Grayson Waller Pulled from NXT Events, Replacement Revealed

Santos Escobar is stepping back into the NXT spotlight.

According to a new report from PWInsider, Escobar is now scheduled to appear at this weekend’s NXT live events, effectively replacing Grayson Waller, who is no longer working the loop.

This update comes just after Escobar made a dramatic return to AAA during the company’s FOX debut—arriving in his old mask, attacking the champion, and making it clear he’s going to be a major heel force in the promotion once again. The surprise appearance marked his first for AAA in years, where he previously competed under the name El Hijo del Fantasma.

Escobar re-signed with WWE in October 2025 after a brief free agency period. Initially hesitant due to creative concerns, he eventually inked a new multi-year deal after those issues were addressed. His presence in both WWE and AAA has now become part of a dual-brand spotlight strategy, with Escobar working a heel persona in AAA while continuing his WWE trajectory.

From a surprise AAA return to live NXT shows within days, Santos Escobar is clearly a man in motion

Do you think Escobar working both AAA and NXT is the start of something big for his WWE future? Let us know in the comments.