Recap from the media call.
The next Premium Live Event on the docket for WWE is NXT Vengeance Day on February 4th from Clarksville, Tennessee. Going into the event, NXT head Shawn Michaels took questions from the media.
Among the topics covered were the Vince McMahon sex trafficking allegations, Jordynne Grace’s showing in the 2024 women’s Royal Rumble and William Regal’s return to NXT TV. Here are the highlights:
- Michaels stated that the Vince McMahon situation is a ‘sad’ one. He said in NXT, they foster a safe environment and support the talent with a safe workplace.
- He was asked if there have been conversations with talents about the situation and he said everyone is aware. He takes working with young talent seriously and wants them to tell the truth in all aspects of the business. Despite the situation, Michaels said everyone is excited about the future and are ready to move forward.
- Speaking about William Regal’s return to TV, everyone was extremely excited and does not doubt there will be more appearances from him in the future.
- He was proud seeing Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes and Tiffany Stratton in the Royal Rumble. He feels they earned the spot(s) and looked like they belonged.
- Michaels said it is not tasking to find spots for women on NXT shows because there’s so many talented performers on deck. He credited Sara Amato for the work she’s done and said she’s the best-kept secret in the business.
- There was a question about what policies were updated in 2022 to help make a safer environment. Michaels could not recall specifics, but said his daughter visits the Performance Center every week. He reiterated that his goal is to keep a safe environment for everyone. He does not need to refer to what’s on paper to ensure that himself and everyone at NXT is following through on what he said.
- He spoke about TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace and stated that he’s seen her from afar. He was curious if she was interested in coming to WWE but did not want to tamper.
- Michaels was asked about past allegations concerning himself and Marty Jannetty that stems from Brutus Beefcake. Michaels said he’s never shied away from past issues but Beefcake has taken the allegation back. He added that he’s never done anything that was not consensual and denied any allegations that he has ever done so.
