The NXT Championship has changed hands for the fourth time this year where Oba Femi defeated Ricky Saints in the opening contest of WWE NXT Deadline 2025 to win the title for the second time.
How did this go down tonight, what led to this, and what could be on the horizon? Let's break it all down!
How We Got Here:
Oba Femi quickly rose to success in NXT with an undefeated streak that extended into a record-breaking 273 day title reign with the NXT North American Championship, which started January 9, 2024. He suffered his first true loss to Tony D'Angelo on October 8, 2024, but quickly turned around and won the NXT Championship from Trick Williams at New Year's Evil on January 7, 2025.
That reign lasted nearly the same amount of time, going 262 days until Ricky Saints became the second person to beat Femi, dethroning The Ruler of NXT from his gold at NXT No Mercy on September 27th. Femi would take some time off, returning a few weeks ago to call for a rematch.
Match Details:
Despite the size disadvantage, Saints put up a good fight against Femi, nearly picking up the victory several times, including a count-out that was just barely not a 10-count.
It took four DDTs to put down Femi the last time, but no matter what Saints did, he was fighting from underneath for most of the match, ultimately being taken out by a Fall from Grace powerbomb.
Personal Reactions & What Happens Next?:
Frankly, I'm surprised. I assumed Femi was more likely to be called up to the main roster sooner, but having the belt again points in a different direction for that. Plus, with the winner facing Cody Rhodes at WWE Saturday Night's Main Event, and knowing The American Nightmare is close with Saints, I figured that was a lock as well. My guess now is that Je'Von Evans will be given the title next, as WWE has teased the idea of him winning a championship for so long that they eventually have to pull the trigger, right?
Tell us what you think about this title change by leaving a comment below! Who do you think will be the next in line to challenge for the title, or possibly even win the belt next? Keep the discussion going!