WWE NXT Preview - August 19, 2025: Go-Home Chaos Before Heatwave

It’s the final stop before NXT Heatwave, and tonight’s episode promises fireworks live from The Met in Philadelphia. With championship implications, bitter grudges, and plenty of drama on deck, NXT is set for one of its most loaded go-home shows of the year.

📺 How to Watch:

• Time: 8 p.m. EST / 7 p.m. CST
• Where: The CW Network
• Location: The Met, Philadelphia, PA

Trick Williams vs. Je’Von Evans – No. 1 Contender’s Match

The road to NXT Champion Oba Femi runs through Philadelphia. Tonight, either Trick Williams or Je’Von Evans will earn the right to challenge for the gold this Sunday at Heatwave. Both men fell short back at Stand & Deliver in a Triple Threat against Femi, but now there’s no third wheel — one will leave Philly as the rightful challenger. Will Trick walk in as a potential two-belt star, or can Evans notch the biggest win of his career?

Philadelphia Street Fight: Yoshiki Inamura vs. Josh Briggs

Friendship turned bitter rivalry hits its boiling point tonight. Briggs has vowed to crush Inamura in a Philly Street Fight, scoffing at his opponent’s “code of honor.” Expect this one to be violent, emotional, and right in step with the city’s hardcore legacy.

Six-Woman Tag Team Match

Before defending her TNA Knockouts Championship at Heatwave, Jacy Jayne must team with Fallon Henley and Jazmyn Nyx against The Elegance Brand. The twist? Masha Slamovich, Jayne’s challenger on Sunday, will serve as special guest referee. Don’t expect this one to be called down the middle.

Ricky Saints vs. Jasper Troy – The Rematch

The war continues between Ricky Saints and Jasper Troy. After Troy won by count-out on July 22 by sending Saints crashing through the ramp, Saints is looking for payback — and this time, he’ll settle for nothing less than a clean victory.

Face-to-Face Showdown & Peace Treaty Drama

• Jordynne Grace and Blake Monroe will come face-to-face before their Heatwave battle.
• Proud Canadians Chelsea Green & Ethan Page plan to present a “Peace Treaty” to Tavion Heights & Tyra Mae Steel — though in pro wrestling, treaties rarely go as planned.

Wrestling.news | Backstage Take

This NXT card checks all the boxes for a go-home show: a high-stakes No. 1 Contender’s Match, a blood feud in Philly’s signature style, and chaos in the women’s division with Slamovich in stripes. The brand has been quietly cooking some of WWE’s most compelling stories, and tonight feels like the spark that could turn Heatwave into a must-see Premium Live Event.

#WWENews #WWENXT