In this WWE NXT 9/30/25 review, here are five thoughts on the build to NXT vs. TNA Showdown, what stood out with the choices for each of the Survivor Series teams, and much more.
Let’s jump in.
1. The men’s match was set up nicely.
Both the NXT and TNA men’s teams make sense. Ricky Saints and Trick Williams attempting to be on the same page will likely play a role in the match, and the addition of two up-and-comers in Evans and Borne is good for the squad. For TNA, Santana is perfect for the leader role, and the choices of Frankie Kazarian, Moose, and Leon Slater makes for a well-rounded team. This is the main attraction for next week’s show, and it was presented as such.
2. The women’s match was…not.
Meanwhile, I was less impressed with how they put together the women’s match. Jayne, who has run down almost everyone in the NXT women’s division, publicly boasting the accomplishments of her teammates – Sol Ruca, Jaida Parker, and the person she just had a hard-hitting feud with in Lola Vice – and them treating her as if she’s this trusted leader just seemed silly. The TNA team features Kelani Jordan (a somewhat random choice for new TNA Knockouts Champion), Jessie McKay and Cassie Lee (mostly known for their WWE careers), and Mara Sade (aka Jakarra Jackson, another former NXT talent). Huh? Now, there is an asterisk for how this team was compiled: Ash By Elegance abruptly vacated the TNA Knockouts Championship at Victory Road, and former champion Masha Slamovich has been removed from television after an abuse accusation. There were undoubtedly significant changes to the original plans, so we can cut them some slack.
3. Is Showdown a good thing for either brand?
Perhaps the biggest issue is that the whole Showdown theme feels forced. While these are two different companies, it doesn’t seem that much different from the goofy brand vs. brand supremacy that WWE used to do for Survivor Series. It’s an invasion between two companies that have regularly worked together and had a plethora of these stars already appear on the other’s shows. I know that an invasion is an easy trope in wrestling, but the old school wrestling fan in me is wondering why either locker room would shift the focus from their personal goals (like winning titles or destroying rivals) to participate in a “war” with a company that is no threat to them.
4. Where was Oba Femi?
Femi was nowhere to be found after losing the NXT Championship to Saints at No Mercy. Is that a surprise? Of course not, but it does somewhat confirm the next move for him. I mentioned that should he lose to Saints, there would simply be nothing left for him to do in NXT. That has to mean that a WWE main roster call-up is in store for ‘The Ruler,’ and rightfully so. He’s also one of those superstars that would be hard to slot into an invasion storyline.
5. Mustafa Ali’s promo was great stuff.
Ali made his return to WWE television after being released by the company in September 2023. And his promo was stellar. What a unique scenario that played right into the story that they are telling, with Ali mentioning that he never got the North American title shot that he earned. You know, since he was fired the week prior to the match. He should have plenty to prove in his match against Ethan Page at Showdown. A title change is unlikely, but I’m intrigued at what’s next for him.
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