Bronson Reed’s Early NXT Journey: Finding Support at the WWE Performance Center
In a recent interview, WWE superstar Bronson Reed opened up about his initial experiences training at the WWE Performance Center (PC) in Orlando, Florida, during his first NXT run starting in January 2019. He revealed that the transition wasn’t as daunting as it could have been thanks to two key figures from his pre-WWE days who were already there to guide him: fellow Australian wrestler Shane Haste (currently with New Japan Pro-Wrestling) and his longtime trainer Hartley Jackson.
Reed explained how their presence provided a crucial support network during those formative months:
“I was lucky enough at the time. There was a wrestler by the name of Shane Haste who wrestles in New Japan at the moment. He was actually signed to WWE. And funnily enough, the man that coached me in pro wrestling when I started when I was 18 years old, his name is Hartley Jackson. He was actually coaching at the PC at the same time. So I was able to lean on those two guys that I sort of grew up in the business with before WWE, [who] happened to be at NXT at the same time. So, I was lucky I was able to lean on them those first six months or so and then find my own groove.”
This “friendly face” dynamic made the PC feel far more welcoming than Reed anticipated, helping him settle in quickly after debuting at a live event in March 2019. He credited their mentorship for easing the culture shock and allowing him to hit his stride sooner in WWE’s developmental system.
Reed’s reflections highlight the tight-knit Aussie wrestling community and underscore how personal connections can make or break a rookie’s early career in a high-pressure environment like NXT. For fans, it’s a reminder of the behind-the-scenes bonds that fuel the larger-than-life personas we see on TV. If you’re catching his current run on the main roster, keep an eye out—Reed’s Tsunami splash is as devastating as ever.