Tony D’Angelo may have lost the NXT Championship, but WWE apparently isn’t preparing to move him out of NXT anytime soon.
D’Angelo dropped the title to Grayson Waller at NXT Heatwave on August 30 in a Fatal Four-Way Match that also included Cruz Montana and Zilla Fatu. Waller stole the finish after Montana hit D’Angelo with Spin the Block, tossing Montana outside before covering D’Angelo himself.
With Waller now positioned at the top of NXT, that naturally raises questions about what comes next for D’Angelo. One possibility fans might expect after losing the championship would be a move to Raw or SmackDown, but that doesn’t appear to be happening right now.
During WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, Joey Votes made it clear that WWE putting Waller in the top position should not be viewed as the company souring on D’Angelo.
“Additionally, on the flip side, while the decision has been made to make Waller the, quote, current face of the show, we’re told that’s not an indictment of Tony D’Angelo whatsoever.”
WrestleVotes then checked with sources on WWE’s main roster side to find out whether D’Angelo’s name was being discussed for a call-up. As of now, the answer is no.
“And in checking in with some main roster sources, we’re told Tony D’Angelo’s name has not been discussed as a potential call up to their knowledge. So for the time being, the expectation is that Tony D remains in Orlando.”
That’s an important distinction following D’Angelo’s championship loss. WWE changing direction at the top of NXT doesn’t automatically mean the former champion is about to graduate from the brand. D’Angelo was NXT Champion going into Heatwave and remained right in the middle of one of the brand’s biggest programs before losing the title.
For now, it looks like Tony D’Angelo’s next chapter will still play out in Orlando. There’s no main-roster move being discussed that WrestleVotes’ sources are aware of, leaving WWE with plenty of options for the former champion after his title loss.
What do you think WWE should do with Tony D’Angelo next in NXT, and do you think he’s ready for Raw or SmackDown? Leave your thoughts and feedback in the comments.
