When WWE rebranded NXT into NXT 2.0, there were a lot of changes made including the edict regarding who they sign for the developmental system. WWE wanted to go with younger bigger athletes instead of smaller experienced wrestlers.
Dave Meltzer reported in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that it appears WWE has signed Cole Karter, who made several appearances on AEW Dark in 2021. He also made a single appearance on AEW Dynamite where he lost to Anthony Ogogo.
Meltzer noted Karter is being advertised as wrestling his final independent match on January 22. Meltzer added, “while he’s not allowed to say it, the belief is he’s signed or signing with WWE since he was at a recent tryout.”
Karter, who is 21 years old, will be on the NXT roster and start training at the Performance Center if he has signed with the company. His last appearance in AEW came on the October 23rd edition of Dark Elevation when Paul Wight defeated Arjun Singh, Carlie Bravo & Karter. He started his wrestling career in 2020.
