Drew Galloway Back With WWE, Appears At NXT TakeOver: Orlando
WCPW Champ on the move!
Perhaps the most noteworthy piece of news emanating from Orlando's NXT special didn't take place in the ring, but on the periphery. Following Asuka's contest with Ember Moon, the camera shifted to ringside to show none other than WCPW champion Drew Galloway in attendance .
Galloway, once of WWE's parish under the sobriquet 'Drew McIntyre', gave a knowing smile and a sly wink as Nigel McGuinness did his best Tony Schiavone impression on commentary ("We known who that is!") before Tom Phillips asked the question: "But what is he doing here?"
Indeed, what was Galloway doing there? His prominent position on camera is obviously no accident, and seemed to indicate his return to the company. This was latterly confirmed in an interview after the show, the big Scot making clear his arrival on the yellow and black brand.
It's no surprise; Galloway has been absolutely phenomenal since departing WWE, excelling in TNA, ICW, Evolve, and our very own WCPW (check out his match with Will Ospreay here for evidence). A call back to the Stamford giants is no less than his stellar reinvention deserves.
Having forged himself as one of the hottest properties on the independent scene, the question now is how his NXT migration will affect future bookings in other companies. Obviously such information is thin on the ground at present, though Galloway was written out of his bout at the WWN EVOLVE vs. PROGRESS show on Saturday night.
It's difficult to read too much into that, however; WWE enjoy a fairly co-operative relationship with EVOLVE, and would be unlikely to pull Galloway from their show for a non-competing role at a TakeOver event. It's also worth noting that Galloway is still scheduled as advertised to appear at ICW's 'Barramania' show on 16 April against Jack Jester.
It's eminently possible the Ayrshire assassin could enjoy a similar unrestricted 'independent' contract as some previous NXT pass-throughs - though given his stature and popularity, don't hold your breath.
In any event, the very best of luck to the big guy!