Maluta made several appearances for WWE, starting in June 2016 when he was announced as one of thirty-two men participating in the inaugural Cruiserweight Classic. In his first and only match in the tournament, Maluta was eliminated by Kota Ibushi. Maluta again wrestled for WWE on July 13, this time in their developmental territory NXT, losing to Hideo Itami. The following day, Maluta teamed with fellow CWC participant Mustafa Ali in a dark match, losing to TM61 (Nick Miller and Shane Thorne). The following month, Maluta teamed with Ariya Daivari in a loss to the Bollywood Boyz (Gurv and Harv Sihra), and again lost to the Bollywood Boyz in September, this time teaming with Danny Burch. Maluta again returned to WWE in October, losing to Bobby Roode, once again in NXT. Maluta appeared on NXT on March 1, 2017, he was squashed by Patrick Clark. Maluta again competed for WWE in January 2017 on 205 Live, first losing in Tajiri's return match, and then to The Brian Kendrick the following week. Maluta returned to NXT on May 17, 2017, losing to Drew McIntyre. Maluta made another appearance the following year on the July 25 edition of NXT, losing to Adam Cole.