NXT's Eric Bugenhagen Becomes Overnight Social Media Sensation

Eric Bugenhagen made his WWE Network debut on Wednesday's episode of NXT, and instantly won over [...]

By Connor Casey

Eric Bugenhagen made his WWE Network debut on Wednesday's episode of NXT, and instantly won over Full Sail crowd with his air guitar performance and singing.

The crowd's reception was so impressive that he even got to give an "encore" performance in front of the crowd alongside WWE interviewer Kayla Braxton.

Over the next day WWE fans flooded Twitter with reactions of Bugenhagen's persona, and most of them were quickly won over by his charisma.

"Dying at Eric Bugenhagen vs. Drew Gulak," Botchamania's Maffew tweeted.

"Bugenhagen will be on the main roster a half hour after Vince becomes aware of his existence," Fightful's Alex Pawlowski wrote.

"Book an Eric Bugenhagen main roster run," one fan tweeted. "I expect no less than ALL the titles."

"Eric Goddamn Bugenhagen is the best. Hands down. No argument. Guy is incredible," wrote another.

"Eric Bugenhagen is my new favourite wrestler," WrestleTalk's Luke Owen wrote.

Bugenhagen wound up losing to Drew Gulak in short fashion on the show, leading to an eventual match between Gulak and Matt Riddle.

According to Cagematch.com, Bugenhagen has just 16 matches under his belt from the past three years. He signed a WWE developmental contract back in 2017 and has a background in bodybuilding and powerlifting prior to getting into wrestling.

Other big moments from this week's NXT included Velveteen Dream using his Worlds Collide tournament win to challenge Johnny Gargano to a match for the NXT North American Championship, while Io Shirai, Kairi Sane and Bianca Belair defeated Shayna Bazsler, Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir in a six-man tag match.

Photo: YouTube/@WWE

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