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In 2012 it was announced that Rodríguez had signed with WWE, joining his other brother Alberto as he began training in NXT. He was given the ring name "Memo Montenegro" and worked unmasked. He made his in-ring debut on episode 21 of "NXT" from Full Sail University, losing in just 21 seconds to Big E Langston. Three episodes later Montenegro lost to Xavier Woods in short order once again. He remained with NXT until early 2013 when he was released from his contract at his own request.