The pro wrestling world is buzzing at the news that AJ Styles could be showing up at the Royal Rumble, but another former TNA World Heavyweight Champion made a surprise debut at Friday’s NXT tapings in Orlando, FL.: Austin Aries.
Aries’ debut was short-lived, however, as he was attacked by Baron Corbin. Corbin has had a vendetta against big name independent stars signing with the company, recently feuding with Samoa Joe and Apollo Crews. Before the attack, Aries was announced by NXT General Manager William Regal “one of our biggest international signings.” You can check out a clip of his entrance below — complete with “AUSTIN ARIES” on the video screen — thanks to NXT’s Facebook page:
Austin Aries makes his debut at NXT, immediately gets attacked by Baron Corbin. @cagesideseats #NXTOrlando pic.twitter.com/Q6SfXXOEfl
— 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡 🇵🇭 (@PhiltheFilipino) January 23, 2016
The last year has been a big one for former TNA Champions in WWE and NXT. Aries, Samoa Joe and “Cowboy” James Storm have all either made appearances or become regulars, in addition to the news of Styles’ signing. Even former TNA Champion Bully Ray returned to WWE as one half of the Dudley Boyz. Should we be expecting Bobby Roode to show up soon, or Matt Hardy to vacate the title again and pop up on Smackdown?
We wish Aries the best in his future Baron Corbin-related endeavors.
