WWE NXT Preview - September 02, 2025: Speed Tournament Begins, DarkState Dominates, and High-Stakes Showdowns Await
The Road to NXT No Mercy officially kicks off tonight, and the black-and-gold brand isn’t wasting any time raising the stakes. From the launch of the Speed Championship Tournament to an explosive 8-man tag team war, and a grudge match brewing in the women’s division, this week’s episode promises plenty of chaos and momentum-shifting moments.
Speed Tournament Match: Candice LeRae vs. Xia Brookside
The highly anticipated Speed Tournament begins tonight as SmackDown’s Candice LeRae squares off against TNA standout Xia Brookside. With just three minutes on the clock, this format forces competitors to think fast, adapt quicker, and capitalize on even the smallest mistake.
LeRae brings years of veteran experience and cunning to the table, but Brookside’s international style and youthful energy make her a serious dark horse. Whoever walks out victorious moves one step closer to challenging Sol Ruca for the Speed Championship at No Mercy on September 27.
8-Man Tag Team Match: Oba Femi, Ricky Saints, Hank Walker & Tank Ledger vs. DarkState (Dion Lennox, Osiris Griffin, Cutler James & Saquon Shugars)
The fallout from NXT Heatwave has spilled into this massive tag team clash. Newly crowned #1 contender Ricky Saints and reigning NXT Champion Oba Femi will be forced to team up tonight despite their looming title showdown. Can these uneasy allies coexist, or will DarkState exploit the tension?
For Walker and Ledger, tonight is about payback after losing their tag titles to DarkState. With the faction looking more dominant than ever, this match could set the tone for NXT’s main event scene heading into No Mercy.
Singles Match: Lash Legend vs. Jaida Parker
The rising rivalry between Lash Legend and Jaida Parker reaches its boiling point tonight. Both women have been circling the title picture, and with No Mercy approaching, this singles contest could determine who earns a future shot at the NXT Women’s Championship.
Expect intensity, trash talk, and no shortage of athleticism as these two prove who belongs at the top of the division.
Who holds the power in #WWENXT?!? pic.twitter.com/0fiKAZTUnA
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) September 2, 2025
🗣️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
The build to No Mercy is off to a strong start, but the big question is whether WWE uses the Speed Tournament to elevate newer names like Xia Brookside or lean on established stars like Candice LeRae. Meanwhile, DarkState is quickly becoming the faction to beat in NXT, and tonight’s tag match will either solidify their dominance or set up the perfect crack in their armor.
With three weeks to go until No Mercy, tonight’s episode is less about final answers and more about planting seeds — and if WWE plays it right, the payoff could be massive.
