Opening Match Revealed for WWE NXT vs. TNA ShowDown Revealed

WWE just revealed an update for tonight’s NXT vs TNA ShowDown. The tag team title unification match between The Hardy Boyz and NXT’s DarkState will now kick off the show.

The announcement was made via the official WWE NXT Twitter/X account, and it flips the script on what fans expected—especially since the men’s Survivor Series match was initially positioned to close the show. The tweet read:

“The Winner Take All Tag Team Championship Match between @ThisIsTNA Tag Team Champion, The Hardy Boyz, and #WWENXT Tag Team Champion, DarkState, will KICK OFF #NXTShowdown TONIGHT!”

Matt and Jeff Hardy, who currently hold the TNA Tag Team Championships, will collide with NXT Tag Champs Dion Lennox and Osiris Griffin of DarkState in a match that will unify the tag titles across both brands. Both teams come into the match with serious momentum, but the Hardys have extra motivation heading into their Bound for Glory clash with the Dudley Boyz.

WWE is treating this match as a major moment. It’s more than just belts on the line—it’s legacy. For weeks, the Hardys have teased wanting to cement their place as multi-brand champions, while DarkState has remained undefeated as a duo in NXT. Adding to the weight of the moment is the fact that WWE legends the Dudley Boyz are confirmed to be in attendance tonight.

Meanwhile, the show is still set to feature the NXT vs TNA Men’s Survivor Series-style match, which was originally scheduled to be the main event as of last week. That match will pit Ricky Saints, Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans and Myles Borne against Mike Santana, Moose, Frankie Kazarian, and Leon Slater—with Joe Hendry serving as special guest referee.

Tonight’s NXT vs TNA ShowDown card also includes:

• Women’s Survivor Series Match: Jacy Jayne, Lola Vice, Sol Ruca & Jaida Parker vs. Kelani Jordan, The IInspiration & Mara Sade (Jordynne Grace officiating)
• NXT North American Title Match: Ethan Page (c) vs. Mustafa Ali
• Tag Team Championship Unification Match: The Hardy Boyz vs. DarkState (now confirmed as the opening match)

NXT ShowDown goes live at 8PM ET/7PM CT on The CW Network. International fans can stream it via Netflix. As a reminder, Ringside News will have live play-by-play coverage, so keep checking back for any late breaking news regarding the show.

Are you hyped to see The Hardys open the night with a title unification match? Which brand do you think walks out with all the tag team gold? Let us know in the comments.