Tony D’Angelo has spent years hearing fans ask the same question: why is he still in NXT? Now, the former NXT Champion is finally opening up about what it’s like watching other wrestlers get called up to RAW and SmackDown while he continues waiting for his opportunity.
Speaking on Busted Open After Dark following his No. 1 Contender’s victory over Myles Borne on the October 13 edition of NXT, Bully Ray asked D’Angelo whether it’s difficult seeing talent with less time in developmental receive main roster opportunities before him.
“You mentioned that you’ve been in NXT for four years now, right? You see a lot of people come into the territory, and you see a lot of people move on to Raw or SmackDown. Is it difficult for you to see people who might have spent less time in NXT get an opportunity before you might be getting it?”
D’Angelo admitted it absolutely crosses his mind, saying it’s only human to feel frustrated when someone else gets the opportunity you’ve been working toward. At the same time, he said he’s learned there’s only so much he can control.
“I mean, yeah, that’s—I feel like that’s a natural human reaction, to see somebody kind of bypass you. But I also think that it’s out of my control to an extent. You know, I can—look, I’m always gonna go out there and give 150%. I’m never gonna half-ass anything. So, you know, that’s all I can do. And I can continue to learn and progress in an upward motion.”
He went on to explain that WWE decision-makers have repeatedly reassured him that his extended stay in NXT isn’t because they don’t believe in him. According to D’Angelo, Shawn Michaels, Matt Bloom and Johnny Russo have all told him the situation simply comes down to timing and what WWE is looking for at any given moment.
“But, you know, this business, it’s unlike any other business, you know? And it can just—some people have what they’re looking for right now, and it’s just like a circumstance thing. And, you know, Johnny Russo, Shawn Michaels, Matt Bloom, you know, they’re all assuring me that, like, it’s not because you’re doing bad work, or it’s not because you’re not ready, or any of that. It’s just a timing thing. They’re looking for something that, you know, I didn’t fit that mold of right now. So, and this person may have—might have came in, maybe doesn’t have as much experience as I do, but, you know, it’s exactly what they were looking for. So I can’t really be upset at that.”
Bully Ray responded by pointing out that staying in NXT isn’t necessarily the worst outcome if WWE doesn’t yet have meaningful plans for someone on the main roster. Instead of sitting around without direction, D’Angelo has continued wrestling regularly, winning championships and learning from coaches like Shawn Michaels, Matt Bloom and Terry Taylor.
That led D’Angelo to talk about the influence Terry Taylor has had on him. He said Taylor constantly uses top WWE names as examples for today’s NXT talent, showing them what they can become if they stay the course. More importantly, D’Angelo made it clear quitting has never been an option, no matter how long the wait becomes.
“Yes, I’ve been here for a long time, but I am not a quitter. I’ve never quit anything in my life. And if I did, I would be doing a disservice to my family, my coaches, my parents, my son. You know, that’s just a bad look. I don’t want that reputation. I want to be—you know, it doesn’t matter how long it’s gonna take. I’m going to keep going, and I’m still here, so I gotta keep moving. You know? That’s all it is.”
Those comments come just days after Self Made Pro claimed Triple H was never particularly high on D’Angelo’s original mafia-inspired character, suggesting that was a major reason he hasn’t received a main roster call-up despite spending five years in NXT. Whether that’s still the case behind the scenes remains unclear, but D’Angelo clearly isn’t dwelling on outside speculation.
This transcript was produced exclusively for Ringside News from the original recording. Republishing the transcription in full is prohibited. When using excerpts, provide prominent credit and a link to this article.
