Damian Priest made a headline-grabbing comeback to WWE NXT during tonight’s NXT Homecoming event, revealing significant news involving two of the brand’s rising stars. His unexpected return brought renewed excitement to fans anticipating the next chapter in Priest’s career and the ongoing storylines in WWE’s black and silver division.
Damian Priest’s Journey and Return to NXT
Damian Priest originally rose to prominence through his tenure in WWE NXT, where he developed a strong following over several years. During this period, he notably captured the NXT North American Championship before ascending to the main roster. There, he found considerable success as part of the faction Judgment Day and later secured the World Heavyweight Championship, proving himself a top-tier event star.
On NXT Homecoming tonight, Priest appeared unexpectedly backstage alongside Tavion Heights, offering encouragement and insight to the young competitor. Priest commended Tavion’s progress and encouraged him to elevate his performance, recalling his own milestone of winning the North American Championship. He also announced that after consulting with NXT General Manager Ava, Tavion had been granted a title match for the NXT North American Championship against Ethan Page at the upcoming event No Mercy.
Shayna Baszler Returns to the NXT Women’s Division
In addition to Priest’s surprising appearance, Shayna Baszler re-emerged on the NXT scene tonight, stirring buzz among viewers familiar with her dominant past in the women’s division. Baszler once ruled as NXT Women’s Champion before transitioning to the main roster, where she continued to make an impact in the tag team ranks.
During a segment with Sol Ruca and Zaria, who were embroiled in a dispute over recent events, Baszler intervened with advice urging the duo to resolve their differences in order to achieve their goals. Following her advice, she left the scene, leaving questions about her next role within NXT and potential future feuds.
Anticipation Builds for Further Surprises at NXT Homecoming
Tonight’s event felt charged with possibilities as both Damian Priest and Shayna Baszler made unexpected returns. Their involvement suggests WWE is setting the stage for dynamic storylines centered on title contention and personal rivalries. With Tavion Heights now positioned for a championship opportunity and Baszler’s cryptic encouragement, fans can anticipate intense matches and character developments in the coming weeks.
Priest’s return marks a significant moment for WWE NXT, reconnecting the brand with a major star who embodies growth and achievement within the black and silver division. His support for Tavion Heights reflects a passing of the torch, while the No Mercy event stands as a critical milestone in shaping the future of NXT’s championship landscape.
“He told him he was close to reaching the next level.”
– Damian Priest, WWE NXT Backstage Segment
“She then walked away after asking them to fix the issues they had so that they could get everything they wanted.”
– Shayna Baszler, WWE NXT Backstage Segment
Thank you @ArcherOfInfamy! 🙌
Damian Priest just gave an all-time pump-up speech to @TavionHeights and let him know he's got a North American Title Match at No Mercy!! pic.twitter.com/dGLNmJFte7
— WWE (@WWE) September 17, 2025
