Tag: NXT

Ricky Starks Shocks Fans with Surprise WWE NXT Appearance

Just one day after officially parting ways with AEW, Ricky Starks made an unexpected splash in WWE, appearing live on NXT and delivering a fiery promo from the crowd at the WWE Performance Center.

With no entrance music and no prior announcement, Starks stepped into the spotlight as the ring crew set up for the night’s steel cage main event. The only cue for fans at home was a stunned “Holy crap!” from commentator Vic Joseph, as the NXT crowd erupted in chants of “Ricky! Ricky!”

Grabbing a microphone, Starks wasted no time in making his intentions clear:

“If ‘NXT’ is the future of professional wrestling, well guess what? You need an absolute superstar of the future. If this is the hottest brand, well, you need the hottest free agent right now, baby. Everyone’s been asking when the revolution will be televised again. Well, I’m right here, aren’t I?”

Free Agent Starks Lands in WWE

News of Starks’ AEW departure broke earlier this week, with reports confirming that his contract had expired and that he was free to sign anywhere without a non-compete clause. AEW had previously exercised the option year on his deal, but Starks had been largely absent from television leading up to his exit.

His NXT appearance raises plenty of questions about his future. While he didn’t confirm whether he’d be involved in Saturday’s Vengeance Day premium live event, his presence alone signals that WWE may have big plans for the former AEW standout.

For now, all eyes are on what’s next for Starks—will he make an impact in NXT, or is this just the first step toward an even bigger stage on Raw or SmackDown?

WWE NXT Preview 2/11/2025

A new live episode of WWE NXT airs tonight on The CW. Tonight’s show is the go-home edition before this weekend’s WWE Vengeance Day premium live event.

  • NXT North American Championship Steel Cage Match: Tony D’Angelo (c) vs. Ridge Holland
  • NXT Heritage Cup Match: Lexis King (c) vs. JDC of TNA
  • Cora Jade vs. Bayley
  • Hank & Tank vs. Josh Briggs and Yoshiki Inamura vs. No Quarter Catch Crew

TNA Impact Preview 2/6/2025

TNA Wrestling will present a new episode of Impact tonight on AXS TV, with another WWE NXT tag team title match. 

  • WWE NXT Tag Team Championship: Fraxiom (c) vs. Nic & Ryan Nemeth
  • Mike Santana vs. Matt Cardona
  • The Hardys & Leon Slater vs. The System (Moose, JDC, Eddie Edwards)
  • Tyson Dupont vs. Ace Austin
  • Knockouts Battle Royal for a shot at the TNA Knockouts World title
  • Joe Hendry in concert
  • We’ll hear from Eric Young

Former NXT Tag Champ TNA Star JDC (FKA Fandango) Returns To Challenge For NXT Heritage Cup

The WWE NXT landscape just got a shake-up with the unexpected return of JDC, the star formerly known as Fandango. The TNA Wrestling talent made his presence felt during this week’s episode, interrupting Lexis King’s promo and setting his sights on the Heritage Cup. JDC is now set to challenge for the title on next week’s show.

A Familiar Face Returns to NXT

Lexis King had taken center stage to gloat about his recent Heritage Cup defense against Charlie Dempsey under British Rounds Rules two weeks ago. However, King revealed that moving forward, he would be abandoning the traditional format in favor of standard single-fall matches—a controversial change that immediately sparked debate. Before he could relish his newfound authority over the cup’s stipulations, JDC made his shocking return, signaling his intent to dethrone the champion.

For longtime NXT fans, JDC’s homecoming is a nostalgic one. He last competed for the black-and-gold brand in 2021, where he and Tyler Breeze held the NXT Tag Team Championship in 2020 as Breezango. That reign marked his only championship victory in WWE, closing out a 15-year tenure that saw him rise to prominence, most notably upsetting Chris Jericho at WrestleMania 29 in his main roster debut.

A Career of Ups and Downs

JDC has openly discussed how his WWE career trajectory could have gone differently. He previously claimed he was set to win the Intercontinental Championship in 2013, but an undisclosed concussion reportedly led to backstage heat and derailed his momentum. After his WWE exit in 2021, he reinvented himself on the independent circuit, wrestling for promotions like NWA and GCW under the name Dirty Dango.

In 2022, he resurfaced in TNA Wrestling, a company he had briefly worked for in the early 2000s under his real name, Johnny Curtis. His current moniker, JDC (Johnny “Dango” Curtis), reflects his wrestling evolution, and he has since aligned himself with The System, one of TNA’s top factions.

What’s Next for JDC in NXT?

JDC is poised for a high-stakes showdown with Lexis King next week. Given his experience, charisma, and past connection to the brand, his return could signal a fresh crossover partnership for the TNA star, or it could simply be a one-off special appearance. Either way, NXT fans will be watching closely to see if the former ballroom-dancing showman can once again capture gold in WWE.

Will JDC dethrone King and claim the Heritage Cup, or is this just a brief visit before heading back to TNA? Tune in next week to find out!

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1886952198489207241

WWE NXT Preview 2/4/2025

WWE NXT returns tonight on The CW with a new episode as the build continues for this month’s NXT Vengeance Day.

  • A-Town Down Under vs. Oba Femi & Trick Williams
  • Karmen Petrovic vs. Kelani Jordan
  • Ridge Holland vs. Stacks
  • Stephanie Vaquer vs. Jacy Jayne
  • NXT Women’s Championship Vengeance Day Summit between Bayley, Roxanne Perez, and Giulia

WWE NXT Preview 1/28/2025

WWE NXT live on The CW from Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.

  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Bianca Belair & Naomi (c) vs. Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson
  • Bayley & NXT Women’s champion Giulia vs. Roxanne Perez & Cora Jade
  • Trick Williams vs. Wes Lee
  • Cedric Alexander vs. Ethan Page
  • The Grayson Waller Effect (hosted by Grayson Waller & Austin Theory) with Special Guest NXT Champion Oba Femi

Corey Graves Returns to NXT Commentary After Brief Absence

It didn’t take long for Corey Graves to find his way back behind the microphone. After a one-week absence from WWE programming, Graves made his return to the commentary table on last night’s episode of NXT, stepping into his new role with an air of enthusiasm and a touch of grit.

Graves had been vocal on social media about his frustration after being shifted from the main roster commentary team to NXT—a move that caught many fans off guard. However, his return to NXT was marked by a confident statement that set the tone for the evening.

“I am right where I want to be,” Graves declared as the show kicked off. “Where passion is everything and only the hungry survive, and pro wrestling never stopped being cool.”

https://twitter.com/PWUnlimited/status/1881870446934766049

A Fresh Start or a Reluctant Transition?

While Graves’ comments last night seemed to convey pride in being part of the NXT brand, his initial reaction to the move painted a more complicated picture. The shift from calling flagship shows like Raw and SmackDown to the developmental brand appeared to come as a disappointment for the veteran commentator, who has been a staple of WWE programming for years. His brief absence led to speculation among fans about whether the transition was entirely smooth.

Despite the initial frustration, it seems Graves is now embracing the opportunity to lend his voice to NXT’s unique energy. The black-and-gold brand has long been a platform for hungry up-and-coming Superstars, and Graves’ passionate commentary style could help elevate the show’s growing roster of talent.

A Voice That Resonates

Corey Graves has built a reputation as one of WWE’s most dynamic and opinionated commentators. His sharp wit and deep knowledge of the business have made him a standout presence on the headset. While moving from WWE’s main roster to NXT may have seemed like a step down at first glance, his return to the developmental brand could breathe new life into the product, particularly as NXT continues to build momentum heading into 2025.

It’s worth noting that Graves himself has a deep connection to NXT. Before transitioning to commentary, he competed as a wrestler on the brand during its early days, making his return last night feel somewhat full-circle.

What’s Next for Corey Graves and NXT?

Graves’ return to NXT could signify a renewed focus on the commentary team as WWE looks to keep the brand competitive in an increasingly stacked wrestling landscape. Whether he’ll be a long-term fixture on Tuesday nights remains to be seen, but his passion for the business is undeniable.

For now, Corey Graves is back where “pro wrestling never stopped being cool,” and fans can expect his signature mix of sarcasm and insight to add a spark to NXT’s weekly broadcasts.

WWE NXT Preview 1/21/2025

WWE NXT live tonight on The CW.

  • NXT Championship Match: Oba Femi vs. Eddy Thorpe
  • NXT North American Championship Match: Tony D’Angelo vs. Ridge Holland
  • NXT Women’s Champion Giulia to appear
  • Roxanne Perez has dared Bayley to show up
https://twitter.com/roxanne_wwe/status/1881527366155215303

TNA Genesis 1/19/2025 (Results), NXT’s Fraxiom, Cora Jade & Ashante “Thee” Adonis Appeared, Plus JBL

TNA Genesis delivered an action-packed event full of thrilling matches, shocking moments, and a major title change. The show also marked the beginning of a new partnership between TNA and NXT, which was front and center throughout the night. Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything that went down.

Pre-Show

The TNA-NXT partnership was officially introduced by NXT’s Arianna Grace, who took full credit for facilitating the collaboration. She wasted no time in hyping up the relationship before the surprises began. The first? Ashante “Thee” Adonis made an unexpected appearance, issuing an open challenge to the TNA roster.

That challenge was answered by none other than Jake Something, who overwhelmed Adonis with his raw power and sealed the win with a devastating swinging side slam.

In another pre-show bout, TNA veteran Frankie Kazarian squared off against rising star Leon Slater. Despite Slater’s high-energy offense and crowd-pleasing dives, Kazarian’s experience and cunning gave him the edge. Slater’s showboating cost him the match, as Kazarian countered a high-risk swanton 450 splash with his knees before sneaking a roll-up victory with a handful of tights.

Genesis

X-Division Championship: Moose (c) Retains Against Ace Austin

The show opened with a high-stakes clash between Moose and Ace Austin for the X-Division Championship. Moose unveiled a sleek new belt design before stepping into a power-versus-speed battle with Austin.

Ace had momentum on his side late in the match, even managing to fend off interference from Moose’s allies in The System. However, Moose’s relentless power proved too much. After catching Austin mid-air with a brutal spear, Moose landed another devastating spear to retain his title. The post-match beatdown by The System was thwarted by Eric Young and Steve Maclin, setting up the next bout.

Eric Young & Steve Maclin defeated Brian Myers & Eddie Edwards

In a continuation of the chaotic scene, Eric Young and Steve Maclin teamed up to take on Brian Myers and Eddie Edwards of The System. Despite interference from Alisha Edwards, who tried to tip the scales in her husband’s favor, the babyfaces emerged victorious. Young neutralized Edwards, allowing Maclin to hit the KIA finisher on Myers for the win.

Knockouts Tag Team Championship: Jody Threat & Dani Luna (c) defeated Ash by Elegance & Heather by Elegance to retain the titles.

The Knockouts Tag Team Champions Jody Threat and Dani Luna successfully defended their titles against Ash by Elegance and Heather by Elegance. Ash and Heather, decked out in Dallas Cowboys cheerleader-inspired attire, couldn’t match the champions’ intensity. Luna’s German suplex barrage and a massive deadlift suplex set up their signature Pressure Drop powerbomb combo to retain the titles. However, a bit of controversy about the legal competitor hinted this feud may not be over.

Tessa Blanchard Defeats Jordynne Grace

In a hard-hitting battle, Tessa Blanchard emerged victorious over Jordynne Grace. Grace used her incredible power to keep Blanchard on her heels, but Tessa’s underhanded tactics ultimately won the day. After removing a turnbuckle pad and using it to her advantage, Blanchard landed a flying Codebreaker to score the win.

Mike Santana Defeats Josh Alexander in an “I Quit” Match

Santana and Alexander put on an absolute war in their “I Quit” match. With Northern Armory banned from ringside, Alexander unleashed a relentless assault, but Santana’s refusal to quit kept the match going. Santana eventually zip-tied Alexander’s hands behind his back and threatened to curb-stomp him onto steel steps, forcing Alexander to say the dreaded words. After the match, Alexander honored his word, shaking Santana’s hand and officially passing the torch to him as TNA’s new standard-bearer. The moment was bittersweet, as Alexander announced he was leaving TNA.

Knockouts Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) defeated Rosemary in Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun match to retain the title.

Masha Slamovich retained her Knockouts Championship in a brutal Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun match against Rosemary. The bout featured everything from barbed wire boards to ladders and even Janice, Rosemary’s signature weapon. Despite Rosemary’s resilience, Slamovich ended things with an avalanche piledriver onto a pile of chairs. After the match, NXT’s Cora Jade made her presence felt, staring down Slamovich in a tease of what’s to come.

TNA World Tag Team Championship: Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy (c) defeated Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz to retain the titles.

Matt and Jeff Hardy defended their TNA World Tag Team Titles against Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz in a thrilling encounter. Midway through the match, NXT’s Fraxiom appeared ringside, creating tension with both teams. After security intervened, the Hardys took control, with Jeff hitting a Swanton Bomb on Trey to secure the win.

TNA World Champion: Joe Hendry defeated Nic Nemeth (c) to win the title.

The main event saw Joe Hendry dethrone Nic Nemeth to capture the TNA World Championship in a thrilling conclusion to the night. The match had its fair share of drama, with Ryan Nemeth banned from ringside and Frankie Kazarian teasing a Call Your Shot cash-in. However, Kazarian’s attempt to enter the fray was cut short by a surprise appearance from JBL, who laid out Kazarian with a Clothesline from Hell.

The match resumed cleanly, with Hendry showing incredible heart. After trading finishers and near falls, Hendry countered a superkick into his Standing Ovation slam to secure the victory and claim the TNA World Championship. The crowd erupted in celebration as Hendry stood tall to close the show.

Final Thoughts

Genesis was a landmark event for TNA, showcasing the promotion’s ability to seamlessly blend veteran talent, emerging stars, and a dose of unpredictability. From Joe Hendry’s emotional title win to the rising tensions between NXT and TNA rosters, the seeds have been planted for some exciting developments in the weeks to come. What’s next for this burgeoning partnership? Only time will tell, but the future looks bright.

WWE and TNA Announce Multi-Year Partnership

In what many wrestling fans have suspected for months, WWE and TNA Wrestling have officially confirmed their working relationship, solidifying it with a multi-year partnership. The announcement, made via a joint press release on Thursday afternoon, marks a major milestone for both promotions, as two of the biggest names in professional wrestling join forces in an unprecedented collaboration.

Building on a Year of Collaboration

The seeds of this partnership were planted last year, when former TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace made a surprise appearance in the 2024 WWE Royal Rumble. That cameo was followed by a brief stint in NXT for Grace last summer, fueling speculation about a broader working relationship between the two promotions. Over the past year, cross-promotion between TNA talent and WWE’s NXT brand has been met with enthusiasm from fans, paving the way for this formal announcement.

While the press release didn’t go into specifics about whether the partnership would extend to WWE’s main roster, it did confirm that fans can expect continued talent exchanges between TNA and NXT. For now, it seems the focus will remain on developmental and crossover opportunities within these two brands.

A Win-Win for Both Sides

The leadership of both WWE and TNA expressed their excitement about the partnership, framing it as a chance to grow their respective rosters and improve the fan experience. Ariel Shnerer, TNA’s Senior VP of Content & Distribution, emphasized how the partnership has already benefited both companies and their audiences.

“This historic relationship demonstrates that collaboration and competition do not have to be mutually exclusive,” Shnerer said. “Our partnership allows the TNA Wrestling brand and its incredible athletes to reach a significantly wider audience, while giving WWE and NXT stars an opportunity to cross the line and gain valuable experience, as they join forces with one of the most talented rosters in professional wrestling today. The response to our collaboration over the past year has been tremendous, and both companies have benefited—but the fans have reaped the greatest rewards.”

Shawn Michaels Speaks on the Future of NXT and TNA Collaboration

Shawn Michaels, the WWE Hall of Famer and head of NXT, echoed Shnerer’s sentiment, highlighting the opportunities this partnership brings for talent development and fan engagement.

“We look forward to growing and evolving our partnership with TNA Wrestling and its outstanding group of athletes by creating new opportunities to further the development of our talent and to elevate the viewer experience at home,” Michaels said.

The announcement signals an exciting time for both promotions as they work to enhance their programming and strengthen their rosters. Whether it’s NXT stars heading to TNA for new challenges or TNA talent getting the chance to showcase their skills in front of WWE’s global audience, this collaboration promises to shake up the wrestling landscape in ways we haven’t seen before.

What’s Next for WWE and TNA?

While fans may be eager to see main roster crossover events involving Raw or SmackDown, for now, the focus appears to be on the NXT and TNA connection. However, given how open both companies seem to be about this partnership, anything feels possible down the road.

With both brands boasting a wealth of talented wrestlers, the potential for dream matches and unique storytelling is endless. For now, all eyes are on how this partnership will unfold in the coming months—and whether it will inspire other wrestling promotions to consider collaborations of their own.