Category: NXT

Nic Nemeth Is Legitimately Furious Over Trick Williams’ TNA World Title Win

In one of the most shocking cross-promotional moments of the year, Trick Williams walked out of NXT Battleground 2025 as the new TNA World Champion—defeating Joe Hendry in a high-profile clash that’s sent ripples through both brands. But while fans are buzzing over the surprise result, not everyone is thrilled—especially former TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth, who’s made it clear he’s furious over the title changing hands.

Speaking candidly in a new interview with WhatCulture, Nemeth didn’t mince words. “I’m absolutely furious and pissed off about it, and that’s not a joke or a game,” he said, clearly frustrated by what he sees as a major misstep for the TNA brand.

Nemeth, who lost the title to Hendry earlier this year, praised his former rival for raising TNA’s profile, but didn’t hold back when it came to the result at Battleground. “Joe Hendry has accomplished so much… he’s brought so many eyes to TNA… and then he loses our world title to a guy from a different company?” Nemeth fumed.

While he made sure to acknowledge Trick Williams as a legitimate talent—calling him “a badass” with “a great future”—the veteran wrestler emphasized that the optics of an NXT star now holding TNA’s most prestigious championship don’t sit well with him.

“This isn’t a world of participation medals… I don’t go, ‘hey, great job, buddy’ when you lose our world title,” Nemeth continued. “When you mess up, you own up to it. Joe lost our world title. I am not okay with that.”

In a move that may raise some eyebrows backstage, Nemeth even suggested old-school accountability might be needed. “We might need to bring back wrestler’s court or something,” he said, half-joking but clearly serious about the gravity of the situation in his eyes.

This marks a rare moment of genuine tension bleeding out into the open between brands, as TNA and WWE’s NXT continue to explore a working relationship that’s seen talent appear across both promotions. Trick’s win could open the door for more crossover storytelling—but it’s also created internal friction, at least for those like Nemeth who view the TNA World Title as sacred ground.

Whether TNA management or locker room leaders will echo Nemeth’s outrage remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Trick Williams has everyone talking—and that might be exactly what both companies wanted.

WWE NXT Preview 5/27/2025

WWE NXT live tonight on The CW from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, FL.

  • NXT North American Championship Match: Ricky Saints (c) vs. Ethan Page
  • NXT Women’s Championship Match: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Jacy Jayne
  • Jasper Troy vs. TBA
  • Mike Santana vs. Tavion Heights
  • Tatum Paxley vs. Jaida Parker
  • The New TNA World Champion Trick Williams appears
  • Fallout from WWE Battleground

WWE Battleground 5/25/2025 (Results), Trick Williams Wins TNA Title

NXT lit up Battleground with championship clashes, and some serious statement-making performances. From Sol Ruca’s breathtaking title defense to Trick Williams’ historic TNA World Title win, here’s everything that went down on May 25, 2025.

NXT Women’s North American Championship:

Sol Ruca (c) def. Kelani Jordan

The high-octane opener between Ruca and Jordan was an all-out showcase of athleticism and innovative offense. Early exchanges saw both women dodge and flip their way into a stalemate that had fans on their feet. Jordan nearly captured gold off a Vader Bomb axe kick and a gorgeous Northern Lights suplex, but Ruca’s resilience held strong.

The champion weathered a wild Asai moonsault from Jordan and survived a breathtaking avalanche Frankensteiner. As the bout spiraled into chaos, Zaria attempted to interfere but was ejected, setting up the final sprint. After a missed moonsault from Jordan, Ruca struck with a Sol Snatcher from halfway across the ring, sealing the deal and retaining her title.

Mike Santana Arrives, Confronts NQCC

Backstage, Mike Santana spoke about finally debuting in WWE after a 16-year grind—and wasted no time aiming high, declaring he’s coming for the TNA World Title. But Charlie Dempsey and the No Quarter Catch Crew didn’t take kindly to another TNA name in NXT’s yard. Tension built until Tavion Heights diffused the situation and offered Santana a match on Tuesday—an offer he gladly accepted.

Hank & Tank and Josh Briggs def. The Culling

This trios clash was pure chaos. Briggs, Walker, and Ledger overwhelmed early with a triple dive spot, but The Culling turned things around with vicious offense, especially targeting Hank. Still, the babyfaces fought back, and Briggs nearly ended it with a moonsault.

A timely save from Hank kept the match alive, and after some underhanded help from Izzi Dame was countered, it was Hank & Tank’s assisted powerslam on Brooks Jensen that sealed the win. Post-match, The Culling tried to beat down the victors—until Yoshiki Inamura stormed in and wrecked house with a chair in hand. Big pop. Bigger moment.

Ethan Page Sends a Message

“All Ego” Ethan Page made it clear he doesn’t respect Ricky Saints—claiming the NXT North American Champion is a poser masking insecurity. Page promised to take the title Tuesday night, and Ava Raine confirmed the match will open the show. Worlds Collide implications were teased, but Page didn’t care—he just wants gold.

Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo def. Tony D’Angelo

What started as a gritty brawl between brothers-in-arms ended in heartbreak. The Don and his former right-hand man tore into each other, with D’Angelo controlling early before Stacks turned the tide with steel steps and calculated strikes.

The turning point came when Tony hesitated mid-match, clearly torn about hurting someone he still saw as family. That hesitation cost him—Stacks kicked low after Luca Crusifino’s ringside distraction and finished it with a Sick Kick to the back of the head. Post-match, Luca entered for a potential beatdown—but D’Angelo walked away, leaving questions in his wake.

NXT Women’s Championship:

Stephanie Vaquer (c) def. Jordynne Grace

This was a war of styles and wills. Vaquer’s technical precision met Grace’s brute power, and both pushed each other to the brink. Jordynne took control after electric-chairing Vaquer into the announce table, but Stephanie answered with rope-assisted submissions and a nasty Devil’s Kiss DDT.

In the closing stretch, both women emptied the tank, with Grace nearly stealing it with a backfist and power offense. But Vaquer rose again, hitting a Spiral Tap to retain her title. Dalys was spotted in the crowd post-match, clearly signaling her intentions—and things got heated quickly backstage when Chik Tormenta and Jacy Jayne confronted the champ, leading to a chaotic pull-apart brawl.

Ricky Saints Responds—and Gets Jumped

Ricky Saints hit the ring to cut an impassioned promo about pride, respect, and why Ethan Page can’t stop chasing him. He didn’t mince words—he’s ready to defend Tuesday, and he’s open to challenges from any brand. But before he could finish, Page ambushed him! A pull-apart brawl ensued, with Saints diving onto Page and security from the top rope in an exclamation point.

NXT Championship:

Oba Femi (c) def. Myles Borne

Myles Borne gave Oba Femi one of the toughest fights of his reign. The Ruler imposed his will early, with brutal power moves and targeted offense to the ribs and spine. But Borne fought back with high-risk dives, DDTs, and even a snap German suplex that brought the crowd to their feet.

As the match escalated, Borne came within inches of a miracle win—hitting a top-rope splash and a late-match rana. But Oba weathered the storm, nailed two consecutive Falls From Grace, and retained the NXT Title. Post-match, Femi showed respect with a subtle nod—Myles earned it.

TNA World Heavyweight Championship:

Trick Williams def. Joe Hendry (c)

This was the show-closing statement win Trick Williams needed. From the start, it was hard-hitting and personal, with both men throwing bombs and brawling outside. Trick gained momentum after a Book End through the announce table, but Hendry fought back and nearly stole it with Standing Ovation.

Williams kicked out, fired up, and drilled Hendry with a Trickshot—after a sneaky title belt assist—and scored the three-count to become the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion. The crowd exploded as Trick added another accolade to his resume in a landmark NXT moment.

Final Notes:

  • Oba Femi, Sol Ruca and Stephanie Vaquer continue to shine as dominant champions.
  • Trick Williams is now holding one of wrestling’s most historic titles.
  • Battleground delivered action, drama, and planted plenty of seeds for Worlds Collide and Tuesday’s loaded episode of NXT.

WWE Battleground 5/25/2025 (Card)

WWE NXT Battleground – Sunday, May 25, 2025 – Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida

CARD

NXT Championship: Oba Femi (c) vs. Myles Borne

NXT Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Jordynne Grace

TNA World Championship: Joe Hendry (c) vs. Trick Williams

NXT Women’s North American Championship: Sol Ruca (c) vs. Kelani Jordan

Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo vs. Tony D’Angelo

The Culling (Shawn Spears, Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance) vs. Josh Briggs and NXT Tag Team Champions Hank & Tank

WWE Cancels Post-Battleground Taping Of NXT In Tampa

WWE is gearing up for a stacked weekend at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida, but a late change of plans has altered the post-Battleground schedule for NXT fans.

The company is set to take over Tampa with three major events across Memorial Day weekend: Saturday Night’s Main Event on May 24th, the NXT Battleground premium live event on May 25th, and Monday Night RAW on May 26th. However, what was originally expected to be a four-day WWE stretch has now been trimmed down.

The May 27th episode of NXT TV, initially slated to be taped at the Yuengling Center following Battleground, has been officially pulled from the venue. Ticketmaster has now listed the show as canceled, and the Yuengling Center has scrubbed the event from its website. Instead, the episode will be filmed at WWE’s home base in Orlando—the Performance Center.

While no specific reason has been publicly given for the change, reports from WrestleTix indicate that approximately 1,700 tickets had already been sold for the NXT TV taping. By comparison, NXT Battleground has reportedly moved over 6,000 tickets, showing a clear difference in demand.

This shift suggests WWE may be pivoting to a more intimate setting for the follow-up to Battleground, possibly to recalibrate production or avoid underwhelming visuals in a larger arena. Whatever the case, fans can expect the post-Battleground fallout to return to the familiar walls of the Performance Center, where NXT has long found its footing.

WWE NXT Preview 5/20/2025

WWE will present the Battleground go-home episode of NXT tonight from the Performance Center in Orlando, FL. live at 8:00 PM EST on The CW Network in the US and on Netflix internationally.

  • Kelani Jordan vs. Zaria
  • Chase U New Class (Uriah Connors & Kale Dixon) vs. OTM (Bronco Nima & Lucien Price)
  • Shawn Spears vs. Josh Briggs
  • Joe Hendry in concert.
  • Trick Williams rap performance.

WWE NXT Preview 5/13/2025

WWE will present a new episode of NXT tonight on The CW from the Performance Center, as the build continues for NXT: Battleground 2025.

  • Oba Femi vs. Charlie Dempsey
  • Tony D’Angelo vs. Wes Lee
  • Joe Hendry and Trick Williams have a contract signing.

WWE NXT Preview 5/6/2025

WWE NXT tonight on The CW at 8/7c.

  • NXT Championship #1 Contenders Battle Royal
  • NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contenders Match: Jordynne Grace vs. Giulia
  • TNA World Champion Joe Hendry, NXT Tag Team Champions Hank & Tank vs. DarkState
  • Kelani Jordan vs. Zaria

Cora Jade & Gigi Dolin Speak Out After WWE Releases, Push Back on “Lazy” Narrative

WWE’s latest wave of talent cuts has stirred up plenty of conversation—and two of the most talked-about names are firing back at behind-the-scenes claims surrounding their departures.

Gigi Dolin and Cora Jade, both of whom had been prominently featured on WWE NXT, were released this past Friday, just weeks after appearing at NXT Stand & Deliver in a kickoff four-way tag team elimination match. Their exits, alongside several other talents from both the main roster and NXT, came as part of another round of budget-related releases.

However, the narrative took a turn when Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer reported that some of those cut were believed to not be putting in enough effort during training, even citing the term “lazy” as being used internally. That didn’t sit well with either Dolin or Jade, who took to social media to push back.

Dolin, clearly frustrated, defended her commitment:

“When I wasn’t traveling for either of the two companies I worked for, I trained hard 3-4 days a week—bumping, doing cardio drills with one of the toughest coaches I’ve ever had. I worked out every day, did live events every other weekend. So yeah, I don’t wanna hear this lol. The way my body feels says otherwise.”

Jade, meanwhile, shared a more personal and troubling aspect of her WWE experience, revealing that she chose to train at her own gym after dealing with body shaming within the company:

“This, plus can’t forget having to go to my own gym after ‘strength and conditioning’ that wasn’t doing anything for me — other than getting me body shamed by my bosses, coworkers, and fans 🙂 crazy!”

Both Dolin and Jade signed with WWE in January 2021 and had become key players in the NXT women’s division. Dolin, as part of the Toxic Attraction faction, held the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship twice, while Jade quickly emerged as one of the brand’s standout personalities and future prospects.

While neither has addressed their next move just yet, it’s clear that both women are leaving WWE with plenty still to say—and plenty still to prove.

With the women’s wrestling scene thriving across promotions like TNA, AEW, and STARDOM, could a new chapter be just around the corner for Dolin and Jade?

WWE Roster Shake-Up: Major Main Roster & NXT Releases

WWE made a wave of cuts on Friday, May 2, 2025, parting ways with a mix of established main roster talent and several rising stars from NXT. The release list includes some surprising names, prompting plenty of speculation about what’s next for the wrestlers involved.

Among the main roster talent released are Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, Dakota Kai, Kayden Carter, and Katana Chance. Over on the NXT side, the company has let go of Cora Jade, Jakara Jackson, Riley Osborne, Javier Bernal, Oro Mensah, Gigi Dolin, Eddy Thorpe, Dani Palmer and the faction Gallus. These cuts mark another significant roster shuffle for WWE, which seems to be refining its roster across all brands.

As is standard, the released main roster stars will be under 90-day non-compete clauses, while the NXT names are expected to serve 30-day non-compete periods. During that time, WWE will continue to pay the talent, giving them a window to evaluate their options and plan their next moves.

Fightful Select reports that Dakota Kai has already generated considerable interest from other promotions and talent agencies, and insiders expect her to have multiple opportunities ahead. Shayna Baszler’s departure, however, came as a shock to many within WWE. She had recently helped out at “NXT” and re-signed with the company in 2024, making her release one of the more unexpected moves in this round.

In NXT, some releases were more telegraphed. Jakara Jackson’s recent exit from the Meta-Four faction and separation from Lash Legend on this past Tuesday’s “NXT” all but signaled her impending departure. Oro Mensah may have fallen into a similar category.

Meanwhile, Cora Jade and Gigi Dolin wasted no time in re-establishing themselves on the independent scene. Both shared contact details on social media for upcoming bookings, and Jade has already reverted to her indie ring name, Elayna Black—a name she used during her early run on the independent circuit and brief AEW appearances back in 2019 and 2020.

WWE’s latest roster purge underscores the shifting priorities and evolving strategy of the company as it continues to shape its creative and business direction under the TKO banner. For many of these talented performers, this could be the start of a new chapter—whether in AEW, TNA, NJPW, or the growing indie scene.