Former WWE Superstar EC3 recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. During the interview with the show, EC3 discussed his leaving WWE and being able to fully to his character and “control the narrative” on Ethan Carter III.
Co-host of the show Bully Ray asked EC3 what he felt was the biggest issue with the company right now.
EC3 on ‘The Top’ of WWE
“Like with anything? It starts at the top” EC3 began, discussing his former place of work. “And I think the top? The very very top? Is micromanaging to an extremely dangerous level, where there’s no trust in the lieutenants, the majors and the generals to do anything.”
“Everything goes through the top” EC3 continued, clearly alluding to WWE CEO Vince McMahon. “And when the tops inundated with so much business? A lot gets lost. You just mentioned it’s a broken system, and it seems like it.”
EC3 then admitted that he hasn’t been following WWE recently (understandably) but he feels that they could be doing a lot more with their stacked roster of talent. “I’m not following the product, but they have the most talented roster in the world. And the product becomes unwatchable and insufferable sometimes. But, if I’m a leader? Which I’ve been in some cases, not to that level, but as a leader? instead of passing blame to people and firing them, sometimes it comes down on me. And so, leadership starts at the top.”
This comments echo those made by Eric Young recently, another talent released by WWE.
Do you agree with EC3? Let us know in the comments
Former WWE, WCW & TNA head writer Vince Russo recently discussed the WWE Extreme Rules PPV. Russo was critical of the event, much like other notable industry names such as Jim Cornette. One of the matches that Russo was quick to jump on was the Eye For an Eye Match featuring Rey Mysterio and Seth Rollins.
Notably, Vince Russo did not like the fact that Mysterio actually lost the match; “Rocky didn’t lose to Apollo in Rocky 2 okay? Rocky didn’t lose his second fight to Clubber Lang” Russo began on The Brand podcast.
Vince Russo on Mysterio vs Rollins
“You always have to payoff…you gotta send the audience home happy” Russo would continue. “So with that being said, I’m reading some of the results [from Extreme Rules], first of all the babyface Rey Mysterio challenges Seth Rollins to an eye for an eye match. The babyface LOSES and gets his eye ripped out of his head. I’ve never heard of that. Not in my life!”
Russo would elaborate further, saying “especially a guy like Rey Mysterio that’s been around forever. But the babyface challenges, and the baby face loses. So now bro? They do something where they show a fake eyeball for like one quarter of a second. And bro, on top of that? The heel is puking ringside realising what he did.”
Vince Russo would then discuss the stipulation of the match, saying how if he had come up with the concept it would’ve been lambasted by fans and critics alike. “I’m like bro, if I would have wrote this sh*t? Forget about it.”
Russo continued, “I’m looking at this sh*t and I’m like ‘oh my god bro, the stuff that I get criticized for!? If my name was on this? That’s all you would have been in reading about. And again bro, keep in mind this is the great Vince McMahon! This is the great ‘filter.'”
Do you think that the Eye For an Eye Match was as bad as some of Russo’s worst? Let us know in the comments.
Former WWE writer and wrestling personality Jim Cornette had some choice words for the recent WWE Extreme Rules PPV. The event was billed as ‘The Horror Show at Extreme Rules,’ and Cornette seemed to agree with the ‘Horror’ aspect in more ways than one.
“It’s been so fucking stupid from the time that they announced this “Jim Cornette began on this week’s Drive Thru podcast, talking about the Eye for An Eye match between Seth Rollins and Rey Mysterio. “Everybody laughed at it and nobody believed it.”
Jim Cornette Talks Eye for an Eye
“There was some element of discussion and or wonderment and bewilderment” Cornette would continue. “How they gonna do this, right? It’s like two dogs f*cking.”
Jim Cornette would then allude to WWE ‘copying’ the booking style of Vince Russo. Whilst Cornette didn’t strictly say the former WCW, TNA and WWF writer’s name? It was quite clear who he was referring to. “They have taken what I described about sh*t stains booking from years ago and just now applied to everything. We don’t give a f*ck what happens, we just want to see how they’re going to do it.”
Cornette elaborated on this further, saying “we don’t care about any of these people and we certainly don’t believe that any of this is in any way legitimate. OR EVEN that there could be some ill will between these guys, like a Bret Hart or Shawn Michaels; that would lead somebody to go into business for themselves. It’s just a bunch of bullsh*t to laugh at, so how are they going to do this?”
The former Midnight Express manager would then admit that he himself was intrigued at one point. “I was even interested, what are they going to do? Is this one guy gonna walk around with no eyeball for the rest of his life!?”
Do you agree with Jim Cornette’s points here? Let us know in the comments
AEW commentator and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently commented on WWE owner Vince McMahon ‘looking after him’ when it came to monetary matters.
This week’s episode of Grilling JR saw Jim Ross and co-host Conrad Thompson discuss the Fully Loaded 2000 PPV. As usual, Conrad would talk about the wider scope of WWE’s (then WWF) business around the time, which included the move from USA Network to TNN for the Monday Night RAW show.
The money involved in the change of Network was huge for the company, and JR would talk about how much of a difference it made for him from a monetary standpoint.
Jim Ross on The Big Bucks
“It was major, major money, big time” JR began on the show. “And we all shared in those profits. You know the executive guys like myself and Kevin Dunn for example, among others. You know, Vince took good care of us with stock. We got great stock, options and grants.”
Jim Ross elaborated further, saying “quite frankly Conrad? During that time I really kind of set my portfolio up to take care of me for the rest of my life. Cause the stock kept increasing. Vince [McMahon] took care of us.”
JR would then discuss Vince McMahon as a businessmen, saying that he ignores negative stories aimed at the WWE CEO. “So, when all the negative stories about him during that period of time? I ignored them. He [Vince] solidified my financial future over those last few years there, with the stock issues and things of that nature. So, the better we did? The more we got paid, which is a great way to look at it.”
Former WWE writer and wrestling personality Jim Cornette had some choice words for the recent WWE Extreme Rules PPV. The event was billed as ‘The Horror Show at Extreme Rules,’ and Cornette seemed to agree with the ‘Horror’ aspect in more ways than one.
“And that’s when I said I’m done” Jim Cornette began on this week’s Drive Thru podcast, talking about the Wyatt Swamp Fight match. Cornette was discussing the point where Braun Strowman was knocked out (by himself) and woke to be chained against a chair.
Jim Cornette on Wyatt Swamp Fight
“F*ck these guys, f*ck these alleged writers [and] f*ck this company” Cornette continued. “This would have made me ashamed to ever be a part of wrestling, but this isn’t wrestling. So I’m not ashamed to have ever been a part of wrestling. I would have been ashamed to ever be a part of whatever the f*ck these people just did.”
Cornette would elaborate further, saying “they should be ashamed to call themselves wrestlers; but it didn’t make me ashamed of wrestling, because there was no aspect of wrestling involved in this.”
The former manager of the Midnight Express tag team would finish by laying into Vince McMahon and Bruce Prichard. “If Vince likes it? He needs to take that cognitive test that old f*cking president pigsh*t has taken; where he can identify the elephant from the donkey. Or if Bruce was in favour of this? I think he’s been to rehab before, somebody needs to f*cking check and see if Bruce has fallen off the wagon.”
Do you agree with Jim Cornette’s assessment of the ‘match’? Let us know in the comments
AEW broadcaster and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently appeared on the Busted Open Radio show on Sirius XM. JR discussed a number of topics on the show, including his impressions of the young talent in AEW and how they have adapted to performing on national television.
“A lot of them come to me to ask questions,” said JR. “You gotta get beyond the fact that, ‘man, I’ve dreamed all my life that you were gonna call one of my matches.’ Okay, cool. Thank you, I’ll do my best.”
Jim Ross on Rule Changes
Ross also discussed some rules changes that have been implemented into AEW programming, some of which he is not a big fan of.
“The issue is, not everybody listens. They think that somethings [in the industry] ‘suck’. We don’t have tag ropes anymore because some of our crew think it’s lame. I think it’s bullsh*t. Heels need rules to break.”
JR would elaborate further, saying “you need shortcuts to gain an unfair advantage. It’s just common sense, it is basic human instincts. The heels when they get out and wrestle? They cheat. It’s never changed, it’s not going to change.”
“Most of them listen in and are appreciative” Jim Ross would continue. “I can tell when their eyes go off the topic. If I’m talking to you and you ain’t looking at me in the eye? You ain’t listening. So why should I waste my breath?”
IMPACT Wrestling Champion Eddie Edwards recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. Edwards won the Championship at this past weekend’s Slammiversary event; winning a Five Way Elimination Match against Ace Austin, Trey, Rich Swann and a returning Eric Young.
During the Busted Open broadcast, Eddie Edwards was asked how he felt about the company’s current management team. Edwards has been part of a number of changes during IMPACT and TNA’s history, and he had high praise for the current crop of leaders behind the scenes.
Eddie Edwards on IMPACT Locker Room
“You know it’s kind of like I said before, right now I feel like IMPACT is all on the same page” Eddie Edwards began. “That’s the boys and girls in the locker room to the front office. I know speaking for myself I have a very open relationship with the office. You know Tommy’s (Dreamer) one of my good friends and I can talk to Scott (D’Amore) and Don (Callis) anytime.
Eddie Edwards elaborated further, saying “I feel like they’ve [management] done a good job of leaving that door open with talent. We have D’Lo (Brown) as kind of the mediator in-between. I think we have a good relationship between the boys and girls and the office. It’s clear that you know we’re all dealing with stuff at the same time, like things change, things happen, and we’re all in this together.”
Edwards would then talk about the difficult set of circumstances surrounding the Slammiversary PPV event. With the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic ongoing the company were forced to make changes over the past few months, specifically when it comes to talent. “So, if anything, the circumstances of Slammiversary and circumstance leading in? It has kind of brought us closer together. I text with some of the boys and stuff on the side and I’m constantly reminded that we are on the same page and we have that same frame of mind. ‘Let’s just show what IMPACT’s about.'”
The IMPACT Champion finished by saying “I’ve been here through numerous changes and stuff and you know it doesn’t change our job in the ring. We go out there, we kill it and we do our job; and we hope that things work out on the back end. But I feel right now, you know? That we’re in a good place.”
Do you think that IMPACT is changing for the better recently? Let us know in the comments
The ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair recently appeared on Sirius XM’s Busted Open Radio to celebrate host Dave LaGreca’s birthday. During his short time on the programme Flair addressed his status as the ‘greatest ever’ and revealed that he just wants to “be remembered” by fans.
“I was watching an interview with Bret [Hart]” Ric Flair begin during the interview. “I’m watching this interview and Bret talking about being happy after 20 years of being retired that he is remembered. This was the interview, I guess he did two years ago now? I guess he retired in ’99?”
Ric Flair on Being 71
Ric Flair would elaborate further, saying “you’re happy to be in the conversation and just be remembered [after you’ve been retired this long]. That’s where I’m at, you know? I mean I just reached 71 years old and even, you know…and I mean this sincerely, to even be asked to call [into the show today]? That means something to me, to you guys. And to have fun? That’s what matters to me.
The Nature Boy would finish by talking about his previous issues, specifically during his runs in the NWA and WCW. “You know, for a guy that has done so many screwed up things? And I mean, really man I was, I was so wrapped up in trying to be ME in the 70s and 80s. Everything I was doing TV was REALLY me. To just be remembered? I appreciate that.”
It’s fair to say that Ric Flair will never be forgotten by wrestling fans.
AEW President Tony Khan recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. The company owner would appear on the show to discuss a number of topics surrounding AEW, including Fight For The Fallen and working in Daily’s Place.
One of the questions posed to Khan was how AEW manages to get a better ‘atmosphere’ at their shows than WWE accomplish at the Performance Center. AEW has been hosting weekly episodes of Dynamite and pay-per-views from Daily’s Place Amphitheater in Jacksonville, FL. The venue is home to the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars, which are also owned by the Khan family.
Tony Khan on COVID-19 Testing
“There’s not hundreds of people in the building, but there are people around the ringside area who’ve been tested,” Khan began on the broadcast. “And we’ve got the staff and the wrestlers who aren’t on Dynamite necessarily; but people who are on Dark and people who are GOING to be on Dynamite, or have been on Dynamite, but just aren’t on this particular episode.”
Tony Khan would elaborate further, saying “for story reasons there’s often people planted in the crowd, as you’ve seen. But yeah it’s been great for us, it [Daily’s Place] creates a great atmosphere and thankfully we’ve got this pool of people that have already been tested for COVID. It’s safe for them to be there, and when we don’t have to worry about having those people at ringside? it definitely adds a lot to the presentation.”
IMPACT Wrestling Champion Eddie Edwards recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. Edwards won the Championship at this past weekend’s Slammiversary event; winning a Five Way Elimination Match against Ace Austin, Trey, Rich Swann and a returning Eric Young.
During the Busted Open broadcast, Eddie Edwards was asked how he felt about the company ‘resetting’ with the Slammiversary event. Former IMPACT star Bully Ray in particular alluded to the fact that the company had been through a number of backstage changes over the years; however this time the ‘reset’ feels like it could just work for the AXS brand.
Eddie Edwards on Slammiversary
“I have no doubt [it is a reset] you know?” Eddie Edwards began on the show. “Like you (Bully) said? The things I know, just going up and down the card? And then the info that I know, and just the attitude of the boys and girls in the back?”
“I know everybody right now is…everybody’s on the same page, you know?” Eddie Edwards continued. “Well, it’s a mindset of work. We’re ready to reset, we were ready to kill at Slammiversary, regardless of what situation as well as we were going in there.”
Slammiversary of course took place with the COVID-19 pandemic causing live gates to either be extremely low or non-existent. The show was generally well received, with talents such as EC3, Eric Young, Gallows & Anderson and the Motor City Machine Guns either appearing or (in the case of EC3) being teased.
It looks as though this could really end up being a ‘reset’ for the AXS program that takes IMPACT to the next level.
2-time WWE Hall of Famer and arguably the greatest ever Ric Flair has continued to defend WWE’s testing policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Flair originally commented on the testing situation in an interview with WrestlingINC Radio earlier this month. Flair said “I would scrutinize anybody that said otherwise at the highest level. I was tired of hearing the bullsh*t. Carrano, Ace, Vince himself, I could go down the list of people that are making sure that everybody’s life is at the best possible place while they’re there for the event.”
Ric Flair on Busted Open Radio
The ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair recently appeared on Sirius XM’s Busted Open Radio to celebrate host Dave LaGreca’s birthday. During his short time on the programme Flair addressed his recent time on television as part of the Randy Orton/Edge angle. “I’m making him [Orton] have fun!” Flair proclaimed.
“I’m just getting to the level where I’m comfortable ” Ric Flair would continue. “Just talking generically [for interviews]? It is killing me! You get overwhelmed because you’re trying to remember the points of the promo you have to make you know? In terms of the Pay Per View and the people and all that work. I’ve always struggled with that, but it’s so much fun to me.”
Ric Flair would then discuss WWE’s ongoing testing for COVID-19 at the Performance Center. “They’re doing everything possible to make sure that the kids are being tested; and everybody’s wearing a mask. It’s a difference, you know? It’s kind of a stressful thing but I just have fun with it all. I won’t let them [other talent] get ‘down’ around me, and they don’t. I’m not implying that they do, I think they all have a positive attitude. But you know it’s a different time and it’s very…you’re in a real confined area.”
IMPACT Wrestling held their Slammiversary PPV event this past weekend. The show saw a number of talents make their return, such as the Motor City Machine Guns, Eric Young and Gallows & Anderson.
One of the unexpected twists from the event saw Deonna Purrazzo defeat Jordynne Grace by submission to become the new IMPACT Knockouts Champion.
Deonna Purrazzo has been appearing for the company without an actual contract in place, per Fightful. This led many to believe that Purrazzo would not be winning this weekend, as why would IMPACT put their top Women’s Championship on a performer working without a full-time deal set in stone?
Even after winning the title, Purrazzo is still reportedly working on a ‘per-appearance’ basis. This with no full-time deal in place. This could mean that she is free to appear for any other company whilst holding one of IMPACT’s top titles.
New SmackDown Superstar Matt Riddle will be challenging Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles tonight on the broadcast. Riddle made his ‘main roster’ debut just a few short weeks ago, defeating AJ Styles in a non-title match.
In a spoiler for tonight’s match, AJ Styles will not be dropping the title just yet. According to a report by Fightful, Styles wins the match against the former UFC fighter. After the match, Baron Corbin will join Styles in a beatdown of the ‘Original Bro.’
Matt Riddle vs AJ Styles Match Preview
WWE released the following preview for the massive match tonight:
“The Face That Runs The Place” will face a challenge from The Bro who is set on running the show as AJ Styles puts the Intercontinental Championship on the line against Matt Riddle.
The Original Bro made an emphatic statement when he defeated The Phenomenal One in his SmackDown in-ring debut. At that time, the Intercontinental Champion would only grant a non-title matchup for Riddle, and Styles was distracted by his rival Daniel Bryan; who was watching from ringside among a host of blue brand Superstars. When the championship matchup was revealed to Styles during an interview with Sarah Schreiber, the titleholder promised things would be different for the neophyte with no other distractions at play.
Are Friday nights about to become “The Bro Show,” or will the Intercontinental Champion extend his Phenomenal reign?
Tune in to Friday Night SmackDown on FOX at 8/7 C to see who leaves with the title!
AEW on-air personality and former WWE agent Arn Anderson recently discussed when Shane McMahon left WWE back in 2010. Anderson was discussing the Money In The Bank 2010 PPV on his ARN podcast alongside Conrad Thompson this week.
McMahon originally left WWE back in 2010, with his announcement coming in October of 2009. Shane made the following statement at the time: “Having been associated with this organization for the majority of my life, I feel this is the opportune time in my career to pursue outside ventures.”
Arn Anderson on Shocking Shane McMahon Exit
Arn Anderson addressed when Shane left the company back in 2010, saying he was shocked at the decision from the man who appeared to be the heir apparent to the company. “Yeah, I was [shocked]. It was/is a family owned business” Arn began on the podcast.
“I thought he would be there forever, I like Shane, I’ve always like Shane” Anderson continued. “Shane was one of those guys that when he came in the door? He had that gleam in his eye that he was there because he was really having fun and wanting to be there.”
Arn would then discuss how McMahon wanted to be a ‘full-time’ wrestler in WWE. “Shane wanted to be a wrestler. I’m sure if you asked him? He’d say he wanted to be a full time wrestler. And in those days? He was gung-ho for anything. He was just a guy that was glad to be there. You never looked at Shane as just being the boss. I mean, he was like one of the guys.”
Do you think that Shane McMahon could’ve been a full time wrestler in WWE back in 2010? Do you think that the run would’ve been better than his recent time in the ring? Let us know in the comments.
The relaunched National Wrestling Alliance is currently in a state of limbo. The brand was beginning to build a solid viewer base for the NWA Powerrr YouTube series.
The league suspended operations and restructured its executive management team after NWA Vice President Dave Lagana was accused of sexually assaulting female wrestler Liz Savage. The NWA cut ties with Lagana, leaving the company scrambling.
Pursuant to allegations made by pro wrestler Liz Savage on her Twitter account, 6/18/2020, NWA VP David Lagana has resigned his position, effective immediately. As well all production of NWA content is temporarily halted, pending a restructuring of executive management positions.
With NWA’s future uncertain, a new report from Fightful provides new information on a few NWA talent contracts and departures:
Ricky Starks was offered upwards of $1000/month from NWA for a new contract offer before he left the company, per a report by Fightful Select. Starks is now with AEW, after answering the open challenge for Cody Rhodes’ TNT Championship.
Former NWA Television Champion “Outlandish” Zicky Dice was reportedly offered only offered $250 per month at one point, this was also rejected.
Thunder Rosa is also apparently now signed with the company.
Allysin Kay ‘still plans’ on working with NWA going forward.
WWE Hall of Famer and co-host of Busted Open Radio on SiriusXM Bully Ray recently discussed AEW and their ongoing shows during the Coronavirus pandemic.
All Elite Wrestling have taken a different approach to taping without fans to WWE. The company has been airing shows from Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, an amphitheater that has a different atmosphere to WWE’s Performance Center. Despite this, AEW has had to maintain a high level of shock and awe to keep the momentum going on Wednesday nights.
This includes debuting new characters over the last few months, something that Bully Ray believes has been hindered by the lack of live crowd reaction. “I think the mentality of not staying in a holding pattern has actually…I don’t want to use the word hurt, but it has not benefited certain talents” Bully began on Busted Open.
Bully Ray on Broken Matt and Brodie Lee
“Brodie Lee, as the leader of The Dark Order, the Exalted one” Bully Ray continued. “I just think that because he had to go full blown and could not hold back on anything? Not being in front of a crowd hurt that a little bit. I think Matt Hardy as Broken Matt? I think Broken Matt was affected, look at the position they’ve had to put Matt in now. Kind of hanging out with Private Party, being a manager.”
Bully would then elaborate on his views of Matt Hardy’s AEW run. “I don’t think AEW’s original plan was to have to go back to regular Matt Hardy this soon. Because broken Matt Hardy was such a big deal. But Broken Matt Hardy is not going to resonate as much in the COVID times. These are our characters and angles that need the crowd, but wrestling companies are not in a position right now to hold back. Because what matters the most right now? The rating.”
Bully Ray would finish by saying “it’s all about the rating. Look, everybody’s talking about this whole AEW versus NXT war. The rating? That is really the only number that anybody has to go on these days.”
Do you agree with Bully Ray? Let us know in the comments
AEW on-air personality and former WWE agent Arn Anderson recently discussed his first meeting with WWE Superstar Roman Reigns. Anderson was discussing the Money In The Bank 2010 PPV on his ARN podcast alongside Conrad Thompson this week.
“I’ll never forget the first conversation I had with Roman” Anderson began. “It was down at the school [FCW] and he hadn’t been there long. I just said ‘hey, you know, give me five minutes to get to know you.'”
Roman Reigns first signed for WWE back in 2010, joining Florida Championship Wrestling. FCW was the developmental ‘territory’ at the time for the company; with Reigns, then known as Leakee, making his televised debut in August of that year.
Arn Anderson on Roman Reigns
“We had a nice conversation” Arn Anderson continued. “The first thing that popped into my head is ‘this guy’s a star.’ Roman speaks like a star, looks like a star and he carries himself with a lot of poise. He’s respectful.”
Arn Anderson would finish by heaping more praise on arguably WWE’s biggest face. “He’s just one of those guys you look at and go ‘you’ll be hearing about that guy.’ He just jumped off the page to me. He was just really…I mean he looked like a movie star.”
Do you think that Roman Reigns will return to WWE back in the main event scene? Let us know in the comments
This podcast episode as well as a ton of other content is available now on AdFreeShows.com – featuring exclusive content from Grilling Jr. What Happened When (w/ Tony Schiavone), 83 Weeks (w/ Eric Bischoff), ARN and Something To Wrestle with Bruce Prichard.
WWE Hall of Famer and co-host of Busted Open Radio on SiriusXM Bully Ray recently discussed the NJPW faction Bullet Club. This past weekend saw New Japan hold their Dominion event, which was headlined by Tetsuya Naito putting his IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships on the line against his Los Ingobernables’ partner EVIL.
EVIL would win the bout following interference from Bullet Club, after which he joined the infamous group. Bully Ray would talk about EVIL joining the group on Busted Open, where co-host Dave LaGreca claimed that EVIL joining ‘breathed new life’ into Bullet Club.
Bully Ray on EVIL
“So I just want to talk about what you said about EVIL joining Bullet Club; breathing life into the Bullet Club” Bully Ray began on the show. “I kind of see where you’re coming from, but I don’t think the Bullet Club has been anywhere near what it was in the past.”
Bully Ray elaborated further, saying “I’m not even talking about when Cody and the Bucks where there [in New Japan]. Just that original inception of the Bullet Club, the heydays of the Bullet Club. EVIL being there is cool. Jay White as the head of the Bullet Club? I’m still on the fence [about that].”
Jay White
Ray would then state that he is a fan of White’s in-ring work, but that as a personality he is lacking in terms of ‘leadership.’ “I don’t think Jay White has the personality to be the leader of a group like the Bullet Club. I’m not talking about Jay White in the ring. Jay White is frickin phenomenal in the ring yada yada. But the Bullet Club is/was something special. It had that nWo-esque feel.”
Bully Ray would then reveal who he thinks should be leading the group. “To me, Tama Tonga has to take control of the Bullet Club, because he has that edginess. He has that killer instinct, that vibe. I want to see Tama be the head of the Bullet Club. Just think of him as the spokesperson for that Club? I think restores it to its original badassery. That’s just my take on the Bullet Club.”
Do you agree with Bully Ray? Let us know in the comments
WWE Hall of Famer and AEW Commentator Jim ‘JR’ Ross recently discussed WWE Superstar Bobby Lashley on the Grilling JR podcast. One of the topics of discussion regarding the RAW Superstar was the early comparisons made to former WWE Champion Brock Lesnar.
Jim Ross on Vince McMahon Meeting Lashley
“Vince [McMahon] did not meet Bobby like in the grandiose way that he met Brock Lesnar” Jim Ross began on the podcast. JR has previously told the story of how McMahon saw Lesnar backstage and was instantly fascinated by the charisma and physical prowess of The Next Big Thing.
“It was a different deal, apples and oranges here” JR continued. “The comparison [between Lesnar and Lashley] was physical, you know? Lashley with this great strength, and of course the amateur background. He looked great, all the same things said about Brock. So I think that was why the comparison was made.”
Amateur Star
Jim Ross elaborated further, saying “It was simply the fact that we’ve got another heavyweight amateur star that we have great expectations for. I could describe when we first signed Brock the same exact way: Amateur Wrestling Champion who we think can be a star. Let’s see how hard you’re [Lashley] willing to work.”
JR would finish by saying how hard working Lashley was when he first joined WWE and the developmental system. “The great thing about Bobby in those day? We never had any issues with Bobby working hard. Bobby was a warrior. And again, you get that when your dad’s a drill sergeant in the army. And when you’re a three time national champion? You’re used to structure and you’re used to hard work.”
Do you think that Bobby Lashey could still be a major star in WWE? Let us know in the comments
This podcast episode as well as a ton of other content is available now on AdFreeShows.com – featuring exclusive content from Grilling Jr, What Happened When (w/ Tony Schiavone), 83 Weeks (w/ Eric Bischoff), ARN and Something To Wrestle with Bruce Prichard.
Former WWE Superstar Ryback recently discussed the state of professional wrestling in 2020. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic causing television ratings to decline? The ‘Big Guy’ believes that a major reason for the slowdown is that the likes of WWE are more based on in-ring than creating larger than life characters.
Ryback on The Business Shifting
“The business shifted to where the moves have become…I’ve said it all along, move based wrestling does not draw” Ryback began on The Ryback Show podcast.
“We’ve seen it in the independent promotions” Ryback continued. “Like Ring of Honor, they’ve not existed to the world. I’m not talking about the wrestling community, the wrestling community is well aware of them. But the majority of the world isn’t [aware of them].”
Ryback would then discuss his own experience on the big stage of WWE. “I love and respect wrestling, I love it. But anyone that actually knows and has been on the big stage? Knows that’s [move based wrestling] not what sells tickets at the end of the day. The [current] formula is not working overall.”
Despite his own opinion, Ryback would refer to the fact that WWE are making a substantial amount of money. “WWE is making more money than ever. So that’s all they care about. That’s directly from Vince [McMahon]. It’s a business, that’s all they’re looking at.”
Ryback elaborated further, saying “they’re not looking at all these other things, he [McMahon] doesn’t look at it like ‘well if this goes back to this? I could be making double what I’m making.’ He doesn’t, he just looks at he’s making more money than ever and he has control over pretty much all of it.”
Do you agree with Ryback? Let us know in the comments
WWE Hall of Famer and co-host of Busted Open Radio Bully Ray recently discussed the infamous incident involving Jeff Hardy from TNA’s 2011 PPV Victory Road.
Jeff Hardy appeared in the main event of that show. Hardy faced Sting for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, however he was visibly intoxicated and the call was made for Sting to pin Hardy early in the bout and go home on the broadcast.
There’s been much publicised about the incident and both Hardy and Sting have spoken extensively on the subject. The ‘backstage’ issues surrounding the incident were even brought up on television at the time, with AJ Styles lambasting Hardy in a backstage segment on IMPACT.
Bully Ray on Jeff Hardy
“I remember when Jeff Hardy had the problem, you know in the match against Sting” Bully Ray began. “Remember that debacle in TNA?”
“I remember when Jeff came back to the company” Bully Ray continued. “And they [TNA] made him apologise to the locker room. They put Jeff in front of the whole locker room and he just kind of apologised like I’m really sorry blah blah blah blah blah.”
Bully Ray would elaborate further, saying “then they said at the end of the meeting ‘does anybody have anything to say?’ and I said, ‘Yeah, I do.’ I said, ‘Jeff, I really couldn’t care less about all of these things that went on. All I care about is that you can still hit your finish. Now let’s go out there and make some money.'”
The context of Bully’s comments surrounded the recent public issues that Matt Riddle is facing. The former UFC fighter turned WWE Superstar was recently accused of sexual abuse, however he has denied all allegations.
“All of this outside stuff is noise” Bully Ray finished. “We’re performers, when your music hits? You get in there, you perform, you tear the house down. And then you go home.”
Former WWE Superstar Ryback recently commented on the company continuing to tape their shows from the Performance Center in Florida. The ‘Big Guy’ joined Raj Giri to discuss the ongoing tapings on this week’s episode of the Shooting Blanks Wrestling Report.
The ratings for all shows, RAW, SmackDown and NXT have seen a steady decline over the past few months, partly due to the pandemic and seemingly due to the lack of crowds in attendance at shows and lack of ambience. Although the restrictions around live crowds has somewhat been lifted, WWE’s weekly shows continue to see a decline in ratings.
Ryback on NFL Returning
“They are talking about having football without fans” Ryback began on the podcast, saying how the NFL potentially returning will impact WWE’s viewership. “And if they do? People are going to watch football regardless. They’re [WWE] going to lose a chunk of their audience on that.”
“The trend it just keeps going down more and more and more” Ryback continued. “I think really, filming at the Performance Center? I don’t think it’s working. It’s great, it’s a great place, don’t get me wrong. It’s a great training facility, but for shooting regular TV every week? There’s just no energy there and it comes across [on television].”
Ryback was quick to point out that this was not a dig at the performers themselves. “Again, this isn’t because of the performers, wrestlers or anything. It’s just the environment and the lack of energy from a crowd. So, I’m not shocked. I think they [the ratings] go lower, I really do. But I don’t really know what their [WWE] options are, how can they really change anything?”
Do you think that WWE’s ratings will continue to decline during the pandemic? Let us know in the comments
WWE Network will be presenting ‘The Horror Show at’ Extreme Rules this Sunday July 19th. The event will be headlined by Drew McIntyre vs Dolph Ziggler for the WWE Championship; plus Bray Wyatt vs Braun Strowman in a Wyatt Swamp Fight and Rey Mysterio versus Seth Rollins in an Eye For An Eye match.
WWE had previously planned for the event to air live from the WWE Performance Center in Florida. However due to recent issues surrounding positive COVID-19 cases within WWE, the company have made tentative plans to pre-tape a number of shows this week.
Fightful Select recently confirmed that WWE are planning on taping Wednesday (15th), Friday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Unless the company gets the opportunity to film next week, they would have to get two episodes of NXT, two episodes of Smackdown, one episode of RAW, and Extreme Rules taped in that short time frame.
As per usual, this is all subject to change, with WWE having to monitor the ongoing pandemic situation closely.
WWE Superstar The Miz recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio show. The ‘Awesome’ SmackDown Superstar would answer a number of topics from his time with WWE as well as his new role as the host of Cannonball.
With The Miz now hosting USA Network’s Cannonball show it gave him the opportunity to land the cover of TV Guide. Miz discussed how special it was to land that spot on the iconic infozine. “It only took me 20 years to get back on it!” The Miz began on Busted Open.
The Miz on TV Guide
“The last time I was on the cover of TV Guide? It was for The Real World Back To New York. That was back in like 2000. So, to be able to grace the cover once again of TV Guide? I grew up waiting for the Sunday paper to get my TV Guide to circle the shows that I want to watch for the week.”
“We didn’t have the luxuries that the kids have these days” The Miz continued. “We had to wait for the paper to come in so you get your TV Guide to circle all the shows. Like we didn’t have recording. Like our version of recording was getting a VCR, putting a tape in the VCR and pressing record.”
The Miz would then talk about his 15 year stint with the WWE. “I’m very fortunate for all the things that I’ve been able to do. From being a WWE Superstar on SmackDown? I mean I’m six foot nothing, 200 like 200 pounds of just nothing. And yet here I am today, 15 years in the business. I’ve held every major title WWE has, [as well as having my own] reality show Miz and Mrs.”
WrestleMania Moment
Mike Mizanin would then discuss the appearances of his father on WWE television. The biggest moment for ‘Mr Miz’ came at WrestleMania when he entered the ring and stood up to Shane McMahon. “It really warms my heart when my dad, even though it gets really annoying, tells me how famous he is. How at WrestleMania in MetLife Stadium when he got inside the ring with Shane McMahon and put his dukes up. He became a meme! He went viral and became like the biggest story of WrestleMania.”
“You know his 15 minutes of fame is my 15 minutes of hell” Miz continued. “Because now? He was able to take two seconds inside a ring, and make it something. I’ve been there for 15 years and I haven’t went viral like he has!?”
WWE Hall of Famer and AEW Commentator Jim Ross recently discussed a number of intriguing topics on the Grilling JR podcast. A recent episode of the audio show saw JR and co-host Conrad Thompson look at the 7.6.98 episode of WCW Monday Nitro.
This episode of the WCW flagship show was hugely significant, as it featured Goldberg challenging for and winning the WCW World Championship against Hollywood Hulk Hogan.
One of the acts that appeared during the watch-along was Marcus ‘Buff’ Bagwell and his mother, Judy Bagwell. Conrad would ask JR about the infamous story that involved all three when Bagwell first joined WWE as part of the Invasion angle in 2001.
Jim Ross and Buff Bagwell
Supposedly, Bagwell was unhappy with the way he was being treated in then WWF and wanted to skip a live date. Judy Bagwell apparently called JR and asked that Buff be allowed to skip a date, with Jim Ross apparently saying that Judy should pass on the news that Marcus was fired.
Buff Bagwell would refute these claims back in 2017. “Do you really believe, out there in video world, that Buff Bagwell got fired because of his mother?” Buff stated on The Steve Austin Show. “Do people really believe that I had my mother call the WWF and say let him off Augusta in Birmingham? Well f**k no that’s not true! Why would I do that? But people believed it. And one person was responsible: Jim Ross. And only God, Jim Ross and me know the truth, and who’s gonna believe me. Nobody… The true, true story is Jim Ross created that monster, and people believed it.”
JR gave his own take on the situation on Grilling JR. “That’s old news. You know, we had a conversation on the phone, once. [I said] I want to talk to Marc, not to her. With all due respect I’d never met the lady, I didn’t know her. I have no issues with her. I’ve just made it clear that when Marcus wanted to talk about his WWE run? He should just call me. Simple as that. It became a story and it really wasn’t a story.”
This podcast episode as well as a ton of other premium audio content is available now on AdFreeShows.com. Subscribers get exclusive content from Grilling Jr, What Happened When (w/Tony Schiavone), 83 Weeks (w/Eric Bischoff), ARN (w/Arn Anderson) and Something To Wrestle (w/Bruce Prichard).