Cody Rhodes, Tanner Saraceno and the Latest WWE NXT Developmental News

Cody Rhodes will strip off the Stardust character for the WWE NXT audience. Tanner Saraceno will be taking off his wrestling boots for the time being.

Rhodes informed fans that he is headed to NXT TakeOver sans Stardust. It will mark the first look we get at the second-generation star without his vinyl getup and face paint in a long while.

As for Saraceno, who nearly made it to the finals of WWE Tough Enough, his pro wrestling journey is taking a hiatus.

The WWE developmental brand is set to feature a number of new faces, even without Saraceno continuing with the company. A former football player is headed to NXT, and a number of new recruits got their first taste of in-ring action.

Let's dive into those stories, what Rhodes is doing with NXT and more.

Former Football Player Reportedly Headed to NXT

Uncredited/Associated Press

Dan Matha looks to become the latest gridiron-to-the-squared-circle success story.

After playing in the Canadian Football League and being invited to Cincinnati Bengals camp, Matha started training as a wrestler. That has apparently paid off.

Trainer Rip Rogers tweeted that Matha will begin working in Florida for NXT in a few weeks.

The former offensive tackle certainly has the size to make it in the ring. Matha is 6'6'', and in his CFL days, he played at 310 pounds.  He joins Mojo Rawley and Baron Corbin as NFL castoffs building a second career at NXT.

New Recruits Make NXT Debuts

A trio of prospects took a major step in their careers. On Sept. 26, in Fort Pierce, Florida, three recruits stepped into the NXT ring at a live event for the first time.

Per ProFightDB.com, Kenneth Crawford, Peter Howard and Thomas Kingdon all competed in a Battle Royal at the event. It was the in-ring debut for each wrestler.

Working the house-show circuit is key to developing one's in-ring game. These men can start to learn to work a crowd after working on the craft in the comfy confines of the WWE Performance Center.

Kingdon's massive build alone will net him opportunities aplenty. He and the others are still a long way from making it to TV, though.

Former 'Tough Enough' Contestant Puts Wrestling Career on Hold

Josh Bredl and Zamariah "ZZ" Loupe don't have to worry about competing with Tanner Saraceno for now. One of the last contestants to be eliminated from WWE Tough Enough, Saraceno has decided to put pro wrestling on the back burner.

Saraceno tweeted, "After talking with some veteran WWE coaches and superstars, I've decided to heavily pursue Mma for now and come back to wrestling in future."

Athletically, he was one of the competition's top prospects. He struggled, however, with the showmanship part of the equation. That's something that may never develop for him.

Should he find success with MMA instead, he won't need to rely on charisma and personality. He can just build a career around his physical gifts.

Rhodes Brothers to Present Tag Team Trophy

Cody Rhodes is coming back. For one night at least.

At NXT TakeOver: Respect, when one team emerges as the first team to win the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, Rhodes will be there as Cody, not Stardust. He and his brother Dustin will have a prize waiting for the victors. 

Rhodes talked to Justin LaBar of TribLive. The former intercontinental champ said, "I will actually be there myself, (as) me—for the first time a while on WWE programming—Cody Rhodes and my brother will be there to present the trophy."

That's surprising with how much Rhodes has delved into that character. Expected or not, bringing in the Rhodes boys is a smart move to add to the prestige of the tourney. 

Other News, Notes

Noah Kekoa has adopted a new look. He now enters the ring adorned with an elaborate headdress. Fan Sean Mil shared photos on Twitter of Kekoa's attire.

NXT recently opened its doors for a Performance Center all-access experience. One fan who went clearly enjoyed it.

Dave Scherer of PWInsider wrote, "I was told by a camper that it was a great experience. There was a lot of interaction with talent. He told me it was worth the price and he would do it again." 

That's good news for NXT. Fan experience packages like the one the company offered this month is an easy way to bring in more money. It doesn't hurt that the participants leave even bigger fans.

An indy wrestler is coming back to Full Sail University for a short sting. Mr. 450 told PrimerHora.com (h/t Wrestling Inc) that he will be working the NXT TakeOver and TV tapings.

He appeared previously as Jesus De Leon, working as an enhancement talent. That kind of gig can lead to something bigger, though, as we have seen with Leva Bates aka Blue Pants.