With Mason Rook out of action for the foreseeable future, NXT Champion Grayson Waller now awaits a replacement opponent on tonight’s episode of “WWE NXT.” The question is: who will answer his open challenge?
As confirmed in a new social media video, it will not be WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles or “WWE SmackDown” star CM Punk. Styles approached “NXT” head booker Shawn Michaels asking if he could help him with anything. When Michaels offered Styles the opportunity to face Waller, he quickly turned it down, citing his retirement and poor eyesight as reasons against it.
Styles then motioned to Punk, who stood nearby wearing a headset. Like “The Phenomenal One,” though, Punk declined promptly to step up as the NXT Championship challenger. In his case, “The Second City Saint” pointed out that he was not an official member of the “NXT” roster, something “NXT” General Manager Robert Stone previously noted as a requirement for Waller’s upcoming opponent.
Apparently an open challenge means it’s my problem. 😂
Had a couple legends nearby… turns out everybody’s got an excuse.💔
Catch #WWENXT TONIGHT to see who answers the NXT Championship Open Challenge. 8/7c on @TheCW and the @espn Unlimited app. pic.twitter.com/jBwdeYUfFG
— Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels) September 29, 2026
Styles, while retired from in-ring competition since January, has continued to work with WWE in a backstage setting. In addition to scouting, he’s filled in as a coach at the WWE Performance Center, where stars of WWE’s developmental brands routinely train. Punk, meanwhile, remains a regular fixture for “SmackDown.” Since returning to WWE in 2023, he’s also emerged as a mentor to the members of “NXT.”
Rook, who marked his “NXT” debut earlier this year, was initially set to vie for the NXT Title after winning a six-man tag match followed by a triple threat. Further details on his injury are unknown at this time.
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