The WWE Performance Center has undergone significant changes over the years, with one notable instance being the removal of Bill DeMott from his position as Head Coach. While some were relieved to see DeMott go, others advocated for him to remain in power. The reason for his departure was not only due to his grueling coaching methods but also the impact they had on the trainees, leading to numerous injuries and a decline in morale. One such individual who suffered at the hands of DeMott’s coaching style was Kevin Matthews, who recounted a particularly disturbing incident during the Cafe de Rene podcast.
Matthews recalled that DeMott’s methods were so brutal that he suffered a torn bicep, forcing him to take painkillers to cope with the pain. It was then that Bob Holly, a fellow wrestler, approached him and made it clear that if he spoke out against DeMott, Holly would personally harm him. Holly’s demeanor was calm and collected, but there was an unmistakable threat lurking beneath the surface. Matthews was left shaken by the encounter, knowing that DeMott’s abusive coaching style was well-known among the performance center’s staff.
DeMott’s departure from the performance center marked a significant shift in the way wrestlers were trained. Matt Bloom replaced him, bringing a fresh perspective and a more inclusive approach to the training process. Today, the center is helmed by Albert and Shawn Michaels, two wrestling legends who are committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for trainees. While the past may be dark, the present and future hold promise for a new era of training and talent development.
In the wake of DeMott’s departure, the performance center’s culture has undergone a significant transformation. Gone are the days of brutal coaching methods and hidden agendas. Instead, the focus is on building strong bonds between trainees, coaches, and mentors, with the goal of creating well-rounded, confident wrestlers. As the wrestling world continues to evolve, it’s essential to confront the harsh realities of the past and work towards creating a brighter future for the next generation of wrestlers.