Cody Rhodes believes that Shawn Michaels deserves all the credit for restoring the “cool” factor to the WWE NXT brand.
Michaels has been in charge of the NXT brand since late 2022 and brought it into the White & Gold era which has been largely perceived as a renaissance from the NXT 2.0 days.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Rhodes lavished praise on Michaels for his incredible work with the NXT brand.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On Michaels restoring the ‘cool’ to NXT: “Maybe one of the hardest things to do in all of sports and entertainment is to get a show that maybe lost its cool, and get it to be cool again. Shawn Michaels has done that, and he’s done it also while developing all these relationships with these young kids who are going to have Shawn Michaels as the first booker they dealt with, somebody who helped them with promos, somebody who helped them in their matches. It’s almost laughable if you say it because every one of those kids should come out being the best wrestler of all time, the best superstar of all time just because it’s Shawn Michaels.”
On Michaels’ legacy: “I think history is going to be very kind to Shawn, not just as one of the greatest to ever do it, a Hall of Famer and all those things, but he took a show that, respectfully, had kind of lost some of its shine and he has absolutely brought it back to where it’s doing great numbers, we’re seeing a little crossover. It was a very fun experience for me to be in his house on that night. It was very special.”
Shawn Michaels, the legendary WWE superstar, has been credited with restoring the “cool” factor to the WWE NXT brand. Since taking over as the head of NXT in late 2022, Michaels has ushered in a new era known as the White & Gold era, which has been widely praised as a renaissance for the brand.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Cody Rhodes, another prominent figure in the wrestling industry, expressed his admiration for Michaels and his remarkable work with NXT. Rhodes commended Michaels for his ability to revive a show that had lost its appeal and make it cool again. He also highlighted the unique position Michaels holds as the first booker and mentor for many young talents in NXT, emphasizing the invaluable guidance he provides in terms of promos and matches.
Rhodes went on to predict that history will be kind to Michaels, not only recognizing him as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time but also acknowledging his role in revitalizing NXT. He noted the positive impact Michaels has had on the brand’s viewership numbers and even mentioned the potential for crossover opportunities.
The interview with Rhodes also included a video clip where he discussed the influence of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson on WWE’s success. This further emphasizes the significance of iconic figures like Michaels and their contributions to the wrestling industry.
Overall, Shawn Michaels’ tenure as the head of NXT has been widely praised for bringing back the “cool” factor to the brand. His guidance and mentorship have not only helped young talents develop their skills but have also played a crucial role in reestablishing NXT’s popularity. With his impressive legacy and ongoing contributions, Michaels continues to be a respected figure in the wrestling world.