WWE NXT: Showdown Review - October 7, 2025

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

TNA World Tag Team Champions The Hardy Boyz def. DarkState (Dion Lennox and Osiris Griffin) in a Winners Take All Match to Win the NXT Tag Team Championship

Jeff and Matt Hardy are obviously limited with what they can do physically at this stage of their careers, but they're extremely smart with the way they structure their matches and doing a lot with a little, if that makes sense. The crowd was hot for everything they did and it made for a fun opener. Hardy Boyz continuing to make history is awesome to see. I guess this means their Tables match with Team 3D at Bound for Glory this Saturday is going to be for the NXT Tag Team Championship, too?

Team NXT (NXT Women's Champion Jacy Jane, NXT Women's North American Champion and WWE Women's Speed Champion Sol Ruca, Lola Vice and Jaida Parker) def. Team TNA (TNA Knockouts World Champion Kelani Jordan, TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Champions The IInspiration and Mara Sade) in a Survivor Series-Style Elimination Match (Jordynne Grace Served as Special Guest Referee)

For as much talent as there was in this match, I thought a majority of it was a mess. Tons of missed and sloppy-looking spots. I wasn't thrilled Parker was the first one eliminated, but I can't say I'm surprised. Team TNA consisting of current and former NXT talent didn't help. Team NXT winning was the correct outcome and the focus seemed to be on Jane teasing tension with Ruca. I'd love to see Ruca challenge for the NXT Women's Championship next, but considering she's already the NXT Women's North American Champion and WWE Women's Speed Champion (not to mention her pursuit of the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship with Zaria), it doesn't feel the right time for that.

NXT North American Champion Ethan Page def. Mustafa Ali

This match served as a reminder to the higher-ups in WWE that letting go of Ali was a mistake. Of course, that's been evident to anyone who has been keeping up with his work outside of WWE over the last two years, but I'm happy he got to showcase his skills on the WWE stage again. He and Page worked really well together and delivered a super enjoyable outing. A title change would've been sweet, but I knew it wasn't realistic with Page currently embroiled in a feud with El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. from AAA.

Team TNA (Mike Santana, Moose, TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater and TNA International Champion Frankie Kazarian) def. Team NXT (NXT Champion Ricky Saints, TNA World Champion Trick Williams, Je'Von Evans and Myles Borne) in a Survivor Series-Style Elimination Match (Joe Hendry Served as Special Guest Referee)

For what it's worth, much like Grace in the women's match, Hendry didn't really factor into things at all as the special guest referee. The match itself was far better than the women's. The order of eliminations was logical and most of the guys had a chance to shine. Williams walking out on Saints should've been expected to protect both of them in defeat, and I'm glad Team TNA went over heading into Bound for Glory this weekend.

Overall Show

Yes, this whole invasion angle was rushed, but I understand they timed it this way intentionally to combat AEW's Title Tuesday edition of Dynamite that aired opposite of this show. It still ended up being one of the better NXT TV episodes all year, which isn't saying much since the show isn't usually this eventful. Hardy Boyz winning the NXT Tag Team Championship was notable and Page vs. Ali stole the show. It was also cool to get Survivor Series-style matches for the first time in four years.

SEE MORE: NXT Reviews