Absent WWE Star Returns to NXT After Six Months with a Fresh Look

Javier Bernal is back, and he’s not the same man who left. The WWE NXT star made his long-awaited return to the ring after six months on the shelf, stepping into action ahead of tonight’s NXT broadcast at the Performance Center—but it wasn’t just his in-ring return that got people talking.

Bernal, who suffered a foot injury in June 2024 during a match taped for NXT Level Up, was sidelined for half a year after undergoing surgery. Earlier today, Fightful Select reported that Bernal was scheduled for a dark match before tonight’s show, and that’s exactly what went down.

Not only did Bernal lace up his boots again, but he did so with a completely revamped look. Sporting longer hair, brand-new black trunks, and darker lighting for his entrance, it’s clear he’s embracing a fresh direction for his return. Whether this means a full character shift or just an updated presentation remains to be seen, but after six months out, he’s making sure people take notice.

Now that Bernal is back, the question is—what’s next? Will this new version of him be what it takes to make a real impact in NXT?

Are you excited to see Javier Bernal back in action? What do you think of his new look? Drop your thoughts in the comments!