This week’s episode of NXT was being advertised as the biggest NXT of all time and WWE didn’t waste any time getting down to business. Ahead of the show it was confirmed that Cody Rhodes would be making a major announcement which led to The American Nightmare kicking off NXT to a big reaction from the fans.

Cody grabbed a mic as the fans chanted “YEET” then he asked the audience what they wanted to talk about. They responded with more “YEET” chants. Cody said he never thought he would be standing in the NXT ring, but it feels right.

The American Nightmare said he doesn’t just have an announcement, he has multiple announcements. He announced that at the conclusion of the NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament the men will kick off a Breakout Tournament. Cody teased a certain tag team tournament as the fans chanted “Dusty!” It was then confirmed by Cody that the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic would also be coming back.

Cody then said he has one more announcement. He said that Shawn Michaels has made it official and he’s the special guest General Manager of NXT for the night. NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov then came down to the ring.

Ilja Dragunov apologized for interrupting Cody, but said he had to meet him. He said he promised to push NXT to the next level and Ilja was getting fired up on the mic before Dominik Mysterio interrupted him.

Dominik and Ilja traded verbal shots then Dom challenged Ilja to put the NXT Championship on the line. Cody said all he heard was that Dominik Mysterio wasn’t willing to put his NXT North American Championship on the line. Rhea made excuses for Dominik and Ilja responded by telling Rhea Ripley he was going to smash her boy tonight.

Cody Rhodes then made Ilja Dragunov vs. Dominik Mysterio for the NXT Championship official for tonight. He didn’t stop there as Cody also revealed that LA Knight will be the special guest referee for the match.