WWE SVP of Talent Relations and NXT head official Shawn Michaels held a media scrum earlier today to promote this Sunday’s NXT Heatwave 2024 event at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Some of the notable highlights included:
- On the topic of working with Anthem Media Group for WWE’s current working relationship with TNA Wrestling for talent crossovers, Michaels stated that he could not speak more on what was to come with the TNA relationship in regards to this Sunday’s Heatwave event.
- On the topic of NXT talent Charlie Dempsey working overseas, Michaels stated that Dempsey is someone that has adapted very well and they have been trying to help him and everyone else in NXT to be as well rounded as possible.
- On the topic of Drew Gulak and Gable Steveson’s recent departures from WWE, Michaels stated “From my understanding, nothing on anyone’s part other than contracts being up. Certainly, in the place of Drew Gulak. From a company standpoint, there not being anything from a main roster standpoint that they were going to be using him in. In NXT, over the last year and a half to two years, we’ve been trying to get into the process of keeping it fluid. It’s all about getting to the main roster when everything is said and done. In two or three years, if that doesn’t happen, we bring other people in or see if we’re ready to move on. As far as Gable is concerned, he’s an incredibly talented guy. It’s amazing some of the things he can do. He’s a dude who lands on his feet. I wish him luck (in the NFL), and excited to see how that works out. At NXT, we use people to the best of their ability, but from a main roster standpoint, if they feel there is not a place for them, and their contracts are up, from a business standpoint, they choose to move on.“
- On the topic of Mia Yim’s return to WWE’s NXT brand, Michaels praised Yim for her work stating that she has been fantastic. Michaels stated that he always gets excited when they get back people from the Black & Gold era. Michaels also stated that the NXT roster is “so deep and fantastic” but having veterans who are as skilled as Mia working there is “always a huge advantage and treat.”
- On the topic about the potential plans for NXT being on the road when it goes to the CW Network, Michaels stated that is something he hears as well but does not know if those plans are set in stone. Michaels stated that being in Orlando at their home is fantastic and that is something he doesn’t think they need to be out of there full-time. Michaels also stated that everyone is excited about going to Toronto this weekend and this may not seem like a big thing to some, but to the younger talents, some of them have never left the country. Michaels also stated that getting NXT’s PPV events on the road is a good balance for them and does not see any foreseeable changes in the future but the one thing he knows is that when you thinking something is set in WWE, it can always change.
- On the topic of TNA talent Joe Hendry, Michaels stated “Clearly, you could see what it is. It was my first time meeting Joe. Even for me, not being the most skilled social media guy, you see his stuff all the time on social media. Clearly, he’s a bright young man. The short dealings that I had with him, I liked him a great deal. Nothing would thrill me more than to have the opportunity to work with Joe Hendry in the future. I think he would tell you the same thing. He’s somebody that wants to continue to grow and move up. Right now, nothing to add at this point in time. He’s a young man that’s very bright and has a bright future. I appreciate the way he’s generated this on his own. That always speaks well of somebody. Thinking outside of the box. He’s obviously done that and I appreciate the intellect that it takes for somebody to grow outside of the wheelhouse they are in.“
- On the topic of NXT holding this past June’s Roadblock 2024 event at the UFC Apex and his new social media profile photo, Michaels stated that TNA talent Jordynne Grace gave him the chef hat to wear as a gift. Michaels also stated that being at the APEX was a positive experience and they learned a lot about how to make it better next time.
- On the topic of Ethan Page and Shawn Spears being in the main event for Heatwave 2024 representing Canada, Michaels stated that Page has been phenomenal since he walked in the doors in NXT and he has worked with Spears for years. Michaels stated that they are having a balancing act of having their best run in the organizations they have been in and also trying to help develop and improve NXT talents. Michaels stated that he always admires the people who pass on the wisdom they have towards others so that business can flourish.
- On the topic of navigating NXT in the post-WWE Draft era so far compared to past years, Michaels stated that it is challenging. Michaels also stated that between the Draft and injuries here and there, it is always a fluid thing going on. Michaels also stated that you can’t be so married to an idea or a story when you don’t know what can happen tomorrow or next week. Micheals stated that when you lay out three to five months of story and something takes you out of it, you can’t help but feel disappointed. Michaels stated that Paul Levesque has helped him understand that there will be ebbs and flows to all of this and that is something he is still working on to get better. Michaels also stated that they have so many young talents who are adaptable and willing to do anything and veterans who have trust in the team in NXT.
- On the topic of outside talents coming in could be a lesson for NXT talents who could worry about losing their spot and if that could be a learning opportunity, Michaels stated that everyone in NXT who walks in knows that its developmental and it is a rotating slot. Michaels stated that some NXT talents are so new that they have not been desensitized yet the way a main roster or veteran talent would where things might be more clearly defined. Michaels also stated that froma two to three year standpoint, you mught have talents who are used regularly and may come to feel that they are not being used as well. Michaels stated that can be used as a developmental tool and part of teaching the business that there are things that go on beyond just what happens in the ring. Michaels stated that how a talent conducts themselves could have an impact on how you are seen going forward so that can be a lesson in that regard. Michaels also stated that he has not seen it to be such a big problem here because NXT is like college.
- On the topic of the current storylines with Brooks Jensen and Ridge Holland, Michaels stated that you always have to be sensitive whole blurring the lines. Michaels stated that there will be times that people take things from them that you did not intend to do. Michaels also stated that there was a time where people were not sensitive to the highs and lows of depression and frustrations but he certainly is and if he feels that they have gone the wrong way, they will back off and re-assess the storyline direction.
- Michaels also praised Je’Von Evans and Lola Vice for their work in NXT and as people who could become stars one day on WWE’s main roster.
Full NXT Heatwave 2024 media scrum audio: F4WOnline.com
Source: PWInsider.com, Fightful.com 1 & 2
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