WWE News: Leva Bates talks about her relationship with Aiden English
Former NXT superstar Leva Bates
What’s the story?
In his quest to become the new United States Champion, New Day member Xavier Woods recently caught up with Aiden English's former manager and former NXT superstar Leva Bates and discussed Bates' relationship with English during their time together in NXT.
In case you didn’t know…
It was on October 16, 2014, when Leva Bates first made her debut for WWE’s developmental brand of NXT. Bates, who was introduced as Blue Pants by Enzo Amore and Big Cass went on to lose to Carmella on her debut match in NXT. During her time in NXT, Bates was mostly used as an enhancement talent and lost to the likes of Sasha Banks, Dana Brooke, and Emma.
On August 22, 2015, Bates would make a surprise appearance at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn where she managed and helped Aiden English and Simon Gotch, collectively known as The Vaudevillians to win the NXT Tag Team Championships. Bates’ last match on NXT was in a losing effort against Nia Jax on 2nd December.
The heart of the matter
During her interview with Xavier Woods, Bates described her work experience for the WWE and claimed that it was a dream come true to finally becoming a part of the biggest wrestling promotion in the world. The 34-year-old also talked about how long and hard she had to work on the Independent scene before finally being signed by Triple H as part of NXT.
Xavier Woods then proceeded to ask Bates about how she felt when she met Aiden English for the first time and asked the former NXT star to open up about her relationship with English. Bates claimed that English was very kind and sweet to her and claimed that the two became very good friends and got along really well with each other as well. The former CCW Women's Champion also revealed that’s the sole reason why she decided to help out The Vaudevillians to capture the NXT Tag Titles.
However, additionally, Bates claimed that ever since her departure from NXT, Aiden English decided to avoid her and did not keep any contacts with her as well.
“Time passed, he never called back, never returned any of my calls or texts. He just kinda ghosted me. And when I needed him the most, when I was getting beat down by monsters, he wasn’t there.”- Bates stated.
What’s next?
Leva is currently in her 30s and she has been wrestling with some of the top Indy promotions from around the world. She is currently performing for two of the top women’s wrestling promotions in Shine and Shimmer Wrestling and in 2016, the former Blue Pants also made her debut for WrestleCircus, where she has held the WrestleCircus Sideshow Championship.
Author’s Take
Leva Bates is certainly one of the most charismatic and talented female stars in today’s Pro Wrestling World and I would have certainly hoped for her to have a better run in NXT. However, it is great to see that the heading on the right path in her career even after departing from WWE.