Published: 15 minutes ago by SP3 | Last Updated: 33 minutes ago by SP3
Born in Harlem, New York and now living in the Bronx, Sid Pullar III aka SP3 is a lifelong wrestling fan who has been covering the industry for over nine years as a podcaster and writer. His passion for the industry has been documented with over 3,000 videos on YouTube and 8,000 written pieces across multiple outlets, such as WrestleTalk, Sports Illustrated and more.@TruHeelSP3
WWE
Ahead of the September 29 episode of WWE NXT, the company announced that Mason Rook is unable to compete in his scheduled NXT Championship match against Grayson Waller.
With Rook out of action, WWE has stated that Waller will still defend his title against a yet-to-be-announced opponent.
Whether it be a former champion or a star on the rise, there is a big chance for whomever replaces Rook to have a standout performance.
Here are four potential Mason Rook WWE NXT Championship match replacements.
Tony D’Angelo
On the September 15 edition of WWE NXT, Mason Rook defeated Tony D’Angelo and Saquon Shugars to become the number one contender for the NXT Championship.
Since losing the NXT Championship to Grayson Waller at Heatwave 2026, D’Angelo has yet to receive a rematch for the gold.
Tony D has plenty of history with Waller that could make an easy NXT Championship match on the September 29 episode.
With Rook now out of action, D’Angelo feels like the most logical replacement.
Saquon Shugars
However, there was a third man in that aforementioned triple threat that was not pinned and that was Saquon Shugars.
The former DarkState member has been on a roll since leaving his former faction.
During the three-way with Mason Rook and Tony D’Angelo, Shugars had the match won before Tristan Angels interfered.
After being screwed out of a win, it would make sense for NXT GM Robert Stone to give him this opportunity to be Rook’s replacement against Grayson Waller.
Shiloh Hill
Someone who wasn’t able to throw his name in the hat to challenge for the NXT Championship is Shiloh Hill.
While he has been feuding with Naraku, Hill could shift his focus to the top prize on the NXT brand.
Bringing his unique brand of intensity, Hill could offer a different kind of challenge for Grayson Waller.
Stepping in at the last minute in place of Mason Rook, Shiloh Hill could catch Waller off-guard and potentially win the NXT Championship on the September 29 episode.
Cruz Montana
Ever since officially signing with WWE NXT, Cruz Montana has been on the hunt for championship gold.
Upon his debut, Montana let it be known that he wanted to become NXT Champion.
The former Mike Santana has had obstacle after obstacle put in front of him in his path to the NXT Championship.
Despite starting a feud with Dion Lennox on the September 22 WWE NXT, Montana should be front and center as a likely option to replace Mason Rook to challenge Grayson Waller for the title on the September 29 show.
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