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Sami Zayn, Eric Young and Latest WWE NXT Developmental News

Ryan DilbertMay 4, 2016

Sami Zayn talked about the match that marked his exit from WWE NXT; Eric Young had fans talking after his surprise arrival to the developmental brand.

Expect the appeal of Zayn vs. Nakamura at NXT TakeOver: Dallas to increase for many fans after they learn of how the two wrestlers approached the bout. The Underdog from the Underground offered some intriguing background on that clash in a recent interview.

It's Young, though, who made the most headlines. The former TNA world champ showed up at Full Sail University, becoming NXT's latest big-time talent acquisition.

Elsewhere in the NXT world, an indy promotion is set to host a tryout, the Global Cruiserweight Series added another entrant, and a new announcer has joined the family.

Eric Young Debuts

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A surprise debut didn't stay a surprise for long. Eric Young joined NXT at a recent taping, and the company was quick to announce his arrival. 

WWE announced, "Young, an 18-year veteran of the mat game and former heavyweight champion, shocked the Full Sail University crowd when he entered the arena."

Fans won't have to wait long to see that debut. The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer noted that Young "has a match with Samoa Joe that will take place on the show that airs on Wednesday night."

With Sami Zayn, Apollo Crews and Enzo Amore all gone from NXT, one may have been concerned about a lack of depth on the roster. Enter The World Class Maniac. Young will instantly give NXT TV a boost, offering officials a well-rounded veteran to plug in.

Global Cruiserweight Series Updates

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Noam Dar became the latest wrestling sensation to officially land a spot in the Global Cruiserweight Series. The grappler, who some may know from his appearance on TNA's British Boot Camp, defeated Josh Bodom, per WWE.com, in a qualifying match at a Revolution Pro Wrestling event in London.

Dar joins Zack Sabre Jr. and Jack Gallagher in the cruiserweight tournament field.

WWE is set to add two more names to that list. Evolve will host a pair of qualifiers on May 7 in New York.

The company has been smart in airing highlights from these bouts on YouTube afterward. That way, casual fans can get a glimpse of who will star in this tournament, and WWE can create buzz for the event along the way.

Sami Zayn Reveals Interesting Detail About Shinsuke Nakamura Match

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Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura at NXT TakeOver: Dallas was one of 2016's finest matches. But unlike a bout such as Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat, none of the action was planned out ahead of time. 

Zayn appeared on Talk Is Jericho with Chris Jericho (h/t Wrestling Inc. for the transcription) and talked about deciding not to work out the contest at all beforehand.

"We've met maybe once. We never touched," Zayn said. NXT trainer Matt Bloom suggested they spar at the WWE Performance Center. Neither Zayn nor Nakamura wanted to do that. Instead, they entered the ring with a blank slate and no experience battling each other.

Zayn explained, "Yes, I prefer for the first time to be in the show, instead of a 'Hey, let's feel it out in the ring' [and] feel how this guy moves and stuff. So we ended up putting something together."

The quality of what followed speaks to both men's skills. Both have an innate feel for in-ring storytelling, and this is further proof of that.

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Indy Promotion Hosting WWE Tryout and Seminar

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Wrestlers looking for an education or a spot on the NXT roster will soon have an invaluable opportunity in front of them. Evolve announced (h/t PWInsider) that NXT trainer Norman Smiley will participate in a seminar and tryout before a live event in Florida on June 10.

The statement reads, "Mr. Smiley will represent WWE in scouting at this Seminar/Tryout. He will give a lecture on what WWE/NXT is looking for and how they do things. He will also offer critiques and guidance when warranted. This is the first time Mr. Smiley has attended a Seminar/Tryout for independent wrestlers."

At minimum, some wrestlers are set to learn a few things. WWE, though, may find some more promising talents to add to the mix. 

The company has not let up in its search for stars, be it through groups such as Evolve or at amateur wrestling competitions. 

Other News, Notes

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Full Sail University welcomed a new voice and face in Andrea Ocampo, who will go by Andrea D'Marco. Jim Varsallone of the Miami Herald wrote, "South Florida's own Andrea D'Marco is a new ring announcer for WWE's NXT."

D'Marco was previously the in-arena host for the NHL's Florida Panthers.

At a taping on April 28 in Winter Park, Florida, Bayley fans got quite the scare. She looked like she was hurt after a collision with Nia Jax. Apparently, that was all part of the script, though.

On F4WOnline.com, Dave Meltzer noted, "The Bayley injury thing last night at the NXT tapings was an angle."

And in a bit of happy personal news, Jason Jordan revealed on Instagram that he is now engaged. Congrats to one half of the NXT tag team champions.

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