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.
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