The February 24 episode of WWE NXT featured a shocking twist before the NXT Women’s Championship match could truly begin, as Zaria turned on her longtime partner, Sol Ruca, in brutal fashion.
Jacy Jayne was set to defend her title against Ruca, with Zaria accompanying her friend to the ring.
In a show of support, Zaria even held the ropes open, giving no clear sign that ZaRuca was moments away from imploding. The tension that had simmered for months appeared calm — at least on the surface.
Then everything changed.
Zaria Costs Sol Ruca in NXT Women’s Championship Match
Before the opening bell, Zaria exploded with a spear that dropped Ruca instantly. She followed it with an F-5, laying her partner out cold. The referee called for the bell anyway after Ruca insisted she could continue, but the damage was done.
Jayne charged in and connected with her Rolling Encore elbow, scoring the pin in roughly four seconds to retain the championship.
If that felt fast, it was because it was over before it could get off the ground.
Zaria didn’t stop there. After the match, she continued the assault, mauling Ruca at ringside and delivering another F-5 — this time through the announce table. The betrayal sealed the end of their partnership and marked Zaria’s official heel turn.
The split follows months of friction. Zaria had previously thrown in the towel during one of Ruca’s matches in November 2025, claiming she was protecting her. More recently, Ruca became the No. 1 contender on February 10 after Zaria accidentally collided with her during a qualifier.
Just one week ago, Zaria had seemingly saved Ruca from Fatal Influence, making the turn even more jarring.
With one spear, one F-5, and one shattered friendship, ZaRuca is no more. In NXT, sometimes the most dangerous partner is the one standing closest.
READ MORE: WWE NXT Tag Titles Change Hands After Outside Interference
