In the main event match on this past Friday’s SmackDown at Madison Square Garden, Grayson Waller made his WWE main roster in-ring debut against WWE Hall of Famer Edge.
During the match, Grayson paid tribute to UFC star Conor McGregor by doing the same “both hands behind the back” spot, which McGregor did against Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 in 2016, which also took place at MSG.
Rising star @GraysonWWE, who is a massive MMA fan, made his main roster debut yesterday at MSG.
He paid tribute to @TheNotoriousMMA vs. Eddie A at UFC 205. pic.twitter.com/YVSe248M9Z
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 8, 2023
Grayson saw the above tweet from journalist Ariel Helwani and tweeted the following:
“Two MSG Main Eventers.”
Edge said he wanted to find out if Grayson will sink or swim when he faces the 33-year-old wrestler.
Grayson eventually earned Edge’s respect. After defeating Waller, Edge said:
“Hey Waller, you swam.”
According to WRKD Wrestling, WWE Officials see big things in the future of Waller:
“If it wasn’t clear from his work with John Cena at Money In The Bank or Edge on SmackDown, Grayson Waller is being set up for a big future.
Many in creative feel that he has the tools, both wrestling and on the mic, to be a future main eventer for years to come.”
Reacting to his debut match, Grayson took at shot at The Rock’s WWF in-ring debut at Survivor Series 1996, which also took place at MSG.
Below is what Waller tweeted:
“The biggest debut in Madison Square Garden since that bloke who wore the cringe tassels.”
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