WWE’s Omos recently opened up about his early mentorship with the late WWE Hall of Famer Scott Hall, reflecting on how the legendary performer played a pivotal role in launching his wrestling career at the WWE Performance Center.[1] During an appearance on the Muscle Memory podcast, the towering superstar expressed deep gratitude for Hall’s guidance, revealing intimate details about their first meeting and the impact it had on his professional development.
The Unforgettable First Meeting
Omos vividly recalled the moment he first encountered Scott Hall at the WWE Performance Center, describing an encounter that would prove transformative for his early career.[1] When Hall arrived as a guest coach, the legendary performer’s reaction to seeing the massive athlete was immediate and unmistakable. “I remember the first day I met him, he came to be a guest coach at the Performance Center. And I remember seeing him, and his eyes just lit up and he goes, ‘Who are you?'”[1]
What struck Omos most profoundly was Hall’s ability to instantly recognize his potential. The Razor Ramon legend’s wrestling instincts kicked into high gear, as he began envisioning possibilities for the young athlete. Hall expressed regret that he hadn’t met Omos decades earlier, during what would have been the prime years of his own in-ring career. “He wished that he could go back like 20, 30 years and meet me when I’m like this, so we could have [a match],”[1] Omos explained, demonstrating the mutual respect that developed between the two performers.
Building Championship Foundations
The mentorship that developed between Hall and Omos extended beyond casual advice, as the Hall of Famer became directly involved in helping shape the young athlete’s early matches. When Omos needed guidance for his first-ever professional wrestling match, Hall stepped up to produce and guide him through the experience.[1] For a performer stepping into the squared circle for the first time, this kind of personalized attention from a wrestling legend proved invaluable.
Hall’s approach to mentorship was refreshingly straightforward. Rather than overwhelming Omos with technical complexities, he provided clear, actionable guidance. “He just told me, ‘Just go out there, be big, and be strong,'”[1] Omos recalled, emphasizing the simplicity and effectiveness of Hall’s coaching philosophy. This directive, while seemingly basic on the surface, cut to the heart of what made Omos special as a performer—his impressive physical presence and natural athleticism.
A Legacy Of Mentorship
According to industry sources, Scott Hall maintained a reputation throughout his career for being one of the wrestling business’s most generous veterans when it came to helping younger talent develop their craft. His willingness to take Omos under his wing, despite the significant difference in their physical stature and generation, reflected his deep commitment to preserving the wrestling profession.
Omos also credited other major names in his wrestling journey, mentioning AJ Styles and The Undertaker as significant influences alongside Hall.[5] However, the connection with Hall held a particularly special place, given that Hall was among the first wrestlers who truly embraced Omos and treated him as a peer rather than simply a novelty act based on his extraordinary size.
The Weight Of Gratitude
The emotional weight of Omos’s reflections became particularly evident when discussing Hall’s passing. “Sad that he’s no longer with us,”[1] the WWE star noted, his words carrying the gravity of losing someone who had invested genuine time and energy in his development. Despite the sadness, Omos’s primary emotion was one of profound appreciation.
“I’m eternally grateful for what he did for me,”[1] Omos stated, underscoring how deeply Hall’s mentorship had impacted his career trajectory. This gratitude extended beyond the wrestling itself, encompassing the personal investment Hall made in Omos’s journey. Hall didn’t simply provide technical wrestling advice; he embraced Omos with genuine warmth and enthusiasm, treating him as someone worthy of his time and expertise.
Reimagining Wrestling Possibilities
One of the most fascinating aspects of Omos’s recollection involves the creative brainstorming sessions he and Hall engaged in during their time together. The two performers conceptualized various match styles and scenarios that could have showcased Omos’s unique physicality against Hall’s legendary technical prowess.[1] These theoretical discussions, while never materializing into an actual match, represented the kind of genuine professional enthusiasm that defined Hall’s character.
Hall’s wrestling mind never truly slowed down, even as he transitioned into mentoring roles. He saw in Omos a canvas on which various professional wrestling styles could be painted, and he was eager to explore those possibilities—not for personal gain, but out of pure passion for the art form.
The Ripple Effect Of Great Mentorship
According to a WWE insider familiar with backstage dynamics during the early years of Omos’s tenure, Hall’s influence on the young performer extended far beyond their direct interactions. “Scott Hall had this uncanny ability to see potential in performers that others might overlook. When he took Omos seriously, it signaled to the entire locker room that this athlete was legitimate talent worthy of investment and respect,” the source revealed, speaking on condition of anonymity.
This validation from a Hall of Famer proved crucial for Omos’s integration into the WWE roster. Rather than being dismissed as a mere curiosity due to his exceptional height, Hall’s endorsement helped establish Omos as a serious professional wrestler with legitimate capabilities and future prospects.
Carrying The Torch Forward
Today, Omos represents the kind of success story that only occurs when genuine mentorship meets raw talent and determination. While many performers pass through developmental systems, few benefit from the direct guidance of wrestling legends at such a critical juncture in their careers. Omos’s willingness to publicly acknowledge Hall’s contributions demonstrates a respect for wrestling history and a recognition that success in this business rarely occurs in isolation.
The legacy that Scott Hall left behind extends far beyond his championship reigns and classic matches. Through performers like Omos, Hall’s influence continues to shape the future of professional wrestling, one mentee at a time. As Omos continues his WWE journey, the lessons learned from Hall—about professionalism, presence, and the simple power of being “big and strong”—remain foundational to his approach.
Omos’s recent reflections serve as a touching tribute to a wrestler who understood that the true measure of a legacy isn’t just what you accomplish in the ring, but the positive impact you have on the next generation of performers.