Negative Reaction Backstage To Top NXT Star's Work

While covering WWE 2K15 at SummerSlam in Los Angeles, California for a video game website, journalist Daniel Ryckert met Hall of Famer Pat Patterson, who is an influential voice among top WWE brass. During a recent podcast on GiantBomb.com discussing his experience, Ryckert revealed that a top NXT star's work is not viewed in a positive manner by some influential people in WWE (beginning at 13:33).

During his encounter with Patterson, Ryckert asked him which WWE wrestlers stand out in his eyes.

"Oh, I like the guy who does the...," Patterson responds, and he starts doing motions in the air with his hands before Ryckert asks if it's Sami Zayn.

"Sami Zayn! I love that guy! The stuff he does, it's amazing! Oh my God, he's the best," responds Patterson.

According to Ryckert, Patterson touted the talent's work to Vince McMahon and others backstage, but drew a negative response.

Patterson said, "Oh, I tell Vince, I tell all the guys and I say, "Oh the stuff he does and they all go, "Oh no, he just does a bunch of flippy s–t."

Though not specified, Patterson was likely referring to the producers backstage. Furthermore, he may have been talking about reigning NXT Champion Adrian Neville. Ryckert thought it was him at first before mentioning Zayn.

Ryckert added that Vince McMahon "doesn't watch NXT."