Former WWE Superstar ACH has reflected on his ignominious departure from the company’s black-and-gold brand NXT.

The former-Jordan Myles spoke with the Submission Squad podcast, looking back on his public, vocal displeasure with WWE. With time to reflect, he admitted that was “ashamed” of himself and his approach.

ACH confessed he had a “meltdown” in front of the entire world: “I said so much stuff and if I was to go back and take it all back…it really sticks to me.” He spoke about how he had been working his dream job in WWE and making money from pro wrestling.

ACH added how he was finally at a place in his life he had worked had to be and had only just begun to feel comfortable. 

“I’ve sacrificed a lot of pro wrestling, and I don’t expect anything back, but I made a lot of sacrifices,” ACH stated. “I’m ashamed of myself. I’m embarrassed. This is something that I’ll never be able to shake.”

ACH admitted that the entire situation and its fallout has taken away his passion for wrestling to the point he doesn’t even want to watch any pro wrestling. He shared how he would wake up and questions life’s purpose.

“Without my passion, what do I do?” he pondered. “It’s going to be a stain on my career forever.”

ACH made waves back in October after taking vocal issue with a WWE t-shirt design.

During an episode of his podcast Something To Wrestle With, Bruce Pichard spoke about RAW Superstar Shelton Benjamin’s tenure with the company. Prichard noted how he doesn’t feel that Benjamin has reached his full potential in WWE.

Prichard reflected on Benjamin’s early days in pro wrestling. He looked back on how he was a part of the developmental class that included Brock Lesnar, John Cena, and Batista.

“JR would say, ‘Goddamn! Blue chipper class! Sassafras!’ And Shelton, first of all, he could do anything — to this day, he can do just about anything. Incredibly talented performer. Yeah, maybe missing a little bit of that it factor, but a great performer and being given the opportunity and being able to work with someone like a Jericho makes him shine all that much more.”

He stressed how Shelton Benjamin’s “stock” was high within WWE, and that many higher-ups felt he could become one of their top guys. Despite this initial belief, however, Prichard divulged how WWE “hit a wall” with Shelton Benjamin and just couldn’t get him to that next level. 

Because of this, Prichard doesn’t believe Benjamin has ever reached his full potential. As far as he’s concerned, Benjamin could’ve been a “much bigger star” but doesn’t believe audiences would accept him at this point.  

WWE Superstar Lacey Evans has shared her thoughts on WWE’s recent releases. Speaking with the Walkway Fight Club podcast, Evans called the situation “terrible,” highlighting how she feels for them and their situation. 

Evans explained that she takes news like that hard as she knows what it’s like to come from no money and a rough childhood. She noted how she knows what “rock bottom feels like” and described that sick feeling a person can get when “you don’t know what you’re doing to do.” 

Lacey Evans stressed that WWE is incredibly supportive, however. Evans added how the company ensures that everyone is taken care of, explaining how they make sure that “everybody has what they need and is taken care of, and to the point of going forward.” Evans conceded that it is an undeniably “crapping feeling” and that she can’t imagine being in their position. 

Reflecting on her military background, Evans then added how you just have to keep pushing forward. She spoke about the importance of being able to adapt and overcome adverse situations such as this. “You can’t let life no matter what it is; no matter what cards you’re dealt with, you keep got to keep playing, you got to play your hand, and you got to play to the best of your ability. I mean, it’s hard.”

Lacey Evans shared how she is keeping all those affected in her prayers and wishes them the best going forward.

Former Money in the Bank winner Carmella has reflected on her historic victory during a recent appearance on WWE show The Bump. She also remembered being to finally get rid of the Money in the Bank briefcase after cashing it in. 

Carmella admitted she was nervous about her win. She looked back on how she was the smallest competitor in the match and stressed how the ladders were “huge and scary.” According to her, she had “never done any big crazy moves off the ropes, let alone a ladder. I was scared, but I knew what I had to do.”

As far as she was concerned, she was committed to making history. This mindset came from the fact that her MITB match was the first-ever women’s version of the popular ladder match and that “everyone is going to remember the first ‘Miss Money In The Bank,’ and here I am.”

Carmella Cashes In

Carmella would go on to hold the briefcase for almost 287 days. She finally cashed in her championship opportunity against Charlotte Flair on the SmackDown following WrestleMania 34. Carmella would successfully win the SmackDown Women’s Championship. She was more than happy swapping out the briefcase for the championship.

“I was so glad to get rid of that thing [the briefcase],” Carmella joked. “The story that I told the old people that would ask me at baggage claim at airports, they’d say, ‘Oh, what is that? Are you a banker?’ I’d be like, ‘No,” and I would make things up because they would never understand the significance of the briefcase and the contract inside. I’d say, ‘There’s a contract in there,’ and they’d say, ‘A contract for what?’ [Then I would reply], ‘Nevermind, I work at Bank of America, it’s part of my uniform.’ It was ridiculous.”

She believes that holding the briefcase for so long worked in her favor. Carmella thinks that, by the time she opted to use her opportunity, fans reacted even more for the cash in. It meant more for her on a personal note, too, as her parents were in attendance for that episode of SmackDown. 

In an effort to help during the current coronavirus pandemic, WWE has released a new range of themed masks.

They masks are compliant with guidelines set forth by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)for non-medical face coverings.

WWE will be donating 100% of net proceeds to Americares, a global non-profit relief and health organization. Each mask costs $12.99.

There are plenty of designs for fans to choose from and features Superstars from across multiple eras. John Cena, “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt, Edge, Seth Rollins, Mustafa Ali, the New Day, and Becky Lynch are just some of today’s current Superstars to have masks.

Other designs include Hall of Famers Triple H, Ric Flair, Edge, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, and the nWo. WWE even have brand-specific options and championship belts options, such as the WWE Championship and RAW Women’s Championship.

To promote the products, WWE is using the marketing pitch, “Be a Superstar. Wear a WWE mask.”

The masks are available for purchase now via WWEShop.com.

Discussion: Would you wear any of these masks in public? If so, which one? Let us know in the comments section.

During last night’s episode of Monday Night RAW, WWE replayed a key moment from the main event of WrestleMania 31. The promotion featured a countdown of their top Money in the Bank moments over the past few years. Seth Rollins cashing in his opportunity took the number one spot. He would end up winning Brock Lesnar’s WWE Championship. There was another important Superstar involved with that cash in, however: Roman Reigns.

Roman Reigns was noticeably edited out of Rollins’ moment, with the company neither featuring nor mentioning “The Big Dog” during the footage. Although Rollins curb stomped Lesnar, he would actually pin Reigns to win the championship.

Roman Reigns Off WWE TV

This comes off the reported news that WWE officials and on-air personalities were not to mention Reigns on WWE TV. No definitive reason was given behind this choice. It’s worth noting, however, that WWE’s decision followed Reigns making the call to not participate in WWE’s recent WrestleMania 36 event.

Reigns was scheduled to compete against then-WWE Universal Champion Goldberg. Braun Stowman would replace him and ultimately claim the belt for himself.

Roman Reigns made the decision to not wrestle at WrestleMania 36 due to his past battles with leukemia which have left him immunocompromised and, thus, at a higher risk compared to other Superstars.

It was been speculated that it may be months before Roman Reigns will reappear on WWE programming depending on his safety and the potential further spread of the coronavirus.

WWE Superstar Big E has reacted to a WWE article that argued that his stable, The New Day, is the “greatest faction in WWE history.” Joining WWE show The Bump, Big E shared his thoughts on the article, admitting he didn’t know how to take it. 

Big E admitted that the honor being bestowed is undeniably cool. He added how his job is to go out and perform and the best he can be, whether that’s in the ring or on the mic. He added how it’s the job of the fans and the media to determine who the best faction of all time is.

“Part of me thinks that this is flattering because I can think of many great factions,” Big E said. “I will say though, we’re not done yet, there are no other active factions – maybe Undisputed Era, I guess you could say because you don’t know what their reigns will look like or titles that they’ll win – but, this is not a conversation for me to decide. I’ll let people like you [The Bump panel] decide the greatest faction.”

He then reflected on the current coronavirus pandemic. Big E confessed it has been difficult for him and Kofi Kingston to keep their spirits up. This is especially true as they are competing in front of zero fans and receiving no live reactions. It’s something he misses as they love their fans.

Big E credited the fans with helping to establish the New Day. He stressed how if it wasn’t for their genuine reactions, they wouldn’t have been able to adjust their performances. 

WWE Hall of Famers Triple H and Shawn Michaels addressed social media’s impact on WWE during an interview with Inside the Ropes. The WWE Legends acknowledged how social media has impacted upon not only WWE’s creative process but how fans interact with the product and Superstars. 

Triple H spoke about how everybody has an opinion. He pointed to how some characters are positioned to be a heel but end up being cheered. Conversely, they will position someone to be a babyface, only to have a large chunk of the crowd dislike them. He admitted how it’s tougher than it ever has been to create a character that is universally liked or disliked.

He stressed that this isn’t just isolated to pro wrestling, pointing to the music industry as a comparison. Triple H noted how artists will put out an album and how social media will display extreme opinions on both sides.

Using Triple H’s album analogy, Shawn Michaels added how “After you purchase the album we’re good. You know what I mean? Whatever decision you want to come up with after that, knock your socks off.”

Triple H & Shawn Michaels On Encouraging The WWE Universe

Triple H expressed how he loves the passion from the WWE Universe, regardless of whether it’s positive or negative. He called it “funny” how some people believe WWE manipulate crowd noise to try and convince them to cheer or boo a Superstar. It’s something he staunchly denies, adding how “It’s just what’s happening.”

“But they’re so passionate about it, but the fact that, we love the fact that they can express their opinion. We love the fact that they can go out there and say, ‘This is great,’ ‘This isn’t great,’ ‘This guy’s a good guy,’ ‘That person’s a bad guy,’ whatever that is, right, and yet, if they also, if they tell us they dislike something, if we’re smart, we listen to that. Might take a while but we can fix it.”

Michaels added how he believes it’s better to have fan engagement rather than total ambivalence. If nobody had an opinion on what they were doing, that would be the time he’d be concerned. “[…] what’s gonna really suck is the day when nobody cares, when nobody wants a picture, when nobody wants an autograph. So, no matter how much, better to have that ‘hassle’ than no hassle at all, and I think that’s how all of us in this line of work look at it.”

Triple H recently celebrated his 25th anniversary in WWE.

WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler has reflected on his momentous Money in the Bank victory back in 2012. Speaking on WWE show The Bump, Ziggler looked back on his victory and his experience competing in the ladder match. 

Ziggler shared how it was “amazing” to be in there, especially when he was a “pretty young up-and-coming go-getter.”

He pointed out how it was such a learning experience to be in there with Christian, stating how he learned so much both mentally and physically from him. He then spotlighted Tyson Kidd, sharing how he is still such a huge fan of his. 

“The Showoff” added how he doesn’t know of anybody else that has continually set the bar over 15 years in the way he has. Ziggler stressed how he keeps “setting the bar, knocking it down and stealing the show.”

Dolph Ziggler Cashes In

Dolph Ziggler would cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase on the Monday Night RAW following WrestleMania 29. It was a successful cash in as he defeated Alberto Del Rio. This victory saw him claim the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. It was a win he credited to the fans. He believes their faith in him convinced WWE’s top brass to pull the trigger with him.

“It wasn’t me cashing it, it was an entire fanbase getting behind someone who they could tell had it. Who they could tell could put the time in, and who they could tell was getting the shaft left and right backstage and continues too.” 

He recalled how he wanted to be 100% business. However, when his music hit and he stepped out, the moment him like “10,000 bees stinging me.” He referred to his match with Del Rio as a “thing of beauty” and stressed how, no matter your experience with pro wrestling, “you watch those four minutes, you live and die three different times.”

Dolph Ziggler isn’t sure if that could happen for anybody else but remains thankful to the fans for helping allow it for him.

All Elite Wrestling’s resident Dentist, Britt Baker, has revealed how she and NXT Champion Adam Cole first began dating. Speaking with Chris Van Vliet, Baker explained how they didn’t actually meet at a show or through friends. Instead, the two met thanks to a dating app called Bumble.

Baker shared how she was in Hersey, PA for a dental school conference when she came across his Bumble profile. According to Britt Baker, he didn’t look like Adam Cole as he had his hair back and was wearing normal clothes in his profile. Every time she’d seen him in the past, Cole was in a wrestling ring with soaking wet hair and only wrestling gear on. Additionally, the profile listed his name as Austin.

She recalled how “this guy looks so familiar but I don’t know Austin and then it finally clicked and we started talking from there, and then it took us a while to go on a date.” Baker admitted she was hesitant at first as he’s not the “most likable character on TV and is kind of evil.” Eventually, however, she agreed.

Britt Baker recalled how they went on a date after he had returned from New Japan Pro-Wrestling during the time when Cole won the Ring of Honour Championship. The couple now lives in Orlando, Florida together. They are signed to different companies, with Baker competing for AEW and Cole on WWE’s NXT brand.

WWE Champion Drew McIntyre has opened up about the anger he felt after discovering WrestleMania 36 would take place in front of zero fans. He revealed his feelings on the subject during an interview with Lilian Garcia on her Chasing Glory podcast. 

McIntyre admitted he was “obviously upset” when he was first told of the situation. He added how he was “very angry” at first, noting how he didn’t realize the magnitude of the situation until he got back home.

At the time, Drew McIntyre was understandably caught up in his frustrations. He reflected on how hard he’d worked to get into this position, only for it to take place in front of no fans. It was a surreal situation he struggled to accept.

“Then I started watching the news and realized what was going on and the WWE was pushing forward with WrestleMania and give everybody an escape,” Drew McIntyre explained. “The fact that I was going to fight Brock in the main event, that was bigger than my selfish reasons and I started thinking this was a positive. We are going to give everybody an escape. I can give them a happy ending if they are invested in my story and finally get that happy ending at WrestleMania.”

Drew McIntyre then recalled how he hid the championship in his house. He didn’t take it out until after he had relived his victory live with the rest of the world, “reacting to every move” as it took place on TV.

All Elite Wrestling’s Cody Rhodes has opened up about why the TNT Championship belt is so important to him. Speaking with AEW announcer Tony Schiavone, Cody also broached the topic of retirement and what he wants to accomplish with his future in pro wrestling.

Having successfully made his way to the finals of the TNT Championship Tournament, Cody Rhodes is set to face off for the belt against Lance Archer. He stressed how his personal standards are “pretty lofty,” especially when juxtaposing his accomplishments with his father, Dusty Rhodes. He added how being a second or third-generation wrestler immediately sets a high standard that is based on what was “laid before you.” It’s an expectation that could be met with a championship victory.

“I mean, he [Dusty] really had a significant chunk of wrestling’s total legacy,” Cody Rhodes said. “I don’t do this to be anything other than the greatest. Anything other than the absolute best. That sounds ridiculous, but I really still believe in dreams. And you get better every day. Every day since I started, which is really 15 years old since I started, I’ve tried to be a better wrestler the next day.”

Cody Rhodes’ Retirement Plans

Regarding his future in the business, Cody Rhodes confessed how he intended to only wrestle until he turned 40. He turns 36 this June. He admitted that he no longer knows if that initial retirement date will hold true. Cody stressed how he wants to make sure that two people never have to work: his wife and his mother.

He acknowledged how his wife, Brandi, will choose to work every day as that’s who she is. According to Cody, his mother, “refuses to acknowledge that I’m still trying to do everything I can to take care of her.” To him, however, it’s important that they both know that he not only did it, but he did it in wrestling.

Cody Rhodes will face Lance Archer for the TNT Championship at AEW’s next pay-per-view, Double or Nothing, on Saturday, May 23.

Former WWE Superstar No Way Jose recently caught up with Inside the Ropes. During their interview, he opened up about his recent release, admitting he was “blindsided” by the news. However, with his release, he is looking to embracing future opportunities that no longer revolve around his former-party loving character.

Jose shared that he’s in a tough position as the world knows him as No Way Jose. Now, however, he has a choice to make: lean into that gimmick or try to develop something completely different. He confessed that, despite the fact it was a good character for him, he doesn’t want to “continue that character” going forward. He noted how if he ever does an appearance with that gimmick, it will most likely be a one-off as he has “so much more to show.”

When it comes to the character’s name, the former Superstar revealed he wasn’t initially convinced. He recalled how the idea first came about, crediting Sami Callihan with the idea. When the character was first pitched, he figured it would be a catchphrase. That was until Matt Bloom proposed he adopted it as his character name. 

“I was just like No Way Jose? C’mon bro. I didn’t think people would take it seriously. On the grand scheme of things, I was like would they put a championship on somebody named No Way Jose? The answer, no way!”

With the dancing and partying No Way Jose’s character enjoyed, fans were quick to point out the similarities between himself and Adam Rose. It was an obvious juxtaposition that he was apprehensive about. He stressed how he wasn’t trying to knock Adam Rose in any way with his take on Jose. He then noted how he would do his entrance alone in NXT, getting people up and partying as opposed to Rose’s use of Rosebuds to party alongside him. 

All Elite Wrestling’s Cody Rhodes has addressed the idea of the promotion signing recently released WWE Superstar Zack Ryder. Taking part in a Q&A session via Instagram, Cody was asked whether fans could expect to see Ryder show up in AEW in the future. Although he clearly holds Ryder in high regard, Cody stressed how he didn’t want the company to become “All Friends Wrestling.”

Cody Rhodes noted how Ryder is the best and has managed to earn a broad social media following across Twitter and Instagram. “Very broad influence, incredibly famous, more famous than many guys out there. But that doesn’t always translate.” He noted how the biggest hurdle Ryder will face will be their pre-existing friendship.

“The American Nightmare” shared how Ryder is one of his really close friends in wrestling. He noted how Ryder may be his “only friend” in wrestling. Cody then stressed AEW can’t just be “All Friends Wrestling.”

“You have to handle it the best way,” Cody Rhodes explained. “If you put on the Nightmare Family jacket, you’ve got a massive bullseye on your back, just in the locker room alone. It’s a total heat seeker. But I’m looking forward to what he does next. He’ll turn a lot of heads. I think and hope our paths will cross down the road. He’s just entering wrestler prime. Men’s wrestler prime is 35 to 40.”

When Ryder was first released, Cody Rhodes uploaded an honest, emotional response to the news. He stressed how Ryder’s best days are “ahead of him” and that he believes he will succeed, wherever he ends up.

Former WWE Superstar Heath Slater has reflected on his time in The Nexus. Slater recently joined SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio where he broached the subject. He shared the moment he felt was the “beginning of the end” for the stable. Slater added how he believes they should have “taken over” at SummerSlam. 

“My goodness, I wish we could have had our hands and our grip on it a little more because it died way too soon,” Heath Slater stated. “And we all know this, like, everyone knows this: I mean, SummerSlam, we should have took over. Period. We should have won.” 

Heath Slater On Shifting Gears

Reflecting on the loss, Heath Slater stressed how the Nexus shifted from “from fourth to second gear” in one night. He added how they worked hard to earn their spot in the company as a top heel group and felt their SummerSlam loss squandered a WrestleMania payoff.

“We couldn’t wait a few more months to ‘Mania, so you could have a mega-group that could surely just destroy us or whatever. But, like, it should not have ended at SummerSlam, man.”

With Heath Slater now gone from WWE, only one member of the Nexus remains with the company: David Otunga. The group burst onto the scene with a violent takeover on an episode of Monday Night RAW. Unfortunately, the group wasn’t able to maintain their momentum which shifted drastically at the hands of Team WWE at SummerSlam 2010.

Natalya has revealed which competitor she would like to see claim the Money in the Bank briefcase in the Women’s Ladder match. During her regular column for the Calgary Sun, Natalya, who has participated in previous Money in the Bank ladder matches, shared her hopes that SmackDown Superstar Dana Brooke would claim the prize.

Natalya highlighted how much heart and perseverance Brooke has. She also pointed out the “amazing attitude” she has maintained throughout her tenure in WWE.

“Dana hasn’t taken “no” for an answer in fighting for her dreams,” Natalya explained. “To see her grab the briefcase amongst some of the toughest women in WWE and then cash in and win a WWE Women’s Championship, would be nothing short of amazing.”

Dana Brooke joins Asuka, Shayna Baszler, Nia Jax, and Lacey Evans in the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match. There is one more slot left. This position will be decided tonight on tonight’s episode of SmackDown in a matchup between Mandy Rose and Carmella.

WWE’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view takes place on May 10 from WWE Global Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. The decision to hold the PPV at WWE HQ was made due to the current coronavirus pandemic.

Former WWE Superstar Ryback has claimed that WWE’s Human Resources department is “non-existent.”

Ryback made his statements during a recent episode of his podcast, Conversation with the Big Guy Ryback, following comments from an anonymous WWE employee named ‘John.’ 

‘John’ stated he was afraid to work during the coronavirus pandemic but was worried about speaking out to WWE’s higher-ups as he needed the job. He claimed that “Despite sanitary precautions, we cannot maintain social distancing and have to touch other people. I request the government to shut down these tapings and enforce so my colleagues and I may follow social distancing rules without fear or repercussions of losing our jobs.” 

In response to this, Ryback stressed how he had never even heard of WWE HR. He asked listeners what they think would realistically happen if anybody did go forward to voice their concerns. “They [WWE] know, but nobody under contract is going to go do that. If you go to HR? It is career suicide. That’s the reality of the situation.”

Ryback argued how WWE suggests Superstars had a choice whether to work or not. He added how the majority of the talent wouldn’t contradict what WWE’s official statement is as they don’t want to risk their livelihoods. 

WWE has refuted the comments made by John. They explained that the accusations weren’t true and that employees can confidentially go to Human Resources if needed. WWE stressed that no one would be fired if they were uncomfortable to work amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

WWE also pointed out how they have previously made “accommodations” for individuals upon request. 

NXT Superstar Keith Lee has previously reflected on being rejected by WWE following unsuccessful tryouts. In a recent interview with Yahoo Sports before last night’s episode of NXT, Lee shared which WWE Legends helped inspire him after being told he wouldn’t be needed. He also addressed his recent feuds with Damien Priest and Dominik Dijakovic and the meaning of being “Limitless.”

After being rejected by WWE, Lee pointed to NXT General Manager William Regal and WWE Hall of Famers Jim Ross and Dusty Rhodes in helping to keep him motivated with his dream of signing with WWE.

He utilized the time after his tryouts to continue to hone his craft on the independent circuit, making a name for himself in the process. During this time, NXT began to change into something that could make use of him. Lee noted how he’s always been a confident person and that all he’s “ever really required is an opportunity.”

Keith Lee Is Limitless

Keith Lee’s nickname “Limitless” ties into this concept. He explained how his character represents his life growing up, but also his experiences in entertainment as a whole.

“Being told no so many times, being denied, turned down, shut down, talked down and never giving up. That’s kind of the premise that ‘Limitless’ was.”

Lee explained how being “Limitless” is more than just his in-ring skills. It’s a lifestyle and mentality to help get through tough times.

Recent NXT Feuds

Turning his attention to his recent highlight feuds on NXT, Lee acknowledged how many people may not expect the athleticism NXT’s big men are capable of. “When you get gents like us in the ring, it’s oftentimes [jaw-dropping] but also mesmerizing for someone who is seeing it for the first time.

To them, it’s an unexpected surprise. For the Superstars, however, their performance is an “expression of who we are.”

Lee shared how their drive to be the greatest and experience the highest level of competition creates a magical experience.

Keith Lee successfully retained his NXT North American Championship against Damien Priest during last night’s episode of NXT.

Former WWE Superstar Aiden English recently joined Inside The Ropes for an interview. During the course of their conversation, English talked about his partnership with Rusev and how the two cultivated their connection with the WWE Universe.

Prior to Rusev Day, Aiden pointed out how Rusev had long been positioned as a dominant “big foreign bad guy.”

For the longest time, it worked as a character and clicked with the crowd. He then shared how, out of the ring, Rusev was “such a fun-loving, goofy, funny dude.” Aiden English explained how when he finally saw the chance to let him himself, he went for it. 

According to English, the two of them would ignore pretty much everything that WWE Creative gave them. Instead, they both approached it as an opportunity to be more lighthearted and say “goofy stuff,” which English loved. 

“Even though I’m still doing the singing entrances, with promos and backstages, I was being me as a performer,” English explained. People saw these two characters who for a long time were kinda in these boxes. All of a sudden, we get a chance to play and experiment and be themselves. People saw that and I think that’s what resonated.”

Aiden English and Rusev were both recently released by WWE alongside several other Superstars and backstage personnel. It was a decision made in response to the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on business. 

WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry has shared what he believes RAW Superstar Apollo Crews needs to do to break through to the next level. Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Henry expressed his belief that, from a talent perspective, Crews is able to capitalize on an opportunity if presented with one. He noted this sheer talent is why he sought him out and brought him into WWE in the first place.

Henry added how he’d love to see Apollo Crews with more “bells and whistles.” He believes he could succeed with the help of a manager and a “dominant” storyline.

The Hall of Famer would love to see him involved in a narrative that sees Crews have “something over somebody’s head.”

Apollo Crews Is Not Yet A Jedi Knight

Mark Henry stressed he means no disrespect when discussing Crews or his position. He pointed out how he has a strong knowledge of the Force. According to him, Crews “is not yet at the level of a full-fledge Jedi knight.”

Henry added how Apollo Crews isn’t at a Padawan level either but still has plenty of room for improvement.

Apollo Crews suffered an unfortunate injury during this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW. It occurred during his matchup against WWE United States Champion Andrade. WWE has since pulled Crews from the Money in the Bank ladder match, stating he is not medically cleared to compete. 

All Elite Wrestling’s Dustin Rhodes recently participated in an online Q&A session via Twitter. Some of the questions he answered regarded his interest in being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. He was also asked whether he missed portraying Goldust at all.

Although his father, Dusty Rhodes, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame back in 2007, an induction isn’t something that Dustin is overtly concerned about.

Despite this confession, he remains open-minded to the idea. He shared that “If it comes, it comes.” Until then, however, he remains focused on AEW and helping to grow and develop their “talented kids.”

Does Dustin Rhodes Miss Goldust?

Having first portrayed WWE’s Goldust back in 1995, Dustin has an undeniably long history with the character. When asked if he missed Goldust at all, he admitted that he didn’t.

That being said, he remains thankful for the years he was able to bring Goldust to life through his various iterations.

Dustin Rhodes recently defeated Kip Sabian to advance in the AEW TNT Championship Tournament. He is scheduled to face off against Lance Archer on this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite in the semi-finals. If successful, Dustin would advance to vie for the championship against either Darby Allin or his brother Cody Rhodes.

WWE NXT Superstar Io Shirai has opened up about the differences between wrestling in Japan and the United States.

Speaking with WWE show The Bump, Shirai detailed how wrestler win/loss records have an impact on how promoters decide on contenders in Japan. 

Shirai noted how in the United States, wrestling is “more than the win or the defeat.” She highlighted how the story and process that leads into the matchup is what makes an American audience react. 

When she wrestled in Japan, Io Shirai was only focused on winning. After arriving in America, however, “I realized that just winning the match won’t make me supported by the audience. It’s more about the process and the story that leads to the win or the defeat.”

It’s a moment she believes it shared between wrestler and audience. She explained how, upon realizing this, she was able to immerse herself deeper into pro wrestling.

Io Shirai is the current number one contender to Charlotte Flair’s NXT Women’s Championship. She won the right to face off against Flair after winning a #1 Contender’s Ladder Match on the 4/8 episode of NXT. Shirai defeated Mia Yim, Chelsea Green, Candice LeRae, Dakota Kai, and Tegan Nox for the right to challenge Flair.

All Elite Wrestling announcer Jim Ross has addressed the recent ratings drop Dynamite has experienced for the past few weeks. Dynamite competes head-to-head on Wednesday nights against WWE’s black-and-gold brand NXT. Speaking with Wrestling Epicenter, Ross shared how there has been “no knee-jerk reaction” to NXT winning two of the last three weeks. 

Jim Ross stated that he isn’t worried about the recent numbers. “You said the numbers are going down – True statement. In certain demographics… This is far from a disaster.”

He explained how Dynamite is “sandwiched” between WWE shows on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, which he believes means their “audience is still finding us.”

Jim Ross On AEW’s Audience

Jim Ross acknowledged how the coronavirus pandemic has forced AEW to put on empty arena shows. It’s a situation that “affects everybody.” Ross pointed out how the fans are a big part of the show and that an AEW crowd is “very young, defiant, and make a lot of noise. All of us really miss that!”

Ross juxtaposed the current ratings war with WWE and WCW’s Monday Night Wars during the ‘90s. He stressed how they “didn’t have time to worry about the ratings” as, by the time you got them, you were busy doing it again.

He shared how that didn’t leave a lot of time to moan or celebrating the numbers either way. With that in mind, Jim Ross reiterated how he isn’t worried about AEW’s current ratings as “we’re doing just fine and we know where we’re going.” 

All Elite Wrestling World Champion Jon Moxley has addressed competing in front of zero fans. Speaking with Uproxx.com, Moxley stressed how the audience is a “critical element” of pro wrestling. He noted how, without them, there is a noticeably missing energy that makes performing challenging.

“Everybody’s kind of finding different ways to work around that, whether that’s the way you shoot it on camera, or lot of people are doing different cinematic style matches and stuff. It’s definitely tough.”

Jon Moxley On Being More Physical

According to Jon Moxley, when a crowd is going crazy it can be “like a mask and stuff.” Their energy helps to feed the energy of the performers so, without them, he believes talent has to up their physicality. Without that mask in place, Moxley noted how important it is for wrestlers to “keep everything tighter.”

Jon Moxley was proud of his recent matchup against Inner Circle member Jake Hager. The two competed in a No Holds Barred Empty Arena match. He pointed to how their clash was “real physical” and “realistic” because of how they beat each other up for real.

He acknowledged how it’s not ideal for anyone to wrestle in empty arenas. Jon Moxley then stressed that “as long as everybody’s safe and so forth” and it helps entertain fans during the coronavirus pandemic, then it’s worth it.

When Kofi Kingston first debuted for WWE in 2006, his character wore Jamaican colors and spoke with a Jamaican accent. Speaking with Muscle & Fitness’ Reps Podcast, the New Day member reflected on how happy he was to be able to drop the accent. He also revealed Vince McMahon’s reaction to an interview that revealed Kingston wasn’t actually Jamaican. 

Kingston shared how Vince McMahon instructed him to do all of his interviews with the Jamaican accent. Any time he was on screen or being interviewed, he had to reply with the accent. He explained how WWE Magazine would calm him from a regular number. Kingston would answer with his regular voice, only to be asked if Kofi was around to take a call. “I would say ‘Oh hold on’ and then answer in Jamaican.” 

Keeping up the accent was, admittedly, “really annoying.” Kingston reflected on how the only other Superstar who could relate was Santino Marella.

Kofi Kingston On Being Revealed

The Superstar then spoke about how a BBC interview pressed him for an answer regarding his name and accent. Kofi Kingston revealed how they confronted him over Kofi not being a Jamaican name. They asked him why he was playing a Jamaican character, forcing him to come up with a variety of answers. 

“So finally I get off the phone and I’m sweating and I’m like it’s over. Then all of a sudden maybe an hour later my mom calls me up and says ‘Somebody from the BBC just called and they asked me about your Jamaican heritage and I told them you were from Ghana and this,’ and I was like ‘No! Mom, kayfabe, kayfabe!’ Eventually, I told Vince about it and he said not as many people are going to read that article as you think, and then in a year I ended up being able to drop it.”

Kofi Kingston admitted that dropping the accent was a relief. Kingston believed that playing that character was only going to allow him to reach a certain level. He thinks that those who can get to the top of the business are playing a version of themselves “just turned way up.” Although he liked certain characteristics of that version of Kofi, he was grateful to “have that lid popped up” so he could continue climbing the ladder in WWE.