For most wrestlers, it is their dream to one day make it to either Raw or SmackDown and compete for WWE. However, plenty of alternatives to competing on WWE’s main shows have been provided for wrestlers, and some fans have even made the case that aspiring WWE Superstars in NXT may be better off remaining on the show. None other than current NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa seems to agree with that feeling as he recently posted a tweet claiming that NXT is the best place for sports entertainment and that he does not want to be called up to the main roster any time soon. As long as Ciampa keeps the NXT Championship, it is unlikely that he will be appearing on any other WWE in-ring programs.
I’m insulted when people refer to me as simply a “wrestler”. I am so much more. I am a sports entertainer.
I’m equally insulted when people ask me about being “called up”. NXT is the pinnacle of this industry. I will spend the remainder of my career here proving it. – The Champ
— BLACKHEART (@ProjectCiampa) August 29, 2018
WWE is currently in the process of reaching out to several female Hall of Famers and competitors from the past who may be interested in taking part in the all-women’s Evolution pay-per-view that will be taking place later this year. Names such as The Bella Twins, Trish Stratus, and Beth Phoenix are some notable names who will be involved, but it was also reported not too long ago that WWE reached out to AJ Lee for an appearance due to overwhelming feedback from fans who want to see the former Divas Champion return. Unfortunately, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that the two sides have not made any sort of deal as of right now, and while that could change before October, the chance of Lee of appearing at Evolution seems incredibly small.
As reported yesterday, NXT UK star and Mae Young Classic competitor Toni Storm has received a legitimate injury that could end up keeping the young Australian superstar out of action for some time. She has already been stripped of the wXw Women’s Championship and has been pulled from her future independent wrestling appearances. In an update provided by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Storm received the injury during the recent set of NXT UK tapings, and it is believed that she is dealing with a spinal injury. While that may sound like a serious injury, it does not appear to be to major at the moment, but she has not been evaluated yet. Storm’s matches in the Mae Young Classic have already been taped and will be airing as planned.