WWE NXT Preview - October 14, 2025: Fallout from NXT ShowDown and Matt Cardona’s WWE Return
WWE NXT - How to Watch
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Location: Orlando, Florida
Network: The CW
Match Card
- El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. vs. Lexis King
- Blake Monroe vs. Zaria
- Josh Briggs vs. Matt Cardona
- Women’s No. 1 Contender Battle Royal
Last week’s NXT ShowDown made history. WWE’s developmental brand went head-to-head with TNA in a cross-promotional event that had wrestling fans buzzing worldwide. The result? A dead-even night — NXT and TNA split the wins, leaving fans asking one big question: Who really runs Tuesday nights?
With tensions still simmering and bragging rights undecided, this week’s NXT will showcase the fallout — including returning stars, new rivalries, and a high-stakes women’s battle royal that could reshape the division.
Matt Cardona is back in a WWE ring.
The former Zack Ryder makes his long-awaited WWE return when he faces Josh Briggs. This isn’t just a match — it’s unfinished business. Cardona cost Briggs a shot at representing NXT during ShowDown, and now Briggs wants payback.
Since leaving WWE in 2020, Cardona reinvented himself on the independent circuit, proving he’s far more than a “Woo Woo Woo” guy. Now he’s walking back through the door as a hardened veteran with something to prove. Can he back it up against one of NXT’s toughest brawlers?
Meanwhile, the NXT Women’s Championship picture gets shaken up.
After leading Team NXT to victory at ShowDown, Jacy Jayne stands tall as champion — but a new challenger will be crowned tonight. The Women’s No. 1 Contender Battle Royal will feature both NXT and TNA talent, and if recent weeks are any indication, the rivalry between the two promotions may be far from over.
Expect fireworks. NXT’s partnership (and competition) with TNA is clearly not finished. Rumors suggest more crossover appearances could be on the horizon — and with stars like Jordynne Grace, Joe Hendry, and Nic Nemeth making waves across both promotions, fans may see new storylines intertwine sooner than expected.
For Cardona, tonight is make-or-break. A strong performance could punch his ticket to a major run in NXT — or even a main roster return.
And for the women’s division, the question remains: who’s bold enough to challenge Jacy Jayne’s new reign of dominance?
🗣️ Wrestling.News | Backstage Take
The energy coming out of NXT ShowDown has reignited excitement around developmental wrestling. The buzz of TNA’s involvement feels fresh and unpredictable — and NXT’s locker room knows it. Don’t be surprised if WWE leans harder into this interpromotional momentum heading toward Survivor Series season.
As for Cardona, he’s the definition of a wrestler who refused to fade away. This return could be the start of his redemption arc — one fans have been waiting years to see.
