On a recent edition of the “AEW Unrestricted” podcast, Taya Valkyrie discussed her brief run in WWE NXT, her name change, her experience working for AEW, and more.
Valkyrie signed a WWE developmental contract in February 2021 and was released nine months later in November as part of a seventh round of layoffs, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On her name being changed during her NXT run: “People don’t like change, especially when they’ve known someone for so long. But, you know, I was given the ball and I tried to run with it. I tried to run with it and I did my best under the circumstances. I’ll be the first to admit I was there at a very crazy time, not only within that company, but also within the world that we exist in. I don’t think I was given a fair chance at all, but just like I said, I have to hold on to those moments when I was super happy and when I was super excited.”
On her experience in WWE: “I’ve said this in an interview before, I remember saying to John when I first started that I was Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when I walked through those doors. I actually bought myself a copy of the book because I wanted to remember how I felt on that day knowing that there are going to be days that are going to be horrible and sad, and guess what? That did happen. I just had to remind everybody of who I was, and that’s exactly what I did, and I was so determined, and I knew it would work out and it did.”
On her favorite part of working for AEW: “Just how accepting and positive people are. And people like to harp on the other side of that so much that I’m just like, my experience has been, especially coming from all these different places where sometimes people are not the nicest, and sometimes people want to see you fall on your face immediately. It is not like that… It’s been a really positive experience for me, and I feel like I’m just getting started. Like you said, it’s been five to six months now. I do feel like I’m finally finding my footing. I’ve had these crazy, great opportunities, but I just know that’s only scratching the surface of what I can do. I just am open, excited for what’s next.”
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Taya Valkyrie Reflects on Her WWE NXT Run and Experience in AEW
Former WWE NXT superstar Taya Valkyrie recently appeared on the “AEW Unrestricted” podcast, where she opened up about her brief stint in WWE, her name change, her experience working for AEW, and more. Valkyrie, who signed a developmental contract with WWE in February 2021, was released just nine months later in November due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the podcast, Valkyrie discussed her name change during her time in NXT. She acknowledged that people don’t like change, especially when they have known someone for a long time. However, she tried her best to make the most of the situation and run with the opportunities she was given. Valkyrie admitted that she didn’t feel like she was given a fair chance, but she held onto the moments when she was happy and excited.
Reflecting on her overall experience in WWE, Valkyrie compared herself to Charlie from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” when she first walked through the doors. She bought a copy of the book to remind herself of the initial excitement and to prepare for the inevitable difficult days. Despite facing challenges, Valkyrie remained determined and focused on reminding everyone of who she was. She believed in herself and knew that things would eventually work out, which they did.
When asked about her favorite part of working for AEW, Valkyrie highlighted the accepting and positive environment. She emphasized that people often focus on the negative aspects, but her experience has been overwhelmingly positive. Coming from different places where people may not always be kind or supportive, Valkyrie appreciated the warmth and encouragement she received in AEW. She feels like she is just getting started and is excited for what the future holds.
Valkyrie’s journey in the wrestling industry continues to evolve, and she believes that she has only scratched the surface of what she can achieve. Despite the challenges she has faced, she remains open and enthusiastic about what lies ahead.
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