Backstage Update On NXT Involvement At WWE WrestleMania 36

Should we expect more than just Ripley vs. Flair on 5 April?

by Andy H Murray
WrestleMania 36 NXT
WWE

WWE fans shouldn't expect mass NXT involvement at WrestleMania 36 despite the effort put into elevating the black and gold brand in the run-up to and at Survivor Series 2019.

This is the word of the Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer. On a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, he claimed that WWE didn't plan on doing anything with NXT beyond the booked Women's Championship match between Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair on 5 April. Of course, this is WWE, and plans can always change in WWE, but don't bet on the likes of Adam Cole, Matt Riddle, and Bianca Belair showing up in Tampa.

Meltzer added that there are currently 14 matches scheduled for this year's 'Showcase of the Immortals,' which is actually two less than last year.

Advertisement

WrestleMania 36 will be preceded by NXT TakeOver: Tampa Bay the night before. No matches are official for that Network special yet, though Tommaso Ciampa vs. Johnny Gargano could be in the works after Gargano turned on his former partner-turned-rival-turned-partner-turned-rival at TakeOver: Portland the other week.

There's currently no word on who champions Adam Cole, Keith Lee, or The Broserweights will defend against on that show.

Advertisement
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.