Cena first unveiled the five competitors for the men’s Iron Survivor Challenge. He explained that he wanted a balanced group featuring rising stars, current champions, and a few wildcards to keep things unpredictable. The crowd erupted throughout the announcement, especially when he revealed entrants from partner promotions. The names he revealed were:
• Je’Von Evans
• Leon Slater (current TNA X-Division Champion)
• Joe Hendry
• Dion Lennox (current NXT Tag Team Champion)
• Myles Borne
Cena selected the first four himself, while the final spot was determined later that night. Myles Borne faced Trick Williams in a hard-fought qualifying match in the main event, and Borne punched his ticket to Deadline with a strong win.
Cena then turned to the women’s Iron Survivor Challenge and highlighted how deep the women’s division is right now. He said he wanted a group capable of delivering a standout match, and the five women he announced were:
• Sol Ruca
• Lola Vice
• Kelani Jordan
• Jordynne Grace
• Kendal Grey (current WWE Evolve Women’s Champion)
Each competitor brings something different to the table, creating a compelling matchup that will decide the next challenger for the NXT Women’s Championship.
After the Iron Survivor announcements, Cena also confirmed another huge match for NXT Deadline: Ricky Saints will defend the NXT Championship against former champion Oba Femi. Femi, who won the 2024 Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge, is determined to win back the title he lost to Saints earlier this year, setting up a big-time rematch with plenty of history behind it.
NXT Deadline is set for Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas. Fans in the U.S. can watch check on Peacock, while international viewers can learn more the show on Netflix.
