Braun Strowman Recalls Backlash for Skipping NXT Debut

Braun Strowman, the former WWE superstar known as the Monster Among Monsters, has opened up about the intense backlash he encountered backstage early in his career after bypassing the company's developmental brand NXT and debuting directly on the main roster.

In a recent interview on the "Something's Burning" podcast with comedian Bert Kreischer, Strowman detailed his unconventional entry into professional wrestling. He joined WWE in August 2015 as a member of The Wyatt Family, appearing on Monday Night Raw with just four matches under his belt. "I'd had four wrestling matches my entire career, and then they debuted me on Monday Night Raw," Strowman said. His preparation consisted of only one dark match and three house shows in NXT, WWE's training ground for most new talent.

Strowman compared his path to that of fellow wrestlers AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson, who formed The Club and also skipped NXT upon arriving from other promotions. "We were the only four that skipped NXT," he noted, adding that this fast track created immediate friction. Lacking a background in independent wrestling or a family legacy in the industry, Strowman was seen by some colleagues as an...