WWE NXT presented their latest gimmick-based episode in the form of New Year’s Evil 2023, last night. A huge 20-woman battle royal served as the main event to determine the new challenger for the NXT Women’s Title while the NXT Championship was also on the line. Plus, a former WWE Champion, Jinder Mahal made his return to TV after a long time.
Soon after his show-up on WWE NXT, Mahal joined and attacked The Creed Brothers along with Sanga, his Indian colleague in the WWE. Julius and Brutus Creed have been feuding with Indus Sher – Veer Mahaan and Sanga since the duo reunited in the fall of 2022. The ongoing feud set up a tag team match as The Creed Brothers were in the ring, waiting for Indus Sher at New Year’s Evil.
WWE NXT Results (10/01/23): 2023 New Year’s Evil Specials
Jinder Mahal competed on last night’s NXT
However, Veer never came out, last night with Sanga. He informed that Mahaan was not there and so Julius said that they wouldn’t just fight him in a handicap match. As he said that, Mahal came out from behind and attacked him in the ring.
Sanga then delivered a chokeslam to Brutus on the ring steps. Mahal hit Julius with the Cobra Clutch Slam aka Khallas and took the mic to cut a promo to show his true heel side. Later on, in the show, Mahal would go one-on-one against Brutus and the match ended with Mahal getting the win with the Khallas finisher.
WWE NXT New Year’s Evil 2023: Challengers Declared For Tag And North American Titles
Jinder Mahal was a Smackdown superstar before WWE NXT return
Last night’s sudden return could have marked the permanent insertion of Jinder Mahal to the WWE NXT roster, for the time being. Prior to this, Mahal was a member of the WWE SmackDown roster where he was listed as a heel with Shanky. Mahal was last seen on SmackDown during the November 11, 2022 episode where he was defeated by Braun Strowman in a SmackDown World Cup First Round match.
Mahal started his TV run in the WWE with the NXT brand where she competed between 2011 and 2012. His last match on WWE NXT before New Year’s Evil was against the then NXT Champion Seth Rollins in a title match. Mahal was unable to hold the NXT Title but upon arrival on the main roster, the Indian Superstar was able to win both the WWE Championship and the WWE United States title.
