On May 28, TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace appeared on NXT. This was a massive shock for a lot of people, and it also opens up a lot of possibilities down the road.
Fightful Select has provided details on how it came together and her future plans. It turns out that NXT did their best to keep secrets this week, and it paid off.
Grace and Ethan Page were kept hidden, with NXT insider Corey Brennan noting the increased secrecy of the tapings. Non-complete rundowns used Lita and Alexa Bliss as placeholders, and Lita’s theme was used during rehearsals.
NXT talent were unaware of Grace’s appearance, with Roxanne Perez genuinely surprised. Perez had insisted on not knowing her opponent beforehand.
The NXT Battleground match is part of an agreement for at least three appearances by Grace, including two advertised matches and her recent appearance. Grace is earning at least six figures for these appearances.
Andrea Concepcion and Johnny Russo organized Grace’s segment, according to Corey Brennan. Ethan Page found out about Grace’s appearance early due to running into each other at Cezar Bononi’s house.
The possibility of more NXT and TNA crossovers remains, despite Scott D’Amore’s departure from TNA. Communication lines remain open. Grace is under contract with TNA for at least another year.
