BOAD: Sit-Down w/ NXT Interim GM Robert Stone
🎧 Listen to the full episode on Busted Open Radio
Backstage roles
Bobby Roode is being groomed to be the guy. Like, when Michael Hayes leaves, Bobby's going to probably be the guy.
GM rivalry
If I had to negotiate for NXT on television with Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis, I wouldn't even think twice about it. It doesn't matter who you are or what you've done; I feel like I'm on your level now.
Future stars
I think the future of NXT is a guy that he's very early on but he's so young—I'm telling you, Jackson Drake is going to be a big deal. He's 21 years old. In three or four years, he is going to be a top dog in this company.
NXT GM appointment
Shawn Michaels, the man. I had no clue it was happening. I was sitting there on the edge of my seat like a kid in a candy store, but this is professional wrestling; I can't get excited about something before it happens.
WWE signing
My contract was coming to an end at TNA, and I finally said, you know what? I'm 34 years old. I got to give WWE a shot. Within minutes of announcing I was no longer with TNA, I get a text from Samoa Joe asking if I had interest in coming to WWE.
Advice for talent
My advice to younger guys starting out in NXT or anywhere in wrestling is just patience. You can't be here one month and then start getting frustrated that you're not on TV or you're not winning championships. It's the microwave generation.
NXT GM role
I was Ava's assistant for about two years. It gave me two years to learn how to be the interim GM without being the interim GM yet, which is why I feel like right now I'm doing such a good job.
Transition to manager
My first week there, they said, 'Do you have any interest in being a manager?' and I said, 'Absolutely. You picked the right guy.' I knew how much longer could I wrestle, especially my style, compared to how physical NXT is.
Vengeance Day
I want every match to deliver. That's what NXT is about. When you go back to the beginning, the Takeovers, every match delivered. That is what I want this Saturday to be.
NXT GM credibility
I'm 15 to 20 years older than pretty much everyone else here in the locker room, so I have legitimate experience. I've wrestled all over the world; I've been in every situation. I feel like I've earned it.
