Former Coach Hideki Suzuki recalls getting into a heated argument with his co-worker in WWE.

WWE hired Suzuki as a performance center coach on Apr 23, 2021. He also worked under the name Hachiman in NXT as a member of Diamond Mine. While he didn’t have a long career in WWE, the former coach had some thoughts about the company’s developmental program.

In an interview with Weekly Pro Wrestling and translated by Connor Writing, Suzuki shared that he disagreed with WWE’s style of coaching talent. When asked if he disobeyed the other coaches, the former coach gave his honest opinion.

“I didn’t disobey them, but I did kick up a fuss and give them attitude. As you might expect, WWE’s a big company, even in NXT alone, there are so many people employed, and things change day-by-day, so a lot of things get decided without any contact with you,” said Suzuki(H/t Connor Writing)

Hideki Suzuki Altercation with NXT Coach

When asked about his style, Suzuki shared that he did things at his own pace. He also admitted that he chose not to attend the coach meetings because he felt unnecessary. Although Suzuki thought it wasn’t necessary, one NXT coach decided to address him.

“I’m not gonna go into details about this, but one day one of the coaches asked me, “Why the hell did you [not go to the meeting]?” He tried explaining to me what he was mad about, but I didn’t understand anything of it, and I wasn’t convinced,” said Suzuki. (H/t Connor Writing)

He continued, “This was happening in front of the wrestlers, so a bunch of them got in between us like, “Calm down, coach!” Afterward, Bernard told me, “(The coach I fell out with) is really mad at you.” and I just said, “So what?” Something had to change. We always kept telling the trainees, “You gotta change, we need to change things up,” but at that moment, I thought, “It’s you guys who really have to change. Wrestlers don’t need coaches, but coaches couldn’t exist without wrestlers. You’ve forgotten that.”(H/t Connor Writing)

WWE Released Hideki Suzuki

Although Suzuki had a heated argument, he shared that he respected the coaches’ work and they were nice people. He also believes that the NXT coaches acted more friendly towards him after the incident. It’s unclear if the incident or his coaching beliefs played a role in WWE releasing Suzuki on Jan. 5.

The company released talent and employees throughout last year due to budget cuts. He revealed in the interview that Matt Bloom gave him the news that WWE decided to let him go. While he’s still unsure why WWE released him, Suzuki is ready to move on.

Head trainer at the WWE PC, Matt Bloom, recently spoke to the Orlando Sentinel about NXT’s move to the USA Network. During the interview, Bloom said that Triple H had dropped some hints leading up the announcement.

“He started dropping these hints that everybody would have to raise their game in a few weeks,” said Bloom. “A buzz definitely went through the room, and when he finally told everybody what was going on, everybody was just ecstatic.”

Bloom also spoke about the unique challenges that going live every Wednesday night will present to some on the roster.

“There are a lot of things that our talent aren’t used to, like working through commercial breaks,” Bloom said. “We have some of the best staff in the world when it comes to putting on a live TV show, so they can help us really hammer some of the little things in practice, like cameras or promos.”

Assistant coach Sara Amato was also interviewed for the piece.

“This feels like the next logical step in the juggernaut that is NXT,” Amato said last week. “I know when it gets here on Wednesday, the energy and excitement will really hit me. For right now, though, it doesn’t feel like some big transition.”

The full interview with Matt Bloom and Sara Amato can be read here.

– Below is a complete look at Stephanie McMahon’s appearance on “The Chew” on ABC this week. Stephanie shows up around 12 minutes in, and talks autumn traditions at the McMahon household. Stephanie also helps host Michael Symon prepare a special dish for Thanksgiving. Stephanie also discusses RAW and SmackDown, the Survivor Series pay-per-view, playing a heel, the women’s division and more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOpGLP74z5I

– The men and women of NXT are once again scheduled to pull a plane as part of the Special Olympics of Florida’s annual Plane Pull, this Saturday at 10AM ET at the Orlando International Airport. As of Wednesday morning, Team NXT has already raised $1,175.00 of their $1,500.00 goal. For full details and your chance to donate, clickHERE. Captain Matt Bloom will lead Blake, The Authors of Pain, Dan Matha, Tucker Knight, Alexander Wolfe, Ember Moon, Sawyer Fulton, Mada, Babatunde Aiyegbusi, Bianca Blair, Otis Dozovic, Tino Sabbatelli and trainer Sean Hayes in a giant tug-of-war to see which team can pull a 50-ton United 737 aircraft 12 feet the fastest.

Here’s a look at the crew during their training session earlier this week, joined by former NXT Champion and injured RAW Superstar Finn Balor:

#TeamNXT & @soflinfo had a great training session at #WWEPC to prepare for the #FlPlanePull on Saturday at @MCO. pic.twitter.com/oHPzN9uxlU

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) November 2, 2016

Here are some backstage interviews from last night’s WWE Battleground pay-per-view:

Bayley reacts to her main roster debut, but says it was only a one-shot deal and she’s still focused on the NXT Women’s Championship:

Rusev is ready to crush his next challenger:

Despite being in some pain, The Miz continues his reign as Intercontinental champion:

WWE’s Cruiserweight Classic tournament kicks off tonight with the first set of tapings from Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University. The 10-week tournament premieres on the WWE Network Wednesday, July 13th. The show will feature 32 of the top Cruiserweight wrestlers from around the world, with a live two-hour finale scheduled for Wednesday, September 14.

Check back later tonight for Spoiler Results of the first set of tapings.

Earlier this week, WWE held weigh-ins for the tournament and we’re told the 205 weight limit is legitimate. WWE had several wrestlers on hand as fill-ins in case anybody missed weight and we’re told one performer actually didn’t make the cut and will be replaced.

WWE has published a video of Cruiserweight Classic host Daniel talking about the tournament, including participants like Kota Ibushi, Zack Sabre Jr. and Drew Gulak. Bryan also gives his pick for who he thinks will win the tournament.

– Joey Styles took a shot at UFC over Brock Lesnar’s return to the Octagon at UFC 200, as seen in this tweet:

https://twitter.com/JoeyStyles/status/739433794990661632

– Zack Ryder gets shocked while recording with Dolph Ziggler in this new WWE Swerved clip. As noted, the second season premieres in its entirety after RAW tonight.

Don't miss another SHOCKING season of #SWERVED tomorrow on @WWENetwork! @gorillaflicks @ZackRyder @HEELZigglerhttps://t.co/xKnoldj1Bf

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) June 5, 2016

– WWE PC coach Matt Bloom makes an appearance in the latest “Shootin The Breeze” episode from Tyler Breeze, seen here:

WWE Performance Center head coach Matt Bloom recently spoke with WWE.com about the rumors of top New Japan Pro Wrestling stars coming to WWE. Below are some of the highlights from the interview.

On the rumors of AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling to come to WWE:

“It’s about time. WWE is the largest platform in the world to do what those guys love to do. They deserve to be here because they paid their dues, they worked really hard, and they made names for themselves. The best of the best come here to flourish. They’re gonna take all those years of experience, hard work and dedication, and now show it to the world on an even grander scale.”

On talking to Finn Balor about his former Bullet Club buddies possibly coming to WWE:

“He’s excited. He’s stoked. Finn is doing big things on his own right now, but I’m sure he knows that becoming the champion is difficult and staying the champion is even more difficult. He’s got an ace in his back pocket because he might have some friends coming in that have been known to watch his back. I’m sure that’s very comforting for Finn Bálor.”

On what to expect if The Bullet Club members show up in WWE:

“You hear the boss always say, “You need to reach for that brass ring.” The Bullet Club do things outside the box to continually reach for that brass ring. They’re not afraid to buck the system and be different. They’re not afraid of trying new things. The fans, the locker room, and us as coaches are very excited to see what The Bullet Club might do.”

• VIDEO: Ronda Rousey Practicing WWE Moves

– On the second episode of WWE Breaking Ground, WWE Senior Director Of Talent Development Canyon Ceman played the role of the executive who had to inform aspiring talent that they were being let go. In all actuality, Canyon was just brought in to fill that role on the show, as normally NXT Head Coach Matt Bloom is the guy who does that, according to PWInsider.com.

– Next Monday, November 16th, WWE will kick off “The Undertaker Week” on the WWE Network. WWE will soon be announcing full details on the special programming scheduled for the week long theme, which is expected to be similar to the recent “Brock Lesnar Week.”

– WWE confirmed via the official NXT Twitter account that the new “NXT: Greatest Matches Vol. 1” DVD and Blu-ray is scheduled for a March 8th release. Additionally, it was announced that Seth Rollins vs. Big E. for the NXT Championship will be on that set, and the NXT Women’s Championship match between Charlotte and Sasha Banks will be a Blu-ray exclusive.

• Kurt Angle To FIGHT Ken Shamrock In MMA Bout In 2016?!?!

NXT Champion Finn Balor recently spoke with Channel Guide Magazine to promote WWE SummerSlam weekend and the NXT Takeover: Brooklyn event. Below are some of the highlights from the interview.

On being NXT Champion: “Life hasn’t really changed as far as who I am. You still have to carry yourself day-to-day a certain way, whether you are NXT champion or not. So not much has changed, but the schedule has been hectic. I’ll admit that, but it is part of representing the company and what we are doing at NXT. That’s my responsibility now, and I’m happy to do it.”

On his Ladder Match with Kevin Owens at Takeover: “I wouldn’t say there is a lot of added pressure. Obviously, what we did in Japan was viewed by a lot of people and was a great spectacle. For me personally, it was one of the highlights of my career. It couldn’t have gone any better. I spent eight years in Japan and made this unsure decision to actually move to WWE. That ran in my mind whether I should come. Then I went through a pretty difficult adaptation to not only the Performance Center, but Florida, U.S.A., WWE. It was all very uncertain. I kind of went through all that with Kevin.

“Then a year later we return to [Ryougoku] Sumo Hall, the same building I had my first match in New Japan Pro Wrestling and the same arena I had my last match in New Japan. I invited all my friends. A year later I am back there with WWE and the NXT championship on the line live on the WWE Network. That story could not have been written any better. For some reason, going into TakeOver, the match feels so much bigger this time. I think it’s mainly due to the fact that in Tokyo it was a WWE show where TakeOver is an NXT show. We sold more than 13,000 tickets in Brooklyn. It’s NXT. We don’t just have a match or an act on the show. We are the show. We are excited to be in Brooklyn as a team, and we have to deliver.”

On uncertainty when he first came to WWE: “There was a lot of uncertainty when I came here whether this was the right decision or wrong decision. There were some downs in the beginning and that swung around. I made my debut and got a little bit of my confidence back. Things have been on the up-and-up. Every child has played video games growing up and played WWE games. To be part of a video game, it’s an unbelievable experience. I got the opportunity to do all the motion capture with 2K. They were amazing. Then I’m shooting a game commercial with Arnold Schwarzenegger. I then get a call that I’m going to Comic-Con the next day. I get to Comic-Con, and they tell me we have action figures coming out. I didn’t even know I was meant to be in L.A. to be with Arnold. I flew to L.A. and meet Arnold Schwarzenegger and then go to Comic Con. They show me drawings of action figures they are doing this year. So to say things are surreal is a huge understatement. I’m almost pinching myself every day. I’m sitting here at home and there is one of my WWE NXT t-shirts sitting on my chair. I can’t even believe that. It’s been an incredible year, and I’m looking forward to what the future holds.”

On NXT Head Coach Matt Bloom: “WWE realizes it can be difficult for foreigners to adjust to life here and have really been accommodating with that. I’m very grateful. I was helped by nearly everyone at the Performance Center, but one man I have to mention is Matt Bloom. We spent a lot of time together in New Japan. He came to Japan a few years prior to me. After his run with Tensai, he started coaching at the Performance Center. I must say if it wasn’t for him I’m not sure I would have lasted.

“He took me in and got me settled in. He helped me get my driver’s license. He helped me adjust to life in the United States. He is now head coach at the Performance Center. I can’t speak more highly of Matt Bloom and the help he gave me. With regards to in-ring work, Terry Taylor worked with me closely and helping me to adapt my style in NXT. I’ve had a lot of help top-to-bottom and am grateful for everyone.”

On a potential match against The Undertaker: “That would be a dream match for me to see Finn Bálor versus The Undertaker. It really doesn’t need to be explained more than that. I’ve been very fortunate to talk to Undertaker when I first came in here. We talked about entrances. He gave me a lot of advice that helps me to this day. So I’m very grateful for that. Maybe I’d play a couple of mind games with the Deadman. It would be a little bit fun.”

Check out the complete interview at ChannelGuideMagBlog.com.

• CM Punk Tells Stories Of DIRTY Politics In WWE, Married Life With AJ Lee!

Triple H noted during today’s conference call that Sami Zayn has been cleared and will face Kevin Owens on Wednesday night at the NXT Takeover: “Unstoppable” live special on the WWE Network.

“The Game” also noted during the call that Matt Bloom has officially been promoted to head coach, which we had already pretty much known, and that Sara Amato will be the number two trainer as assistant coach, as well as working as an agent and producer.

• Ronda Rousey BLASTS Floyd Mayweather Over His Past With Domestic Abuse!

Former WWE creative team member Kevin Eck spoke in his latest blog about the Tensai character played by Matt Bloom and what went wrong.

“When Bloom returned to WWE a few years ago, the intention was to make him a main-event-level monster heel, and the creative team was assigned to come up with a character for him,” Eck wrote. “Among the pitches for Bloom were for him to be a masked mauler, an ex-prisoner in an orange jumpsuit and an American samurai.”

Eck continued, “I was of the belief that the best option was to give him a cool-looking mask with black ring attire that showed the tattoos on his upper body but covered his ample midsection. The more we hide his identity, I thought, the less chance the crowd will be chanting ‘Albert’ at him.

“I also thought he needed a mouthpiece, and my suggestion was to hire James Mitchell as his manager. The samurai character was my least favorite. Of course, that’s the one we went with. And instead of a manager, he was given a follower who never spoke English named Sakamoto.”

Check out the complete blog at KevinEckWrestling.com.

• Mayweather-Pacquiao PPV Buys Revealed + How Much Did They Get Paid?

Following his resignation as NXT head trainer after a world of controversy fell in his lap, Bill DeMott has resurfaced on social media. The former NXT trainer tweeted the following update on Sunday.

https://twitter.com/BillDeMott/status/574617012498010112

Speaking of the DeMott situation, as we reported earlier this week, Matt Bloom (aka Jason Albert, Tensai and A-Train) is rumored to be DeMott’s replacement as NXT head trainer. Bloom tweeted the following on Sunday, which alludes to the fact that he is indeed the new head trainer for WWE’s developmental system.

Sometimes doors open that you never expect to open and amazing opportunities are presented to you. I plan on busting through those doors!

— Matt Bloom (@NXTMattBloom) March 8, 2015

• Trainer: “CM Punk Would Have Lost Monday’s MMA Scrimmage Bout If It Were Scored!” (Photos Of The Bout Included)!

As we reported earlier today, Bill DeMott has resigned from his job in WWE as head trainer of the company’s developmental system.

DeMott reportedly resigned in light of a new round of allegations made against him, including those by independent wrestler Terra Calaway, who claimed that DeMott used a variety of racist terms to address a Middle Eastern wrestler during a tryout camp, as well as accusations from an anonymous wrestler alleging that he refused to do anything about a strength and conditioning coach who was sexually harassing the women.

While WWE has not yet confirmed it, effective immediately, Matt Bloom (aka Tensai, A-Train) will be taking over the role as head trainer in NXT.

• Trainer: “CM Punk Would Have Lost Monday’s MMA Scrimmage Bout If It Were Scored!” (Photos Of The Bout Included)!

(Credit: F4WOnline.com)