Below are a couple of top WWE news stories of the day.
• We are saddened to report that Michael Sharrer, also known as former WWE developmental talent Mike Taylor, has passed away at the age of 47.
A former Marine and amateur wrestler, Sharrer signed with WWE in 2006 and trained in developmental territories like OVW and Deep South Wrestling. He also appeared in enhancement roles on WWE programming and contributed motion capture work for WWE video games.
After his release in 2007, Sharrer used the ring name Micah Taylor, and sometimes Sandy Beach, particularly in Japan and Hawaii. He remained active on the Southern independent scene in Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama and toured internationally, including with Japan’s ZERO-ONE promotion.
Fellow former WWE developmental talent Mike Mondo posted the following about Michael’s death:
“This one isn’t easy. Still doing my best to process this. Mike Taylor was the first friend I made in OVW which carried over into a close friendship / brotherhood for the next 20+ years. We were just texting a couple weeks ago. You always looked and treated me like your younger brother. You’ve always had a huge heart.
I’m grateful for all the great times we had in Louisville & of course the countless shoots on the west coast doing mocap. Those memories will last forever. I pray for Mikes family during this difficult time especially his kids Isaiah & Mina. I love you Big Mike. A-team for life. RIP buddy.”
• This week’s episode of NXT drew 628,000 viewers with a 0.19 rating in the 18-49 demo, which is slightly down from last week’s 631,000 viewers with a 0.17 rating.
According to Wrestlenomics, the show peaked at a viewership of 709,000, which was for Giulia vs. Chelsea Green. This was Giulia’s debut match in NXT, which she won.
An X user posted that Giulia is already a top draw on the brand. This led to Chelsea tweeting the following:
“I waited 10 years for recognition, I guess I can wait a little longer.”
