In an interview with Slam! Wrestling in February 2015, Paul London had the following to say regarding WWE's recent influx of independent talent (including his longtime partner Brian Kendrick):
When I look at NXT now, I feel like I was hired a decade too early. But at the same time, the advantage, if anything, I came at the time when I think it opened up a mental possibility for my peers on the independents.
London had a point about being hired too early: he signed with the WWE in 2003, a time when WWE really didn't give a second thought to the cruiserweight division and guys like London, who had an exciting, high-risk style, were thought of as little more than filler. There was definitely a stigma towards guys his size (he's 5ft 8in and 180lbs). London was given something of a push, along with Kendrick, between May 2006 and February 2007, but it didn't last. Once their Tag Team Championship reign was over, it was back to weekend show and squash match duty. London was released from his contact on November 8th, 2008. The release had been coming for a while, since the outspoken Intrepid Traveller was a constant headache for management. He's been busy on the indies since then but a WWE return does not look forthcoming (London loathed working there). Still, with best buddy Kendrick on the books and WWE adopting a refreshing 'forgive and forget' policy, the odds of a London return (in NXT most likely) look considerably better than they have in the past. This time the 35-year-old might get treated with the proper respect that his talent deserves.
