WWE NXT: Three surprises that took place in NXT in 2021: It was a memorable year for WWE NXT, which kicked off as the Black & Gold brand but got revamped as reaching the final quarter of the year.
WWE NXT made inroads multiple times during 2021, courtesy of some exciting announcements and unexpected returns. In this post, we have listed three surprising moments that helped in changing the landscape of Tuesday night’s show. So without any further ado, let us take a look.
Also Read: WWE NXT Match Card: Four matches announced for next week
WWE NXT: Samoa Joe reinstated and became NXT Champion for a record third time
Samoa Joe was an unfortunate talent to face the axe during WWE’s budget cut program. He got released from the company following Wrestlemania 37 in April, where he was a pivotal member of the English announce team. However, out of nowhere, on June 14, 2021, Samoa Joe emerged on NXT programming as a special enforcer to the general manager William Regal.
Samoa Joe celebrates after defeating the undefeated Karrion Kross and regaining the NXT title for a record third timeLater, he had a riveting feud with the then NXT Champion, the undefeated Karrion Kross, whom he humbled at the NXT Takeover 36 in August to become a record 3-time NXT Champion. Following his triumph over Karrion Kross, Samoa Joe went on a layoff, and there’s no word on when he would be returning to action.
Also Read: WWE NXT WarGames Results: Check out the top 3 moments here
WWE NXT: The revamp from NXT to NXT 2.0
WWE NXT’s revamp in September 2021 was the first major revolution in the show’s history. The show that formed its root in 2019 and hailed as WWE’s developmental brand was revamped and rebranded as WWE NXT 2.0.
WWE NXT: Three monumental events that took place in WWE NXT in 2021
WWE NXT 2.0 setWith the revamp, Vince McMahon and Bruce Prichard took over from Triple H, who was the building block of WWE NXT. WWE Universe heavily criticized the new accession, and fans still have skeptical views on the show’s revamp and rebrand. WWE introduced new talents after the transformation, including Bron Breakker, Tony D’Angelo, Grayson Waller, Cora Jade, etc., who are going great guns and could be the future prospects of WWE.
Also Read: WWE NXT Highlights: Check out the top 3 moments of this week’s NXT 2.0
WWE NXT: Adam Cole left NXT
One of the most shocking news in WWE NXT history was the sudden exit of Adam Cole. Cole hailed as one of the most decorated NXT Champions, left the Black & Gold brand before its revamp in August as soon as his contract expired.
Adam ColeAdam Cole was hailed as the future of WWE, and there were rumors that Vince McMahon was actually planning to have him on the main roster as a manager for a superstar. However, the former NXT Champions had other plans as he was not willing to work as a manager on the main roster. He decided to exit the company and, in the same month, joined WWE’s arch-rivals AEW (All Elite Wrestling).