As already announced by the WWE, NXT Battleground 2023 is going to be the next mega event for the company’s third brand. Now, the first match and the potential headliner of the show, has been teased after what transpired during the latest episode of NXT.
On the themed Spring Breakin’ special edition of NXT, Carmelo Hayes successfully defended his NXT Championship against Grayson Waller. After the match, Hayes issued a challenge to Bron Breakker for NXT Battleground 2023. This was the second time that Hayes issued the challenge as Bron previously denied to square off with him until the time is right.
WWE Backlash 2023: New Title Match Confirmed For May PLE
Meanwhile, Bron himself was in action at Spring Breakin’ as he won his match against Chase U leader Andre Chase. After the challenge was issued, the former NXT Champion’s music hit the arena. But instead of coming out through the ramp, he attacked Hayes and his friend Trick Williams from behind. Hayes ended up being taken out via a spear from Bron through a barricade outside the ring. While Bron vs. Hayes wasn’t announced, it’s only a matter of time before the match will be made official for NXT Battleground 2023.
NXT Battleground 2023 will mark Hayes’ second title defense
Hayes was previously attacked by Bron during the post-Stand & Deliver episode of NXT which also saw Bron’s heel turn. Hayes defeated Breakker at Stand & Deliver during the WrestleMania 39 weekend to pick up his first NXT championship win. At NXT Battleground 2023, he will go through his second title defense.
As for Bron, he enjoyed a lengthy title run since the post-Wrestlemania 38 episode of Raw after defeating the former champion Dolph Ziggler. During that babyface run, he defended the title against top superstars like Joe Gacy, Jinder Mahal, Apollo Crews, Ilja Dragunov, and the current WWE Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER.
NXT Battleground 2023 Premium Live Event will take place at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Massachusetts on Sunday, May 28. Incidentally, the event is scheduled on the same date as AEW’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view. This will be the third time in this year that NXT will be delivering a WWE Network Specials following Vengeance Day, Stand & Deliver. No official match for the upcoming PLE has been announced.
