On the January 6 New Year’s Evil special of WWE NXT, Oba Femi defeated Leon Slater and kept the NXT Championship. After the match, Femi placed the title belt in the middle of the ring and walked away, leaving the championship vacant.
Immediately after the belt was abandoned, NXT General Manager Ava announced that she will decide the next steps on the January 13 episode. Fans now wonder how the promotion will crown a new champion.
Why a Tournament Makes Sense
Running an NXT Championship tournament offers a clear and exciting solution. A tournament gives every wrestler a chance to earn the gold, and it creates weekly drama that keeps viewers tuned in. With no current champion, the title can be held up and the competition can begin right away.
Fans love the unpredictability of a bracket format. Each match builds tension, and the final bout promises a memorable moment. The tournament also showcases the depth of the NXT roster and invites outside talent to add fresh energy.
Potential Participants
To make the tournament truly special, NXT could invite a mix of home‑grown stars and guests from other promotions. From the NXT roster, wrestlers like Ricky Saints and Ethan Page could compete. From TNA Wrestling, Leon Slater might return to prove his worth. From Lucha Libre AAA, El Hijo del Vikingo could bring high‑flying excitement. Including a few main‑roster WWE names would raise the stakes even higher.
Each participant would bring a unique style, making every round feel different. The diverse lineup would also attract fans from different wrestling scenes, expanding the audience.
Other Creative Paths
While a tournament is the simplest route, NXT could explore other ideas. A battle‑royal could quickly determine a top contender, or a series of one‑on‑one challenges could lead to a final showdown. Another option is to hold a multi‑city tour where the belt travels to regional events, allowing fans across the country to witness the action.
Whatever format NXT chooses, the key is to keep the storyline engaging. Ava can use weekly promos to build anticipation, and wrestlers can cut heartfelt promos about why they deserve the title.
What Fans Should Expect
Viewers can expect weekly matches that build toward the final championship bout. Social media will likely buzz with predictions and fan polls. The eventual winner will not only claim the vacant NXT Championship but also earn a spot in WWE history as the wrestler who lifted the belt after a dramatic vacancy.
Stay tuned to the January 13 episode for the official announcement. The next chapter of the NXT Championship story is about to begin, and the excitement is already palpable.
Source: Wrestletalk
