Indi Hartwell and Candice LaRae (Photo by WWE/Getty Images)
Hartwell confirmed her return on social media after WWE announced the 20-woman Battle Royal. The Australian star left WWE in November 2024 after being released from her contract. Indi Hartwell will be one of 20 women competing in the NXT Women’s Championship No. 1 Contender Battle Royal next Tuesday. The Australian wrestler won the NXT Women’s Championship at Stand & Deliver 2023. Just one week after the NXT Battle Royal, Hartwell is scheduled to face Xia Brookside for the TNA Knockouts World Championship at Bound For Glory 2026 on October 11.
Due to the injury and her move to the main roster, she had to relinquish the championship. She now has a chance to return to NXT and chase the championship she believes she never lost. The match will feature wrestlers from across WWE and several outside promotions. RAW, SmackDown, NXT and EVOLVE talent will be involved. Stars from AAA and TNA will also compete. However, her reign did not last long. Hartwell suffered an injury during her title reign. She was later moved to the WWE main roster as part of the Draft. She later became involved with Dexter Lumis, with their on-screen relationship becoming one of NXT’s notable storylines. Hartwell eventually reached the top of the NXT women’s division when she captured the championship at Stand & Deliver.
Indi Hartwell is set to make her WWE return next week after almost 22 months away from the company. 1 Contender Battle Royal. The former NXT Women’s Champion has been announced for the NXT Women’s Championship No.
The winner will earn a title opportunity against current champion Kelani Jordan at Halloween Havoc.