Spoiler: Absent WWE NXT Star Returning at January 21 Tapings

Javi Bernal is finally stepping back into the ring. After spending months recovering from a foot injury that required surgery, the NXT star is set to return at tonight’s NXT tapings in Orlando.

Fightful Select’s Corey Brennan reports that Bernal is listed for a dark match at the WWE Performance Center, marking his first in-ring action since getting sidelined in June 2024 during an episode of NXT Level Up. The injury put him on the shelf for months, but now he’s ready to get back to work.

There’s no word yet on whether WWE has a bigger plan for his return or if this is just a test run before he gets back on NXT TV, but for Bernal, just lacing up his boots again is a big step forward.

Javi Bernal is back, and now it’s all about what he does with this second chance. After months on the shelf, he’s got an opportunity to remind everyone what he brings to the ring—but in NXT, nothing is guaranteed. Whether he picks up where he left off or reinvents himself completely, one thing’s for sure—tonight is just the beginning.

WWE NXT (1/21) Lineup:

• NXT Championship: Oba Femi (c) vs. Eddy Thorpe
• NXT North American Championship: Tony D’Angelo (c) vs. Ridge Holland
• NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King (c) vs. Charlie Dempsey

Ringside News will be providing live play-by-play coverage of tonight’s show over in our WWE NXT coverage hub. It promises to be a memorable episode for many reasons, so it remains to be seen how the show will turn out.

What do you think Javi Bernal’s next move should be in NXT? Should he pick up where he left off or reinvent himself after his time away? Drop your thoughts in the comments!