Grayson Waller recently spoke with Cheap Heat about how Nigel McGuinness played a crucial role in his career.
Waller noted that most of the NXT roster was not familiar with Nigel as he and Andre Chase were the only two who knew Nigel well.
“Coming to NXT, I put as much effort in what I do and say as I do the wrestling part. That’s what people don’t understand. They think it comes natural, which it does, I’m not going to say that I don’t have some advantages, but I put a lot of work into this. I watch other people go about this. I watch a lot of videos of people who are confident. One of the best pieces of advice I got was from Nigel McGuinness when he did commentary on 205. I was doing 205, and no one cared who I was. I was a legit no one. Nigel pulled me aside and talked to me about Muhammad Ali. He said, ‘When Ali talks and fights, he knows he’s the best in the world, and it doesn’t matter who it is against. You don’t.’ That piece of advice stuck with me. ‘He’s right.’ There is part of me thinking I need to learn more, I need to improve more, I need to be coached more, all these things, but it was coming out in my performance. The moment Nigel said that, and I had full confidence in myself to perform, everything went to a different level. NXT, no one knew who Nigel was. There were two people: myself and Andre Chase. Nigel would sit backstage at NXT shows, and no one would go talk to him. Me and Andre Chase would go sit with him and pester him because we know Nigel. We know how good Nigel is. They thought he was a commentator. These dumb shotputters from Arizona State or whatever had no idea. Me and Andre, we basically got a seminar whenever we wanted. It was great having him around. He always had real advice. He wouldn’t mess around, he’s not faking me out, ‘Good job, buddy.’ He’s going to tell me how it is, that’s what I always enjoy.“
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Grayson Waller, a rising star in the world of professional wrestling, recently opened up about the significant impact Nigel McGuinness had on his career. In an interview with Cheap Heat, Waller expressed his gratitude towards McGuinness and how his advice transformed his mindset and performance in the ring.
Waller revealed that when he first joined NXT, he not only focused on his wrestling skills but also put equal effort into his character development and mic skills. He emphasized that people often assume these aspects come naturally to him, but in reality, he dedicates a lot of hard work and study to perfecting them. To enhance his confidence and stage presence, Waller sought inspiration from various sources, including watching videos of confident individuals.
However, it was Nigel McGuinness, who served as a commentator on 205 Live, who provided Waller with a crucial piece of advice that changed everything for him. McGuinness drew a parallel between Waller’s performance and the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. He explained that Ali always knew he was the best in the world, regardless of his opponent, and encouraged Waller to adopt the same mindset.
This advice resonated deeply with Waller. He realized that despite his constant desire to learn and improve, he needed to have unwavering confidence in his abilities. Prior to McGuinness’s guidance, Waller had doubts about himself and his performance, which affected his overall presentation in the ring. However, after embracing the belief that he was the best, Waller’s confidence soared, and his performances reached new heights.
Interestingly, Waller mentioned that he and Andre Chase were the only two individuals in the NXT roster who were familiar with Nigel McGuinness. While others perceived him solely as a commentator, Waller and Chase recognized McGuinness’s immense talent and sought opportunities to learn from him. They would often sit with McGuinness backstage during NXT shows, pestering him for advice and insights. McGuinness, known for his straightforward approach, always provided them with genuine and valuable advice, never sugarcoating his feedback.
Waller expressed his appreciation for McGuinness’s presence and the impact it had on his career. He acknowledged that having someone like McGuinness, who understood the industry and offered real advice, was invaluable. McGuinness’s guidance not only boosted Waller’s confidence but also helped him elevate his performance to a whole new level.
In conclusion, Grayson Waller’s interview sheds light on the significant role Nigel McGuinness played in his career. McGuinness’s advice about embracing confidence and believing in oneself transformed Waller’s mindset and propelled him to new heights in the world of professional wrestling. Waller’s story serves as a reminder that mentorship and guidance from experienced individuals can have a profound impact on one’s journey towards success.