Triple H Explains the Metal and Underground Music Connections to NXT, How NXT Will Stay True to Its Roots on USA Network

– Loudwire interviewed WWE executive Triple H this week, who was named Loudwire’s Metal Ambassador of the Decade. Triple H discussed how NXT is like the alternative music brand of WWE and how NXT has helped showcase up-and-coming, underground music artists through efforts such as NXT Loud. You can check out some highlights and a video of the interview below.

Triple H on comparing Raw and Smackdown to pop music and how NXT is different: “RAW and Smackdown are pop music. They’re the most popular, the most commonplace, the casual fan is gonna come listen to it and see it. I knew that to be the alternative, we needed to be something different. To create that aggression and that intensity, you need to create something that has that same vibe, and that’s where the music came in. Immediately, the music connection, to me, was to go down the harder and heavier road.”

Triple H on giving underground artists and bands a platform through NXT: “We had the idea of taking young, up-and-coming bands — just like up-and-coming wrestlers — and giving them this platform that didn’t necessarily exist. They weren’t getting on the Tonight Show or these other platforms … I feel like there’s this massive resurgence of rock and metal and whatever you want to call it. Obviously, [Motorhead’s] Lem [Kilmister] was a big fan, so it’s just rock ‘n’ roll, right? But I love it.”

Triple H on Code Orange performing live for Aleister Black’s entrance in NXT: “When [Aleister] did that live with [Code Orange] playing and that energy they brought to it, it puts him on a whole ‘nother level of stardom. As much as it helped them, they helped put him over the top as a performer.”

Triple H on the Poppy NXT performance: “When they first sent me the Poppy thing, I think there was a little disclaimer on there: ‘This one’s a bit different, but it’s crazy and cool.’ I loved it. It’s so unique and different. The Poppy thing was perfect with the sweet, syrupy pop tune that blows up into this ultra aggressive, violent song.”

Triple on how NXT will maintain its underground, subcultural feel on weekly TV: “How do you go from underground to, ‘We just signed with a big label, we’re the biggest act in the world and we’re doing stadiums. How do we stay true to who we are?’ Keeping that youthful rebellion and ‘don’t tell me how to be’ — that’s really what this is about. It’s anti.”