Backstage Update on WWE & TNA’s Deal for Jordynne Grace’s NXT Debut Appearance

As noted before, this past Tuesday’s NXT show featured current TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace making a surprise appearance for WWE’s NXT brand.

Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that Grace is still currently under a contract with TNA Wrestling and her deal still has around over a year remaining.

In regards to Grace’s surprise appearance, it was reported that WWE officials had hid both Grace and Ethan Page away from others prior to their appearances on the show. WWE officials reportedly were also much more secretive than usual for their handling of the show with incomplete rundown scripts for the show featuring Lita and Alexa Bliss’ names and Lita’s theme during rehearsals to hide Grace’s planned appearance. NXT talents spoken to reportedly stated that they were pleasantly surprised by the announcement of Grace wrestling at next week’s show.

Roxanne Perez reportedly was also surprised by Grace’s debut and those spoken to stated that Perez was adamant to others that she did not know who was going to be revealed to be the opponent for her NXT Women’s Championship match at NXT Battleground. Perez’s on-screen reaction to Grace coming out reportedly was stated to have been a genuine moment.

It was also reported that Grace’s upcoming appearance at NXT Battleground 2024 is part of an agreement between Grace and NXT that will have her make at least three scheduled appearances for WWE’s NXT brand. Those spoken to within NXT reportedly stated that Grace is going to make “at least six figures” for her NXT appearances.

It was also reported that NXT officials Andrea Concepcion and Johnny Russo were the ones responsible for putting together Grace’s television segment. NXT talent reportedly were not aware beforehand of the plans for Grace’s appearance and Ethan Page reportedly only found out about it while him and Grace were at Cezar Bononi’s house ahead of their appearnces. It was reported that they both reportedly saw each other before then and became aware of their NXT debuts.

In regards to the status between TNA and WWE, it was reported that the “door is open” for potential future crossovers between NXT and TNA. It was also reported that several people were concerned that Scott D’Amore’s recent firing from TNA would shit the door on future crossovers between the two companies since he had helped put together Grace’s Royal Rumble appearance. Those spoken to within TNA reportedly stated that the lines of communication between their company and WWE are still open.