William Regal Comments On What Chris Hero’s Return Means To NXT, The Key To Hero Achieving Success With WWE

William Regal recently spoke with Nicolas Atkin for ESPN.com, talking about what Chris Hero’s return to NXT (as Kassius Ohno) means for WWE. You can read a few excerpts below:

William Regal comments on Chris Hero’s return:

“This generation look up to him, so to have him back is great. Now he’s gone away and basically reinvented his style. When you get somebody as good as him and taking notice of him, it’s no different than Bryan. Daniel Bryan influenced a generation, and now Chris is doing it. It’s great to have him back, and I’m happy for him.”

Regal says the key to success for Hero is for him to stay healthy:

“It’s entirely up to him. He’s just got to stay healthy, that’s the No. 1 thing, the hardest thing. It’s the great thing that people have no idea about, because of the way we are now, that injuries stop you doing what you do.”

“Chris needs to take care of his health and make sure he’s doing all of his therapy in his knees and whatever else. If he does that, and he looks after himself, he can go all the way. He’s got the height, he’s incredibly talented, he carries himself well, and talks well. I hope it works out.”

Kassius Ohno Returns To WWE NXT

Chris Hero made his WWE NXT return at tonight's TV tapings from Full Sail University. According to what was displayed on the big screen, he's back to using the Kassius Ohno name.

The return has been announced by WWE.

After, Tajiri and NXT Champion Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Bobby Roode and Samoa Joe, Ohno's music hit and out he came wearing a suit. He went to take his jacket off but instead made an elbow and elbowed the NXT Title on Nakamura's shoulder. Ohno then left.

The match should air on January 25th, the final episode before Takeover: Toronto with Roode vs. Nakamura for the title.

Triple H welcomed Ohno back to NXT with this tweet:

Welcome back... #KassiusOhno @WWENXT pic.twitter.com/9FUjNfZgDf

— Triple H (@TripleH) January 6, 2017

Antonio Cesaro Comments on his former ROH tag team partner Chris Hero (Kassius Ohno) being released by WWE

"It certainly was disappointing. When we signed with this company, we both knew what we were getting into. We both made each other a promise that we would work as hard as possible, whether it's as a team or singles competitors. I know he'll wind up on his feet, and he probably already is, and he'll continue wrestling all over the world."

Chris Hero Talks About Getting Released by WWE, Current NXT Stars, the Indies and More

The Masked Man of Grantland.com has a lengthy new article up asking if indie wrestling can survive WWE. It features an interview with Chris Hero, formerly known as WWE NXT star Kassius Ohno. Here are some highlights:

The pressure of going back to the indies: "I'm the prettiest girl at the dance for the moment. I know it's not going to last forever. I have to be on my toes. One very real thing is people asking, "Does he still have it in him? Can he bring to the table what he brought to the table years ago?" It's inspiring for me. I want to show people that I have as much to offer as anyone in the history of wrestling. That sounds a little grandiose, but I feel like I have something different."

Whether WWE prefers homegrown talent to hiring wrestlers with indie buzz: "I don't think they give a shit about buzz. They only care about their own buzz, which makes sense. You can't solely cater to the niche fan base — it's a tricky demographic to deal with. But you can see somebody get over with those fans and think maybe they can do it in WWE, too. And they see someone who has the passion to chase the dream, traveling around the world. If you have passion, if you're a good performer, those are two of the most important things in wrestling, and they're things you can't manufacture. Some people are naturals. Take Big E Langston; he has such a perfect match of athleticism and charisma, and he looks like an action figure."

Being released by WWE: "I'd been employed for 21 months. They knew what I was. They had a certain perception of what I brought to the table, and I guess they thought I wasn't going to be called up anytime soon. They had a pecking order, and certain guys who were going to be the next ones called up, and I wasn't in that group. It was a little vague, but I was told, "This isn't good-bye forever; this is good-bye for now.""

"Getting fired sucks for anybody, even if it's a job you hate. So the gut instinct is to be mad, but none of that will serve me. None of that will put any money in my bank account. It's not hard to be positive because I do what I love. When I was 8 or 9 years old my mom would take me to Hara Arena in Dayton, Ohio, to see Ultimate Warrior versus Andre the Giant or to watch Demolition versus the Rockers or to see the very first Survivor Series in Richfield. It would be completely different if I landed on my head and got injured so I couldn't wrestle anymore — that would be hard to deal with. But what was taken from me? A weekly paycheck?"

His fellow developmental wrestlers: "The guys in NXT now — Sami Zayn, Adrian Neville, Tyler Breeze, Scott Dawson — when they get called up, they could set the world on fire just like Daniel Bryan did. But Bryan did more than that — he set the locker room on fire. He was in the ring in the main event every week with so much intensity that everybody else realized they had to step things up. Randy Orton, for instance. He looks like he's wrestling with a new inspiration, and he doesn't need to do that."

More Rumors on the Release of Kassius Ohno

Regarding Kassius Ohno's WWE departure, word is that in confidence, he told some of his co-workers that he couldn't understand why he wasn't being pushed at the level of guys he thought he was better than. Those co-workers then told WWE management what he had said and that sealed his fate with the company, combined with his age and the fact they had no immediate plans or ideas for him on the main roster.

Chris Hero Talks About Leaving WWE, Possibility of Working for TNA, Who Will Be the Next NXT Call-Up to the Main Roster & More

Backstage News On The Release Of One Of WWE’s Most Talented Developmental Prospects & Why It Wasn’t A Surprise

Kassius Ohno was quietly released from his WWE developmental contract last Friday. While some might consider his release a surprise, that really isn’t the case.

In July Ohno was very frustrated with his spot in WWE about not getting called up. He was on the short list to get called up to the main roster several times but every time he was tested with his “attitude and commitment,” he failed the test. Weight training has never been Ohno’s strong suit but his frustration was believed to be part of the reason why he wasn’t receptive to increasing his workouts.

It's unsure what eventually led to Ohno’s release but Triple H was at the WWE Performance Center a couple weeks ago. Hunter was never a supporter and it was Vince McMahon that wanted to call Ohno up in the first place.

"Hunter was never a supporter and it was Vince McMahon that wanted to call him up."

Now watch how the Triple H haters take this comment and say how he buried Hero while ignoring the fact that Hero's attitude & commitment weren't that great.

Big Week for Luke Harper

Luke Harper became the first man ever to wrestle on RAW, SmackDown, Main Event and NXT in the same week. Harper lost to CM Punk on RAW this past Monday, lost to Daniel Bryan by DQ on SmackDown this past Friday, teamed with Erick Rowan and defeated The Prime Time Players on Main Event on Wednesday and defeated Kassius Ohno(in his last match) on this week's edition of NXT.

WWE Releases Top NXT Wrestler from Developmental Deal

WWE has released Chris Spradlin from his developmental deal this past week. He was known as Kassius Ohno on NXT and Chris Hero before joining WWE.

Ohno was released by WWE officials while waiting to begin training on Friday morning at the Performance Center in Orlando. Ohno recently returned to NXT after being held off TV for some time. His final match, a loss to Luke Harper, just aired a few nights ago on this week's episode of NXT TV. Ohno was trending worldwide on Twitter last night.

He's already been announced to face Hurricane Helms on November 16th for Pro Wrestling Syndicate in Rahway, NJ. Besides the PWS show on November 16th against Hurricane Helms, Hero has been announced for Pro Wrestling Guerilla's All Star Weekend in December. A number of other independent promotions are scrambling to book Hero.

WWE NXT news and notes from this week’s tapings

Tensai beat Jake Carter in a dark match prior to this week’s tapings.

Ricardo Rodriguez worked under his masked Luchador gimmick, El Local at this week’s tapings. He taped a match against Sami Zayn that will air on September 18, 2013.

The Triple H/McMahon family storyline continued over to NXT at this week’s tapings. Triple H “relieved” Dusty Rhodes of his duties as NXT General Manager and named JBL as the interim GM. Bradshaw appeared live as the transition will be highlighted on the September 18, 2013 episode.

Santino Marella worked this week’s tapings in a match with Emma to oppose Fandango and Summer Rae.

As we reported here on WrestlingNewsWorld.com, Kassius Ohno made his return. He taped a match against Luke Harper of The Wyatt Family that will air on September 25, 2013.

Brooks Oglesby was in attendance and noted that Bo Dallas taped a match against Sami Zayn that is “absolutely” worth watching.

Rob Van Dam beat Aiden English in the Superstar Showdown match.

The next set of NXT tapings will take place on Thursday, October 10, 2013 and will feature Alberto Del Rio and Christian as the featured guests.

Update on Kassius Ohno

There has been a lot of speculation regarding the status of Kassius Ohno and whether or not he’s on his way out of WWE before getting called up from developmental. The rampant rumors and doubts about his status have “only added to his frustration” about not getting called up. We are able to confirm that due to frustration, his attitude has been pessimistic and weight training sessions have not been a priority to him.

Ohno’s physique has never been his strong suit but there have been times he’s been pulled aside and asked to focus more on weight training. These type of suggestions usually end up offending him.

Kassius has been on the short list to get called up to the main roster several times but every time he’s been “tested with his attitude and commitment,” he’s failed the test. The stability of TNA Wrestling, the word going around in NXT is that it may not be the option it once was for workers that do not make it in developmental.

source: wnw premium news

Notable developmental talent left off the NXT taping, trainers frustrated by his recent approach

WWE developmental wrestler Kassius Ohno (aka Chris Hero) was noticeably absent from the most recent NXT television taping. Ohno was working out at the WWE Performance Center during the grand opening on Thursday, but he was did not work the tapings that night because the trainers are frustrated by his lack of commitment to the strength and conditioning program.

A number of people within developmental are said to be disappointed with Ohno, who was considered to be on the fast track to the main roster not all that long ago. Ohno, who worked as Chris Hero on the indy scene, is well liked within developmental and his in-ring ability isn't in question, but there is obviously a message being sent by keeping him off the television tapings. The story goes that when Triple H found out about Ohno's lack of dedication to cutting weight, he was removed from television and plans to bring him into the WWE were put on hold.

source: prowrestling.net

Meet NXT's Top Prospects

Tomorrow’s brightest stars of WWE are honing their craft today on WWE NXT. These young, driven up-and-comers compete week after week at Full Sail University and in other Florida locations with their eyes on several prizes — the NXT Championship, the forthcoming NXT Tag Team Championships and ultimately earning a spot on WWE’s main roster. Take a look at 10 of NXT’s top prospects making a name for themselves in the hopes of becoming future Superstars and Divas, just as Big E Langston and The Shield have done. Click here.

JR Gives Talent Evaluations From WWE NXT TV Tapings

Jim Ross, who knows a thing or two about talent, posted a new blog on his official website with thoughts on this week’s WWE NXT television tapings. Below is an excerpt:

Bray Wyatt Family had a stellar night. Good presentation.

Sasha Banks beginning to impress.

Jake Cater back from injury.

Good taping for Cory Graves.

Adrian Neville formerly know as PAC had a superb nite. An amazing, flying Dynamite Kid.

Mason Ryan returned to the ring & looked massive & imposing.

England’s Paige is improving & is a keeper in my view. The anti Diva.

Alex Riley looked good as did Bo Dallas & Michael McGillicutty.

Really enjoyed Kassius Ohno & Leo Kruger together.

Xavier Woods has ‘something.’

Willam Regal & Tony “Don’t call me Richard” Dawson handled all the commentary. Michael Cole & yours truly helped the announcers that were there. Enjoyed it. Shawn Michaels held court for hours w/ the young talents. Awesome. Great seeing Kevin Nash & Sean Waltman. Dusty Rhodes and I talked Johnny Football. An overall great experience at Full Sail & one I’d encourage fans to try at least once.

Rumor Mill - Why Kassius Ohno Didn't Make The Main Roster Debut At Survivor Series

Many fans here at WNS as well as across the internet were wondering why WWE didn't bring up Kassius Ohno to the main roster on Sunday.

It's been talked about for a while now that WWE officials were due to bring up some NXT stars to the main roster and the Survivor Series angle was the result of that.

However, pwinsider.com reports that Ohno was "never talked about in regards to being brought to the main roster now". Officials are reportedly high on Ohno but is quote "needs seasoning up" before he gets promoted to the main roster.

JR Comments on Future Stars In NXT, More

NXT was the best night of TV that we’ve produced in Orlando to date. NXT Champ Seth Rollins got a great ‘rub’ from WWE Champion CM Punk. The impromptu tag bout that occurred after the official taping ended between Punk/Rollins vs. Cesaro/Ohno was simply outstanding. We called it just for the Hell of it just in case it ever airs on a DVD, etc. It was really fun.

Big E Langston continued to take giant strides and is a star in the making if he continues to steer the course and gets a break once he debuts on one of the WWE rosters which I feel will happen some day soon. Just a gut feeling.

Michael McGillicutty can be a star and he is beginning to really bring it. The duo of Tyson Kidd and Justin Gabriel impressed me as does the team of Ascension every time I see them.

Paige is the top young diva in NXT for my money and the young lady from England has a bright future.

I’m really enjoying the new TV persona of the talented South African Leo Kruger.

Jim Ross Praises FCW Talent After Final Taping

Jim Ross has posted a new blog, which consists almost entirely of talk about the final FCW taping, which was held last night:

The atmosphere Thursday night at the last FCW TV taping was intimate and exciting from the sell out, turn away crowd. 

As much as the crowd delivered the kids delivered more. I'm amazed at the teamwork and team spirit these young talents possess. It's refreshing and motivating even for an old veteran like me.

Lots of kids stood out. Rollins, Steamboat, Cesaro, Ohno, Bo Dallas, Bray Wyatt, Brad Maddox, Ascension, Big E Langston, Jason Jordan, Paige, and several others who I'm sure that I'm inadvertently omitting while doing this on the fly from 35,000 feet. 

I like the team of  Jake Carter and Cory Graves. Their match w/ CJ Parker and Mike Dalton was really nice. 

Loved the @thedeanambrose vs @realkingregal bout that had a shockingly, real, physical conclusion.  That match was on hour three and will likely air in July but I'm not sure of any of the air dates. When FCW's TV show runs its course on the Brighthouse Network in Florida, FCW will be replaced by NXT. I'm unaware if the rebranded NXT will air on WWE.com ( doubtful) but will air outside the USA where NXT is currently airing. 

I had a blast blast broadcasting  w/ WWE HOFer Dusty Rhodes as you will hear if you are able to assess the show which many watch on You Tube. 

With FCW in the rear view mirror we turn our attention to the next, NXT taping at Full Sail University in Orlando next Thursday June 14.

Kassius Ohno Suffers Injury

FCW star Kassius Ohno, the former Chris Hero, is reportedly out of action due to a cervical sprain that happened at the April 26th FCW tapings in a match against his former partner Antonio Cesaro. Ohno did a twisting dive onto a bunch of guys but landed short and on top of his head. He was able to finish the match but was taken to the hospital for x-rays.

source: wrestling observer newsletter

Kassius Ohno (Chris hero) FCW Debut Promo

Chris Hero Receives His FCW Ring Name

According to the official website of WWE developmental promotion Florida Championship Wrestling, the wrestler formerly known as Chris Hero has been officially named Kassius Ohno.

Kassius Ohno at FCW