Thea Hale’s quest to regain the NXT Women’s North American Championship ended in heartbreak when Zaria left her staring at the lights. Tuesday night’s episode of “WWE NXT.”
The challenger tried to catch the reigning champion off guard by charging in with the Kimura Lock right after the opening bell. Zaria, however, wisely supported Hailin to be released. Hail came across the ring after taking a series of shoulders from Zaria in another corner. A big boot shifted the momentum in Hale’s favor, but as she looked to follow up with a hurricanrana, Zaria blocked it.
Then, undeterred, Garkut targeted Zaria’s limbs with the arm chair. The red-haired Aussie managed to escape it, only to eat a knee to the face seconds later. Hail continued his attack on Zaria’s arm with a series of blows. He also pulled his fingers back to deal extra damage. As the title match went to commercial break, Hale hit a dropkick, after which he prepared to dive through the ropes. Before he could connect, however, Zaria clocked him with a right hand, followed by a discus lariat.
Hale successfully hit the Kimura Lock in the final moments of the match. However, Zaria managed to reach his feet and hoist a hail onto his shoulders. Hail briefly countered into a turnbuckle, but fell into the ropes after being hit by Zaria. After a reversal, Hale ate a spear. Zaria followed with the F5 to secure the win and ensure that the NXT Women’s NA Title remained in her possession.
Hale previously held the title for 21 days before being dethroned by Izzy Damm in January 2026.
