Chris Masters says CM Punk worked him with his infamous pipebomb promo.
The Straight Edge Star has previously talked about The Masterpiece being one of the first people that he ran into after his iconic promo.
On an AEW Unrestricted episode, Punk had detailed how he had decided to take the side entrance to the backstage area instead of going through the curtain like usual, to add another layer to the mystique of the whole thing. Punk then ran into Masters who didn’t recognize him at first and seemed shocked by his words.
The former WWE star gave his side of the story during a recent appearance on Rewind Recap Relive podcast. He noted that he couldn’t recognize Punk because of the lack of lighting in the backstage area. Chris explained that his reaction was like an extra validation for the former AEW star:
“It was funny, because whatever I said to Punk completely validated his promo to him, because, you know, essentially he had worked me with the promo. Cause I was like, ‘Oh my God, what did he say? You know, you’re gonna get yourself fired.’
And I think as soon as he heard that, he knew that the promo went over just like, you know, like it was the validation. He knew. Like he already knew. But, you know, sometimes you just need that little extra thing. And I think I was that extra thing to like, you know, because he got me.”
Chris Masters was also asked about a potential Royal Rumble return. The heavyweight star revealed that he’s actually tried to get back into WWE the last few years. Masters expressed his disappointment over not getting another opportunity and said that he finds himself at a crossroads in his wrestling career.
Getting success early in wrestling can be both a blessing and a curse for wrestlers. While some wrestlers like Randy Orton are able to convert the early opportunity into a legendary career, there are many others who are not able to take full advantage of it. A lot of such talents end up getting released and spend the rest of their careers chasing another shot at proving themselves. Former WWE star Chris Masters seems to be on the second list who has been chasing that opportunity so long that he is not sure if it’s worth it anymore.
The Masterpiece was asked about a potential return to WWE during a recent interview with Rewind Relive Recap podcast. Masters, who first signed with WWE in 2003 at the age of 20 talked about how he’s been trying to get back to a bigger platform for a while. However the 42-year-old is now at a point where he is not sure if he’ll ever get that opportunity again:
“I’d like to, man, I’ve tried to work for that. I was with NWA for a minute, and that gave me kind of a good, at least, platform to show what I can do. But it’s tough, man, because I look around the landscape now and I just, I don’t know where that opportunity is going to come from. It might not be in the cards.
It doesn’t mean I’m gonna walk away from wrestling. It’s just one of those things where wrestling can be…the career of a wrestler goes through a lot where, in terms of, it’s a love-hate relationship. You love it sometimes, but sometimes you don’t feel like it’s loving you back. I’ve definitely fallen back in love with wrestling,
But I’ve gotten to the point to now where I just don’t feel like it’s loving me back. I definitely feel like my ability is better than it’s ever been. If given the opportunity, I could do something. But the question is [if] that opportunity’s going to come and if it is, who’s it going to come from? I just, I don’t know,”
Chris Masters last wrestled under a WWE banner in 2011. Since then, he’s had runs with TNA and NWA while also maintaining his presence in the independent scene. Though despite his love for the business, the heavyweight star finds himself at a crossroads, thinking about alternate career paths which may be more financially rewarding:
“No, yeah. I’m at a crossroads myself, personally. I’ve been on the indie scene for so long that, it’s gone to the point where I need something more. Because this can’t just be it. If this was just going to be it, then I have to pivot, or I have to, at least, do something else in addition to, if nothing else. It’s one of those things where you just never know what kind of surprises or what’s going to happen.
But at the same time, I don’t want to be 5-6-7, years from now, that guy who was like, kind of hoping for that next shot, but just never got it. Since then has just been dithering on the independent scene. And don’t get me wrong, the independent scene has been a lot of fun. But shoot, you’re gonna want something more,
Because you can’t, even with the independent scene you can only work about once or twice a week most times. So there’s just a lack of fulfilment and there’s not enough physical reimbursement, I mean, money just straight up. You’re not…You’re definitely not planning your retirement just on the independent wrestling scene.”
The wrestling veteran was also asked about a potential Royal Rumble spot. He revealed that he’s actually sent feelers in hopes of getting back after seeing a lot of his friends getting the opportunity in the last 3-4 years. He theorized, however, that the powers may be might not be sure about bringing him in, thinking that nobody would remember his earlier run.
Chris Masters is ready to take his skills to a larger stage than the NWA and has set his sights on AEW, IMPACT, and WWE.
The Masterpiece is best known for his time with WWE from 2005 to 2007 and his subsequent run from 2009 to 2011. He has also competed in IMPACT Wrestling and the NWA and is a two-time NWA National Champion.
Chris Masters Wants To See What’s Out There
In a video shared on his Instagram, Masters spoke about wanting to see what’s out there beyond the realities of the NWA.
“[I’m looking to] see what’s out there for me. The last couple years I’ve been at NWA, [I’ve been] trying to develop myself and kind of evolve my character in every way I possibly could. And now I’d like to bring that to AEW, Impact Wrestling, and of course, WWE.”
Masters recently shared a video of himself making his entrance at an event. With the caption “and now the participant who drew number 2”, Masters was referring to a surprise return in the Men’s Royal Rumble match.
Fans are buzzing after former WWE star Chris Masters recently dropped a video clip on social media. It seems that he is teasing a return to the company.
Masters debuted on WWE Raw in 2005 and was a standout superstar due to his impressive physique. He used a Full Nelson finisher known as the Masterlock which gave his opponents no choice but the tap out in many matches.
‘The Masterpiece’ had a couple of runs in WWE from 2005 to 2007 and then again from 2009 to 2011. Following his departure from the company, Masters went by his ring name Adonis, and has been competing on the independent circuit. He also became the NWA National Heavyweight Champion twice.
Chris Masters teasing the fans
Chris Masters took to Twitter and shared a video of himself inside a hallway which sparked speculation that he could be returning during the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event next year.
Chris Masters on the possibility of a return to WWE
Earlier this year, during an interview with Chris Van Vliet, the former WWE star spoke about his run at WWE and discussed the possibilities of a return to the company. He said:
“I’ve never even thought about going back to WWE, honestly, because, and it’s not out of anything bitter. It’s just, you know, I had a couple of runs there and it ended the way it did. And, you know, I just realized that my love is for professional wrestling even if it’s not with WWE. But you know, with everything that I’ve learned in the last couple of years and then also seen Shelton, Carlito, MVP all my buddies you know, I finally started you know, looking at it and it was more out of this what you just mentioned.”
“It was more not out of Chris Masters coming back, it was more out of because I remember getting in touch with that young wrestling fan. I remember what is it that we’re always looking for? We’re looking for that oh sh*t moment you know, I mean, like that Ultimate Warrior comeback at WrestleMania 8. It’s not to say anything I could do can measure to that but the Bobby Lashley scenario is fascinating because I haven’t been there for so long though.”
WWE is planning to make this year’s Royal Rumble more special. CM Punk recently announced that he will be in the namesake match. The event is certainly generating massive hype among the fans with big ticket sales already recorded more than a month before the show.
Coming out of the pandemic restrictions and reopening of the world came a reboot for Chris Adonis. The wrestler former known as “The Masterpiece” Chris Masters still had a passion for performing and a nice career under his belt starting at a young age. However, the veteran felt there was more he could show.
“I had to look at my past and realize I was never my best self,” the NWA star said, checking in from Mexico City where he would join others on the roster for the AAA vs. NWA The World is a Vampire show.
Without any of what he called past B.S. or baggage boggling him down, the 40-year-old believes he can now be the best pro wrestler he can be. There are fellow former colleagues of WWE who have taken advantage of the platform NWA has given them and found tremendous success. Names include Matt Cardona, JTG, Trevor Murdoch, and the man currently at the top of the mountain in Tyrus.
After WWE in particular signed a lot of us, we never really got the full chance to develop,” Adonis explained. “Back in the day, you had guys working territories and all these places. Then they go to WWF and halfway have it figured out.
“What you’re seeing from guys like myself and others coming into our own. We might have come into our own sooner if we had a longer run in WWE. But we have done it ourselves on the independent scene. That comes by virtue of first wanting to get better and still caring. Through the natural course of developing and evolving as a character. Trying to find your final form so to speak.”
The master of The Master Look took WWE by storm 20 years ago and it didn’t take long before he was working with the likes of Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, and John Cena. A second stint with the company never really reached the heights he would have liked.
“I came into WWE I was the body guy, the muscle guy,” Adonis said. “It’s not like I’m not completely that anymore. That was my ticket in, but I wasn’t the performer I wanted to be. I didn’t want to be the one-dimensional big guy.”
He aims for a more athletic presentation today in his matches. After landing in the NWA, he joined up with Strictly Business, the top faction made up of the likes of Thom Latimer and champ and recent opponent Nick Aldis. Sacrificing the National Championship for a crack at Murdoch and the heavyweight gold didn’t lead to a positive result. He hopes things end differently as Adonis gears up to challenge Tyrus for the “Ten Pounds of Gold” at the NWA 312 pay-per-view on April 7.
“He is a polarizing figure for a number of reasons,” Adonis said of his opponent. “First off, when you work at Fox News, that is going to be part of the deal anyway. One thing I will say about the IWC is one thing they don’t know is the true love Tyrus actually has for pro wrestling….The love he has for professional wrestling is not fake. He sits around and watches old Dusty Rhodes matches on his TV at home. He is legit about that. That doesn’t change the fact when it comes to Tyrus and myself, I’ve made it pretty clear he may be the NWA champion, but I am the better wrestler. That is what it all comes down to on 312 pay-per-view.”
Adonis will come into Chicago for the big show with a chip on his shoulder. For the driven competitor, it’s the biggest match of his career and the ultimate proving ground.
“I was slated for the Intercontinental title, the tag titles, potentially the youngest WWE champion of all time,” he said. “But to me, this shot at the world title is my shot at redemption. To me, what matters is what I leave behind in these last few years. If I can look back and say I put forward my best body of work and became the NWA champion world champion, the most prestigious championship in all of wrestling. At the very least, that is going to be a feel-good story for me. It matters to me. It’s important I close my career out right.”
NWA/Hiban Huerta
Beyond Tyrus, he believes 2023 is going to be a big year for him. And if this latest run might be his last, he still has goals to attain and opponents to cross off his list. They range from Moose, Harry Smith, and Aldis to Jon Moxley, Hangman Page, and Drew McIntyre. Yes, there are some that are forbidden door opponents and outside the NWA, but he is still putting it out there.
“There is no part of me that thinks he is going back to WWE full-time or am I campaigning for that,” Adonis added. “But what I have campaigned for the last two years is coming back for the Royal Rumble spot. It means a lot to me to get in front of that audience one more time to show them what I can do now and the worker I became…I know if I was put in the Royal Rumble, and even if I was in there for two minutes I would shine. It would be pretty cool.”
When looking at the WWE roster today, he is impressed with emerging talent like Austin Theory. There are some similarities between the young gun and “The Masterpiece,” who came onto the scene right out of his teens. Adonis likens “A-Town Down” to a little brother.
“Austin Theory, Killer Kross, and LA Knight are my guys on the roster. I root for those guys’ success and believe in them,” Adonis said. “I think when I watch Austin Theory, I don’t have to give him advice…As long as he keeps his head on straight, he’ll be able to do all the things I wasn’t able to do because, at his age, I made a lot of mistakes. I was impressionable.
“A lot of what I know about Austin Theory from hanging out with him and talking to him, this guy has no interest in getting involved in extracurricular activities. The business isn’t really like that anymore thank God…He is going to do great as long as he keeps his nose clean. He’ll be able to do what I wasn’t able to do on my first run.”
Watch NWA 312 on April 7 at 8 p.m. ET on FITE TV. Catch NWA Powerrr on Tuesdays at 6:05 p.m. and NWA USA on Saturdays at Noon on YouTube.
Could WWE fans see Bobby Lashley’s Hurt Lock Vs. Chris Masters’ Master Lock, 16 years after the two last did battle?
When Masters debuted on WWE’s main roster in 2005, he put away countless opponents with his take on the Full Nelson, and would have a weekly ‘Masterlock Challenge.’
On the March 19, 2007, episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, Lashley broke the Master Lock on his road to the Battle of the Billionaires at WrestleMania 23.
Lashley Vs. Masters
After returning to WWE in 2018, it wasn’t long until Lashley adopted the Full Nelson himself, calling the move the Hurt Lock.
Speaking to the Hindustan Times this past week, Lashley spoke about the possibility of facing Masters again, possibly as soon as this Saturday’s Royal Rumble.
“I think if he has an opportunity to come back, I think that would be a really cool showcase. Whether it happens at the Rumble, you never know. The Rumble always has surprises. I think Chris has kind of proved himself in the professional wrestling world.”
Bobby Lashley.
Since leaving WWE in 2011, Masters has worked for TNA/Impact Wrestling, GFW, and the NWA, and is a two-time NWA National Champion.
Breaking the Lock
Masters has not been confirmed for an appearance at the Royal Rumble and has instead stated that he will likely not be competing this weekend.
Sorry to say I have not been contacted for The Rumble and will almost certainly not be taking part at this point.
In the interview, Lashley said that if somehow, the two do cross paths this Saturday, he is ready to break the Master Lock for the second time.
“If he comes back, you know what I would do? I’d literally just turn around and put my hands out and tell him to put it on me again. Then I’d ask him to do the same. And I guarantee you he’s not breaking out of The Hurt Lock.”
Former WWE Superstar Chris Masters has gone on to have a lengthy career in wrestling but is ready for a rematch with Bobby Lashley.
Masters, who signed with WWE in 2003, was just 20 when he inked his developmental contract, making him one of WWE’s youngest-ever signings.
After being released in 2007, the Masterpiece would return in 2009 before his second release in 2011.
Lock Vs. Lock
During his tenure, Masters would have a regular ‘Master Lock’ challenge, in which contestants would try and break his version of the iconic Full Nelson submission.
After over two years, Bobby Lashley would break the lock on the March 19, 2007 episode of Raw, shocking Masters.
Speaking with SEScoops correspondent Steve Fall, Masters spoke about a possible WWE return and said he tried to get one in time for the 2022 Royal Rumble.
“I’ve seen MVP come back. I’ve seen Shelton [Benjamin] come back. I’ve seen Carlito come back and I kind of felt like ‘sure.’ It’s been ten years, and it feels like a good time. It’s been so long that it’s like who else can they bring back that’ll be a big surprise at this point?”
Masters hoped for a return to have a face-off with Lashley in the Men’s Rumble match before it was announced that the All Mighty would be challenging then-WWE Champion Brock Lesnar.
Despite not getting the Rumble face-off he hoped for, Masters remains optimistic about facing Lashley.
“I still hope, cross my fingers, that we can make that moment happen.”
Chris Masters on a possible face-off with Bobby Lashley.
“Bobby and I obviously know each other really well. I just felt like it would be a cool moment and I still hope, cross my fingers, that we can make that moment happen. I mean, it would obviously be cool for me but I think it would be cool for all of you, all the fans.”
Lashley would defeat Lesnar at the Premium Live Events, thanks to interference from Roman Reigns.
Addiction
Masters’ nickname ‘The Masterpiece’ came not only as a play-on-words on his name but also because of his impressive physique.
With his jacked muscles, Masters would often face accusations of using steroids or other performance-enhancing substances.
In the interview, Masters admitted to failing a drugs test in 2006 but clarified that he was fighting an addiction to prescription pills at the time.
“I failed a drug test but the bigger issue was… I was at a point where I developed an addiction to these prescription pills. I was very young and it was just it was one of those things where you never thought it would be your type of thing and I didn’t even know I was in it. So I had to go away and deal with that issue.”
“You never thought it would be your type of thing.”
Chris Masters on developing an addiction to pills.
“They told me either you’re going to go in for treatment or basically you’re not gonna have a job.”
Masters would return to WWE in August 2006, with commentators describing him as “leaner and meaner” making reference to his changed physique.
The Worse Debut
After weeks of promotional vignettes, Masters made his in-ring debut on the February 21, 2005, Raw, defeating Stevie Richards.
This match wasn’t an easy start for the Masterpiece, who broke Richards’ nose with the Polish Hammer, which he adopted as his finisher.
Speaking about his debut, Masters admitted that he had heat backstage after his very first televised match.
“Stevie was very upset and rightfully so. He’s yelling and stuff and there was some heat on me. When you break somebody’s face like that, their nose and their orbitable bone, it’s hard to just come back and be like ‘oh you know accidents happen.’
“When you watch it back there’s no good explanation for it. I can at least say this to my credit, it’s the only time in my whole career that now spans 20 years that I’ve ever injured somebody.”
After being “relegated” to Sunday Night Heat for a month, Masters was brought back to Raw, having been told that the Polish Hammer could only be used on the chest.
Being ‘Over’ with the Boss
Though Masters’ debut earned him heat backstage, that didn’t seem to deter then-WWE CEO and Chairman Vince McMahon.
In early 2006, Masters would appear regularly on-screen with McMahon, including using the Master Lock on Marty Jannetty during McMahon’s feud with Shawn Michaels.
Speaking about the now-former Chairman, Masters said he enjoyed working with McMahon, but that the boss’ opinion could quickly change.
“You can be over with Vince like I was. I was over with Vince but also Vince can go ‘hold on you.’ It’s happened to many guys and the challenge then is how do you turn Vince hot on you again.”
After the Michaels-McMahon storyline, Masters wouldn’t be used again as part of a McMahon storyline and would quickly slip down the card.
For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.
Chris Masters believes he knows why John Cena didn’t take too kindly to him.
At one time, it appeared WWE strapped a rocketship to Masters’ back. He was given a push on WWE TV, riding an undefeated streak. WWE put over his Master Lock finisher as a move that was nearly impossible to get out of.
After being around the main event scene for a brief time, Masters’ soon found himself demoted. He violated WWE’s Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy twice and never regained success.
Beef With Cena Explained?
Reports have surfaced over the years claiming that John Cena, one of WWE’s biggest stars, never took a liking to Chris Masters. It’s a report that Masters himself has confirmed.
Appearing on Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling, Masters shared his theory on why he and Cena never clicked (h/t 411 Mania).
“I just don’t think John was too big on working with me at the time. I think it was just a little more difficult for us to have good matches with each other. I think it was just that Shawn was easy to have matches with, but Shawn had so much experience too.
“With Cena and me, we never got a good rhythm in terms of our working. That was probably my fault, but it’s hard to say for sure. I just remember that there were some times where Cena had voiced displeasure in my work.
“It was difficult because I was working with HBK and Cena. Shawn even stuck up for me a few times saying that he didn’t have any problem working with me, and he said it out loud, which was appreciated. It’s just, I think that I had some issues too, around that time.
“So maybe that contributed to some of that, who knows for sure, but for whatever reason, I just felt like Cena just didn’t take too much pleasure working with me and maybe he felt like I didn’t give him enough of a chance, so I don’t know. I don’t know the specifics. It’s been such a long time.”
These days, Cena is a Hollywood star. He’s a shoo-in to become a WWE Hall of Famer in the future.
Masters was never able to become a breakthrough star in the industry after his WWE run. He has done some work for NWA more recently, however.
Former WWE and IMPACT Wrestling star Chris Masters was recently interviewed by WSVN-TV Entertainment Reporter Chris Van Vliet during That Wrestling Event in Orlando. Masters first opened up on why he asked for his release from IMPACT Wrestling back in January.
Masters was initially with WWE from 2003 to 2007 when he was released from his contract. He had a two year run on the independent circuit before making a return to the company in 2009. That run lasted two years until he was released from his deal again in August of 2011.
He went on to work for TNA in 2015 and returned in 2017 to IMPACT Wrestling. That run only lasted several months before Masters requested his release from the promotion in January of 2018, and it was subsequently granted:
“I like that group and I had a lot of fun there with those guys. It just came down to in the end that it wasn’t really enough money once they started cutting the budget for me to really show up to work. That’s all it was. I like Eli Drake but I didn’t favor the way they had me booked as his cheerleader unless it turned out into something we could do with a program and work with him and it eventually led to him being a babyface and me a heel.
“If we would have done that, it would have worked out great but I would have also wanted to be paid adequately. It just came down to those facts and obviously I just ended up quitting. I literally just after two days at the taping, booked a flight back to Toronto and just decided I wasn’t coming back. I reached out to them when I landed in Toronto and told them I wouldn’t be coming into work and that was it. It was as simple as that.
“My 35th birthday came around and something in my head just popped in and I said I’m not going to do anything that doesn’t make me feel good or that I don’t want to do at this point and that was one of the starts.”
Masters also talked about his days working as a bouncer at a bar, named the strongest wrestler he has ever worked with, reveals how often he watches wrestling now and much more in the full interview. You can check it out below:
Former WWE and IMPACT Wrestling star Chris Adonis (a.k.a. Chris Masters) was interviewed by Channel Guide Magazine just a day before announcing his departure from IMPACT. Adonis discussed how IMPACT lacks consistency after the company’s crazy year that included several changes:
“It has been a crazy year with all the changes in the company and guys and guys out. … There just needs to be some consistency. Consistency went out the window in the last year, but you couldn’t help that with all the changes. You just have to get some consistency going, which I think they are in route to doing. The sky is the limit. … I’ve only just met Don [Callis] and conversing over the past couple of days, but I have heard good things about him.
“It seems like he has a bigger pulse on professional wrestling, which is good. He knows the trends of what’s going in and out and how to maybe adapt to the new environment we live in with technology and how the world is evolving in general. Scott D’Amore brings a lot of experience and a good figure to help head it up at the helm. Sonjay [Dutt] is here too. Time will tell, but it seems they have the right players here in place to capitalize on the talent involved.”
Adonis also discussed what it was like to work with Eli Drake, who he didn’t have too good of a first impression about, but later came to realize he’s actually a ‘good dude’:
“I just never knew before I came to Impact Wrestling about Eli Drake that well. I didn’t really have an impression of him. Then after I got to work with him, I began to realize who he was. First, I thought he was an ass—-. I didn’t know him that well, but saw the way he carried himself. But I came to find out he is a good dude. He worked really hard. I didn’t really know how hard until I’ve been around him.
“It gives me faith that when you work hard and come into your own that the opportunities can be there for you. Fast forward to now, up until recently, he was the World Champion. You could have never convinced me of all that until I was around him and saw the work ethic and how much he pays attention to details.”
He also said that he didn’t want to be Drake’s ‘sidepiece’ and wanted to eventually evolve into something that benefited both he and Drake:
“I don’t always want to be Eli Drake’s sidepiece. I went into this with an understanding of that, and hopefully, it can evolve into something that will benefit both of us.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPHN57cGumU
You can read Adonis’ full interview with Channel Guide Magazine by clicking this link here.
IMPACT Wrestling star Chris Adonis (a.k.a. Chris Masters) recently did an interview on the Arm Drag Takedown podcast with Pollo Del Mar to talk about a variety of professional wrestling topics. Adonis discussed getting over “The Master Lock Challenge” in WWE, working with Shawn Michaels early in his career, and his thoughts on IMPACT Wrestling World Champion Eli Drake. You can check out the highlights here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTGH4B1EOCc
Getting over “The Master Lock Challenge” in WWE:
“They were trying to take a step back from doing all the crazy stuff and get [fans] conditioned back to just some basic stuff that’s fundamental and works, like the full nelson. It’s a simple move, but it works if it’s presented right the way.”
Having the opportunity to work with WWE Hall Of Famer Shawn Michaels early in his career:
“Everything he did, he just did really well. Not only do you have great moves you execute, you execute the right emotions at the right time. You execute all those little things, and the storytelling aspect, which goes along with the emotions at what’s happening, how you’re ‘selling’ — how you’re able to bring a crowd into it and convey pain.
“You put all that together, and you realize it doesn’t really matter how innovative a move…it just matters the performance overall.”
His thoughts on Eli Drake:
“He’s been kind of a homegrown talent in Impact and has worked really hard to get where he’s at. People are really starting to react to him, so it’s really the right time for them to do something with him.”
You can listen to Adonis’ interview on the Arm Drag Takedown podcast by clicking here.
Former WWE Superstar and current Global Force Wrestling (GFW) star Chris Masters recently did an interview with CLICKON Sports to talk about a variety of professional wrestling topics. Masters touched on how he got his start in professional wrestling, being released from WWE, being mentioned by CM Punk on Monday Night RAW, Triple H’s false promise to him, and his current run in GFW. You can check out the highlights here:
His ring name:
“Masters was given to me on my second week in OVW. I was in the developmental system, and it was Dr Tom Pritchard who told me that I was going to be known as Masters. I was really just happy to be there so I didn’t question it, and I didn’t necessarily think it was cool at first but it grew on me with time.”
Getting his start in pro wrestling:
“I didn’t even start working out until I decided I was gonna be a pro wrestler, and that was probably around 15 or 16. I remember that the year prior to that I had weightlifting class during first period, and I was just sat there wondering why these guys were trying to lift these heavy weights, like what’s the point?”
His love for the business:
“I was the wrestling nerd throughout that time. I played water polo, which a lot of people don’t take seriously, but it’s a tough sport. I was backyard wrestling when I was a kid, and I’ve been obsessed with this for my entire life.”
Other interests he has:
“I love politics. I have a very passionate interest about politics and social interests. I’m fascinated by that whole process, and I also love basketball. That’s probably what I used to replace wrestling, and I was searching for something else to watch because you’re so ‘in’ the wrestling world sometimes.”
Getting released from WWE and CM Punk referencing him on RAW:
“I was heartbroken about the whole thing. I was more heartbroken that it was being taken away from me because I enjoyed it so much. In terms of CM Punk, it was nice because he added that little bit in for me which I knew he actually meant, because he’d pointed it out to me several times.
“I appreciated that, but I also knew it was something that was talked about by the powers that be so I was a little conflicted. I was being used as a storyline.”
Triple H’s promise to him and his current run in GFW:
“I was told I was going to get pushed by Hunter and plenty of people, but you know, I’m in a great situation now on Impact Wrestling with Eli Drake. It presents a lot of opportunities, and if I stay on track, stay healthy and I’m able to go out there and do my thing, I think the sky is the limit.”
It was a night of debuts for Impact Wrestling, as they continue to rebrand under new ownership. The show centered around Josh Mathews and Jeremy Borash picking teams for an 8-Man tag team match next week. Borash’s team includes a few new roster additions.
Continue below for a complete recap of last night’s Impact Wrestling:
Impact Wrestling
April 6th 2017
Orlando, FL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jShUhS5tdEc
1. Eli Drake w/Tyrus vs. Caleb Konley
Konley seemed like he had things in control, but then got distracted by Tyrus on the outside. Drake picked up the victory after hitting a white noise-esque move. Winner: Eli Drake
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuGiL-471ls
2. Gauntlet Battle Royal for Knockouts Division#1 Contender
This was Royal Rumble rules until the final two competitions, and at that point pins and submissions come into play. Madison Rayne and ODD were the final two. ODB used the TKO to get the pin on Rayne, and she earns a title match against Rosemary. She is a former 4x “Knocked Up Champ”. Winner: ODB
James Storm DCC Town Hall Meeting
Eddie Kingston and James Storm had a heated exchange here. Storm is now babyface with the rest of the DCC going heel. Bram went to hit Storm with a chair but was countered. Storm said his catch phrase and the segment ended.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p8GBQff6gw
3. Andrew Everett vs. Suicide vs. Marshe Rockett
Last week we learned that Everett would be given a chance to earn an X-division title match tonight, and this was his opportunity. Everett hit a shooting star press on Rockett for the win. Commentary only mentioned that he had “stayed in contention” for an X-division title match, though it seems likely he will be granted one at some point. Winner: Andrew Everett
4. Last Man Standing Match Davey Richards w/Angeline Love vs. Eddie Edwards
The wives of both Eddie and Davey got involved here. The end of the match came when Angelina Love was holding Edwards and Richards had second thoughts about delivering the final blow. Love then told him to “do it for me” and he kicked his former partner in the head. Edwards was out for the 10 count. Winner: Davey Richards
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUjwUR98P6M
5. Alberto El Patron vs. *Local Talent*
Squash match showcase for Alberto El Patron. He got on the mic after the match and said he was coming for Bobby Lashley. Winner: Alberto El Patron
Josh Mathews and Jeremy Borash Pick Their Teams
Earlier in the night Bruce Pritchard announced that Borash and Mathews would each select a team to represent them in a match against each other next week.
Team Borash: Alberto El Patron, Chris Adonis (Chris Masters), Matt Morgan, and Magnus Team Mathews: Bobby Lashley, Eli Drake, Tyrus, Bram
It has been quite a week for the World Association of Wrestling (WAW) promotion based out of Norwich, England. Having originally booked WWE superstar Jack Swagger for their TV tapings this weekend it emerged that Swagger was still in fact under contract to WWE and subsequently he was pulled from the shows. Swagger’s replacement Chris Masters went on to win the promotion’s World Heavyweight Championship during the tapings.
The biggest fallout from our afternoon show is that @ChrisMasters310 is our new Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion! #wawtv6
— World Association of Wrestling (@WAW_UK) March 11, 2017
Alberto also made the announcement that WWE/WCW legend Rey Mysterio would be making his way to the WAW TV Tapings that are taking place in May, the same month and venue that WWE will be taping their WWE UK Championship Live shows.
It was previously announced by UK Independent promotion World Association of Wrestling (WAW) that Jack Swagger would be making his first post-WWE appearance this Saturday as part of their WAW TV tapings in Norwich, UK against Alberto Del Rio/El Patron.
WWE recently released a statement confirming that Swagger was in fact still contracted to the company and had not been granted his release.
In a final twist Swagger has now been pulled from this weekend’s tapings and has been replaced by former WWE star Chris Masters.
UPDATE: After 3 days of discussions @RealJackSwagger will not be appearing this weekend but will appear later in the year. 1/2 #WATV6
— World Association of Wrestling (@WAW_UK) March 6, 2017
– As reported earlier this week, episode 2 of Camp WWE is titled “Not Without My Eyebrow” and focus on The Rock. WWE has since released a video preview, which you can view above.
‘Panic ensues after someone shaves off The Rock’s eyebrow and Ric Flair is tasked with helping The Great One regain his mojo.’
– WWE Performance Center Strength & Conditioning Coach Matt Wichlinski was released last week, according to a report at PWInsider. WWE hired a former NFL strength coach to fill the position.
– Chris Masters is once again taking bookings after undergoing ACL surgery approximately 6 months ago. (Masterpiece83@gmail.com)
– Triple H posted this late night clip from his home gym:
Following the GFW “Amped” television tapings in Las Vegas, Nevada last Friday, Global Force Wrestling will be heading to Reno, Nevada for another set of television tapings.
The “GFW Grand Slam Tour” continues at Ace’s Ballpark in Reno, Nevada on Saturday, August 22nd.
Below is the advertised lineup for the show:
– Sonjay Dutt vs. Ryan McQueen
– Reno SCUM vs. The Bullet Club
– Christina Von Eerie vs. Amber O’Neal
– Chris Mordetzky (formerly Chris Masters) vs. Nick Aldis (formerly Magnus)
– Virgil Flynn vs. PJ Black (formerly Justin Gabriel)
– JR Kratos vs. Paul Isadora
There will be a VIP meet and greet before the show with GFW co-founder Jeff Jarrett starting at 5:30pm. $41.00 tickets include VIP meet and greet.
You can purchase tickets for the GFW event this weekend at TicketReturn.com.
Global Force Wrestling has released a number of videos to promote next Friday’s GFW television tapings in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Below are videos of Chris Mordetzky (Chris Masters) and Nick Aldis (Magnus) talking about the GFW Global Championship tournament, the new GFW “Amped” television show and more.
Global Force Wrestling’s “The Adonis” Chris Mordetzky (Chris Masters) recently spoke with Marc Madison of The News Hub about a number of topics. Below are some highlights from the interview.
On training under Rip Rogers: “Basically when I went to OVW, we started training under Rip Rogers and he was just so old school but in a good way. He just created a great foundation which you could build off of which made it perfect when Lance Storm came around and Rip was let go for whatever reasons and Lance came in and took the foundation that Rip had laid out and he really modernized what we needed to do in this day and age of professional wrestling. It’s not going to be an hour Broadway obviously for the most part. It’s usually more just about time. There were a few Broadway matches done in OVW and they weren’t the greatest matches they really aren’t talking or anything they are just going out there and that’s an accomplishment even if its plausible or decent you can’t ask everyone to go out there and be Shawn Michaels or Bret Hart but it’s just good to have it in your back pocket and say that you’ve done it.”
On the difference between The Adonis and The Masterpiece: “I don’t know how much a difference there is in character but I’ll say this about myself that I’ve been doing this close to a decade and I’m much more well-rounded, much more mature performer, my in-ring work is the best it’s ever been. Basically, I’ve reached my peak I believe within the last few years in terms of in ring ability and what I can do and understanding what can do and you’ll see me essentially The Adonis formerly Chris Masters but you are going to see basically 2015 version of me which is definitely among one of the top workers in the world.”
On his second tour of duty with the WWE: “From 2011 on I made it my goal whether push or no push whatever it was. I was on Superstars and I was given a lot of time then and my goal was just to prove the neigh sayers wrong and be a good in-ring worker and not just a body. To try and give WWE basically make them use me.”
Former WWE Superstar Chris Masters was recently interviewed about his relationship with TNA Wrestling and signing with Global Force Wrestling. Below are some highlights from the interview.
On his time in WWE & post-WWE: “From 2011 on I made it my goal whether push or no push whatever it was. I was on Superstars and I was given a lot of time then and my goal was just to prove the neigh sayers wrong and be a good in-ring worker and not just a body. To try and give WWE basically make them use me. If they weren’t going to use me, I was going to make them use me. I was going out there every night and used it as fuel. I’m going to be that damn good. I worked my a** off and everything started coming together, I really started getting it and anybody that’s seen my work from 2011 pretty much on will tell you and vouch for that fact. Even CM Punk said in the promo where he was quote unquote shooting, that I’m not the same guy that most people remember at least not from back in my earlier run, now I can go and I can go with anybody it doesn’t matter who it is. I’m looking forward to this opportunity with Global Force Wrestling because I think it will be a good platform working a lot internationally, I’ve had some of the best matches of my career over in the UK and Europe and now being with Jarrett I understand it’s Global Force but we’re kicking things off here domestically. It’s good for wrestling fans who want to see me out here to see me doing something and get that exposure and have that platform.”
On his relationship with TNA: “I was under the impression that I was hired by multiple sources within the company and another lesson that I’ve learned in wrestling is don’t count your chickens before they hatch. Until something happens, you can never get excited or disappointed or anything about it. You just have to wait for it to actually happen because you never know. I’ve seen it happen time and time again. TNA was a good example of that. I went into the situation already fully booked and at the time they didn’t want anyone booked who were going to be on shows that were going to be recorded or anything like that. It would have been nice on one hand to be there but on the other hand I didn’t need to be there. But I was under the impression that I was going to be there. This was from sources within the company and also a personal friend actually. I’m actually friends with Nick Hogan, who’s obviously dad is Hulk. Hulk was actually the one telling me. The crowd was really receptive and everything went real well and obviously I made an impression so Hulk sat me down amongst others and all the reports were positive and looks like I’m getting a job and I didn’t necessarily by it though, but I was kind of like okay, it went well, cool but again to go back I know better than to count my chickens before they hatch. What really got me thinking though that it wasn’t going to happen though when I was on my way home and I got a call from Nick out of nowhere. Now I don’t talk to Nick everyday by any means so when he called me and told me of what his dad told him that was a little more validating in terms of Hulk can say something to me that he may mean or not mean but for him to go out of his way and call Nick within such a short span of time and then Nick call me and tell me led me to believe that it probably was in the bag. With these things, I feel there is a chain of command or hierarchy or whatever you want to refer to it as and sometimes all it takes is one person in that chain of command to put the thumbs down or not necessarily see a need for you or whatever or maybe even just timing. Timing is also a thing with pro wrestling. Is there a spot for this guy? Or how can we use him? I don’t know specifically what it was but I know it wasn’t on my behalf wasn’t devastating and on their behalf I’m sure it wasn’t devastating. But you never can tell because I never really did anything up there.”
On signing with Global Force Wrestling: Jeff (Jarrett) called me. “That’s it, yeah. Jeff, called me and I had worked with him in Ring Ka King in India which was a TNA affiliate at the time and I never met Jeff before or anything like that and after working with him in India and we had a very tough set of circumstances to work with out there but it ended up turning out well and of the utmost professionalism in the terms of the way we were taken care of and the production, the setting. Everything was done so well that once he called me to get on board with this it was really kind of a no brainer. We had done some good things before. Jeff is the kind of guy that has a proven track record he has a resume sort of speak and that was essentially it right there.”
Check out the complete interview by clicking here.
Thanks to Charles Humphreys for sending along the following live report from the Global Force Wrestling event in Jackson, Mississippi.
– Sonjay Dutt d. Jimmy Rave with a splash from the top rope in about 10 minutes.
– Jigsaw d. Chuck Taylor in 6:20 with a double foot stamp off the top.
– Karen and Jeff Jarrett promo. Karen thanked the sponsors. Jeff thanked the Mississippi Braves. Karen led a “Thank You Jeff” chant.
– Thea Trinidad d. Le’D Tapa with a hurricanrana in 5:55. Thea used a 619 near the end too. Tapa attacked multiple officials post match.
– PJ Black & Andrew Everett d. the Hot Shots in 12:20 after a springboard 450 splash from Black. Hot Shots were your typical southern 80s Memphis tag team. Black & Everett are great. Match was fun. Post match the Hot Shots did some heel mic work.
– Doc Gallows d. Luke Hawx in 7:57 with a two handed choke slam. They announced Doc from “Jacksonville, GA by way of Tokyo, Japan”. Crowd sort of died for this one. Bad call having Gallows work heel.
– Scott Steiner promo interrupted by Chris Masters. Refs had to pull them apart.
– Shelton Benjamin d. Chris Masters in 13:02 with Paydirt after a ref bump and Steiner hitting Masters with a bat. Shelton to pre-match mic work and announced he was fighting for the honor of Scott Steiner.
Jeff Jarrett has been contacting a number of talents to be part of his upstart Global Force Wrestling promotion in recent weeks.
Jarrett is apparently going after signed talents that have their deals with Ring Of Honor or TNA expiring soon, as well as unsigned talents.
The biggest name that GFW has reportedly reached out to is Roderick Strong, however there are rumors of talks with Team 3D, Chris Masters and Shelton Benjamin as well.
Jarrett has Sonjay Dutt and Scott D’Amore working on the office side of things for the promotion, and Dutt has been the one calling most of the aforementioned talents.
Regarding the offers to talents, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that Jarrett has been offering the possibility of working 39 dates with the promotion.
As far as the rumors of Eric Bischoff being part of the promotion, Jarrett is denying these claims. Regarding Bischoff, Jarrett stated, “If GFW and BHE (Bischoff-Hervey Enterprises) are going to work together, we will not announce it at a Q&A in the U.K. They obviously heard what they wanted to hear.”
– Once again, there will be no WWE SmackDown post-show on the WWE Network this coming Friday night. There will, however, be the usual pre-show prior to SmackDown.
– As previously reported, former WWE Superstar Chris Masters claimed in a recent interview that he feels Cesaro did not legitimately slam Big Show at WrestleMania XXX earlier this year. He claims Big Show jumped for him, and even went as far as to say if Cesaro can slam Big Show, he could press him over his head. Masters ended up taking a lot of backlash for his comments on Twitter, which finally led to him posting the following tweet:
Why is everybody hot about Cesaro?I was messing around and being sarcastic.He is a stand out great talent in WWE!!
– During an interview at Rodolforoman.com, former WWE Superstar Chris Masters questions whether Cesaro actually “slammed” Big Show at WrestleMania to win the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal:
“I am pretty sure Big Show jumped for him. Not to take away anything from Cesaro he looks like a talented worker who can probably bring his work down a little bit and his body up, but that’s just my opinion. If he slammed the Big Show than I can probably press the Big Show.”
– WWE Legend Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart is in Greensboro, North Carolina today, site of tonight’s Main Event and SmackDown tapings. Natalya noted they were working on a “project” together.
– There will be no WWE SmackDown post-show on the WWE Network tonight. There will, however, be a SmackDown pre-show before this week’s episode begins.
– WWE Hall Of Famer Ric Flair is scheduled to appear at a wrestling convention at the Newark Memorial High School in Newark, California on May 17th. Also scheduled to appear are Scott and Cody Hall, Chris Masters, Ezekiel Jackson, Molly Holly, Daniels and Kazarian.
– For statistic junkies out there, Daniel Bryan and Kane have had nine singles matches against each other on television over the past two years. Of those nine, Bryan has won seven, with two of those wins coming by way of disqualification. One of his losses was also by disqualification. Bryan has won their last six meetings, as Kane’s last victory over the current WWE World Heavyweight Champion came back in June of 2012.
