4 names who could be a last-minute addition to the Iron Survivor Challenge at WWE NXT Deadline

WWE Survivor Series: WarGames aired this past Saturday and it was the final main roster premium live event of 2024. With that being said, it isn't the final PLE the company will hold this year.

That distinct honor goes to NXT Deadline 2024, which is set to stream this Saturday. The event will be headlined by two Iron Survivor Challenge Matches, which is one of the most unique gimmick bouts in pro wrestling today.

Both lineups were seemingly finalized on NXT until the end of the program. Eddy Thorpe, who had earned his way into the match earlier in the night, was seen brutally assaulted backstage. While not yet confirmed, this likely means he'll be unable to compete on Saturday.

As a result, Shawn Michaels is likely going to replace Eddy at the last minute with someone else. This article will take a look at a handful of options to replace Thorpe in the Men's Iron Survivor Challenge Match this Saturday.

Below are four names who could be a last-minute addition to the Iron Survivor Challenge at WWE NXT Deadline.

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#4. Oba Femi has been surprisingly quiet

Oba Femi is one of the brightest prospects in all of WWE. The Nigerian superstar was brought into the fold as part of the NIL program and has proven himself to be a natural pro wrestler, even winning the NXT North American Title.

The big man has been a destructive force on NXT television since his push began, but he's been unusually quiet lately. He lost his prized WWE NXT North American Championship to Tony D'Angelo and then had an unsuccessful rematch. After those defeats, Oba has been missing in action entirely.

The silence could be leading to a surprise return at Deadline. Oba is a major force to be reckoned with and he could dominate the match, ultimately going on to battle and dethrone Trick Williams for the NXT Championship.

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#3. Axiom could pull double duty at NXT Deadline

Axiom is one of WWE NXT's best wrestlers when it comes to pure in-ring action. He manages to pull off incredible athletic feats with more pinpoint accuracy than almost anyone. He's also fantastic at submission-based wrestling.

Currently, Axiom is one-half of the NXT Tag Team Champions alongside Nathan Frazer. His partner earned his way into the Iron Survivor Challenge Match, which means he'll be pulling double duty at the WWE PLE. Unfortunately, Axiom did not earn entry.

Despite failing to win and then losing the last-chance Fatal 4-Way on NXT, Axiom could get his opportunity thanks to Eddy's assault. This would allow him to pull double duty alongside his partner, which would also make for an interesting dynamic when only one of the two could win the Men's Iron Survivor Challenge Match.

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#2. Penta El Zero Miedo could make his WWE debut

Penta El Zero Miedo is one of the best international stars in all of pro wrestling. He, alongside his brother Rey Fenix, is known as The Lucha Brothers together. They have been a top act in All Elite Wrestling for five years now.

There has been speculation for months now that both Fenix and Penta were hoping to leave AEW to join WWE. Unfortunately, Tony Khan allegedly didn't take kindly to this news and has added injury time to Fenix's contract, forcing him to remain in AEW.

However, Penta's contract has expired, which means he can debut for WWE at any time. If he wants to make a major splash immediately, Penta could debut as part of the Iron Survivor Challenge Match, win it, and go on to face either Trick Williams or Ridge Holland for the NXT Title.

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#1. Cedric Alexander deserves a major premium live event spot

Cedric Alexander is a long-time WWE veteran. He joined the Sports Entertainment Juggernaut eight years ago through the Cruiserweight Classic and 205 Live. He has won the RAW Tag Team Titles and the Cruiserweight Championship.

With that being said, many would say that Cedric hasn't exactly been used well by WWE once he left 205 Live. He had some brief flashes of greatness, including a run with The Hurt Business, but he has mostly been kept away from television aside from this recent NXT run.

Cedric deserves a proper push and getting a spot in one of the main events of Deadline is a great start. Win or lose, Cedric finally having a big role at a major premium live event will show a renewed dedication in pushing the long-time loyal veteran wrestler.