AJ Styles explains why all new WWE Talent NEED to go through NXT - May 2017

We sat down with AJ Styles right before the WWE Live event in Glasgow and asked him a bunch of different questions. Here AJ talks about even though he went straight to the main roster why he feels all WWE talent needs to go through NXT and the benefits of them doing so.
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[@SuperThegreatone23]

AJ is genuinely the only superstar over with every single genre of the wwe universe.

[@zackrakesh6151]

EVEN THE GAY COMMUNITY!???

[@chrisanders713]

WWE doesn't have a gay community. Unless you mean Darren Young.

[@asteadydecline]

The joke is lost on you.

[@itzthehunter8444]

Cesaro is over

[@SD78]

AJ Styles strongly resembles a lesbian.

[@patrickbell4562]

this guy is to good to go in NXT.. when you been around like Aj and did it all basically and his age , NXT would be a waste of time

[@tomhadders9511]

Patrick Bell Yes but he's also had the experience of TNA and other live shows, so when he talks about learning how the camera works and all the little things then he's already got that experience. While others may not from the indies

[@patrickbell4562]

TomHadders95 that's why i said been around like aj. he did more than others wrestlers

[@tomhadders9511]

Patrick Bell I agree with you. Plus he's just too good to go to NXT lol

[@giancarlovillanueva7440]

Patrick Bell NXT is not only for ring work. Its also for gimmic purposes. For instance Apallo Crews is great at the ring but has 0 charisma. He got called up too early and has not improved much scince

[@mar2fire]

Should say the same with Samoa Joe and Nakamura.

[@yihulln1889]

AJ STYLES "THE BEST OF THE WORLD"

[@chrisanders713]

After Orton.

[@aldexitoelpipa]

Chris Anders Orton!? lol he is not even top 10 right now.

[@asteadydecline]

Chris Anders hahahahahahahaha what?

[@bp4816]

LMAO ORTON, that fucker is the laziest wrestler in the world after Brock Lesnar

[@Continuu2]

Chris Anders this dude is some sort of new crazy

[@kennethrogers222]

Aj styles was legend before he even stepped in the wwe

[@ryzalboyz9511]

He been in WCW before just like Sting ..but he not popular as sting back in that day.. he become popular in Indie,TNA,ROH and NJPW he is Free agent superstar before WWE just Like Hideo Itami (KENTA) outside WWE

[@CrothaTheCrobatman]

He's fucking AJ Styles. He doesn't need learn nothing, the others need to learn from him.

[@mallorycarll6280]

CrothaTheCrobatman -- You NEVER stop learning. AJ would be the first to preach that. It doesn't matter how good you are, the second you think "you know it all" is the second you need to get out of a creative business.

[@faust9741]

JP the reason why shinsuke was on NXT is because he wanted to learn more about american wrestling

[@Dikkesamir]

Dat 337 Boot Boy you do realise AJ Styles is still a way bigger draw than all of them right? Do you think a Finn would even survive in the main roster without creating a name for himself on nxt? Heck the others aren't even a big name, maybe Samoa joe but thats about it.

[@JohnKerns91]

CrothaTheCrobatman It's not about learning wrestling. It's about learning WWE.

[@JonathanMcDonald26]

Dat 337 Boot Boy wow your a idiot if you just said that about all those wrestlers can't believer you even Compare Some of them to AJ

[@emonrahman6908]

for me aj is the greatest of all time.

[@izzyshamin5923]

Makes sense. If you've never main evented a big promotion like NJPW, then taking to WWE is so different. You're not performing for just the crowd anymore like the indies, you're performing for live tv and if you thrust someone like Adam Cole straight into main roster, hes gonna be lost because he doesn't have much experience wrestling for the camera.

[@mallorycarll6280]

Izzy Shamin -- Even main eventing New Japan, I HIGHLY encourage and want wrestlers to go through NXT. There's so many nuances to the WWE style and backstage politics that it would be ignorant to bypass all of that. They might as well take advantage of the trainers, health/sports science coaches, etc... while they can because even though there are people who got over somewhere else... it's no guarantee they'd get over in the WWE. Us fans wouldn't know it, but the WWE truly is a completely different beast and no matter how experienced someone might be... working a main roster crowd is tricky. I.E-- look at Gran Metalik. Phenomenal luchador (he truly could be the next Rey Mysterio as far as marketing is concerned) but he had a poor match with Drew Gulak that had noticeable botches. We saw him once on 205 Live and we haven't seen him since. Why? He's working the NXT house shows to work on the WWE style and to work on his English speaking skills.

[@izzyshamin5923]

True, However there really has to be some exceptions, I.E if Omega does decide to come, his paycheck would be way too much and a waste if he was put through NXT. But, he should spend a few weeks at the Performance Centre just so he can learn the camera stuff. Other than him and a very few others, I really think NXT is a must just to make sure you know the ropes around WWE first.

[@michaelm.8981]

Izzy Shamin Omega said he wouldn't go thru nxt it would either be the main roster or he won't come

[@izzyshamin5923]

I know he said that, why would would he really. One of the hottest stars in the world in NXT? wouldn't make any sense. Much like AJ he's going straight to main roster because really his paycheck would be a waste is he went to NXT.

[@michaelm.8981]

I know Hunter would want Kenny in the main event picture as soon as possible but they have to let him be himself and not limit what he can do on the mic and in the ring

[@ayyachris]

Styles doesn't even need to go to NXT he's called Phenomenal for a reason.

[@heruleallah3236]

best wrestler alive and his prime at 40 i been watching this dude for ova a decade n even then he was great!

[@heruleallah3236]

Truebull21 undertaker stone cold cm punk aj styles top 4 of all time the revolutionized wrestling but punk and styles saved wrestling hands down

[@Calder90]

I love AJ. I'm not a big wrestling fan. I only watch WWE, none of the indies, and even that I watch pretty casually. And even I can tell that this dude is something special, one of those talents that only comes along once in a lifetime.

[@angelojoshua276]

AJ shouldnt be defending himself he didn't need NXT. one of the few that wouldn't need NXT. Not many guys have a resume like this dude.

[@Kwert]

Styles sets an example that everyone should follow. He was a seasoned vet, a working legend and someone who many still consider to be the best in the world. Despite all that, he didn't take ANYTHING for granted when coming to WWE and was still willing to adapt and learn to be successful. This is a man who is never complacent and never feels like he knows it all - he just works his ass off no matter where he is.

[@summonelemental]

AJ needs to mentor Roman, who needs to learn many things, especially on building mic skills

[@countrylife04]

AJ doesnt need NXT, the best wrestler in the freakin world should go straight to the main roster, and winning the WWE championship in less than a year says it all #P1 #NXTdontWantNone

[@brandonselitetv1436]

gimelex04 remember WWE has its own Style of Wrestling

[@robertrichardsii3517]

gimelex04 Did you not hear aj styles he had to learn a lot in a short time about camera angles and etc. If he did go to nxt he wouldn't have stayed long though

[@countrylife04]

for someone like AJ who has a ton of experience around the world, that camera angle thing is too easy, he just proved it in 2016

[@SAAON19]

if aj styles is the best wrestler in the world why did shinskue nakumura beat him. You biased piece of shit shut the fuck up. John cena also beat him in the royal thier last match. and beat him in thier last two matches biased stupid fan.

[@countrylife04]

neloy sohel hahaha, are you an idiot or what? stupid idiot! pro-wrestling is a fuckin pre determined sport do you understand???? ha? being the best wrestler is based on their performance not on who wins or who loses idiot!

[@guillaumecampbell6438]

AJ's run in WWE just cements him as the best worker ever imo, he has proven that he can elevate a product wherever he goes.

[@peterchisholm7321]

It shocks me how many people shit on NXT on these comment boards. AJ Styles is the best wrestler on earth, nobody else can claim that. He was already quite experienced on tv from TNA, has his character down, and is simply the best worker in the world. NXT has made stars out of countless others who nobody had heard of beforehand. Your typical wwe fan only watches wwe, so they don't know a Finn Balor, or a Bobby Roode, or they may have heard of them but never seen them wrestle. Others, like Enzo and Cass, Alexa Bliss, and Bayley were nobodies (figuratively) before NXT. Establishing a connection with the fans, learning how playing to the tv audience works, and the in ring work are all invaluable experiences before going to Raw or SMACKDOWN Live

[@marquezwilliams9076]

Peter Chisholm NXT is great, but the problem imo is they are focusing on stars from tna, and the Indies stars. I have no problem with those type of wrestlers but there are some stars in NXT who are working just as hard just to put over those wrestlers. mojo,Alexa I agree with ya they are fresh stars that really change how people see them.

[@justanaverageperson544]

If AJ says you need NXT than you need NXT. He may not of needed him self but I can tell he thinks a few months would have been beneficial and he's probably right(his character felt lost the first few months until he "got it" his in ring was and is phenomenal as always). This makes me so much more impressed with a guy like Braun Strowman. He went straight to the main roster with little to no in ring experience, had a to go through all the bad and good of learning with the brightest spotlight possible and is now one of the key pieces of the company..

[@rawrjay420]

just upload the whole video already!

[@jupiterthekitty]

Bobby Roode. Hideo Itami. Drew McIntyre. Roderick Strong. Aleister Black. Adam Cole. Kassius Ohno. NXT Roster looking good

[@George_Gilbert]

most of you guys got to watch the video again and really listen to it.

[@GuitarManFromJupiter]

If WWE should ever be lucky enough to get Omega, they better not put him in NXT. It would ruin the whole aura about him

[@DARKxJUGZ]

Professor X omegas overrated

[@zackrakesh6151]

Yep he said in a tweet that he hated the nxt matches because guys are risking their lives for nothing. He name dropped guys like balor, joe, nakamura etc. Omega wants the biggest stage.

[@zackrakesh6151]

Nope i agree with kenny actually. wasting bumps in nxt is the last thing he needs. he will probably retire in 3 years since his wrestling lifespan is already so long. his body will break down very fast compared to his peers in the world. Even Aj will last longer then omega.

[@zackrakesh6151]

Also main eventing wrestle kingdom isnt the fucking indies. Its bigger then most wwe events.

[@ojizle]

Professor X did you even watch the video?

[@lampini]

this guy is amazing, he really is. I would say I wish he went to WWE as soon as WCW closed but he didn't become this caliber of a wrestler until somewhat recently so I'm glad he went through the progression he did

[@patrickbell4562]

lampini NJPW took him to another level

[@TheLSMHD]

lampini it was definitely the best thing he didn't, had he gone straight to WWE I do not think he would've got anywhere

[@vashstarwind36]

An inside expert opinion from the incredible, phenomenal AJ Styles

[@antekm2639]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU AJ STYLES

[@InternetHydra]

The problem isn't people having to go through NXT. The problem is getting people out of NXT.

[@brainswag]

Best right now. Numero Uno.

[@danielkelly8775]

best in the world talking, sit back and listen.

[@DanInBranson]

He obviously learned it quick. He shot straight to the top.

[@toddbrown242]

hold up AJ calls Vince "The Big Man"? hahahaha

[@Madaragun]

To be fair Vince McMahon is Jacked for his age

[@godzkinkong]

todd brown he jacked for ANY age,lol. He's bigger than most of the guys working

[@rerereremixxx]

Aj styles is 5ft10. Vince is like 6ft2 230lbs AND the chairman.

[@peterchisholm7321]

todd brown Vince McMahon is jacked for any age lol

[@Metalpug79]

See, this is a very smart move by AJ.. he says "the big man" so both Vinnie Mac and HHH can both think he's talking about them lol. Brilliance!

[@jeffpride9838]

Can I have more of these videos please!!

[@yungog2o3]

AJ STYLES IS NEXT LEVEL

[@qwertyzxcvbn3174]

Aj Styles himself said he wished he'd had learned in NXT but marks act like he knows everything already

[@evansphenomenal]

if AJ actually went to NXT it's going to be because he wants it, not because he needs it.

[@deaganlee2042]

aj styles your my favirite wwe wreserler

[@JosuePR_41]

When are you going to realease the full interview?

[@rcxdlemon]

AJ is cool.

[@edwintaveras1986]

the FACE that runs the PLACE....the CHAMP that runs the CAMP! has spoken!!!!

[@57HarleyDavidson]

I remember when they had WWF/WWE Try Outs way before NXT and I think before they had Tough Enough

[@2010josem]

the difference with aj is that the years are catching up to him, he is not some rookie thats about to learn a lot of things, he has lots of experience, in fact, i think samoa joe would have been great going to the main roster immediately

[@hailmichigan2]

It is also about storylines as well. They could have thrown Joe into the main show way before his main roster debut but was there anything for him storyline wise at the time? You only get to make a first impression once and it better be a good one.

[@jshellraiser3926]

I'm so happy and excited to styles to make it to the wwe my only thing is I wish it was sooner then later younger styles was so much better and took more risks now it's almost like he kinda goes 80% because him and joe and angle has had wars in TNA and I hope to see a triple threat match with all three of a 4 man iron man match with rollins

[@elainehouse]

point made. I agree aj didn't need nxt but on the other hand I am getting that he kinda feels like I should have went through nxt too. but I am so glad he didn't

[@mallorycarll6280]

It doesn't matter who you are... 2-4 months in NXT should be encouraged regardless of hype and experience. Just because someone got over in one promotion, doesn't mean they'll get over in another promotion. Plus, if I was a wrestler, there's no way I would pass up spending a little bit of time in the Performance Center-- talking to coaches, trainers, road agents, backstage producers, etc... There's too many tools and benefits in NXT that are meant to make a wrestler's life/performance abilities better. It's wiser to take advantage of those perks there than to "sink or swim" on the main roster.

[@samoanjoseph1457]

AJ is an exception, but he still admits it was very stressful, and everyone can't do it that way. So even if an exception can be made, doesn't necessarily mean it should. And right now, there are several people on the main roster who went through NXT, but look like they need to go back. So that's even more proof that exceptions need to be extremely rare, if you have people who went through NXT and still don't know what they need to.

[@mallorycarll6280]

AJ Styles IMO is the one exception, and I agree with everything you said. It was the same thing with Sting-- who was the last giant star from the past. I sincerely can't think of anyone else who could bypass NXT. It doesn't need to be for a long run... Kevin Owens was only on NXT for 2 months (I think?) and he was called up. I just don't anyone should bypass it since getting over on the "main roster" is incredibly difficult these days.

[@hightillidie4259]

Hes not green like half of the nxt roster and he was face of the tna for almost 12yr (second company after wwe). and he proved himself to vince and new fans and he made himself a huge star without wwe and vince, that says it all nxt was waste of time for him

[@mallorycarll6280]

Samoan Joseph -- NXT should also be a place where main roster talent goes back to be SEEN on the network, instead of working shows like super stars and main event. Like, I would love to see Bo Dallas return to NXT and see how the roster has changed after he was NXT champ. I think that is a good story waiting to be told. Or using people like Curtis Axel and the Ascension on NXT. That could help them develop feuds and storylines, etc...

[@samoanjoseph1457]

Mallory Carll: I'm not opposed to that, but since NXT history rarely transfers over to the main roster, I don't know how much it would help them there. Other than perhaps giving creative more time to come up with something for them, or seeing them in a new light. But I notice most of the people you listed aren't currently doing much on the main roster, anyway, so I certainly have no issue with them going back. People who aren't doing much are getting chances right now, so this could be theirs.

[@PrinceKioShin]

Allister Black must be catching on very quickly for him to already be in a Main Event match. lol.

[@bestintheworld7090]

lol so how did roman pass by through nxt and still cant cut a promo for shit.

[@andrewaxberg5215]

lol you guys do know he was in NXT right? It wasn't very long but he was there, he was actually there when it was FCW. BestInTheWorld He actually can cut a promo like majority of guys if they would stop feeding him the stupid lines and let them be themselves. Just look his few NXT promos or even his promos in FCW. WWE really needs to just have their talent sink or swim with their promos, probably would result in more star power.

[@HiiixImpakt]

he came to the main roster with the shield and he was the quiet muscular guy of the group so he didn't really need promo skills

[@samoanjoseph1457]

Well now you're getting more into the question of *how long* people need to stay in NXT. The answer is different for everyone, but clearly there are people who went through NXT that should have stayed, and others who got what they needed and got out in a timely manner.

[@AmericanWireman]

David Young approves

[@tyratooOP]

BestInTheWorld His promos are fine... his wrestling is fine... his booking however is horrible. Also you say that about Roman...Finn, Sami, and others spent way longer in NXT and are way shit on mic. Say what you will about Roman's promo work, definitely not the best but I never feel asleep during a promo he has done....I have fallen asleep during a Finn Balor promo however. You don't have to be fantastic at promos to be on top. People like Braun, Roman, Finn and others prove that really well

[@ajitsrivastva3342]

aj should be there as long as Jericho man .... plz

[@thefuturegoat5769]

The brands are FINALLY separated AJ. There's no need for new WWE talent to be scared that they could end up RAW since Smackdown is now an option. NXT has now bumped down to being a 2nd option for new WWE talent to go rather than a #1 option to avoid RAW.

[@fsd2696]

What he's saying is smart. He had to learn fast cause they told him he didn't need to go to nxt. And I agree with wwe cause he's an 18 year veteran on tv but in wwe it could be slightly different for him to get a gist of. Totally get it. I still feel like samoa joe didn't even have to go through nxt but whatever. He did his thing.

[@Jdp_1597]

NXT is like college sports you stay there a year or so and if your good enough or think your good enough you go to the main shows

[@cdabbs2231]

Spoopy

[@ajstyles6365]

iam phenomenal

[@Goldenbelmont]

All new talent needs to go through TNA -> Mexican Wrestling -> New Japan -> NXT. That way they learn how to do the cool flippy shit before being told they can't do that in WWE anymore.

[@alankingchiu]

Says the man who didn't go there lol. But I still respect Styles, he adapted to the WWE style very quickly.

[@lindahosey984]

In my universe mode I put AJ in NXT because why the hell not

[@mayankgupta6213]

AJ is just veteran atm..he is in league of Legends..like HBK,Austin, Goldberg, Rock..imo he is the best in ring performer of all time..i just wish he wss there during HBK or Undertaker time..love to see him going against them..ffs, he made Shane o Mac looks like a pro wrestler

[@MegaMr46]

Namely TNA Guys Bobby Roode Eric Young and anyone who came from TNA. AJ Styles Samoa Joe the monkey Austin Aries and TJ Perkins are in the main Roster that were from TNA. (I know Sting is also from TNA Prece but he started out on WCW and AJ Styles run was cut short by buyout)

[@turtlehead2]

Vince would've loved for the Bullet Club to cool off in NXT for 2 years instead of tearing it up all over Japan, UK and the states. Yes, go to nxt to get neutered and learn the dumb lingo.

[@niapor]

reason he was able to bypass it quickly even though "before" was still different than now, is that he was for a short while in WWE before he got to TNA, I think even Mickie James needed those few weeks in NXT as her last time at WWE was not that recent......................... Kelly Kelly MIGHT have to go to NXT if she decides to be for a while ( 1 or 2 years ) at WWE main roster, same wit Melina ( I think the cut off point of not having to go NXT might be 5? years ) plus many times indie wrestlers need time to adjust to a new "character" and even new name on some cases

[@samoanjoseph1457]

I don't recall Kelly or Melina being such stellar ring workers where they would skip NXT in this day and age. Especially in Kelly's case, she hasn't been wrestling, so I'm sure they would insist she go, at least if she were going to work multiple matches. If they would send Mickie, who has been actively wrestling, I don't see any way those two could bypass NXT. The thing to keep in mind was that the standards back then were different (lower) than they are now, and the women didn't have the luxury of NXT prep then. So just because a woman was a champion back then, doesn't mean she can still hang with the current talent without some preparation. And NXT is the best and safest way to find out, if she can't.

[@dontizzlejones7330]

Top 5

[@twanmack2686]

you know what funny, they say they need to learn all the camera angles and blah blah blah. But why did the Cruiserweights that did last time at the PC/NXT were ready for Raw only after a few months.

[@danaddison01]

Samoa Joe, Bobby Roode and Austin Aries didn't need to go through NXT. Neither did Nakamura from a Wrestling standpoint but he had to improve his English massively.

[@chewrain]

what about Adam Cole?

[@GParna]

ADAM COLE BAY BAY!!!

[@Beals1986]

Yeah but sometimes it takes them forever before they get put on the main roster

[@Chilax]

TNA wasn't doing similar things though? most of them came from WWE so you would think they would implement the same procedures.

[@yussafmalik7712]

I watched AJ main event in tna for for just over ten years. He was phenomenal,just like his nickname. Other TNA starts have made it big too like samoa joe-bobby roode-eric young. I sad to see AJ toe the wwe line and diss other promotions and make look inferior like there stars are good enough to main event.Note I didn't mention ring of honour look at all the wwe stars from their.

[@krazieboi96]

you can tell that AJs point either went over the idiots who are commenting head or they flat out didn't watch the video. Talent has nothing to do with it. It's adjusting to the WWE style of things. NJPW, ROH and the other Indy feds don't care about presentation as much and the smallest mistake can lead to an awkward presentation on air. I agree that most if not all the talent should go to NXT first to catch on to things like that. If you have a problem then you can blame morons like Sin Cara (Mystico).

[@awonddy]

No One Is Too Big For NXT.

[@mallorycarll6280]

Awonddy -- Exactly. I don't care who you are-- even going through NXT for 2-4 months is an invaluable experience. You don't need to stay long, you just have to stay long enough to prove that you're ready (and the company trusts you) to get over with a main roster crowd.

[@TATMrShaft]

Mallory Carll that's why I think a guy like Kenny Omega is not coming to the WWE because he said he didn't want to go through NXT.

[@vishalbansal2779]

Kenny said he wants to come to WWE, but he wants to cement his status as a legend in Japan first

[@realxtraki11er]

that is so stupid why put someone like aj styles who is the biggest name in wrestling in a developmental promotion

[@lcoregaming5684]

Mallory Carll It would've ruined the big debut. They wanted AJ Styles to have a big pop. That's why. He's too big for NXT and since they saw his skills, he's been wrestling since before 1999, so yeah he's way to big he didn't need nxt, and they needed to have a big pop.

[@brandeeno2846]

He has such a southern accent:)

[@70smusicjunkie]

He's from Georgia it's inevitable he'd have one

[@brandeeno2846]

Alyssa Henson no shit

[@draxavelivxix6825]

The reason why Aj is saying this is because NXT is lacking a complete Roster that people are gonna wanna see.Roderick Strong,Ey,Booby Roode are gonna most likely get called to the main roster then what's gonna be the Main reason for people to watch NXT.

[@qweasdzxcname]

the "sink or swim" really comes from it being live. there are no room for mistakes, especially for it being timed. they have 3 hours to do a certain content, one second here or there may result in cutting a whole segment or even matches. live television is extremely hard and stresful, if you dont go through developmental that teaches you live tv, you will sink. FCW was by far better WRESTLING developmental. the teachers there werent wwe guys, they were wrestling guys. but it was only on a local channel that no one watched. nxt teaches PERFORMING infront of millions. (FCW was better in my opinion)

[@AlexFromPhoenix]

Many guys are too good for NXT.

[@ahceda09]

Guys like bobby roode samoa joe and shinsuke nakamura in my opinion didn't need to go to nxt. If they have skipped it and go on to the main roster, they probably would of booked better.

[@4dwyn]

Well yeah I mean...the biggest difference between NXT and the old FCW is that NXT is more mainstream. But FCW and OVW were the big feeders for WWE.

[@videozz1079]

Aj don't need to learn.. others needs to learn from him..

[@bdr113080]

I just heard the God of the Marks (Dave Meltzer) say that next years WM main event will be Roman vs Brock. I'm not a Roman hater (fuck trending wrestling fans) but it pisses me off because Roman is young and if WWE ever turns him heel he will get over but AJ is 38 years old...they are going to miss the fucking boat on AJ headlining a WM! He is the best in the world and it would do so much good for WWE if they just let this be the time of AJ Styles. I hope AJ only signed a 2 year deal so he can get back to being booked as the greatest in the world. I wish so bad that this great SOUTHERN wrestler had a real southern pro wrestling company (WCW, SMW or USWA) so he would be treated right.

[@Njbear7453]

Finn Balor, Samoa joe, asuka, and shinsuke, and DIY were all on NXT for too long, plus asuka and DIY are still on the nxt roster technically. NXT is either extremely beneficial, or extremely hurtful.

[@serbonkers4130]

i mean all the wrestlers would lie if they say they dont want to work for wwe at any point in their lifetime.

[@randommay1261]

i wanna know what that one thing he had to learn was

[@cooldude2251]

the atmosphere. WWE is different from TNA and waaay different than NJPW in terms of things like tone, hierarchy, people, what you can and can't do, etc.

[@JustChrisTM]

AJ telling folks to go through NXT is the equivalent of Lebron James telling kids to go to college.

[@miskatonic6210]

If you think veterans wouldn't need NXT you know nothing about WWE. The wrestlers don't need to learn wrestling. They have to learn how to present themselves for high quality tv productions. No other promotion is close to this level. They have to be at a certain spot at a certain time, they have to look to certain points for closeups, they have to time matches to the second for add breaks. And everything has to be perfectly on spot, because it's live. In other promotions storytelling isn't that important. They do camerawork like for other sport events. Look at the camerawork in WWE and you will see the difference.

[@deworde]

Subtext: "*I* made it through, but I'm the best wrestler in the world, potential contender for best wrestler of all time. Are you the best wrestler in the world? No, because I am the best wrestler in the world. If I found it hard, you're screwed, *Kenny*."

[@angshuchatterjee936]

Aj talking about not going to nxt is like an engineer who is like "i need to learn engineering again for 4 more years before i shift to another company"😂😂 Common man ur the best in the world !!! Now its the time for u to teach not to learn

[@evansphenomenal]

AJ wants NXT, but he doesn't need NXT.

[@ChristianMosqueda816]

adam cole to nxt

[@Bigjoe1627joseph]

Nope some NXT stars still didn't learn like Bo Dallas.

[@MickPsyphon]

No, they don't, AJ! There are many talented wrestlers out there, who don't need to waste their time in NXT. You just don't want the added competition, because your ego can't handle it.

[@keyceandreas9254]

"I know i didn't go through nxt" then shhhhh AJ shhhh. But nah forreal nxt needs to get back to its roots of developing new talent.

[@LeeJGreen]

That man contract is so big it would’ve been a waste to send him to NXT.

[@LexIconLS]

These are the sort of interviews that make me dislike smarks. Don't pretend like you know what the hell happens behind closed doors, especially in the WWE. Every promotion is different, every wrestler is different and like any work place, the individuals advancement withing the organization is more on them than on the company. Especially when the WWE offers something like the performance center to their talent. I know that Vince and creative have been pretty terrible at booking matches, and the scripted promos are really, really awful, but it's not managements fault if a wrestler has a shitty match because the wrestler won't take any initiative to try new things. I'm not defending the bad management practices of the WWE, because frankly those are irrefutable, but I think people need to give things time to develop. A lot of people complain about how WWE rush everything, but then also complain when the company doesn't throw titles at their favorite indie wrestlers as soon as they debut. I got into wrestling through the indie scene, not the WWE, so I understand that instinctual reflex of being worried of how the WWE is going to treat them, but if we as fans can't be consistent in what we ask for from the WWE, how can they deliver us a consistent product?

[@cmpork7145]

Says the guy who never went.. If anything that did his career great and it crippled others or wasted their time

[@steveaustin6334]

What?

[@Lunch_at_Marcos]

I don't agree with this, I understand what he's saying but not every talent should have to go through NXT

[@abrax20]

The thing is... the greatest stars in WWE history never went though NXT, because it didn't exist.

[@abrax20]

That was only the case from 2007 onwards, so, not really.

[@noah_5891]

Cody

[@adnvnmalik]

Samoa Joe went through NXT not to learn but to teach the younger talent.

[@simplythebest2k]

Nxt needs to stablish it self as it own brand and not development even if it is...

[@mr.dccomics9018]

Roman Reigns

[@youtight8378]

AJ Styles became the biggest non Vince creation since the Monday Night Wars ended 17 years ago...they called him this generation's Sting for a reason...he got mega over WITHOUT ever setting foot in the WWE....Going to NXT at this level in his career would've been an insult.

[@marukoamv2424]

WWE make a right decision not putting AJ on NXT

[@joshuawebb7091]

Too bad pleasing "the big man" and pleasing "the audience" aren't really things that coincide most times. So many folks just end up neutered in the ring. Turn here. Look there. Do this. Not that. Thats your spot? Not here its not. Protect the main event and dont overshadow it. Vince has stifled folks so hard that they can't be themselves and figure out how to connect on a real level as themselves to audiences because they have to shove themselves in the Vince McMold and come out the way he wants. Just look at Juice Robinson and Cody Rhodes. They're over. They connected and they did it by being themselves. Hell Vince put Dusty Rhodes in polka dots and had him dancing when in the indies he was like a hardcore combination of Ric Flair and Samoa Joe. My point is...your product in the ring should be for the audience first and not a sink or swim for Vince and his preferences. After all his preference is to put his family on for 20+ years in the main story dominating the talent in an endless loop of pervasive management storylines and cheat wins. The only folks who come out on top are Vince's folks when you do it just to please Vince. I hope every one with a real connection to fans ditches and goes to NJPW or AEW. Tired of how bad WWE product is and how even his best folks are less interesting than before they got there.