Dragon Lee dealing with visa issues, update on WWE NXT wrestlers working indies

Dragon Lee’s WWE NXT debut has been impacted by visa issues. 

The 27-year-old has been earmarked for NXT since announcing he signed with the company in December. Lee’s situation was addressed by our own Dave Meltzer on Saturday’s Wrestling Observer Radio. 

Meltzer said: 

I’m sure they wanted to introduce Dragon Lee [at NXT Vengeance Day} but he’s having visa issues so he’s not there yet. 

Lee’s three-year contract with WWE is said to be for “above the standard NXT-level money.” He will receive a new contract if he is called up to the main roster, with the plan being for this to happen in 2024. The bottom number for WWE main roster contracts is $250,000. 

Meltzer also addressed reports that NXT stars will begin working independent shows. He noted that while Shawn Michaels stated on a media call that Ivy Nile working a Reality of Wrestling event is a “one-time thing,” the promotion believes NXT stars will be available to them periodically. 

Meltzer said:

From what I understand, as far as the Reality of Wrestling goes, they expect that they will be able to get some NXT stars from time to time. 

There are several other companies that have been talked to with the idea that they may be able to get NXT stars but the Booker T thing has to go well. And if it goes well there are other companies. And I think that they’re targeting companies that have a good relationship with AEW and see what they can do, that’s part of it, of course, too.