Update on NXT stars in the Royal Rumble
Added 2023-02-02 17:22:03 +0000 UTCNXT stars returned to the Royal Rumble this year, but only on the Women's side of things.
Fightful Select reported last week that numerous women from the NXT roster were in town for the Royal Rumble, with three NXT talent appearing in the match itself. Shawn Michaels told Fightful Select today that WWE main roster higher ups let NXT know who they wanted, and he provided feedback. They did make it known to NXT that they only needed female talent and were good on the men's side. Fightful had reported that WWE was more interested in unconventional surprises than bringing in past legends.
We're told that Ivy Nile was also on scene at the Royal Rumble this year as an alternate if needed.
Last year, WWE higher ups drew a distinct line in the sand and established that NXT talent would absolutely not be used as they didn't want to mix WWE and NXT 2.0 talent at the time. As things stand, no NXT men have been used since Damian Priest in 2021, but that served as his call-up. Other than that, it was Matt Riddle in 2020, who lasted a matter of seconds. NXT had no say in how long anyone lasted in any of these Rumbles.
When we asked, we were told that nobody that appeared had their Rumble appearance serve as a "call up" this year.
Comments
Unpopular opinion perhaps but if NXT talent is going to be used, it'd be nice to have at least one person on commentary actually know who they are and introduce them to an audience supposedly unfamiliar with them. "I know about Indi Hartwell! She's from Australia and she's impressive" should not be the only things you know about Indi Hartwell.
ProdigalGeek
2023-02-03 03:48:37 +0000 UTCWell, NXT representation wasn't totally absent from the men's Rumble since it's tag...team...chaaampions were entrants. 🙃
Kim Cee
2023-02-03 00:47:36 +0000 UTCI would have taken Ivy Nile at 30 instead of Jax who has a history on injuring other wrestlers to dye her negligence.
Dave Nguyen
2023-02-02 23:01:14 +0000 UTCI think I like the focus on the main roster for RR. You can have 1 legends spot and maybe 1-2 NXT spots but really it should highlight your main roster. Do more qualifying matches leading up to it. Everyone wants to be in the rumble to win it to main even WM. But everyone cannot. It’s gives everyone a chance to shine a bit.
thaddperkins
2023-02-02 18:40:16 +0000 UTC
