Keith Lee Appears Ringside At NXT TakeOver: Chicago II

The newest addition to the NXT roster was revealed tonight at NXT TakeOver: Chicago II.

During the huge WWE Network special event, super-heavyweight independent wrestling sensation Keith Lee was seen at ringside.

Before Aleister Black defended the NXT Championship against Lars Sullivan, Lee was shown in the front row and color commentator Nigel McGuinness identified him as a former WWN (World Wrestling Network) Champion with a special interest in the match.

.@RealKeithLee is in the house! #NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/GsuZyKcwY8

— WWE (@WWE) June 17, 2018

The 300-plus-pounder, who goes by the nickname “Limitless,” has captured many championships on the independent wrestling circuit since debuting in 2005. He is best known for his work with Ring of Honor, Evolve, All American Wrestling (AAW), and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG). In addition to being a former WWN Champion, he is also a former PWG World Champion.

Lee has already competed inside a WWE ring as back in April, he successfully defended the World Wrestling Network Championship against Kassius Ohno at WrestleMania Axxess in New Orleans, Louisiana.

KEITH LEE VS KASSIUS OHNO 😱😱 pic.twitter.com/1ngnbHrGvW

— Eric (@421EzE) April 5, 2018

Lee has also already faced Sullivan. This battle of the super-heavyweights took place at Axxess on the morning of WrestleMania 34, with Sullivan coming out on top.

Ooooh bask in his glory!! @RealKeithLee #Axxess

He’s about to fight @LarsSullivanWWE and I’m freaking out! pic.twitter.com/cbsbuso3jy

— ❤️🧡💛 Dustin Smothers 💚💙💜 (@SmoHawk) April 8, 2018

At #Axxess we just saw @RealKeithLee vs @LarsSWWE and the crowd knew to BASK pic.twitter.com/2GtPaea7HO

— Henry T. Casey (@henrytcasey) April 8, 2018

It’s never too early for a hoss fight! @RealKeithLee vs @LarsSWWE was a hoot and a half! #Axxess pic.twitter.com/czRGHdfWYJ

— Ben Talks Wrestling (@BenTalksWWE) April 8, 2018

AXXESS @RealKeithLee vs. @LarsSWWE pic.twitter.com/AWA98dMGrx

— JJ Williams (@JJWilliamsWON) April 8, 2018

#Axxess @RealKeithLee vs @LarsSWWE pic.twitter.com/36wcPWs9oP

— Irwinator (@JIrwinNXTFan) April 9, 2018

Lee joining WWE had been expected for the last few months. Wrestling Observer Newsletter editor Dave Meltzer reported in early March that Lee was offered a contract to join the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida beginning in May. The Pro Wrestling Torch then reported in early May that Lee signed a contract with WWE and was expected to move to Orlando after fulfilling his independent wrestling dates. His final independent match took place on May 27 against Mae Young Classic competitor Mia Yim, with Yim coming out on top.

Never Forget. pic.twitter.com/vmqIVmKFBQ

— Adam Cardoza a.k.a. (@juliusblaise) June 17, 2018

I love this picture!!! Thank both you for a amazing match.. mia dont be a stranger and keith kill what ever comes next for u like we know u will@RealKeithLee @MiaYim @beyondwrestling #AllDay #wwe #nxt #roh #blitzkriegpro #impactwrestling #tecknoteam2000https://t.co/Ijdg1nFGCu pic.twitter.com/fdem9TYddT

— Wrestling Haze (@WrestlingHaze) May 29, 2018

Lee will be among the older wrestlers in NXT as he’s already in his thirties. He’s either 33 years old, or perhaps even 34. Forbes.com did a profile article on him in April 2017 and he’s noted as being 32 at the time.