Major Title Match Pulled From NXT New Year’s Evil, New Champion Crowned

By
Josh Foster
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nxt

The stars of NXT kicked off 2026 with New Year’s Evil on Tuesday night and the show started out with a bang. Several title matches were announced for the event and originally Thea Hail was supposed to defend her NXT Women’s North American Championship against Blake Monroe.

As soon as the show kicked Thea Hail made her entrance, but she was ambushed by Blake Monroe as the former champion attacked Hail from behind and threw her into the steel ring steps. Monroe then proceeded to hit Thea Hail with steel chair then she threw Hail through the barricade at the ringside area. Luckily for Hail, WWE officials made their way out to break up the brawl.

Shortly after the abrupt opening to NXT took place Ricky Saints made his way out to cut a promo, which indicated that the scheduled title match would not be taking place.

Following the brawl that opened the show NXT General Manager announced a change of plans as Tatum Paxley vs. Izzi Dame was moved up to the opening match.

Ava was heated as she confronted Blake Monroe backstage. Blake told Ava to fine her then give her the NXT Women’s North American Championship. She then followed up by telling Blake Monroe she’s not going anywhere near the title, and she’s banned from the building.

Later in the night Ava told Thea Hail that she wants to wait until she’s back at 100 percent before she defends her title again. Thea said she’s ready to face Blake, but Ava explained that she banned Blake from the building. Hail demanded that Ava let her hold an open challenge at New Year’s Evil and Ava reluctantly agreed.

When Thea Hail made her way out to the ring she seemed as though she was struggling. She cut a promo and told the fans that she’s devastated Blake attacked her, but she promised the WWE Universe a title match tonight, and she needs to prove she deserves the NXT Women’s North American Championship.

Multiple women came out and they were held back by referees as Tatum Paxley broke through the crowd with a chainsaw. As everyone was distracted by Tatum, Izzi Dame attacked Thea Hail and the referee rang the bell. In the end Izzi Dame defeated Thea Hail and pinned her to become the new NXT Women’s North American Champion.

Blake Monroe dropped the NXT Women’s North American Championship to Thea Hail on the December 16th episode of NXT and it was later reported that the title change would result in changes to creative plans as it was unplanned. It was also recently reported that Blake is being considered for a main roster call-up and you can get more on that here.