Popular wrestler rejected WWE due to Triple H issue, Vince Russo says (Exclusive)

Triple H oversaw WWE's NXT developmental brand for a decade before becoming the main roster's creative figurehead in 2022. Former TNA, WCW, and World Wrestling Entertainment writer, Vince Russo, recently gave an insight into why James Storm did not become a full-time black and silver star.

Storm made his name in TNA in the 2000s. The 47-year-old looked set to sign with WWE after defeating Adam Rose and Danny Burch in matches on NXT in late 2015. However, surprisingly he returned to TNA instead.

Russo appeared on Sportskeeda Wrestling's The Wrestling Outlaws show alongside host Dr. Chris Featherstone and former two-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion, EC3. The veteran writer claimed a problem with Triple H caused Storm's WWE negotiations to collapse:

"I got along with James really, really well," Russo said. "I worked with James for a long time. He's one of these guys, though, bro, I know he was at NXT and there were some issues with Triple H. I don't know what happened there but, man, bro, I swear to God, Bobby Roode and James Storm, in my opinion, were two guys that should have had WWE runs." [3:16 – 3:38]

Storm was part of the Beer Money tag team with Bobby Roode in TNA. Although Roode has worked for WWE since 2016, many feel he was underutilized on the main roster.

Watch the video above to hear EC3's story about his backstage interaction with actor Hugh Jackman before a RAW episode.

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Details on James Storm's brief stint in Triple H's NXT

While most NXT talents are new to the wrestling business, James Storm had been in the industry for almost two decades when he appeared in WWE.

According to Dr. Chris Featherstone, finances ultimately played a part in Storm rejecting WWE to re-sign with TNA:

"I was told that they were trying to string him along when it comes to dollars contract-wise, which, you know, hey, you gotta know your worth, man, and I appreciate that from a business standpoint." [3:45 – 4:00]

Storm has won several championships throughout his career, including seven NWA and seven TNA tag titles. He is also a former TNA World Heavyweight Champion.

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