Grayson Waller says being excluded from WWE’s major televised events in Australia was the lowest point of his recent main-roster run.
The newly crowned NXT champion discussed the disappointment during an appearance on Peter Rosenberg’s *Cheap Heat*. Waller recalled learning that WWE had nothing planned for him across SmackDown, Raw and its 2025 premium live event in Perth.
“I’m the Aussie Icon,” Waller said. “No one reps Australia like I do.”
Waller argued that his nationality and connection with Australian fans should have provided WWE with a natural story, even if he was not involved in an established rivalry at the time.
Grayson did compete against Rey Fenix in a match taped for WWE Main Event before SmackDown in Perth. Waller remembered receiving one of the loudest reactions of the weekend, reinforcing his belief that a more prominent role could have produced something significant. Rather than remain discouraged, Waller made a commitment to secure a meaningful position during WWE’s next Australian visit.
That opportunity is approaching. RAC Arena will host SmackDown on Dec. 11, Wrestlepalooza: Perth on Dec. 12 and Raw on Dec. 14 as part of a new agreement bringing annual WWE event weekends to Western Australia through 2028. Waller has not yet been announced for any of the three shows, but his return to NXT has already strengthened his position. He captured the NXT Championship at Heatwave by defeating Tony D’Angelo, Zilla Fatu and Cruz Montana in a four-way match.
