Add as a preferred source on Google Grayson Waller returned to WWE NXT last night after months without a prominent role on television, drawing high praise from John Cena.
In a post on his official X account, Cena pointed to Waller’s effort and authenticity and said Waller had finally found his “why.”
“Effort + Authenticity = Respect
It appears @GraysonWWE has found his WHY. Eager to see what he does. @WWENXT”
Effort + Authenticity = Respect
— John Cena (@JohnCena) July 29, 2026
It appears @GraysonWWE has found his WHY. Eager to see what he does. @WWENXT https://t.co/hRViQbxnuN
Cena’s reaction came after Waller opened NXT with a promo in which he called the last two years of his career an embarrassment. Waller took aim at Austin Theory, referenced his run with The New Day, called the men’s division complacent and announced that he had returned to the brand to win the NXT Championship.
Waller also appeared in the closing segment, attacking Tony D’Angelo and Cruz Montana. The brawl left all three directly involved in the title picture.
Cena and Waller have history. In 2023, Waller interrupted Cena’s return at Money in the Bank in London before taking an Attitude Adjustment.
However, Waller revealed in 2025 that a Cena-led locker room meeting had changed his perspective on his career. The Australian said he began treating even dark matches and promos lasting only a few seconds as opportunities he had to make the most of.
CM Punk also praised the promo on Instagram Stories:
“Frustration distilled and funneled into a bullet aimed at the competition.”
The praise from Cena and Punk shows Waller’s NXT return was treated as more than a one-off appearance. The Australian is once again positioned as a threat in the NXT Championship picture. He never won the title during his first run with the brand.