Jim Smallman, a senior writer and producer on the NXT creative team, has resigned from his position to return to the United Kingdom to “be a better dad” to his two children.
Smallman, the co-founder of British indie promotion PROGRESS Wrestling, announced the decision himself via a post on social media.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision as I was lucky enough to work with some of the most talented and excellent human beings on the planet, and yesterday was a very emotional day as I said goodbye – for now – to so many great friends,” Smallman wrote.
He cited that it’s impossible to be a good dad from 4000 miles away and that combined with some health issues made it time to go home and “make up for lost time.”
Smallman said he wrote 216 episodes of NXT UK, 150 episodes of Level Up, worked on 190 episodes of NXT, and produced hundreds of in-ring and backstage promos.
“I am forever grateful to Shawn and Hunter for giving me my chance, Johnny and the writing team for being amazing, Mr Regal for putting me forward for everything, Joe for showing me the ropes… and to every gifted talent that I’ve worked with in both Europe and the USA,” he continued. “I wish I could have thanked every single person yesterday but we had a TV show to film! Thank you for tolerating a strange British idiot.”
He added that while this might be a goodbye to the NXT creative team, it’s not a goodbye to WWE and he hopes to see everyone again down the line.
“I’m a very lucky man to have lived this life, but even luckier to be heading home now to an 8 year old who wants to play Fortnite and Hot Wheels and a 21 year old who wants to come to Japan with me,” he concluded.
