When Shane Helms was released by WWE in 2010, we didn't see him on WWE programming for another eight years.
In the meantime, Helms ran his own podcast, one on this website, and had a long run in TNA Wrestling as an agent. Then after a magical return at the 2018 WWE Royal Rumble, it seemed like Helms' dance card was quickly filling up -- All In, ROH, Jericho Cruise, and even more WWE gigs.
A familiar face to Helms was Matt Hardy, who'd enjoyed a WWE return of his own. Tied together for decades, Helms was brought back to the WWE Network to participate in House Hardy Halloween and an emotional documentary.
"Matt wanted me personally to do that (House Hardy Halloween). I was in the Hardy documentary talking their ups and downs and stuff. That was the hardest thing emotionally this year, reliving all of that craziness. But the House Hardy thing was just fun," said Helms.
Despite the fact that "The Hurricane" was away from WWE for close to a decade, he says there was never any real problems between the two sides. That seems solidified this year, because in addition to his several on-screen roles with WWE, he's often brought in to guest coach at the WWE Performance Center alongside Matt Bloom.
"My relationship with them has been great ever since I left," Helms told Fightful. "I didn't have any heat, I didn't leave with any heat, and that's a wise choice. If I had heat, I'm not the kind of guy to hide things. I put things out there. I have a good relationship with them and they're working out for me. There was word on how well I did as an agent in TNA -- mainly from the boys -- that spread to different people. Now the guy's Matt Bloom, he's the one I talk to the most."
For Helms, the benefit of him gaining the ability to coach at the WWE Performance Center is the same as it was throughout his career in that he's versatile and has the ability to adapt.
"I still work, I still keep up with the business. I'm not an older guy who doesn't watch, I'm not a newer guy who is inexperienced. I've done everything from being a babyface, being a heel, being a character, so I think I just bring a buffet to the table instead of a single meal," Helms told us.
Shane wouldn't point out any individual talent that stood out to him across his two coaching gigs with WWE, but pointed out that it's a perfect scenario for a young talent to grow.
"I don't want single people out right now. It's too early in the game and I don't want to show favoritism, but there's a lot of talent down there. If you can't improve your game there, I don't know if you can," said Helms, who has since been hired by WWE as a road agent.
You can hear our full interview with Shane Helms above, and check out our archive of evergreen podcasts with him at this link.
Make sure you tune in to the reborn Highway 2 Helms Podcast!
