Former WWE star Gangrel recently opened up on his recovery following his recent surgeries.
Taking to social media, Gangrel revealed that he underwent surgery for a total hip replacement three months ago and surgery for a total knee replacement three weeks ago. He said that he had been “hanging low” due to the surgeries. However, he assured the fans that he’s on his way back up and feeling good.
Earlier this year, Gangrel surprised fans with his appearance at AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view. He emerged from under the ring in a barbed wire steel cage match between Adam Copeland and Malakai Black. Copeland received help from Gangrel and managed to fend off Malakai, Brody King, and Buddy Matthews to secure the victory.
Following the match, Copeland and Gangrel celebrated on the entrance ramp and it marked the reunion of the popular WWE Attitude Era faction, The Brood. Prior to his appearance, ‘The Rated R Superstar’ had been dropping hints about reuniting with Gangrel during his promo on AEW shows.
Gangrel reveals how his AEW appearance came together
Gangrel had previously appeared on Busted Open Radio and revealed how his appearance came together.
“Adam is hard-headed. Once he has a story or something in his mind, he’s going to get it done one way or another. Eventually, it went over to AEW and he got it done. I’m appreciative for it. I’m 55 years old. I didn’t know if I could crawl up through the bottom of the ring being under there for a while. My biggest fear was, ‘Can I get up and move?’ My adrenaline kicked in. I was just blessed to be part of that moment.
“When I saw him do the interview, I already knew I was coming in. He just wanted to keep it quiet. When he did that interview, I was like, ‘He’s planting the seeds. He’s going to make sure they do remember.’ Smart man. They kept it hush-hush. I didn’t tell anybody. They had me come in last minute. I stayed in his locker room the whole time. When I went to the ring, (Chris) Jericho was like, ‘What are you doing here?’ They were able to keep it quiet as best they could and I was surprised by that. It’s really hard to do in wrestling nowadays. I didn’t get wheelchaired in and covered up or anything like that. Just came in early, went to the locker room and sat there all day. Right before the match, threw a black hoodie on, went out there with the ring crew, climbed under the deal, and that was that.”
Gangrel has been entertaining fans for years and all the bumps inside the ring have taken a toll on him. The 55-year-old doesn’t seem to stop anytime soon but needs to recuperate fully to compete again in the ring.
Adam Copeland, a WWE Hall of Famer, signed with AEW after a notable career that included memorable character work and his breakthrough with The Brood. The WWE stable, consisting of Edge (Copeland), Christian, and Gangrel, has long been defunct. Copeland wanted to revive the faction during his last WWE run, but it was rejected.
At AEW Double or Nothing, Copeland introduced a new entrance featuring “The Brood” on the screen and music similar to their original theme, a trademark not owned by WWE. This moment was well-received by fans in Las Vegas.
The fires of Hell can't contain #TNT Champion Adam Copeland, but let’s see if a BARBED WIRE STEEL CAGE can as he faces off against #HouseOfBlack’s Malakai Black!
In the match’s closing moments, Gangrel appeared just as the House of Black was about to execute Copeland, who was positioned with a crown of barbed wire around his head and arms outstretched. The Vampire Warrior intervened and laid out the House of Black, allowing Copeland to secure the win.
After the match, Copeland and Gangrel celebrated on the entrance ramp, marking a reunion of sorts for the former Brood members. Despite his absence from WWE, Copeland showed he remains a strong performer, canceling a two-day event in Germany to appear at Double or Nothing.
Gangrel’s appearance was a significant highlight, and it remains to be seen if he will make more appearances for AEW. Fans appreciated seeing him in Las Vegas, adding a nostalgic element to the event.
AEW Double or Nothing is happening tonight in Las Vegas, and fans can expect some surprises. One possible surprise is the appearance of Gangrel on the pay-per-view.
Gangrel, also known as The Vampire Warrior, was initially advertised for the WrestlingKult event in Germany on the 24th and 25th. However, the event stopped promoting his appearance.
— Wrestlingkult – WK (@WrestlingKult16) May 1, 2024
Adam Copeland, formerly known as Edge, is set for a barbed wire steel cage match against Malakai Black at Double or Nothing. Copeland has been making many Brood references recently, including a bloodbath segment on Dynamite to build up the match.
Die letzten Stunden des VVK sind angebrochen. Um 22 Uhr ist Zapfenstreich. Lasst euch diesen Kader nicht entgehen!
Speaking with Chris Van Vliet on Insight, Copeland was open about his attempt to revive the Brood entrance for WWE Day 1 in 2022. He wanted Gangrel to join him, reminiscent of their Attitude Era days, but WWE rejected the idea, believing fans wouldn’t remember. Copeland disagreed, feeling that wrestling fans appreciate nostalgia and should be rewarded for their loyalty. Despite his efforts, WWE shut down the idea, and Copeland realized it wasn’t his decision to make.
Copeland also mentioned starting talks with AEW right after his WWE contract expired. He referenced Matt Cardona’s recent return to AEW, where Cardona challenged him for the TNT Championship, recognizing that fans remember Cardona’s ‘Edge Head’ days. Although WWE didn’t support bringing back Gangrel, Copeland continues to find ways to engage the audience through his work in AEW, leaving the possibility of Gangrel’s appearance open.
Christian Cage, another member of The Brood, is also scheduled for a major match at AEW Double or Nothing. He will face Swerve Strickland for the AEW Title, a match that has become personal with many insults about Swerve’s personal life and career.
You can find the full AEW Double or Nothing card below. The pay-per-view starts at 8:00 EST, with a Zero-Hour show beginning at 6:30 PM EST.
Thunder Rosa vs. Deonna Purrazzo: Singles match (Zero-Hour Match)
The Acclaimed (Max Caster, Anthony Bowens, and “Daddy Ass” Billy Gunn) vs. Cage of Agony (Brian Cage and Gates of Agony (Toa Liona and Bishop Kaun)): Trios match (Zero-Hour Match)
Adam Copeland (c) vs. Malakai Black: Barbed Wire Steel Cage match for the AEW TNT Championship
Roderick Strong (c) (with Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) vs. Will Ospreay: Singles match for the AEW International Championship
Bang Bang Gang (Jay White and The Gunns (Austin Gunn and Colten Gunn)) (c) vs. Death Triangle (Pac, Rey Fénix, and Penta El Zero Miedo) (with Alex Abrahantes): Trios match for the Unified World Trios Championship
Chris Jericho (c) (with Big Bill) vs. Hook vs. Katsuyori Shibata: Three-way FTW Rules match for the FTW Championship
Jon Moxley vs. Konosuke Takeshita (with Don Callis): IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Eliminator match (If Takeshita wins, he will receive a future IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match)
“Timeless” Toni Storm (c) (with Luther and Mariah May) vs. Serena Deeb: Singles match for the AEW Women’s World Championship
Willow Nightingale (c) vs. Mercedes Moné: Singles match for the AEW TBS Championship
The Elite (Kazuchika Okada, Jack Perry, and The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson)) vs. Team AEW (Bryan Danielson, Darby Allin, and FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood)): Anarchy in the Arena match
Swerve Strickland (c) (with Prince Nana) vs. Christian Cage (with Killswitch, Nick Wayne, and Mother Wayne): Singles match
Adam Copeland wanted to get Gangrel back in the mix with WWE, even if it was brief.
The former Edge spoke with Chris Van Vliet on Insight and gave a little “insight” as to him bringing back the notorious Brood entrance for WWE Day 1 2022. Copeland made the play to get Gangrel to rise back up alongside him much akin to the Attitude Era, but revealed that idea was shot down by WWE.
“So this isn’t a knock on WWE, but I’d always get the, ‘Well nobody remembers.’ People remember, wrestling fans remember and I think wrestling fans want to be rewarded for remembering. And that’s a way to reward them. That’s what I’ve always felt.”
Copeland cited the recent return of Matt Cardona to AEW who challenged Adam for his TNT Championship on an episode of AEW Collision. Copeland knows that fans remember Cardona’s time as an ‘Edge Head’ and it was a way to bring something special back for the audience. However, he just couldn’t get WWE behind bringing back Gangrel, the original leader of The Brood.
“That was one I just kept getting shut down. I realised, okay, that was not a hill to die on because it didn’t get to happen. It’s not my sandbox, I got to do with what I’ve been given.”
Gangrel did happen to show up for The Young Bucks’ entrance back when they were feuding with The Hardys so the possibility of The Brood boiling up certainly isn’t out of the realm of possibility. Copeland could use some extra help as he continues to feud with House of Black in build to Double or Nothing in Las Vegas.
Please h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
Wrestling legend Gangrel spoke with SEScoops Ella Jay this week to promote his return to Major League Wrestling (MLW). The Attitude Era star competed on this week’s episode of MLW Fusion, which you can catch on YouTube.
We discussed a wide variety of topics, including why we never got a Brood reunion in WWE, what he thinks is missing from today’s pro wrestling and much more. In this installment, we’re looking at Gangrel’s comments about training MMA fighter and AEW star, Paige VanZant.
Here’s our half-hour interview with Gangrel, with some highlights below:
Training Paige VanZant
Gangrel is currently training AEW star Paige VanZant at Coastal Championship Wrestling in Pompano Beach, Florida.
Gangrel reveals he was actually “super worried” to train VanZant, but now believes she has a bright future in pro wrestling.
“I was super worried about it. I know that Dan Lambert and them were very particular about where she trained. She could have went anywhere but because she’s local, it made a lot of sense for her to come down here in South Florida.
“I was trained by Boris Malenko and he’s a fan of the old school of training and the foundations of it. With training Rusev or Miro, Jacob and some of the other people, I felt comfortable coming there. I was a little worried, but she’s tremendous.
“I think AEW is probably on to something there and they’re gonna have a really good star on their future because like, I’ve trained a lot of people and she’s so coachable. I don’t know if it’s from Dancing with the Stars, that can’t be possible easy. There’s a lot of discipline. She was a gymnast, ballerina and plus she’s a fighter. She’s a bare-knuckle fighter, boxer and a mixed martial artist.
“So she’s got all this background and coming over to pro wrestling that could be very hard transition because it is smoke and mirrors. It’s pro wrestling entertainment or however you want to look at it. It’s not like we’re gonna go out and just kill somebody.
“Anyway, you gotta work together. I was am little worried but what she’s learned in like, three hours has taken me 3-6 months to teach other people. That’s how quick she’s learning. That’s how amazing she is. And her attitude is really, really good about it. I get a little worried when outsiders come in and they kind of take a crap on our business. You know what I mean? She’s got not a bad attitude at all. Just a golden attitude and I think she’s gonna be a something in the future. I think she’s got a future in pro wrestling.”
PVZ’s Transition from MMA to Wrestling
Paige VanZant is a great athlete and is charismatic, which is a winning formula in pro wrestling. Gangrel says PVZ is in this for the long haul and he hasn’t had to change much about the skills she brings to the squared circle.
“I don’t know where AEW is going with her. I think she’ll be hotshotted into some kind of match but but she wants to be actually trained properly on the backside for a future in wrestling. So I think they’re gonna hotshot an angle, but I think she wants to be long term and wrestle so she’s learning the proper way.”
He added, “I’ve haven’t had to change anything yet. She tends to have a fighter stance but it works for her. What I’ve learned about training somebody is that you don’t try to change who they are or what they’ve done. You just try to adapt them to to what suits them best for everybody involved.”
Gangrel was asked if he has a certain teaching style that he’s found to be more effective. The former Brood member said that it varies on the requirement of the student, but he works on the foundation and the basics the most. According to him, if the foundation is strong then one can learn anything whether it’s becoming a luchador, brawler or a high-flying wrestler.
He compared it to a cement slab that could support any type of roof as long as the foundation is strong. With Paige VanZant, Gangrel spends an hour just on the basics. While on the topic, he gave a shoutout to his student Jacob Fatu for being well rounded with everything including his footwork, strikes and highflying ability.
Wrestling legend Gangrel spoke with SEScoops Ella Jay this week to promote his return to Major League Wrestling (MLW). The Attitude Era star competed on this week’s episode of MLW Fusion, which you can catch on YouTube.
We discussed a wide variety of topics, including his 30+ years in the business, what’s missing from wrestling today, his career coming full circle, his goals in MLW and much more.
Here’s our half-hour interview with Gangrel, with some highlights below:
His Goals in MLW
Gangrel was asked if he is interested in going after a championship or if he simply enjoys working with up-and-coming talent and showing fans that he can still go in the ring.
“Well as my records show in the past, I don’t think I’ve had too many championships in any major company. So that’s not really my number one goal but I do enjoy working with the young talent and most of that locker room I’ve crossed paths with in the ring at some time or another, throughout the early points in their career and stuff like that”.
He continued, “I’ve trained Jacob Fatu – he was one of my students so I trained him, and then I hear rumors Holidead’s coming to MLW, I’ve trained her. Plus I’ve probably wrestled Alexander Hammerstone thirty times, and many of the other guys in the locker room. I enjoy bringing a bit of the old school meeting the new school, and mixing it in the middle and seeing what we come up with.”
Old School vs. New School
Gangrel was asked how he would describe the old school style vs the new school style, and what happens when the two styles meet together.
“The key word is ‘moment’. There’s no wasted moments. There’s no wasted moves to build to great moments. They’re so talented and athletic, there’s so much athletic ability. Also with the luchadors and the international market that MLW is in right now, it’s insane. I’ve travelled the world, probably wrestled more in Europe than I have in the United States and when you start logging in matches, I’ve done eighteen years in Europe. So if you had them up against the full-time schedule in the States, it’s really close and I think Europe might outweigh it working seven days a week there twice a day sometimes.
So with that and then the time I spent in Puerto Rico and then in Calgary and whatnot, so many different styles and I love that MLW has that flavor and that little spark to it – that international flavor. No one match is the same. You watch it, and you can watch other companies and it’s like the same match after the same match but here, they’re all different and I’m really looking forward to adding my bit of ‘hot sauce’ to that ‘stew’.”
Why MLW is a Good Fit for Gangrel
Gangrel in MLW (2022)
Gangrel was also asked what made MLW a good fit for him. He said that he always drifted to MLW whenever he wanted to watch some wrestling while doing cardio, and that’s why he wanted to work in the promotion.
“It’s the flavor of it. It’s just that allure. I just sit down when I’m doing cardio, like a lot, when I watch wrestling. I can’t sit still. I don’t have enough time to sit down at home and watch wrestling. But when I do cardio, I always drift – out of all the companies that you can go find out there – WWE, the AEW, Ring of Honor, Impact – I always drift to MLW. I think it just has something about it, that flavor and something just draws me to it that I just really enjoy. I’ve enjoyed watching that out of all the other companies, now I’m gonna enjoy being a part of that company and hopefully I can add my own little bit of pizzazz and my own little spark to it and and make it a better way.”
His Career Coming Full Circle in Florida
Gangrel trained in Florida in the late ’80s and about 35 years later, it’s kind of a full circle moment for him as he’s training wrestlers in the same state that he trained in. Gangrel was asked what’s it like for him to have his career come full circle like that in Florida:
“Well, it’s home, Florida’s home. Born and raised, so full circle back around. When I was getting into wrestling, I didn’t have a lot of money and whatnot for tuitions and things that go along with the school. The people training me, I said [to them] ‘Listen, I can’t really afford this.’ and I was gonna pull out of it and everything. And they said ‘We’re gonna train you. Don’t worry about it. We’re gonna put you on the books as a trainer, just always give back to professional wrestling.’
“So I’ve just tried to stay true to my word and I’ve always tried to continue on in some type of training somewhere. Whether it was California with KnokX Pro which is a school I opened with Rikishi, or I had my own school for a while, GWA here [Florida]. Now I’m with CCW – Coastal Championship Wrestling and running their facility which is so crazy busy. I’m there Monday through Thursday. It’s crazy, and I’m doing private sessions. I’m doing one-on-one, training Paige VanZant now. Things are crazy so I’m like super super busy, but it’s an honor. I’m honored to be able to give back. It’s a blessing and I love pro wrestling so anytime I get to do what I love, anytime I get to lace a pair of boots up, climb through some ropes and get into that ring… It’s just a blessing and I’m honored. I might be nice and smiling now, but when I get in there, I’m gnarly and nasty. I’m even nastier as a trainer than I am as Gangrel the vampire.”
Today’s Generation of Wrestling Fans
Gangrel also touched on the differences in the wrestling community today compared to the old school days:
“Well, one is the size of the wrestlers has changed. But I don’t know, MLW got Killer Kross there now, Alexander Hammerstone, Jacob Fatu, you got some pretty big guys walking around in MLW, some pretty gnarly dudes too. It’s still wrestling, the objective of it is to win a match. Pin somebody’s shoulders. As for the characters, for a lack of better words, heel and babyface – a good guy or a bad guy. Well now it’s more like, the fans kinda cheer for who they want. The MLW though, I feel that’s another thing that I’m drawn to. There is a clear villain. There’s a clear white hat and black hat. Pick a side and ride it out. I like that a lot about MLW. But with a lot of wrestling, in the sense that’s changed. It’s just like everybody goes out there and does a million moves. There’s a lot of wasted movements and stuff like that. So that’s changed, but it’s still pro wrestling. You’re still trying to pin somebody, get your hand raised for the victory and all that.”
What’s Missing from Wrestling Today
Modern pro wrestling is very different than the pro wrestling of past eras. According to Gangrel, the number one thing missing from wrestling is..
“Magic. Everybody knows the tricks now. Magic made a difference. Everybody wants to believe in something. I think a wrestler’s believability. I believe that Killer Kross could kill somebody, you know? Alexander Hammerstone. I believe that he could pick anybody up and give him the pendulum. Jacob Fatu, I believe is a savage. I trained him so I know he’s a savage. I know if you get on his bad side, it can go all all kinds of sideways. This magic, the mystique, the mystery of a pro wrestler is what I think is missing.”
Gangrel added that MLW is touching base on that and trying to dial that back in, but he thinks the allure is missing from professional wrestling overall. He also thinks the advent of the internet and social media has contributed significantly to this.
“With the internet and social media you can’t really pull the wool over anybody’s eyes. It’s super hard. But one person can make you believe that they’re one bad mofo. That one person can make you believe in him and if next to you a guy across the ring makes you believe, it can be a chain reaction. Slowly, you can at least get people to believe in you and your character, even if they think they know what’s gonna happen and they can research it and go get spoiler alerts. But you can make them believe in you and that’s still magic.”
Freedom of Speech in Wrestling
Conversely, Gangrel wished there was more freedom of speech present in the wrestling business when he started out:
“More freedom of speech. When I broke in, it was more like ‘ears open mouth shut’. Whereas in this generation, they have a lot more input in things. They’re not afraid to put their thoughts out there and personal things in their characters. Back then it was just ‘Shut up kid or we’re gonna break your legs,’ and you’re gone tomorrow. I hate to say it, but it was the ‘Hey brother’ system. Now it’s more open to things and wrestling just in a general is a wide open area now. You can take advantage of more things. It was just all like, black and white back then. I believe in the good guy and a bad guy, a heel and a face. I truly believe in the whole good guy-bad guy thing but I think there was still a whole spectrum of characters missing with people’s individualities and the freedoms to be who they are.”
The Importance of Creative Freedom
Gangrel also talked about how creative freedom is so important, especially when you’re playing a character like Gangrel that needs its own unique style in the ring.
“I was terrified to do the vampire thing. Luna [Vachon] kept telling me ‘That was always okay, you can do it!’ I was like ‘Oh no way!’ Because I broke in ’87, there were no vampires running around with fangs and stuff in the ring. They’d be like ‘Beach up. What’s wrong with you kid? You on drugs? I told you not to take that acid or whatever it is you’re taking.’
“But I did it slowly and then the times just kept changing. I came in during the late ’80s and ’90s and then things evolved and it is where it is today. Now they don’t think twice about it. They go, ‘Yeah, a vampire. At least it doesn’t sparkle’ [referring to the Twilight series].”
How He Keeps up with Wrestling
Gangrel was asked how he manages to stay informed on professional wrestling programming and news with his hectic schedule, to be able to cover it on his podcast Fangin n Bangin.
“Don’t tell anybody, but I just listen to the dirtsheets,” Gangrel said jokingly. “I try to watch it, but it’s very hard. I get so lost, there’s just so much to keep track of in current wrestling. I need to stay current and it’s tough.”
Gangrel explained that he has to keep up to date with current programming to know what his students’ mindframes are. “As far as the results go, I look at it on certain sites and read the results. If something piques my interest then I go watch it. For the most part, I watch a lot of wrestling when I’m doing cardio.”
MLW’s two next shows are scheduled for WrestleMania weekend, at Gilley’s in Dallas, TX. If you’re in town, visit MLWTix.com for ticket information.
Wrestling legend Gangrel spoke with SEScoops Ella Jay this week to promote his return to Major League Wrestling (MLW). The Attitude Era star competed on this week’s episode of MLW Fusion, which you can catch on YouTube.
During the half-hour conversation, Gangrel spoke about a wide variety of topics. In this installment of our write-up, we’re focusing on The Brood.
The Brood was a faction in WWE during the beloved Attitude Era. Led by Gangrel, the Brood helped introduce Edge and Christian to the WWE Universe. A later incarnation, The New Brood, saw Gangrel paired with Matt and Jeff Hardy.
The Brood remains popular to this day, as evidenced by Edge busting out the Brood entrance and “Brood Baths” in some of his recent feuds. Gangrel would have been down for a surprise Rumble appearance and a Brood reunion in WWE, but gave a surprising (and disappointing) reason why it never happened.
Here’s our half-hour interview with Gangrel, with some highlights below:
“People Won’t Remember The Brood”
Last year, Christian reunited with Edge at the Royal Rumble. This year, fans were hoping that Gangrel would make an appearance at the Rumble to continue the Brood nostalgia tour.
Gangrel says he’d speak to Edge about reuniting the Brood in WWE, but Edge didn’t think Vince McMahon would be on board.
“No, I would talk to Edge, he would tell me that he didn’t believe Vince McMahon believed people will remember The Brood, let alone myself.”
– Gangrel on a Brood reunion in WWE
Over the past year, Edge has paid homage the Brood several times, including for special entrances and for unleashing “Brood Baths” on his enemies.
Edge’s Brood entrances were always a hit with WWE fans, but he really had to work hard in order to convince Vince McMahon that it was worth doing.
“[Vince is] very set on certain things, so [Edge] told me he had to work like two and a half months to get the music to be able to do a ‘Broodbath,’ not a bloodbath because the networks wouldn’t have blood,” Gangrel continued.
“He did that for two and a half months and and he said he was trying to work it all out. He said he did it pay homage to The Brood and myself and all that he was super happy about it.”
Gangrel said he actually had an AEW appearance lined up at one point that would have included an elaborate entrance, but that got derailed.
“And then when I told [Edge] ‘Yeah well…’ He was like, so excited to tell me on that Monday, and I go ‘Well… I was supposed to do AEW that Wednesday, they were gonna do the whole entrance and everything.’ But it just trended so much that it was just like forget it. So that was a bummer one way, but in another way it was just great to see Adam, Edge come out to that and then it cut and go to his music. It was just really, really cool and I was super happy for him and honored and flattered.”
Watch Edge’s Brood entrance from WWE Day 1 (1.1.22)
Memories of Working with the Hardys, The New Brood
Gangrel spoke fondly about working with Matt and Jeff Hardy in the early years of their careers.
“Yeah, well, a lot of people ask me what was my favorite Brood, The New Brood or the old Brood. I always say older with Christian and Edge because for one, we’re the original. We were working the Hardys and we had a program with them. I always love wrestling the Hardys. I personally love wrestling Matt Hardy because he’s a thumper. He’ll get in there and he’ll mix it up. Matt Hardy is a bit harder and tougher than people think.
I remember Michael Hayes would drive those poor guys crazy. I hope that I didn’t drive Christian and Edge as crazy as Michael Hayes did with his old school banter like ‘It’s my dime and it’s my time’ and stuff like that.
They’re just great guys. I’ve known them since, I don’t know, like since they were 16-17? I think we were all floating around doing extra work and different stuff for WWF whenever they came to the South. So I’ve known them for a long time. They’re just tremendous guys. Jeff’s super laidback, Matt’s more always intense about the business stuff. I’m super super happy for them.”
Gangrel also revealed that he’s going to be wrestling against The Hardy Boyz somewhere in Virginia soon. It will be Gangrel and Joey Janela (the “The New New Brood”) against The Hardys (“The Old New Brood”).
Gangrel with The Hardys
Steve Austin’s Input on Theme Music
The Brood’s theme music is legendary (you can listen below) and really set the tone for the group’s image. Gangrel shared a cool story about “Stone Cold” Steve Austin giving him advice about the importance of entrance music.
“…One time Steve Austin asked me, ‘What do you like about you like your music?’ The music that I had with the Brood. I go, ‘I could walk to it.’ And he goes, ‘That’s the key thing, you really want to become one with your entrance music. You really want to get that groove and that vibe and be able to gel with that coming out to get a feel.’
MLW’s two next shows are scheduled for WrestleMania weekend, at Gilley’s in Dallas, TX. If you’re in town, visit MLWTix.com for ticket information.
One former WWE star believes there is untapped potential with Paige VanZant in the wrestling industry.
VanZant made several appearances on AEW TV before signing with the promotion. PVZ is known for her pro MMA career but she’s made the transition to bare-knuckle boxing. BKFC President David Feldman recently announced that VanZant will be back in action on July 9 in London.
Gangrel On Paige VanZant Wrestling
Making it big in the wrestling industry takes more than an athletic background. With that said, Gangrel took to the Fangin N Bangin podcast to express his belief that Paige VanZant could thrive in AEW.
“I’ve met her and had a couple of training sessions with her. She’s definitely bad ass. She has a lot of talent. She’s very coachable. She has a passion for it. AEW should be happy in the long run with what’s going to go on with her. I don’t know if they signed her for a year or what the deal was, but she definitely has a lot of potential, definitely has talent.
“She’ll come along pretty well and pretty fast. What she’s learned in two sessions, let’s say three hours to be generous with those sessions, those three hours, it’s taken me three months to teach some people with talent. Six months for others. The fact that she’s a professional athlete and a ballerina. Dancing With The Stars is no joke.
“You have to be super disciplined and learn routines, dances, footwork, and form. All that comes into play. She’s making my job easy. I appreciate that. Hopefully it continues to be easy, she goes on to do great things, and I can say, ‘Oh, I had a part in that’.”
Gangrel has been training PVZ ahead of her in-ring debut. VanZant has been feuding with Tay Conti. She had been involved in a storyline with Brandi Rhodes before Brandi and Cody Rhodes left AEW.
Edge using the brood entrance and theme music during the SummerSlam PPV created a lot of buzz. Though it appears that it also cost Gangrel an AEW appearance.
On the latest episode of his Fangin’ N’ Bangin’ podcast, the former WWE star revealed that there were plans for him to make an appearance on AEW Dynamite doing the same entrance. However, these plans had to be nixed after SummerSlam:
“I was supposed to be on a plane to Milwaukee, yesterday, I get a return phone call saying ‘oh man, we’re so sorry, we’re going in a different direction because WWE media stuff.’
The former WCW star then recalled how Edge called him to say that he was honored to pay the tribute after SummerSlam. However, when Gangrel told him about the AEW appearance, the Rated R Superstar felt sorry:
“He got so quiet for what felt like an eternity. I was like ‘hey, you still there?’ He goes ‘man, I’m so sorry. If you had told me.’ I go ‘I didn’t know, I just got booked.’
He was like ‘I’m so, sorry.’ It felt like he was gonna cry. I was like ‘it’s okay man. It’s good. I work every weekend, I’m doing things.’ He felt so bad. He sent me pictures of his daughter with the jacket.”
Gangrel also revealed that Edge had been planning the brood entrance and the Seth Rollins bloodbath segment from last Friday’s SmackDown for over two months.
Talking on his Fangin’ and Bangin’ podcast, Gangrel spoke up about his former pupil and current TNT champion Miro. Miro trained under Gangrel during his time at the Knokx Pro Wrestling Academy from 2008 to 2010.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CQWX2b2L5WK/
Talking about Miro’s dedication to mastering the art of wrestling, Gangrel was full of praise. “This is a guy that would work all night. You know, he came from another country. His dream was to be a wrestler. He left Bulgaria to come here to be a wrestler… You come all the way, you gamble on you. He bet on himself. He believed in himself, he left Bulgaria, and he came to the United States to become a professional wrestler. Look at him now. That didn’t come because he was being lazy, that didn’t come because he wasn’t dedicated. No, it’s the opposite. He was a workhorse, and he was super dedicated, he was super focused.”
Gangrel Is Proud of What His Student Has Achieved Since Joining AEW
Miro had a great run in WWE, but never got the push his character and popularity deserved. Following his release in 2020, he initially retired from the sport. However, AEW were able to get him back in the ring, where he is flourishing.
Coming into his own after separating from Kip Sabian, Gangrel is proud to watch his former protégé develop and the maturity he has found in the ring.
“So when I was watching this match with Dark Order, I see that he was just miles ahead, but not by being fast. He just knew his way around the ring and I was super proud of him because I know how hard he worked to become the professional wrestler that the human being is and then the man he is today and I’m super proud of him. So, Miro, good on you, man. Keep kicking ass, dude. I’m super, super proud of you. Keep rockin’!”
The Brood was a staple of the Attitude Era and the group helped launch the careers of both Edge and Christian. However, the leader of the group Gangrel recently revealed that the latter wasn’t originally going to be a part of the stable.
The Attitude Era star recently joined Chris Van Vliet for an interview on his YouTube channel where he talked about things like the formation of the group, their theme music and more.
During the interview, Gangrel was asked if the intention of the stable was always to launch the career of Edge. Replying to it, the wrestling veteran confirmed the theory and went on to praise the Rated R Superstar:
“Absolutely, 100 percent. They told me from day one it was to help bring Edge in and get around. He was just a great human being; there’s something special about him. There’s a lot of people.
You’ll go through the world and meet a tremendous amount of people, and shake a lot of hands, and you’ll meet a handful of people that are just really good people, and he’s a really good person.”
Gangrel also revealed that Christian wasn’t originally going to be a part of the group: “Edge brought him in [through the] back door to go, that was supposed to be [Christopher] Daniels’ spot,”
Apart from this, the former WWE star talked about things like being part of the WWE roster during the Attitude Era, their feud with the Ministry of Darkness and more. You can check out his full interview below:
Posted October 16th, 2020 in WWE, News. Tagged: Gangrel.
The dream match of Orange Cassidy vs Gangrel took place this summer at an event for Game Changer Wrestling and Black Label Pro. Gangrel recently appeared on the WINCLY podcast and spoke about his experience working with Cassidy.
“I didn’t know what to think,” Gangrel said of his first impression of Cassidy. “I had gotten a ton of messages from older wrestlers saying, ‘[My trainer] Boris Malenko would be rolling over in his grave. This guy is a joke.’ At the same time I’m thinking what did I do as a vampire [laughs]?”
“If I go and beat him up then it’s never gonna get over. I said the only way this is gonna work is if I do a comedy match with him. There was nothing else I could do on that card as there was no other option,” Gangrel continued.
“There’s so much silly stuff in wrestling – with Hornswoggle being Vince’s son and Kane with the dead body – how can you be mad at anything? It takes courage to go out there and do something and it works for him. Bless his heart and go make money while you can. Figure out an outlet and which way you’re gonna go…Be fun about it and he’s a great guy and I wish him the most success.”
Gangrel also talks about working a guest coaching position at the WWE PC, his wrestling school and more. The full podcast can be listened to in the player below:
Posted October 18th, 2019 in News. Tagged: Gangrel.
If some of WWE’s latest recruits begin growing fangs and drinking blood, it’s likely Gangrel had something to do with their development as a performer. The former member of the Brood is currently working a guest coaching spot at the WWE Performance Center.
Gangrel posted to social media in regards to his guest coaching position:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=448207826122110
“My name is David Heath, some know me as Gangrel but I’m a guest coach here at the WWE Performance Center,” Gangrel begins the video. “It’s an amazing place, there’s so much stuff going on. It’s like a wrestler’s Disney World, Disney Land. I’m just blessed to be here as a guest coach, I’m looking forward to this.”
Gangrel has his own school in Florida, the Gangrel Wrestling Asylum.
“This is a learning thing for me. I have a wrestling school myself, Gangrel’s Wrestling Asylum,” he continued. “One of my former students is in here Vanessa Borne. I had a hand in training Rusev out in California at Knokx Pro one of my other schools I had with Rikishi. So, I’m here learning myself and passing on a little bit of knowledge that I might have.”
Gangrel Wrestling Asylum Shows
Gangrel’s wrestling school also throws events. Recently, they’ve been hosting shows at the Casino at Dania Beach in Florida which have been well-attended.
The most recent show “Let It Ride” featured Scott Steiner, Hornswoggle, Jacob Fatu, and Lance Anoa’i and drew an estimated 600+ people.
Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW) will be heading to the Assembly in Aberdeen, Scotland on Sunday 25th. Several bouts have already been announced with a treat in store for the ICW faithful…
Former WWE Star Gangrel will be on hand for the event. The former Attitude Era star and leader of The Brood will be taking on Jack Jester in singles action. Jester is one half of the ICW Tag Team Champions alongside his Kinky Party tag team partner Sha Samuels. Gangrel has been extremely active on the independent scene since his WWE departure, his last bout for the company came in 2007 in a 15th Anniversary Battle Royal on Monday Night RAW.
Here is the full card for ICW Granite City Fight Club on November 25th:
ICW Women’s World Championship Match – Viper (c) vs Sammii Jayne
Grado vs Red Lightning
Jack Jester vs Gangrel
Liam Thomson vs Joe Hendry (w/ Leyton Buzzard)
Aaron Echo vs Kid Fite
The Purge (Krobar & Stevie James) & “The Revolutionary” Damien vs Kings Of Catch (Aspen Faith & Lewis Girvan) & Sugar Dunkerton
Just Justice vs Andy Wild
Crusher Craib vs Lionheart
BT Gunn vs Mikey Whiplash
ICW will also be hosting their biggest event of the year in December. Fear & Loathing XI will be taking place from the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland on December 2nd. You can check out our full coverage leading up to the historic event here.
Posted November 17th, 2018 in News. Tagged: Gangrel, ICW.
The Brood was a 3-man stable in WWE (WWF at the time) with a vampire theme that saw success at the height of the Attitude Era. The Brood is generally remembered for two things; Bloodbaths in which they would douse an opponent in “blood” and being the jumping-off point for the careers of WWE Legends Edge and Christian. The duo made up The Brood with leader Gangrel.
On the latest episode of their E&C’s Pod Of Awesomeness podcast, Edge and Christian re-united with their Broodmate. The discussion touched on a number of topics, but one of the most intersting was Gangrel’s revealing that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon does not like vampires.
Gangrel On Vince McMahon’s Stance On Vampires
“Vince McMahon told me himself I’ll never use the vampire character, like, ‘get rid of the fangs’ because I was an idiot… ‘so make sure you trim down, grow the hair out, and we’ll definitely give you a job, but just not a vampire.’ And they did.
I was sitting home [for] a week, sitting home. Vince Russo called up. I don’t know if it was when he got that creative control thing, that brief 30 days or whatever it was. I’m real fuzzy on that kind of stuff. And he said, ‘hey, are you still doing that vampire thing?’ I said, ‘are you kidding me?’ So on a Friday night, I got everything ready for that Sunday to debut against of all people, mi amigo, Scotty 2 Hotty.”
Gangrel, who has surgically implanted vampire fangs, also revealed that the concept for The Brood was meant to emulate the vampire movie The Lost Boys.
“I was really big on The Brood because of The Lost Boys.” Gangrel recalled, “I came up with it through The Lost Boys. And I said, ‘man, they don’t even [have] to win! It’s going to be cool. When they get their asses kicked, I’m telling you people will like them.’ And they were like, ‘no.’ I said, ‘old man, I’m telling you nobody hates a vampire.’ And I heard everybody say they hate vampires.”
Since leaving WWE in 2001, Gangrel has appeared all over the globe for various independent promotions, as well as made occasional one-off appearances in WWE.
Former WWE Superstar Gangrel (better known for his time in The Brood with Edge and Christian during the Attitude Era) was recently interviewed by Chris Van Vliet of WSVN-TV Entertainment to talk about several professional wrestling topics. Gangrel first spoke about training Rusev and the Bulgarian’s amazing work ethic:
“He’s always been a good guy and had a funny personality but I think his wife is a good asset to him, she brings a lot of the clown out in him. He deserves everything he’s got, he’s like the American dream. He moved from Bulgaria to become a pro wrestler so he came to that wrestling school, he trained and he worked three jobs.
“We had classes back then in the morning and in the afternoon, so he would literally sleep in the car in between the classes. He wouldn’t go home so he wouldn’t miss the classes or miss a shift at work. He really, really put the time and the work in and was totally dedicated. I couldn’t be prouder of him.”
He then discussed his time with WWE and what it was like traveling with Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit:
“It was probably the most amazing thing out of my journeys. I never stopped learning between the two of them. Eddie, just from his family of wrestling and Chris coming out of Stampede Wrestling in Calgary which is where I first got my start. I was very driven and connected to his style because we worked with the same people.
“I just never stopped learning. They never stopped talking, they were learning off each other. We figured if we didn’t learn something every match or every car ride or every situation, then we didn’t need to be in wrestling.”
Finally, Gangrel also revealed that there was a secret message in The Brood’s theme song if you play it backwards:
“If you have the right skills and technology to play it backwards, the guy who did the music, Jim Johnston was a big Beatles fan, so it says ‘I buried Paul, walk with me.’”
According to David Heath, aka Gangrel, the former leader of the Brood was at one point considered to join the Wyatt family. Heath would also say it was Bray Wyatt himself who pushed for Gangrel’s WWE return.
In a recent interview the 48-year old talked about the possibility of a WWE return, the Brood in the Hall of Fame, and more.
On Bray Wyatt asking him to join the Wyatt Family:
“When I was talking to Bray he was saying he very much wanted me to come in but I think because of the name issue, WWE doesn’t own the name Gangrel, so things got shot down and stuff. It would have been fun”
On working the Hardyz and Edge and Christian:
“Awesome guys. All of them are awesome. Proud of them all. Christian, Edge, Matt, Jeff, just great guys. You couldn’t ask for a better group of people to want to be around and work with.”
On the Brood Potentially Going in the Hall of Fame:
“You already have Edge in there. Christian’s not in yet I don’t think. Maybe the Brood might go in one day, it’s hard to say.”
“The Brood it was great and cool while it lasted but I don’t know if we had a long enough tenure.”
– Jim Ross has published his latest FOX Sports editorial, which this time looks at the signing of Brock Lesnar to WWE. You can check out the featured article at FOXSports.com.
– The latest edition of Roddy Piper’s “Piper’s Pit” podcast, which features an interview with former WWE Superstar Gangrel, is now online. The official description for the show reads as follows:
PP-Ep24 – The “Gangrel”
“Former WWE star Gangrel stops by Piper’s Pit to chat with “Hot Rod,” Colt Toombs and “The Grappler,” about his 25-plus years in wrestling. The Vampire Warrior reveals all as he talks about his epic feud with Ric Flair, finding out that he didn’t really get to beat up people in pro wrestling and starting his very own wrestling school.”
– The official WWE website has recently added a new article looking at the 15 greatest Superstar entrances of all-time. The top ten of the list reads as follows:
#10. Rey Mysterio
#9. Gangrel
#8. The Rock
#7. Hulk Hogan
#6. Chris Jericho
#5. Bill Goldberg
#4. Triple H
#3. Kane
#2. Ultimate Warrior
#1. Undertaker
You can check out the complete article at WWE.com.
– The latest edition of WWE’s “Canvas 2 Canvas” YouTube show, which features Triple H, is available below.
– The official WWE website has published an article ranking the 15 greatest ring entrances in sports-entertainment history.
“What’s more impressive, pulling up in an expensive sports car or walking through hellfire?” WWE states. “A calm walk through darkness or a mad dash to the ring?”
The list ranks 15. Ultimate Warrior, 14. Goldust, 13. Alberto Del Rio, 12. Glacier, 11. The Sandman, 10. The Rock, 9. Rey Mysterio, 8. Gangrel, 7. Goldberg, 6. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, 5. Hulk Hogan, 4. Kane, 3. Chris Jericho, 2. Triple H, 1. The Undertaker.
– Matches taped Monday in Birmingham, England for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars were Jimmy Uso vs. Jinder Mahal and Justin Gabriel vs. Tensai.
In a pre-taping dark match result, Tyson Kidd defeated Michael McGillicutty.
– WWE developmental Briley Pierce turned 28-years-old Sunday. He is the younger brother of WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler.
– September on WWE Classics On Demand, WWE Champion CM Punk hosts “Macho Madness,” a look at 20 of the greatest interviews in the legendary career of “Macho Man” Randy Savage.
The programming synopsis reads: “All September, it’s “Macho Madness” on WWE Classics On Demand. From iconic matches to unforgettable interviews, relive all the pomp and circumstance from the legendary career of “Macho Man” Randy Savage.”
– Former WWE Superstar Gangrel posted a tweet Monday in remembrance of Luna Vachon, who passed away two years ago to the day. He wrote, “LUNA VACHON, i know your at peace my sweet Angelle,flying high with angels! You are missed in this world!”
Vachon, aged 48, was found dead by her mother at their Florida home. According to the District Six Medical Examiner’s Office in Florida, she died from an “accidental overdose of oxycodone and benzodiazepine”. Investigators previously found crushed pill residue and snorting straws at multiple locations inside her house.
– This week’s issue of Sports Illustrated features an article on devoted fans of NFL teams and Reby Sky is among those pictured. Prior to becoming a professional wrestler, she gained fame as a New York Giants fanatic.
— Wrestling legend Kamala posted a Facebook update on his well-being after having his leg amputated late last year due to complications of high blood pressure and diabetes.
“I wish I could still be in the ring but deep down I know my time is up. Nowadays having only one leg it’s obvious. There is no turning back the hands of times. Thanks to all of you that write me and keeping me in your prayers. Right now my heart is broken but in time I know it will heal. I wish I had the skill to do something else but I dont know what it would be,” he wrote.
“I just don’t want the government taking care of me, that’s why when I was up and able I drove a truck. No matter what I once were it’s what I need to do now to support myself and family. I know it’s hard right now but I believe God has use for me. I’m coming back this way.”
— Territory League Wrestling will be holding the Rodney Anoa’i Cup honoring the late Yokozuna on March 27, 2012 at the Avalon in Hollywood. Gangrel, Scotty 2 Hotty, Brian Christopher, Gene Snitsky and Black Pearl, among others, are scheduled to compete in a four tag team tournament. Visit www.territoryleague.com for more information.
— William Regal wants former protégé Daniel Bryan to grant him a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship.
He tweeted Sunday, “I’ve never asked Daniel Bryan for anything for my help and guidance over the years. So now perhaps it’s time. I still want to be the first English World Champion. I would like Daniel Bryan to grant me a title shot. WWE pay attention.”
Regal then stated in response to those who doubt his ability: “It seems as though a lot of people think the same. One thing though, I don’t deserve a title shot, but I want one. Some people think I’m not up to it. People have been counting me out for years but I can still wrestle as good as ANYONE in the world.”
Regal faced Bryan in his last WWE match, which took place at the November 8, 2011 WWE Superstars taping in Liverpool, England. Regal’s last match on a top-tier show was also against Bryan, on the December 20, 2010 Raw.
— This May, Mattel will release a WWE Legends action figure on King Kong Bundy via MattyCollector.com. There was an apparent trademark issue with the King Kong Bundy name as the February 2012 edition of WWE Magazine features an advertisement for the action figure and it is branded as “Bundy.”
— For $10 you can see live streaming video of Shelly Martinez’ experience this coming week at WrestleReunion in Los Angeles, California. She posted the following on her Tumblr page:
“If you are not a member of ShellyMartinez.org aka part of the Funtime Gang and you would like to see the live streaming during Wrestle Reunion (Wed-Sat) you can have full access to the Live Stream page for $10. I will live stream from the hotel room, the event itself, my bikini opps, Danielle’s bday party and whatever else I can. If you aren’t around when we stream live you will still have access to the page to view the archives all Wrestle Reunion week. Send your $10 payment to shellymartinezcustomerservice@gmail.com via Pay Pal and you will receive login info/times. Already part of the Funtime Gang? Login info is located on the Video Chat page :)
— Gangrel and Rikishi have been announced for WrestleReunion on Saturday, which takes place at the Westin Los Angeles Airport 5400 West Century Blvd. Los Angeles, California.
