WWE NXT Deadline Notes: CM Punk Makes Surprise Appearance, Dragon Lee Wins North American Title, Cora Jade Makes Surprise Return

CM Punk Makes Surprise NXT Appearance at NXT Deadline 2023

Saturday’s NXT Deadline 2023 event in Bridgeport, Connecticut featured CM Punk making a surprise appearance.

NXT head booker Shawn Michaels came out to open the show and welcomed everyone stating that this was WWE’s final premium live event of this year. CM Punk’s music played leading to Punk coming out wearing a Calgary Hitmen jersey. Michaels noticed Punk’s shirt while led to Punk responding that Michaels and Hart made up over past issues, he did the same with Triple H. Punk then talked about his upcoming decision on if he will sign with RAW or SmackDown but also brought up that he could sign with NXT instead. The segment ended with Punk and Michaels hugging in the ring.

Prior to the show, Punk had revealed on Twitter that he had stopped by WWE’s headquarters today and teased at stopping by at tonight’s NXT show since it was nearby. In response, Michaels extended an invitation to Punk to show up for a talk on tonight’s show.

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Dragon Lee Wins NXT North American Title at NXT Deadline 2023

Saturday’s NXT Deadline 2023 event also featured Dragon Lee defeating Dominik Mysterio to become the new NXT North American Champion.

The finish to this match involved Lee hitting a double foot stomp to Mysterio off the turnbuckle for a nearfall. Lee then went for a running dropkick that was stopped by Mysterio leading to Lee hitting a German suplex in return. Lee attempted a powerbomb to Mysterio only for Mysterio to counter with a powerbomb of his own for a nearfall. Mysterio then sent Lee into the ropes and attempted a 619 only for Lee to counter with ,iger Bomb for a nearfall. Lee then hit a Standing Slice Bread to Mysterio for the pinfall victory to become the new NXT North American Champion.

What a moment for @dragonlee95 👏👏👏#NXTDeadline pic.twitter.com/noabRZYHex

— WWE (@WWE) December 10, 2023

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Cora Jade Makes Surprise NXT Return at NXT Deadline 2023

Saturday’s NXT Deadline 2023 event also featured Cora Jade making her surprise return to WWE’s NXT brand.

Following Blair Davenport’s victory in the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge match on the show, Davenport gave a promo boasting about her win and would be challenging for the NXT Women’s Championship at next month’s NXT New Year’s Evil 2024 event. This led to NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria coming out but before she could do anything, Jade came out and attacked Valkyria. Jade then grabbed the NXT Women’s title and posed with it over Valkyria’s fallen body.

Business just picked up 🤯@CoraJadeWWE is back!!!#NXTDeadline pic.twitter.com/Kj0fd95GG5

— WWE (@WWE) December 10, 2023

This was Jade’s first appearance in NXT since this past August.