NXT Champion Grayson Waller has revealed he faced career oblivion on the main roster before a meeting with WWE Executive Vice President of Talent Development, Shawn Michaels, helped him return to "NXT." The Australian star explained that his return to the brand earlier this year was not a demotion but a necessary risk to save his WWE career.
Waller returned to “WWE NXT” after spending several years on the main roster. In a recent interview on “Insight,” he revealed that his decision to come back to the brand where he first debuted in WWE came after receiving an invitation from “NXT” boss Shawn Michaels. Shawn called me and asked me to come and meet up with him. I was given an option by Shawn, and I chose to go and do that,
he said. So I didn’t look at it as a demotion because I’m on TV every week.
The Risk of Staying on the Main Roster
Waller admitted he likely would have been released from WWE if he had not returned to NXT. He cited the influx of talented stars being called up to the main roster while his own television presence diminished, leading him to believe he was on the verge of being forgotten. I could see the writing on the wall. They’re bringing up these kids from NXT who are super talented and giving them all the chances, while I’m in the background, disappearing. You go lower and lower. You get more forgotten about. I was gone [from WWE] for sure.
Waller Enjoys Creative Freedom in Return
The uber-confident Australian star said he knew he could succeed following his return to “NXT” and just needed an opportunity to shine. Waller stated that this is the best he has felt in WWE since his previous run with the brand, emphasizing his enjoyment of the current stint. It’s been the best few months of my life. It’s been so good. Yeah, dude, I love it. I find it’s been years since I genuinely felt like me, since I was last in NXT, because he just lets me go,
added Waller, referring to the creative freedom he now enjoys.
Waller is currently making the most of his return with a NXT title run, a stark contrast to his uncertain future on the main roster.
