Robert Stone, who has been part of WWE since 2019, shared new details about how Samoa Joe played a significant role in bringing him to WWE NXT. The revelation came during Stone’s interview with Bully Ray on the March 3rd episode of WWE NXT on The CW, followed by their conversation on Busted Open After Dark. Stone explained that after his time with TNA Wrestling ended, it was Samoa Joe who reached out and helped facilitate Stone’s path to WWE.
Stone described the moment, saying,
“So, TNA Wrestling was over. It was done, it was just at the end… I wasn’t really doing as much as I felt I should have. My contract was coming to an end and I finally said, you know what? I’m 34 years old at the time, and I was like, I gotta give WWE a shot. There’s no doubt about it, there’s no lies. The back of my mind, it’s where I always wanted to be. I let my contract run out. I think I announced on Twitter saying I’m no longer with TNA Wrestling. Immediately, and I mean within minutes, I get a text from Samoa Joe, our good friend from TNA Wrestling. He saw the news, said, ‘Do I have interest in coming to WWE NXT?’ Whatever it was. I told him, ‘Absolutely.’ I guess he put some feelers out, maybe to William Regal who at the time was helping talent get tryouts.”
—Busted Open After Dark via Fightful
Upcoming Plans at NXT Vengeance Day
Stone also announced that he will address the situation regarding the NXT Women’s Title at the upcoming Vengeance Day Premium Live Event scheduled for March 7. This comes after a series of events on the March 3 episode where ZARIA’s interference cost Sol Ruca her title match, and Ruca responded in kind. Fans can expect further developments involving these wrestlers during the live event.
Stone’s Transition from Full-Time Wrestling to Leadership Role
Throughout his tenure with WWE, Stone has transitioned from in-ring competition to more of a managerial and executive presence on NXT. His role as Interim General Manager has allowed him to influence storylines and guide talent, showcasing his versatility beyond wrestling. This shift highlights how some industry professionals find new paths within wrestling organizations, leveraging their experience in different capacities.
Impact and Future Prospects for WWE NXT Talent
The involvement of established wrestlers like Samoa Joe in helping colleagues secure WWE positions illustrates the strong network and support system within professional wrestling. Stone’s experience reflects how crucial connections and advocacy are for wrestlers aiming to advance their careers, especially within WWE’s developmental brand. With Stone set to make significant announcements and continuing to hold a leadership role, his influence on NXT’s direction and storylines will likely grow, shaping the organization’s future.
