Earlier today, new WWE Senior VP of Talent ID and Development, Trent Wilfinger posted to Twitter, tagging NXT specifically, and noting that under the leadership Triple H, he is going to help bring to life a game changing vision and strategy to the brand.
The tweet from Wilfinger appears to confirm a report from Dave Meltzer on a recent edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, that last Friday’s NXT releases are part of a larger change in philosophy for the brand. It was noted that Bruce Prichard and John Laurinaitis were also behind the releases along with Vince McMahon, and not Triple H or Shawn Michaels.
It was specifically stated by Meltzer that because NXT lost the “Wednesday Night War” to AEW, the goal is now to have NXT return to the older style of developmental with bigger guys and younger guys. Meltzer went on to say there are divisive opinions on wrestling amongst the key people in WWE, and they are all fighting for McMahon’s ear. He further said that some new changes for NXT will be , “no more midgets – no one starting in their 30’s…they want people that can be box office attractions and main characters.”
This also seems to go along with a recent twitter post from recently released NXT Superstar Anthony Henry (real name Asher Hale), who posted his thoughts on his release. He noted in his post “there is a shift happening, within the company”, and that he longer fits what WWE is “looking for.”
Hale was one of the 13 NXT talent released last Friday night. According to Hale’s Wikipedia page, he stands 5′ 10″ and weighs 180 Ibs.
You can check out the Twitter posts from Wilfinger and Hale below:
Excited to share that I will be joining the WWE as their new SVP of Talent ID & Development. I look forward to working side by side @jamesrkimball under the leadership of @TripleH to help bring to life a game changing vision and strategy. #WWE #NXT pic.twitter.com/RR0HI7DCWs
— Trent Wilfinger (@TrentWilfinger) August 6, 2021
I've had time to process what going through my head. These are my thoughts on my time with @wwe and subsequent release. Thank you to @WWENXT and @TripleH for the opportunity, the experience, and for making me stronger person. #workhorsmen pic.twitter.com/PeTgCtgUpm
— Anthony Henry FKA Asher Hale (@Antnyhenry) August 8, 2021