For some reason, former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf appeared on tonight's episode of WWE NXT (December 10, 2024) in a backstage segment with Lexis King.
King: "I just want to say thank you for coming out. Ryan Leaf, what an honor it is to meet you. I mean, second pick in the NFL draft? I know it didn't work out, but just look at the way you turned your whole life around. Pac-12 commentator on the CW, not to mention all the things you do for mental health. Dude."
Leaf: "Dude, you're the inspiration. We watch this week in and week out. I had to do it in a really public way and so are you. And I think that's what makes you so much more relatable. Everybody gets to see it. And that's special. You don't decide what the story looks like when it starts, but once you figure it out it, and you wanna finish it, you start right here and you can make a hell of an ending and that's what you're doing. And I can't wait to see what happens next."
King: "Thank you so much. And I really appreciate your advice on telling me to go to Minneapolis (referencing why King appeared at NXT Deadline in that promo segment). It really helped me close that chapter in my life."
It was here where they were interrupted by No Quarter Catch Crew's Charlie Dempsey, current NXT Heritage Cup champion.
Dempsey: "Lexis, I thought and thought about it, and you know what? You ARE becoming the best version of yourself. So guess what. I will give you that Heritage Cup match you want in two weeks. But first, I need you to make it through a workout with me."
Although nothing was officially advertised, this means we'll get a promo or vignette segment next week featuring King and Dempsey in a workout session, as well as their title match for the NXT Heritage Cup on December 24th. It should be noted that WWE is planning on filming the December 24th episode in advance, alongside next week's episode. This typically means WWE will start recording the December 17th episode of NXT earlier than 8pm and air that on a delay, filming the December 24th episode immediately after, so we will have spoilers of that title match after the recording next week.
Also interesting is that the last time King and Dempsey faced off for the Heritage Cup, King had Dempsey's father, William Regal, as his corner man. Nothing yet has been revealed if that will be the case again or if someone else will fill in that role.