NXT Sensation Leon Ruff Reveals What Jeff Hardy Told Him After a Disappointing SmackDown Debut

Two weeks ago on NXT, we saw one of the most shocking title changes in the history of WWE and the Black and Gold brand. Leon Ruff defeated Johnny Gargano to win his first NXT North American Championship.

Now, the 24-year-old NXT Superstar is in a championship program with Damian Priest and Johnny Gargano. All of this has happened in mere seven weeks of him signing his WWE contract.

But it didn’t come as easy as it sounds for Leon Ruff. He often appeared as an enhancement talent on Raw, SmackDown and NXT in the Performance Center-Pandemic Era programming of WWE before signing with the company later in October.

Leon Ruff names WWE Superstars who complimented him

Ruff joined Alex McCarthy of TalkSport.com for an exclusive interview where he spoke on several topics. He was asked if he has received any kind words from any wrestlers backstage?

Ruff replied, “I don’t like to get in trouble, so I come to work, keep my head down and do my job. I have been a fan of a lot of these guys for a very long time and I do want to introduce myself, but I don’t want to stutter or make awkward eye-contact and come off as weird [laughs].

“So I just did the match and stayed to myself, but it was nothing but kind words when I came to the back. Jeff Hardy was walking up the stairs in front of me and I wasn’t going to say anything, I was going to let him do his thing. But he stopped, turned around, fist bumped me and told me how much of a great job I did against Sheamus,” he continued.

The current NXT North American Champion also mentioned how Sheamus came up to him and appreciated his work.

“Sheamus himself told me how great I did and how he enjoyed the match. And he introduced me to Cesaro which was really cool. A lot of guys, even if I just say hey or what’s up, they always give me a fist bump and tell me good job.

“And that’s really cool because they don’t have to. But, the fact that they not only acknowledge me but the hard work that I’m doing is what’s really cool.” he concluded.

Leon Ruff is entertaining on TV and he’s super athletic in the ring too. It’s great to see a loved underdog get recognition for his work.

His current feud with Gargano and Priest has been great leading into TakeOver: WarGames. Plus, his character is only getting better week by week. Let’s see what holds next for Leon Ruff!