In a recent interview with PWMania, former WWE NXT superstar Bodhi Hayward (Brady Booker) discussed several topics, including his WWE NXT release, his future in wrestling, working with Shawn Michaels and more.

Highlights of the interview are below:

On working with Shawn Michaels: “The first time I ever saw him, he called me a Golden Retriever. I was like holy s***, there’s Shawn Michaels, the Heartbreak Kid. I never really got to spend that much time building a relationship with him, I was always so nervous to talk to him. I wish I would have gotten the opportunity to have a better relationship with him for sure.”

On his WWE NXT release: “My first initial thought was, I was in shock, it was 100% out of the left field, I was upset too. I felt the relationships I had there that were being built were good, I was shocked and it was a big blow to my confidence. I was thinking Chase U main roster, but I was shocked and hurt. It showed me that there is a lot more to this business that maybe I do have to learn about, in some way, shape or form, you are always in control. I look at this as a great opportunity, I feel that I’m made for this, physically and mentally. The one thing I always wanted was to cut an in-ring promo, I love being in front of crowds, I never feel more comfortable than being in front of them, that’s what will make me successful in this business. I love the Brodies and they’re loving me back, I want to love everyone for who they are as well.”

On his future in the wrestling business: “I have a whole new world now, I’m connected with a bunch of great people, Matt Riddle, Liv Morgan, Karrion Kross and Shinsuke Nakamura, those guys are my rolling partners, there are so many more too who are looking out for me. People know I got it and they don’t want to see me fail. I’m looking forward to Japan, and UK opportunities as well. I got to spend 10 days in the UK with Trent Seven, talking to Parker Boudreaux, seeing what’s going on in his neck of the woods, MLW too, with EJ “The Judge” Nduka, talking to him as well. I hope to continue evolving as a wrestler and finding my style.”

The full interview is available at this link.