Tampa Hosts Electrifying WWE Battleground Event with Historic Title Changes

TAMPA, FL — The Yuengling Center in Tampa was the epicenter of wrestling excitement on May 25, 2025, as WWE NXT Battleground delivered a night packed with thrilling matches, title defenses, and historic moments that captivated fans both in the arena and watching via Peacock.

A landmark moment unfolded when Trick Williams defeated Joe Hendry to capture the TNA World Championship, marking the first time an active WWE Superstar has won the TNA World Title on WWE television. The match electrified the Tampa crowd, who were on their feet even before the bell rang. Williams secured his victory with his signature "Trick Shot" finisher after a hard-fought 15-minute contest, ending Hendry's four-month reign as champion. This victory also highlighted the growing partnership between WWE and TNA, as the TNA World Championship was defended for the first time on a WWE premium live event.

In the women's division, Sol Ruca successfully retained the NXT Women’s North American Championship against Kelani Jordan in a highly competitive match. Ruca sealed the win with her signature "Sol Snatcher" move, showcasing her technical prowess and resilience. Meanwhile, Stephanie Vaquer defended her NXT Women’s Championship against Jordynne Grace, delivering a commanding performance that culminated in a decisive victory with her "Devil’s Kiss" maneuver, much to the crowd's admiration.

The event also featured the return of Yoshiki Inamura, who made a dramatic in-ring save that thrilled fans and added an extra layer of excitement to the evening. Backstage, intense moments and chaos unfolded, further heightening the event’s drama and keeping fans engaged beyond the matches themselves.

Other notable matches included Oba Femi retaining the NXT Championship against challenger Myles Borne, and a six-man tag team bout where Hank Walker, Tank Ledger, and Josh Briggs defeated The Culling. Additionally, Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo triumphed over Tony D’Angelo in a heated rivalry match.

WWE NXT Battleground 2025 not only delivered fierce competition but also deepened the collaboration between WWE and TNA, setting a new standard for cross-promotional wrestling events. The show was broadcast exclusively on Peacock in the United States and Netflix internationally, ensuring fans worldwide could witness the unforgettable action from Tampa.

This event solidifies Tampa’s reputation as a premier wrestling destination and marks a new chapter in WWE’s storied history with memorable performances and historic title changes that will be talked about for years to come.