Last night’s Christmas Day episode of NXT TV saw Former EVOLVE Champion Austin Theory make his official Black & Gold Brand debut by answering NXT North American Champion Roderick Strong’s Open Challenge, but coming up short. Theory fought a very tough match, but Strong successfully retained his NXT North American Title via submission.
Back in August of this year, WWE officially announced that Former EVOLVE Champion Austin Theory has been signed by the company and is part of the same WWE Performance Center Class that also includes Santana Garrett, Tehuti Miles, Catalina Garcia, Briana Brandy & others. Theory also appeared ringside at The NXT TakeOver: Toronto Event during SummerSlam Weekend back in August.
Despite Austin Theory already becoming an NXT Superstar, he was still The EVOLVE Champion until EVOLVE 139 on November 9th, losing to Josh Briggs. Theory became The EVOLVE Champion by defeating The EVOLVE Champion at the time & NXT Superstar Fabian Aichner at EVOLVE 117 back on December 15th, 2018 in a Triple Threat Match that also included Roderick Strong.
You can check out Former EVOLVE Champion Austin Theory making his official NXT TV debut in the photos and the videos below:
#Christmas = UNDISPUTED.
Boom. #WWENXT @roderickstrong pic.twitter.com/uTuGH0POhD
— WWE (@WWE) December 26, 2019
Today MUST be #Christmas because Santa Claus gave us the BIGGEST gift of all…
The #WWENXT debut of @austintheory1!!! 🎁☝️ pic.twitter.com/Qxfx8hMUWK
— WWE (@WWE) December 26, 2019
The man is JUST physical perfection. 😍#WWENXT @austintheory1 pic.twitter.com/lerqyLifNd
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 26, 2019
In case you didn’t know, @austintheory1 is only 22 years old.
What have you done with your life? #WWENXT @roderickstrong pic.twitter.com/o4sp1pgJ3Z
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) December 26, 2019
.@roderickstrong vs. @austintheory1 for the NXT #NorthAmericanTitle!
Our #Christmas wish was answered. 🎄🙏#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/AKrIiIdjPq
— WWE (@WWE) December 26, 2019
The #MessiahOfTheBackbreaker is at it again. #WWENXT @roderickstrong @austintheory1 pic.twitter.com/HLwSS1sXoD
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 26, 2019
Dear Santa Claus,
Thank you for gifting us with @roderickstrong vs. @austintheory1 on #WWENXT. We are very grateful and entertained.
With love and 🍪🥛,
WWE pic.twitter.com/Pr0JqrX3b3
— WWE (@WWE) December 26, 2019
SEASONS BEATINGS EVERYONE!
The prophecy lives on in 2019! #WWENXT #AndStill @roderickstrong pic.twitter.com/CTD3EDC1Gj
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) December 26, 2019
Whoever wants next will have to wait till 2020. #WWENXT @roderickstrong @austintheory1 pic.twitter.com/ejRxMlEtiA
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 26, 2019
