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Shawn Michaels went through what he called his toughest media call yet Thursday, answering questions about safety of those that work at the WWE Performance Center in the wake of the Vince McMahon lawsuit in addition to addressing past allegations made about himself.
The full audio can be heard below.
When asked about past allegations that Brutus Beefcake made about himself and Marty Jannetty, Michaels flatly denied them and said Beefcake himself walked those comments back in the past. He said he has made his mistakes in the past, but never did anything that wasn't consensual, adding those who engage in that behavior typically have issues with power and women which he never experienced.
While never directly asked about his thoughts about the Vince McMahon lawsuit allegations from last week, Michaels was asked several times about the safety protocols and environment at the Performance Center/NXT. He reiterated that they try to foster an open environment and welcome communication from talent.
Asked if staff has had conversations with talents about the McMahon situation, Michaels said everyone is aware. He takes working with young talent seriously in all aspects of the business, and wants them to tell the truth. He said everyone is excited about the future despite the situation and that, "The windows have opened up and everyone is ready to move forward."
When asked about what policies were specifically updated in 2022 to help make a safer environment, he couldn't recall them, but said they they didn't need to refer to a piece of paper to ensure the goal of making the PC a safe environment for everyone -- even extending to those like his daughter who visits every week.
Michaels said transparency and openness has changed everything with how they train people at NXT. He said treating people with love and respect isn't that hard to do, and wants to keep fostering that environment.
Some other notes from the call which you can hear in full below:
The full audio can be heard below.
When asked about past allegations that Brutus Beefcake made about himself and Marty Jannetty, Michaels flatly denied them and said Beefcake himself walked those comments back in the past. He said he has made his mistakes in the past, but never did anything that wasn't consensual, adding those who engage in that behavior typically have issues with power and women which he never experienced.
While never directly asked about his thoughts about the Vince McMahon lawsuit allegations from last week, Michaels was asked several times about the safety protocols and environment at the Performance Center/NXT. He reiterated that they try to foster an open environment and welcome communication from talent.
Asked if staff has had conversations with talents about the McMahon situation, Michaels said everyone is aware. He takes working with young talent seriously in all aspects of the business, and wants them to tell the truth. He said everyone is excited about the future despite the situation and that, "The windows have opened up and everyone is ready to move forward."
When asked about what policies were specifically updated in 2022 to help make a safer environment, he couldn't recall them, but said they they didn't need to refer to a piece of paper to ensure the goal of making the PC a safe environment for everyone -- even extending to those like his daughter who visits every week.
Michaels said transparency and openness has changed everything with how they train people at NXT. He said treating people with love and respect isn't that hard to do, and wants to keep fostering that environment.
Some other notes from the call which you can hear in full below:
- Asked about TNA's Jordynne Grace appearing in the women's Rumble match, he said it's a different era now where things that weren't allowed in the past are possible. He joked that Paul Levesque gets to do those on the main roster and that he's questioned why that hasn't happened in NXT yet. He would love the opportunity to bring experienced talent in from outside groups to work with NXT wrestlers.
- Asked about William Regal returning to TV, Michaels said everyone was extremely excited about his brief cameo and he has no doubt there will be more of those in the future.
- He talked about the pride in seeing talents like Bron Breakker, Tiffany Stratton and Carmelo Hayes in the Royal Rumble matches and that if felt like they belonged.
- Michaels said they don't have to work hard to find spots for women on NXT shows because there are so many talented athletes that bring it week after week. He heavily credited Sara Amato for the work she's done and that said she's the best-kept secret in the business
