Kenny Williams discusses his WWE release and states that the experience he gained has been “invaluable.” He also looks back on his time with the company.
Williams debuted in 2018, and he subsequently joined the NXT UK roster. He competed on the brand until WWE announced its hiatus, alongside the upcoming launch of NXT Europe, this past August. Williams, like many other NXT UK stars, announced his release.
Speaking with PWMania.com, Williams commented on his departure, and he made it clear that his time with WWE was “invaluable” because it helped him grow.
“The experience I have gained over the last year, 18 months, is invaluable,” Williams said. “I’ve really come into my own and that’s thanks to the NXTUK developmental system. I made my debut in 2018 on the day I signed my contract with the company. I don’t think many can say that, and to do it 4 hours after signing on 205 in front of the biggest crowd I have performed in front of was an amazing experience and it was great going forward from there.
“It’s very easy to think there would be a bitter feel towards the company for all those that have been released, but that’s a naive view, as we all got to live our dreams, gain a wealth of experience and learn so much.”
When asked to name the best things he can take away from his WWE run, Williams emphasized that learning from Shawn Michaels and other veterans “unlocked” different parts of him, and he’s proud of the character he has created.
“It took me a bit to find my feet there and figure out this new landscape that was WWE, but as time went on, it unlocked creativity in me that I did not know was there,” Williams said. “That’s thanks to learning all the time from people like Shawn Michaels, Matt Bloom, Johnny Moss, James Mason, Johnny Saint. Those guys unlocked a lot in me, picking up on stuff to help me improve that I didn’t even know was there.
“When I got there, I thought that I knew what I was but they gave me a chance to showcase different sides of myself and learn how to bring out different personas within me which has led to this character I’ve created now, which I’m so proud of and running with it as in my opinion, it holds up against any heel character in the industry today.“
Overall, Williams reflected on his time with WWE and expressed his gratitude before he teased his next move.
“One of the nicest things when looking at my time with WWE as a whole chapter is that I started with a match that was with amazing talent,” Williams said. “And getting to develop this scumbag character has just been the best, learning from those great names, having matches where I could really be horrible, and being able to present in the ways I wanted to.
“It’s easy to assume that if you’re not wrestling on every show that you’re not thought of. But I was on TV every week, whether it was a match, a promo, a backstage interview, or a vignette. I got to showcase the character and be in the minds of all the fans that enjoyed NXT UK. It’s taking me forward and now, watch what I do next…”
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