John Cena and CM Punk have reportedly left their mark on WWE NXT stars
WWE NXT has been a platform for up-and-coming Superstars ever since the original reality-based version. Now operated as an official third brand for the company, NXT still serves as a developmental pipeline that pro wrestling has never seen before. It's now being revealed how top stars like CM Punk and John Cena have helped the roster.
Big Match John and The Voice Of The Voiceless are among the veteran WWE Superstars that have spent some time working with future generations at NXT and the Performance Center, along with names like The Undertaker, Randy Orton, and Natalya.
Several experienced Superstars who live nearby are also known to regularly assist talents at the PC, such as Shayna Baszler and Chelsea Green. Punk, especially, is set to have a major role in the future. Tony D'Angelo is one of the rising Superstars who has benefited from having these veterans around.
The Don Of NXT learned good information from Cena but also took sound advice from Punk during one of his recent trips to the brand. Speaking to MuscleManMalcom, NXT's new North American Champion was asked if he's received career-building advice from Cena, Punk, Orton, or Taker:
"Yeah. Cena came in and talked to the whole roster, and gave us some good advice. CM Punk, he's always around when he's available, and he's watching film, and telling us what to do, what not to do. He told me, 'Don't let social media...' ...don't look at it. Because when you're in the spotlight you got a lot of people saying a bunch of crap in the comments, and even like [direct messaging] you or whatever, and it hasn't gotten to me yet. I kind of find it funny to see people hate on others for no reason," Tony D'Angelo said. [From 10:01 to 10:47]
Tony D continued and said that was the biggest piece of advice he's received from a WWE Legend, adding that people should appreciate the tip. The 29-year-old then elaborated on his social media views:
"I'm sure at some point in my career I'll get annoyed, but I think that's the biggest thing, and a lot of people should take that advice, because social media is just a bunch of people that you're probably never going to meet, just judging you, and saying a bunch of stuff that doesn't mean... nothing. Also, they're not paying your bills, so... is the boss happy or is wrestlingfan213 happy? I think the boss is more important. That's my opinion. [laughs]," Tony D'Angelo said. [From 10:48 to 11:21]
WWE signed D'Angelo as part of the February 2021 Performance Center Class, which also included Bron Breakker, LA Knight, Taya Valkyrie, Andre Chase, Zoey Stark, Brutus Creed, Carmelo Hayes, Trick Williams, Cora Jade, Gigi Dolin, Jacy Jayne, and Parker Boudreaux, among others. He had no prior pro wrestling experience but found major success wrestling in high school and some in college.
Tony D'Angelo to defend at WWE NXT Halloween Havoc
Tony D'Angelo became the WWE NXT North American Champion for the first time on October 8 by defeating Oba Femi in the main event. The title change came after Femi retained over D'Angelo at No Mercy on September 1.
The Don is just over two weeks into his reign, and will make his first title defense against the former champion on Sunday at the NXT Halloween Havoc PLE. Femi's rematch comes after he beat Luca Crusifino on this week's NXT.
WWE officials used the "Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal" gimmick for Femi vs. D'Angelo III. The Tables, Ladders, & Scares stipulation was chosen, but this time the only way to win is by pinfall. Furthermore, The D'Angelo Family is banned from ringside, which goes for Crusifino, Adriana Rizzo, and Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo.