The world of professional wrestling is always full of surprises, and the latest development from WWE’s developmental series NXT is no exception. Before the January 20, 2026, taping of NXT on The CW, WWE taped two special matches for WWE’s Long Game Fighting (WWE LFG) series, and the results are raising eyebrows.
A New Era for WWE LFG
WWE LFG is a relatively new concept in the world of WWE, aimed at giving up-and-coming talent a chance to shine in front of a live audience. The series has been gaining momentum in recent months, with several exciting matches and storylines emerging from its tapings. The latest pair of matches, however, has sparked a lot of discussion among fans and insiders alike.
The Surprise Matchups
According to sources close to the WWE, the two surprise matches taped for WWE LFG featured some unexpected pairings. The first match saw a rising star from the NXT brand, Arianna Grace, team up with none other than WWE legend, Randy Orton. The second match paired a newcomer to the NXT roster, Dante Drake, with former WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes.
The presence of Orton and Rhodes in these matches is significant, as it suggests that WWE is looking to pair established stars with younger talent in an effort to pass the torch and create a new generation of champions. This strategy has been successful in the past, with wrestlers like Randy Orton and AJ Styles rising to the top after being paired with veteran talent.
A Glimpse into the Future of NXT
The WWE LFG matches taped on January 20, 2026, may have been just a small part of the larger NXT taping, but they offer a glimpse into the future of the brand. With the rise of WWE’s Long Game Fighting series, it’s clear that the company is looking to create a more dynamic and unpredictable product.
According to a WWE insider, the success of WWE LFG is not just about creating new storylines and matchups, but also about developing a new generation of talent. “The goal of WWE LFG is to give up-and-coming talent a chance to shine in front of a live audience,” said the insider. “By pairing them with established stars, we’re creating opportunities for them to learn and grow as wrestlers.”
The Reaction from Fans
The reaction to the WWE LFG matches from fans has been mixed, with some praising the unexpected pairings and others expressing disappointment that they won’t be seeing these matchups on TV anytime soon. However, one thing is clear: WWE is taking a risk by mixing up the usual formulas and creating new and exciting storylines.
What’s Next for WWE LFG?
The success of WWE LFG is still a relatively new development, and it remains to be seen how the series will evolve in the coming months. However, one thing is certain: WWE is committed to giving up-and-coming talent a chance to shine, and the latest pair of matches taped for WWE LFG is just the beginning.
As one source close to Cody Rhodes revealed, the veteran champion is excited about the potential of WWE LFG to create new and exciting storylines. “Cody is a huge fan of the Long Game Fighting series and sees it as an opportunity to give back to the business,” said the source. “He’s excited to see where this journey takes him and the other talent involved.”
Conclusion
The latest WWE LFG matches taped on January 20, 2026, may have been just a small part of the larger NXT taping, but they offer a glimpse into the future of the brand. With the rise of WWE’s Long Game Fighting series, it’s clear that the company is looking to create a more dynamic and unpredictable product. As WWE continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in professional wrestling, fans can expect even more exciting storylines and matchups in the coming months.