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Released WWE Star Makes Shock Return To NXT TV

By Lyle Kilbane • Published Sep 17, 2025 05:10 EDT
WWE logo over blurred Zoey Stark Sonya Deville Shayna Baszler

There was a night of surprises at NXT Homecoming, but perhaps none greater than a released WWE star making their return.

NXT Homecoming saw several stars of the brand’s past make their return to Full Sail University. Damian Priest, Sami Zayn, Bobby Roode, Grayson Waller, and Finn Balor all appeared on the show.

WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton was pulled from the show and replaced by another former NXT Women’s Champion in Lyra Valkyria. Valkyria teamed with Rhea Ripley and Stephanie Vaquer to defeat Fatal Influence.

It was a good night for another two alumni from the brand as Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair successfully defended their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship against Tatum Paxley and Izzi Dame. DIY were defeated by Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes, while former WWE star Tyler Breeze failed to capture the NXT North American Title from Ethan Page.

Shayna Baszler Makes WWE TV Return

But the show also saw another former star make a return, and this was an even bigger surprise than the others, as this former NXT Women’s Champion only left the company at the end of July when her contract was allowed to expire.

On the previous week’s edition of NXT, Sol Ruca and Zaria ran into trouble with a miscommunication, leading to Ruca hitting Zaria with her Sol Snatcher. Ruca and Zaria were arguing backstage about that before they were joined by Candice LeRae and Lainey Reid. All of a sudden, Shayna Baszler appeared, informing everyone that she was the longest-reigning NXT Women’s Champion of all time before she told Zaria and Ruca to apologise and fix things between them, promising they’ll get everything they want if they do.

Also read: One major WWE star has explained why they initially turned down a main roster spot.