WWE’s Shawn Michaels confirms NXT Europe launch in 2023, NXT UK plans for Worlds Collide and building for the future-Alistair McGeorge-Entertainment – Metro

Shawn Michaels and Triple H are expanding the NXT brand (Picture: WWE)

WWE is looking to expand in a big way as NXT UK closes its doors and 2023 brings the massive launch of NXT Europe.

The sports entertainment giant will bid farewell to the UK-based brand on September 4 with Worlds Collide – which will take place at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida over Clash At The Castle weekend – before the team return with a clear focus next year, and NXT boss Shawn Michaels is excited for the future.

Speaking exclusively to Metro.co.uk about the huge plans, the Hall of Famer said: ‘It’s just a natural expansion of things because that brand, since 2016, has been fantastic.

‘Yes, it’s been quiet and underneath the radar, but I don’t think you’ll find anybody that wouldn’t argue that it’s been a real quality product from its existence.’

Plans for the expansion are still in its early stages, with details such as the roster, filming and more yet to be confirmed, while the decision to push on with the project coming after Triple H – real name Paul Levesque – took charge of creative following the retirement of Vince McMahon.

However, it’s something the company has talked about a lot, as the Heartbreak Kid explained: ‘This has been a goal of Hunter’s for quite some time, and I think clearly with what has gone on recently with him taking on creative, he felt that now would be a great time to have the ability to do that. NXT UK was one of the first steps in that process.’

Triple H and Shawn Michaels have been heavily involved in NXT UK (Picture: WWE)

WWE has reason to be optimistic for the future, with main roster talent like Doudrop, Rhea Ripley, Butch, Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser all coming through the ranks in the UK to become major players.

‘We’ve developed a lot of people since that time, a lot of them going to the main roster,’ he said, dropping the same names. ‘I feel like we did a fantastic job with that. But now it is time to grow it internationally, and that’s what NXT Europe is planning to do in 2023.’

A big part of that will be expanding and changing the roster, with some talent going moving the US and beyond, while WWE is looking at bringing in new faces to further reflect the new brand.

Gunther – then known as WALTER – got his start in NXT UK (Picture: WWE)

The Ring General is now SmackDown’s current Intercontinental Champion (Picture: WWE)

Although the company as a whole has emphasised signing untrained athletes rather than ready-made wrestlers more recently, Michaels insisted the recruitment isn’t quite so simple and they won’t be ignoring ‘the real talent from an independent standpoint’ that’s out there.

‘We are in the beginning stages, these are all things we are going to be talking about – but I’ll say this. I really think – I always hate to speak for Hunter, but I always feel like we’re of the same mindset a lot of the time and I think it’s about balance,’ he explained.

‘Certainly, we’re always going to continue to go out there and recruit young, sports-minded athletes, young men and women that want to help WWE grow and expand.

‘But I just don’t think there’s anyway to ignore the talent – and especially the international talent – that’s out there. I don’t think anything is going to be off the table.’

The next stage will be one final swansong for NXT UK as the brand’s stars face wrestlers from NXT in the United States in a Worlds Collide special on September 4, with Tyler Bate, Gallus and more appearing on Tuesday night’s show to start that build.

‘It’s sort of a pseudo-final event for NXT UK at Worlds Collide,’ he explained, while noting he’s optimistic for the future. ‘I’m just excited that we’re growing it. A lot of things we have talked about in the past, now they’re finally happening and this talent’s gonna have the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of all their hard work.’

Looking to 2023, Michaels insisted NXT Europe will build on what NXT UK started with developing talent to become stars on Raw and SmackDown, and give more people the opportunity to live ‘that same dream’.

‘NXT UK has so much European talent as it is, so it’s only fitting we grow that brand to cover Europe. WWE is a global entity, and NXT is obviously a huge part of that,’ he said.

‘Being able to help them and be part of that process is really one of the most enjoyable things I’ve ever gotten to do in my entire life.’

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