According to the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE NXT officials were surprised by Cruz Montana’s call-up to the main roster and his subsequent addition to The 946. The report noted that this idea was first discussed during a meeting on October 22.
As previously reported by PWMania.com, NXT still had “future plans” for Montana before his call-up. Dave Meltzer mentioned that everyone in NXT was “blindsided” by Montana’s appearance on RAW. He also pointed out that it was unclear whether Shawn Michaels had been informed of the move beforehand, but it was believed he would have been updated shortly afterward. Michaels had previously suggested that promotions to the main roster can happen without advance notice, which forces NXT to adjust its plans accordingly.
Montana made his surprise debut on the main roster during the November 2 episode of RAW at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. He appeared masked during a confrontation involving The 946 and The Bloodline, taking down Roman Reigns before revealing his identity. He then joined Royce Keys, Carmelo Hayes, Jaida Parker, Bronco Nima, and Lucien Price in the faction.
