WWE NXT: Diamond Mine debuts with an intriguing group of performers

WWE NXT ended with a big main event where Kyle O’Reilly defeated NXT Cruiserweight champion Kushida in a non-title affair. While O’Reilly and Adam Cole fought outside the ring, Kushida was attacked by the new group known as Diamond Mine. Malcolm Bivens at the helm, Roderick Strong, Tyler Rust, and Hideki Suzuki are the newest group in NXT.

The hints around Diamond Mine have been coming in strong for the last few weeks. Fightful Select reported on Tuesday that the NXT Cruiserweight division was going to become a focal point of NXT as many are pleased with Kushida’s work elevating the title. The addition of this group goes right to that point.

The familiar names are easy to point out. Bivens and Rust have been paired together on NXT, even though they have been off television for the last few months. Bivens used the line “Diamond in the Rust” to describe his client, and that can be seen as an early hint toward the formation of this group. Rust’s early run in NXT saw him drop matches to Bronson Reed, Tommaso Ciampa, and Kushida while picking up a few wins along the way. He also has the odd achievement of being on both New Japan Strong and NXT in the same week – due to tape delays within NJPW.

Bivens was linked to Rust as a comedic manager role of sorts, a position he plays exceptionally well. Many wanted to see him get the opportunity to work on the mic and on camera more often. It looks like that opportunity is here.

Strong does not need an introduction. Strong was last seen walking out of NXT with his wife, former MMA competitor, and NXT wrestler, Marina Shafir. He is a multiple-time champion in NXT, holding the tag team titles twice and the North American title once. Strong has not been seen since the Undisputed Era imploded, so now seeing him as the potential frontman for a new faction is an interesting wrinkle to his character development.

Then there is Hideki Suzuki. When he was signed to the WWE in February of 2020, many expected him to be a behind-the-scenes trainer. But perhaps this is a sign that WWE fans will be blessed with his in-ring presence. Suzuki’s career mostly occurred throughout Japan, where he performed in such organizations as Noah, GCW, Big Japan Pro, and others. He is one of those fan-favorite types of wrestlers, much like William Regal, that is loved and respected by fans familiar with his career.

WWE NXT has done a great job establishing Hit Row in recent weeks, and The Way before them. Diamond Mine can be the next intriguing group on the brand and with these four men included fans are already looking forward to what is going to come next week.