Major name debuts at NXT taping

In the wacky world of 2016, it’s difficult to tell what exactly this means.

But even if it is a one-off appearance, or a plug for another WWE Network show where he’ll be featured over the next couple of months, this is an exciting moment for NXT fans.

Last warning, as spoilers of some degree follow...

The Japanese star is reportedly high on Triple H’s wish list, but hadn’t officially signed a deal to work anything beyond the Cruiserweight Classic (CWC). Since leaving New Japan, where he had a Match of the Year-caliber outing with another NXT Superstar, Shinsuke Nakamura, in 2015, Kota Ibushi has worked with EVOLVE, Kaiju Big Battel and Inoki Genome Federation while representing himself as a freelancer affiliated with his own Ibushi Puroresu Kenkyujo (Pro Wrestling Research Institute).

Will this be an Eric Young-type deal where he works a match (he’s facing Buddy Murphy at the Full Sail tapings)? Is he there simply to promote the CWC, and because that show tapes tomorrow night, so he’s in the area? The purple lighting could be an indicator this is a “showcase match” for that event, rather than a welcome to the NXT roster proper.

Stay tuned...