During the 2023 Draft, WWE brought several NXT stars to the main roster.
These included top prospects like Indi Hartwell, Grayson Waller, Pretty Deadly, and Cameron Grimes.
Now, Fightful Select has reported that Grimes’ call-up has been a long time coming as many backstage are high on the former North American Champion.
According to the report, WWE had plans for his move to the main roster in the works for some time, with Triple H seeing potential in the star on the main roster.
One longtime employee is said to have gone as far as calling Gimes a “slam dunk” when it comes to his talent as he can work “any number of styles”.
Cameron Grimes has got off to a good start on WWE SmackDown
Grimes had his first match on SmackDown on May 12th, defeating Baron Corbin in under ten seconds after hitting the Cave In double foot stomp as Corbin charged at him.
The following week, he made his intentions for his run on the blue brand clear, telling Megan Morant that he is determined to make it to the top and wants to “go to the moon”.
During his time in NXT, Grimes had a memorable feud with LA Knight and WWE Hall Of Famer ‘Million Dollar Man’ Ted Dibiase that culminated in Grimes capturing the Million Dollar Championship at NXT Takeover 36. The hotly anticipated bout had a stipulation attached that would have seen Dibiase become LA Knight’s butler should Grimes be defeated.
Grimes went on to win the NXT North American Championship at Stand & Deliver last April, defeating Carmelo Hayes, Santos Escobar, Grayson Waller, and Solo Sikoa in a Fatal Five-way Ladder match.
His reign lasted only 63 days and he was defeated by Hayes at In Your House in June. He was also unsuccessful in an NXT Championship bout with Bron Breakker at The Great American Bash.
Grimes last appeared on the developmental brand on November 11th when he was defeated by Joe Gacy after interference from the debuting Ava.