Shawn Michaels is an understanding guy.
During his NXT Battleground media call, Metro UK‘s Alistair McGeorge asked Shawn Michaels about The Dyad’s Rip Fowler and Jagger Reid asking for their releases from WWE.
Michaels said he understands the situation but does want them to stay in the company.
“Obviously, obviously, I do [want them to stay in WWE]. 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.”
Michaels said that despite the pair asking to leave, he still wants to put them in a good position, however long their tenure lasts.
“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. Really, this is about, no matter who comes through these doors, help them to have success in this business as a whole. 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.”
Fightful Select originally reported that Jagger Reid (James Drake) and Rip Fowler (Zack Gibson) requested their release from WWE on April 3.
Reid later stated that WWE denied his request for a release on April 24.