"He's getting a lot of variety" - Shawn Michaels comments on reigning WWE champion's growth
The legendary Shawn Michaels has been at the helm of WWE NXT for the past three years. With many talented wrestlers under his guidance, The Heartbreak Kid recently discussed the growth of the current NXT Champion Trick Williams.
Earlier this year in April, Williams defeated Ilja Dragunov to capture the NXT Title for the first time. Later, he lost the championship to Ethan Page at Heatwave PLE. However, Trick Williams became a two-time NXT Champion after he beat All Ego on the October 2, 2024, edition of the Tuesday Night Show. The two men will lock horns for the title once again at WWE Halloween Havoc PLE in a Devil's Playground match this Sunday.
In an episode of the Busted Open podcast, host Dave LaGreca asked Shawn Michaels if he felt something was missing from the 30-year-old star despite his impressive success. WWE Hall of Famer stated that Halloween Havoc will be a crucial test for Trick Williams' dedication and physical commitment to professional wrestling.
"Sometimes there's a limit that you have to be able to push a talent to, from a hardcore how really rough and rugged are you, how much are you willing to put your body on the line, out of love and passion for this job? And I think that's something for me that's going to get tested at Halloween Havoc."
The Showstopper acknowledged that Trick Williams needs more time and experience to master the diverse skillset he's been exposed to, despite his rapid growth in the past three years. The 59-year-old WWE legend added:
"There are some things that you can't just help and that is time. Time and reps, that is something that Trick has no control over. So, he's getting a lot of variety. In his three years, he has done a lot of things, but to do a lot of things once or twice is okay. But until you've learned to master all of them, there's always going to be sometimes feel like something is missing." [From 17:00 to 17:57]
Watch the video below:
WWE legend Shawn Michael reveals why he won't come out of retirement
Despite competing in his final in-ring bout against The Undertaker in 2010, The Heartbreak Kid came out of retirement at the Crown Jewel in 2018. Shawn Michaels and Triple H defeated the duo of The Undertaker and Kane in a tag team match.
However, in a recent interview with Penn Live, the WWE Hall of Famer stated that he won't return to the ring ever again, because he is comfortable with his behind-the-scenes role at the NXT brand.
"I am. Yes, I am done myself in the ring. Absolutely. Yes, sir. I’m very comfortable being behind the scenes," Michaels said.
The WWE Universe will have to hold on to their hats to see what Shawn Michaels has in his arsenal to deliver an exceptional Halloween Havoc PLE on October 27.
Please credit Busted Open and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use any quotes from the first half of this article.