WWE and TNA Scrapped Multiple Versions of NXT ShowDown Teams Before Finalizing Lineups

WWE and TNA are teaming up for one of the most unpredictable crossovers in recent memory—and according to Matt Hardy, the teams fans will see at NXT ShowDown on October 7 almost looked very different.

On his Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, Hardy dropped behind-the-scenes insight into how both companies worked through multiple versions of their teams before settling on the final lineups for the upcoming Survivor Series-style tag matches.

“I do know they went through several different versions of what they wanted the teams to look like. Nothing was locked in, so creatively they were figuring out who would fit in which spot. They’ve really tried to maximize this event and optimize the potential in this showdown.”

Hardy said WWE and TNA wanted to keep things fresh and unpredictable—right down to who represented which brand.

“As far as mixing some TNA talent, there’s a TNA champion who’s on Team TNA for the women, and there’s an NXT talent who’s the TNA champion but is on Team NXT for the men, being Trick Williams. They were just trying to make it as interesting as possible, mixing up the talent and putting people together that could deliver quality performances whenever this showdown happens.”

He also revealed that a big part of the creative shake-up involved letting an NXT star take the reins on the TNA side for added unpredictability.

“They’re also taking a different approach by having an NXT talent lead the TNA team, just to be as creative as possible.”

Now that the rosters are official, here’s how the teams shape up:

Men’s NXT Team: Trick Williams, Ricky Saints, Je’Von Evans, and Myles Borne
Men’s TNA Team: Mike Santana, Frankie Kazarian, Moose, and Leon Slater

Women’s NXT Team: Jacy Jayne, Jaida Parker, Sol Ruca, and Lola Vice
Women’s TNA Team: Kelani Jordan, Jessie McKay, Cassie Lee, and Mara Sadè

Both companies are clearly going all in on star power and surprises, mixing champions, breakout names, and returning veterans to ensure this match feels like a true clash of brands.

Matt Hardy’s insight shows just how much back-and-forth went into crafting the teams—and how WWE and TNA are trying to squeeze every ounce of creative juice out of this rare collaboration.

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