Shawn Michaels compares WWE NXT to the college experience.
WWE NXT is a brand focused on youthful athletes and surrounding them with veterans who can help them elevate their game. Shawn Michaels is not only the man who runs WWE NXT; he also knows all about being the veteran in the locker room and the young gun looking to become a better performer.
Of course, Shawn Michaels had attitude issues when he was younger, and he now regularly looks back on those days and realizes that he didn't take the time to enjoy his career.
In a new interview with Sports Illustrated, HBK explained that he never wants any of the modern NXT Superstars to feel that way about their time in the WWE developmental system.
“Everybody here is trying to build their careers and build their futures, and I respect that, but I also want them to enjoy their time here. It’s like college. I never want someone to leave NXT and be disappointed that they hadn’t taken the time to enjoy it.”
Shawn Michaels reflected on hearing those words himself prior to his main event match at WWE WrestleMania 12 and spoke about how he ultimately did not enjoy those times in his life. Now, he wants the four men slated to headline WWE NXT Heatwave, Je'Von Evans, Ethan Page, Shawn Spears, and Trick Williams, to enjoy their time in the spotlight.
“Before that iconic WrestleMania XII match, I heard the words, ‘Try to enjoy this, Shawn,’” said Michaels. “When I came back in 2002, I realized I didn’t enjoy it enough. I made sure to enjoy that run to its fullest.
“Je’Von, Trick, Ethan, Spears, they’ve all got long careers in front of them. But this is a moment for each of those guys, all for different reasons, and I hope they enjoy this. It’s going to put a cap on a great show this Sunday.”
Check out the full card for WWE NXT Heatwave here.
