A new faction made a spectacular debut at the NXT Vengeance Day event on February 15, 2025, upsetting several matches and profoundly altering the NXT scene.
Debut Attacks
After champions Nathan Frazer and Axiom defeated Josh Briggs and Yoshiki Inamura to successfully defend their championships in the NXT Tag Team Championship match, the group made its debut.
Four masked men stormed the ring after the contest and attacked both teams. Two of the attackers were identified by commentary as Dion Lennox and Cutler James; Saquon Shugars and Osiris Griffin were eventually identified as the other two.
The same group later attacked Oba Femi to further establish their presence after Femi defeated Austin Theory and Grayson Waller in a triple threat match to win the NXT Championship.
Faction Composition
The group comprises:
- Dion Lennox: Former college football linebacker Andrzej Hughes-Murray, who transitioned to professional wrestling in 2023. citeturn0search19
- Cutler James: A recent recruit making his on-screen debut with this faction.
- Saquon Shugars: Previously known on the independent circuit as Lucky Ali.
- Osiris Griffin: Formerly known as Josh Black before joining WWE.
Fan Reactions and Comparisons
Fans immediately compared the faction to The Shield, pointing out similarities in their tactical approach and black apparel as well as their coordinated attacks.
Implications for the Future
The formation of this faction gives NXT narratives a fresh dynamism. Their instant impact raises the possibility of rivalries with elite NXT players, including as champions Oba Femi, Axiom, and Nathan Frazer. Since the group has not yet been given a name, interest in their goals and upcoming initiatives inside the brand is growing.
For a visual recap of their debut, watch the following highlight: