Former NJPW Star’s WWE Debut Announced For Tonight, Given New Name

Published: Feb 17, 2023 by Sanchez Taylor | Last Updated: Feb 17, 2023 by Sanchez Taylor

Sanchez has over six years of pro-wrestling news writing experience, covering the biggest news stories in WWE, NXT, AEW, TNA Wrestling and more. He has personally interviewed a number of top stars, producing exclusive content with the likes of AEW's Swerve Strickland and WWE's Nick Aldis.

WWE/NJPW

A former NJPW star will make his WWE in-ring debut on the upcoming episode of NXT Level Up.

After announcing his NJPW departure in August 2022, Karl Fredericks was spotted at the WWE Performance Center the following month.

It was later reported that Fredericks had signed with WWE.

WWE has now confirmed that Fredericks will be in action on Friday’s (February 17) edition of NXT Level Up.

His name change was also confirmed, with WWE billing Fredericks as ‘Eddy Thorpe’.

The following match preview was shared on WWE.com:

An amazing episode of NXT Level Up will feature Valentina Feroz and Ivy Nile clashing in a highly anticipated main event, Eddy Thorpe making his debut against Dante Chen, and Oba Femi taking on Xyon Quinn.

Thorpe is an intriguing newcomer who has competed all over the world and has a chance to turn heads if he can defeat his fellow veteran, Chen.

Chen is 6-3 in his last nine matches on NXT Level Up, having most recently picked up a hard-earned win against Kale Dixon.

Fredericks joined the NJPW LA Dojo in 2018, making his debut for the promotion that November.

He last wrestled for NJPW during the STRONG: Collision taping in May, with his match against AEW star QT Marshall.

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