Shawn Michaels Says Rip Fowler And Jagger Reid Are ‘Too Talented’ Not To Be Used Prominently In NXT

Shawn Michaels wants The Grizzled Young Veterans to stick around in WWE NXT, but he wants them to have the best career overall.

Rip Fowler and Jagger Reid of Schism, formerly known as Zack Gibson and James Drake, The Grizzled Young Veterans, recently requested their release from WWE, which was denied. 

Alistair McGeorge of Metro asked Shawn Michaels about the status of The Dyad in the wake of their request being denied during a media call before the WWE NXT Battleground event. Shawn Michaels was candid and said that he wants them to stay with WWE, but he is overall more concerned that they have a fulfilling career in the wrestling industry, and while they are still with NXT, he wants to feature them in a prominent position.

“Obviously, obviously, I do. They were guys that clearly, I wanted to come over and bring over from the UK. I think they’re very talented. I absolutely understand. It’s one of the things that I tell everybody here. Do I want it to be here in the WWE for you to have your success? Absolutely. I can’t lie about that. Really, this is about, no matter who comes through these doors, help them to have success in this business as a whole,” said HBK. “I always tell everybody, ‘I feel so fortunate for the life that I have and my family and I have. It’s because of this job, and now there is a real opportunity for everyone in this line of work to have that.’ I want that for them. I understand how they feel, but as I mentioned to them, ‘while you are here, I still want to put you in a prominent role.’ There are no hard feelings in that respect. There is too much talent there to waste or leave on the table. If they don’t mind work, I sure as heck don’t mind using them.”

The Dyad previously stated that their deals would be completed in October. Fightful will continue to report any updates in regard to their contract status as more is known. 

Fans can check out the full card for NXT Battleground at this link. We will have full coverage of the event on Sunday, May 28.

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