Bobby Steveson/Damon Kemp Talks WWE Departure, How He Found Out

In an exclusive interview, Fightful Select caught up with Bobby Steveson (Former NXT Superstar Damon Kemp). (If you aggregate any parts of this article, please link to it: https://youtu.be/bdLpiVn2Q1Y)

Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp spoke with the former stable member of NXT’s Diamond Mine and No Quarter Catch Crew. The two talked for a little over half an hour on numerous topics.

Sean asked Bobby how he learned that the WWE would not renew his contract. 

Bobby said he was notified by phone. He felt like something was off due to indirect signals and gave examples, such as being left behind while his peers were attending TNA. 

Bobby recalled a conversation with a WWE staff member in which he asked if he was still part of the group and if his contract would be renewed. He was assured that everything was fine, but the lack of clarity regarding his future made him uneasy.

 He clarified that he wanted to stay with WWE and had no intention of moving to another promotion or sport. Bobby told Sean that he enjoyed his time in WWE. However, a week after expressing his interest in staying.

Bobby mentioned his confusion over not being informed directly about his status within the company despite being told he was doing well and future storylines were pitched to him. 

Bobby said that when he was told that his contract would not be renewed, it shocked him and was somewhat heartbreaking. He explained that WWE did not provide an exact reason. He said it was frustrating but added that it was not unexpected. He stated that he had seen other wrestlers receive similar treatment. He holds no hard feelings toward WWE and remains open to a potential return in the future.

The former University of Minnesota Wrestler discussed transitioning from amateur to professional wrestling. Steveson noted that many former athletes like himself are often used to direct criticism and coaching. He acknowledges feeling lost about what to do next but mentions an interest in MMA. However, he hesitates to leave after three years of investing in professional wrestling. He wants to continue wrestling, preferably with another major promotion that he hopes can lead him to travel internationally and wrestle.

Sean mentions to Bobby that he’s heard positive feedback about Bobby’s quick transformation to professional wrestling, specifically in areas that are generally challenging for newcomers. Bobby confirms that wrestling came quickly due to his extensive background in amateur wrestling, where he developed skills and found the most difficult part to be the performative aspects of professional wrestling. 

Bobby used character development as an example. Steveson credits Terry Taylor’s class at the WWE Performance Center with helping him overcome challenges by encouraging him to be larger-than-life and more expressive.

He spoke about his early experiences in the wrestling world, notably how he crossed paths with people he already knew, such as Brutus Creed, with whom he had wrestled in college. 

Bobby discusses his experiences working on various WWE shows, including "205 Live," "Level Up," "NXT," and even appearing on "NXT UK." He mentioned that "Level Up" and "205 Live" serve as platforms for giving newer talent and veterans opportunities to get experience. Bobby discussed the challenges of adjusting to live TV, including adapting to sudden changes in match timing, which needed quick thinking and improvisation.

He reflects on his ability to adapt quickly to the roles and situations. He specifically mentions storylines for Diamond Mine and No Quarter Cash Club. Bobby talks about working on WWE’s "Main Event," mainly his matches against Shelton Benjamin and Tyler Bate, and what those experiences taught him.

Steveson shared how he found out he would be wrestling Shelton Benjamin. He said he got a call while he was in Wisconsin celebrating a friend's birthday. He said he never realized the importance of always having his wrestling gear ready because it was left behind. 

He said that led to a trip back to Orlando, where he lived, to get his gear before hopping on another flight to Oklahoma. He said he was somewhat apprehensive upon receiving the unexpected call but was excited to face Shelton Benjamin, who had also attended the University of Minnesota. He said that made for an important milestone in his career.

The Minnesota native tells Sean about his experience facing Benjamin, where he wrestled in front of a crowd of around 14,000 people. He mentions that William Regal gave him valuable advice to stay calm and remember to breathe, as the size of the crowd could be intimidating. He says Edge was also there, offering guidance and helping orchestrate the match. 

Bobby said he deeply appreciated Benjamin's support. He said Shelton could have easily dismissed him but instead helped him. He explains how Shelton had to repeatedly remind him to slow down during their match despite feeling like he was moving too slowly. Steveson mentioned adjusting his style to suit the audience and situation better.

He explained the differences in wrestling style between NXT and the main roster. He said NXT has a faster, more high-energy style. Bobby mentioned that the main roster was slower and had more of an intended style. He says the main roster is preferred to cater to a broader audience, including families unfamiliar with wrestling nuances.

He mentioned that Edge was the first to meet him backstage after his match with Shelton Benjamin, providing feedback and encouragement. He said the opportunity to sit in "Gorilla" for the rest of the evening and received advice from other stars like WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes. 

Bobby mentioned his experience wrestling Tyler Bate at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. He said he admired Bate's technical style and got to showcase his skills.

Bobby mentioned learning from several top talents and guest coaches throughout his time at WWE. He named Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes as examples. He said Cody approached him in the locker room to praise him for his match with Bate. He said receiving that feedback was especially meaningful, as it came from the top star in the company. Bobby said the interaction reinforced his belief that he was on the right path.

The conversation continued, and Sean asked Damon about the infamous NXT Parking Lot. When asked about his reaction to the parking lot segment, Bobby admitted that the parking lot is notoriously dangerous, often claiming someone as a "victim." He admitted he was somewhat relieved that his exit wasn't more dramatic, joking that at least he wasn't left "swimming with the fishes."

The 25-year-old discussed his early days in NXT, where he was in a feud with Roderick Strong. He mentioned the initial concept of the Diamond Mine stable was to help elevate talents with legitimate skills. 

He said he didn't know how to approach veterans for advice five months into his career, fearing he might be a bother. Bobby said, looking back, he wished he had more chances to get in the ring with Strong and learn from him. He now understands the importance of gaining insights from experienced wrestlers. He recounts the learning curve he went through working with Strong. He mentioned planning out every step of the match, while Strong, with his experience, preferred to call things in the ring.

Bobby talks about the endorsement he received from WWE Hall of Famer Gerald Briscoe, a revered figure in professional wrestling. Briscoe attended his tryout, and afterward, they went to dinner at a Texas Roadhouse. 

He said he kept a small memento from that dinner, a restaurant card, as a cherished keepsake and a reminder of that moment. Receiving Briscoe's endorsement meant validation for him.

Bobby explained how his NXT name, "Damon Kemp," was chosen. Initially, he wanted to keep his real name because he felt he had already established some recognition with it. However, NXT management had a process for naming talents. They provided a list of potential names; if none of the options appealed, the talent could suggest alternatives.

The options were then narrowed to "Diego" or "Damon." He chose "Damon" because he didn't look like a "Diego." Shortly after his name was chosen, he discovered that a serial killer named Damon Kemp was making headlines in Daytona.

Concerned that this might affect his public image, he suggested changing the name, but the suggestion was dismissed, as it was believed not to be a significant issue. He said he was initially worried people might see the killer's mugshot when searching his name, but he decided to stick with it and make his mark.

Bobby told Fightful about his enjoyment of creating pre-taped segments in which they could deviate from the script and joke around. 

He mentioned his love for University of Michigan sports teams, specifically Michigan football, which he supports due to his father and his admiration for Tom Brady, who played there. Bobby shared memories of his father's reactions to watching Michigan games.

He also mentions that his favorite NFL team is the Minnesota Vikings due to where he lives. Still, he notes his past support for the Patriots and the Buccaneers, driven by his admiration for Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. 

Damon discusses his future as a free agent, mentioning his desire to explore new opportunities inside and outside wrestling. 

He talks about his diverse talent and interests, such as country music, and mentions releasing a song on YouTube titled "Ain't Gone" with his friend Ethan Carl. In closing, Bobby revealed that he recently signed with a talent agency and is exploring opportunities in acting, including roles in upcoming films.

You can follow Bobby Steveson on X at @BobbySteveson or on Instagram at damonkempwwe.