Grayson Waller credits Shawn Michaels with reshaping his WWE career, says he’s ‘a soldier’ for NXT
On the What’s Your Story? podcast with Stephanie McMahon, Grayson Waller said Shawn Michaels gave him key opportunities and that he has spent years helping behind the scenes in NXT whenever Michaels asked.
Waller says Michaels gave him his career a second life and ongoing role in NXT
Grayson Waller told Stephanie McMahon on the What’s Your Story? podcast that Shawn Michaels played a decisive role in his WWE trajectory, saying Michaels gave him opportunities early in his career and later offered a second chance to return to NXT.
Waller said his presence in NXT is not sudden, explaining he has been involved with the brand for three years and has helped backstage at Michaels’ request — assisting with tryouts, working with younger talent and taking part in live-event loops when needed.
He described the relationship with Michaels as built on trust and honest feedback, saying he often wrestles lesser-known performers in loop matches to evaluate them and report back, and that that candor has strengthened their working relationship.
Waller credited those opportunities with improving his life materially, saying they helped him reach stability such as buying a house, and reiterated he remains ready to help Michaels and NXT "like a soldier" whenever asked.
He also noted that interacting with talent as a colleague — rather than from an office role — allows him to give more direct, practical guidance to younger performers.
- Source: What’s Your Story? podcast interview with Stephanie McMahon.
- Activities Waller described: tryouts, supporting younger talent, live-event loops, and evaluating performers in loop matches.
- Waller’s timeline: said he has been going back to NXT for three years.
