Enzo Amore Defends Bill DeMott’s Controversial WWE Teaching Methods

WWE’s Performance Center underwent quite a few changes over the past few years, especially when it came to changing up their Head Coach. The biggest change came after Bill DeMott was released from his position as Head Coach, something that many approved of. With that said, Enzo Amore has defended the teachings of Bill DeMott during his time in NXT.

Bill DeMott is a highly controversial figure in WWE history. He served as the Head Coach in NXT a few years ago but stepped down after facing allegations of abuse and misconduct that spread widely on social media and news outlets.

DeMott was accused of using offensive language to belittle people and exhibiting homophobic behavior. There were also claims that he deliberately caused injuries or worsened existing ones through neglect or malice. DeMott denied all these allegations.

While speaking on Wrestling Shoot Interviews, Enzo Amore talked about his experience with Bill DeMott, expressing that he holds no ill will toward him despite the harshness of DeMott’s training methods. He described the training as “hell on Earth” and emphasized that enduring such intense conditions was necessary for reaching the top in WWE. According to Amore, many people complain about DeMott’s methods, but he believes that those who signed up for WWE should expect to face tough challenges.

“Bill DeMott, man, I don’t have any ill will towards Bill. He made our lives hell—hell on Earth, it was hell. You’ve got to go through hell if you want to make it to the top, dog. You’ve got to start from the bottom to get to the top. A lot of people like to complain about what went on when Bill was there, and what I say to them is, ‘You signed up for the f***** WWE. How did you think you were going to make it?”

Amore shared that when he started, he had never wrestled before, and learning how to take a beating was part of the process. He viewed the tough training as a crucial part of making it in the business and noted that those who persevered, including himself, ultimately achieved success. He mentioned that despite the hardships, he does not complain because they contributed to his growth and success in WWE.

”I was learning how to take an ass-kicking and was literally getting my ass kicked, I was none the wiser. I just thought that this is how we make it, and that is how you make it. I’m a testament to it. The guy who took the most ass-whippings, who shut the [ _ ] up and showed up first and took every single ass-kicking, ended up getting the loudest ovation in NXT to WWE call-up history when he showed up on the scene. Was it because my life was made a hell worse than anyone else’s at a time when I needed it? Maybe, I don’t know, but I know that I had it really, really hard, really, really rough. I’m not complaining about it at all because it made me the man I am. If I could get through that, I can get to Raw, and when I get to Raw, they’re going to hear me roar, dog. I am going to [ _ ] let it be known, and I don’t have to tell you about the hells I went through on the come-up trying to make it. Other people I witnessed it. I don’t ever need to speak on it. That’s pro wrestling. If you signed up for this thing and you want to make it, you have no right to complain.”

Amore recounted his time on the street team, where he wasn’t booked for matches but was involved in setting up merchandise and the ring. He described how he made sure to contribute in any way he could, even if he wasn’t wrestling, to earn respect from his peers.

Amore also pointed out that he learned essential wrestling skills, like wrist locks and dropkicks, through his challenging early experiences. He pointed out that the rigorous environment was designed to build resilience and that those who could thrive under such pressure were prepared for success in WWE. He praised DeMott’s role in shaping many stars, including himself, and reflected on how the demanding training contributed to his development as a wrestler.

”Some days are going to suck. You know, they don’t do street team anymore. I was on the street team every day for a year. What does that mean? I wasn’t on the card; I didn’t wrestle on the shows. I set up merchandise, I sold t-shirts that had Seth Rollins’ face on them that said FCW. I set up the ring, I learned how to set up all four posts, made sure I got a shoulder under every post so that Roman saw it, so that Seth Rollins saw it, so that Ambrose saw it, so everyone saw it. Because I didn’t know how to wrestle, I’d never had a match in my life. But you’re not going to tell me I didn’t touch all four posts when I set up this ring, when I tied the ring ropes.

Y’all saw me do that because I’m not contributing to the show any other way. You’re not putting me on, I’m not booked. But remember when I started in this thing, I was with everybody who was there, right? And who got the loudest ovation when we showed up? Me and Cass, okay? But I learned when I got through the f***** door there how to do a wrist lock and a dropkick. Dog, I mean, I was fighting for my life from day one, and you have no choice in that situation but to persevere or it’s sink or swim. You get thrown into the fire, you get signed by WWE, you’ve never wrestled before in your life, and these are the guys you’re sharing a locker room with. You better figure it the f*** out, and you had to earn people’s respect, and you had to do it the old-school way. And people think that I didn’t are out of their f***** mind. Like, you had to. There’s a certain level to shut the f*** up and look, listen, and learn that goes into becoming a pro. Bill had his way of doing things, and I think it made a lot of people stars. I think it made me a star. Is it like the pressure cooker thing, you know what I mean? Bro, if you could f***** make it under Bill, you’re gonna make it under anyone.”

Bill DeMott already broke his silence on all the abuse allegations meted against him. Matt Bloom took over as Head Coach after Bill DeMott, and the Performance Center saw significant improvements under his leadership. NXT has continued to thrive, especially with Shawn Michaels now in charge. Given the past issues, it’s unlikely that DeMott will return to WWE, and many people are relieved about that.

What do you think of what Enzo Amore had to say about Bill DeMott’s controversial teaching methods in WWE? Sound off in the comments section below!

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