Add as a preferred source on Google Tony D’Angelo is in the biggest moment of his WWE NXT run, but he is already starting to think about his next step in the company.
The reigning NXT Champion said during an appearance on Busted Open that he still needs to keep evolving before a potential call-up to WWE’s main roster, whether that means RAW or SmackDown.
D’Angelo noted that, before winning the title, his main goal was getting to Joe Hendry and taking the championship from him. Now, however, the situation has changed, as everyone on the developmental brand is targeting his reign.
“When I didn’t have the championship, that was the goal, get there, take it off of the man who I will not name so he will not show up unexpectedly (Joe Hendry). But now that I am champ, to be expected everybody’s nipping at my heels and they’re trying to get what they don’t have.
“But I’m just trying to uphold the standard of being the NXT Champion, as well as taking the next step, which is getting called up. So I need to continue my growth, continue my progression, so when that time comes I’m also prepared for that.”
D’Angelo captured the NXT Championship at Stand & Deliver 2026, defeating Joe Hendry, Ethan Page, and Ricky Saints in a Fatal 4-Way Match.