WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, has recently gained traction thanks to its collaboration with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). This crossover has seen notable TNA wrestlers, including Joe Hendry and current TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace, making appearances on WWE broadcasts.
The spotlight was set to shine on TNA’s beloved tag team, The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz and Trey Miguel), who were slated to compete for the NXT Tag Team Championship. However, it appears that their participation has hit a snag.
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NXT General Manager Ava shared the news on social media, informing fans that The Rascalz would not be able to compete against Axiom & Nathan Frazer as planned. “As WWE Week on USA kicks off with Monday Night Raw, I have some unfortunate news,” Ava stated. “Due to somewhat conspicuous circumstances, The Rascalz are unable to compete tomorrow night.”
Ava confirmed that Axiom & Frazer would still defend their titles in the opening match, now facing off against the formidable Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins, known as The Street Profits.
While the reason for The Rascalz’s withdrawal remains unclear, Dave Meltzer from Wrestling Observer reported that Miguel needs to undergo minor surgery unexpectedly. We all hope for his speedy recovery and return to the ring.
Established in 2017, The Rascalz originally consisted of Wentz and Dezmond Xavier, later adding Miguel and Myron Reed to complete the group. They earned their stripes on the independent circuit before making waves in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) and TNA.
In 2020, Wentz and Xavier joined WWE, debuting in NXT as Nash Carter and Wes Lee under the name MSK. Their notable achievements include winning the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic and clinching the NXT Tag Team Titles twice.
After Wentz’s release from WWE in 2022, Lee continued as a solo competitor, while Wentz reformed The Rascalz with Miguel and Reed for battles in TNA and the independent scene.
The Rascalz rejoined forces with Lee in 2024, though it eventually led to a surprising betrayal. Collectively, The Rascalz/MSK have captured tag team championships in nine promotions, including TNA, PWG, Combat Zone Wrestling, and WWE NXT.
In their individual pursuits, Wentz currently holds the TNA X Division Championship, while Lee made history by holding the NXT North American Championship for a record 269 days.
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