A recently released WWE talent has spoken out about challenges with his NXT character. In early May, WWE let go of over a dozen wrestlers from both the main roster and NXT, including Carl Fredericks, formerly known as Eddy Thorpe. More than two months after his release, Fredericks appeared on the “B4 The Bell Podcast” to discuss his struggles with portraying a Native American character on NXT TV. He criticized the lack of depth in his role, revealing frustration at being confined to stereotypes like dancing in the woods and fighting without meaningful promos, saying, “I’m not a real person. I dance dirty in the woods, I go in and fight. Give me a microphone in the ring. Let’s talk like a human.”
Fredericks shared how his character’s lines often revolved around clichés, including references to “the greedy white man,” which he felt didn’t represent him authentically. Reflecting on his storyline targeting the NXT North American Championship, he revealed plans discussed with Shawn Michaels that didn’t come to fruition, centered on portraying a heel Native American character emphasizing the pursuit of “resources like gold” as a metaphor for power and struggles. Despite being in “vacation mode” after his WWE departure, Fredericks is still training and considering his next step in wrestling but remains tight-lipped about his future.
This insight into Fredericks’ experience highlights ongoing issues with character development and representation in WWE, especially in NXT. For fans, it raises critical questions about how the company crafts narratives for diverse talents and the importance of giving wrestlers roles that feel genuine and impactful.
Fan Take: Fredericks’ candid remarks shed light on WWE’s sometimes superficial approach to character work, especially regarding cultural representation. This matters because more authentic storytelling could elevate both individual performers and the sport, making wrestling more relatable and engaging for fans worldwide.
