Two Former WWE Stars Return For First Matches In Several Years

WWE

Two former WWE stars notably made returns to NXT during tonight’s May 7 episode of the show on the CW Network.

Last week, it was announced that a 25-man battle royal would take place tonight to determine NXT Champion Oba Femi’s challenger at Battleground on May 25.

The battle royal did take place tonight, with a number of interesting names involved.

In a surprise entry, Elijah – formerly known as Elias – made his return to WWE representing his current company TNA Wrestling.

This marks his first WWE appearance since he was released in September 2023.

Another returning name was Timothy Thatcher, in his first NXT TV match since August 2021.

Thatcher has been involved in the new WWE Evolve show as of late, which streams every Wednesday on Tubi in the US and on YouTube internationally.

Also in the match billed as representing Evolve was Sean Legacy, with WWE LFG prospects Shiloh Hill and Chris Island competing in the battle royal as well.

Another TNA representative was also involved in the form of Zachary Wentz.

The NXT roster members rounding out the field were Ridge Holland, Trick Williams, Ethan Page, Wes Lee, Tyson Dupont, Tyriek Igwe, Shawn Spears, Brooks Jensen, Niko Vance, Myles Borne, Charlie Dempsey, Tavion Heights, Lexis King, Je’Von Evans, Josh Briggs, Ashante ‘Thee’ Adonis, as well as Yoshiki Inamura from Pro Wrestling NOAH.

Eddy Thorpe was originally advertised, but in the time between the match being announced last week and it taking place tonight, he was released by WWE.

The battle royal was eventually won by No Quarter Catch Crew member Myles Borne who will now challenge Oba Femi for the NXT Championship at Battleground.

Borne is deaf due to treatment he received at a very young age for a condition he was born with, and is often affectionately referred to as “Baby Randy” thanks to his striking resemblance to Randy Orton, something he plays up to with his moveset.

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• Oba Femi
• Myles Borne
• Battleground
• nxt
• wwe

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