The leadership for the upcoming NXT vs. TNA Showdown event was established on the September 30th edition of NXT, with captains for the inter-promotional elimination matches being officially named. NXT General Manager Ava appointed NXT Champion Ricky Saints and NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne to lead the home brand. In response, TNA Director of Authority Santino Marella selected Mike Santana and reigning TNA Knockouts Champion Kelani Jordan as captains for the visiting promotion.
The announcements occurred during the opening segment of the show, which began with the newly crowned NXT Champion Ricky Saints addressing his title victory at No Mercy. His promo was interrupted by NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne, who shifted focus to the impending conflict with TNA. This prompted the arrival of NXT General Manager Ava, who confirmed the threat was a priority and named both champions as the leaders of their respective NXT teams.
Following Ava’s declaration, TNA’s Santino Marella entered the arena to reveal his choices. He named Mike Santana as the captain of the men’s team before appointing Kelani Jordan to lead the women’s team. The selection of Jordan, an active NXT roster member who recently won TNA’s top women’s title, caused a visibly confused reaction from Jacy Jayne.
Marella clarified that the cross-brand competition is being framed as a “showdown” rather than an “invasion.” Both general managers agreed that the full teams must be finalized by the end of the night, setting the stage for further developments.