WWE NXT Deadline delivered two thrilling Iron Survivor Challenge matches on Saturday night, with Je'Von Evans and Kendal Grey emerging victorious in their respective matches to earn future NXT Championship opportunities.
The fourth annual NXT Deadline event took place at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas, streaming live on Peacock in the United States and Netflix internationally.
Je'Von Evans Wins Men's Iron Survivor Challenge
In the main event of the evening, Je'Von Evans outlasted Joe Hendry, Leon Slater, Dion Lennox, and Myles Borne to win the 2025 Men's Iron Survivor Challenge.
Evans and his tag team partner Leon Slater started the match, exchanging high-flying offense from the opening bell. The 25-minute contest saw all five competitors battle for supremacy, with Evans ultimately scoring enough falls to secure the victory.
With the win, Evans earns an NXT Championship match at New Year's Evil on January 6, 2026, where he will challenge newly crowned champion Oba Femi.
Following the match, Femi came out to confront his future challenger. In a shocking twist, Tony D'Angelo made his return to NXT, attacking Evans from behind and staring down Femi, potentially reviving their old rivalry.
Kendal Grey Wins Women's Iron Survivor Challenge in Dramatic Fashion
Earlier in the night, EVOLVE Women's Champion Kendal Grey pulled off an incredible comeback victory in the Women's Iron Survivor Challenge, defeating Jordynne Grace, Sol Ruca, Kelani Jordan, and Lola Vice.
Grey secured the winning fall with just two seconds remaining on the clock, hitting Lola Vice with a leaping flatliner off the top rope to score her third point and steal the victory.
The match featured major drama when Sol Ruca was attacked by Kelani Jordan during her entrance, injuring her knee. Ruca was helped to the back but bravely returned to compete, scoring two points despite the injury.
As the 2025 Women's Iron Survivor, Grey will challenge NXT Women's Champion Jacy Jayne at New Year's Evil. Following the match, Fatal Influence appeared on the entrance ramp, with Jayne holding up her championship as she stared down her future challenger.
What the Winners Receive
The Iron Survivor Challenge is NXT's signature December match format, introduced in 2022. The 25-minute contest features five competitors who earn points by scoring pinfalls or submissions. If a wrestler is pinned or submits, they must spend 90 seconds in a penalty box before re-entering. The competitor with the most points when time expires is declared the winner.
Both Iron Survivor winners receive guaranteed championship matches at NXT New Year's Evil on January 6, 2026:
- Je'Von Evans will challenge Oba Femi for the NXT Championship
- Kendal Grey will challenge Jacy Jayne for the NXT Women's Championship
Other NXT Deadline Results
The event also saw Oba Femi defeat Ricky Saints to capture the NXT Championship for the second time. Femi will face Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at Saturday Night's Main Event on December 13.
Additionally, Ethan Page retained the NXT North American Championship against Mr. Iguana, and Izzi Dame defeated her former Culling stablemate Tatum Paxley.
