Shawn Michaels has opened up about the futures of Jagger Reid and Rip Fowler who have both asked to leave NXT in recent months.
The pair initially found success in NXT as the Grizzled Young Veterans before joining Schism. However, back in April, it was revealed that the pair had requested their release, although they later confirmed that it had been denied. They added that they will become free agents in October, seemingly confirming that they will be leaving NXT when their contracts expire.
Despite this, they have continued to feature on NXT television. Speaking to the media ahead of NXT Battleground, NXT boss Shawn Michaels said that the duo is just too talented to be left on the sidelines to wait out their deals.
In answer to a question posed by Alistair McGeorge of Metro, Michaels said that while he hopes everyone will achieve their goals in WWE, he understands that it isn’t always possible.
“Obviously, obviously, I do. They were guys that clearly, I wanted to come over and bring over from the UK. I think they’re very talented. I absolutely understand. It’s one of the things that I tell everybody here. Do I want it to be here in the WWE for you to have your success? Absolutely. I can’t lie about that. Really, this is about, no matter who comes through these doors, help them to have success in this business as a whole,” said HBK.
“I always tell everybody, ‘I feel so fortunate for the life that I have and my family and I have. It’s because of this job, and now there is a real opportunity for everyone in this line of work to have that.’ I want that for them. I understand how they feel, but as I mentioned to them, ‘while you are here, I still want to put you in a prominent role.’ There are no hard feelings in that respect. There is too much talent there to waste or leave on the table. If they don’t mind work, I sure as heck don’t mind using them.”
Shawn Michaels Denies Claims About NXT & AEW Head-To-Head
During the same media call, Michaels was also asked about the fact that NXT and AEW will be going head-to-head on May 28th. HBK claimed that it isn’t something that fans should get used to, noting that as far as he’s aware there are no plans for it to happen again.
H/t to Fightful