WWE NXT launched 2026 in emphatic fashion Tuesday night as New Year’s Evil delivered a tightly paced, story-driven special that blended championship stakes, personal vendettas, and meaningful character progression. With multiple titles on the line and several pivotal narrative turns, the event functioned as both a payoff for months of television and a launching pad for the next phase of NXT’s calendar year. From Oba Femi’s continued dominance atop the brand to a stunning Women’s North American Championship title change, the show reinforced NXT’s identity as a proving ground where momentum is earned, not given.
Here are the full results
- Tatum Paxley def. Izzi Dame
- Jacy Jayne (c) def. Kendal Grey (NXT Women’s Championship)
- Izzi Dame def. Thea Hail (c) (NXT Women’s North American Championship)
- Oba Femi (c) def. Leon Slater (NXT Championship)
Match-by-Match Recap
Tatum Paxley vs. Izzi Dame
The opening contest set an emotional tone for the night as Tatum Paxley and Izzi Dame clashed in a rivalry fueled by betrayal and psychological warfare. Paxley wrestled with urgency and desperation, countering Dame’s power advantage with speed and unpredictability. After surviving multiple near-falls, Paxley secured the victory with her submission finish, earning both vindication and momentum in a deeply personal feud.
Jacy Jayne (c) vs. Kendal Grey — NXT Women’s Championship
Kendal Grey rose to the occasion in her championship opportunity, showcasing technical proficiency and resilience against one of NXT’s most experienced champions. Grey repeatedly pushed Jayne to the brink, forcing the champion into uncomfortable territory. Ultimately, Jayne’s ring awareness and championship instincts proved decisive, as outside interference from Fatal Influence tilted the balance just enough for Jayne to retain the NXT Women’s Championship.
Izzi Dame vs. Thea Hail (c) — NXT Women’s North American Championship
Originally slated as Thea Hail versus Blake Monroe, the title bout took a dramatic turn earlier in the night when Monroe launched a pre-match assault on Hail, resulting in her removal from the building. Refusing to relinquish her championship without a fight, Hail later issued an open challenge to the locker room. Izzi Dame answered — and seized the moment. Exploiting Hail’s compromised condition, Dame used her size and power to overwhelm the champion and capture the NXT Women’s North American Championship, completing a remarkable night that began with defeat and ended with gold.
Oba Femi (c) vs. Leon Slater — NXT Championship
The main event delivered a compelling contrast in styles as NXT Champion Oba Femi squared off with Leon Slater. Slater’s speed, aerial offense, and fearlessness tested the champion in new ways, but Femi’s composure and raw strength ultimately defined the outcome. After weathering Slater’s late surge, Femi delivered a decisive finishing sequence to retain the NXT Championship, reaffirming his position as the standard-bearer of the brand.
Analysis
NXT New Year’s Evil succeeded because it emphasized clarity and consequence. Oba Femi’s victory was not framed as survival, but dominance — a continuation of a reign designed to establish him as the immovable force at the center of NXT. Leon Slater emerged stronger in defeat, positioned as a credible future challenger rather than a one-night attraction.
Izzi Dame’s arc was the night’s most effective piece of storytelling. Losing early only to later capitalize on opportunity added depth to her character and instantly elevated the Women’s North American Championship as a volatile, opportunity-driven prize.
Jacy Jayne’s retention further reinforced her identity as a calculating champion who blends skill with strategic advantage. Rather than weakening her reign, Fatal Influence’s involvement broadened the field of potential challengers and strengthened the division’s narrative stakes.
Tatum Paxley’s opening victory quietly set the tone for the year ahead, reminding viewers that emotional investment and personal rivalries remain foundational to NXT’s success.
As NXT moves beyond New Year’s Evil, the brand feels focused and intentional — champions are defined, contenders are clearly emerging, and storylines are driven by purpose. If this event is any indication, NXT’s path through 2026 is already sharply in focus.
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