Just as advertised, Keith Lee has moved on from WWE NXT and is now a member of the WWE RAW roster.
The former NXT Champion made his debut on Monday’s episode of Raw on the USA Network. He did so when he interrupted Randy Orton at the top of the second hour from Orlando, Florida at the Amway Center.
Orton had been talking about his feud with Drew McIntyre. Lee introduced himself to Orton. He challenged Orton to a match tonight. Orton questioned this decision and told him maybe later before walking out to the ring. WWE later confirmed the match booked for the show.
Lee has been officially ‘called up’ to the Raw brand and will be featured as a top babyface in the months head.
Lee’s last match came in the main event of the WWE NXT TakeOver: XXX event in Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University. This is where Lee put the championship on the line against Karrion Kross, who had been a rising contender heading into the match.
Lee dropped the title to Kross, who suffered a shoulder injury in the process. This officially wrapped up his time in NXT.
WWE announced during the SummerSlam PPV tonight that former NXT Champion Keith Lee will be making his official main roster debut on tomorrow’s episode of Monday Night Raw.
The company released a video teaser for the arrival of the ‘limitless’ NXT star and they also released an official statement on their website after the announcement at the show.
Keith Lee dropped the NXT title to Karrion Kross at the NXT Takeover: XXX event last night and when asked about his future, Triple H had said that it was part of a long story.
Now this announcement suggests that him dropping the NXT title so soon was a thoughtful decision from WWE and they might have big plans for the former champion on the main roster.
Though this won’t be Lee’s first appearance on the main roster. He has previously made his presence felt during the build-up for the traditional Survivor Series match last year and he had a moment at the Royal Rumble event as well.
There is no word yet on what Lee will be doing at the show and it will be interesting to see who ends up being the first feud of the heavyweight star in the main roster.
The clash between Keith Lee and Karrion Kross was everything and more of what fans had expected it to be.
After weeks of building towards it, the battle took place in the main event of the WWE NXT TakeOver: XXX event in Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University. Lee put the championship on the line against the rising contender.
The match was a normal match with Kross working over the left arm/shoulder of Lee. The pace started to slow down and Kross dominated Lee. Things turned around when Lee battled out of an armbar. Karrion went back to dominating before Lee landed a major league clothesline.
The finish saw Kross hit his suplex finisher off the middle rope for the win.
Kross had set his sights on the NXT Title shortly after he had beaten Tommaso Ciampa at the NXT TakeOver: In Your House special a few months ago.
Last month, Kross beat Dominik Dijakovic, who is the good friend yet better enemy of Lee in a singles match. In the process, Kross gave him such a beating that Dijakovic hasn’t been seen since although he’s rumored to be called up to the main roster soon.
On the August 12th episode of NXT, WWE did an angle where the two stars signed contracts for the match. After Kross signed it, Lee opened the folder and a fireball hit him in the face.
Keith Lee vs. Karrion Kross has been announced for the upcoming WWE NXT TakeOver: XXX.
After weeks of teasing it happening, WWE made it official during Wednesday’s episode of NXT. After Kross had beaten Danny Burch, Lee came out to the ring with a contract in hand. After Kross had signed it, Scarlett kissed it and when Lee opened the folder, a fireball hit him in the face.
Once Lee won the title from Adam Cole, Kross had set his sights on Lee because he wanted the championship. Last month, Kross beat Dominik Dijakovic, who is the good friend yet better enemy of the NXT Champion. He gave him such a beating that Dijakovic hasn’t been seen since.
Although NXT General Manager William Regal stated that Kross had to earn the title match, that has clearly changed.
WWE presents the NXT TakeOver XXX event on Saturday, August 22, 2020 in Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University.
Updated WWE NXT TakeOver XXX Card
WWE NXT Champion Keith Lee vs. Karrion Kross
WWE NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai vs. Dakota Kai
Bronson Reed vs. Damian Priest vs. TBA vs. TBA vs. TBA – Ladder Match to crown new NXT North American Champion
WWE had NXT General Manager William Regal open Wednesday’s episode of NXT with a major announcement.
Clearly, WWE didn’t want to waste any time in getting the announcement made. In the opening segment, Regal did a quick introduction before giving the platform to NXT and North American Champion Keith Lee.
Lee cut a promo from his home office where he talked about cashing in on the opportunity to become the NXT North American Champion and later the top champion on the brand.
However, he won’t be limiting the brand and thus, decided to vacate the North American Title. He wants as many people as possible to have the opportunity to win the title.
Regal started that there will be a series of triple threat matches that will serve as qualifying matches. The first match will be Johnny Gargano vs. Roderick Strong vs. Bronson Reed on Wednesday’s episode of NXT. The winners of these matches will then advance to a Ladder Match at the NXT TakeOver special next month to crown the new North American Champion.
The event, titled NXT TakeOver XXX, will take place on August 22nd.
Regal had been hyping this announcement as something that would be yet another step forward for the brand. In that same tweet, he said that seeing the men and women of this brand over the last couple of months has been inspiring and invigorating.
Current NXT North American Champion and NXT Champion Keith Lee is confident he is destined to headline WrestleMania with another NXT Superstar. According to Lee, it’s only a matter of time before he and Dominik Dijakovic cross paths on the “Grandest Stage of Them All.”
Taking to Twitter, Keith Lee shared how he and his longtime rival have “beat the crap out of each other” over the years. However, their professional rivalry and bond has only strengthened with each bout. Because of the way they push one another, Lee shared how Dijakovic is “forever my dude.”
“One day we will main event #Wrestlemania. And we’ll beat the crap out of each other again. Big shoutout to @dijakovicwwe. I love that guy. #FeastYourEyes”
We beat the crap out of each other. Our bond strengthens through combat every time. Because of that, this is forever my dude.
Keith Lee recently became the new NXT Champion, defeating Adam Cole in the main event of NXT’s Great American Bash Night Two. This victory saw Lee become a double champion in WWE. It also saw him snap Cole’s impressive 403-day reign as NXT Champion.
Dijakovic last featured on NXT programming on the May 6 episode of the black-and-gold brand. He lost to Johnny Gargano. It has been rumored that WWE is interested in bringing Dijakovic to either RAW or SmackDown in the near future.
Roman Reigns has given his reaction to the recent praise by Keith Lee.
While doing an interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, the WWE NXT Champion and NXT North American Champion recalled how Reigns had helped push his career forward during the 2019 Survivor Series pay-per-view where they wrestled each other.
According to Lee, Reigns doesn’t get enough credit for what he means to the pro wrestling business.art of something special, and he won’t forget what Reigns did for him.
“Roman doesn’t get enough credit for what he means to this sport,” Lee said. “And he went above-and-beyond to make that moment. The simple gesture of our fist bump, he turned that into magic. That was the start of something very special for me. He is such a superstar that he made that moment overshadow everything else that happened in that match, and I won’t forget it.”
The former WWE Champion saw the kind words made by Lee and took to his official Twitter account to respond. This is where he congratulated Lee on his journey.
Reigns wrote, “Congrats on one hell of a journey @RealKeithLee. Still a ton of work to do, which I know you already know. Keep killin it and representing. I definitely still want that one on one, Champ! [fist emoji].”
Of course, they shared the spotlight at this pay-per-view back in November. They faced off in the middle of the ring during the big NXT vs. RAW vs. SmackDown match.
Lee received high praise from many within WWE at the time.
Triple H has congratulated newly crowned NXT North American and NXT Champion Keith Lee. Lee emerged victorious from the Winner Take All match with Adam Cole during last night’s NXT Great American Bash Night Two.
Taking to social media, Triple H reflected on the occasion, calling it a “truly historic night” for NXT. He also noted how, with Lee now NXT Champion, the possibilities going forward are limitless.
“A truly historic night for #WWENXT tonight at #NXTGAB as @RealKeithLee now holds both the #NXTChampionship AND #NXTNATitle. Each new champion begins a new era… where he brings @WWENXT? The possibilities are #Limitless. #Congrats”
“The Game” also reflected on Adam Cole’s contribution to WWE’s black-and-gold brand. His loss ended his historic 403-day reign as NXT Champion.
Triple H explained how there is a saying that goes “it’s the talent that makes the title.” He stressed how Cole’s reign in NXT made the NXT Championship as prestigious as it is. Although the run may be over, Triple H noted how Cole is “just getting started.” He highlighted how Adam Cole is NXT and that fact is undisputed.
After the match, Lee dedicated his victory to WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry. Cameras caught up with the Undisputed Leader as well. Unable to voice his feelings at the moment, Cole walked away from the interview.
Keith Lee has dedicated his momentous championship victory to WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry. Lee successfully defeated former-NXT Champion Adam Cole last night in a Winner Take All match up. He is now the NXT North American and NXT World Champion.
Speaking after his win, Lee spoke about making NXT history before dedicating his win and remembering his trainer, “Killer” Tim Brooks who recently passed away. When asked how he felt, he admitted he was in a lot of pain. Despite the discomfort, however, he reflected on the moment, calling his journey “sweet in so many ways.”
“History, McKenzie. I’m feeling like a historian. I’m feeling historical,” Keith Lee said. “How else do you describe this, except for ‘magic’?”
Lee continued, “I believe Mark Henry said to me that I would bring back — forgive me if I misquote him, but, I’m fairly certain I was paying attention when he said I would bring back — ‘big man magic.’ Mr. Henry, this one’s for you, too. But more importantly, McKenzie, my coach who just passed away, just last week, once told me I would be the top, I would be one of the best this industry has ever seen. Today, he’s a prophet, and for me it doesn’t get sweeter than that.”
Keith Lee’s championship victory saw him snap Adam Cole’s record-setting 403-day reign as NXT Champion.
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Keith Lee has dethroned Adam Cole as the top champion in the WWE NXT banner.
WWE booked a Winner Takes All Match between Cole and Lee on this Wednesday’s episode of NXT, which is the second week of The Great American Bash. The stipulation heading into this contest on the USA Network was Cole’s NXT Title and Lee’s NXT North American Title would be on the line.
As seen on the show, which took place from Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University, Lee ended up beating Cole to become the new NXT Champion. This ended Cole’s reign as champion that lasted over 400 days.
Cole originally won the title by defeating Johnny Gargano for it at NXT TakeOver: XXV on June 1, 2019 in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
This big win was spoiled by NXT star Saurav Gurjar, who is part of the tag team Indus Sher, as he decided it was a good idea to post a photo from the tapings last week of Lee standing tall with the title.
What are your thoughts on Keith Lee winning the WWE NXT Title from Adam Cole? Was this the right call by WWE officials? Sound off in the comment section.
Keith Lee was able to hold onto the NXT North American Championship.
Lee made his latest title defense against Johnny Gargano and Finn Balor in a Triple Threat Match on this week’s episode of WWE NXT in Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University on the USA Network.
It served as the main event of the show and delivered on the expectations set out by fans. The end of the contest featured Balor hit the double foot stomp off the top rope to Gargano only to have Lee hit his finisher to Gargano for the win.
Based on the stipulations set out by NXT General Manager William Regal last week, Lee will now go on to face NXT Adam Champion in a Champion vs. Champion Winner Takes All Contest on the July 8th episode of NXT.
Lee won the North American Title Match back on the January 22nd episode of NXT on the USA Network when he beat Roderick Strong for it.
It turns out that Lee had previously defeated Gargano to retain the championship. That title match happened earlier this month at the WWE NXT TakeOver: In Your House special.
Keith Lee defeated Johnny Gargano last night at NXT In Your House. Following the show, Triple H was asked about the possibility of Keith Lee one day winning a World Championship during the post-event media call.
“Look, it certainly wouldn’t shock me, right? I mean Keith has every tool,” Triple H said.
Triple H continued to praise Lee on the call.
“Such a great guy. Hard-working, humble, just wants to deliver,” he described Lee. “Great human being, locker room leader, everything you could want. An ultimate pro, right? He’s just the kind of guy you want to work hard for and you want to deliver for him.”
Finally, Triple H confirmed that he too is enthusiastic about the idea of Keith Lee being a future World Champion.
“Again, I love working with him,” he continued. “You say ‘Keith Lee, world champion’ and if you ask me what my opinion is I say ‘Hell yeah!'”
Keith Lee signed with WWE in 2018. He was awarded the NXT Breakout Star of the Year award in 2019. Lee defeated Roderick Strong for the NXT North American Championship on January 22nd, 2020. He is the 6th person to hold the title in its 2-year history.
Johnny Gargano isn’t a champion once again in WWE NXT as Keith Lee held onto the NXT North American Championship.
The former NXT Champion failed to beat Lee to win the NXT North American Championship at the WWE NXT TakeOver: In Your House in Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University on the WWE Network.
The contest featured the two stars having plenty of time to tell the story of Gargano willing to do anything to get the win including working over the eyes of the champion and outside interference by his wife, Candice LeRae. In the end, Lee picked up the win by hitting his finisher.
WWE didn’t give this feud a ton of build-up as they had a run-in a few weeks back along with Candice LeRae and Mia Yim. WWE later confirmed that Gargano would indeed challenge Lee for the title at this show back on the May 27th episode of NXT.
Lee won the North American Title Match back on the January 22nd episode of NXT on the USA Network when he beat Roderick Strong for it.
WWE holds the fallout episode from this show and match of NXT on Wednesday in Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University.
What are your thoughts on Keith Lee retaining the NXT North American Title? Was this the right call by WWE officials? Sound off in the comment section.
Current NXT North American Champion Keith Lee isn’t beholden to any singular WWE brand, it seems. Instead, Lee is driven by the need for challenges, wanting to go “where the competition is.”
Catching up with Lilian Garcia on a recent episode of her podcast Chasing Glory, Lee acknowledged how the WWE Universe wants him to feud with WWE’s top Superstars whether it’s on RAW and SmackDown. He explained how, ultimately, he wants to go where the best competition is, noting how “it doesn’t matter which brand it is to me.”
If those top-tier Superstars can travel to NXT, then Lee is content to stay on the black-and-gold brand. If, however, WWE wanted him to become a part of the red or blue brand, Lee admitted he would show up with the intention to “make a statement just like I do anywhere else I go.”
Lee stressed that he’s only interested in going to wherever the opportunity is, allowing him to compete against the very best and showcase his skills in the squared circle.
Keith Lee successfully defended his NXT North American Championship on last week’s episode of NXT. He faced off against the “Archer of Infamy” Damien Priest in the main event.
NXT Superstar Keith Lee has previously reflected on being rejected by WWE following unsuccessful tryouts. In a recent interview with Yahoo Sports before last night’s episode of NXT, Lee shared which WWE Legends helped inspire him after being told he wouldn’t be needed. He also addressed his recent feuds with Damien Priest and Dominik Dijakovic and the meaning of being “Limitless.”
After being rejected by WWE, Lee pointed to NXT General Manager William Regal and WWE Hall of Famers Jim Ross and Dusty Rhodes in helping to keep him motivated with his dream of signing with WWE.
He utilized the time after his tryouts to continue to hone his craft on the independent circuit, making a name for himself in the process. During this time, NXT began to change into something that could make use of him. Lee noted how he’s always been a confident person and that all he’s “ever really required is an opportunity.”
Keith Lee Is Limitless
Keith Lee’s nickname “Limitless” ties into this concept. He explained how his character represents his life growing up, but also his experiences in entertainment as a whole.
“Being told no so many times, being denied, turned down, shut down, talked down and never giving up. That’s kind of the premise that ‘Limitless’ was.”
Lee explained how being “Limitless” is more than just his in-ring skills. It’s a lifestyle and mentality to help get through tough times.
Recent NXT Feuds
Turning his attention to his recent highlight feuds on NXT, Lee acknowledged how many people may not expect the athleticism NXT’s big men are capable of. “When you get gents like us in the ring, it’s oftentimes [jaw-dropping] but also mesmerizing for someone who is seeing it for the first time.
To them, it’s an unexpected surprise. For the Superstars, however, their performance is an “expression of who we are.”
Lee shared how their drive to be the greatest and experience the highest level of competition creates a magical experience.
Keith Lee successfully retained his NXT North American Championship against Damien Priest during last night’s episode of NXT.
NXT Superstar Keith Lee has opened up about whether he ever considered taking a break from wrestling during the current coronavirus pandemic. Speaking with CBS Sports, Lee stated how, although it may have been a consideration for many, he felt confident in the protocols WWE has put in place to ensure the safety of their Superstars.
“[…] with the protocols that we’ve had, it’s kind of made it possible for us to get it done. I think that for me, it never was really a thought [in my head] because I knew of what the protocol would be and the things necessary in order to even be okay and cleared to enter the building and things of that sort. So I was fairly confident in the circumstances that were set forth before us.”
Keith Lee On Empty Arenas, Missing The Crowd
His commitment to performing has led Keith Lee to wrestle in front of an empty WWE Performance Center. He compared this experience to wrestling in front of a live crowd. Lee acknowledged how “there is definitely a certain level of adrenaline that the crowd offers.”
He talked about how the crowd being there sometimes helps things hurt less. Lee then reflected on how he would get in the “zone” after coming out of the back and embracing the atmosphere.
“[…] based on last week’s episode and there being nobody there, the first punch to my ear really rocked me, and that’s not a normal thing for me. So that’s something that I’ve taken note of, and I’ve tried to prepare myself going forward. Things are going to hurt more and that’s okay. All I can do is absorb those and use those instead to hopefully reset adrenaline levels where I can push forward.”
Current Fitness Regime
Keith Lee then detailed how he’s staying fit now that he cannot work out at the WWE PC. He shared his regime, pointing to “basic things like pushup variations, burpees, squat jumps and lunges, mountain climbers, things of that sort.”
He then shared which YouTube channels he follows that help keeps him motivated and exercising, including Jeff Cavalier, Mike Rashid, and Simeon Panda.
NXT North American Champion Keith Lee has reflected on sharing the ring with current WWE Champion Brock Lesnar.
The two monsters had a confrontation during January’s Royal Rumble matchup. Upon his entrance, Lesnar audibly remarked to his advocate Paul Heyman, “Who is this motherf—er?”
According to Lee, he felt that he was right where he was supposed to be.
“In that moment it felt like that was where I was supposed to be,” Keith told SuperSport. “Even though I feel like it was slightly unexpected the reaction that I got from 42,000 people. They really wanted Keith Lee to show out. They got something special in my opinion… Maybe in the future, there is a chance that there is Keith Lee versus Brock Lesnar in a one on one match. I feel like I’m one of the few that can go toe to toe with him… Hopefully, that can come to fruition.”
Lesnar isn’t the only top-tier Superstar Keith Lee has shared the ring with. Back at last year’s Survivor Series event, he had a moment with “The Big Dog” Roman Reigns. Lee was a member of Team NXT; Reigns was a member of Team SmackDown. Reigns would eventually defeat Lee, securing the Survivor Series victory for SmackDown.
Brock Lesnar defends the WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre next weekend at WrestleMania 36.
Survivor Series was the first official introduction of Keith Lee for the casual WWE fans and it’s safe to say that the NXT star left a lasting impression on the fans with his performance during the night.
Lee was the special guest for this week’s episode of WWE Backstage. During the episode, the current Champion talked about a number of things and also reflected on his big moment at the PPV last year.
The NXT North American Champion also talked about coming face to face with Roman Reigns during the last segment of the elimination match they were competing in and Keith revealed what The Big Dog told him after the bout:
“He speared me out of my boots on to my neck but after that, that moment right there set a tone for me” recalled Keith Lee. “And after that was over with he then told me straight up ‘I want a one on one match with you.'”
Keith Lee also revealed his dream match during the episode
and said that since Kurt Angle is retired now, his #1 dream opponent at the
moment is the former US Champion Cesaro.
Apart from this, Keith Lee talked about his encounter with Brock Lesnar during the Royal Rumble PPV and responded to CM Punk’s praise for him.
Keith Lee keeps on rolling as NXT North American Champion.
As seen at Sunday’s (February 16, 2020) WWE NXT TakeOver: Portland event from the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon on the WWE Network, Lee made his first successful title defense as champion when he beat Dominik Dijakovic.
On the February 5th episode of NXT, WWE booked Dominik Dijakovic vs. Killian Dain in a singles match that served as a #1 contender’s match.
This match was expected as WWE teased both Dijakovic and Dain squaring off in the ring after releasing a video earlier today on YouTube where they teased a showdown as both stars wanted a shot at the title. They both thought that they were worthy of a title match.
As seen in the contest, Dijakovic ended up going over. As a result, he will challenge NXT North American Champion Keith Lee at the NXT TakeOver: Portland show. They had a staredown after the match.
Time will tell whether WWE continues this feud going forward.
What are your thoughts on Keith Lee retaining the North American Title? Was this the right call by WWE officials? Sound off in the comment section.
A new match has been announced for the upcoming WWE NXT TakeOver: Portland special.
On Wednesday’s episode of NXT, WWE booked Dominik Dijakovic vs. Killian Dain in a singles match that served as a #1 contender’s match.
As seen in the contest, Dijakovic ended up going over. As a result, he will challenge NXT North American Champion Keith Lee at the NXT TakeOver: Portland show. They had a staredown after the match.
WWE presents the NXT TakeOver: Portland event on Sunday, February 16, 2020 in Portland, Oregon at the Moda Center and will air on the WWE Network. WWE will be announcing more matches for this show in the coming days. Here is the updated card:
Updated WWE NXT TakeOver: Portland Card
NXT Champion Adam Cole vs. Tommaso Ciampa
NXT Tag Team Champions The Undisputed Era (Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly) vs. Pete Dunne & Matt Riddle
Finn Balor vs. Johnny Gargano
NXT Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair
Although the deck was stacked against him in the lead-up, Keith Lee has beaten Roderick Strong to win the WWE NXT North American Champion.
Strong didn’t successfully retain the title over Lee in a championship match on Wednesday’s episode of WWE NXT in Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University on the USA Network. Thus, it’s Lee’s reign now.
WWE held a match that would determine who is next line for a title shot two weeks ago on NXT.
A Fatal 4-Way Match that saw Cameron Grimes vs. Donavan Dijakovic vs. Damian Priesttook place with the winner becoming the next challenger to the title. Lee was victorious, earning the right to challenge Strong for the NXT North American Title.
There was some speculation that the company could save it for the next TakeOver special.
However, they booked on NXT television to help boost television ratings while they continue the war against AEW Dynamite, All Elite Wrestling’s weekly television show on TNT.
It’s possible that when WWE presents the NXT TakeOver: Portland event on Sunday, February 16, 2020 in Portland, Oregon at the Moda Center that will air on the WWE Network a rematch between these two stars is booked.
WWE Backstage analyst CM Punk has shared who he thinks “should” win this year’s Royal Rumble matchup, naming NXT’s Keith Lee. Punk stressed that there is a difference between who he thinks should win the Rumble match as opposed to he thinks is going to win before fantasy booking his choice:
“Keith Lee from NXT should win the Royal Rumble,” Punk said. “I think he had a tremendous showing at Survivor Series, and he, to me, is a big fish in a little pond right now.”
He continued, “Not to say NXT is little by any means, but I think you need to follow up on stuff like this. You strike when the lightning’s hot. You see the little moment he had with [Roman] Reigns right there [at Survivor Series], that already feels like it was two years ago. We gotta get going with Keith Lee here. I think he needs to chuck Brock over the top rope and he needs to win that whole thing.”
When it came to his prediction for the Women’s Royal Rumble matchup, Punk went with “The Boss” Sasha Banks.
CM Punk’s fellow Backstage analysts also provided their predictions. Paige chose Otis and Kairi Sane; Christian picked current WWE Champion Brock Lesnar and Shayna Baszler. Renee Young sided with Drew McIntyre but didn’t provide a pick for the Women’s Royal Rumble.
WWE’s Royal Rumble event takes place this Sunday at the Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas.
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NXT Superstar Keith Lee has been making waves in WWE’s black-and-gold brand in recent months. Despite his current success, however, at one point WWE wasn’t interested in bringing Lee into the fold, with WWE rejecting Lee three times. Speaking with Corey Graves on his WWE podcast, After The Bell, Lee opened up about how the rejections affected him.
Keith Lee’s Rejections
“About three years in (being a wrestler), some people know him as Lance Archer, some people know him as Lance Hoyt, was in the WWE and said to somebody that I should be one to look out for,” Lee said. “Then, I got invited to do some work. In my case, I got thrown into a barricade by one Mr. Triple H and also got poked in the eye by Shane McMahon and punched in the face by Vince. That was my introduction to the bosses of today.”
He continued, “At some point, I gained interest in that first meeting and ended up with my first try out. That was in 2008. I was turned down. In 2011, I did some extra work, and I got asked to come back for another tryout. I was also turned down. I wasn’t really sure what I was going to do-wrestling wise going forward. In 2013, when the Performance Center first opened up in the fall, I was part of that first class. Then, I was turned down a third time, so, I wasn’t really sure if I was going to continue wrestling.”
Conversations With Legends
Lee credited conversations with wrestling legends Dusty Rhodes, William Regal and Jim Ross as helping him to refocus on his ambitions. He believes that, if he hadn’t spoken with Rhodes and Regal, he may have quit pursuing wrestling. Lee explained how, following those conversations, he committed to being himself. He no longer wanted to subscribe to the idea of what a big guy “should be,” instead choosing to embrace what made him different as an athlete.
“After that talk, I decided to just listen to myself and bet on myself. At the end of the day, it was the greatest decision I’ve ever made.”
Keith Lee faces off against Roderick Strong this Wednesday night on NXT. They will compete for Strong’s NXT North American Championship.
WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray had some interesting points relating to the upcoming Royal Rumble event. It’s been made official that NXT competitors will be part of the match this year. Although NXT talents have appeared in the past this makes the brand stand head to head with both RAW and SmackDown. With this in mind Bully made a point on Busted Open Radio that WWE could easily ‘make’ a new megastar in the match, namely NXT’s Keith Lee.
“We talk about WrestleMania moments, how about a Royal Rumble moment?” Bully began. “Lets MAKE Keith Lee, by having him go face to face with Brock Lesnar. That’s how you help a guy to get over. I’m talking about a moment in time. Keith Lee and Brock Lesnar face to face. The moment those two start staring at each other dead in the eyes? That place will come unglued. But [then] I wouldn’t put it past WWE to do something different.”
Brock Lesnar will enter the 2020 Royal Rumble
Bully also then made the point that he believes there is a bigger main event for WrestleMania this year. “If I was them [WWE], I don’t think we can get a bigger main event than Brock and CM Punk. But there are other scenarios that I have that don’t include Punk. Since Brock is great at ‘making’ guys, If the WWE by chance wanted to call Keith Lee up, although I don’t think its the right time. I don’t put it past Brock to give Keith Lee the same moment that the Undertaker gave Maven years ago.”
Ray’s co-host Dave LeGreca then posed the idea of keeping Keith Lee on NXT even if he wins the Royal Rumble match itself. “I think that you could. But then I don’t know what the build would be” Bully claimed. “These are just ideas that pop into my head, if you gave me five minutes I could make a story. Theres no reason why you can’t keep Keith Lee on NXT and keep the storyline with Brock concurrent. But, does Keith Lee eliminate Brock in the middle of the match? Or does Keith Lee actually WIN the Royal Rumble? How different would that be? How shocking would that be? And how much credibility does that give NXT?”
It was also discussed on the show if an NXT performer wins the Rumble match could they challenge for the NXT title in the WrestleMania main event? Bully Ray stated that just could not happen. “You CAN’T have someone like Keith Lee win the Royal Rumble and say ‘nah, I don’t want a shot at the Universal Championship. Nah, I don’t want a shot at the WWE Championship at WrestleMania.’ I want a shot at the NXT Championship.’ That takes all of the shine and all of the focus off of the two biggest Championships in WWE. I don’t think Vince would ever let that fly.”
The next challenger to WWE NXT North American Champion Roderick Strong will be Keith Lee.
During Wednesday’s episode of NXT on the USA Network, WWE held a match that would determine who is next line for a title shot.
A Fatal 4-Way Match that saw Cameron Grimes vs. Donavan Dijakovic vs. Damian Priesttook place with the winner becoming the next challenger to the title. Lee was victorious, earning the right to challenge Roderick Strong for the NXT North American Title.
WWE has announced exactly when this contest will take place as it will go down in two weeks on NXT on the USA Network to help boost television ratings while they continue the war against AEW Dynamite, All Elite Wrestling’s weekly television show on TNT.
There was some speculation that the company could save it for the next TakeOver special.
WWE presents the NXT TakeOver: Portland event on Sunday, February 16, 2020 in Portland, Oregon at the Moda Center and will air on the WWE Network.
What was clear was the fact it wouldn’t take place during Royal Rumble weekend.
WWE holds the Worlds Collide event on Saturday, January 25, 2020 in Houston, Texas at the Toyota Center and will air on the WWE Network. This show is replacing the traditional TakeOver special on this special weekend.
The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Roderick Strong, Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish) vs. Imperium (WALTER, Alexander Wolfe, Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner) in an eight-man tag team match has already been confirmed for the show.
