TNA’s Elijah Shocks WWE Universe with NXT Return

 On the May 6, 2025, episode of WWE NXT, the wrestling world was set ablaze when TNA star Elijah, formerly known as Elias, made a dramatic return to WWE programming. Entering as the final participant in a 25-man battle royal to determine the next challenger for Oba Femi’s NXT Championship, Elijah’s appearance marked his first WWE appearance since his release in September 2023. The strum of his signature guitar echoed through the Performance Center, igniting a wave of nostalgia and excitement among fans who greeted him with chants of “Welcome home!” and “Elias!”

TNA’s Elijah Shocks WWE Universe with NXT Return

Elijah, now a prominent figure in TNA Wrestling, stepped into the NXT ring with his trademark charisma, representing the growing partnership between WWE and TNA. His entrance was anything but quiet, as he clashed immediately with Ethan Page, sparking a brawl that set the tone for the chaotic battle royal. The match featured a mix of NXT talent, WWE Evolve stars like Timothy Thatcher, and other TNA representatives such as Zachary Wentz, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the two promotions. Elijah made a significant impact by eliminating former NXT Champion Trick Williams, a moment fueled by a distraction from TNA World Champion Joe Hendry at ringside. However, his momentum was halted when Shawn Spears eliminated him, and Myles Borne ultimately won the match, earning a title shot at NXT Battleground on May 25 in Tampa, Florida.

TNA’s Elijah Shocks WWE Universe with NXT Return

The significance of Elijah’s return extends beyond the battle royal. His appearance underscores the deepening relationship between WWE and TNA, which has already produced cross-promotional moments like Joe Hendry’s WrestleMania 41 appearance and Trick Williams’ involvement in TNA’s iMPACT tapings. Elijah’s promo during the event was short but impactful, as he declared his disdain for Trick Williams, saying, “I don’t like Trick Willy, so I decided to come to NXT. TNA, we walk this way.” This set the stage for a high-profile tag team match at TNA’s Under Siege event on May 23, where Elijah and Hendry will face Williams and Frankie Kazarian, further intertwining the two companies’ storylines.

TNA’s Elijah Shocks WWE Universe with NXT Return

Elijah’s journey since leaving WWE has been one of reinvention. After nearly a decade with WWE, where he gained fame as “The Drifter” Elias Samson and later portrayed the comedic Ezekiel, he joined TNA in February 2025. His debut saw him rescue Joe Hendry from an attack by The Colons, establishing himself as a key player in TNA’s roster. His NXT return, however, was a testament to his enduring appeal, as fans at the Performance Center roared with approval, blending chants for his old and new personas. This moment highlighted his ability to bridge his past with his present, maintaining the guitar-strumming, crowd-engaging character that made him a fan favorite.

You may also like...

1::Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena – Undisputed WWE Title Match 🔥 | WrestleMania 41 Hype Trailer*

2::Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez Honored with the “Mona-Liv-a”: SmackDown Exclusive

The wrestling landscape is evolving, and Elijah’s NXT cameo is a glimpse into the future of cross-promotional storytelling. Fans are buzzing with speculation about whether this was a one-off or the start of a more regular presence in WWE. Social media posts on X captured the excitement, with users like EmanMosheh calling the return “pretty cool amazing stuff” and WWE hyping the moment with, “WHO WANTS TO WALK WITH ELIJAH?!” As WWE and TNA continue to collaborate, Elijah’s multidimensional presence promises to bring fresh narratives and dream matches to both promotions, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.