Former WWE Superstar Is Returning To NXT
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Former NXT Tag Team Champion Timothy Thatcher is set to make a surprise return to WWE NXT television. Recently, Thatcher has been competing on the newly relaunched WWE Evolve show and is reportedly involved behind the scenes as a trainer and coach within the WWE ID developmental program.
Thatcher was known for his "Thatch-as-Thatch-Can" segments, a brief NXT Tag Team Title reign alongside Matt Riddle, and alliances with figures like Tommaso Ciampa. Before joining WWE, Thatcher established himself as a top independent star, holding the EVOLVE Championship for 596 days and starring in Germany's wXw as part of the Ringkampf stable with Gunther.
Since his WWE release, he has primarily competed in Japan for Pro Wrestling NOAH, capturing the GHC Tag Team Championship twice.
He will do so next week, competing in a high-stakes battle royal to determine the next challenger for the NXT Championship.
Following NXT Champion Oba Femi's successful title defense at Stand & Deliver, NXT announced on last night's broadcast (April 29th) that a 25-man number one contender battle royal will take place on next week's episode.
The winner of this massive bout will earn the right to challenge Femi for the NXT Championship at the WWE Battleground premium live event on May 25th in Tampa, Florida.
While competitors like Trick Williams, who is seeking another opportunity to regain the title, are confirmed, the inclusion of Timothy Thatcher has generated buzz among fans.
This marks Thatcher's first match on NXT TV programming since August 2021. The submission specialist was released from his WWE contract in January 2022, roughly two years after his initial debut with the brand in April 2020.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: WWE logos are shown on screens before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: WWE logos are shown on screens before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation
The battle royal field is stacked, also featuring recently introduced WWE LFG (Looking For a Fight) prospects Shiloh Hill and Chris Island, who The Undertaker introduced on last night's show. Other confirmed participants include Ridge Holland, Ethan Page, Josh Briggs, Shawn Spears, Wes Lee, Charlie Dempsey, Brooks Jensen, Lexis King, and Yoshiki Inamura.
With two spots remaining and potential TNA talent involvement teased, Thatcher adds another layer of intrigue to the crucial match determining Oba Femi's next challenger at Battleground, which is NXT's next special on Peacock.
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