WWE NXT – July 29, 2025
Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph & Booker T
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Opening Segment: The Waller Effect with Carmelo Hayes
The show kicks off with Grayson Waller standing in the ring for the first edition of The Waller Effect. As always, Waller is cocky and obnoxious, dressed in a gaudy suit, soaking in the boos from the crowd. The set is vibrant, complete with flashing neon lights and a smug grin from Waller.
His guest tonight? None other than the NXT North American Champion, Carmelo Hayes.
Hayes makes his entrance to a big ovation, holding the title high. He struts into the ring with confidence, dapping up a few fans before taking a seat across from Waller.
But Waller wastes no time throwing shade.
> Waller: “Look, mate. I know you’re the North American Champ, and that’s cute and all—but let’s not act like we forgot about your ‘legendary’ run in ULW. What was that? Two wins and a whole lotta L’s?”
The crowd gasps at the blatant disrespect. Hayes keeps cool, smirking slightly.
> Hayes: “You can talk about whatever lie you want, Waller. Fact is, I run NXT now. I am HIM.”
Waller doubles down, sarcastically asking whether Hayes really thinks he stands a chance against tonight’s challenger—Ethan Page.
Just as Hayes is about to respond—
BAM!
Ethan Page storms the ring from behind and blindsides Hayes! He drives the champion into the set with a vicious uranage, then hoists the North American Title in the air. Waller laughs in the background, clearly in on the setup.
Vic Joseph calls it “an absolutely disgusting ambush,” while Booker T praises the cunning of Ethan Page.
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Match 1: Austin Theory vs. Buddy Murphy
The opening match sees Austin Theory take on Buddy Murphy in a hard-hitting encounter that had the crowd on edge.
Murphy shows off his crisp striking and power, dominating the early goings.
Theory plays dirty, gouging Murphy’s eyes behind the referee’s back and focusing on Murphy’s surgically repaired knee.
A thunderous mid-match superplex has both men laid out.
Murphy rallies with a running knee and hits Murphy’s Law, but Waller distracts the ref.
Theory capitalizes with a low blow and A-Town Down for the win.
Winner: Austin Theory via pinfall
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Post-Match Beatdown… and a Shocking Save!
After the bell, Grayson Waller slides into the ring and joins Theory in a beatdown of Buddy Murphy. The two men stomp away mercilessly until…
“BRUTALITY!”
The crowd explodes as Rhea Ripley storms down the ramp, clad in all-black leather and steel chains. Waller and Theory scatter like cockroaches as Rhea checks on Murphy.
The NXT Universe is stunned—Rhea hasn’t been seen on NXT in months, and her history with Murphy is… complicated at best.
Booker T: “What in the hell is Rhea Ripley doin’, dawg?! I don’t know if this is a rescue or a setup!”
Vic Joseph: “The entire Performance Center is shocked! Rhea Ripley… just saved Buddy Murphy?!”
The two lock eyes as the segment ends, with no clear explanation—just confusion, chemistry, and tension.
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Backstage Segment: Chase U Lays Down the Challenge
We cut to a fired-up Andre Chase and Duke Hudson backstage, standing in front of a Chase U banner draped with black cloth.
> Andre Chase: “Stacks. D’Angelo. You took out HBP… and we haven’t forgotten. Next week, Chase U challenges The Family—for the inaugural NXT Tag Team Titles.”
> Hudson: “You want to act like mobsters? That’s fine. Next week—we give you a Chase U-sized ass whoopin’ in the main event.”
Challenge issued. Will The Family accept?
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Special Preview: EVOLVE – The Flex Squad’s Offer to Jesse Ventura
A teaser for tomorrow’s episode of EVOLVE airs. It shows WWE Hall of Famer Jesse “The Body” Ventura stepping into an extravagant Flex Gym, greeted by The Flex Squad—the faction of ultra-jacked, ultra-charismatic bodybuilders.
Flex leans in and says:
> “Mr. Ventura… we’ve got an offer you can’t refuse.”
More to be revealed tomorrow night…
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Main Event: North American Championship Match
Carmelo Hayes (c) vs. Ethan Page
Despite the earlier attack, Carmelo Hayes shows up for the main event like a true fighting champion. The match is electric and worthy of a TakeOver spotlight.
Hayes favors his ribs from the earlier beatdown, allowing Page to dominate early with suplexes and power slams.
Hayes fights back with aerial precision, hitting a springboard lariat and Fadeaway leg drop.
Page nearly wins it after countering Nothing But Net into a Spinning Ego’s Edge—but Hayes barely gets the shoulder up.
In the closing moments, Page tries for another Ego’s Edge, but Hayes escapes mid-air, hits a Codebreaker, then goes up top…
BOOM!
Nothing But Net lands perfectly, and Hayes covers.
1… 2… 3!
Winner & STILL NXT North American Champion: Carmelo Hayes
Vic Joseph: “What a battle this was! Carmelo Hayes proves once again—HE IS HIM!”
Booker T: “That was a classic, man! Big ups to both of these cats—they left it all out there!”
Hayes stands tall to close the show, bruised but defiant, holding the North American Title aloft.
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Final Moments: Tension Lingers…
As Hayes celebrates, the camera pans up the ramp—Grayson Waller and Austin Theory are watching from the stage, plotting. Meanwhile, backstage, Buddy Murphy and Rhea Ripley exchange a knowing look—something is brewing.
And next week? The Inaugural NXT Tag Team Title Match:
The D’Angelo Family vs. Chase U – It’s revenge. It’s gold. It’s personal.
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End of Show
What will happen next week? Don’t miss it!
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