WWE Confirms Last-Minute NXT Change as Star Is ‘Not Medically Cleared’

Bibon SinhaWed, September 30, 2026 at 12:04 AM UTC

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Photo Credit: WWE

WWE has made a last-minute change to tonight’s NXT card, with Mason Rook no longer medically cleared to compete in his scheduled NXT Championship match against Grayson Waller.

Rook was set to challenge Waller for the NXT Championship on the September 29 episode of NXT after earning the opportunity earlier this month. However, WWE announced just hours before the show that Rook would not be able to compete.

Mason Rook’s medical status impacts NXT tonight

NXT host Emily Agard confirmed the news in a video posted ahead of the show. She stated that Rook is “not medically cleared” to wrestle tonight. WWE has not revealed the reason for the decision, but the company confirmed that Waller will still defend his championship.

WWE has yet to announce who will replace Rook as Waller’s challenger.

Rook appeared to be understandably disappointed after finding out that he would miss one of the biggest opportunities of his NXT run.

Shortly after WWE announced the change, Rook took to X to address the situation and apologize to fans who were looking forward to seeing him challenge for the championship.

He tweeted:

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“I’m sorry.

Sometimes life is cruel. Every fibre of my being wanted to compete tonight but unfortunately it is out of my control.

I promise this is just a speed bump and not a road block.”

Rook did not reveal why he was not medically cleared. There is also no word on when he could be cleared to return to competition.

Rook had worked his way into the NXT Championship picture over the past several weeks and earned his title shot on the September 15 episode of NXT when he defeated Saquon Shugars and Tony D’Angelo in a Triple Threat match to become the next challenger for the title. The win set up a singles match against Waller. The two also appeared in a promo segment on last week’s NXT to hype their match.

Read More: Penta and His Family Helped WWE Star Replace Missing Gear During Mexico Tour

The post WWE Confirms Last-Minute NXT Change as Star Is ‘Not Medically Cleared’ appeared first on Wrestlezone.

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Source: “AOL Sports”