Tony D’Angelo made it clear on the March 10 episode of WWE NXT that his return to the brand was never meant to be a short visit. Fresh off his victory at NXT Vengeance Day, D’Angelo stepped into the ring to address the WWE Universe and outline what comes next.
While the win at the premium live event settled one chapter of his comeback, the self-proclaimed “toughest SOB in NXT” revealed that the real objective behind his return is only just beginning.
In other words, the first act of the story is done. Now the Don of NXT looks to make his next move.
Tony D’Angelo Declares NXT Championship Pursuit As Phase 2
During the segment, D’Angelo explained that his return to NXT revolved around two objectives. The first mission was dealing with DarkState, a conflict that culminated at NXT Vengeance Day when he battled Dion Lennox in a brutal showdown.
The rivalry had been brewing since DarkState dismantled the D’Angelo Family during Tony’s absence. Their match spilled across the arena before the bell even rang, turning into a full-blown fight rather than a traditional contest.
With outside interference neutralized by OTM members Bronco Nima and Lucien Price, D’Angelo ultimately secured the win with a Spear followed by a Spinebuster.
With that chapter closed, D’Angelo turned his attention to what he called “Phase 2.”
He told the crowd that time away forced him to look in the mirror and confront a harsh truth. He hadn’t accomplished one thing. That realization pushed him to bury the old version of himself “six feet under” and emerge with a new purpose.
That purpose is the NXT Championship.
D’Angelo acknowledged that current champion Joe Hendry has become a major presence in NXT. However, he warned that if winning the title requires breaking Hendry’s face, he won’t hesitate.
He closed the segment with a blunt message: this isn’t business — it’s personal. And according to D’Angelo, Hendry should prepare himself because the next NXT Champion will be Tony D’Angelo.
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