Scotty 2 Hotty, also known as Scott Taylor, has revealed that he’s requested his release from his NXT coaching role, 30 years after first appearing for WWE.
In a statement posted on social media, the former WWE Tag Team Champion said that he’d promised himself he would never be part of something just for a pay check and and that’s how he had begun to feel. The popular Superstar went on to describe coaching in NXT as one of the highlights of his life.
“Today, I have asked for my release from World Wrestling Entertainment. 30 years ago I stepped into a WWE ring for the very first time. I have lived my dream 100 times over. Some of my most special memories will always be from the last five years working with NXT.
The black and gold brand was something special and I am proud to have been a small part of that. I always promised myself that I would never be part of something solely for the pay-check and that was where I was at. I told myself that I would walk away if I ever got to that point, so that is what I have chosen to do.
Coaching and producing the stars of NXT will always be a highlight of my life. I love you all more than you will ever know.”
Scotty 2 Hotty first appeared for WWE in October 1991 and wrestled occasionally as an enhancement talent until signing with the company on a permanent basis in 1997. He initially wrestled in the Lightweight Division before teaming with Bryan Christopher as Too Much at WrestleMania XIV.
It was alongside Christopher that Scotty enjoyed the most successful run of his career. The team was renamed Too Cool in 1999 recruiting Rikishi later that year.
Off the back of their fun-loving style and post-match dance routines, the trio achieved incredible popularity before disbanding in late 2000. Garland remained with the company for a further seven years, until he was released in May 2007.
During his time with WWE, Scotty 2 Hotty won tag team gold twice as well as the Light Heavyweight Championship as a singles wrestler.
After leaving WWE he continued to make sporadic appearances for the company while also competing on the independent scene. He later returned to WWE in September 2016 as a coach, working in NXT.