NXT stars returned to the Royal Rumble this year, but only on the Women's side of things.
Fightful Select reported last week that numerous women from the NXT roster were in town for the Royal Rumble, with three NXT talent appearing in the match itself. Shawn Michaels told Fightful Select that WWE main roster higher ups let NXT know who they wanted, and he provided feedback. They did make it known to NXT that they only needed female talent and were good on the men's side. Fightful had reported that WWE was more interested in unconventional surprises than bringing in past legends.
We're told that Ivy Nile was also on scene at the Royal Rumble this year as an alternate if needed. There were rumors that she was cut for the match, but those we spoke to claim she was an alternate. WWE sources spoke highly of her work ethic.
Last year, WWE higher ups drew a distinct line in the sand and established that NXT talent would absolutely not be used as they didn't want to mix WWE and NXT 2.0 talent at the time. As things stand, no NXT men have been used since Damian Priest in 2021, but that served as his call-up. Other than that, it was Matt Riddle in 2020, who lasted a matter of seconds.
When we asked, we were told that nobody that appeared had their Rumble appearance serve as a "call up" this year.
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