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London, UK – For years, Kit Wilson and Elton Prince, collectively known as Pretty Deadly, operated as an inseparable unit, their synchronized antics and theatrical presentation a hallmark of their success in WWE. However, a severe neck injury sustained by Prince in mid-2023 abruptly halted their trajectory, forcing Wilson into an unforeseen singles career and a profound personal and professional reinvention. The transition, as Wilson revealed, was initially daunting.
"I don’t think I ever truly realized how much of a security blanket and a safety net we were for each other, until we didn’t have each other," Wilson told CBS Sports, reflecting on the sudden shift. "We were performing successfully as a team, and then not to have that was very foreign. It was very scary."
Pretty Deadly’s journey began years prior to their WWE tenure, with Wilson and Prince developing their unique rapport and in-ring chemistry on the independent circuit. Upon signing with WWE, they quickly ascended the ranks, first making their mark in NXT UK. They captured the NXT UK Tag Team Championship in February 2021, holding the titles for 287 days before dropping them in December of the same year. Their move to the main NXT brand saw continued success, securing the NXT Tag Team Championship twice – first in June 2022 and again in February 2023. Their consistent performances and distinctive personas led to their main roster debut on SmackDown in May 2023, where they immediately became a prominent tag team. Prince’s injury in July 2023, however, brought this momentum to a sudden halt, leaving Wilson to navigate the demanding landscape of WWE alone for the first time in his professional career.
Following an initial period of "massive" anxiety, Wilson recognized the unforeseen opportunity presented by his partner’s absence. Instead of attempting to replicate Pretty Deadly’s established dynamic as a solo act, he focused on evolving his own character, delving into facets that had previously been overshadowed by the team’s louder, more theatrical presentation. This strategic shift has resulted in one of WWE’s more notable character revitalizations in recent memory.
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"The silver lining, the beauty in it all, it forced me to look at myself and to think about these things," Wilson stated. The necessity of adapting quickly became a driving force. "I’m pushing hard in this singles run and doing better than ever because I’ve got no choice. This is now on me. I have to do this for myself and for Elton. Otherwise, there’s no Pretty Deadly to come back."
The severity of Prince’s neck injury remains a significant concern, casting uncertainty over his potential return to the ring. Wilson, while hopeful, acknowledges the serious nature of his partner’s recovery. "We have a long road of recovery, and it’s still a bit of a question of whether he will return to the ring," Wilson confirmed. "It’s a serious injury. So I hope he does. I want him to come back." Despite the uncertainty, Wilson views this period as a foundational phase for a new, enhanced chapter for Pretty Deadly, should Prince be able to return. He envisions a scenario where his current singles success elevates the team’s standing.
"And if he does, hopefully I’ve raised the profile enough that it’ll be a bigger and better Pretty Deadly," Wilson explained. "I think we’re going to be just a different animal. I don’t even fully know what that is. I think we’ll very much stand for a lot of similar things, but it’s going to be an evolution for real."
Wilson’s current character, notably his "toxic masculinity" crusade, which resonated strongly with audiences upon its debut in January, was not an entirely new invention. It was, in fact, an inherent part of Pretty Deadly’s established "DNA" but had limited scope to develop within the duo’s high-energy, often comedic, presentation. The singles run provided the necessary platform for this aspect to come to the forefront.
The emphasis on character depth and authenticity was reinforced early in Wilson’s WWE journey during a pivotal conversation with veteran superstar John Cena at the WWE Performance Center. What was intended as a brief interaction evolved into a comprehensive 90-minute brainstorming session focused on character development. "He gave us advice, but he also quizzed us," Wilson recounted. "I felt like he made us work for it. He asked about Pretty Deadly’s backstory. He said, ‘Who are you guys?’ And he stopped talking. So we went in big and told him all about our backstory." This interaction underscored the importance of a fully realized character narrative, a principle Wilson has applied meticulously to his current persona.
In an era of modern professional wrestling where television time constraints often limit the full exposition of character layers, Wilson’s commitment to detail stands out. While many performers possess complex backstories, the opportunity to fully articulate them on weekly programming is often restricted. "Sometimes I’m fighting against toxic masculinity, and I can go deep into the reasons why about this person," Wilson said. "Sometimes I’m just going to show up on TV and say, ‘You’re toxic. I don’t like you.’" Recognizing this limitation, Wilson has leveraged supplementary platforms. "I think it’s on me, maybe as best I can, whether it’s on social media or in interviews, to go a little bit in more depth and to give you a bit more detail and those broader strokes." This multi-platform approach to character building is increasingly vital for performers in today’s wrestling landscape.
Wilson also highlights the profound impact of a well-executed entrance in shaping audience perception before a match even begins. Throughout WWE history, distinct identities, often more than championship reigns, have defined memorable acts. The Brood’s gothic ritual, Goldust’s enigmatic allure, Too Cool’s dance routines, and Steve Blackman’s stoic intensity each created an immediate and specific feeling when their music hit. Wilson experienced this transformative power firsthand with his new solo presentation. Describing the development process as an accumulation of "little bits of gold," he noted the immediate impact of the complete package. "That night, I came out to it for the first time," Wilson recalled. "Catalyst. Boom. It just kicked off. I think everything just felt right."
For years, Wilson believed he possessed the necessary talent but lacked the critical visibility to truly break through. The new entrance, combining distinct music and video, provided the necessary catalyst to capture audience attention. "I viewed myself as someone who had all the tools, but I didn’t have the eyes or the star," Wilson stated. "I think something powerful about an entrance music and video package is that it can get the eyes on you, it can get that ball rolling. I think that’s what it did for me. It catapulted me into the world and into the eyes of the wrestling community and the universe."
Wilson’s dedication to his solo reinvention has translated into significant opportunities. This Saturday, May 4, 2024, he is scheduled to compete in his first WWE pay-per-view match at Backlash in Lyon, France. He will team with The Miz to face Danhausen and a yet-to-be-revealed mystery partner. This milestone follows a high-profile appearance alongside John Cena at WrestleMania XL in April, further cementing his elevated profile.
With unprecedented attention now directed towards his evolving career, Wilson acknowledges the immediate challenge and responsibility. "It’s said you either run with this or you sink," he concluded. "And I’m running." His trajectory underscores the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in professional wrestling, particularly when faced with unexpected adversity.
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