Former WWE Superstar Donovan Dijak has always been a standout talent, from his time in NXT to his peculiar run as T-Bar on the main roster. Since becoming a free agent in 2024, he’s been navigating the wrestling landscape, making select appearances while focusing on new ventures, including his Dijak Wrestling Academy.
In this exclusive interview with WrestlePurists, Dijak opens up about his time in WWE, working under Vince McMahon, Paul Levesque, and Shawn Michaels, his thoughts on potential opportunities in AEW and TNA, and what his perfect 2025 looks like.
“Everything Is a Double-Edged Sword”
Q: How are you feeling right now? — In your interview with CVV, you mentioned you were in a good place but it took some time to get over the disappointment of becoming a free agent. Now that a few months have passed, how are things for you?
A: “Everything in pro wrestling (and life) is a double edged sword. I’ve become a lot better at focusing on the positives as opposed to the negatives.”
Did WWE Recognise His Social Media Success?
During his time in WWE, Dijak’s self-made resurgence on social media became a talking point among fans. His ability to connect with audiences, especially through humor and self-awareness, made him stand out. But did WWE appreciate it?
“I know most of the social media team saw it as a positive. Other than that, I really only discussed it briefly with someone in creative who viewed it as a positive. I was never told by anyone in any capacity that it was a negative. The only exception to this is one time I was asked to not make references to The Dark Knight about the T-Bar mask, which was a fair request and I honored it.”
Despite WWE’s unpredictable approach to talent-driven social media engagement, Dijak never faced direct pushback, and his online efforts clearly clicked with fans.
Proudest WWE Moments and No Regrets
Looking back at his time in WWE, Dijak has a long list of proud moments.
“I have so many. I’m the most proud of 2023. I feel like I was given so many opportunities, and I proved that I will always make the most of them every single time.”
From great performances in-ring in NXT to proving his adaptability with every character and storyline he was given, Dijak ensured that he left a strong impression. But does he have any regrets?
“Not really. I just trusted my gut on most things. I always felt like I approached every situation to have no regrets, so I’m satisfied in that regard.”
Working Under Vince, Triple H, and Shawn Michaels
Dijak is one of the few talents who had the chance to work under Vince McMahon, Triple H (Paul Levesque), and Shawn Michaels. He had the T-Bar gimmick under Vince, a brief main roster stint under Triple H, and a standout NXT run under Michaels.
So why did Shawn get the most out of him?
“It’s all just timing. I appreciated and did my best with the opportunities that all three presented me with.”
Winning NXT ‘Match of the Year’ After Leaving WWE
One of Dijak’s career highlights came in 2023, when his Triple Threat match was awarded NXT Match of the Year—after he had already left the company.
“Strange wouldn’t be the word I would use. I was pleasantly surprised. I just assumed that it wouldn’t be nominated because I was no longer with the company. I really appreciated them nominating it because they obviously didn’t have to.”
The Iron Survivor Match: A Career Favorite
Dijak was a crucial part of WWE’s Iron Survivor match, a unique and challenging multi-man bout. According to him, it was the most fun he’s ever had in the ring.
“It’s my favorite match I’ve ever had. Just an absolute blast. I often compared the pressure of designing and executing that match to the feeling of competing in a real sport, which is rare in pro wrestling. Everyone worked so seamlessly in every regard—it was truly a team effort.”
Who Does Dijak See as WWE’s Future Stars?
Predicting the next major breakout stars in WWE is difficult, but Dijak believes Fallon Henley and Brooks Jensen should be featured heavily.
“Impossible to say. Becoming a ‘huge star’ is more timing than anything else. If it were up to me, I would heavily feature Fallon Henley and Brooks Jensen.”
WWE Partnering with Other Promotions?
With WWE recently opening the door to forming relationships with companies like TNA and NOAH, Dijak supports the idea of collaboration.
“I think it’s great for the ecosystem. I would love to see the day where everyone can work everywhere.”
TNA & AEW: What’s Next?
We asked Dijak what his relationship was like with TNA, and if it was a place that he’d like to work regularly:
“I’d love the opportunity to work for TNA if they are interested in the opportunity to work with me. I think they are doing great things, and I have expressed my interest to them recently. Once again, it’s just timing.”
As for AEW, he recently visited the company and reconnected with old friends. But has he spoken with Tony Khan yet?
“It went great, I got to see so many familiar faces that I hadn’t seen in 7 years. I really enjoyed that. We haven’t had the opportunity to speak yet, but I would love to have a conversation with him.”
Does it surprise him that Khan hasn’t reached out yet?
“Not surprised whatsoever. The business is all about timing. When the timing is perfect, then that will be the best opportunity for us to speak.”
Dream Matches and What Comes Next
Dijak still has dream matches in mind, though he acknowledges that many are unrealistic right now.
“There’s a few left over from WWE, and a few in AEW. Most of those are unrealistic at this exact moment, obviously, so most of my ‘dream matches’ on the indies are with younger guys who I think have huge potential like Conan Lycan and Shane Mercer.”
As for what he’s chasing next, he remains open to any opportunity that allows him to prove himself
“Everything is a double-edged sword with pros and cons. I’m in the prime of my career. I’m very thankful that I get to make a living doing what I love. I’m always open to the idea of collaborating with companies that want to bring the best wrestling on earth to their audience, wherever they may be.”
Dijak Wrestling Academy & A Perfect 2025
One of the biggest surprises of Dijak’s post-WWE career has been the launch of his Dijak Wrestling Academy, an online pro wrestling course.
“Honestly, I was inspired by my acting coach Howard Fine and his model of teaching online classes. I thought it was a tremendous platform and opportunity to focus on the mental side of pro wrestling before or while someone is learning the physical side elsewhere. I love teaching pro wrestling, and the first week was an incredible success. Stay tuned to DijakWrestling.com because we are opening up more classes very soon!”
So, what does his perfect 2025 look like?
“Continue to grow the Dijak Wrestling Academy. Become MLW World Champion. Continue to prove to everyone that I am the best wrestler in the world and I am in the prime of my career. If you give me the position, I am capable of leading and elevating an entire company.”
Dijak is far from finished. With his confidence, passion, work ethic, and ability that many of us have already seen, he is more than capable of going on to have a huge year in 2025.
“Everything is a double edged sword with pros and cons. I’m in the prime of my career. I’m very thankful that I get to make a living doing what I love. I’m always open to the idea of collaborating with companies that want to bring the best wrestling on earth to their audience, wherever they may be.”
