After its brief stint on the main roster, RAW Underground is making a comeback, this time exclusively for NXT.
On last nights episode of NXT Damon Kemp surprised fans by announcing the arrival of RAW Underground to the brand. Kemp and Thorpe’s ongoing feud on NXT TV has reached a boiling point, with Thorpe currently holding two victories over Kemp, a former member of Diamond Mine. Seeking redemption, Kemp wasted no time in challenging Thorpe to a rematch, and in a surprising twist, he designated the RAW Underground Match as the stipulation for their impending clash.
To enhance his chances of success, Thorpe has enlisted the help of Gable Steveson, who made a notable return to WWE TV after a long absence. Steveson, the real-life brother of Damon Kemp, has been a developmental talent for WWE since September 2021. He has been training extensively in both professional wrestling and amateur wrestling. Impressively, Steveson has his sights set on competing in amateur wrestling at the 2024 Olympic Games, having previously attained a gold medal in Tokyo.
What Is Raw Underground?
Scheduled to take place in two weeks’ time, this RAW Underground showdown has already sparked significant anticipation among wrestling enthusiasts. The original iteration of RAW Underground gained popularity when it was introduced as part of WWE’s pandemic programming for the main roster. However, due to concerns about cross-contamination between rosters, the concept was eventually abandoned.
The RAW Underground Match will unfold within a 20×20 ring devoid of traditional ropes. The combatants will be tasked with securing victory through knockout, technical knockout (TKO), or submission, adding an element of raw brutality to an already fierce encounter.
While RAW Underground faced an abrupt end on the main roster due to a COVID-19 outbreak and limited support from Vince McMahon, its revival on NXT promises to reignite the excitement surrounding this unique match concept. As fans eagerly await the highly-anticipated clash between Damon Kemp and Eddie Thorpe, the introduction of RAW Underground to NXT marks an intriguing chapter in the brand’s history.
