Former WWE star Fred Rosser (fka Darren Young) has confirmed that his recent return to the Performance Center was for a guest coaching role, rather than being back with the company full time.
On October 31, former WWE star Fred Rosser made headlines when he shared a post on Twitter celebrating his return to NXT as a coach, sharing pictures of himself at the Performance Center alongside Shawn Michaels and reflecting on his full-circle journey to get to that point.
Rosser wrote:
Nine years ago today, I was released from @WWE. Today, I’m back at @wwenxt, fighting back tears of joy every time I pull up to the Performance Center and grateful for the opportunity to give back to the next generation.
I’m always hearing what WWE is looking for NOW I’m able to see it for myself and be a sponge in this environment. I once stood in this environment, beating on my craft alongside incredible coaches, and quickly made my way to the main roster. Now, I’m back sharing those experiences and helping shape the future.
And when you talk about NXT, don’t forget the ORIGINAL NXT! MR. NO DAYS OFF baby! Nine years later, still standing, still inspiring, and STILL NO DAYS OFF! WWE, thank you for the opportunity. You know what time it is? IT’S TIME TO GO TO WORK!
Fred Rosser clarifies WWE status
While most assumed that Rosser was now back with WWE full-time following this post, the former WWE Tag Team Champion has now hopped back on social media to confirm that he was just back in NXT as a guest coach, rather than being signed to WWE once again.
Detailing his experience in the role and highlighting some some of the talents that caught his eye, Rosser wrote:
This week, I made my rounds as a GUEST COACH, observing, learning, and seeing how things are done. But I also had the opportunity to work closely with some young hopefuls, brainwashing them into believing in themselves and exploiting the gifts they already possess! 💯
There were several others I enjoyed working with, but these three would definitely be my wrestling kids if I were there full-time! Hidetora Hanada — I’ve already fallen in love with his willingness to be coached. Coming from sumo wrestling and playing football at Colorado State, he brings a unique background and a willingness to learn that I admire.
Amy — A dancer with natural presence! She absolutely killed it on the mic during class, and that confidence helped earn her an opportunity on NXT television.
Austin — With a background in bobsled and American football, he also showed what he could do on the mic in class, earning that NXT television opportunity alongside Amy. He reminds me of a young Wade Barrett!
My philosophy has always been simple: don’t try to turn everyone into the same performer. Identify their gifts, build their confidence, and help them become the best version of themselves. 💯
Rosser would then send out another tweet in response to SGT Slaughter, who had congratulated the former Darren Young on his return to WWE before the clarification on his role that came later. And in his message, Rosser would confirm that a return to the WWE “family” is something he’s hopeful for in the future.
Rosser wrote:
I apologize, Mr. Slaughter. I was just a guest coach @WWE, but I truly hope to join the family again in the future.
I can say with 1000% certainty that I wouldn’t be where I am today without your guidance early in my career when I was just an extra. You always looked out for me, took care of me, and believed in me. I’ll never forget that, and I’ll always be grateful.
Thank you @_SgtSlaughter 💚
As Rosser mentioned in his first post, he was released by WWE back in 2017 after spending eight years under contract.
While WWE fans know Rosser best for his time in the original Nexus and later the Prime Time Players with Titus O’Neil, the 42-year-old went on to find a decent amount of success in NJPW over the past six years, including a 279 day reign as the NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion.
It’s not known whether WWE have interest in bringing Rosser aboard in a full-time capacity as of now, but we will provide more updates if there are any further developments.
Rosser may not yet be back under WWE contract, but a Hall of Famer has this week confirmed that he is back with the company after departing AEW – click here for full details.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
