A decade after making his main roster debut, WWE Superstar Seth Rollins has shared a previously untold story about his time in NXT, revealing that he was on the verge of being released from the company. In an exclusive interview with Jay Mohr on his podcast, Mohr Stories, Rollins recounted the challenges he faced while navigating the politics of the wrestling industry during his early days in NXT.
A Struggle to Adapt
According to Rollins, his transition to NXT was marked by a steep learning curve. As the 2010 NXT Arrival winner, Rollins was thrust into a world where he had to quickly adapt to the company’s unique culture and politics. Despite his impressive in-ring skills, Rollins struggled to find his footing in the NXT locker room, often finding himself at odds with his peers.
“What I learned when I got there was that it’s not just about getting in the ring and performing,” Rollins explained. “It’s about understanding the politics of the business, understanding who to talk to, who to impress, and how to fit in. It’s a delicate dance, and I was terrible at it at first.”
On the Verge of Being Released
Rollins’ struggles in NXT eventually caught the attention of WWE officials, who were reportedly considering releasing him from his contract. According to sources close to the situation, Rollins’ poor performance in the NXT locker room, combined with his inability to connect with his peers, made him a prime candidate for release.
“Let’s just say that Seth’s early days in NXT were a bit of a disaster,” said a WWE insider. “He was still finding his footing, and it showed in his matches and interactions with the other talent. There were definitely some people in the company who thought he was a waste of time and were pushing for him to be let go.”
A Second Chance and a New Path Forward
Despite the odds being against him, Rollins was given a second chance by WWE officials, who saw potential in the young wrestler. Recognizing that Rollins was a talented in-ring performer, but struggling to adapt to the company’s politics, WWE brass made the decision to pair him with a veteran mentor who could help him navigate the complexities of the industry.
“Working with [former WWE Superstar] Kofi Kingston was a game-changer for me,” Rollins revealed. “He took me under his wing and taught me the ins and outs of the business. He showed me how to navigate the locker room, how to deal with the politics, and how to be a professional. Without Kofi, I’m not sure where I’d be today.”
A New Era for Seth Rollins
Rollins’ time in NXT may have been marked by struggles and close calls, but it ultimately paved the way for his future success in the WWE. Today, Rollins is one of the company’s top stars, known for his electrifying matches and charismatic personality.
As Rollins looks back on his journey, he’s quick to acknowledge the role that his time in NXT played in shaping him into the wrestler he is today.
“Being in NXT was a blessing in disguise,” Rollins said. “It forced me to grow up and become a better wrestler, both in and out of the ring. If I had been released from the company, I’m not sure I would have ever achieved the success I’ve had. So, in a way, being on the verge of being fired was the best thing that ever happened to me.”
A Lesson for Aspiring Wrestlers
Rollins’ story serves as a reminder that success in the WWE is not solely dependent on in-ring ability. Rather, it requires a combination of talent, hard work, and a willingness to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the industry.
Aspiring wrestlers would do well to take a page out of Rollins’ book, learning from his mistakes and using them as a launching pad for their own success.
“Seth’s story is a great reminder that the WWE is a business, not just a sport,” said a WWE insider. “To succeed in this company, you need to be able to navigate the politics, understand the culture, and be willing to adapt to change. It’s not always easy, but for those who are willing to put in the work, the rewards can be enormous.”
With his success and dedication to the industry, Seth Rollins serves as an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers everywhere, a reminder that even the toughest challenges can be overcome with hard work and determination.