Recently released NXT Superstar Asher Hale has posted a lengthy statement following his departure from WWE on August 6th.
Hale, also known as Anthony Henry, only made his WWE debut on the May 4th episode of NXT. Following his defeat to Cameron Grimes, the former Evolve Tag Team Champion mainly appeared on 205 Live.
Posting on Twitter, Hale addressed his release initially thanking NXT and Triple H in particular for the opportunity. Expanding further, the former independent star noted that there is change afoot in the company.
“There is a shift happening, within the company and I no longer fit what they are looking for. I mean, I get it. I just wish I had known that before moving my family down here, but we all take risks in life. It was a choice I made.”
I've had time to process what going through my head. These are my thoughts on my time with @wwe and subsequent release. Thank you to @WWENXT and @TripleH for the opportunity, the experience, and for making me stronger person. #workhorsmenpic.twitter.com/PeTgCtgUpm
— Asher Hale (FKA Anthony Henry) (@AsherhaleWWE) August 8, 2021
The comments come after it was reported that there were “major changes” coming to NXT. In the wake of the most recent releases, Mike Johnson of PWInsider noted that the changes would include a new logo, new lighting, a focus on younger talents and a different format to the TV shows.
This was followed by a report from Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio where he noted that NXT would be focussing on “younger, bigger guys that could someday main event WrestleMania.”
Elsewhere in the statement, Hale also revealed that he has been carrying an injury for much of his time in WWE which has limited him in the ring. Hale explained that he herniated two disks in his spine during a training match about a month into his stay at the Performance Center. He went on to add that this meant during his televised matches he was performing at 75% at best.
Asher Hale’s final match for WWE came on 205 Live where he was defeated by Drake Maverick.