Tag: Mike D Vecchio

NXT wrestler confirms new WWE name

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Following the recently trademarked names, another up-and-coming WWE NXT wrestler, Mike D Vecchio, has officially undergone a name change.

Earlier this week, WWE filed several new trademarks, such as CJ Valor, Santi Rivera, Kai Kavari, Romeo Moreno, Tristan Angels, and Dorian Van Dux.

While Angels was later revealed to be the new in-ring name for Nathaniel Cranton/Nathan Angel, the identity of Dorian Van Dux is now out. WWE NXT wrestler Mike D Vecchio will be known as Dorian Van Dux.

Vecchio confirmed the change on his social media accounts, where he changed his name and account handles. He also uploaded a vignette to hype his brand-new WWE gimmick and identity.

Last year, in September 2025, Vecchio signed with WWE. Following his signing, he wrestled at NXT live events under the name Mike Derudder. Before joining WWE, the Belgian pro-wrestler actively wrestled for wXw, PROGRESS Wrestling, RevPro, and more.

He was a part of the same October 2025 class of recruits, which included Angels and Cyril Coquerelle, aka Aigle Blanc.

WWE reveals newest Performance Center rookie class

Posted on by Josh Nason

Five men from outside North America make up the newest WWE Performance Center rookie class, announced by the promotion on Friday.

Jaime Garcia, Mike Derudder, Dusan Novakovic, Cyril Coquerelle and Nathan Cranton have reported to Orlando as they try and take the next step in their wrestling careers.

Jamie Garcia

The Madrid, Spain, native competed as Zozaya. The 6’3″ 23-year-old is looking to follow in the footsteps of Axiom/A-Kid who made a surprise appearance to present Garcia with the Nino Anonimo Cup in March while WWE was touring in Spain.

Mike Derudder

The 29-year-old Belgium native wrestled as Mike D Vecchio, making name in promotions like wXw and other European indies like Progress and RevPro as well as All-Japan Pro Wrestling.

Cyril Coquerelle

Formerly Aigle Blanc on the indies, the French-born 27-year-old has been a pro since 2014. He also has experience across Europe as well as All-Japan Pro Wrestling.

Nathan Cranton

Wrestling as Nathan Angel, the England native is 22 and has been a pro since 2022. He is also a former Mr. International competitor.

Dusan Novakovic

Novakovic is a former pro MMA fighter from Serbia with no wrestling experience.

Report: WWE expected to sign two European wrestlers following recent tryouts

Posted on by Ian Carey

WWE is said to be eyeing two European wrestlers who recently competed in All Japan Pro Wrestling’s Champion Carnival.

According to a report from Cultaholic, WWE is set to sign both Aigle Blanc and Mike D Vecchio, after they impressed company officials at a tryout earlier this year. Aidan Gibbons writes, “Sources close to the situation have told Cultaholic that WWE is signing Aigle Blanc and Mike D Vecchio. They are expected to start with the company by September 2025.”

Aigle Blanc and Mike D Vecchio

Blanc is a 26-year-old masked wrestler from France who has worked with top European promotions such as Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw) in Germany, Over The Top Wrestling (OTT) in Ireland, RevPro, Progress, and others. Most recently, he competed in the Champion Carnival, finishing with six points in his block.

Belgian wrestler Mike D Vecchio, 29, also took part in the Champion Carnival, finishing with eight points. He was in Las Vegas during WrestleMania Week this year, appearing at events such as Joey Janela’s Spring Break 9, the Mark Hitchcock Memorial Show, Demand Lucha, and Progress.

WWE held a set of tryouts in London on March 29, 2025, as the company was on a European tour leading into WrestleMania 41.