'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What's the story?
Respected wrestling trainer and former OVW Heavyweight Champion Rip Rogers made an appearance on Sean Waltman's podcast recently, to talk about comedy wrestling, pro wrestling in the modern age and a lot more. Rogers said that he doesn't expect to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame any time soon.
In case you didn't know...
Born Mark Sciarra, Rip Rogers had a semi-successful career as a professional wrestler. After getting his start for the Poffos in Indiana, Rogers worked for Jim Crockett Promotions as part of the second version of the Hollywood Blondes, alongside Ted Oates.
From there Rogers went on to work for Stampede Wrestling, WWC and WCW, before settling in OVW in the late '90s. Rogers soon gained greater notoriety as a trainer, having a hand in the development of many major sports entertainers such as John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton and Dave Batista.
Rogers is one of wrestling's most respected voices, and his social media rants are considered vital reading by many in the industry.
The heart of the matter
During his chat with former WWF European Champion Sean 'X-Pac' Waltman, Rogers was asked about the possibility of a future WWE Hall of Fame induction. The Hustler was quick to play down his own importance in wrestling history, saying that he is 'nothing' compared to the guys that get inducted.
Rogers went on to refer to himself as little more than a fan, someone who enjoyed performing no matter what size crowd he found himself in front of, and someone who gave their all at all times. The Foul-Mouthed Ripper doesn't foresee a Hall of Fame invitation in his future.
Elsewhere in the podcast, Rogers spoke about seeing Randy Savage break character and his disapproval of some of the most infamous comedic wrestling spots of modern times, including Joey Ryan's penis-related the offence.
What's next?
Rip Rogers will continue to be one of the most respected voices in all of professional wrestling. The notoriously old-school trainer is arguably in his final generation as such, and it is Rogers who has often led the crusade against certain aspects of modern wrestling. Expect him to stay much the same, in the years that follow.
Author's take
Despite the respect attached to his name, it is somewhat unlikely that Rip Rogers would find himself with a WWE Hall of Fame induction any time soon. The role he played in the development of Cena, Lesnar and the rest should not be ignored, but should not be overplayed either.
Send us news tips at [email protected]
