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Greetings to one and all joining us here for the very first edition of "Pro Wrestling Real Life Stories". Upon receiving a considerable amount of feedback on several recent pro-wrestling series that we've happened to cover, in this brand new series we are set to navigate through some of the most captivating real-life stories in the sports-entertainment business...Fans can look forward to 2 episodes released every weekend (Saturday & Sunday) in the upcoming days.
Today, given that the professional wrestling world has arrived at All In--without spoiling any results for you kind folks--we take a look back at the storied careers of some of the biggest performers whose names have been attached to All In in some form or another. Our aim is to chronicle the series of events which led some of these fan-favorites toward taking such a monumental financial risk--what with The Young Bucks and Cody Rhodes going 'all in' in hosting All In (pun intended).
Moreover, we are going to be taking a look at some rather intriguing anecdotes from the career of CM Punk--the man who drew the biggest line at the All In meet-and-greet earlier today. Here's a fair warning to those expecting our following discussion to be a dull and diplomatic one--Things are going to get heated and opinions are undoubtedly going to be divided...
#10 Cody Rhodes -- The Rebel
Cody Runnels, perhaps better known by his WWE ring-name Cody Rhodes, is one of the main protagonists of the All In story. Now, granted that the man formerly known as Stardust amassed a ton of wealth over the course of his decade-long stint with the WWE--the fact remains that long before his departure from the company in 2016, he was extremely unhappy about his standing in the promotional pecking order.
Cody left the WWE in 2016, and went on to work for a myriad of pro-wrestling organizations such as Evolve, ROH as well as NJPW--where he would find tremendous success.
Anecdotes:
Addressing his shocking decision of leaving the WWE in 2016, Cody Rhodes spoke to Sam Roberts on the latter's podcast later the same year--wherein the former revealed that the things leading up to his "great escape" from WWE, including said escape as well, were definitely dramatic.
"That didn't sit well with everybody (me leaving WWE)," Cody said. "The week before I quit, I'd been in Greensboro, North Carolina--dressing in the room where Dusty Rhodes and Ric Flair had been for WCW Starrcade 1993. And I looked in the bag, and there was this damn trash-bag (Stardust suit/costume) that I have to put on, with stars on it."
"I actually told Kofi (Kingston) a week before, where I had an argument with one of my bosses--we wont say which one--where I said I won't put on that effing suit one more time! I thought that will work. 20 minutes later, I'm putting the suit on (*laughs)--and I'm painting my face so sad in the mirror."
#9 The Young Bucks -- Reality behind relationship with WWE
Well, this one may bring out the naysayers from the woodworks--particularly given that the general consensus in pro-wrestling circles over the past few years, has been that The Young Bucks hate the idea of going to the WWE.
Honestly speaking, that couldn't be further than the truth. While The Bucks have made sporadic appearances for the company in the past, those WWE appearances came before their rise to global notoriety--before Matt & Nick Jackson became "The Young Bucks".
Anecdotes:
Alongside the forenamed Cody Rhodes, both Matt & Nick Jackson are the promoters who're responsible for putting forth All In. While most detractors of WWE may lend their support to The Bucks just to spite WWE, the two brothers on the other hand have always been pretty open to signing with the big 'E.
Here are a few interesting quotes from an out-of-character interview in 2015 featuring The Bucks, courtesy glennmoore.com--"It feels like what they're doing right, now, it's working for some of the guys--like The Rock, Rami Sebei (Sami Zayn), Kevin Owens...Right now if the offer was something really, really good; we would consider it."
#8 CM Punk -- The unintentional hero
CM Punk's signing booth at the All In meet-and-great earlier today witnessed hordes of fans lining up for a chance to meet the former WWE Champion and connoisseur of the "Pipe-bomb". Following his departure from the WWE in 2014, which also by his own admission marked the end of his pro-wrestling career that lasted from 1999 to '14--Punk has competed in the sport of MMA on a couple of occasions.
Punk lost to Mickey Gall by way of first-round submission in 2016, and endured a 3-round beat-down which resulted in a unanimous decision-loss to Mike Jackson earlier this year. Nevertheless, Punk continues to stand by his words--confirming that he'll never return to the professional wrestling ring again.
Anecdotes:
In several UFC media scrum interviews, CM Punk had notably clarified his intentions of sticking to the sport of MMA. However, following his second loss in the Octagon, UFC President Dana White went on to publicize the fact that Punk won't ever fight for the company again.
Notwithstanding, Punk commented on his second loss, in as many MMA fights, explaining that he still wishes to continue in the MMA sphere, and will never return to pro-wrestling. Despite The Voice of the Voiceless showing no interest in lacing up the wrestling boots again, his appearance at the aforesaid All In meet-and-greet seems to be one of the most talked-about occurrences in pro-wrestling this year...
#7 Dusty Rhodes and The Rhodes family legacy
"The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes was hailed by many as one of the greatest minds in the professional wrestling business. During his lifetime, Rhodes worked tirelessly as a wrestler, booker, producer, as well as a creative consultant for preeminent companies such as the WWE.
Despite boasting several laurels to his credit as an in-ring competitor, Dusty made a name for himself by helping craft professional wrestling masterpieces courtesy his brilliantly creative mind behind-the-scenes.
Anecdotes:
The vast majority of Dusty's co-workers--be it his peers or the younger lot--have had nothing but largely positive things to say about him. In fact, WWE head honcho Vince McMahon has often credited Dusty for being one of the most charismatic performers of all time.
Meanwhile, Triple H has time and again explained how instrumental Dusty was in helping develop the NXT brand while also hailing Dusty as a master at the art of running a pro-wrestling promotion, as well as several current main roster Superstars such as Bray Wyatt. Moreover, speaking to UFC commentator Jon Anik a few years ago, CM Punk recalled his fond memories of Dusty--
"I loved Dusty, and Dusty loved me...The best kind of lessons was him teaching and passing on his knowledge to the kids that they got down there in the developmental system now. He will be missed for sure."
#6 The NWA
Perhaps the most discussed fact in our compilation thus far is that Cody Rhodes has seemingly come full circle, with regard to the Rhodes family's legacy, in the NWA. Dusty was a 3-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, and beyond the shadow of a doubt, one of the most decorated performed in the company's history.
Similarly, Cody Rhodes who had been announced to face reigning NWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis for the latter's title at All In, has continued his father's legacy of according a magnanimous aura to the title.
Anecdotes:
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that Cody Rhodes vs. Nick Aldis for the NWA World Heavyweight title has been confirmed for All In...As soon as the aforementioned news broke, the pro-wrestling world has been anticipating a Cody win to close out All In.
Well, as we'd promised earlier, no spoilers here--Nevertheless, win or lose, Cody has etched his name in the history books as yet another member of the Rhodes family to compete in an NWA World Heavyweight Championship match. The Observer noted that several years after Dusty Rhodes captured his first NWA World Heavyweight title at a house show in Tampa, Florida on August 21st, 1979--Cody is on the cusp of greatness, having the opportunity to win the prestigious title his father once held...
#5 Dusty Rhodes explains how Vince McMahon and the WWF prevailed over WCW and the NWA
With All In and the ongoing banter of Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks and organizations such as ROH giving the WWE stiff competition--especially regards to the hardcore pro-wrestling fan-base--you can't help but recall the wide words by Cody's late father Dusty pertaining to WWE besting its rival organizations.
Anecdotes:
Thanks to Wrestling Shoots for passing the audio of Dusty Rhodes' memorable, detailed business dissection on how Vince McMahon in a stroke of genius got a head start on WCW and the NWA.
"That's the word; the two logos, WWF and NWA; a wrestling fan knew NWA, the world knew WWF. Sports Illustrated, I don't care if I have to buy it to get on there, getting on the cover (of SI), I'm doing it." Dusty continued on how Vince McMahon and the WWF (now--WWE) left its competitors such as WCW and the NWA behind, "So, the first was recognition, in which they ran off and left us. We could not get recognized out of that NWA syndrome as we're gonna wrestle for an hour and you (WWE) are gonna entertain us for an hour."
"Vince entertained me for an hour--he entertained us--still doing it. We (NWA) were 'wrestling', and I was wrestling--We were wrestling for an hour, and we were great, and we were good, but the world wasn't buying that. They were buying the wrestling and entertainment more."
#4 A journalist's tweet led to Cody Rhodes taking up a challenge
Names such as Bill Apter and Dave Meltzer are regarded by many as individuals who've successfully covered the sport of professional wrestling for years, and continue to do so even today. Meltzer answered a fan's question on Twitter last year, stating that ROH selling out a 10,000-seat show at a venue such as Madison Square Garden probably isn't going to happen anytime soon.
Well, Cody replied to Meltzer's tweet, and the rest, as they say, is history. In the weeks that ensued, Cody and The Young Bucks envisioned and plotted how they could possibly make a 10,000-seat show sell out in the US without being affiliated with the WWE.
Anecdotes:
Eventually, Cody and The Young Bucks broke news that they're set to put on an event titled "All In" at the Sears Centre in Chicago.
Needless to say, upon learning the specifics regarding the event, Meltzer shed light upon just how big of a deal All In would really be. Speaking on the Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer explained that Cody and The Young Bucks would be the promoters of the biggest indie wrestling event of 2018; and should the event prove to be a financial success--something which shall unravel in the days following All In--chances are that All In may turn into an annual pro-wrestling spectacle...
#3 It takes two to tango
While at this time, Cody Rhodes may be the talk of the town, as the old adage goes--It takes two to tango--And its his opponent at All In who seems to be somewhat flying under the radar. Heading into the event, the NWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis had some rather interesting comments which he made in an out-of-character interview with Sam Roberts.
In fact, Aldis seems to be just as fascinated and pleasantly surprised as the rest of us are, regarding Cody and The Young Bucks having finally been able to go forward with the mountainous task of promoting as big a pro-wrestling event as All In.
Anecdote:
Appearing on Sam Roberts' show Notsam Wrestling, Nick Aldis revealed his excitement for All In. What seems to have caught the eye of many, about Aldis' emotive statements throughout the show, is that he seemed to be genuinely moved by the incredible turn of events that have led everyone concerned to All In.
Long story short; Aldis explained that although he and Cody come from different backgrounds--Cody being the son of wrestling legend Dusty, whereas Aldis being better know as the spouse of women's wrestling legend Mickie James--he and Cody still share a ton of parallels. Aldis recalled that he, Cody as well as The Young Bucks had several failures over the course of their respective careers, but have now truly 'found themselves'...
#2 Kenny Omega -- The Cleaner and his violent foe are All In
Leading up to All In, Kenny Omega made headlines for reasons other than his amazing in-ring performances. Omega is said to have cracked his heel, while executing a Terminator Dive during a match at the Cow Palace.
Regardless, "The Cleaner"--who has been unusually under-the-radar ahead of All In--continued to wrestle despite the painful injury.
Anecdotes:
Well, it'd probably come as no surprise that Kenny Omega is delighted at the prospect of his real-life friends--Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks--organizing a show as grand as All In.
Omega confirmed that he's set to face who many consider to be one of the, if not the, most violent people in the business today--Pentagon Jr. at All In. Omega's pairing with Pentagon Jr. came as a welcome matchup to many, with several of The Cleaner's peers noting that irrespective of the physical condition Kenny is in right now with his heel injury issues, Pentagon Jr. is the perfect man to make this match hard-hitting and believable while protecting Omega at the same time...
#1 All In
It'd be safe to say that Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks have done it. What we can best perceive from their real-life statements on All In, is that a trio of young veterans of the sport have come together to promote a wrestling event which they had, for years, envisioned as fans.
All In is the result of several wonderful careers converging and meeting at the zenith--at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois on September 1st.
Anecdotes:
Judging from the compilation of the who's who involved in the equation, in conclusion, we could say that CM Punk--love him or hate him--undoubtedly played a major role in all of this. Forget about the appearance at the meet-and-greet--the question is not whether he wrestled at All In or did not--The simple fact that Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks chose to promote the event in Punk's hometown of Chicago, has involved the former WWE Champion into the magnificent promotional monster that is All In.
Men and women may lie, but numbers don't. Earlier today at the All In meet-and-greet, the hordes of fans lining up to meet CM Punk once again proved the pull The Second City Savior has in the business even today despite barely putting in any effort at all.
Opinion:
In conclusion, it'd safe to say that Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks, as well as stars such as Nick Aldis, Marty Scurll and of course "The Cleaner" Kenny Omega are here to stay...They're here to make a difference in the business. We are All In...Are you?
