The race to become the new NXT Champion reached its dramatic conclusion on the January 28, 2026 episode of WWE NXT from the Capitol Wrestling Center, as the final two competitors punched their tickets to the Six-Man Ladder Match for the vacant NXT Championship at NXT Vengeance Day on February 15, 2026, in Las Vegas.
The title was vacated after Trick Williams was stripped following a controversial finish in his last defense, prompting Shawn Michaels to book a high-stakes ladder match to crown a new champion. After weeks of qualifiers, the full field is now locked in:
- Oba Femi (already qualified via dominant win over Eddy Thorpe)
- Tony D’Angelo (won his qualifier last week against Brooks Jensen)
- Wes Lee (secured spot by defeating Joe Coffey in a brutal match)
- Ridge Holland (earned entry after defeating Dante Chen)
- Nathan Frazer (last week’s surprise qualifier, pinning Charlie Dempsey)
- Axiom (final spot clinched tonight after defeating Lexis King in a 12-minute classic)
The final qualifier was the night’s main event: Axiom vs. Lexis King in a No. 1 Contender’s Qualifying Match. Axiom, representing the high-flying, technical side of NXT, hit a picture-perfect Golden Ratio to secure the pinfall victory and the last ladder match spot. The crowd erupted as Axiom raised his arms, knowing he’ll now compete in one of the most dangerous matches of his career.
Here are key action shots from tonight’s NXT episode, including Axiom’s winning moment and the full six-man lineup graphic:
Shawn Michaels appeared after the match to officially confirm the six competitors and hype Vengeance Day:
“Six of the best and most dangerous competitors in NXT will climb the ladder for the most coveted prize in black and gold. On February 15 in Vegas, someone is walking out as the new NXT Champion. Good luck to all of them — they’re gonna need it.”
The match promises chaos: Oba Femi’s raw power, Tony D’Angelo’s street fight mentality, Wes Lee’s high-flying daredevil style, Ridge Holland’s brute strength, Nathan Frazer’s speed, and Axiom’s precision technical ability. Every man has a legitimate path to victory, making it one of the most unpredictable ladder matches in NXT history.
Fan reaction on social media has been electric, with #NXTChampLadder and #VengeanceDay2026 trending worldwide. Many are calling it the most stacked ladder match since the classic multi-man bouts of the black-and-gold era.
With the field now set, all eyes turn to Las Vegas and the NXT Championship hanging high above the ring. Who will climb the ladder and etch their name in history?
For vacant NXT Championship Ladder Match, NXT Vengeance Day 2026 competitors, Axiom qualifies NXT ladder match, Oba Femi Tony D’Angelo Wes Lee, Ridge Holland Nathan Frazer Axiom, NXT Championship six-man ladder, Shawn Michaels NXT title vacant, Lexis King vs Axiom qualifier, the road to Vengeance Day is officially set.