A former WWE star is set to make her return to the company for the first time in over three years. Xia Brookside, who was released in 2022 and has since been competing in TNA Wrestling, will be returning to the NXT brand to participate in a new tournament.
The announcement was made by NXT General Manager Ava. The tournament will be to determine the next number one contender for the WWE Women’s Speed Championship.
Xia Brookside’s WWE Return
The tournament for Sol Ruca’s Speed Championship is set to kick off on next week’s episode of NXT. Ava announced that the first match will feature the returning Xia Brookside, representing TNA, taking on main roster star Candice LeRae.
Featuring Superstars from #SmackDown, #WWENXT, @luchalibreaaa and @ThisIsTNA, the No. 1 Contenders Speed Tournament begins NEXT WEEK! pic.twitter.com/1AQ7EurFwh
— WWE (@WWE) August 27, 2025
This marks Brookside’s first match in a WWE ring since her release from the company in 2022. The tournament will also feature talent from other promotions, as Ava also named NXT’s Lainey Reid and AAA’s Faby Apache as participants. The winner of the tournament will go on to challenge Sol Ruca for the Speed Championship at the NXT No Mercy premium live event.
Xia Brookside’s WWE History
Xia Brookside, the 26-year-old daughter of British wrestling legend and WWE Performance Center coach Robbie Brookside, was a foundational member of the NXT UK brand. She competed in the Mae Young Classic tournament in 2018 before officially signing with the company.
During her time in NXT UK, she was a consistent presence in the women’s division, known for her energetic, high-flying style. She was released from her contract in August 2022 when the NXT UK brand was officially shuttered to make way for the upcoming NXT Europe. Since her release, she has found success in TNA Wrestling.
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The inclusion of talent from TNA and AAA in an official WWE tournament is another example of the unprecedented “forbidden door” partnerships that have defined 2025.
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For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
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