WWE commentator Renee Young recently made some interesting comments during Corey Graves‘ After The Bell podcast. Renee was the first ever full time Women’s commentator on WWE programming back in 2019. The podcast show is part of WWE’s official podcast lineup in conjunction with Endeavour audio.

During Young’s interview with Graves he mentioned how she was now back in her ‘wheelhouse’ with her new role as the host of WWE Backstage on FS1.

“You know what, this is so simple,” said Young. “I think that I do best when I’m allowed to laugh at stuff and make things fun. I felt like I was not really able to do that as much on commentary. So to be back in a studio setting and just talk about wrestling as a fan. That’s something that couldn’t come across when I was on commentary. Now I can shoot the sh*t with Booker [T], we’ve got Paige on there, we’ve got Punk. I like to be able to talk not in soundbytes. That’s really the thing here.”

Renee Young “truly just being [herself] with no filter”

Renee then discussed how she found it difficult to adapt to the commentary booth on Monday nights. “I come from being on camera far more than just doing audio stuff. And even just sitting calling a match and trying to find the right spots to get in…and also just trying to ‘be myself,’ whatever that meant in that capacity. I feel like now doing [WWE] Backstage I am truly just being myself with no filter, no being ‘produced’ and whatnot. That makes me very happy.”

Second-Guessing Herself

Renee Young also added that she has her confidence back and is no longer second guessing herself. “When the commentary thing came up I was like ‘hell yeah I’ll try it.’ I think that I could find a way to try and make something work. But it’s definitely nice to not have to second guess myself anymore. I felt like I was second guessing myself on commentary all the time. Now I’m just like ‘cool I know what I’m doing.’ My confidence is back up at 100, it’s a world of difference.”

Renee Young co-hossts WWE Backstage Tuesday nights on Fox Sports 1.

WWE commentator Corey Graves recently made some interesting comments about Jon Moxley on the latest episode of WWE’s After The Bell podcast. The show is part of WWE’s official podcast lineup in conjunction with Endeavour audio.

“I respect the hell out of what Jon Moxley is doing”

Graves was answering mailbag questions at the start of the show and one of the bigger questions posed to the SmackDown commentator surrounded former WWE Superstar Jon Moxley/Dean Ambrose.

“‘Do I believe that Jon Moxley/Dean Ambrose will return to WWE?’ I hope so” Graves began, “I respect the hell out of what Jon’s doing, he’s happy. I still keep in touch with him, even though that is ‘against all the rules.’ This is all part of his journey, but ultimately I think that the Lunatic Fringe needs to come back home at some point in the future.”

Moxley challenges Lance Archer for the IWGP United States Championship this weekend as part of New Japan’s Wrestle Kingdom 14 event.

• Lance Archer Warns Jon Moxley Ahead Of Wrestle Kingdom 14

WrestleMania Main Event

The main event of WrestleMania 36 was another topic discussed during the Q&A portion of the podcast. When asked who he thinks will headline the show, Graves gave an interesting pick that might surprise people.

“My prediction for the main event of WrestleMania this year. The Universal Championship [will be] on the line…The Fiend, the reigning champion will defend against…Big E from The New Day.”

This is not the first time Corey Graves has pushed for Big E to get a run as a main event singles star. In fact, regular listeners of the show know that Graves has been touting Big E as a potential breakout member of the New Day faction.

“I’ve said it here on After The Bell, it’s about damn time for Big E to get his just do and have his opportunity at a big time singles run,” said Graves. “I think that Big E versus The Fiend under the bright lights of Tampa, Florida would be truly memorable.”

The New Day made some interesting comments regarding their original heel turn back in 2015 on the latest episode of The New Day: Feel The Power. The trio discussed their first turn back in 2015 on the show and also discussed some members of the WWE creative team and how they would present “trash” to the group to say on air in promos.

“I don’t like when there’s the three of us and a writer is just kind of in the room just lingering.”

“We don’t write our own promos, I don’t want to say that” Big E began. “We are given promos and often times, Mike, who we always consider the fourth member of The New Day, when he left…actually he left right after we won the [tag team] titles for the first time. He was gone and moved on to new things in Hollywood, we [then] had some other writers that didn’t gel as well with us, and we were able to thankfully, with Vince, we were able to get a promo and say ‘we don’t really care for this. So we aren’t going to say that, that AANNND that.'”

Big E elaborated further, saying “let’s go huddle in a room for an hour and we’ll come up with what we wanna say. We’ve said this many times, our creative process together…is so fun, and easy and organic. I don’t like when there’s the three of us and a writer is just kind of in the room just lingering. I don’t want to take shots at anyone. But if we just read what was given to us on a regular basis…basura, basura, basura…THAT MEANS TRASH. Man, we’ve had some real stinkers.”

“I feel like all those people on the internet do talk about that and make that point.”

Xavier Woods also interjected with some interesting insights into WWE’s creative process and how The New Day managed to start apart. “To that point, which I didn’t think we were jumping into. I feel like all those people on the internet do talk about that and make that point. ‘Oh this was bad, this was bad.’ But I feel like there are certain situations…wrestling definitely being the top one. Where if you have someone writing something for you that doesn’t have similar life experiences, or the same sense of humor. Or has nothing really in common with you, it’s a lot harder for them to write in your voice. I feel like that’s something that we definitely ran into.”

“You can’t tell me what New Day is, I invented this”

Kofi Kingston is the longest tenured member of the group, having joined WWE over a decade ago. The former WWE Champion discussed how Vince McMahon would let the New Day find their own promo groove; “I feel like I’ve heard so many writers try to ‘sell’ me a promo. ‘You would say this, New Day would say and feel this..’ It’s like hold on a second, you can’t tell me what New Day is. I invented this, you know. You can’t tell us how to be us. Just let us have our process. He who shall not be named (Vince McMahon) would often get the promo we sent back. He’d read it and then just be like ‘I don’t get it. But if wanna do it just let them do it.’ Because he got it. The fact that we know our characters well enough and we connect with the people. That’s all that he [Vince] wants.”

Big E did also mention that he doesn’t want to pull “all of the onus” on WWE creative for the bad promos. As he mentions that there’s certain talents who just aren’t that good at talking; including himself in the early part of his career.

WWE Hall of Famer and RAW commentator Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler recently made some interesting comments with regards to the booth on Monday nights. During the most recent episode of his podcast. On The Jerry Lawler Show, the King discussed this past Monday’s episode of RAW. Specifically mentioning Samoa Joe and the angle that has seemingly begun between him and the Authors of Pain and Seth Rollins.

The AOP and Rollins laid waste to Rey Mysterio and Joe at the commentary booth on this week’s taped episode from Des Moines. Iowa.

“A little rough…”

Jerry’s co-host Sean mentioned how the third announcer position on WWE’s ‘flagship’ show is ‘a little rough’. Other performers have been working as the ‘third man’ at the booth over the past few months. Some getting involved in physical angles. Lawler responded by saying “I haven’t really heard that much about [Samoa] Joe, I don’t know if he will be back with us again this Monday. I know, I was told this first. That the whole state of the announce position there was sort of in a state of flux from the get go. The day that we switched over and [Michael] Cole and [Corey] Graves left and went over to SmackDown. And so things have just been changing.”

“…he might be back ready to go” – Jerry Lawler

Jerry Lawler also described how the commentary situation with Samoa Joe was laid out to him; “Vic [Joseph] and I were told ‘hey Joe’s going to be in there until his hand gets well.’ When Joe first came and started in there after Dio [Maddin], his hand was actually in a cast. But then the cast came off like the first week and he might be back ready to go [in the ring]. He better because it looks like he’s gonna get involved with the AOP in a hurry here.”

“…I guess they think that I might die on the air again!” – Jerry Lawler

Jerry Lawler finished by confirming that he would not be involved in any sort of physical angles going forward. This due to his previous medical history pertaining to his heart condition. “Joe had said maybe two or three different times during the show…he just sort of went off on the AOP. So when they came over to confront him I just felt like; you know they’ve got me on the ‘no touch list’ or something like that. I guess they think that I might die on the air again!”

WWE COO Triple H and trainer at the WWE Performance Center and Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels recently appeared on the After The Bell podcast with Corey Graves. During the show the former D-Generation X members discussed a variety of topics; notably NXT and where the brand is headed.

(HB)UK

Triple H made some interesting comments regarding NXT UK, saying that the ‘Heartbreak Kid’ has actually taken over the reigns of the project over in the United Kingdom. “The one thing that Shawn isn’t even mentioning on his end, everybody has so much going on, but as NXT was evolving to USA [Network] and picking up that pace it made me have to back out of some things,” Hunter explained. “Shawn picked up the ball on the UK and basically that got pushed his way. He was such an integral part of it anyway that he just kind of latched on more to it. He’s been heading over there, what is it? Every five or six weeks we do television. He’s kind of heading over there and spearheading that. Sort of taking on the ownership of that brand totally in and of himself.”

Jim Smallman Working Under Shawn Michaels

Triple H elaborated further, mentioning how there is still a team behind Michaels at NXT’s UK division. This includes former PROGRESS Wrestling co-owner Jim Smallman; who will be leaving the company at the end of this year to join NXT UK full time. “We still have other people that are involved in it and a team over there, Jim Smallman and everybody else. But Shawn’s really been the one that’s spearheaded that project. So on top of NXT becoming this weekly thing and everything else he has also been going over there and guiding that ship so to speak. So he’s been double busy and it’s been awesome because that brand is taking off as well.”

UFC legend Frank Mir recently appeared on the Chris Van Vliet podcast. The man who defeated Brock Lesnar in his UFC debut made some interesting comments regarding his own journey from the octagon to the squared circle. Somewhere that he envisions himself being in the future, potentially facing ‘The Beast Incarnate’ himself.

Frank Mir 1 – Brock Lesnar 1

During the interview CVV pointed out that Mir and Brock Lesnar are 1-1 in their MMA ‘feud’. Lesnar took the loss in his aforementioned UFC debut by submission. Brock Lesnar would then revenge this loss by TKO against Mir later in his MMA career. Van Vliet asked Frank Mir if he felt he could have a deciding fight against the current WWE Champion. “Right now he [Lesnar] is retired in MMA so I don’t know if I’m going to be able to get that. I think it only makes sense that the two of us fight again. I made him tap the first time, he finished me with strikes the second time. Both the fights I think were exciting for people to watch. I’m sure it bothers him every time people talk to him about me. I made him tap, I made him scream uncle. He sat there and slapped my leg asking the referee to save him from disfigurement.”

“…he kicked my ass in one of the fights”

Mir elaborated further, saying “he [Brock Lesnar] has to sleep with that. Same thing with me, he kicked my ass in one of the fights, I didn’t know where I was. Why wouldn’t he wanna go there and finish it off one last time?”

“PLEASE tell me no-one else thinks this guy is ‘just’ a pro wrestler!?”

Frank Mir also talked about how he was pressured before their first fight. “I was backstage getting ready for the fight. One of the fighters on that card, I can’t remember his name, this kid comes up to me and says ‘hey man, you gotta do this. It’s MMA versus Pro Wrestling.’ I looked around and I was like ‘oh, you think he’s a pro wrestler? PLEASE tell me no-one else thinks this guy is ‘just’ a pro wrestler!?’ The dude’s a National Champion wrestler, like legitimately. So then that actually put a lot of pressure on me, cause I’m sitting there going ‘people are going to think that he’s just a pro wrestler? NO!’ Give me anybody else, most of the pro wrestlers don’t have a background in combat. I think that’s why wrestling looks the way it looks, they don’t really know what an armbar is.”

You can check out the full interview here:

UFC legend Frank Mir recently appeared on the Chris Van Vliet podcast. The man who defeated Brock Lesnar in his UFC debut made some interesting comments regarding his own journey from the octagon to the squared circle. Somewhere that he envisions himself being in the future.

Bloodsport – Frank Mir

CVV asked Frank Mir how it was working the ‘Bloodsport‘ event earlier this year; a ‘worked shoot’ event that had many similarities to both pro wrestling and MMA. “You know working at Bloodsport and then the event they had here (Future Stars of Wrestling in Las Vegas). Those are easy transitions, because it’s grappling. That I do every day, I roll with guys all the time.”

“I’m not gonna look very good”

Frank Mir also discussed how he wanted to ‘earn’ his way in pro wrestling as he trains with friend Austin Aries learning the craft. “I was upset when CM punk got to have a UFC fight for his debut,” Mir stated. “Well if all of a sudden my first ever pro wrestling match I jumped into AEW or WWE [they would say] what an assh*le! So just on my name I jump out there. I’m not gonna look very good, I’m not going to do a great job. And what does that say to all of the guys who have worked? Have wrestled for fifty fu*king bucks, you know? I mean like it’s kind of a spit in their face.”

“I wasn’t mad at CM Punk for getting that opportunity” – Frank Mir

The mixed martial artist also made it clear that he was not upset with Punk for getting the shot in the big time. “Now I was the one upset before when the guy [Punk] came over my sport and just took another [fighter’s spot]…that was my problem. I wasn’t mad at CM Punk for getting that opportunity. I was mad because it took the opportunity away from somebody else.”

You can check out the full interview here:

Former President of WCW and Executive Producer of SmackDown on FOX Eric Bischoff recently spoke to the WrestlingINC podcast. ‘Easy E’ had some interesting comments regarding his former employers (WWE) as well as the importance of the nWo stable.

“The NWO angle changed the wrestling industry…” – Eric Bischoff

“I’m not objective, but I also think it’s fair for any reasonable person to say… the NWO angle changed the wrestling industry more than anything that’s happened since the first WrestleMania,” stated Eric Bischoff. “To suggest otherwise I think is being foolish. Had there not been the nWo, there wouldn’t have been the [Monday Night] Wars and there would have not been an Attitude Era. Had not any of the above happened, I doubt WWE would have been able to become a public company.”

“It really comes down to the Monday Night Wars…”

Eric Bischoff elaborated further, saying “who knows where the wrestling business would be had there not been the NWO? Had it not been for the NWO, we wouldn’t be seeing the success that we’re seeing across the board today. It really comes down to the Monday Night Wars as they rose the genre to its peak in terms of mainstream awareness and buy-in. Had it not been for that period of time, we wouldn’t be watching what we’re watching today.”

“I was surprised…” – Eric Bischoff

The former WCW President then discussed if he had been contacted regarding the nWo induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. Inductee Sean ‘X-Pac’ Waltman recently stated that he believed that both Bischoff and The Giant/Big Show should be included in the induction come WrestleMania weekend. “No. I was surprised they announced it this early as they usually announce it a little later in the year” said Bischoff. “But no, I haven’t spoken to anybody. I didn’t even know it until I read it online the next day,” revealed Bischoff.

WWE legend and current RAW commentator Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler recently made comments regarding the Lana/Rusev and Bobby Lashley storyline on his PodcastOne show. Specifically, ‘The King’ discussed how fans online appear to ‘hate’ the weekly ‘soap’ style segments that are being produced, yet the crowds in the buildings are apparently more receptive to the angle.

“There’s gonna be a big deal, and it’s going to make the show after Christmas the biggest deal ever”

Lawler was discussing the taped show that will be airing next Monday for Christmas week, saying; “I can’t do a spoiler but something happens with Lana, Lashley and Rusev on that show,” Lawler began. “There’s gonna be a big deal, and it’s going to make the show after Christmas the biggest deal ever. You just gotta watch what happens on the Christmas show. It’s going to set up the show after Christmas. It is going to be really awesome.”

“the crowd at the Live Events…the people seem to love it” – Jerry Lawler

Jerry Lawler and his co-host then talked about the controversy that the storyline has garnered and the vitriol towards it online. “We talked about this, it is so funny [in] the live arena in Des Moines there and also at Minneapolis at the PPV; The response from the crowd is great to the Lana, Lashley and Rusev storyline. But online on Twitter and everything people seem to hate it. It gets like no respect, but the crowd at the Live Events…the people seem to love it. So I don’t get that [hate] response. I mean, I think it’s really entertaining, I really do.”

“in wrestling people would get tired of just two guys or two women going out there and having a wrestling match…” – Jerry Lawler

Jerry Lawler elaborated further, discussing the importance of storylines in professional wrestling. “Everybody’s not going to like everything you know. We always talked about this, how the fact is in wrestling people would get tired of just two guys or two women going out there and having a wrestling match [without a storyline]. If you put together nineteen wrestling matches on one night for fans to watch; if there’s not something about those matches to get the fans personally invested…what we call a personal issue. So if there’s not some sort of personal issue behind these matches nobody cares. If you really watch a match everybody does the same stuff you know. There’s the dives off the top rope. There’s the dive over the top rope…it’s all the same stuff every single match.”

WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry recently made some interesting comments on the Busted Open Radio show. The part time co-host of the Sirius XM broadcast was discussing NXT Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley with permanent host Dave LaGreca.

Henry started by describing how impressive it was that Ripley has achieved this much at her age, with the Superstar being only 23 years old. “At twenty three years old I was I was still [power] lifting. I hadn’t even got into wrestling yet. Yet she’s [Rhea] already been in it, been there, done that…at twenty three years old. What will she do in the next fifteen twenty years? I’m gonna tell you, she’s going to transcend wrestling.”

Henry then elaborated on the “transcend” comment, saying “she’ll be the next Rock. She will be the next John Cena, she will be able to be the next Batista. She should be able to go outside of wrestling and make a living because she’ll be a big mainstream star.”

Rhea Ripley defeated Shayna Baszler this past Wednesday to become the new NXT Women’s Champion. This ended Baszler’s long and dominating reign on top of the NXT Women’s division. Head of NXT Triple H took to Twitter following Wednesday’s broadcast and had huge praise for the new champion. “An incredible main event and a new champion. One of the most dominant reigns over the @WWENXT Women’s division comes to end and another begins. @RheaRipley_WWE will be the one to lead #WWENXT into the new year… Congratulations. #AndNew.”

WWE recently released the latest episode of the After The Bell podcast with host Corey Graves. During the show Graves interviewed current NXT North American Champion Roderick Strong. The pair discussed Strong’s career in WWE and his alignment with the Undisputed Era stable.

“It couldn’t be more perfect” – Roderick Strong

When asked about how he fits in the UE Roderick Strong stated “It couldn’t be more perfect. I mean it, I just love the fact that we we work so well together, we finish each other’s sentences. We’re always kind on the same vibe when it comes to what we’re trying to accomplish be it in a match, a promo segment or anything.”

“we’re actually killing it so let’s pat ourselves on the back a little bit”

Roderick Strong elaborated further, saying “it’s nice to just sit there and reflect sometimes about all the all the things we did prior to coming here. And then all the things we’re doing now and how we’re giving each other the opportunity to to just FEEL what we’re doing sometimes. You know it’s another surreal like situation where we talk sometimes. Like is this is really happening?”

“And we’re actually killing it so let’s pat ourselves on the back a little bit, but then let’s get to work. And now it’s just nice to have people that always push you. Sometimes it is what it is and maybe you’re having a rough day, but then you know when you see those guys there’s an accountability there too to be the performer you need to be on that day. You know to have three my best buds it couldn’t be better, honestly.”

“I think we capture more gold” – Roderick Strong on Undisputed Era in 2020

Graves also asked Strong what he envisioned seeing the Undisputed Era doing heading into 2020. Strong responded by saying “I think we capture more gold.” Corey was then quick to mention that this would mean the group leaving NXT (as they already hold all of the gold on the brand). Strong responded to this by saying “we [are going] to do whatever we want. What about 2020 we will set the rules and want to show up and do whatever we want whenever we want?”

You can check out the latest episode of After The Bell here.

WWE commentator and ‘After The Bell’ podcast host Corey Graves recently made some interesting comments with regards to rematches on WWE television.

“Rematched To Death”

In the opening segment of this week’s show Graves stated that “as far as the WWE landscape is concerned I am re matched to death, I tell you. What I mean it seems like week after week after week on RAW and SmackDown we see rematches ad nauseam.” Graves then elaborated further, saying that it isn’t the quality of performer in WWE that he has an issue with: “don’t get me wrong I’m not tired of seeing any of these superstars. But I am tired of seeing the same matches over and over and over again.”

“how many times in the past few months have we seen that match?” – Corey Graves

“Just off the top of my head we’ve seen the Viking Raiders, who I’m a huge fan of. And the OC, who I’m also a huge fan of. How many times in the past few months have we seen that match?” Corey Graves stated. “We saw it again at TLC. I went on Twitter two weeks ago to praise Humberto Carrillo vs Andrade because it was awesome. I am all for seeing more of it but that doesn’t mean in successive weeks. We saw it again on the TLC kickoff show. Yes it was awesome again and it appears after what went down on Monday Night RAW this week we’re going to see it AGAIN. Give me a little space I mean why do we need rematches all the time? Why can’t somebody just win and somebody just lose and move on?”

“We have so many superstars waiting to break out” – Corey Graves

Corey Graves also mentioned how the WWE roster is stacked and the potential for fresh match ups is at an all time high. “We have got a lot of talent on all of our rosters. We have so many superstars waiting to break out, waiting to shine and sometimes that can happen with different opponents.”

Corey Graves also mentioned the ‘automatic’ title rematches that have plagued WWE over the past couple of years. “We got rid of the automatic title rematches last year sometime. I get that you don’t necessarily need to headline to pay per views with the same match up. But why does not apply to the rest of the main roster shows?”

You can check out the latest episode of After The Bell here.

WWE Hall of Famer and co-host of Sirius XM’s Busted Open Radio show Bully Ray recently made some interesting comments regarding Matt Hardy and his current positioning on the WWE roster.

Ray and Dave LeGreca discussed the former ‘Broken’ character’s popularity. Playing the huge pop that he received from Monday Night RAW. Hardy entered the gauntlet match to take on Ricochet.

“Hopefully Matt Hardy and Jeff won’t be angry with me when I say this…”

Bully compared how Matt and his brother Jeff have been treated in the pro wrestling industry throughout their illustrious careers. “Hopefully Matt and Jeff won’t be angry with me when I say this,” Bully began. “But it is what it is. Have Matt and Jeff individually made mistakes on their journey over the past twenty to twenty five years personally outside of the ring? Yes, one hundred percent. You know what everybody makes mistakes and it’s going to happen.”

“They start pushing the hell out of Jeff”

Ray then asked his co-host to describe what happens to Jeff Hardy whenever Matt has made a ‘mistake’ in the past? “They make him a singles star,” Bully stated. “We’ve seen it before, we saw it in the WWE we seen it today he becomes a champion. He becomes a star. They start pushing the hell out of Jeff.”

“it could happen to anybody and hopefully he learned from the mistakes…”

Bully also conversely asked what happens to Matt Hardy when Jeff makes a similar life choice? “Matt just falls down the ladder completely” Bully claimed. “It almost seems like they take out their frustrations on Matt for whatever Jeff may have done wrong. Any mistake that Jeff Hardy has made anybody could make it one time or another. And that’s why he would people gang up on people like that Jeff for a mistake they made whatever mistake it is. Drunken driving or that. This stuff happens. It could happen to you, it could happen to a family member, it could happen to anybody and hopefully he learned from the mistakes. These guys are my brothers.

“[Matt Hardy] gets put back on the back burner, it’s ridiculous…”

Bully then finished by restating how Matt Hardy gets ‘pushed down’ instead of being pushed as a major singles star. “It just always winds up on the back burner, and he keeps reinventing himself and that is the kick in the balls. He takes it on the chin he reinvents himself V1, Big Money Matt, ‘Broken,’ it’s mad [that he] gets this all this stuff over. I think [he] gets put back on the back burner, it’s ridiculous.”

WWE Hall of Famer and AEW commentator Jim Ross has made some interesting comments with regards to the use of steroids in professional wrestling.

During the most recent episode of the ‘Grilling JR’ podcast, co-host Conrad Thompson asked Good Old JR if he felt steroids should be banned from wrestling altogether. “Hell no, absolutely not” Jim Ross replied.

Jim Ross on Steroids in Wrestling

“I believe that talents, all talents, should get ongoing medical exams, in other words the things that are important to know. [such as] More regular blood work the normal perhaps. But certainly you know every week our guys [AEW] should be checked. I think they are checked every week our guys in AEW. [They] should be checked every Wednesday.”

“Negative Baggage”

Jim Ross elaborated further, saying “Any vacillation or change [in blood pressure or heart monitoring] should be noted, it should be noted. Look, it’s [pro wrestling] a performance art, it’s not the NFL. It has the same negative baggage that marijuana has, or had. It [steroids] has not been accepted widely enough. To get that ‘ok it’s alright.'”

Billy Graham

Superstar Billy Graham made comments aimed at former WWE Champion Kofi Kingston earlier this year stating “I urge you to start doing some steroids and add about 50 pounds of solid muscle to your championship body.”

This gained some negative reaction from several big names in the wrestling industry, including fellow Hall of Famer Booker T.

“These old guys need to wake up and realize that their era is over,” said Booker T.  “To bring steroids into a conversation as far as what a man need to do to get to the top in the wrestling business, man there’s more to life than the wrestling business. What about your health?”

You can listen to the latest episode of the Jim Ross Grilling JR podcast in the player embedded below. If the embedded player does not appear, listen at Westwood One Podcasts.

WWE Superstar and New Day member Big E recently discussed the Kevin Owens/’Big O’ angle that took place on WWE television earlier this year. Big E’s comments were part of the latest episode of The New Day: Feel The Power podcast available via WWE and Endeavour audio.

Kevin Owens

Kevin Owens made his return from injury back during WrestleMania season. There had been reports that Owens was due to face Daniel Bryan at ‘Mania, however the swell of support for Kofi Kingston meant that plans were changed late in the day. In April Kevin Owens ‘joined’ The New Day whilst Big E was rehabbing an injury. Kevin Owens brutally attacked Kingston and Xavier Woods, turning heel on the April 23rd episode of SmackDown Live and starting a feud with Kingston over the WWE Championship.

Big O

During the latest episode of New Day’s official WWE podcast, Big E talked about Kevin Owens joining the stable and how he felt whilst on the sidelines. “I’m in the bed just as I’ve had my surgery and I turn on the TV. And, I know you guys [Kofi and Xavier] have to do what you’ve got to do. But I see you two and there’s ‘Big O’ Kevin Owens doing MY intro that I came up with and doing my tag move with you.”

“Laugh it Off”

Big E elaborated further, saying “I get it, I just suck it up and be a man and like laugh it off but it feels like a slap in the face to see someone in your position and just doing this. I felt disrespected. I obviously know you guys [Kofi and Xavier] didn’t come up with it so there’s no issue with you. But from a larger picture just that you’re alone in a hospital room, briefly, but I was alone and I was there and just everything goes on without you and you just move on and does anyone care? Does it even matter? And you feel very alone in this situation.”

You can check out the latest episode of The New Day podcast here

The New Day’s official WWE podcast third episode was released today on all major Podcasting networks. New Day member Xavier Woods took the opportunity to address his Achilles tendon injury that he sustained earlier this year in Sydney, Australia. Woods revealed the physical and emotional toll that the injury has taken on his body and the length of time he is expected to be out of action.

“I am currently dealing with one that is pretty serious”

“Today we’ll talk about something a little bit more serious we’re gonna talk about injuries. We’re gonna kick it off talking about mine actually to begin with” Woods started. “I am currently dealing with one that is pretty serious. I know that we’re we’re all laughey jokey happy clap your hands stuff all the time. So you don’t really get to see a range of motion from us on television. But this is something for me that is hard to talk about.”

Xavier Woods – “It compounded a disk in my neck…”

Woods then told a story from his time in FCW, where he sustained a horrific head and neck injury. “I’ve been in wrestling professionally/training since I was seventeen, I’m thirty three now. The longest I’ve ever been out was three months and that was when I was in developmental in FCW. The whole roster would have shows all over the place. And at one point I end up getting clotheslined in the top of my head.”

“there wasn’t enough blood circulating to my brain…”

“Some crazy situation, and it compounded the disk in my neck. I slept legit in my closet all day because I couldn’t do with any sunlight. LED light, like whatever and one of those nights I ended up hurting so bad that I had to get a friend to drive me to the ER. I thought I was going to die. And what ended up happening is I got pumped full of whatever they pumped me full of. That helped release the pressure on my brain. Because apparently there wasn’t enough blood circulating to my brain and my brain was over heating. If I wouldn’t have gone to the ER immediately when I did I could have had permanent brain damage. Because my brain was just three million degrees…whatever it was.”

Xavier Woods – “the thought crossed my mind that it was my Achilles…”

Xavier Woods then described how that was the toughest injury of his career before the Achilles damage sustained a few months ago. “That was like the toughest one that I dealt with until we were in Sydney Australia. First match the night I ended up doing a back flip in the beginning of the match. As soon as I landed I felt like somebody’d kicked me in the back of the foot. I realized I couldn’t push off of that foot. Immediately the thought crossed my mind that it was my Achilles.”

Xavier Woods then talked about how the injury had ‘shaken him’ to his core. “It’s kind of shaken me to my core. When you get injured it’s something that’s like ‘ah this sucks but you know I get like a like a month at home.’ When you’re coming back pretty much with a ruptured Achilles that’s been surgically repaired there’s a lot more gray area. So there’s no real time frame on when when I will come back. It’s almost a kind of scary because yeah there’s a possibility that if I do everything right and everything goes well I could be back in five months. But maybe not, maybe I’ll be back next year but maybe not. Maybe I’ll be back by like WrestleMania next year. But maybe not.”

As soon as we have an update on Woods’ condition we will update you here.

*Please credit SEScoops if you use any quotes from this article

UFC fighter and lifelong WWE fan Daniel Cormier recently sat down with BT Sport. The former UFC Heavyweight Champion discussed WWE during the interview, including the recent Cain Velasquez vs Brock Lesnar match that took place at Crown Jewel in October. BT Sport will be taking WWE programming over from Sky Sports in the UK starting in 2020.

“I’ve talked with the WWE on a number of occasions, they want to work together,” Cormier claimed. “I almost came to the press conference for Brock [Lesnar] vs. Cain [Velasquez] to play the role of a fight builder. Unfortunately, my scheduling didn’t work.” Lesnar defeated Velasquez in quick fashion at the Crown Jewel event. Velasquez has not been featured on WWE television since the bout.

Daniel Cormier also revealed that he had been offered a deal to work with FOX. This would be for WWE Backstage. “I got an offer to work that new show, WWE Backstage. Obviously, it didn’t work with the new relationship with [the UFC and] ESPN. But we are constantly trying to get me involved in the product. As a big time fan of the WWE, nothing makes me happier. I’ve got some great opportunities, man. I’m lucky. I’ve got some things outside of the octagon that’s gonna carry me for a long time.”

Brock Lesnar’s ‘advocate’ Paul Heyman saw the video and responded via Twitter, seemingly coaxing Daniel Cormier to jump to WWE and get in the ring with Lesnar. “It’s easy to garner publicity calling out the top box office attraction. @dc_mma can’t hang w/
@BrockLesnar in the #Brocktagon nor a @WWE ring, and he can’t hang with me on the mic. MAYBE he could TRY to hang with Brock on the mic and me in the ring … MAYBE!!!”

AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes recently appeared on Sirius XM’s Busted Open Radio show. The former WWE Superstar spoke to Dave LaGreca and co-host Tommy Dreamer about AEW, WWE and the fanbases arguing online.

AEW and WWE Fan Divide

Dreamer asked Rhodes about the divide between WWE/NXT and AEW fans. Cody replied saying “I think about this a lot. Because social media’s become an accepted part of our lives now. I keep telling people I can’t remember when we didn’t have the stuff, I mean it’s not going away.”

Cody Rhodes – “A Little Fear from WWE Fans?”

Cody continued, talking about the longtime WWE fans who remain vehemently against AEW, almost on principle. “I’ve tried to kind of learn from it and study it, there’s a logic to both sides of this big deep divided argument. Whether there’s a little bit of fear from long time WWE fans or whether there’s kind of a dislike of the bold personalities because we’ve done some really bold things. Like the breaking the throne [at Double or Nothing] and we are taking little fun jabs. Like Jericho does in this promos here and there.”

When Chris Jericho unveiled his ‘Inner Circle’ stable he took a shot at WWE creative after fans chanted ‘we the people’ at Jake Hager (formerly Jack Swagger in WWE).

Cody Rhodes – “Fans ‘Too Protective’ of AEW”

Rhodes was quick to mention the fact that there are AEW fans who are almost too ‘protective’ of the new brand. “On the other side of it there’s AEW super fans who are kind of overly protective and sometimes are being too generous to us. Because obviously we’re gonna slip up and make mistakes. If you’re ever to put all those people in a room together with their NXT shirts and their AEW shirts I’m sure they would get along just fine because they’re wrestling fans.”

More Than Just Wrestling

Cody was also quick to mention that this argument goes deeper than just wrestling. “If you look at the geopolitical climate, which I’ve followed very closely yeah if you look at everything that’s happening out in the world, our fan base really does need to make better efforts I think to suggest to get along.”

Cody Rhodes on Triple H

Rhodes also discussed how this mentality should be coming ‘from the top’ of AEW as well. “If I were to see Triple H in this moment I would I would shake his hand. I probably even give him a hug out of everything that happened and I learned a lot from him. But he’s on the absolute opposite side of the fence in the same role I have with a with AEW but much more experience.”

WWE broadcaster Corey Graves has sharply criticized WWE’s booking of the women’s division on the After The Bell podcast.

Last week, Graves made some interesting comments regarding Charlotte Flair. The SmackDown commentator said he “wanted the queen back” and noted that she wasn’t a prominent figure in current WWE storylines.

Expounding on that point, Corey Graves says both WWE’s Women’s divisions need to be reevaluated, not just Charlotte Flair’s role.

Graves: “Bigger Than Just Charlotte Flair”

“I think it’s bigger than just Charlotte Flair, what my opinion was last week,” Graves began. “I got a lot of feedback on Twitter regarding that [Charlotte] statement, some positive, some negative but there were a lot of valid points. People would say well what about Asuka, what about this person, what about that person and I don’t disagree with you.”

Biggest Year in WWE Women’s Wrestling?

Graves elaborated further, saying “I think after twenty eighteen to twenty nineteen obviously the women headlined at WrestleMania. I think it can be argued this was the biggest year in WWE history as far as women’s wrestling. The women’s evolution, whatever you want to refer to it as, it was a big year. The women were getting the opportunity to showcase what they could do and each and every time an opportunity was provided without fail they knocked out of the park. I don’t know what the reasoning is, but Raw, SmackDown, everywhere except NXT. NXT’s women’s division to me is still on fire but not on Raw and SmackDown.”

He was also quick to point out that this was not a dig at the Women in the company, just how they are being positioned currently. He mentioned Asuka as somebody that WWE simply can’t book in a consistent manner.

“This has nothing to do with the ability of the women,” Graves said. “We have the most talented group of women on the planet earth, this is not a negative against their abilities or their desire. I don’t know what the fix is but looking up and down the roster as I mentioned before Asuka. Remember when she dominated NXT? When she arrived in WWE and won the Royal Rumble match? Went to WrestleMania against Charlotte Flair (one of my favorite matches that entire year)? Yes she’s the Women’s tag team champion right now with Kairi Sane saying but before Asuka just kicked everybody’s ***, now she can’t win a match without the dreaded poison mist.”

Liv Morgan, Ruby Riott Carmella and Bayley

Corey Graves also mentioned both Liv Morgan and his partner, Carmella. “I don’t know in looking elsewhere on the roster, I mean you’ve got Liv Morgan. Who as of this past Monday apparently, is finally coming back. I think that Liv is a star waiting to be born. Ruby Riott hopefully comes back from injury soon.”

He continued, “I’m sure I’m missing a whole ton of names. Of course I’m partial, but when’s the last time Carmella did anything of substance on television? The former SmackDown women’s champion Bayley in this new iteration of herself, again nothing against the talent but it doesn’t feel important.”

AEW on-air correspondent Chris Van Vliet recently released an interview with AEW tag team Santana & Ortiz. During the interview the team had some interesting comments regarding their signing with the company, and how they ‘nearly signed’ with WWE.

Earlier this year the team left IMPACT wrestling and questions were being asked by fans as to where the team would end up next. Rumors at the time indicated that Santana & Ortiz would end up in either NXT, AEW or Ring of Honor.

“Stars Aligned Perfectly”

“I feel like the stars aligned perfectly, with our contracts coming, how All Out was lining up” Ortiz started. “The Jericho Cruise was basically our job interview. We got on with The Bucks and we got to wrestle Hangman and Cody in a match that will never see the light of day!”

“Our careers go hand in hand with each other” – Santana & Ortiz

“So when we came here we had a long conversation, a long sit down of course” Ortiz continued. “Our careers go hand in hand with each other. We were in Puerto Rico riding together and we were about to turn down WWE. So we sat down and we didn’t want to burn a bridge. We never want to burn a bridge, that’s not how we do business. And we get cut off, they say ‘really think about the decision.’ They made it really hard for us to turn them down.”

“Write your own ticket” – Santana & Ortiz

Santana then stated that “they were pretty much ‘write your own ticket'” with regards to the NXT deal that they were offered. “So it was NXT to eventually go up to the main roster” Ortiz then added. “So, we were just like, dang, honestly the ultimate decision was ‘do we want to be a part of something established?’ or ‘do we want to be a part of something new and make history?’ Because, no matter what happens with AEW we will always be part of the first main event of the first ever episode of AEW. Best case scenario [in WWE] we would be small fish in an ocean. There’s so many people there, it would be an uphill battle. Not saying we couldn’t do it, but now we’re a part of change. No matter what happens with this company [AEW] wrestling has changed for the better.”

Ortiz finished by saying “we didn’t want to get into a bidding war, but it eventually went down to ‘what do toy want?”

You can check out the full interview with Santana & Ortiz below:

Soon to be two-time WWE Hall of Famer Sean ‘X-Pac’ Waltman recently made some interesting comments with regards to current WWE Superstar Sonya Deville on the latest episode of his AfterBuzz TV podcast. The former ‘Syxx‘ in WCW will be joining the WWE Hall of Fame for the second time next year as part of the nWo faction along with Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall.

At the start of this week’s ‘1-2-360’ Waltman discussed what he had been working on recently. Waltman confirmed that he had been working on a ‘top secret’ project with both Maria Menuonos and the aforementioned Deville.

“Top Secret”

“I brought Maria Menuonos our Executive Producer and benefactor here at AfterBuzz TV” Waltman said. “I brought her and Sonya Deville to Rikishi’s school here is Van Nuys [California]. I’m not allowed to disclose…top secret. So, anyways top secret what was going on.”

“I Ended Up Rolling With Sonya”

Waltman did however confirm that he got in the ring with Sonya Deville. “So, I got in the ring, and I didn’t plan on it but I ended up rolling with Sonya. It was alright but my knee is pretty swollen up. It’s been years and years, I don’t that anymore unless it is a show. I got in the ring, rolled around with Sonya, did a couple of basic spots.”

Waltman was then asked by his co-host how Sonya is getting on in her life and career, to which he mentioned she may be frustrated at her spot in WWE currently.

Sonya Deville Creatively Frustrated?

“She’s good, there are a lot of great things going on in her life” Waltman stated. “Total Divas, that’s an awesome gig. She may or may not be creatively frustrated like other people in WWE, I’m not sure. If they [creative] aren’t doing something with you currently like you have to do something to maintain a positive attitude. Otherwise you end up like one of those poisonous people. It’s really difficult maintain a positive attitude. I can’t say that I was like that myself, not everyone was politically plugged in like I was. They [creative] put up with way more sh*t with me than they would the average person.”

Waltman is quick to keep her feelings vague however it is interesting that he would bring it up in conversation.

Sonya Deville was last used on WWE television on the November 29th edition of SmackDown on FOX. Sonya lost in a singles bout against Nikki Cross.

WWE has recently released four Superstars from their main roster, Luke Harper, Sin Cara and tag team The Ascension. It’s worth noting that there are rumors circulating that there may well be more talent on their way out of WWE in the coming months. It is not yet confirmed if Deville is one of the names possibly looking for the exit.

Please credit SEScoops when using any transcribed quotes from this article.

Following a wave of Superstars publicly requesting their releases from WWE, the company released wrestlers from their contracts over the past several days.

Sin Cara, Luke Harper and The Ascension tag team have all been “wished well in their future endeavors.” Sin Cara and Harper had gone public with their want to leave the company over the past few weeks (Cara) and months (Harper), both confirming online that they wanted to ply their trade elsewhere. It is not currently known whether The Ascension had requested their release or were let go for other reasons.

Mike Kannellis

One name on the proverbial chopping block who is still with WWE is Mike Kanellis. The former Ring of Honor and New Japan star had also gone public with his want to leave. Kanellis released the following statement back on October 14th:

“Today I asked for my release from WWE,” Kanellis wrote. “I want to thank everyone in the company who has helped me out. And who I have shared a locker room with. I love you all. I’ve been with the company for almost 3 years and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity. However it is time for me to move on. I am only 34 years old and feel I have way too much left in the tank. Working 1 day a week is just not going to cut it for me. I came to WWE to work and that opportunity does not exist right now.”

This statement came just 4 months after he and wife Maria reportedly signed a 5-year deal with WWE.

“Scuttlebutt amongst the boys”

WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray elaborated more on the Mike and Maria situation this week on the Busted Open Radio Sirius XM radio show show.

“I heard rumors, and not internet rumors and dirt sheet rumors.” said Bully Ray. “I’ve heard talk of some scuttlebutt amongst the boys that Mike and Maria might have misled the WWE when their new contracts were signed. I don’t know this for a fact but I’m saying maybe the WWE didn’t want to release them because I want to keep them [and get] their money’s worth out of them.”

It is not clear exactly what Mike and Maria had reportedly ‘misled’ the company on. Maria had announced that she was pregnant soon after reportedly re-signing. Although we cannot confirm if that is exactly what Bully Ray is referring to.

Ray also commented on the situation with Luke Harper and Sin Cara. Saying “as far as Luke Harper and Sin Cara are concerned I’m happy that they will be released. Because they just didn’t want to be there anymore. And if you don’t want to be there anymore and the company’s not doing anything with you anyway get the hell out of there.”

Check out the Busted Open Radio Show at Player.FM.

Please credit SEScoops when using any transcribed quotes from this article.

WWE Superstars Kofi Kingston, Big E and Xavier Woods revealed some interesting details about how WWE decided on calling their faction, The New Day.

‘The New Day: Feel The Power’ is now on the second episode. The group ran down the ‘list’ of potential names that they could have been called originally and were given by WWE creative, some of which they found completely ridiculous.

The Tribe!? – The New Day

Some of the names included Healing Through Harmony, The Tribe (which they completely lambasted for racial reasons) and The Commotions.

Kingston stopped whilst going through the list and names and said “it’s one thing to have the thought and to put it on a piece of paper. But to actually like submit it as a possible name…like this is our likelihood man.”

The Modern Marvels

Xavier the chimed in and said that a terrible stable name would’ve likely been the end of his WWE career. “Let us recap, y’all were both set. If [it didn’t work out] you (Big E) would’ve gone to NXT and Kofi would’ve stayed on the main roster, I’d of got fired. I’ve we were called THE MODERN MARVELS, I would’ve been gone.”

Big E also had some comments regarding the list, mentioning his most memorable name. “The one I didn’t need to check an old email to see was…KBX.” Woods then said “Let’s break that down. Kofi starts with a K, Xavier starts with an X and your first name…” Big E then replied “is Big?”

More Bad Name Suggestions for New Day

The guys rattled off a long list of names that WWE pitched them for their group. Some of the “highlights” include:

• The Beat
• The Tribe
• Perfect Harmony
• Healing Through Harmony
• The Wonders
• The Miracles
• The Sensations
• The Modern Marvels
• Vibe And Vision
• The Commotions
• Harmony’s Three
• Trillogy
• Triverse
• KBX (Kofi, Big E, Xavier)
• The House Of Light
• The Triumph
• The Beacon
• New City
• The Cause
• The Voice
• The Regulators
• House Of Positive Energy (H.O.P.E.)
• House Of Purpose
• The Calling
• Voices Of Triumph
• The Prime
• The Charge
• The Reach
• The Concept
• The Achievers
• The Sentinels
• Genesis
• Born Again
• Revelation
• Nation Of Salvation
• The Congregation
• The Advent
• Trinity
• Crusaders
• Exodus
• Redeemers
• Almighty
• Modern Day Saints
• The Sainthood
• The A-Men
• Brothers Of Xavier
• Saving Our Souls
• Million Man Ministry
• Resurrection
• Penance

The guys pitched three of their own ideas: By Any Means Necessary, New Way and New Day, which they ultimately went with.

Submission Sorority & PCB

The New Day also mocked names that WWE creative came up for two women’s factions.

“We wouldn’t have lasted five years with a name like that, I wipe my cheeks with that name” Big E said of the Submission Sorority. “In fact you can actually customize toilet paper…I should customize toilet paper with KBX on each sheet. This harkens back to Paige’s group’s name, the Submission Sorority.”

Xavier Woods then discussed the ‘copyright’ issues surrounding that name, PCB stable, which consisted of Charlotte, Becky Lynch and the since-retired Paige. Woods said, “for one that’s already copyright-ten, and two, that’s not something that WWE can co-sign on.”

Big E then chimed back in, saying “so, we can’t use that name, we have Paige, we have Charlotte, we have Becky…let’s refer to them as PCB! Oooooh we did it!.”

WWE’s The New Day: Feel The Power podcast can be heard on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and all other notable podcast hosts.

If you use any of the quotes from this article please give a h/t to SEScoops

Chris Jericho recently main evented AEW’s Double or Nothing PPV against Kenny Omega. The event has garnered critical praise from fans across the globe and has attracted some mainstream attention. Jericho recently spoke about how some of WWE’s current creative issues are helping to drive the AEW product.

Jericho stated that “a lot of [our coverage] has to do with what is going on in the WWE lately. This isn’t bagging on the WWE because I love the WWE. I have a great history there and great respect for everybody involved.” Jericho elaborated further saying “when you are reading the reports online about what critics are thinking and long-time fans are complaining about the booking and some of the booking decisions where things aren’t making sense, there is a whole kind of a real cloud over the WWE’s head at this point which in turn is giving AEW so much coverage and we haven’t even had to do anything. It is unbelievable when you actually think about it…”

Jericho finished by saying “WWE has some great talents and performers; I watched WWE’s Money in the Bank recently and Seth Rollins vs AJ Styles and the Men’s Money in the Bank match, outside of the finish, was a tremendous match as an actual performance. So, it’s not like the wrestling side is taking a hit but it is the overall opinion of behind the scenes and that sort of thing.”

*Credit to WrestlingINC for the transcription

Former WWE Superstar Tye Dillinger recently appeared on the Edge & Christian podcast. The long tenured NXT and main roster Superstar discussed a variety of topics with the two WWE legends.

Dillinger spoke about his time in OVW and in particular a match against John Cena. The ‘Perfect 10’ said that Cena was very nice and laid out the match in such a way that would showcase the, then, Shawn Spears.

Match Against Cena

He said that “finally when we [he and Cena] did run into each other, I think the second match had just started and they were not going to go 20 minutes because it was pouring. So he kind of just said, ‘alright, what do you do?’ And I was like, ‘uh…’ And I think I had a title, like I might have had the OVW Television title at the time. So I was like, ‘hey, how about I catch you with a quick rollup somewhere, maybe they’ll think, ‘ahhh!’ I’m trying to be like, ‘whatever you want to do!’ And then, he kind of just looked at me for a second. I went, ‘oh s–t, I said the wrong thing. Dammit!’ He kind of looked off to the side and then he rattled off a finish for us that we had knocked down a referee; I brought in the WWE title; I hit him with that. He rattled off this finish, and I’m sure you guys know, and it was like, whoa.”

Dillinger elaborated on the story further saying that “he didn’t have to do that for me and he did. Here’s the guy, on top, making the company millions and millions of dollars, has a big match a month later, a day later. Who knew? But going out of his way to take some kid who he doesn’t know, maybe that he probably barely heard of, and he made it a night I will never forget. so hat’s off to John Cena.”

*Credit the E&C Pod of Awesomeness and to WrestlingINC for the transcription