
“I am right where I want to be. Where passion is everything and only the hungry survive and pro wrestling never stopped being cool.”
Graves’ return comes amid ongoing changes in WWE’s commentary lineup. Raw commentary is now handled by Michael Cole and Pat McAfee, while Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett call the action on SmackDown.
Graves sparked widespread attention with a social media post implying frustration over his move, claiming he was told he wasn’t “famous enough” for his prior role. Many interpreted this as a pointed remark referencing current Raw commentators Pat McAfee and Joe Tessitore.
Atlanta is turning into a wrestling hotspot this winter, with multiple major promotions bringing their shows to the city starting this coming Monday:
WWE Raw at State Farm Arena on Monday, January 27, 2025 (Tickets)
WWE NXT at Center Stage on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 (Tickets)
AEW Dynamite at Gateway Center Arena on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 (Tickets)
MLW SuperFight 6 at Center Stage on Saturday, February 8, 2025 (Tickets)
With four major shows across three promotions in less than two weeks, wrestling fans in Atlanta will have plenty of opportunities to see their favorite stars live.
Wrestling at Center Stage
Ring of Honor at Center Stage (Photo: ROH)
Center Stage in Atlanta, GA opened in 1966 and has a rich wrestling history, having previously hosted WCW Saturday Night tapings and various other promotions, including Ring of Honor, TNA/Impact Wrestling, and WWE NXT.
Center Stage continues to be a popular destination for independent wrestling promotions in Atlanta. Recent events held there include GCW Mastermind (December 7, 2024), TNA Final Resolution (December 13, 2024), and Heels Have Eyes 4 (December 12, 2024).
TNA Wrestling delivered with its Genesis 2025, which saw plenty of notable names appear from WWE NXT as part of a multi-year partnership. Nathan Frazer and Axiom were among those who ‘crossed the line’ and fans could soon see them share the ring with The Hardys.
During Genesis, it was announced that Fraxiom will defend their NXT Tag Team Titles against The Rascalz on Thursday’s live episode of TNA Impact. If Fraxiom retains their titles, The Hardys appear eager to step up as their next challengers. In an online promo, Matt Hardy shared that he and Jeff, already TNA’s World Tag Team Champions, are coming from Fraxiom.
“The Hardys, we are forever. Fraxiom, I noticed you were out there tonight. You’ve got a couple of titles too. We’d love to go on another expedition of gold. So maybe we’ll see you around.”
Throughout their storied career, The Hardys have captured numerous tag team championships across the pro wrestling world. Between WWE, TNA, and Ring of Honor, Matt and Jeff are 13-time World Tag Team Champions, in addition to holding titles from smaller promotions. Fraxiom are in their second reign as NXT Tag Team Champions, and their efforts with the gold earned the pair the ‘Tag Team Of the Year’ award during the recent NXT End Of Year Awards.
The Hardys are considered one of the greatest tag teams of all time, but the NXT Tag Team Titles remain a prize they have yet to claim. With both Matt and Jeff having discussed possibly wrestling in a WWE ring again as part of the TNA partnership, fans are excited to see the brothers potentially holding the NXT Tag Team Championships.
In the days leading up to TNA Genesis 2025, it was teased that the show would see involvement from WWE NXT as part of a multi-year partnership between the two sides. This certainly proved to be the case with multiple names from the silver brand appearing in Garland, Texas.
Before the show, Arianna Grace served in her role as the offical liasion between WWE NXT and TNA Wrestling and brought out Ashante ‘Thee Adonis. The NXT Superstar issued an open challenge to the TNA roster, which was answered by Jake Something. Despite a valiant effort by Adonis, it was Something who got the win.
.@WWENXT's Ashante “Thee” Adonis has arrived in the iMPACT Zone with an Open Challenge!
During the show, TNA World Tag Team Champions The Hardyz put their titles on the line against The Rascalz. During the match, NXT Tag Team Champions Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) arrived to get a better look at the action. Things turned ugly when The Rascalz attacked Fraxiom, but the match would end with Jeff Hardy getting the pin over Trey Miguel to retain.
In the brutal Clockwork Orange match, Masha Slamovich retained her TNA Knockouts World Championship against Rosemary. After the match, Cora Jade showed up and gestured that she wants a shot at the gold. Slamovich was featured in the crowd during the latest WWE NXT ahead of Jade’s match with Kelani Jordan, and traded some barbs on X with Jade after the match.
TNA’s multi-year partnership promises plenty of exciting crossovers with WWE, and that has already been the case. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on this partnership and to see who ever crosses the line.
Ethan Page has issued a bold invitation to WWE legend John Cena, suggesting the two meet in NXT during Cena’s ongoing retirement tour. The challenge follows Page’s recent interaction with another iconic figure, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, during the NXT New Year’s Evil special, where Page proved he’s ready to share the spotlight with some of wrestling’s biggest stars.
Speaking on Busted Open Radio with Bully Ray, Page reflected on his career and emphasized his readiness to take on top-tier talent. Drawing attention to his confidence and ambition, Page didn’t hesitate to call out Cena directly.
“There’s not a single wrestler living that intimidates me,” Page declared. “John Cena, on this retirement tour—hey, stop by NXT, pal. I’ll look you dead in the eyes. We could do something.
There’s not a single living, breathing wrestler that would make me feel anything other than excitement for the opportunity to take their spot and their money.”
Groomed for Greatness
WWE
Page also spoke about his growing list of career highlights, including sharing the ring with wrestling legends like Bully Ray, and his desire to continue proving himself at the highest level. “I’ve shared the ring with many Hall of Famers, many big names, many legends, many of the most dangerous men in professional wrestling,” Page said.
“Just one step at a time to reach the top. That man [The Rock] was the top. I was prepared for this. I’ve been prepared for this, and I’ll continue to be prepared for this.”
Ethan Page’s invitation to Cena underlines his confidence in facing wrestling’s biggest names, reinforcing his determination to climb to the top of the industry.
Whether Cena accepts remains to be seen, but Page is clearly ready to seize any opportunity to cement his legacy in the sport.
The former Lucha House Party member and 205 Live star had been the subject of speculation in recent weeks, particularly after relinquishing his Lucha Premier Championship.
Lince Dorado returns to WWE NXT, January 17, 2025 (Photo: @TKOtagteam)
Known for his high-flying offensive move-set, Dorado had been getting “Lucha Lit” wrestling around the world since his WWE departure in 2021. Now, he’s back – with a dual role. In addition to competing for the developmental brand, Dorado has been hired as a coach for NXT at the Performance Center.
He wrote on Twitter that he’s back with “positive vibes only,” and is looking forward to teaching the next generation of high flyers. He also updated his Twitter bio to reflect his new role as coach.
Dorado’s return aligns with WWE’s continued emphasis on enhancing its developmental system. His deep experience in lucha libre and years with WWE make him a valuable asset in training the next generation of wrestlers, particularly those who specialize in high-flying styles.
Metalcore band Not Enough Space’s new track, Solace in Silence, boasts a dose of WWE star power thanks to appearances by two prominent names from NXT in the song’s music video. Set against the backdrop of a funeral, the video features NXT’s Javier Bernal and Tatum Paxley.
Bernal and Paxley (right) at the funeral in the music video.
The NXT duo are a real-life couple and tied the knot in late 2024. On-screen Paxley has been aligned with Shotzi and Gigi Dolin against Fatal Influence.
Bernal and Paxley are hardly the first names from the world of wrestling to cameo in music videos. In the 1980s, Captain Lou Albano famously appeared in three music videos for Cyndi Lauper, including Time After Time and Girls Just Want to Have Fun. Lauper’s third video, She Bop, also featured Albano alongside wrestler Wendi Richter. This collaboration marked the beginning of the ‘Rock ‘n Wrestling Connection,’ a movement that intertwined the worlds of music and wrestling.’
More recently, Shinsuke Nakamura and Kazuchika Okada made cameos in the Japanese version of the music video for Pharell William’s massively popular song, Happy. In 2020, the band Bowling for Soup released the track Alexa Bliss, accompanied by a music video starring the former Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion.
One name is who is taking note is Blanchard, who recently made a major return to TNA by setting her sights on Jordynne Grace. Grace has previously made her presence known on NXT, but also in last year’s Royal Rumble.
Speaking with Blanchard ahead of Genesis this Sunday, I asked Tessa her thoughts on the announcement and what it means for pro wrestling. Blanchard noted she has some history with one specific name in NXT.
“Stephanie Vacquer and I, we have a history in CMLL over in Mexico. We’ve had some banger matches out there. So her and I were actually chatting and we’re like, ‘Hmm, maybe we’ll get to see each other in the ring again one day,’ and I know that would be just a treat.”
However, other stars in the NXT women’s division has also caught Blanchard’s eye.
“There’s some girls that I’m not familiar with personally, but watching their work, I watch it and I’m like, ‘Gosh!’ There’s Kelani Jordan. She’s absolutely phenomenal in the ring.
Sol Ruca, she’s phenomenal in the ring and just seeing the way that these ladies move – there’s a lot of promise over there, and I hope that some of the ladies in the TNA locker room get to mix it up with a lot of them.”
As far as the partnership announcement goes, Blanchard sees a great relationship and opportunity for all involved, both in NXT and in TNA.
“It’s something special. I think it’s something that no one could have expected. It’s something that people have been talking about, but now it’s in ink.
“Now it’s out there for the whole world to see and it’s a huge blessing for both companies because just like NXT is filled with such amazing talent and leadership, TNA is as well.”
You can catch Blanchard in her return match against Grace at TNA Genesis, this Sunday on PPV. You’ll be able to watch the full interview upcoming on 1TS Network.
Just had my first interview of 2025 and it starts with Tessa Blanchard, who reacts to the new landscape-changing partnership between WWE and @ThisIsTNA! Full interview forthcoming on @Real1TS! @sescoopspic.twitter.com/yCTlMOATlW
Oba Femi, the newly crowned NXT Champion, addressed accusations of faking his accent during his promo on the January 14th edition of NXT. Speaking on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast, Femi clarified that his accent stems from his upbringing in Nigeria, where he lived for 19 years. While acknowledging that his accent may appear exaggerated on television, he emphasized that it is authentic.
Femi explained to hosts O’Shea Jackson and TJ Jefferson that his ability to code-switch, a skill he developed after living in the United States for seven years. He shared how he switches between accents depending on the context, such as speaking casually in public. “Both accents are real for me,” he said, adding that he intentionally used this ability during his promo to engage fans and give them “something to talk about.”
“It’s played up on TV for sure, but this is how I talk. I can also code-switch because I’ve been in the States, it’s played up on TV for sure, but this is how I talk. I can also code-switch because I’ve been in the States for like seven years. So if I go to the store and I’m like, ‘Hey man, you put that thing in the bag,’ I can do both.
People think, ‘Oh, one is real, one is fake.’ But no, both are me. I just have the ability to code-switch. for like seven years. So if I go to the store and I’m like, ‘Hey man, you put that thing in the bag,’ I can do both. People think, ‘Oh, one is real, one is fake.’ But no, both are me. I just have the ability to code-switch.”
Femi also discussed his mindset as a champion, noting that while he didn’t grow up dreaming of his current position, he always believed he could achieve it. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to entertain fans and clarified that his promo decisions were deliberate.
Now holding the NXT Championship, Femi has become a prominent target in the division. Fans have praised his honesty and ability to connect with the audience. As WWE continues to develop storylines around him, Femi’s unique personality and skills will likely play a key role in his championship reign.
Posted January 16th, 2025 in NXT, WWE. Tagged: Oba Femi.
The January 15 edition of WWE NXT may not mark the last appearance of TNA Knockouts World Champion Masha Slamovich on the brand. During the episode, Slamovich, who captured the title by defeating Jordynne Grace at October’s Bound For Glory, was seen in the crowd ahead of Cora Jade’s match against Kelani Jordan.
After the show, WWE’s cameras caught Slamovich in conversation with NXT head Shawn Michaels. Slamovich expressed her gratitude for the invitation and hinted that a return to NXT could involve stepping into the ring.
“I said that I was going to bring this title around the world and find the best people to defend it, and so far, I like what I see.”
Shawn Michaels shakes hands with TNA Knockouts Champion Masha Slamovich backstage at WWE NXT.
Shawn Michaels: "See anything you liked out there?" Masha Slamovich: "I said that I was going to bring this title around the world and find the best people to defend it, and so far, I… pic.twitter.com/pW48uX5LEv
Michaels responded by saying that he’s only a phone call away, teasing that fans could see much more of Slamovich in WWE. On X, Slamovich continued to suggest that her appearance wasn’t a one-off with a heated interaction with Cora Jade.
— Masha Slamovich マーシャ・スラモビッチ (@mashaslamovich) January 15, 2025
Slamovich’s appearance is the latest example of the talent-exchange between WWE NXT and TNA Wrestling. In 2024, several stars crossed the line, including Jordynne Grace. Grace not only competed for the NXT Women’s Title but also defended the TNA Knockouts World Championship on the September 10 edition of WWE NXT against Sol Ruca.
It remains to be seen if Slamovich will put the title on the line in a WWE NXT ring, but this partnership guarantees that it’s a possibility. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Slamovich who is proving to be a fighting champion in and out of TNA Wrestling.
NXT wrestler Jaida Parker is facing backlash after liking an Instagram post advocating for a ban on transgender athletes in women’s and girls’ sports at federally funded educational institutions.
The Instagram post from @Spiritualword highlighted the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.” This legislation seeks to bar transgender athletes, specifically those assigned male at birth, from competing in sports teams designated for women and girls under Title IX.
The bill frames sex as determined by “reproductive biology and genetics at birth” when addressing athletic participation in schools and colleges receiving federal funding.
The reaction to Parker’s apparent support of the post has been largely negative, with fans and commentators divided over her perceived stance on the highly debated issue.
Jaida Parker addressed the situation in this reply:
Oh I’d love too. @clotheslinings wants to be messy & that’s fine cause ignorance is contagious but what they not gon do is come @ my name cause my opinion doesn’t align with theirs & clearly don’t know how to educate themselves on the real definition of being “transphobic”. 🤷🏽♀️ https://t.co/uMSIfAR6GC
It appears that the TNA-NXT partnership is about to resume.
2024 saw the two brands surprising the wrestling world with a lengthy partnership. This resulted in a number of big names crossing over the ‘Forbidden Door’ and making appearances at the other show, including talents such as Jordynne Grace, Joe Hendry, and Arianna Grace.
Things had cooled down in recent weeks however as WWE got busy trying to adjust to the new TV deals with all three of their brands finding new homes.
Though the latest episode of NXT signaled a change in this status, with a surprise on-screen appearance from the new TNA Knockouts Champion Masha Slamovich:
The Knockouts World Champion @mashaslamovich making her presence felt on @WWENXT ahead of her Clockwork Orange House of Fun title defence against @WeAreRosemary this Sunday at #TNAGenesis LIVE on PPV and TNA+! @WWE
Slamovich won the title from Jordynne Grace at Bound For Glory in October. She was not only shown in the crowd during the January 14 show but the commentators also mentioned her upcoming title defence against Rosemary at TNA Genesis on January 19.
If past events are any indication, we can assume that Slamovich won’t be the only name to cross over and there will be more surprise appearances from both sides in coming times.
With the WWE Royal Rumble fast approaching, this appearance is sure to ignite rumors about potential TNA entries into the Rumble. It’d be interesting to see if any current TNA champions continue the tradition of Rumble appearances at the February 1 show.
The January 14 episode of the Black & Silver show featured Roxanne Perez in the main event. The former NXT Women’s Champion talked about her title loss to Giulia at last week’s episode of the show and claimed that NXT did not deserve her.
This is when Bayley’s music hit and the main roster star came out to confront the 23-year-old. She tried to advise Perez on her future but the developmental star said that she didn’t ask for advice.
The two women then went back and forth on the mic talking about Bayley’s achievements in NXT. Roxanne finally lost her cool when Bayley referenced Cora Jade helping her retain her title before. The NXT star ended up attacking the Horsewoman and the two stars brawled as the episode went off air.
Bayley is set to challenge Tiffany Stratton for the Women’s Championship on this Friday’s SmackDown. After this bout was brought up in the promo today, it’s extremely likely that Perez will make her presence felt on the Blue Branded Show this week.
The announced ‘Transfer Window’ between all three of WWE’s brands is still open and it’d be interesting to see if this rivalry proves to be the catalyst for Perez’s move to the main roster.
WWE broadcaster Corey Graves will no longer appear on tonight’s episode of NXT to address recent frustrations, as he had announced.
Graves took to social media last night, expressing anger over being told he wasn’t “famous enough” to join the new Raw and SmackDown broadcast teams. Following the post, he claimed he would clear the air during tonight’s NXT.
However, PWInsider reports that Graves was seen boarding a flight at Orlando Airport on Tuesday afternoon and will not be present for the broadcast. Sources indicate that Graves felt genuinely insulted by being relegated to the NXT commentary team as the ‘third wheel’ alongside Vic Joseph and Booker T.
Never has a man looked more dead inside than Corey Graves when Vic gave him a pat on the back for being sent back to NXT last week. pic.twitter.com/dKbIQtXOtJ
Adding legitimacy to the situation, Graves’ brother, Sam Adonis, confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the matter is “not a work,” suggesting it’s not part of a WWE storyline.
WWE NXT returns tonight from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, broadcasting live at 8 PM ET on the CW Network.
This show serves as the fallout from last week’s New Year’s Evil premium live event. Fans can expect fallout, including reactions from new NXT Women’s Champion Giulia and new NXT Champion Oba Femi. We’ll also see the NXT tag titles on the line and two #1 contender’s matches.
WWE NXT Preview (January 14, 2025)
Confirmed matches and segments for tonight’s WWE NXT include:
NXT Tag Team Championship Match: Nathan Frazer and Axiom, collectively known as Fraxiom, will defend their NXT Tag Team Championship against the formidable duo of Bronco Nima and Lucien Price from OTM (Out The Mud). OTM earned this opportunity by winning a Christmas Chaos Fatal Four Way match on December 24th
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship #1 Contender’s Match: The Unholy Union (Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn) will face off against Jakara Jackson and Lash Legend to determine the next challengers for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. The winners of this match will earn a shot at the current champions, Bianca Belair and Naomi.
NXT Women’s North American Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Shotzi will battle Stephanie Vaquer for a chance to challenge Fallon Henley for the NXT Women’s North American Championship. This match was set up after some controversy, with Shotzi arguing she deserved a title shot after pinning Henley in a recent six-woman tag team match.
WWE broadcaster Corey Graves will appear on tonight’s WWE NXT on The CW, and he’s got some things to get off his chest.
Graves has been the odd man out of the commentary rotation as Joe Tessitore has been paired with Wade Barrett for SmackDown, and Pat McAfee is back with Michael Cole as they take the reins for WWE Raw on Netflix.
As Raw made its second run on Netflix, Graves took to social media to air his grievances—claiming that he’s been demoted in favor of his co-workers who are more famous than him. Wrestling fans immediately debated if Graves was legitimately upset, working a storyline, or a combination of both.
The Pittsburgh native will clear the air tonight with a live mic and a head full of steam.
Graves shouldered a great deal of the broadcasting responsibilities throughout 2024 as, for the first time, he took the lead role behind the booth for the SmackDown brand. Corey worked with Wade Barrett as well as Michael Cole and, in the past, has teased a friendly rivalry with McAfee, who, for the past couple of years, would take a leave of absence due to his ESPN College GameDay duties. It should be noted that Graves ultimately hasn’t ruled out an in-ring return, and his umbrage with his “forced out” role could lead to physicality between him and his Steel City commentary comrade.
It’s fitting Graves took to socials on Monday, considering Tessitore made his SmackDown debut with Barrett this past Friday as the blue brand hailed from Portland, OR.
