Austin Theory Makes WWE NXT TV Debut (Video)
Former EVOLVE Champion Austin Theory made his WWE NXT TV debut on tonight's Christmas episode on the USA Network.
The 22 year old Theory opened the show by answering the Open Challenge from NXT North American Champion Roderick Strong. That hard-fought match saw Strong retain his title by submission.
WWE officially announced Theory's signing back in August, in the same Performance Center Class that included Santana Garrett, Tehuti Miles, Catalina Garcia, Briana Brandy, and others. Theory also appeared ringside at the "Takeover: Toronto 2019" event during WWE SummerSlam Weekend back in August.
Theory held the EVOLVE Title as a NXT Superstar and didn't drop it until EVOLVE 139 on November 9, losing it to Josh Briggs. He had been champion since defeating current NXT Superstar Fabian Aichner for the title back on December 15, 2018 at EVOLVE 117, in a Triple Threat that also included Strong.
Below are a few shots from tonight's title match, which brought a standing ovation from fans after the bell:
#Christmas = UNDISPUTED.
Boom. #WWENXT @roderickstrong pic.twitter.com/uTuGH0POhD
? WWE (@WWE) December 26, 2019
Today MUST be #Christmas because Santa Claus gave us the BIGGEST gift of all...
The #WWENXT debut of @austintheory1!!! ???? pic.twitter.com/Qxfx8hMUWK
? WWE (@WWE) December 26, 2019
The man is JUST physical perfection. ??#WWENXT @austintheory1 pic.twitter.com/lerqyLifNd
? WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 26, 2019
In case you didn't know, @austintheory1 is only 22 years old.
What have you done with your life? #WWENXT @roderickstrong pic.twitter.com/o4sp1pgJ3Z
? WWE NXT (@WWENXT) December 26, 2019
.@roderickstrong vs. @austintheory1 for the NXT #NorthAmericanTitle!
Our #Christmas wish was answered. ????#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/AKrIiIdjPq
? WWE (@WWE) December 26, 2019
The #MessiahOfTheBackbreaker is at it again. #WWENXT @roderickstrong @austintheory1 pic.twitter.com/HLwSS1sXoD
? WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 26, 2019
Dear Santa Claus,
Thank you for gifting us with @roderickstrong vs. @austintheory1 on #WWENXT. We are very grateful and entertained.
With love and ????,
WWE pic.twitter.com/Pr0JqrX3b3? WWE (@WWE) December 26, 2019
SEASONS BEATINGS EVERYONE!
The prophecy lives on in 2019! #WWENXT #AndStill @roderickstrong pic.twitter.com/CTD3EDC1Gj
? WWE NXT (@WWENXT) December 26, 2019
Whoever wants next will have to wait till 2020. #WWENXT @roderickstrong @austintheory1 pic.twitter.com/ejRxMlEtiA
? WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 26, 2019