In a shocking turn of events for WWE NXT, General Manager Ava has revealed the definitive path to crowning a new WWE NXT Champion following the dramatic relinquishing of the title by Oba Femi last week at NXT: New Year’s Evil. What began as a surprising vacancy has now evolved into one of the most highly anticipated championship pursuits of early 2026.

Oba Femi Vacates the NXT Championship

On January 6, 2026, Femi successfully defended the NXT Championship against TNA X‑Division Champion Leon Slater in a high-octane, hard-hitting main event. The match highlighted Femi’s signature combination of raw strength, technical skill, and resilience, as Slater mounted multiple near-falls and showcased his signature aerial offense. In the closing moments, Femi executed the Fall From Grace powerbomb to secure the victory.

However, instead of celebrating with the championship belt or addressing the audience, Femi performed one of the most dramatic gestures in recent NXT history: he placed the title in the center of the ring and walked out, effectively leaving the championship vacant. WWE later confirmed that Femi had officially relinquished the NXT Championship, bringing his reign to an abrupt end and signaling his anticipated move toward the main roster. This decision cemented his legacy while simultaneously opening the door for new challengers to rise.

Opening Segment and Chaos on Tonight’s NXT

The following episode of NXT began with General Manager Ava in the ring, flanked by the men’s roster. With the championship officially vacant, tension was high. Ava addressed the roster and fans, acknowledging the uncertainty left by Femi’s exit and emphasizing that the next champion must earn the title through competition.

Before Ava could continue, Ricky Saints interrupted, claiming entitlement to the championship and asserting that he should be the one to step into the spotlight. This provocation quickly escalated into a full-scale brawl, with multiple roster members trading shoves, punches, and high-intensity confrontations, leaving chaos in the ring.

When the dust settled, NXT’s newest signee and former WWE EVOLVE standout, Keanu Carver, stood tall amid the carnage, establishing himself as a dominant new presence on the brand and signaling that he could play a major role in the upcoming championship picture.

Ava Announces the Path to a New NXT Champion

Amid the chaos, Ava made her landmark announcement: the new WWE NXT Champion will be determined in a six‑man ladder match scheduled for February 3, 2026. The NXT Championship will be suspended above the ring, and the first competitor to climb the ladder and retrieve it will be crowned the brand’s new top champion.

Qualifying matches for the ladder match will begin next week, giving multiple NXT stars an opportunity to earn a spot in this high-stakes, multi-competitor showdown. This decision moves beyond previous talk of fan suggestions or unconventional ideas, establishing a clear and thrilling path to resolve the championship vacancy.

Potential Contenders and NXT Landscape

With Je’Von Evans now on RAW, he is no longer part of NXT’s championship picture. This shifts focus to the remaining roster and newly signed talents. Early indications suggest the following names could be in contention for the ladder match:

• Tony D’Angelo – a consistent presence in the main event scene, previously shown eyeing the vacant title.
• Joe Hendry – active in high-stakes storylines and poised for a breakout opportunity.
• Dion Lennox – building momentum and positioning himself as a credible contender.
• Myles Borne – a rising star whose recent performances mark him as a dark-horse threat.
• Leon Slater – whose cross-brand exposure gives him unique momentum.
• Keanu Carver – the newest NXT signee who stood tall amid the opening segment brawl, immediately establishing himself as a physical threat.

The ladder match ensures the brand’s top prize will not only be earned through athleticism and strategy but also serves as a spectacle that could define the next era of NXT.

Why This Moment Matters

Oba Femi’s decision to relinquish the title rather than lose it in competition is a storytelling masterstroke, preserving his dominance while simultaneously elevating the prestige of the vacant championship. By creating a multi-competitor ladder match, Ava has turned the title picture into a high-stakes narrative filled with drama, unpredictability, and the potential for breakout stars to emerge.

The NXT Championship, now vacant, carries immense significance. The six-man ladder match promises to combine physical spectacle, character development, and competitive storytelling — giving NXT fans a clear, compelling path to a new era-defining champion.

The Road Ahead

Next week on NXT, qualifying matches for the ladder match will begin, officially setting the stage for February 3, 2026. Every competitor will have a chance to stake their claim, but only six will earn the opportunity to climb the ladder and lift the championship. With Femi’s departure, the chaos of the opening segment, and Keanu Carver’s emergence, the race for NXT gold is shaping up to be the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory.

The quest to crown the next WWE NXT Champion is officially underway, and the black-and-gold brand is poised for an electrifying new chapter.

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