Keith Lee: Triple H Wanted To Keep Me On WWE NXT For As Long As Possible

Keith Lee has revealed he found out about his call up to WWE Raw as he was preparing for his NXT Championship defence against Karrion Kross.

Lee lost the NXT Title to Kross in August 2020 and debuted on Monday Night Raw just a couple of days later, making the move to the main roster following two years on the black-and-gold roster.

Talking on Out of Character with Ryan Satin, when asked when he found out about his main roster move, Lee said: "Not long before, bud. It was kind of like, the match was coming up with Kross and in passing (it was mentioned). It was casual like, 'one this is done, you're going to one of these two places. We don't know yet.' 'Alright. Let's make the most of this and try to have some fun on the way out and cut loose a little bit.'"

When asked if he could have spent more time in NXT, Lee said he was definitely open to the idea, noting that he had not long won the NXT Title prior to his call-up.

The 36-year-old believes Triple H was eager to keep him on the show for as long as possible, but people in charge of Raw and SmackDown had wanted to bring him up for a long time.

He continued: "I definitely could have spent more time there, without a doubt, without questions. Let's be honest, I not long won the NXT Championship and what, maybe six weeks of time before it was 'gotta go.'

"The reality was, as I understand, the main roster had been wanting to bring me up for a while and it was Triple H trying to keep me for as long as he could. Time was running out and some things are out of our hands.

"For me, personally, I'm always looking for another challenge so, going to the main roster, it's like, okay, now I get to see where I really stand because I was concerned I have everything I need. I think a random no-name guy steps up with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins at Survivor Series and has the crowd firmly on his side without having something. In my personal opinion, I have everything. Everything I need, I have it, and it's at my disposal. I don't think that happens, I don't think the situation at the Royal Rumble with me and Brock happens. I don't think you hear 42,000 people going nuts for a guy that has nothing, right?

"The one thing that matters, as far as I'm concerned is that it doesn't matter what Keith Lee is or who Keith Lee is. What matters is Keith Lee's connection with the people. No matter what happens, anywhere, anytime, those people are going to have something to say and I'll forever be grateful for it."

H/T Fightful