Missing Former WWE Champion Spotted Backstage at RAW

Tyler Bate was seen backstage at the August 11 WWE RAW in Quebec City with a new haircut, sparking talk about an in-ring return.

Missing Former WWE Champion Spotted Backstage at RAW

Tyler Bate may be getting closer to a WWE return. PWInsider reports that the former NXT UK Champion was backstage at Monday’s RAW in Quebec City. He was sporting a shorter haircut, a look closer to his earlier days in the company.

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Bate’s absence in recent months led to speculation about an injury, but he dismissed that idea himself, saying, “Not injured. Waiting…”

Bate and Pete Dunne, wrestling as New Catch Republic, last appeared on television during the April 18 episode of SmackDown. Their most recent match was at the May 26 Main Event tapings, where they defeated Austin Theory and Grayson Waller.

The backstage sighting is notable given Bate’s past injury history. He spent much of last year recovering from a torn pectoral muscle. He returned briefly in March 2025, teaming again with Dunne, but their run stalled soon after.

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Article Author Leonardo Cunha
I’m 30 years old and live in São Paulo, Brazil. I’m the founder and writer of Wrestling Notícias. I hold a degree in Physical Education, am fluent in English, and have been a pro-wrestling fan since 2007.