4 Surprises Shawn Michaels could pull off at WWE NXT's CW premiere
Tonight is a massive night for WWE, and more specifically, for NXT. After spending five years on the USA Network, the white-and-gold brand has found a brand new home.
NXT is moving to The CW, meaning it is set to go from being on a cable station to a broadcast television channel. In theory, this means the developmental brand could attract more eyeballs than before, and that is a big deal.
Tonight's show is looking absolutely stacked, with main roster and development talents booked for the show. Moreover, there are multiple championship bouts and the promise of some potential big surprises, although it isn't clear what those may be.
This article will take a look at four surprises the head of NXT, Shawn Michaels, could potentially have in store for fans on the show's CW premiere. This includes big debuts, a main roster star attacking a special guest referee, and a shocking title change.
#4 Hikuleo could make his debut
The Bloodline is dominating WWE. Former members of the faction Jey Uso and Sami Zayn are two of the top stars on Monday Night RAW. Meanwhile, many of the group's current and former members are still the focal point of Friday Night SmackDown.
Another real-life Bloodline member has reportedly signed with WWE, and he could soon be making a splash on NXT. If he does, this would be big for The Bloodline, as it would extend the group's dominance to another brand.
In Hikuleo's case, he isn't directly related to Roman Reigns and The Usos. Instead, he is the younger brother of Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa. Still, he counts as a real-life Bloodline member, and he might show up on NXT tonight to start the group's takeover of the brand.
#3 WWE RAW's Drew McIntyre could attack CM Punk
CM Punk has been a prominent face on WWE NXT television as of late. He has appeared on multiple shows, primarily to hype up the program's debut on The CW, where he'll be playing a major role in his hometown of Chicago.
More specifically, The Voice of the Voiceless will be the special guest referee for the WWE NXT Championship match between Trick Williams and Ethan Page. Unfortunately for Punk, however, it may go off the rails if a main roster star appears.
Punk is currently involved in a brutal and bloody feud with Drew McIntyre. The two men are set to clash inside Hell in a Cell on Saturday at Bad Blood. There is a chance that a bitter McIntyre may crash the NXT premiere and attack Punk. This would lead to a brawl between the two while also causing Trick and Page to lose their referee.
#2 The Motor City Machine Guns could shockingly appear
WWE has been making some major signings this year. Stars like Andrade, Naomi, and Shawn Spears have returned to the sports entertainment juggernaut. Giulia, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Ethan Page, and Stephanie Vaquer, among others, have debuted in some fashion.
The signings look to be continuing, as rumors have it that The Motor City Machine Guns have joined WWE. The duo includes Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley, two indie wrestling veterans who took off in TNA Wrestling. Now they are likely coming to NXT.
If The Motor City Machine Guns are coming to the promotion, NXT tonight would be the perfect place for the pair to debut. They could confront Nathan Frazer and Axiom or some other team, making it clear they're on the brand to take it over.
#1 Tiffany Stratton could cash in Money in the Bank
One of the biggest matches announced for WWE NXT's premiere on The CW is for the NXT Women's Championship. The reigning champion Roxanne Perez is set to defend her belt against international sensation Giulia.
While many expect The Beautiful Madness to leave tonight's show as champion, an interesting swerve could take place. WWE SmackDown's Tiffany Stratton could show up after the match and immediately cash in her Money in the Bank briefcase.
Whether Giulia wins or Roxanne retains, Tiffany could use her guaranteed title opportunity to take down a weakened and exhausted foe. From there, Tiffany could become a two-time NXT Women's Champion. This would also help The Buff Barbie to alleviate tension with Nia Jax, who is fearful of a cash-in attempt on SmackDown.