WWE Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix was interviewed following her first night as an NXT commentator. Phoenix joined the commentary team at the last set of NXT tapings on May 1, replacing Percy Watson.
Phoenix was a commentator on the Mixed Match Challenge series, the Mae Young Classic, and was on commentary for the Elimination Chamber match to crown the first WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
Phoenix was last seen at WrestleMania 35 competing alongside Natalya for the aforementioned WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships in a match won by The IIconics.
“It was just such a great experience, like everybody was so helpful helping me to prepare for this new role. I just had so much fun in the end because when the red light came on and it came time to do commentary for the very first time for NXT TV, it really provoked that passion and feeling that I got when I was a young wrestler starting off in the game and trying to make my way. I just really connect with that. I was so excited to be able to be here and kind of share that experience with everybody and be that excited fan in the seat watching NXT do what it does best.”
Percy Watson’s WWE status
Percy Watson, the NXT commentator Beth Phoenix replaced, has left the company. According to a report from F4WOnline, the reason for the departure is unclear, but it is rumored he wants to pursue a career in acting. It is not currently known if WWE has granted him a full release.
Watson is a former wrestler for the company, competing on two seasons of the old version of NXT. Watson was released in 2013, but returned as a commentator in 2016. Watson was a commentator on NXT, 205 Live, Main Event, and Worlds Collide. With Aiden English joining the commentary team for 205 Live and Phoenix joining NXT commentary, his future was in doubt.