NXT to Hold Tournament for WrestleMania Spot

Earlier Friday, Wrestling Rumors noted the events that will be held at the WrestleMania Axxess event next week just prior to the big event in Santa Clara, California. Now, WWE has made the experience even more worthwhile for attendees.

According to the company’s NXT page on its website, there will be a four-man tournament held at WrestleMania Axxess on Thursday, March 26. The winner will go on to earn a spot in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

The announced participants for the tournament are Adrian Neville, Finn Bálor, Tyler Breeze and Hideo Itami. Neville has been rumored for a main roster debut over the course of the past year, with many targeting WrestleMania season as his ideal call-up time. Word circulated WWE may have been interested in doing a Mighty Mouse-esque gimmick for him, given his size and agility. At one point, he was even rumored to be wearing a mask once he debuted.

At this time, however, it appears those plans may be off the table. Though this could be a way to bring Neville to the main roster, it also may be just to showcase the talent. Rusev made his official debut in the 2014 Royal Rumble match, before making his actual debut several months later.

The tournament is similar to a battle royal held at the “Royal Rumble” Axxess back in 2013, when Bo Dallas won an NXT-sponsored battle royal to earn a spot in the main roster rumble match.

Editor’s Note

My bet is on Neville, which they could use to catapult him onto the main roster. However, the crowd will be pulling hard for Finn Bálor I’m sure. 

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