WWE News: Former ECW And NWA World Champion Shockingly Debuts In NXT
It’s only been 24 hours since NXT Takeover: Rival took place, and the television tapings for the next few weeks began on Monday evening. Not much time passed at the first set of tapings for NXT, and a shocking moment took place when former ECW World Champion and NWA World Champion Rhyno (Rhino) showed up and shocked everyone.
WrestleZone reported that the first set of NXT tapings took place at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida, and that was when the return happened. Be warned that there are major spoilers ahead.
The first match of the night actually included Rhyno and no one in the arena was expecting it. He came down to the ring to a gigantic pop and ended up defeating Elias Sampson with a huge gore.
After the match, Finn Balor was cutting a promo since he was now the new No. 1 contender to face Kevin Owens for the NXT Championship. That was when Rhyno appeared and had a stare-down with Balor.
Wrestling News Source reported that the audience at Full Sail University was solidly behind Rhyno, and chants were all over the place. Some were “E-C-W” while others were “GORE” and then of course, “Ho-ly S**t!”
There is a good bit more to the NXT tapings tonight, so it’s possible that there could be more from Rhyno later in the evening. That may possibly include something starting with Finn Balor, before he heads on to face Owens.
Rhyno (Rhino) hasn’t been seen in WWE since he appeared at One Night Stand back in 2005, along with many others.
During his time away from WWE, the former ECW World Heavyweight Champion spent a good bit of time in TNA. There, he captured the NWA World Heavyweight Title and worked for them on numerous occasions.
He’s also traveled the world and appeared in numerous promotions and came back to work in Ring of Honor, too. While in ROH, he was a member of The House of Truth, SCUM, and a mercenary for The Embassy.
It isn’t known yet just how much of a role Rhyno will have in NXT, or if he will eventually work his way back up to the WWE main roster. The 39-year-old was said to have looked great for his NXT debut and appears to have a lot of miles left on him.
Rhyno is back and the former ECW champion could end up back in WWE some day. Could there be a spear-vs.-gore match against Roman Reigns? Maybe Ryback will want to butt heads with Rhyno?
[Image via TNA]
