This weekend’s WWE NXT Deadline marks the return of the Iron Survivor Challenge, a competition first introduced in 2022. In this event, five male and female competitors aim to score the most falls within a 25-minute timeframe. The match starts with two wrestlers, with the remaining three entering at five-minute intervals.
The countdown for the 25 minutes begins as soon as the first match starts, emphasizing the importance of early participation. Competitors can score falls right from the beginning, but if pinned or disqualified, they spend one minute in the penalty box. This year’s male competitors include Jevon Evans, Leon Slater, Dion Lennox, Miles Bourne, and Joe Hendry, while the women’s match features Sol Luka, Laura Bice, Kehlani Jordan, Jordyn Grace, and Kendall Gray.
To date, six matches have taken place, with winners securing their spots in the NXT Championships. Regardless of the outcomes, these matches have shaped the brand’s identity, with four of the six victors earning championship titles. With the momentum building leading into the seventh and eighth editions, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on and rank all Iron Survivor Challenge matches based on action, storytelling, and long-term impact.
Match Rankings
6. Men’s 2022
The inaugural Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge in 2022 featured Axiom, Joe Gacy, Carmelo Hayes, JD McDonough, and Grayson Waller. The match began with McDonough attacking Axiom, giving him a head start. Though Axiom initially scored well, Waller ultimately took the victory by literally running out the clock. While it was an interesting debut for the format, it fell short compared to subsequent matches in terms of excitement and storytelling.
5. Ladies 2023
In the 2023 Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge, Blair Davenport triumphed over competitors like Rush Legend and Tiffany Stratton. Davenport’s victory was demonstrated through a strong performance, but her subsequent departure from the company may undermine the significance of her win.
4. Ladies 2022
The 2022 Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge kicked off with Roxanne Perez emerging victorious. This exhilarating match saw numerous shifts in momentum, particularly among friends-turned-rivals Cora Jade and Perez. After her win, Perez claimed the NXT Women’s Championship, turning this match into a pivotal storyline in her career.
3. Women 2024
The 2024 Women’s Iron Survivor match saw intense competition among newcomers, with Julia, Sol Luca, and Zarya making significant impacts. The tightly contested match culminated in close finishes, particularly as Julia secured her victory with a strategic hold despite serious pressure from her opponents. This match marked a milestone for the rising stars involved.
2. Men’s 2024
The 2024 Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge concluded with a dramatic last-second decision that highlighted the concept’s potential. Oba Femi secured the win, showcasing his future as a key player in NXT. The match emphasized both comebacks and dominance in wrestling storytelling, as Femi looks forward to challenging for the title.
1. Men’s 2023
The 2023 Men’s Iron Survivor was thrilling, featuring Bron Breaker, Trick Williams, and others. Williams’ unexpected victory cemented his status within the NXT brand, highlighting the format’s ability to produce shocking outcomes. This match propelled Williams into the spotlight and showcased the diverse talents in the wrestling scene.
Fan Take: The Iron Survivor Challenge has become an essential part of the NXT narrative, offering thrilling matches that often overturn expectations. As new stars emerge and rivalries develop, wrestling fans have much to look forward to regarding future storylines and championship shifts in WWE’s ever-evolving landscape.
