Shane Strickland and Garza Jr. have finally arrived to the Performance Center. Kushida has already made his on-screen debut for NXT as he was revealed as a new member of the developmental brand back at TakeOver: New York. Kushida is best known for his time in New Japan Pro Wrestling, as the veteran was with the company for nearly ten years.
Strickland’s name being announced isn’t a surprise, as the former MLW World Heavyweight champion has been rumored to be WWE bound since last year. Complications with his Lucha Underground contract prevented the indie star from signing with the company earlier; however, Strickland declared himself a free agent back in January, so it was only a matter of time before the former LU talent signed with the company.
Strickland made his wrestling debut back in 2011 and is notable for his time in Major League Wrestling, Lucha Underground, Combat Zone Wrestling, and EVOLVE. Strickland has won major titles everywhere he’s went as Strickland is a former CZW World Heavyweight champion, Evolve Champion, and MLW World Heavyweight Champion.
Garza Jr. was in a similar situation to Strickland as the former AAA star was primed for a WWE contract; however, an injury stopped the company from offering him a deal. Including AAA, the Mexican wrestler also had a brief stint in Impact Wrestling, along with Crash Lucha Libre.
Read the full announcement
here.