It's unclear when fans can see Michael Chandler back in the cage – but Wednesday night he found himself in the middle of the action inside a ring.
Chandler, who has appeared on WWE broadcasts in the past in more of a guest role, was part of the show at NXT on Wednesday. He served as the guest referee for an "unsanctioned" match between Dion Lennox and Cruz Montana.
NXT general manager Robert Stone pitched Chandler as the man for the job, following a social media post by Chandler volunteering for the role.
Chandler engage in the more physical natures of professional wrestling during the match, but he did take a shove from Dion Lennox.
Ultimately, it was Montana who pinned Lennox, with Chandler giving the three-count.
Dion Lennox just SWATTED @MikeChandlerMMA
away!! 😬 pic.twitter.com/aZsgyxLyYX
— WWE (@WWE) November 5, 2026
Ain't NOBODY Safe 😳 pic.twitter.com/5dv34ssPVK
— WWE (@WWE) November 5, 2026
It's unclear if the appearance by Chandler, 40, is the start of seeds being planted for an eventual WWE pivot. He's long voiced his passion for professional wrestling and with WWE and UFC under the same TKO umbrella, it's not out of the question that a larger, more reoccurring role may come.
Chandler has not competed in MMA since UFC Freedom 250 in June when he was finished late in Round 1 by Mauricio Ruffy.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Video: Michael Chandler makes WWE debut as special guest referee
