Tag: Shawn Michaels

Shawn Michaels ‘very pleased’ that WWE is open to TNA relationship

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Shawn Michaels is excited by all of the possibilities that WWE NXT’s working relationship with TNA Wrestling brings.

In an interview with WGN Radio, Michaels was asked where he sees the NXT-TNA partnership going next and if there will be more crossover between the rosters. Michaels said the relationship is still in its early stages, but he’s happy that WWE is now open to these types of collaborations.

“That’s obviously incredibly intriguing and interesting. Right now, I think we are still in the very beginning stages of that, exploring the different possibilities. And those are all things we’re going to look at going forward. Obviously [I’m] very pleased to know that these are partnerships that WWE is now open to, and I think that makes for unlimited possibilities,” Michaels said.

“Now, what the specifics of all those are as we go into the future, that’ll be decided by people certainly more important than me. But for me, getting to be the benefactor of having at your utilization all these different talent is very exciting for us. So, as we continue to explore those opportunities going forward, I think it’s going to make for some pretty fantastic dream matches that are possible out there that I think a lot of people are going to want to see.”

Joe Hendry, Jordynne Grace, and The Rascalz are among the TNA stars who have appeared for NXT during the working relationship, which has also seen some NXT wrestlers cross over into TNA.

Michaels oversees NXT in his role as WWE’s Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative.

WWE NXT reveals locations for first two CW episodes, CM Punk & Randy Orton to appear

Posted on by Ian Carey

NXT is going on the road to kick off its move to The CW.

Today, Shawn Michaels revealed on social media that the October 1 premiere episode of NXT on the network will air live from Chicago’s Allstate Arena. He also announced the brand will head to St. Louis the following week, although he did not mention a venue.

“The launch on CW happens in Chicago, Illinois, Allstate Arena, October 1. What’s better than one week on the road with NXT? Two weeks on the road. October 8, St. Louis, get ready because we’re coming your way. That’s right, two weeks in a row, NXT, the CW launch, we’re coming your way. Everybody get ready. NXT has been on fire the last year but now, NXT on the CW, it’s going to be a whole different animal.”

WWE’s press release announcing the live events also mentions “special appearances” from CM Punk and Randy Orton on the shows from Chicago and St. Louis respectively.

“Additionally, the live arena shows will feature special appearances by WWE Superstar CM Punk in Chicago and WWE Superstar Randy Orton in St. Louis.”

On Saturday, The CW released its first ad for NXT. The 30-second spot featured several members of the NXT roster including Trick Williams, Roxanne Perez, Kelani Jordan, and more.

Last November, WWE announced a five-year deal with The CW to bring NXT to the network. TKO head Ari Emanuel would later tell investors the deal is a 70 percent increase from the previous one with NBCUniversal, which was estimated at between $20-$25 million annually.

Joe Hendry: People don’t realize how meaningful a TNA wrestler getting a pin in a WWE main event was

Posted on by Denise Salcedo

As you may have noticed, TNA star Joe Hendry has been popping up on WWE NXT recently, first making his on-screen debut a month ago and then returning this month to team with Trick Williams against Ethan Page and Shawn Spears.

This past Tuesday, Hendry said he would be sticking around which means we’ll be seeing a lot more of him on WWE-produced TV.

In a recent interview you can see below, I asked Hendry about his experience with NXT and working alongside WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels. As part of his answer, he made an observation that in the aforementioned tag team match, he scored the winning pinfall which he isn’t sure people are grasping the significance of.

“…My time in WWE and in NXT has been everything that you would want it to be. I couldn’t have asked for a better environment, a more encouraging atmosphere. People are happy to be there. I just feel they have treated TNA so well. The fact that Shawn is willing to take the time to not only give advice and guide and teach, but also when I did the promo with him after the match as well. I don’t know if people realize how meaningful it is that a TNA guy got the pin in the main event of a WWE show. The fact that Shawn Michaels has faith in me, enough to allow me to compete in that main event, I hope the fans understand how much that Shawn is doing for me and for TNA there. I have to say, I can only speak for myself, but I will say I’m just very grateful to be in the situation that I am in and to be learning from that people that I have been learning from on both sides.”

Hendry will look to win his first-ever TNA World title in the main event of tonight’s Slammiversary in a six-way.

Shawn Michaels welcomes Stephanie Vaquer to WWE NXT

Posted on by Ian Carey

Shawn Michaels has seemingly confirmed that Stephanie Vaquer is headed to WWE.

CMLL released a statement earlier today announcing that Vaquer, citing personal reasons, was leaving the company effective immediately. She has been pulled from her scheduled match at NJPW x CMLL Fantasticamania in San Jose on Saturday as well.

Following CMLL’s announcement, the Mexican publication Record wrote on social media that Vaquer is headed to WWE.

“The Chilean wrestler, Stephanie Vaquer, will be a new WWE superstar, thus managing to take a big leap in her career,” a translation of the post reads.

Michaels welcomed Vaquer to the “WWE family” in a social media post on Wednesday afternoon.

“Welcome to the WWE Family, @Steph_Vaquer. See you in Orlando!”

WWE has two house shows in Mexico upcoming. They will be in Mexico City on Saturday and then head to Monterrey the following night. Both shows will be headlined by Santos Escobar challenging Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship.

Shawn Michaels NXT media call: Drew Gulak & Gable Steveson, TNA, CW debut, main roster readiness

Posted on by Josh Nason

Shawn Michaels spoke to the media for an hour on Wednesday to help promote Sunday’s WWE NXT Heatwave, answering questions about recent crossover events, the rise of Ja’Von Evans, the departures of Drew Gulak & Gable Steveson, and more.

Asked if there will be a TNA presence on Sunday given that they are heading to Toronto, Michaels couldn’t give any specifics but did talk about the interactions they have had with the likes of TNA, Bloodsport and NOAH. He later said he hopes some of these arrangements lead to more opportunities for their young talents to work elsewhere given the lack of more house shows and such.

When asked about Drew Gulak and Gable Steveson no longer being with WWE, Michaels said from his understanding, Gulak’s contract was up and there was no plan for him to go to the main roster. He put over Steveson’s athleticism as he is someone who lands on his feet no matter what. They say they use people to best of their ability but if it’s determined there is no real future on the main roster with a few years of them being around, it’s his understanding that management chooses to move on.

He doesn’t feel like it’s realistic for NXT to go out on the road every week for TV and wasn’t sure if that would be the case for The CW premiere show.

Michaels loves the attitude of Evans and said he is living his best life in NXT and doesn’t have the immediate desire to go to the main roster. He put over his future as unbelievable and has to remind him and others that there’s a lot more to learn, even at the “ripe old age of 23 or 24.”

He also sees Lola Vice as someone who could be a main roster star. He also clarified that means a lot more than just getting there, but that they want to prepare them to be people who can draw crowds and earn money.

For more on Michaels’ thoughts on getting to the main roster, dealing with the mentality of losing a spot and where they may have erred in the Brooks Jensen storyline, click below to listen.

Click here to listen (free)

Shawn Michaels teases ‘very exciting announcements’ coming for WWE NXT

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Coming off a newsworthy episode, some more “very exciting announcements” could be in the works for WWE NXT.

TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace made a surprise appearance on NXT this Tuesday and was revealed as Roxanne Perez’s challenger for Battleground. Grace will attempt to become a double champion when she faces Perez for the NXT Women’s Championship at the Sunday, June 9 event in Las Vegas.

To promote Battleground, Shawn Michaels was interviewed by KTNV Channel 13 in Las Vegas. Michaels was asked if we should expect to see more cross-promotion involving NXT and non-WWE promotions in the future. Michaels said that, while a lot of those decisions are made by people above him, he’s sure that NXT has some very exciting announcements coming soon.

“Well, look, obviously a lot of those decisions get made by people above me. But, look, I have no doubt that there’s going to be some very exciting announcements coming down the pike, let’s put it that way,” Michaels said. “And I will say this, again, it comes back to wanting to entertain the people that do this. And you just said it, for fans, we have wanted A, B, and C for so long. I don’t know, and I guess with those of us that get to do this behind the scenes, those are things that we’ve wanted to see. So why not see if we can bring you guys what it is you’ve been looking for?”

Michaels said he’s been a fan of Grace for a long time and is thrilled to have her in NXT. Grace also appeared as an entrant in WWE’s women’s Royal Rumble match this January. Sports Illustrated reported in April that WWE President Nick Khan was interested in engineering collaborations between WWE and other promotions.

This week’s NXT episode also saw former AEW wrestler Ethan Page make his debut by attacking Trick Williams. In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reports that Williams vs. Page for the NXT Championship is expected to happen at Battleground.

“Obviously a very exciting time to be a wrestling fan, and we’ll see how much of it culminates at Battleground on June 9,” Michaels told KTNV Channel 13. “But I’m sure a lot of things are going to be going on that night. So I wouldn’t miss it.”

Battleground is taking place from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, marking the first WWE event to be held at the venue.

Five days before Battleground, Grace will be in action against Stevie Turner on NXT next Tuesday.

Shawn Michaels on Jordynne Grace in WWE NXT: Triple H ‘owed me one’

Posted on by Ian Carey

Shawn Michaels says he was jealous that the WWE main roster got to use Jordynne Grace in the Royal Rumble earlier this year.

The TNA Knockouts Champion was revealed as Roxanne Perez’s opponent for NXT Battleground on last night’s show. Michaels revealed what led to Grace being brought into NXT during a recent interview with Adrian Hernandez.

“I’ve been very public about being a fan of Jordynne Grace. I expressed to Hunter privately that I was very jealous that he had her for the Rumble. And he owed me one, he owed me a big one,” Michaels said.

“We’re thrilled to have her for Battleground and we’re thrilled to have her next week.”

Michaels was asked about Grace’s Rumble appearance during a media call to promote Vengeance Day in February. He responded that he’d “always wondered if (Grace) would be interested in coming to NXT” but never reached out to her, assuming she would be unable to since she’s under contract with TNA.

NXT Battleground takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on June 9. Michaels says everyone at NXT is honored to be the first brand to run a WWE show in the venue.

“For NXT to be the first brand to be out there in the UFC Apex is just really, really big for us. And we are just so honored to get to be the brand that gets to launch that,” he continued.

The full interview is available below.

Shawn Michaels invites Kendrick Lamar & Drake to WWE NXT to settle rap feud

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Though it’s unlikely to be accepted, Shawn Michaels is offering Kendrick Lamar and Drake a place to settle their feud.

Lamar and Drake, two of the biggest superstars in music, have been engaged in a brutal rap war. They’ve been going back and forth releasing songs insulting each other. In one of them, Lamar made a reference to Michaels’ finishing move Sweet Chin Music.

Michaels responded to the mention in a tweet today, formally inviting Lamar and Drake to NXT so he can serve as a mediator and help them settle their issues.

“A little Sweet Chin Music goes a long way,” Michaels wrote. “@kendricklamar, you and  @Drake are formally invited to #WWENXT to settle this thing. I’m even offering my services to mediate.”

During their feud, Drake has accused Lamar of beating his wife and Lamar has accused Drake of being a pedophile. Drake’s latest song is a denial of the allegations Lamar has made against him.

Michaels, one of WWE’s greatest wrestlers of all time, is in charge of NXT. This Tuesday’s episode will include an NXT Women’s title match with Roxanne Perez defending against main roster star Chelsea Green.

Shawn Michaels: There’s ‘so much talent’ in AEW

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Shawn Michaels is impressed by the talent on the AEW roster.

On Friday, Michaels took part in a press conference in advance of NXT Stand & Deliver. One of the media members asked Michaels if there’s any AEW talent he would love to have in NXT. Though he didn’t want to list names or get anyone in trouble, Michael said there’s so much talent in AEW. He would take “darn near anybody.”

In his answer, Michaels praised former AEW wrestler Shawn Spears as someone who is a “formidable, secure, professional dude.” Spears made his return to NXT this February after departing AEW in December 2023. 

Michaels said:

Well, look, I guess I always go back to – I would take darn near anybody. I’ll say this: I can’t say specifically because I think there’s so much talent there. I never know where I’m supposed to list names. I don’t know everybody’s situation. The last thing I want to do is get anyone in trouble. A lot of guys that used to be in NXT are up there that I’ve always loved. I don’t get the opportunity to watch as much as I would like to.

But I know that I love working with young talent, especially when I get to know them and I understand their passion. Until I know what your desire is in this business, it’s hard for me to say whether you are the one that I’m gonna work really hard for. I don’t know – it’s become so personal to me on that level. There’s certainly people that I see from just a talent standpoint that you go, ‘Oh my goodness, they’ve got a great deal of ability. Boy, if we ever got a chance to work with them, I think we could really do something special with them.’

The person we got, Shawn Spears, he was a guy that I worked with a little bit here in NXT before he got called up and eventually left. But I always liked him because I just always thought he was a formidable, secure, professional dude that could give you anything you asked for.

I’ll say this, we enjoy working with darn near anybody and trying to make them better than whatever they were doing before. Whether it’s coming out of college or you were with another promotion. I do know that if you’ll give us at NXT the opportunity to work with you, I think we can get you at least closer, a hell of a lot closer, to your goals and what you want to accomplish out of this business than anybody else. Because that’s what we do, and we work really hard at doing that. So we’re more than happy – whether it’s AEW, whether it’s Japan, TNA, go around the globe – I’m really excited about NXT having the opportunity to make anybody’s career better than what it is they’re currently doing and allow them to have the opportunity to enjoy weekends like the one we’re about to have.

Spears is facing Joe Gacy on the NXT Stand & Deliver pre-show this Saturday. The pre-show has a start time of 11 a.m. Eastern, with the main card then beginning at noon. The event will stream live on Peacock/WWE Network.

Michaels has worked in NXT since 2016 and has been in charge of the brand since 2021. His job title in WWE is Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative.

Shawn Michaels praises WWE NXT’s Trick Williams & Carmelo Hayes

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Shawn Michaels believes Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes are “so deserving” of their main event spot at NXT Stand & Deliver.

It was confirmed today that the grudge match between Williams and Hayes will headline NXT Stand & Deliver during WrestleMania weekend. During an appearance on Busted Open Radio, Michaels said the main event spot is something that Williams and Hayes have both earned.

Michaels said it’s been a joy to work with Williams and Hayes. When Hayes came into NXT, he and Michaels “hit it off right off the bat.” Michaels credited Williams for being one of the hardest workers they have.

Michaels believes the friends-turned-rivals storyline with Williams and Hayes is the most intriguing story in NXT right now. Michaels would argue that it’s the most intriguing story in NXT history:

I dearly love both those two young men with all my heart. They have been fantastic. They’re a joy to the coaches – and not just me, to everybody in NXT and the Performance Center. And obviously have earned this spot at WrestleMania [weekend] – at Stand & Deliver, as the main event. This is the deepest, most passionate, most intriguing storyline in NXT and I would argue in NXT history. And this is so deserving of the main event, and these two guys earned it every step of the way and I’m happy that they’re getting this opportunity. 

Michaels said the chemistry between Williams and Hayes was “so natural from the get-go.” Williams and Hayes were originally paired together as allies before Hayes turned against Williams.

The Williams vs. Hayes story was documented in a Prime Target vignette that aired on NXT this week:

Michaels has the job title of Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative in WWE/NXT.

NXT Stand & Deliver is taking place from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Saturday, April 6. The main card starts at noon Eastern time, airing live on Peacock before night one of WrestleMania 40.

Shawn Michaels NXT media call: Vince McMahon fallout, addressing allegations

Posted on by Josh Nason

Shawn Michaels went through what he called his toughest media call yet Thursday, answering questions about safety of those that work at the WWE Performance Center in the wake of the Vince McMahon lawsuit in addition to addressing past allegations made about himself.

The full audio can be heard below.

When asked about past allegations that Brutus Beefcake made about himself and Marty Jannetty, Michaels flatly denied them and said Beefcake himself walked those comments back in the past. He said he has made his mistakes in the past, but never did anything that wasn’t consensual, adding those who engage in that behavior typically have issues with power and women which he never experienced.

While never directly asked about his thoughts about the Vince McMahon lawsuit allegations from last week, Michaels was asked several times about the safety protocols and environment at the Performance Center/NXT. He reiterated that they try to foster an open environment and welcome communication from talent. 

Asked if staff has had conversations with talents about the McMahon situation, Michaels said everyone is aware. He takes working with young talent seriously in all aspects of the business, and wants them to tell the truth. He said everyone is excited about the future despite the situation and that, “The windows have opened up and everyone is ready to move forward.”

When asked about what policies were specifically updated in 2022 to help make a safer environment, he couldn’t recall them, but said they they didn’t need to refer to a piece of paper to ensure the goal of making the PC a safe environment for everyone — even extending to those like his daughter who visits every week.

Michaels said transparency and openness has changed everything with how they train people at NXT. He said treating people with love and respect isn’t that hard to do, and wants to keep fostering that environment.

Some other notes from the call which you can hear in full below:

  • Asked about TNA’s Jordynne Grace appearing in the women’s Rumble match, he said it’s a different era now where things that weren’t allowed in the past are possible. He joked that Paul Levesque gets to do those on the main roster and that he’s questioned why that hasn’t happened in NXT yet. He would love the opportunity to bring experienced talent in from outside groups to work with NXT wrestlers.
  • Asked about William Regal returning to TV, Michaels said everyone was extremely excited about his brief cameo and he has no doubt there will be more of those in the future.
  • He talked about the pride in seeing talents like Bron Breakker, Tiffany Stratton and Carmelo Hayes in the Royal Rumble matches and that if felt like they belonged.
  • Michaels said they don’t have to work hard to find spots for women on NXT shows because there are so many talented athletes that bring it week after week. He heavily credited Sara Amato for the work she’s done and that said she’s the best-kept secret in the business

Click Here to Listen

Shawn Michaels says Bron Breakker ‘still has work to do’ in WWE NXT

Posted on by Ian Carey

Shawn Michaels believes Bron Breakker still has work left to do in NXT. 

Breakker entered the Royal Rumble on Saturday and later stated that he believes the WWE main roster is now his home. Nick Aldis also appeared to receive a phone call from Breakker during a segment on last night’s Raw, possibly teasing the 26-year-old could be headed to SmackDown. 

Michaels appeared on the Battleground podcast recently and was asked about Breakker’s recent comments regarding the main roster. 

Michaels said:

Well, look, he may feel like that’s his home but he’s still got work here in NXT to do whether he likes it or not. 

Strange enough, that’s our job, our job is to lose talent but I got to tell you, I’m going to have trouble letting him go. 

I can assure you that there is more left for Bron Breakker here in NXT one way or another.

He’s an incredibly talented, very gifted young man. As far as I’m concerned, he’s young and, as we say, full of piss and vinegar. If he wants to double-time it he can certainly do it but I’m not letting him go that easy. 

Breakker is also scheduled to team with Baron Corbin in the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Classic on Sunday at NXT Vengeance Day. 

On today’s Wrestling Observer Radio., Breakker’s future was addressed by our own Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez. 

“They’ll probably finish him up on Sunday, I’m going to guess, or soon thereafter,” Meltzer said. 

“Too bad because, man, that team that he had with Corbin was great. What a team those guys were. I mean, he should be a singles star on the main roster and a champion,” Alvarez added. 

“He’s absolutely ready to be a singles star on the main roster,” Meltzer continued. 

Breakker’s appearance in the Rumble was as a late replacement for Brock Lesnar, who was withdrawn from the match following reports stating he’s the “UFC Heavyweight Champion” referred to in Janel Grant’s lawsuit against WWE, Vince McMahon, and John Laurinaitis. It is not clear if Breakker will be slotted into the rest of what was planned for Lesnar in the coming months, however.  

Shawn Michaels: Wes Lee being pulled from NXT Deadline was last-minute decision

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Wes Lee being pulled from NXT Deadline was a last-minute decision.

Lee was scheduled to challenge Dominik Mysterio for the NXT North American Championship at this Saturday’s premium live event. But it was announced on NXT this Tuesday that Lee is injured and won’t be able to compete in the match. Lee needs surgery on his back and is expected to be out of action for 8-12 months.

During a media conference call to promote Deadline, Shawn Michaels opened up about Lee’s injury.

The decision with Wes was pretty darn close to last-minute. Wes has been struggling for quite some time. I certainly didn’t know the depth of it. I knew — obviously we get medical reports. It was a decision that Wes made on his own, as he should. I mean, clearly, he’s a young man that goes out there and just performs like few others. And he had a huge match already going into this premium live event looking for the North American Championship. But just a day or two before, we had a long talk. And he just did not think he could make it through the match with the pain he was in. And so that was the decision certainly that he and our medical team made. It is the best decision for Wes, and that’s the only thing in my mind that’s important right now, So look, all of this was last-minute. Wes, to his credit, was certainly doing everything he could do to get himself ready for this. But it just wasn’t meant to be.

Lee tweeted last night: “Thank you all for the get well wishes. Warms my heart to see the love from y’all. Truly hurt to have to deliver the message but I promise to also deliver on my claim to return and rep the WesSide proudly. Love y’all”

Dragon Lee is replacing Wes Lee in Saturday’s North American title match. Michaels noted on the conference call that he thought Dragon Lee was the best choice for a replacement. Michaels said there’s already a past story between Dominik and Dragon Lee. And from a selfish standpoint, Dragon Lee is someone who Michaels likes both as a performer and as a human being. Michaels said he enjoyed having Dragon Lee in NXT and would have liked to have him in the brand longer.

Dragon Lee was called up to the WWE SmackDown roster this October.

Rey Mysterio will be in Dragon Lee’s corner at Deadline. Dominik will have Rhea Ripley in his corner.

Wes Lee competed on the November 28 episode of NXT, winning a fatal four-way match to set him up as Dominik’s challenger for Deadline. He defeated Johnny Gargano, Bronson Reed, and Cameron Grimes.

Deadline streams live on Peacock/WWE Network at 8 p.m. Eastern time this Saturday (December 9).

Shawn Michaels NXT media call: CM Punk, McKenzie Mitchell, NXT Europe

Posted on by Josh Nason

Ahead of Saturday’s WWE NXT Deadline, Shawn Michaels talked to the media for nearly an hour on Thursday afternoon where he gave some insight into the rehiring of CM Punk, McKenzie Mitchell’s release, Wes Lee’s injury, and more.

On Punk returning, Michaels said he felt the decision made business sense for everyone and is glad to see him back. He said it makes the end of someone’s career easier if they go out on their own terms. He reiterated he seems them as very similar people.

He was blindsided by Mitchell’s release last week, but said she is always part of the NXT family and that he hopes they can work together again someday. She was very well-liked by people down there, according to him.

There is no update on NXT Europe other than that they are still working on it and that the region is an important one for the company.

The decision to pull Wes Lee from this Saturday’s Deadline was a last-second one as Lee has been struggling with his injury for a while and that they didn’t know the depth of it. He didn’t think he could make it through the match given the pain he’s in so they made the call.

To hear his thoughts on Lexis King, Trick Williams, why the 18-34 demo is enjoying NXT more these days, and more, click the link below for the audio:

Click Here to Listen

Shawn Michaels calls Dominik Mysterio the ‘MVP of WWE this year’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Shawn Michaels has nothing but admiration for Dominik Mysterio.

During an appearance on The Ringer’s Cheap Heat podcast, Michaels discussed what it’s been like to have Dominik in NXT. Michaels called Dominik the “MVP of the WWE this year” for the work he’s done both in NXT and on the main roster. Michaels said a lot was put on Dominik early in his career, but he’s grown a lot and become a hell of a performer.

To me, Dominik Mysterio – MVP of the WWE this year. Every time he comes here, I look at him and I say, ‘Hardest working man in show business.’ He has just been an iron man for us. And again, I can’t speak to what he does on the main roster, but he has just done everything we have asked of him. He’s done it professionally. He’s done it admirably. Done it to the best of his ability. Yes, do I think it’s been to his advantage because a lot was put on him early and he, you know, he probably didn’t get the opportunity to develop, you know, behind the scenes as much as other people had and he had to do it out there in front of the world and probably got judged harshly for it? But I’m telling you, I have nothing but admiration for that young man. He has been a stud for us. And again, I think from a company standpoint, everybody would agree with me. He got a lot put on him early, and I think he’s grown a lot in this last year. I think he’s become a hell of a performer as well, when everything is said and done. But it’s hard for me not to admire the young man who’s worked so hard for us.

Michaels said Dominik has been a joy to work with professionally and he appreciates that more than anything else.

I tell Rey [Mysterio] every time I see him, he’s a great performer and everything else, but you’ve raised a really wonderful young man there. And I hope that means a lot to him. Because he really is. I admire him a great deal as a young man.

Dominik is the current NXT North American Champion. It’s the second time he’s held the title this year.

At NXT Deadline on December 9, Dominik is defending his North American Championship against Wes Lee. Lee earned the title shot by defeating Johnny Gargano, Bronson Reed, and Cameron Grimes in a fatal four-way match on NXT this Tuesday.

Dominik was part of the men’s WarGames match at Survivor Series last weekend. The Judgment Day (Damian Priest, Finn Balor, Dominik, JD McDonagh) & Drew McIntyre lost to Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn & Randy Orton. Orton then defeated Dominik in a singles match on Monday’s episode of Raw.