Tyler Rust and Malcolm Bivens, a duo called Diamond in the Rust at the start of the greatest operation in professional wrestling history, formed a stable of pro wrestlers in June 2021 called Diamond Mine on the NXT brand. Formed by Roderick Strong and The Creed Brothers (Brutus and Julius) with Ivy Nile in charge, it was named for their exciting beginnings.
On June 22, 2018, Roderick Strong returned to NXT by attacking Kushida at Instinct – MSK and Diamond Mine turned face. After becoming the North American Champion in a match on September 21, 2019, at NXT2.0 WarGames against Joe Gacy, Roderick defeated Kieran Hogan (The Liger) to retain his championship on December 14th at NXT Enter the Order. On January 3rd of 2020 at NXT: New Year’s Evil in a triple threat match main event between Strong, Carmelo Hayes, and Eddie Dennis which ended with Roderick becoming the North American Champion when he pinned Dennis. With that victory over The One I Want and the rest of Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic 2016 winners The Creed Brothers were added to the division making that feud intractable for weeks leading up to WrestleMania that year having two show-stealers in Kenneth Cole and Strong together.
