WWE star AJ Styles spoke with Brian Fritz of Between the Ropes during WrestleMania media day, and the following are some highlights. You can watch the full interview in the video below:
On whether or not he actually had a contract in place with TNA before he signed with WWE:
“I had signed a letter of intent. I agreed to ‘this is what you said you were going to pay me, so you can send it to legal,’ there was no contract whatsoever involved. What we signed was nothing. It was not a contract in any shape or form.”
On TNA’s public statement released after Styles left:
“I thought they did a great job of making themselves look like crap by putting out that statement. Just let it go. Things didn’t work out. From what I’m hearing, man did I make a great decision coming here. I’m not shameful of what I’ve done in the past with another company, but I’m disappointed.”
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April 2, 2016
AJ Styles Says TNA Made Themselves Look Like “Crap” Following His Departure, Says He Made the Right Decision Choosing WWE Over TNA
WWE Addresses Bobby Roode at NXT Takeover Dallas
Following his appearance at ringside for NXT Takeover Dallas, WWE posted the following about former TNA Champion Bobby Roode:
As if the sight of Kota Ibushi at NXT TakeOver: Dallas wasn’t enough to get the rumor mill rolling, another highly acclaimed grappler was revealed amid a sea of NXT fans. Former World Champion Bobby Roode was shown watching the liveWWE Network event very closely from his seat in the capacity crowd. But why was the veteran competitor at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas?
Just like with Ibushi, WWE.com can only speculate at the moment, but there are immediate thoughts of dream showdowns between Roode and the NXT roster’s elite. Perhaps Roode was just there to watch the hottest show in town. Or maybe he was there to scout potential future opponents. Going by the reaction of the NXT Universe when Roode was shown in attendance, fans were certainly excited by the prospect of the latter possibility.
WWE Questions Kota Ibushi’s Future Following Takeover Dallas
Following Kota Ibushi’s ringside appearance at WWE NXT Takeover Dallas tonight, WWE posted the following about Ibushi and questioned what his future might hold in WWE and/or NXT:
NXT TakeOver: Dallas had no shortage of action inside the ring, but there also was plenty of intrigue beyond the ropes. During the live WWE Network event, Kota Ibushi was seen sitting amongst the capacity crowd of NXT fans. Is the Japanese Superstar the next highly-acclaimed competitor to bring his talents to NXT? Let the speculation begin.
The decorated grappler could have been taking in another action-packed NXT TakeOver, like the thousands of other fans in attendance at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. However, there’s also the possibility that he’s scouting his future competition. If it’s indeed the latter, who in NXT might Ibushi have his sights set on? Does the man they call “Golden Star” have plans to enter his name into the recently announced Global Cruiserweight Series? What dream matchups could be in store for Ibushi?
April 1, 2016
Stephanie McMahon Talks About Possibly Wrestling At An Upcoming WrestleMania, WWE Going PG, More
Stephanie McMahon recently did a Q&A with Quora to promote WrestleMania 32 and below are some highlights:
What is it like to be portrayed as the “bad guy” on TV? Also considering, that your real life character is quite the opposite.
Growing up as Vince McMahon’s daughter, I’ve always had to fight perception of being a “princess” and not earning my place. On WWE programming, I get to project that villainous persona and play into who the audience wants me to be. And I have to admit, it’s a lot of fun. It’s not difficult to explain to our daughters because we compare WWE’s storylines to the Disney movies they love to watch. In every great story there is a good guy and a bad guy. If the good guy didn’t have anything to overcome then you wouldn’t care about them as much. I tell my children that Mommy’s character is no different than Maleficent or Ursula, and just like the movies, what we do on TV isn’t real life.
Do you miss the “attitude” era? Is the parental guidance era more profitable for the business?
WWE programming has been PG for the past eight years (as rated by our network partner, NBCU). This was a strategic move for WWE to reach more families, grow our business and partner with blue-chip brands and yes, it has been successful. The biggest challenge is to write compelling programming that appeals to all members of the family; it requires a different degree of sophistication. In terms of the McMahon-Helmsley era I would say that the Authority puts it to shame. Our characters are a lot smarter now and they are up to all kinds of antics :))). My favorite memory from that era would be the very beginning, the night I “turned” on my father at Armageddon and joined forces with Triple H.
What is it like to work with your father and husband so closely?
Working in a family business certainly has it’s challenges. The biggest advantage is being able to share the passion we have for WWE professionally and personally.
How do you feel after fans negatively react to a major pay per view event?
If we haven’t delivered a program worthy of our fans passion, then it is a huge disappointment.
If you had the opportunity to venture outside of WWE, what would you have probably done?
News anchor, dance choreographer, marine biologist, or poet.
Who was the recipient of your best power slap so far, stirred by emotion rather than script?
Hands down my best power slap so far was when I cracked The Rock last year at WrestleMania. I had so much adrenaline from the crowd and from the setup of where we were going with Ronda Rousey, that the slap may have had a little more sizzle than was originally intended.
What is your favourite part of your job at WWE?
WWE’s mission is to put smiles on people’s faces the world over whether it is through our programming or by giving back to the community. Whether it’s the reaction of our fans in the crowd, meeting families backstage, or getting hugs from the children at schools or hospitals we visit, interacting with our fans is the best part of my job.
Top WWE Names at WWN Live Tryout
WWN Live has issued the following:
April 1st: Top WWE Officials William Regal, Matt Bloom and Canyon Cemen made an unprecedented visit at yesterday’s WWN Seminar/Tryout. They each lectured the participants with invaluable knowledge. Regal even got involved with the in ring training. Bloom paid WWN Seminar/Tryout Head Trainer Drew Gulak the ultimate compliment by saying “Drew shows you the WWE way.”
Cemen, Regal and Bloom had a lengthy discussion with WWN’s Sal Hamaoui and Gabe Sapolsky about the future of the relationship. We can reveal now that many exciting and interest possibilities were put on the table. The next few months are going to be very interesting as the relationship moves forward. There is no telling what will happen next. We could see the ramifications as early as this weekend’s EVOLVE and WWN Supershow events.
We would like to thank Mr. Regal, Mr. Bloom and Mr. Cemen for their visit yesterday. This proves that WWE is proactive about strengthening the future of pro wrestling and the independent undercurrent.
Triple H announced on yesterday’s NXT conference call that Zack Sabre Jr. will be in the WWE Global Cruiserweight Series. The tests start for Zack Sabre Jr. this weekend with the conclusion of his “Best In The World Series.” It’ll be Sabre Jr. vs. Will Ospreay at today’s EVOLVE 58, vs. Matt Riddle at tomorrow afternoon’s EVOLVE 59 and vs. Chris Hero at tomorrow night’s WWN Supershow. Is Zack Sabre Jr. the new Best In The World? Watch all three matches at www.WWNLive.com on live iPPV to follow Zack’s road to the WWE Global Cruiserweight Series.
Bill DeMott Talks WWE Firing And If He Left On Bad Terms, NXT’s Growth, Perception Of Vince McMahon Being ‘Hands Off’ With NXT
Former WCW and WWE star – and NXT trainer – Bill DeMott joined the IN THE ROOM podcast with Brady Hicks, The Stro (WCW’s Maestro), Kathie Fitzpatrick, and Derrick McDonald this past Tuesday, March 29, 2016 to talk about his 28-year career in wrestling. Check it out as DeMott offers his thoughts on everything from the allegations of bullying lodged against him last year to where WWE and NXT could be headed in the near future. Plus, DeMott comments on his “Laughing Man” persona, compares WCW to WWE, talks about what might have been had WCW won the “Monday Night Wars,” and speaks on WWE’s presentation of AJ Styles thus far.
Definitely a fun listen! The program is available via vocnation.com or directly at http://thebradyhicks.com/2016/03/in-the-room-with-bill-demott/
Bill DeMott Comments On The Idea Of Things “Going Sour” Between He and WWE:
The running line around that company – and I guess a lot of companies – is that “Perception is Reality.” Everybody has this perception that it was a sour thing. I didn’t leave on bad terms with the company. I didn’t leave with any negativity … I’m not the most well-liked person on the Internet. 95% of it is by people who have no idea about me and just go by what they read or what they heard from somebody else, but there’s no sour grapes and there’s no negativity … If I could sum up the whole thing, I took the high road … I was very honored to start something with Triple-H [that’s] become the brand that is NXT. There’s no negativity. There’s [just] a couple individuals that are off my Christmas card list.
DeMott Talks NXT and the Job that They’ve Done Building The Brand:
I’m not a miserable person, contrary to popular opinion. I loved my job and I’m one of the best at it. I look at them every week and there’s nothing but pride. It felt good and I’m happy for them. The running joke is to be careful what you ask for, because you’re going to get it. Now they’re running … The fear is that it becomes the next brand and the next part of WWE. I think the thing that makes NXT different is that it’s still a different approach to the business … I never had a doubt it would grow.
DeMott Comments On The Idea Of Vince McMahon Being “Hands Off” With NXT:
That’s an ever-growing conversation [regarding] how do we keep it from becoming Raw or Smackdown or ECW before they went away … I think it’s a fair assessment because people tend to look at it like because NXT is not under Vince, it can be different. Like it or not, it’s all under Vince. And the fact that he gave the reigns to Hunter and he’s running with it … that’s an ever-happening conversation. But I don’t think it has anything to do with whether it’s under Vince or not. I think that’s just peoples’ perception, [that] as long as Vince doesn’t put his hands on it, it will stay great.
Bill DeMott Comments On WWE’s Recent Signings Of Independent Wrestlers:
At the end of the day, Vince’s formula works. It’s a successful business. From my experience of being in those rooms is that, while everyone is well aware of who’s out there – look how long it took for AJ Styles – … [but] you just wait to when it fits … For me, the downside … is that they’ve been [punching] their “bump card” for the past 10 years, and now that they get to WWE or wherever they’re going, that the longevity is not going to be there. But I like to see the diversity … Batista is a big [guy], but we don’t have 14 Batistas standing by. But there’s 35 cats of every shape and size – and divas – that can do everything under the sun. I’m excited to see how that changes the product … While people get all pissed off on the Internet, look at how satisfied they are when it finally happens.
The woman behind Chikara wrestling's crazy costumes
The culmination of the year in professional wrestling builds this weekend as the WWE presents its 32nd annual WrestleMania, the equivalent of the Super Bowl for scripted gladiatorial combat.
Sometime during Sunday's event, take a moment to tune out the spectacle, the muscled behemoths hurling their bodies around the ring, the over-the-top characters playing out their story lines in steel cages and atop precarious ladders, and give a thought to the wardrobe that has to withstand choreographed violence.
Kate Nyx (a.k.a. Nickerson) understands what it takes to costume a pro wrestler. Two years ago, she started Closet Champion (www.closetchampion.com), designing and creating custom wrestling gear out of her South Philadelphia home. A large portion of her income comes from Chikara, a Philadelphia independent wrestling promotion, in its 16th season, that draws equal inspiration from lucha libre and comic books.
Eight months after leaving her day job selling hosiery at a luxury boutique in Center City to focus on the new endeavor, she's tenuously returning to her sewing machines after a bout of tendinitis and nerve pain due to the challenging materials she works with.
"I just don't think my body was prepared for the volume of work that I was doing," Nyx said last week amid a clutter of glittering fabric scraps. "Stretch materials are notoriously hard to work with, and everything I use is basically vinyl, spandex, and elastic. It has to look like a larger-than-life costume, but it has to go through what activewear would go through. Exercising creativity within those limitations has been interesting and sometimes frustrating."
There won't be any Closet Champion designs on display when WrestleMania unfolds Sunday at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The closest Nyx has come to that big a stage is through NXT, the WWE developmental program that is spotlighted in its own weekly show on the WWE Network (and that tonight will present its own big show, Takeover: Dallas). Nyx designed the gear for a wrestler named Sarah Dobson (known on the independent circuit as Crazy Mary Dobson), who made her NXT debut last week...More?
source: philly.com
Saints LB James Laurinaitis learned work ethic from pro-wrestling dad 'Animal'
James Laurinaitis didn't exactly follow his father's footsteps -- which would have led him between the ropes and into the world of professional wrestling.
But the New Orleans Saints' new linebacker said he learned his work ethic and toughness from his famous dad, Joe Laurinaitis. Otherwise known as "Animal" from the pro wrestling tag teams Road Warriors and Legion of Doom.
James Laurinaitis says his elbow has recovered after he hyperextended it and tore his UCL ligament last October. L.G. Patterson/AP Photo
"He was my little league ball coach all of the way up until high school," said Laurinaitis, who grew up in Minnesota. "Really, what my dad showed me the most ... was just about work ethic. I saw how hard my dad worked in the weight room. I saw toughness. I saw him work out and perform in his industry through injuries and stuff. Unless something really couldn't be worked around, he'd be out there wrestling and doing everything that he would have to do.
"So that's what he really taught me -- on days that you don't feel good, you gotta go work out, you gotta get after it."
Click here for a photo of the two decked out in each other's gear from an old Sporting News photo shoot.
Laurinaitis, who spoke to the New Orleans media in a conference call last week, said his father's mentality was that "if he ever took a day off or was slacking ... then somebody else is gonna be working that day and really try to come and take my spot or my job."...More?
source: espn.go.com
March 31, 2016
Dusty Rhodes statue unveiled at WrestleMania Axxess
The late WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes was officially ushered into immortality at WrestleMania Axxess with the unveiling of a bronze, life-size statue of “The American Dream.”
The WWE Universe in attendance at the first night of WrestleMania Axxess, alongside the entire Rhodes family and NXT roster, were the first to witness the statue’s presentation, which drew the raucous adulation of the crowd in Dallas’ Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
“I looked to him as a mentor and an inspiration and a creative force behind the scenes. I cannot put into words how much he meant to me and how much he meant to this industry,” said WWE World Heavyweight Champion Triple H, who emceed the presentation after an introduction from Corey Graves and Tom Phillips.
“[He’s] already a Hall of Famer in every way possible,” said The Game of Rhodes, who, along with Triple H, helped to mentor the Superstars and Women of NXT to stardom. “This is just another step to immortality.”
“The American Dream’s” entire family shared the ring with The Game at the time of the statue’s unveiling, which Triple H performed alongside Rhodes’ sons, Dustin and Cody.
“It’s been a tough year for our family,” Dustin said after the unveiling. “Dad was an amazing man, but to us he was just ‘Pops.’ And he was a common man who became ‘The American Dream’ because he had a dream and he captured his dream. I want to say thank you to the fans who supported our father one hundred and ten percent over the years and continue to support Cody and myself.”
“Right now,” he continued, “I can guarantee you Dad is in Heaven getting funky like a monkey with the angels, looking down, very proud of all this.”
Brandi Rhodes, who performs as WWE ring announcer Eden, followed up.
“I only had the opportunity to be one of Dusty’s daughters for about two years,” she said, before thanking the rest of the family for allowing her to share in their moment. “It’s an awesome thing that he was able to be shared with all of us collectively.”
An emotional Cody closed out the proceedings with a pair of stories. One was a fun anecdote about Rhodes’ WWE Hall of Fame induction. (Question: “Who’d you ever beat?” Answer: “Everyone on that stage, baby.”) The second was a more heartfelt one about the elder Rhodes’ time running a promotion and calling up to offer condolences to a performer whose father had passed and made time to ask about what kind of man he’d been.
“Dusty Rhodes was famous for talking but he was a hell of a listener,” said Cody. “If you come to this statue, take a picture. Don’t be shy. Talk to him. Tell him how your day is going. Tell him who you think is going to win at WrestleMania. Tell him everything, because I have to believe that this special group of people that comes to WrestleMania, comes to Axxess, comes to NXT, people that love sports-entertainment, that echoes in heaven and earth.”
As Triple H departed to leave the Rhodes family alongside their father figure’s monument, the strains of Dusty’s theme song, the iconic “Common Man Boogie,” played “The American Dream” off into eternity.
