10 Backstage NXT Moments We Cannot Believe Actually Happened

Over the years, NXT had many backstage moments we did not even know about! Now, we have lined up 10 of the most unforgettable backstage NXT moments.

1. The Old TV Series

Source: Screenshot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhdJ6MxY7tA&ab_channel=WWE

The old television series of NXT actually launched many careers. In fact, some of the originals included Seth Rollins, Big E and even Daniel Bryan. 

NXT eventually became a huge success and eventually went Full Sail. However, the olden days are not forgotten.

Some of the old footage of the television series recently resurfaced. Naturally, it shows some of the big superstars who now are A-list wrestlers.

2. Triple H Is Always Around

Source: Screenshot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PT5_m1kJWE

One of our favorite insider NXT backstage moments is the fact Triple H is always watching. Interestingly, Triple H always has his eye on the ball.

As the guy who runs NXT, Triple H has lots on his plate. Obviously, this also means Triple H cannot always be present in person.

To ensure he always has his eye on the ball, Triple H has an intricate system. It involves a live video feed that is sent straight to his corporate headquarters.

Needless to say, the boss always has eyes on his NXT staff.

3. The Scandal Of Bill DeMott

Source: Screenshot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hagVYGEOk4&ab_channel=WWE

Bill DeMott used to be Hugh Morris in WCW. After his wrestling career was over, he worked backstage for NXT.

Among our NXT backstage moments, we have a scandal involving this former Deep South Wrestling trainer. 

DeMott eventually became the main trainer for Florida Championship Wrestling, which later became NXT. Unfortunately, his training methods left much to be desired.

Many developmental talent came forward to speak about his misconduct and brutal training methods. These wrestlers included Kenny Omega, Curt Hawkins, Luchasaurus and Ivelise.

DeMott denied all allegations and eventually left WWE in 2015.

4. WrestleMania Moment

Source: Screenshot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUzV60cUH9I&ab_channel=WWE

One of our favorite, heartwarming NXT backstage moments actually happened to Paige. The moment was partly featured in the movie “Fighting with my Family”.

At WrestleMania 30, Paige received a text message that told her The Rock wanted a conversation with her. To her surprise, The Rock wanted to make a movie about her life.

But the success song got even better, because he also told Paige she would debut on Raw the next day. And to top that off, he told her she would win the Diva’s Championship.

Needless to say, this is one of our favorite NXT backstage moments of all time.

5. NXT Shield

Source: Screenshot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_M0EaeqZ1s&ab_channel=HeelLonit

Back in NXT, Paige was supposed to be a part of a faction. In fact, the faction involved the female Shield.

The faction included Paige, Summer Rae, and Anya. However, the only thing left of this moment is some test footage from 2013.

Obviously, the actual Shield made their debut in 2012. So, this was supposed to be a female version.

Since Paige went to solo success, we are not completely sad about the loss of this faction. However, it would have been great to see what would have been. 

6. Keep It Kid-Friendly

Source: Screenshot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuGG4WvTBpg&ab_channel=WRESTLEWITHANDY

NXT actually came up with a kids-friendly version of the promotion. Once NXT became a little less friendly for kids, it decided to create Saturday Morning Slam.

In 2015, the promotion also had NXT Kids, which was specifically made for younger viewers. Of course, the brand did not get much traction. 

Children find wrestling fun because it is not something they are supposed to watch. That is the attraction to pro wrestling in the first place.

Naturally, the kids friendly version did not go anywhere as it did not get much traction. In fact, it never even appeared on the WWE Network.

7. Austin Who?

Source: Friday Night Smackdown! Twitter, Screenshot

Austin is a common name in The United States. Unfortunately, it is so common it could cause some problems as well!

Back in 2010, WWE send Adam Cole an NXT tryout opportunity. Unfortunately, it turned out that WWE sent the invitation to the wrong Austin.

The tryout was supposed to be offered to Austin Watson, but was sent to Austin Jenkins. Obviously, we all know Austin Watson is none other than Xavier Woods.

So, WWE confused Xavier Woods and Adam Cole. Obviously, WWE messed up big time and Adam Cole probably wasn’t too happy.

8. NXT Versus AEW?

Source: Kairi Fans Twitter, Screenshot

Believe it or not, this almost happened. If it were, Toni Storm would have faced Bea Priestley in a match.

Toni Storm wrestled for NXT UK, but not exclusively. In other words, Storm could have easily faced Priestly when she signed with AEW.

Of course, WWE would not have been too excited about one of their wrestlers losing to an AEW wrestler. Needless to say, the match never happened.

The match being pulled also shows that WWE is not thinking of working with AEW any time soon. In spite of that, it could have been a really great match.

9. Gargano Does Not Want The Main Roster

Source: HunterPWWE5 Twitter, Screenshot

Many people wonder why Johnny Gargano never went to the main roster. However, there seems to be a reason why he never did.

If rumors are to be believed, Johnny Gargano turned down an upgrade to the main roster in favor of NXT. A fan even accused him of being scared to go to the main roster.

Gargano would eventually respond saying that he already deems himself successful on the NXT brand and does not need the main roster. He is quite happy working on NXT with his wife and friends.

10. NXT Uses Britt Baker

Source: paigelikesf00d Twitter, Screenshot

Britt Baker is Adam Cole’s real life girlfriend. When he took a bump off the cage, WWE decided to name Baker and feature her during the show while sitting in the audience.

Baker eventually went backstage after the show. During this time, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon apologised to Baker.

Triple H and McMahon explained that they had no idea who she was when the camera was put on her. However, AEW were less upset about the moment.

Since Baker got lots of publicity from the moment, the same applied to AEW.