The Undertaker returns to WWE on NXT, chokeslams Bron Breakker

The American Badass version of The Undertaker made for a fitting finish to a star-studded night on NXT.

NXT stacked its lineup against AEW Tuesday night, with Dynamite moving from its usual Wednesday slot for one night. Cody Rhodes opened the show, John Cena and Paul Heyman got involved in the main event, Asuka competed and more, making this episode of WWE’s developmental brand special.

However, at the end of the promos for this episode of NXT, an ominous gong sound, identical to The Undertaker‘s, could be heard. WWE never officially advertised The Deadman for the show, but that sound probably wouldn’t play for no reason.

Carmelo Hayes pinned Bron Breakker in the main event of NXT, and just when it seemed like The Undertaker wouldn’t show up, the gong sound played and out came the American Badass version of the WWE legend to stop Breakker’s post-match attack.

Breakker told Undertaker that he is the only badass here, but The Phenom said that while he thinks Breakker will be special one day, today is not that day. He then proceeded to punch and chokeslam the former NXT Champion.

To close the show, Undertaker told Breakker that “there’s always an ‘older, bigger badass waiting around the corner,” and that he had met the biggest one of them all. He then pointed to Hayes, putting him over to close the show.

The wild development of Cena in NXT was made even more surreal when The Undertaker appeared on the show. One of WWE’s most iconic stars, his presence inside the Performance Center was something no one could have predicted.

The Undertaker made a usually small-scale NXT show feel grand for one night by appearing and getting physical in a segment. Though he won’t be coming out of retirement, fans had a moment to savor, and two future main roster talents had a chance to shine alongside a legendary figure in the business.