Former WWE NXT Star Makes Shock Impact Debut [SPOILERS]

IMPACT Wrestling continues to add to its already impressive roster by bringing in a former WWE NXT star to its ranks. At the recent set tapings, the former member of the NXT roster made her surprise debut for the promotion.

The New Year’s Revolution tapings on January 20th & 21st in Orlando, Florida, featured a tonne of action as they head to the next PPV, No Surrender on February 24th.

Bully Ray and Knockouts Champion Mickie James got into a physical altercation, which brought out Tommy Dreamer to continue their feud. Brian Myers qualified for a Four-Way number 1 contender’s match at No Surrender and Jonathan Gresham challenged Mike Baily to a match at the PPV.

Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry defeated Matt Cardona to retain the title. Bullet Club (Ace Austin and Chris Bey) defeated KUSHIDA and Kevin Knight and former NWA Women’s Tag Team Champions The Hex (Allysin Kay and Marti Belle) returned to the promotion to attack the Knockouts Tag Team Champions, The Death Dollz (Taya Valkyrie and Jessicka).

The tapings also saw Steph De Lander, formerly known as Persia Pirotta in NXT, debut in the Knockouts division. In her first appearance of 2023, De Lander took on former Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace in a losing effort. The following night, De Lander faced Deonna Purrazzo which also resulted in defeat.

Steph De Lander Signed For WWE NXT in 2021.

After impressing on the Australian independent scene for several years, De Lander signed with WWE in 2021. She made her debut on the premier episode of NXT 2.0 as Persia Pirotta. She began teaming up with fellow Aussie, Indi Hartwell. Together they challenged for the Women’s Tag Team Championships at Halloween Havoc in a Triple Threat Scareway To Hell Ladder match against Toxic Attraction and Io Shirai and Zoey Stark. She was released from her contract in April 2022 alongside Dakota Kai, Dexter Lumis, Malcom Bivens and several other names.

Since her release, De Lander continued to wrestle for XPW, Black Label Pro and Melbourne City Wrestling before heading back stateside for IMPACT Wrestling.

You can catch everything that went down at the tapings this Thursday night at 7/8 c on AXS TV.