WWE NXT closes out 2025 with one of its most high-stakes nights of the year as NXT Deadline emanates from the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas. Not only will the brand’s signature Iron Survivor Challenge matches determine the next contenders for NXT’s top titles, but the show now feeds directly into John Cena’s retirement night at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
On last night’s SmackDown, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes announced that he will face the winner of tonight’s NXT Championship match in a non-title exhibition at Saturday Night’s Main Event, part of Cena’s request to showcase NXT’s best against WWE’s main-roster elite. SmackDown also confirmed that Bayley will face Sol Ruca, one of tonight’s Women’s Iron Survivor competitors. These exhibitions fulfill Cena’s statement during his farewell tour: NXT’s brightest stars should stand on the same platform as the top names in WWE.
Here is everything advertised for tonight’s show
Per WWE and multiple confirmed preview cards, the final advertised lineup for NXT Deadline 2025 is:
- NXT Championship (Opening Match):
Ricky Saints (c) vs. Oba Femi - Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge (future NXT Championship opportunity):
Je’Von Evans vs. Joe Hendry vs. Leon Slater vs. Dion Lennox vs. Myles Borne - Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge (future NXT Women’s Championship opportunity):
Sol Ruca vs. Jordynne Grace vs. Kelani Jordan vs. Lola Vice vs. Kendal Grey - NXT North American Championship:
Ethan Page (c) vs. Mr. Iguana - Grudge Match:
Tatum Paxley vs. Izzi Dame
NXT Championship: Ricky Saints vs. Oba Femi – with Cody Rhodes waiting
NXT GM Ava has confirmed that Ricky Saints vs. Oba Femi II for the NXT Championship will open Deadline.
Saints captured the title from Femi at NXT No Mercy, ending the reign of a dominant “Ruler” who had bulldozed much of the roster. Femi has since returned with a vengeance, confronting Saints at NXT Gold Rush and spending the back half of 2025 reminding everyone that his mix of freakish power and big-match poise still defines the brand’s heavyweight scene.
The stakes soared on SmackDown when Cody Rhodes declared that the winner of Saints vs. Femi would meet him at Saturday Night’s Main Event—but in a non-title exhibition, not a world title defense. This aligns directly with Cena’s call for NXT’s champions and contenders to share the ring with main-roster icons without championship consequences.
Story-wise, Saints is the resilient workhorse who toppled the giant once already; Femi is the dethroned powerhouse hungry to restore order. Tonight decides who carries the NXT banner into Cena’s farewell festivities one week later.
Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge: five roads to the next NXT title shot
Tonight’s Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge brings together Je’Von Evans, Joe Hendry, Myles Borne, TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater and DarkState leader Dion Lennox for a 25-minute sprint where every fall equals a point and a trip to the penalty box awaits anybody who gets pinned or submitted.
The rules: two start, a new entrant joins every five minutes, and after 25 minutes the competitor with the most falls becomes the next NXT Championship challenger.
John Cena personally announced this field on NXT, spotlighting it as a cross-promotional showcase of the brand’s next generation.
Why each competitor should win
- Je’Von Evans
The prodigy and show-stealer of 2025. Evans has been pushed as NXT’s future centerpiece, thriving in main events and showing the heart needed to outlast more powerful opponents. Cena’s endorsement strengthens his claim. - Joe Hendry
His first WWE PLE match as a full-time NXT star. WWE has leaned heavily into his momentum, charisma and crossover fame. A win would fast-track him as a marquee challenger. - Myles Borne
The only competitor to gain a story-driven advantage—he earned the right to choose his entry spot by scoring the pin in Tuesday’s eight-man tag. He has the strongest narrative runway heading in. - Leon Slater
The reigning TNA X-Division Champion, representing the TNA/NXT partnership. WWE has highlighted his resilience and star aura, making him a symbolic choice to bridge brands. - Dion Lennox
NXT’s most manipulative strategist as the face of DarkState. He brings psychological warfare and groups support, making him a dangerous wildcard in this format.
Most deserving winner based on storytelling
Myles Borne — because he earned a decisive win that gave him a competitive advantage acknowledged repeatedly on NXT TV.
Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge: five paths to Jacy Jayne
The women’s field—Sol Ruca, Jordynne Grace, Kelani Jordan, Lola Vice and Kendal Grey—offers a similarly diverse mix of styles and arcs.
Tuesday’s go-home episode saw Ruca pin NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne in the six-woman tag, a result that significantly shifts the momentum entering Deadline.
Why each competitor should win
- Sol Ruca
Decorated former Women’s North American Champion and one half of the upcoming SNME exhibition vs. Bayley. Her clean pin over Jayne makes her the most credible contender. - Jordynne Grace
A powerhouse and former Knockouts Champion bringing TNA prestige. WWE has used her to legitimize the crossover talent pipeline. - Kelani Jordan
Former Knockouts Champion who has shown a more ruthless edge. Her shift in character makes her compelling in a chaotic match type. - Lola Vice
Momentum-building striker who has repeatedly hovered near the title picture. Her MMA style thrives in multi-person, fast-paced matches. - Kendal Grey
Evolve Women’s Champion whose high-impact offense suits the Iron Survivor format. Tuesday’s miscommunication finish adds emotional fuel.
Most deserving winner based on storytelling
Sol Ruca — her pin over Jayne and upcoming SNME showcase make her the most narratively aligned choice.
North American Championship: Ethan Page vs. Mr. Iguana
On December 2, AAA’s Mr. Iguana stole Ethan Page’s car, forcing Ava to book a title defense after weeks of Page avoiding challengers.
The feud stretches across both AAA and NXT, including recent tag title matches involving Page, Chelsea Green, Iguana and La Hiedra. The match tonight is a classic NXT-style blend of comedy, chaos and genuine stakes for a mid-card title.
Tatum Paxley vs. Izzi Dame – a betrayal that broke a champion
Paxley’s emotional collapse began when Dame betrayed her at NXT Gold Rush, costing her the NXT Women’s Championship. Their Deadline clash is the payoff to weeks of raw, personal segments where Paxley vowed revenge.
How Deadline connects directly to Saturday Night’s Main Event & Cena’s farewell
- Cody Rhodes vs. the NXT Champion at SNME is a non-title exhibition, fulfilling Cena’s request to showcase NXT’s best on his farewell tour.
- Sol Ruca vs. Bayley is already confirmed for the same event.
- The Iron Survivor winners will challenge for their respective NXT titles at New Year’s Evil.
Deadline determines not just NXT’s next wave of challengers, but who stands beside Cena as the future of WWE enters the spotlight.
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