Sidney Akeem (fka Reggie/SCRYPTS) First Words Since Leaving WWE

Sidney Akeem (known as Reggie/SCRYPTS in the WWE) joined Fightful Select for an exclusive interview. The former four-time WWE 24/7 Champion spoke with Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp for an exclusive interview.

Sean and Sidney discussed numerous topics. The conversation began with Sidney telling Sean that he had been doing well [since his release] and that he’d been in really good spirits. He said it's still tough but told Sean he’s in a good headspace.

Sidney has heard from independent companies asking when he is available. He is excited for the next chapter in his life. He mentioned that many people did not know he was in the circus for 16 years.

He told Fightful he was ready to put his career aside and go on the independent circuit if the WWE never offered him a contract. Sidney told Sean that he was willing to dive into the business head first from the very beginning but was fortunate enough to get a contract with WWE.

Sidney said he had his initial tryout in April 2019. He spoke about the WWE and Cirque Du Soleil having a talent exchange. He mentioned that he went to the PC on a Monday and felt like a kid in a candy store. Sidney told Sean that he found out a week after the talent exchange ended that they would have tryouts. He said WWE told him they would invite him if he made himself available. He said he did the tryout and completely crushed it.

Sean mentioned Sidney’s fast rise to the main roster. Sidney noted that former WWE PC Coach Ace Steel told him he was playing catch-up. Sidney mentioned that Ace told him he wouldn’t get better, only training three or four times a week and would need to do more. Sidney said he went into “go mode” and began training outside the PC with other wrestlers, including E.J. Nduka, Ricochet, Joaquin Wilde, and Moose.

Sidney discussed his call-up to the main roster. He said his first match in prime time was against Sasha Banks. Sidney recalled his first bump in wrestling, which occurred when Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley were feuding. He said he took a headbutt and was so proud after it happened.

They would then move on and discuss the WWE 24/7 title. Sidney said that time of his career was incredible because everything was new for him. He mentioned wrestling the first time in front of that crowd, and people knew who he was. He said people were genuinely cheering for him, and it was cool.

Sidney recounted his transition from Cirque Du Soleil to WWE and his wrestling career milestones, including his evolution from a sommelier for former WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella to being a WWE 24/7 Title holder.

Sean mentioned Sidney’s high social media numbers, which he garnered for WWE’s social media accounts.

Sidney sometimes wondered how different his career would have been if he had not been the sommelier character. He noted that he doesn’t know if he would be as popular if WWE never gave him a platform to showcase his skills. He said he is trying to carve out a career and not just be known as a gimmick act or performer.

The conversation then turned toward his return to NXT. He told Sean that going back to NXT wasn't his idea. He talked about the SCRYPT’s mask and said it was horrible. He mentioned that the character was a huge failure. However, he did tell Sean he was relieved when they removed the mask.

He talked about being paired with OTM. He mentioned they were presented as mean and angry when he was with OTM in NXT. He noted that he felt comfortable declining certain things for storylines. He said he had a great relationship with WWE and had no hard feelings or bad blood.

He mentioned that he and Lio Rush could tear the house down if they met in the ring. He also noted that he wants to work with E.J. Nduka.

Despite his WWE contract ending, he remains optimistic about future projects and opportunities.

You can follow Sidney Akeem on X, @ScryptsWWE.