Vaudeville is the name given to a theatrical genre consisting of variety of unrelated acts brought together under a single show. Such shows were popular in the United States nearly a century back and for NXT wrestlers, Aiden English and Simon Gotch to create a gimmick based on such a forgotten art is certainly courageous.
The Vaudevillains,who made their WWE main roster debut last week, did make the gimmick work in NXT. This list takes a look at 5 things you might not have known about Gotch and English.
1). Simon Gotch’s real name is John Smith and was once used as a rosebud
Unless you have a legendary surname like Hart or Guerrero, you might consider having a ring name to add to your gimmick. Well, when your gimmick has always been that of a yesteryear wrestler, it is difficult to go along with your real name – especially if your name is something as generic as John Smith.
Smith has used a variety of ring names during his time in the independents – including Psycho Seth, Ryan Drago, Seth Lesser and Super Otaku before deciding to use the Simon Gotch name in NXT.
Gotch was even used as a rosebud for Adam Rose
2). Aiden English is a former actor
While growing up in Chicago, Aiden English – real name Matthew Rehwoldt – wanted to be an actor. He has acted in numerous stage plays over his young career as well.
After graduating Highschool, Aiden enrolled at Columbia College and studied acting. He passed out in 2010 with B.A degree in Arts. His acting course had an emphasis on stage combat, which came in handy later for English.
3). Aiden English’s first televised match involved Paige
Aiden first signed a WWE contract in 2012 when he was assigned to FCW. His first televised match there was a mixed tag team match.
Aiden’s partner was former FCW women’s champion Audrey Marie. His opponents – one-half of Ascension Victor and the future WWE Divas’ Champion Paige. Aiden and Paige moved on to NXT and where Paige enjoyed immediate attention. Aiden though, was used as a jobber before forming the Vaudevillains with Gotch.
4). Both were named in the PWI 250 list of singles wrestlers in 2014
Pro Wrestling Illustrated is considered to be one of the best judges of Pro wrestling and it is an honour to be part of their top wrestlers list. Both English and Gotch found a mention as singles wrestlers in the PWI list, with Gotch ranked at 215 and English ranked at 207 in the 2014 list of Singles wrestlers.
5). Aiden English is married to Eddie Guerrero’s daughter
Aiden English married Shaul Guerrero - daughter of former WWE Superstars Eddie and Vickie – on January 3, 2016. Shaul had wrestled in FCW as Raquel Diaz and had been the longest reigning FCW Women’s Champion before leaving the company in 2014.
Shaul has also forged a singing and acting career and with his marriage to her, Aiden has been made part of the Guerrero family.
