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What’s the story?
On an edition of Sitting Ringside, ‘The Pope’ Elijah Burke spoke to David Penzer on working with his idol, Dusty Rhodes in the WWE.
Additionally, The Pope also narrated an emotional story that saw The Undertaker giving him invaluable advice before the former’s first WrestleMania match.
In case you didn’t know…
'The Pope' aka D’Angelo Dinero, whose real name is Elijah Burke, worked for the WWE from 2004-2008.
'The Pope' also extensively worked for Impact Wrestling and parted ways with the promotion after a long working relationship which ended in August 2017.
The heart of the matter
'The Pope' recalled that early in his WWE career, he first introduced himself to Dusty Rhodes. The latter in fact needed no introduction to him. 'The Pope' added that Rhodes showed him a paper issued by WWE creative and told him that’s what management wants 'The Pope" to say.
Nevertheless, Rhodes would then roll up the paper and throw it away. He then told 'The Pope' that he ought to say what he wants to say, and not simply follow the directives handed down to him. The Pope emphasized that it was Rhodes’ teachings that helped him gain confidence in delivering his promos. Furthermore, The Pope recalled his experience with The Undertaker before Wrestlemania 23—
"I was standing backstage with the Undertaker holding me. I was crying like a baby, and him telling me, 'That's what they want to see. That's the type of passion they want to see. Enjoy this moment!"
What’s next?
'The Pope' is yet to sign with another promotion after his 2017 departure from Impact Wrestling.
On the other hand, fans can watch The Undertaker return to the WWE for the first time since Wrestlemania 33, on the special 25th anniversary episode of Monday Night RAW this January 22nd.
Author’s take
One can’t help but appreciate The Pope’s passion for the professional wrestling business. The 39-year-old former amateur boxer has always been one of the most underappreciated talents in the sport and perhaps with Impact Wrestling now in the rearview, he could spend the next few years of his career in the WWE.
