The wrestling world is buzzing after Nixon Newell, known to WWE fans as Tegan Nox, canceled her anticipated return to the UK indie scene with ATTACK! Pro Wrestling. Fans were eagerly awaiting her comeback at the December 14 and 15 shows in Cardiff, but ATTACK! recently announced her withdrawal, citing “a myriad of issues.”
Non-Compete Clause or Booking Blunder?
The timing of Newell’s WWE release in early November raised immediate questions about the dreaded 90-day non-compete clause—a staple in WWE contracts that often turns fresh free agents into temporary ghosts. While ATTACK! confirmed they’d worked closely with WWE to greenlight the booking, it seems the legal labyrinth may have ultimately proven insurmountable.
Despite the disappointment, ATTACK! reportedly had nothing but kind words for WWE. In true wrestling fashion, they’ve vowed to bring Newell back when the stars (and clauses) align.
Fans Left Guessing
Without confirmation that the non-compete clause was the culprit, speculation has run wild. Did the booking predate her release? Did last-minute scheduling conflicts arise? Was Mercury retrograde involved? One thing’s for sure: ATTACK! is now scrambling to find a replacement for their Cardiff shows, but they’ve made it clear that Newell is still on their wishlist.
Nixon’s Post-WWE Journey
This cancellation adds another twist to Newell’s rollercoaster career. Her second WWE run began in December 2022 and ended almost as abruptly as her first. Despite promising stints in NXT and a brief flirtation with SmackDown and Raw, Newell’s potential felt perpetually underutilized.
UK and European promotions are reportedly circling Newell like sharks at a chum party, eager to book the Welsh talent when she’s fully available. While her return to the indies has hit a snag, fans are confident it’s only a matter of time before she’s back in the ring, showcasing her signature shiniest wizard.