LOWELL, Aug. 25, 2025 — Oba Femi retained his NXT Championship after a controversial finish against Je’Von Evans at 9:20 p.m. EST, following a grueling 18-minute main event. The match saw Evans appear to win the title, only for the decision to be overturned.
Controversy mars Femi’s title defense
The NXT Championship match between Oba Femi and Je’Von Evans was a brutal affair that ended with a contentious call.
- Oba Femi successfully defended his NXT Championship against Je’Von Evans.
- The match ended with a controversial pinfall reversal.
- Evans appeared to win the championship before the decision was overturned.
- The bout lasted 18 minutes.
The electrifying atmosphere at the event was palpable from the moment Oba Femi and Je’Von Evans made their entrances. Mike Rome’s official announcements set the stage at 9:02 p.m. EST. This marked the fourth time the top title had been defended at Heatwave, a tradition dating back to ECW days. It was also Je’Von Evans’ second consecutive Heatwave appearance. Commentary noted that the legendary Undertaker had once offered Evans advice.
Oba Femi started strong, overwhelming Evans with raw power. The champion, reportedly undefeated in WWE currently, manhandled Evans in the early minutes. Evans, however, showed resilience, firing back with chops and eventually a snap superkick that sent the champion reeling. This turned the tide, allowing Evans to showcase his high-flying offense, sending Femi outside the ring.
A daring suicide dive attempt by Evans was thwarted when Femi caught him by the throat between the ropes. Femi then delivered a devastating blow to Evans on the apron, leaving the challenger crumpled on the floor. The commentary team highlighted Femi’s dominance, mentioning his over 200 days as champion and his record as the longest-reigning North American Champion.
Despite Femi’s continued power, including a brutal spinebuster, Evans refused to stay down. The pace quickened as Evans landed repeated clotheslines and a backbreaker. A chokeslam attempt by Femi was met with another reminder from the announcers about the Undertaker’s brief interaction with Evans.
The momentum shifted back and forth dramatically. Evans hit a beautiful springboard lariat and a DDT. After a mistimed frog splash attempt, he recovered to deliver a stunning German suplex. The match reached a fever pitch when Evans hit a surprise cutter, only for Femi to catch him mid-air with a powerful forearm. The crowd roared with dueling chants.
The climax arrived when Evans managed to get Femi onto the top turnbuckle. A struggle ensued, leading to the referee being accidentally knocked out. With a new official entering the ring, Evans hit a twisting pop-up cutter and covered Femi. The new ref counted to three, but the original referee, recovering outside, signaled that Femi’s foot was under the ropes.
The decision was reversed, much to Evans’ disbelief. Femi, now in a “beast mode,” seized the opportunity. He repeatedly slammed Evans across the ring, ultimately throwing him through the ringside commentary table. Femi then brought Evans back into the ring, delivered a final crushing blow, and secured the pinfall victory at 9:20 p.m.
This match is MADNESS!! 🤯@Obaofwwe and @WWEJeVonEvans are putting on a show!!! pic.twitter.com/OisDbvbkBl
— WWE (@WWE) August 25, 2025
WE HAVE CONTROVERSY IN LOWELL!! 😱
DID JE’VON EVANS WIN THE NXT CHAMPIONSHIP?!? pic.twitter.com/RJ8fp7BMdg
— WWE (@WWE) August 25, 2025
