WWE NXT Announces 14-Team Dusty Classic Return
WWE NXT Announces 14-Team Dusty Classic Return
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Key Points
1
The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic was established in 2015 as a tribute to WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes after his death. Finn Bálor and Samoa Joe won the inaugural tournament, defeating Baron Corbin and Rhyno in the final at NXT TakeOver: Respect.
2
The most recent tournament, held in 2024, was won by Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin, who became known as the Wolf Dogs and earned an NXT Tag Team Championship opportunity.
3
The 2026 competition marks a broader cross-brand expansion than earlier editions, with talent from WWE’s main roster and developmental brands joined by competitors from AAA, creating the possibility of unusual pairings and contrasting tag-team styles.
4
The Creed Brothers recently returned to NXT and are targeting the tag-team division, adding competitive momentum to their confirmed place in the tournament.
5
Potential main-roster entrants discussed include Fraxiom—Axiom and Nathan Frazer—whose recent appearance at AAA TripleMania 34 saw them advance in a four-way elimination match before losing to Los Americanos.
WWE is bringing back the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic on NXT starting September 22, with 14 teams competing for glory AOL. The Wagner Brothers, AAA World Tag Team Champions, and Vanity Project, the current NXT Tag Team Champions, will skip the first round and enter in the quarterfinals WrestleZone. The Creed Brothers have also been confirmed as entrants in the tournament AOL.
This year's tournament features an expanded roster drawing from NXT, Raw, SmackDown, EVOLVE, and AAA—a bigger cross-brand mix than past years AOL. WWE plans to release the full bracket later this week. The prize for winning has not yet been announced, though past champions have earned shots at the NXT Tag Team Championship AOL.
A Tournament Named After Wrestling Legend Dusty Rhodes
The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic started in 2015 as a tribute to WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes after his death AOL. Finn Bálor and Samoa Joe won the first tournament in 2015, defeating Baron Corbin and Rhyno in the final at NXT TakeoVer: Respect AOL. The tournament has become a signature NXT event and a path to championship opportunities AOL.
The Last Champion: Bron Breakker's Wolf Dogs Pathway
Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin won the 2024 tournament as a team called the Wolf Dogs AOL. Their victory earned them an NXT Tag Team Championship opportunity shortly after AOL. The tournament sat out 2025 but returns in 2026 with renewed energy and fresh storylines AOL.
Creed Brothers Return Fuels Tag Team Division Interest
The Creed Brothers recently came back to NXT and are now focused on the tag-team division AOL. Their confirmed entry into the classic adds veteran talent and competitive edge to the tournament field AOL. With 14 teams entering, the bracket promises unpredictable matchups and varied wrestling styles AOL.
International Stars and Cross-Brand Competition Expand the Field
The 2026 Dusty Classic includes teams from AAA, Mexico's top wrestling promotion, creating fresh matchups AOL. Main-roster wrestlers like Axiom and Nathan Frazer—known as Fraxiom—are expected to compete AOL. Fraxiom recently faced Los Americanos in a four-way elimination match at AAA TripleMania 34, showing the interconnected nature of modern wrestling AOL.
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