Shawn Michaels from WWE NXT will be participating in a media briefing to promote the upcoming NXT No Mercy PPV in Bakersfield, CA. Coverage will begin when the call begins.

Michaels extended a warm welcome to everyone on the call and expressed gratitude for their participation. He began by highlighting the upcoming PPV scheduled for this Saturday and provided a rundown of the card.

In addition, he announced that the next NXT PPV, titled “Deadline,” is set to take place on December 9th in Bridgeport, CT.

When asked about NXT Europe, Michaels conveyed his excitement about the project and mentioned that they are eager to launch it in 2024.

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Regarding the utilization of UK talent, Michaels shared his enthusiasm for working with them during NXT UK. He recalled numerous instances where he proposed bringing them to the United States, praising their accomplishments and the seamless integration into the NXT brand. He particularly noted their contributions behind the scenes.

Michaels also discussed Gable Steveson’s status, expressing his intention to use him. However, due to Steveson’s external commitments, they are working on finding the right balance for his involvement. Steveson has been participating in some live events in Florida, and they are currently in the process of organizing his schedule for the future.

For the upcoming Kickoff Show this Saturday, a match between Blair Davenport and Kelani James has been confirmed.

Michaels shared his disappointment upon learning of Mustafa Ali’s release, emphasizing his high regard for Ali and his contributions. He mentioned the dynamic nature of the industry and the need for quick adjustments, commending their ability to pivot effectively. Although he believes Ali will achieve success, he expressed missing the opportunity to work with him.

Regarding recent WWE releases that impacted plans, Michaels mentioned that Dana Brooke’s release caught them somewhat by surprise as they had an ongoing storyline. He acknowledged that such situations are not uncommon and stated that he tries not to let them catch him off guard. He expressed enjoyment in working with all talents and considered their experiences with NXT positive, whether they return to the main roster or pursue opportunities elsewhere.

In response to Jade Cargill’s signing with WWE, Michaels recognized the significance of her signing and described her as a diligent worker during her training. He was impressed by her presence and believed she was well-suited for WWE. While expressing the desire to have her in NXT, he assured that wherever she ends up, she will achieve great success, and they will maximize her potential if she joins NXT.

Discussing Trick Williams, Michaels emphasized his unparalleled work ethic, highlighting his dedication to daily training and his aspiration to prove himself and earn his place. He regarded Trick as one of the top 2-3 hardest workers at the PC, with a significant opportunity ahead.

Regarding NXT’s position in the media rights landscape, Michaels deferred to those with more expertise but expressed a personal belief that NXT should be featured on a younger, more contemporary network to align with its youthful appeal, akin to college football. He praised the partnership with the USA Network and expressed optimism about capturing a newer fan base.

Concerning Tiffany Stratton, Michaels praised her work and acknowledged areas for improvement, such as her comfort in promos and in-ring performance. He believed she could make significant progress by Wrestlemania with time and effort, noting that decisions about call-ups are made by higher-ups but expressing confidence in her potential.

Regarding Stratton’s work against Becky Lynch, Michaels praised it as fantastic and highlighted her participation in WWE live events. He explained that working with more experienced talents like Becky Lynch accelerates her development, resulting in significant improvements in her skills and progress.

When asked about the potential of NXT airing TV or PPV from Latin America, Michaels expressed his enthusiasm for the idea but acknowledged that it might take some time before NXT has such an opportunity. He emphasized that NXT is currently positioned as the third brand, primarily focused on development.

Regarding the potential return of CM Punk, Michaels stated that they would “of course” welcome him to NXT. He shared his enjoyment of working with Phil (CM Punk), even though their collaboration was limited. Michaels felt a connection with Punk and recognized that Punk has a unique personality and may not always get along with everyone, much like Michaels himself in the past. However, the decision to bring Punk to NXT would be made by someone else. Michaels expressed his desire to have Punk on NXT TV but wasn’t sure if it would be allowed, playfully adding that if he got in trouble for saying that, he would let everyone know.

In closing, Michaels conveyed his excitement for NXT and the upcoming No Mercy event. He noted that the talent shares the same passion, underscoring the enthusiasm and dedication within the NXT brand.

Steve Carrier

Steve is the Founder of RingsideNews. He has been writing about professional wrestling since 1996. He first got into website development at the time and has been focusing on bringing his readers the best professional wrestling news at it's highest quality.

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