In a heartfelt farewell, WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels and other talents bid a fond goodbye to Alicia Taylor, a 43-year-old ring announcer, on NXT this week. Taylor, who made her last appearance on the show’s latest episode, had been an integral part of the black and gold brand since 2019. The news of her departure was met with nostalgia, as fans and colleagues alike paid tribute to her outstanding contributions to the WWE universe.
Taylor joined the Stamford-based company in 2018 and quickly rose to prominence as a ring announcer for NXT, replacing Kayla Braxton, who had moved to SmackDown as an interviewer. Her iconic voice and charisma had become synonymous with the brand, making her an irreplaceable part of the NXT experience.
Shawn Michaels, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, took to social media to bid Taylor a fond farewell. In a heartfelt tweet, he shared a backstage clip of himself and other backstage personnel gathered to bid Taylor farewell, presenting her with a replica of the NXT Championship belt adorned with numerous autographs.
Michaels affectionately referred to Taylor as an “irreplaceable part of the soundtrack for many NXT moments,” thanking her for her dedication and congratulating her on her move to SmackDown.
As reported by Fightful, Taylor is set to join the blue brand, where she will assume the role of ring announcer on Friday nights. Meanwhile, Mike Rome will be taking over as the new ring announcer on NXT, starting next week.
Taylor’s departure marks the end of an era, but her move to SmackDown is sure to bring new excitement to the brand. Fans are eager to see her bring her signature style and energy to the blue brand, and her colleagues will undoubtedly miss her infectious enthusiasm. As Alicia Taylor begins her new chapter on SmackDown, one thing is certain – she will be deeply missed on NXT, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of the WWE universe.
