Hold onto your championship belts, wrestling fans, because the upcoming NXT Battleground event is taking a detour to Las Vegas, Nevada! Originally set for a patriotic Memorial Day weekend in Savannah, Georgia, the show has now found a new home at the UFC Apex facility on June 9. For those scratching their heads wondering why their favorite wrestling event is now in UFC territory, let’s dive into this unexpected but exciting update.
The UFC Apex, which opened its doors in 2019, was initially built to host UFC fight cards and studio shows. However, the COVID-19 pandemic turned this venue into the UFC’s very own Thunderdome. With almost 100 fight cards since 2020, it’s no wonder the Apex has become synonymous with UFC action. But this Sunday, the UFC Octagon will step aside, making way for a WWE ring. Yes, you read that right. The Octagon will be replaced by a traditional wrestling ring, much to the chagrin of those who pitched to keep the Octagon in play for some MMA-style wrestling fun.
According to Fightful Select, there were enthusiastic pitches from within WWE to utilize the Octagon during the NXT Battleground card. Unfortunately, logistical hurdles squashed those creative ideas. This means even the highly anticipated NXT Underground match between Shayna Baszler and Lola Vice, which promised a bare-knuckle/MMA-style presentation, will have to settle for a standard wrestling ring. A pity, especially considering Baszler’s impressive UFC background. Imagine the drama and intensity of an NXT match set in the Octagon!
But fret not, UFC fans! Fightful Select has also reported that there will be a significant UFC presence at NXT Battleground. While details remain under wraps, this crossover is certainly intriguing. It’s especially interesting given Dana White‘s recent comments about the distinct separation between UFC and WWE, despite their merger under Endeavor’s TKO Group Holdings in 2023.
Will we see UFC fighters ringside? Will there be special appearances or perhaps even some crossover antics? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: NXT Battleground is shaping up to be a historic event that blurs the lines between MMA and professional wrestling.