August 5, 2025, gave us another jam-packed episode of WWE NXT from the Capitol Wrestling Center, and this week the women’s division took center stage. Sol Ruca put her NXT Women’s North American Championship on the line against Tatum Paxley in a main event that kept the crowd on its feet. Meanwhile, Thea Hail had to face the unenviable task of trying to outmaneuver Nia Jax, and Kelani Jordan took on Blake Monroe—with a surprise visitor changing the outcome. Let’s dive into the action.
Kelani Jordan vs. Blake Monroe
We kicked off the night with Kelani Jordan throwing the first strike—literally—launching into Blake Monroe with a dropkick and an early crossbody for one. She followed up with a tight headlock, but Blake shoved her into the corner and took control with a slick basement dropkick that sent Kelani reeling.
Blake showed her mean streak early, ramming Kelani into the apron and dragging her back into the ring for a spinning sidewalk slam and a dropkick that earned her a two-count. A chinlock gave Blake time to pose next to the ring’s Maybelline label (a flex if there ever was one), but that moment gave Kelani the opening she needed.
The comeback was fast and flashy: strikes, a cartwheel, and a handspring stunner nearly got the win. Kelani tried for a single-leg crab, but Blake made the ropes and then rocked her with a knee to the face for a close call.
Just as Blake looked to finish things, Jordynne Grace made her presence known at the Performance Center. Blake panicked, bolting through the arena and out into the parking lot. Jordynne followed, and the countout handed Kelani the W—though let’s be honest, that wasn’t the resolution she trained for.
Winner: Kelani Jordan (via Countout)
Thea Hail vs. Nia Jax
After some pre-match espresso-fueled venting on social media, Thea Hail had her shot at Nia Jax. Hail launched herself at Nia from the jump, but the Irresistible Force caught her like a beach ball at a Bon Jovi concert.
Hail tried speed over strength with a moonsault and even attempted an Exploder suplex (bless her heart), but Nia grounded her with a Samoan Drop and then bent the rules with rope chokes and a four-count boot press. Commercial break? Sure. Thea getting flattened like a pancake? Also yes.
But never count out Thea’s fire. She managed to string together some offense: a tilt-a-whirl DDT, a Million Dollar Dream attempt, and a mid-rope coffin drop that got a nearfall. Thea’s energy spiked the crowd, but the comeback train derailed fast.
Nia regrouped, crushed Thea with the Annihilator, and walked away with the win.
Winner: Nia Jax
Post-match, Kelly Kincaid tried to ask Nia about last week’s domination of Lash Legend. Nia made it clear—this is her ring, past, present, and future. But Lash stormed the scene, declaring that force always breaks under pressure. Before Nia could answer, Lash tackled her and kicked off a pull-apart brawl backstage.
Backstage Segments:
- Tatum Paxley was feeling the pressure ahead of her title match, but Izzi Dame gave her a surprisingly sincere boost of support, telling her this was her moment. A rare feel-good Culling segment? Strange times.
- Backstage chaos continued when Nia and Lash’s fight crashed into Sol Ruca and Zaria Brookside’s conversation. Ava Raine, fed up with the hallway demolition, announced they’ll be facing off next week. Circle your calendar.
- Kelani and Lola Vice shared a brief moment of mutual respect, but Jacy Jayne and Fallon Henley sauntered in, trying to tear them down. Jazmyn Nyx handed Jacy her titles and informed them they’ve got a tag match next week.
- And last but certainly not least, Chelsea Green crashing Ethan Paige’s North American Title Segment
NXT Women’s North American Championship Match: Sol Ruca (c) vs. Tatum Paxley
Tatum came in aggressive, wasting no time hitting a facebuster knee and lifting Sol into a choking hold. Sol reversed the momentum with a slick surfboard stretch, dropkicks, and a springboard X-Factor. Spears showed up on the apron, but Zaria Brookside ran interference, letting Sol moonsault onto the Culling as we went to break.
Back from commercial, the intensity didn’t let up. Tatum landed a wicked DDT and a trio of headbutts (yes, three), then contorted Sol with a back-bending chinlock. Sol answered with chops, a superkick, a neckbreaker, and a backpack slam for two.
Tatum found daylight with an apron enzuigiri and a picture-perfect moonsault, but it still wasn’t enough. The crowd roared “This Is Awesome” as the nearfalls piled up. Tatum attempted a superplex, but Sol reversed into a sunset flip powerbomb that had “highlight reel” written all over it.
Then came the turning point. Spears passed a doll to Tatum mid-match (creepy as ever), distracting her just as Nia and Lash’s brawl broke into ringside. Lash speared Nia through the barricade, and in the chaos, Sol pounced.
Sol Snatcher. One, two, three. Still champion.
Winner: Sol Ruca (Still NXT Women’s North American Champion)
Sol keeps her grip on gold, Thea showed heart in a losing effort, and Blake might need new running shoes. NXT’s women’s division is deep, unpredictable, and clearly not done with its summer shake-ups.
Let us know what you thought of the show—and what you’re expecting next week as Nia vs. Lash, Fatal Attraction, and whatever’s going on with Jordynne Grace all move forward.
