Roderick Strong Puts The NXT Roster On Notice, Kota Ibushi’s New Partner Announced

Former ROH World Champion Roderick Strong made his debut Thursday night during the NXT tapings at Full Sail University. WWE posted the following announcing his arrival:

Roderick Strong has arrived in NXT, and he’s ready to break some backs. The independent wrestling scene standout and former world champion, known as “The Messiah of the Backbreaker,” made his debut between the yellow ropes Thursday at a taping of the WWE Network show at Full Sail University.

Strong’s surprise arrival continues to show that NXT is the premier destination for the hottest free agents in sports-entertainment. For more on Strong’s debut in NXT, stick with WWE.com and tune into WWE NXT every Wednesday at 8/7 C on WWE Network.

Roderick Strong also commented on his debut saying that the NXT roster can expect to fall one by one. You can check out his first NXT interview below.

Triple H also commented on Strong’s debut saying that he’s proud to have him in NXT.

Hideo Itami was set to team up with Kota Ibushi to compete in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, but unfortunately that won’t be happening.

Earlier this week Itami confirmed that he’s injured, and he is unable to compete in the tournament. There’s no definite timetable for his return, but he promised the fans that he will be at the NXT live event in Osaka, Japan in December.

Hideo Itami’s injury has left Kota Ibushi without a partner, so NXT General Manager William Regal found him a new one. Regal announced that Kota Ibushi’s partner will be none other than current WWE Cruiserweight Champion TJ Perkins.