WWE NXT Began Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic
The 2026 tournament kicked off at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando with high-stakes tag team action.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Wrestling
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WWE NXT officially launched the 2026 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament at the Performance Center in Orlando. The event featured several prominent tag team matchups, including a high-profile bout between Kelani Jordan and Zaria against La Catalina and Thea Hail.
Why it matters
The tournament serves as a prestigious platform for NXT tag teams to showcase their skills and secure a legacy within the organization. These bouts have also become a flashpoint for intense rivalries as various groups vie for dominance in the ring.
The tournament field includes 24 participants, such as The Creed Brothers, Nathan Frazer, and Axiom. These athletes are competing for the top spot in the classic showcase held at the WWE Performance Center.
The players
Robert Stone
He is the General Manager of NXT who is responsible for overseeing tournament logistics and official event announcements.
Kelani Jordan
She is a professional wrestler who competed in the opening tag team matches of the 2026 tournament.
Zaria
She is a professional athlete and tag team competitor who participated in the opening rounds of the Classic.
Thea Hail
She is an active performer on the NXT roster who faced off against Jordan and Zaria in tag team action.
La Catalina
She is a professional wrestler who teamed up to compete in the tournament at the Performance Center.
The details
The event was initiated following an official announcement from General Manager Robert Stone. A women's tag team match was specifically scheduled after a physical brawl between the involved competitors occurred during the previous week.
Timeline
September 15, 2026: General Manager Robert Stone announced the tournament following a brawl.
September 22, 2026: The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament officially began.
Season Trajectory
This tournament marks a significant shift in the current season, acting as a catalyst for new rivalries and championship ambitions. The outcome of these matches will likely dictate the path for the tag team division leading into future NXT premium live events.
The tournament progression will force immediate changes to the current tag team rankings and potential championship pursuit strategies. Viewers should track participant momentum, as win-loss records in this tournament often determine future title shot eligibility.
The takeaway
The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic remains the premier showcase for NXT's collaborative talent and developmental depth. Fans should keep a close eye on the rising teams, as past winners have historically used this platform to launch successful careers on the main roster.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Wrestling at the WWE Performance Center.
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Do you plan to watch the 2026 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament?
