We knew about this weeks ago thanks to results from the NXT tapings at Full Sail in Orlando, Florida getting out -- aided by WWE straight up reporting on the story on the company website -- but James Storm's big debut in NXT didn't air until earlier this evening on the WWE Network.
He won a short match and, if we believe what he had to say on Instagram tonight, he's not going anywhere:
To @wwe , @wwenxt and everyone who has raised hell with me throughout the years. I've busted my ass and as you can see I smiled again when I walked out and heard the fans chanting you belong here. I'm not done yet. Notice has been sent and a new dentist office is opening up in every city. Brought out a oldie but goodie with the #8secondride but make no mistakes about it, soon it will be #LastCalls for all. All hail #BeardedOutlaw @danengler123 thanks.
Reports have suggested Storm has yet to sign an exclusive deal with WWE but it's a different world in 2015, as the Samoa Joe situation taught us. He is, if nothing else, a veteran hand who has enjoyed a long career in the business. NXT is still a developmental program, after all, and it needs wrestlers like Storm to help young talent grow while giving the promotion added star power.