NXT Gold Rush 2025: Week 1

NXT took over New York for two weeks of major matches under the 'Gold Rush' monicre. This first special episode of NXT had plenty of fun matches to look forward to, with a mixed tag team match and a women's title match as the two on-paper standouts to me. I wasn't necessarily expecting many title changes or anything, but NXT almost always delivers these days, so I knew I'd be entertained.

Those first evening's action began with the AAA Mixed Tag Team Championships on the line, with Chelsea Green and Ethan Page defending against Joe Hendry and Thea Haile. This was a really fun match, with plenty of comedy to match the in-ring action. The two champions have been on a roll as characters, both as a duo and in their own singles endeavours, and this was another example of the exemplary catalogue of work they have produced this year. Credit too should go to Hendry and Haile, who were certainly fair game in this one too.

Next up in-ring was the NXT North American Championship match between recently crowned champion Blake Monroe and the former champion, who had vacated due to injury; Sol Ruca. The psychology that went into this match was top tier. Working the knee the way these two women did, and integrating a finish that built on two storylines at once was so smart. Both women put in very good performances, and Monroe's character work is only improving. Both women will be sure-fire main event wrestlers when they reach the main roster.

Next up was an intriguing promo segment between NXT Champion Ricky Saint and the returning Oba Femi. This was really a glorified way to set-up their upcoming rematch at 'NXT Deadline', as well as to hint at the 'Iron Survivor' matches. The segment also set-up a match next week between Myles Borne and Trick Williams, which looks to be a fun one. A backstage brawl between Josh Briggs and Tavion Heights followed too, emphasising how busy it's getting at the top of the NXT totem pole.

Back in-ring now, and it was time for the NXT Tag Team Championships to be on the line, with Dark State defending against Je'Von Evans and the TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater. This was a fast-paced match, which showcased the high-flying exploits of the challengers and the unshakeable intensity of the champions. Dark State are starting to grow on me a little. They're a solid team, and I think these title matches have been really good for them.

It was now time for the week one main event; the NXT Women's Championship match between Jacy Jayne and the newly crowned champion Tatum Paxley. The new champion has been growing so much in the last two years, and this title reign has been the reward for that hard work. I really enjoyed this one - it was back-and-forth, the two women did a great job of making it feel like there was a threat to the new champion, and the twist ending was absolutely brilliant in its execution.

Overall, this was a really solid special television episode of NXT, which highlighted a lot of talent, and provided some really entertaining in-ring action, including a shocking and compelling main event, which provided a memorable ending to a fun show. Every match delivered, and even the promo segments were entertaining. If week one is anything to go by, week two will be a tremendously enjoyable event.