Austin Aries On NXT Stars And Brand Extension, Possibly Being Drafted To RAW Or SmackDown, Nakamura
Recently on The Wrestling Compadres Slamcast, NXT's Austin Aries talked about his NXT TakeOver: The End matchup with Shinsuke Nakamura, his NXT experience thus far, and whether NXT will be part of WWE's upcoming brand extension.
On facing Nakamura, Aries said that the two have not faced each other in the squared circle as of yet; however, Aries joked that the match should garner a two-star rating from professional wrestling experts.
"It should be fun. I think at least two stars. It should be in that two-star range or whatever. I hope the fans are okay with that. It's a great opportunity because he's one of the guys I haven't had a chance to get in the ring with. And we're going to go out there and do our thing and have some fun." Aries added, "we've crossed paths at the bars a couple of times now that we're working together. He's not shy to go out and have a cocktail like myself. But yeah, we chat a little bit in the back and he seems to be a cool guy and I think we'll get in there, we'll put all that aside, and get down to business."
Aries acknowledged that his NXT experience has been positive so far, though he is looking forward to really showing the world what he can do.
"It [has] been great. There are obviously some things about it that are new, lots of new challenges, and a new setting with so much talent. But overall, I'm just trying to find my way, do what's asked of me, and go out there and just try to show people what I'm about. If anything, I'm still kind of scratching the surface and I think in the next few months, as I kind of find my comfort zone as I call it, I can unleash the side of me that maybe hasn't been seen yet. I think people will get a better idea of what I can do."
As for brand extension, 'The Greatest Man That Ever Lived' claimed that he has not heard whether NXT performers will be part of the upcoming draft. With that said, Aries indicated that he will be ready should he get the call up to the main roster.
"I suppose anything is possible. I'd never rule out anything in this industry. I haven't heard anything. I think, just like everybody else, you read speculation and conjecture and you just kind of wait till you hear something definitive. So, I'm ready for whatever they put in front of me. Right now, that's Shinsuke Nakamura at TakeOver week and that's where I'm focused. And whatever they put on my plate, I'm hungry and I'm ready to eat, as long as it's vegan, of course."
To check out the show, click here. If you use any of the quotes from this article, please credit The Wrestling Compadres Slamcast with an H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Also, new subscribers can sign up for the WWE Network today by clicking here and get their first month for free, which includes NXT: Takeover this Wednesday and WWE Money In The Bank on June 19th.
Source: The Wrestling Compadres Slamcast