Start your engines, folks, because next week’s WWE NXT is revving up with a special appearance from NASCAR driver Cole Custer! That’s right, we’re shifting gears from suplexes to stock cars as the former NASCAR Xfinity Series champion swaps the race track for the squared circle. It’s a sports crossover that’s going to have more horsepower than a Brock Lesnar F5.
The folks over at WWE announced the guest appearance on X (the app formerly known as Twitter, but I digress), putting the spotlight on Custer’s Xfinity Series championship from last year—because, you know, nothing says “get ready for a wrestling show” like highlighting the precision of someone who can turn left really fast. While it’s still under wraps what exactly Custer will be doing, we can assume it’ll be something impactful, or at least slightly less chaotic than a Daytona 500 pileup.
Custer’s cameo couldn’t come at a more strategic time, aligning with the ongoing 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series playoffs. WWE and NASCAR have been trading paint lately, with “NXT” even sponsoring Custer at the Kansas Speedway in late September. His No. 00 Ford Mustang wasn’t just any stock car—it was decked out with snazzy “NXT on CW” graphics that screamed, “I don’t just drive fast—I drive with attitude!”
Of course, this isn’t the first time WWE has dipped its toe into the world of fast cars and left turns. Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champ Kyle Busch briefly became a WWE champion—no, really—by winning the 24/7 Championship back in 2019. Busch managed to roll up the ever-unfortunate R-Truth during an episode of “WWE Raw,” thanks to a little help from fellow NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip, who donned the stripes as a makeshift referee. Like most 24/7 title reigns, Busch’s stint as champ didn’t last long. Before he could even say “boogity, boogity, boogity,” R-Truth reclaimed the gold, using his favorite tactic—the ol’ sneak-up job.
NASCAR’s crossover with WWE goes back even further. In 2009, Busch and his teammate Joey Logano guest-hosted an episode of “WWE Raw,” proving that even drivers who live in helmets appreciate a well-placed chair shot.
But let’s not forget the other matches cooking up for next week’s “NXT.” The women of Damage CTRL, IYO SKY and Kairi Sane, will take on Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson. That’s right, while Cole Custer will be checking his mirrors, these ladies will be checking each other with high-flying moves and stiff kicks. Also in action, Luca Crusifino will face off against the powerhouse Oba Femi, and we’ll see WWE newcomers Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer square off against Fatal Influence in a battle that’s sure to leave an impact. Vaquer, by the way, is riding high after snagging her first WWE win on last night’s show, so you know she’s bringing momentum to the ring next week.
Will Cole Custer take a victory lap in the ring, or will he find out the ropes are a little trickier than the track? Either way, it’s going to be one wild pit stop.