Huge NXT Match Scratched, Shad Gaspard – WWE Hall Of Fame Talk

Fans missed out on a huge NXT match as it was scratched because of COVID. Also, the reason Shad Gaspard is not currently in the WWE Hall of Fame.

Huge NXT Match Scratched

Because of COVID, many WWE storylines needed to be changed. At one point, NXT UK stopped filming new content for months.

Finally, they have resumed tapings. But, a big match was nixed due to the pandemic. 

Apparently, there were plans for WALTER to take on Finn Balor. It would have been the first time the two stars, born outside of the United States, would have met.

While speaking to Sports Illustrated, WALTER went into further details about the original plan. The match would take place during a Takeover card and see WALTER defined his NXT UK Championship.

“We have never wrestled before,” said WALTER. “It’s definitely one of the matches I am very motivated to have.” 

“Especially right now. This is the best Finn Bálor I’ve ever seen.” 

“The way he carries himself, the way he carries the company, it’s fantastic. His title reign, that’s what a title reign should look like. His title matches, that’s what title matches should look like.”

“We were supposed to wrestle before the pandemic started, but we got interrupted. It’s a match I would like to have.” 

“The circumstances, whether he is NXT champion or whether I will be NXT UK champion, I don’t know. But, it is a match I would like to have happen.”

Current Status of WALTER & Finn Balor

As of now, that match does not seem to be in works. Both superstars work on separate brands and have their own feuds.

Balor will defend his NXT Championship at Takeover Stand & Deliver. He battles Karrion Kross in the main event on night two.

Kross vacated the title over the summer as he was injured in the same match he won the title. There is speculation that Balor was only a temporary titleholder until Kross returned.

At the same time, WWE sees big things in Kross. There has been talk that he loses and joins the main roster after WrestleMania 37 with a massive push.

As for WALTER, he will also compete at Takeover Stand & Deliver. He defends his title against Tommaso Ciampa. 

WALTER vs. Ciampa might have already been taped. Although, Kross vs. Balor should air live.

Takeover Stand & Deliver is April 7 and 8. Like most NXT events the past year, it will come from the Capitol Wrestling Center with limited fans.

Shad Gaspard – WWE Hall Of Fame Talk

Recently, WWE started presenting the Warrior Award during the Hall of Fame. It is given to those who exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who live life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of the Ultimate Warrior. 

This year, the award went to WWE superstar Titus O’Neil. According to Fightful Select, they had planned to give him the honor last year before the Hall of Fame was scrapped due to his contributions to the Tampa area. 

Some believe the honor should go to the late Shad Gaspard. Sadly, he passed away in May 2020 in a drowning accident.

Gaspard was able to save his son by getting the attention of lifeguards. But, the waves pulled him in and his body was discovered days later.

While Gaspard was not given the Warrior Award in 2021, he is a strong candidate for a future spot. His final moments involved saving his child and is therefore a hero to many people.