Nikki Bella

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Nikki Bella" Episode of What Do You Wanna Talk About? with Cody Rhodes

Released on July 23, 2025

---

Introduction

In this special episode of What Do You Wanna Talk About? with Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes welcomes the illustrious Nikki Bella, marking the first Hall of Famer to grace the show. As two-time and longest-reigning Divas Champion, Nikki brings a wealth of experience and personal insights to the conversation. The episode delves deep into their shared history in WWE, personal lives, entrepreneurial endeavors, and Nikki's perspectives on the evolution of women's wrestling.

---

Backstage Stories and WrestleMania Experiences

Nikki and Cody reminisce about pivotal moments behind the scenes at WrestleMania, highlighting both memorable and challenging experiences.

• Iconic Moments: Nikki recalls a significant backstage photo: “I remember it so well. I feel like I still see it every now and then” (02:28). This image captured Nikki, her sister Brie, and Damien Sandow in a symbolic hug, moments before their match was controversially cut from the broadcast.

• Emotional Impact: Nikki shares the emotional toll of having matches cut for drama purposes, expressing her frustration: “But if they cut it for drama, for TV, that actually pisses me off” (03:31).

• Unexpected Encounters: A humorous yet nerve-wracking anecdote unfolds when Cody accidentally encounters then-President Donald Trump backstage: “I look up, and it is the sitting President of the United States, Donald Trump...I just turned and I'm in full gear” (04:24).

---

Life Beyond Wrestling: Personal Lives and Parenthood

The conversation shifts to Nikki's life outside the ring, focusing on her role as a mother and her growth as an entrepreneur.

• Balancing Act: Nikki discusses the joys and challenges of motherhood: “I have this needy baby. All I need for life” (25:53). She emphasizes the importance of fostering resilience in her son while maintaining a strong personal identity.

• Entrepreneurial Ventures: Transitioning from wrestling, Nikki highlights her ventures into winemaking and hosting shows, expressing her passion: “I really love hosting. So I've gotten to work with a lot of badass people in the industry” (18:19).

---

Entrepreneurial Ventures and Hosting Shows

Nikki elaborates on her post-wrestling career, particularly her entrepreneurial efforts and her love for hosting.

• Wine Production: Alongside her sister Brie, Nikki has delved into winemaking, producing wines that reflect their personal tastes and business acumen.

• Television Hosting: Nikki shares her experiences hosting shows like AGT Extreme alongside industry legends such as Simon Cowell and Carson Daly. She praises Carson's support: “Carson was so amazing. I have to say, all the people that I've worked with because I really enjoyed AGT Extreme with Terry Crews, Simon Cowell, and Travis Pastrana all amazing” (20:09).

---

Advice for Aspiring Female Wrestlers

Nikki offers invaluable advice to young women aspiring to enter the wrestling industry, drawing from her extensive experience.

• Perseverance: “Never take no for an answer. I never did” (70:22). Nikki emphasizes the importance of resilience and turning negatives into positives.

• Character Development: She advises aspiring wrestlers to develop multifaceted characters: “Know your character. Know the layers. Be a standout...They have to have it” (70:33).

• Craftsmanship: Nikki underscores the necessity of honing both in-ring skills and storytelling abilities, stating, “We are a Broadway with body slams” (71:48).

---

Evolution of WWE Divas to Modern Women's Division

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the transformation from the Divas era to the modern women's division in WWE.

• Empowerment and Strength: Nikki reflects on the Divas era, highlighting the balance between femininity and athleticism: “The Divas is. They had it all. They had empowerment, they had inspiration...they had beauty and they used that as their strength” (57:17).

• Respecting the Past: She expresses appreciation for the struggles and triumphs of the Divas, advocating for their legacy: “But I really loved that era. And also the Divas were kind of like...we had to earn our place” (57:29).

• Modern Perspective: Nikki acknowledges the advancements in the women's division while honoring its roots: “We need them both [storytelling and moves], and that's what makes us so badass and cool” (73:09).

---

Training and Mentorship in Wrestling

Nikki and Cody discuss the importance of training facilities and mentorship in shaping successful wrestlers.

• The Dungeon 2.0: Nikki praises her training facility, Dungeon 2.0, highlighting the expertise of coaches Natty and TJ: “TJ has the smartest brain in the wrestling industry...He can coach very well” (61:55).

• Mentorship: Both emphasize the role of mentors in their careers, with Nikki stating, “But it's just, we have gone through a lot together...it’s a sisterhood” (67:45).

• Future Generations: Nikki looks forward to mentoring upcoming wrestlers, particularly her nephews who are entering the business: “They're special, and I'd love it if they trained with me” (65:36).

---

Connection and Storytelling in Wrestling

The duo delves into the essence of wrestling as a storytelling medium, emphasizing the blend of athleticism and narrative.

• Audience Connection: Nikki asserts, “We go and tell a story on that mat with moves. We are sports entertainment. We are not just sports, and we are not just entertainment. We are both” (71:21).

• Promotional Skills: Cody shares his realization of the importance of storytelling in promos: “But here's why we're arguing. We need them both, guys” (71:03).

• Legacy and Influence: They acknowledge how iconic promos and storylines have shaped their careers and the industry at large.

---

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Nikki and Cody reflect on their enduring friendship, professional collaborations, and the vibrant legacy they continue to build within WWE and beyond.

• Hall of Fame Pride: Nikki beams with pride over her Hall of Fame induction, sharing her excitement: “And you said, you rock yours. And you said, you rock yours” (52:38).

• Enduring Friendship: The conversation underscores the deep bond between Nikki and Cody, forged through years of shared experiences in the wrestling world.

• Looking Forward: Both express optimism for the future, eager to continue contributing to the industry and inspiring the next generation of wrestlers.

---

Notable Quotes:

1. “Never take no for an answer. I never did.” (70:22)
   — Nikki Bella

2. “We are a Broadway with body slams.” (71:48)
   — Cody Rhodes

3. “The Divas is. They had it all. They had empowerment, they had inspiration...they had beauty and they used that as their strength.” (57:17)
   — Nikki Bella

4. “We need them both [storytelling and moves], and that's what makes us so badass and cool.” (73:09)
   — Cody Rhodes

5. “But I really loved that era. And also the Divas were kind of like...we had to earn our place.” (57:29)
   — Nikki Bella

---

Final Thoughts

This episode offers an intimate glimpse into Nikki Bella's journey, her unwavering commitment to wrestling, and her evolution into a multifaceted entrepreneur and mother. Cody and Nikki's candid dialogue not only celebrates past achievements but also sets the stage for future endeavors, inspiring listeners with their resilience, passion, and dedication to the art of wrestling.

Transcript

[A]

Close your eyes. Exhale. Feel your body relax. And let go of whatever you're carrying today. Well, I'm letting go of the worry that I wouldn't get my new contacts in time for this class. I got them delivered free from 1-800-contacts. Oh, my gosh. They're so fast. And breathe. Oh, sorry. I almost couldn't breathe when I saw the discount they gave me on my first order. Oh, sorry. Namaste. Visit 1-800-contacts.com today to save on your first order. 1-800-contacts. With the Venmo debit card, you can Venmo everything. Your favorite band's merch. You can Venmo this or their next show. You can Venmo that. Visit Venmo Me Debit to learn more. The Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp bank in a pursuant to license by MasterCard International, Inc. The card may be used everywhere. MasterCard is accepted. Venmo purchase restrictions apply.

[B]

This is a WWE and Fanatics original production. Welcome to what do youo Want To Talk About? And today, very, very special guests. Special guests. And I found out not only is this individual a Hall of Famer. Hall of Famer, which I knew already, but thinking about it, this is the first hall of Famer we have had on the show, so we are honored. Two time Divas Champion and the longest reigning Divas Champion at that. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to what do youo Want To Talk About? Nikki Bella.

[A]

First Hall of Famer. Cheers to that.

[B]

Cheers to that. And they clapped, actually. Which is a new thing.

[A]

Oh, yay.

[B]

New thing. So you can tell.

[A]

Thank you, guys.

[B]

Tell love. At first, nobody was clapping. Now we're clapping. We need to get a whole laugh track. Clapping. Whole thing. Get it going. Get big boisterous noise. First thing I'm gonna ask you is probably now what you think is the first thing I'm gonna ask you.

[A]

Uh.

[B]

Oh. Maybe you could guess, though.

[A]

Um. How is the beam back?

[B]

That's a great question. And we're gonna definitely ask that. But the first question I'm gonna ask you is. Do you remember?

[A]

I knew it.

[B]

A photo.

[A]

Oh, no.

[B]

That myself, your sister, you and Damien Sandow all took backstage at WrestleMania.

[A]

The one that never happened.

[B]

Right before the match was cut in gorilla.

[A]

Yeah, the hug.

[B]

We're all hugging. As in, we're gonna go do this. This symbolic. Do you remember this photo?

[A]

I remember it so well. I feel like I still see it every now and then.

[B]

It was black and white. It was posted in black and white. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Okay.

[A]

Which I guess that was already, like, foreshadowing the situation. You know what I mean?

[B]

The doom that would come.

[A]

Yes. That was really sad.

[B]

So it's funny that we're laughing about it now.

[A]

Yeah. Because it's not funny.

[B]

Here you are. You have literally, total divas being your show, moving into total Bellas, executive producing, this wonderful career that comes out of it. The reason I'm asking about this photo is because the conspiracy was that the match was never supposed to happen in the first place, that the drama of it being cut would be entertaining. But I felt like we didn't. Weren't thinking that.

[A]

Yeah. I mean, this is my thing. Cause I've heard this a lot. I mean, then it was kind of notorious that, like, matches would get cut. Right. Very true. It was like. Yeah. So I feel like it actually really did get cut. But if they cut it for drama, for tv, that actually pisses me off.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

When I just. The outfits Bri and I had on, like, ew. We always. Top hats, poetizing Kane. What were we thinking?

[B]

Like, I don't remember.

[A]

Oh, I think we thought New York, Sinatra, whatever.

[B]

It was a complicated build.

[A]

Yeah, Wasn't it? The most. It's like I've had some walk of shames in college.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

That was the worst walk of shame I've ever done in my life.

[B]

So my walk of shame is a little different.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I knew you guys had been hit hard by it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I knew there was one person. I'm not naming names, who was overly optimistic and like, all right, well, we'll do it at raw. And that they were in that place. I was so angry. And at that point, I think that's the first moment where I was like, I'm out. I am out. Out. Didn't come till years later, but I thought, no, I'm out.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So my walk of shame wasn't far because I went under the stage.

[A]

Oh.

[B]

So I went under the stage. Just sit there. Because I really, like, my fear was I'm gonna say something or yell at somebody or some writer is going to ask for something. I'm going to go crazy. So I wouldn't set it on the stage. I was really trying to kind of control my emotions, the whole thing. And believe it or not, I'm sitting there. I'm not looking ahead, and I felt the kick on my foot, and I heard, excuse me, young man. And I look up, and it is the sitting President of the United States, Donald Trump, who is with his entire family walking by to then go out to do the hall of Fame shout out or whatever it was. And I literally was like, oh, sorry, excuse me. And I just turned and I'm in full gear. I had, like, my new robe on and everything because everyone had new gear. And this was WrestleMania. Yeah. I remember this picture, and I feel like it's a very large. Maybe it shouldn't be, but it is. It's a large part of the journey.

[A]

Yes. Yeah, it was. And do you remember when we were doing the overseas tour and we had a match one night and, like, when FIT yelled at us so bad was like, what were you all doing? Remember, all of a sudden, Brodus, like, had a kiss spot with me and then people. I guess it was a bit out of control, but remember how bad we got yelled at? And we all were sitting there like, this is. That was a really bad feeling.

[B]

When FIT yells at you, it's gotta be really, really bad.

[A]

Really, really bad.

[B]

That's far beneath. Yeah.

[A]

It was the only time I had ever had seen in my entire career so angry and like, I. I was just remember being like, I. Oh, my.

[B]

Gosh, what a combination. I feel like the whole thing was that because the. The build is. The build is really messy. There's a moment I'll never forget, and I'm. I don't mean this in a funny way. It just. You were in. You nearly fell one time on the mat walking, and I had to catch you. You were in heels and you nearly fell. So we had that and you.

[A]

And how about when my finger got stuck in your mustache?

[B]

Finger got stuck in the mustache on.

[A]

Like, a live promo.

[B]

Yeah, in the. And there was a couple real moments of, what are we doing? And then we did the probably insensitive out of touch with Trin. The whole promo we did right before where we were all acting as if we were tons of funk in the Funkadactyls. And looking back, I feel like none of that would fly. No, I don't think none of it. I don't think it flied then.

[A]

No.

[B]

Oh, gosh.

[A]

I mean, our stuff was pretty wild. Yeah, it was crazy. And then what was so crazy during that? It was just being brand new to reality tv.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It's just everything was new.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But I know we always look back because especially to see where you're at right now, it's, like, just wild to think you were there. Even though I feel like you had great chemistry with Brie and I, like, all that was amazing in Sandow, but it is wild to think what it.

[B]

All was it to me, that's so much of the stuff that was so bad. And I look back at one of the things I think is, I don't know if this is the way to think, but I'm like, hey, man, you can survive anything. Like, maybe there's this fear, this fearlessness that comes from. Maybe you can survive. Listen, you got through that. Got cut in Guerrilla.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Got pushed aside by the president and his family. Under, like, that alone, just so much. And speaking of fearless, what are you drinking?

[A]

Hot and Fearless.

[B]

Hot and Fearless.

[A]

Hot and fearless. Okay, so usually I would have a Tahin rim, but bartender. Bartender.

[B]

He didn't do it, huh?

[A]

No, he didn't. Listen to me. I'm going to have to give your bartender talk or body slam after this.

[B]

So the bartender has been discussion on the show lately.

[A]

Oh, he has?

[B]

Yeah. I won't go too far into it, but we have often wondered, like, how did he get the gig?

[A]

Oh, right, Audition.

[B]

Apparently he's like, me, Nepo baby. Nepo baby juiced in. Yeah, apparently he's Nepo shirt made that says, like, a Nepo baby shirt.

[A]

That'd be awesome.

[B]

So a big thing for me is Nepo. I like to now kind of try and be the lead of the Nepo babies.

[A]

Yeah, that's actually pretty cool.

[B]

I literally will tell, like, Sammy's son when he's at tv. I'll get down on a knee and be like, hey, man, it's gonna be different for you. You're right in.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Private jet, buddy. Yeah. Like in Sammy, I can tell he's like, don't tell him that. I'm like, yo, bro, you're. Right away, you're gonna have tons of heat in the locker room. Who cares? Yeah, who cares? And like, I. So I do, like, I like to look out for a Nepo baby.

[A]

Yeah, totally.

[B]

They don't always turn out great.

[A]

No, not at all.

[B]

No, they don't always turn out too much.

[A]

They don't know how to earn.

[B]

No.

[A]

Some do if their parents are great. But the ones that just want to.

[B]

Phone it in, it kind of. No, it goes back to that. Phone it in. But also like, hey, my dad did this, my mom did this. I can do this. You probably can do it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But the whole grind of it. I was talking with my niece about that tonight. I was like, hey, the hard part is the door is open.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So it's like, yeah, sure, come in. But then you're around people who have been just digging for it, living for it, and some of them Are cool enough to be like, I get it. Come on in, do your thing. But you're just up against a pretty large wall right out of the gate. And if your parent, whoever preceded you, was over in any way, it's even worse.

[A]

Totally.

[B]

You're just. You're just dealing with that on a consistent. You're playing like a tribute act, and then you don't want to play a tribute act because you want to be yourself. Then you go too far out and you're like, hey, it's a very. It's a journey.

[A]

It is. You know, my grandfather was great at it because he and his brothers. I think it's because they came from Italy to South Philly.

[B]

Sure. Yeah.

[A]

Produce cart. And some of the first farmers Southern California. And so my uncles and even my mom, the daughters, he. He made them work in the fields in the summer up until they had to go to college. They worked hard and they worked in the desert and in the heat. So my uncles have grown the family company. Just massive company.

[B]

I love that.

[A]

Oh, yeah, it's huge. But that was someone who. Okay, dad started all this. But then dad made them earn and give, and so then they made it bigger. So would they fall under Nepo babies? I don't know.

[B]

So you're Nepo baby no matter what.

[A]

No matter what. Right. Even if you're like, you could be a cool all star Nepo baby. Or you're just like Nepo baby, like the bartender.

[B]

Well, here's. Here's. Well, just kidding. No, I mean, we're, you know, we're figuring it out, but I mean, Tajin. Tajin Rim, bro.

[A]

All you had to do is grab Tahin.

[B]

Maybe the next one has that Tajin. Yeah, but the Hot and Fearless is the drink. Hot and Fearless Wheatley American Vodka. We have American Mule Classic American Mule here. Thanks for joining me. This is huge.

[A]

This is fun.

[B]

When you were at the rumble, I remember being like, oh, I gotta say, I gotta talk to her. Like, so much has happened. I mean, I remember that was a big thing. I was like, so much has happened.

[A]

You're like, where do I begin with her?

[B]

Ma', am. I need you, like, a lot. Since this moment of being cut in shame in gorilla. Oh, my gosh.

[A]

I mean, a lot, because. Yeah, I haven't really talked to you since that storyline. Right.

[B]

That was it. We did that. It got cut. Yeah, we did do it on Raw. And then it was. We moved on into the. Yeah. I'm so sorry you had to stand across from the period of time I had the mustache.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And it was so just. It was good in person. It was. In person. It was different than how it looked on screen in person. It was so little hair. And I had put Black Just For Men on it so that it stood out from a TV perspective, you know, that's how. In the end, that's why I had to cut it.

[A]

Oh, really?

[B]

So I used to. I didn't have any skills on mustache trimming.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So I didn't know any. I just had a mustache from the three weeks I was away. It wasn't much of one, so I would just. I took, like, clippers and I. Above the lip. Didn't really know, but one time I just got a little tight and it got in here where it was not a good look.

[A]

Oh, no.

[B]

And I was walking through the airport, and I knew, like, gotta go. Like, I can't. I can't even sell work. Like, this has to go, you know? Yeah. So.

[A]

But it does seem tough. Mustache trimming.

[B]

Well, it's. So now, today, face hair's a thing.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Then it was still, like. It was in its infancy of its being reborn. Now everyone's about their beard. The beard oil, things of that.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

I'm shocked when I look back. Cause I remember Brandi. We'd take pictures together and stuff. I feel like I'm shocked she hung in. That's a real wrestler thing, like having absurd long hair or some gimmick, whatever it may be. And. Yeah. You've gotta go through life, civilian life, with that. Yeah. No, that's the things we do, though.

[A]

Yeah. Well, but then it's hard to date out of it because then you're looking for edge and you're like, well, where's the uniqueness? Like, someone could just be boring. You're like, oh, you're normal. Like, I need a weird mustache or I need something.

[B]

I love that you said you're normal. Arn Anderson used to always be like that part. He'd literally say it. And I say it now, and I'm like, it's so condescending. But I still say it now. He'd be like, I don't know. He'd talk about somebody. He's like, he's dating a civilian. He'd say, like, this guy's just a civilian. I'm like, is everyone a civilian? That's not us. But that was how he did it. I'm like, I get it, though. Like, I get it. Like, oh, it's just a civilian. That his way of saying they're not in the circle doesn't mean they're bad or just not in the circle. So to say, summer is here. More sun, more light, more time to do all the things that make summer so special. And the number one thing you don't want to be doing all summer? Spending hours cooking inside. That's where Factor comes in. Factor's chef crafted Dietitian approved meals are ready in just two minutes, taking the hassle out of eating well. Factor meals arrive fresh and ready to eat, perfect for any active lifestyle over summer and beyond. With 45 weekly menu options, you can pick gourmet meals that fit your summer gains and goals. Choose from options like Calorie, Smart, Protein plus Keto and more. Factor powers your day sunup to sundown with nutritious breakfasts on the go, lunches, premium dinners and and guilt free snacks and desserts. Factor has your whole day covered. Enjoy more this summer. Get Factor if you want all the flavor and none of the fuss. I personally love the Protein plus meals. They're delicious, high protein and keep me going while I'm on the road away from home. Get [e-mail] Cody 50 off and use code Cody50OFF to get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box. I know my fans have been waiting for something new. Well head to WWE Shop and check out my new American Nightmare Stars and Stripes collection including authentic tees, hat, weightlifting belt and everyone's favorite windbreaker jacket. The Cody Rhodes Stars and Stripes Collection is live now. Don't wait to grab yours now. Only on WWShop.com this episode is brought.

[A]

To you by Stay Farm. Knowing you could be saving money for the things you really want, like that dream house or ride, is a great feeling. That's why the State Farm Personal Price Plan can help you save when you choose to bundle home and auto bundling. Just another way to save with a personal price plan. Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability, amount of discounts and savings and eligibility vary by state.

[B]

Hey, it's Ryan Reynolds here for Mint Mobile. Now I was looking for fun ways to tell you that Mint's offer of unlimited premium wireless for $15 a month is back. So I thought it would be fun if we made $15 bills, but it turns out that's very illegal. So there goes my big idea for the commercial. Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment.

[A]

Of $45 for a three month plan equivalent to $15 per month required new customer offer for first three months only. Speed slow after 35 gigabytes of network's busy taxes and fees extra. See mintmobile.com hey, guys, it's CD Lamb.

[B]

Wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. I'm partnering with Abercrombie this season to.

[A]

Tell you all about their viral denim.

[B]

All you need to know is denim.

[A]

Should fit like this. My jeans need to check a lot.

[B]

Of boxes fit first, trend second.

[A]

They need to go with whatever I'm feeling. And Abercrombie Denim has it down whether I'm throwing on a tee or putting the whole fit together. Shop Abercrombie denim in the app, online and in store.

[B]

Pro Savings day's doorbuster deals are on at Lowes. My Lowe's Pro Rewards members save an additional $120 on a GE 21.5 1.9 cubic foot top freezer refrigerator. Plus members save $70 on a Bosch hammer drill. Now only 99 Not A Pro rewards member join for free today. Lowe's we help you save valid through 723 while supplies last selection varies by location. Loyalty program subject to terms and conditions. Cloze.com terms for details. Subject to change. So what have you been up to this whole time?

[A]

Oh, my gosh, lots of things, you know.

[B]

Well, you know why I know that?

[A]

Why?

[B]

I've watched a. But also I have this many notes in terms of, oh, God, all the things that you've been doing.

[A]

I thought you were about to put out pull out headlines. I was like, oh, gosh, it's not that type. No, no, no, no, I'm just kidding.

[B]

Not that type show. No.

[A]

Well, I mean, like you, I've become a parent, which isn't it just the greatest thing ever.

[B]

What a. What a game changer.

[A]

What a game changer.

[B]

Cheers to that.

[A]

Cheers to that.

[B]

Cheers to that.

[A]

Greatest thing ever. You know, I was thinking about this the other day. I'm like, you can have all these loves of your life and great loves. We all have them. We all fall in love a few times. I feel like in our lifetime, especially if we're lacking deep loves. But nothing compares to unconditional love, no matter what that feeling of I will sacrifice life for this little human being. And so he's gonna be five in a few weeks.

[B]

Oh, my gosh.

[A]

So it's just crazy to think all these years being a mom and then just really growing as an entrepreneur.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, doing it that way. Winemaker. Well, wine producer, I should say.

[B]

Winemaker. Wine producer.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Wines coming from you.

[A]

Wine. Lots of wine coming From Bri and I. And then what I've really fallen in love with is hosting shows. Yeah. I really love hosting. So I've gotten to work with a lot of badass people in the industry.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I mean, to even judge with Simon Cowell, like, so this is a question.

[B]

I was going to ask you, actually. I was going to ask you. Cause you've had these entrepreneurial efforts. You've done hosting. You've been very far outside our bubble, crossed into this mainstream, and you've done this. Was there one of these people? And not looking for a negative side of it, more a positive. There's somebody you met that has just been the best outside of our world. You mentioned Simon, you mentioned. Is there someone out there that's just blown you away with how they are as an entertainer in their world?

[A]

Oh, yeah. I mean, I for sure. Like, the first person that comes to mind is, like, Blake Shelton.

[B]

Oh, yeah. Okay.

[A]

You know, like, because. Let's go. Yeah, Right. Hosting Barmageddon, Blake would always open up the show performing. So getting to watch him perform live for every show and close the show. He's incredible. And we had a live crowd in there every time we shot. So how he was and then interacted, but then during our show, how funny he was and charming and charismatic, and I was like, wow, Now I understand, like, why this guy just made the Voice so big, why him and Gwen Stevani are so madly in love. Like, one. They're so cute. But, like, Blake is like. He's someone who. I'm like, whoa. Like, this is all of it, you know? And it was really impressive. And Carson Daly, too. Like, those two are so together, you know, we have a lot of shout.

[B]

Out to Carson Daly, by the way.

[A]

Carson Daly been through it, man.

[B]

Like, dude, been through it. That's a. I feel like that's our generation of, like, I'm not. You're. You're not gonna make sure. We went to TRL to get to shaming Carson Daly.

[A]

He's amazing.

[B]

Yeah, he did.

[A]

He did it. And he's hilarious. And, you know, my first day on set, it was like, the first show I was hosting was with Gwen spawning Cheryl Crow. And then to have Carson and Blake there, too. Like, that's a lot of pressure.

[B]

Oh, my gosh.

[A]

And we had to do a double. Yeah. And Carson was so amazing. Of, like, any tips, you need, advice, whatever. And I have to say, all the people that I've worked with because I really enjoyed AGT Extreme with Terry Crews, Simon Cowell, and Travis Pastrana all amazing. Everyone makes it like, Simon so scary and he couldn't be nicer and, like, helpful. And I've never judged anything. So to go in and like, day one, they're like, you're going to race Porsches and then we'll start judging. Like, I'm going to be judging Simon Cowell and like.

[B]

Yeah. So did you feel you rose to the occasion or did you feel you were already there? Yeah, so I. Well, on these settings, when I've been outside, I've watched a few of them and like, oh, yeah, they're really. And I'm supposed to be the wrestler in this, so sometimes I've felt like the imposter syndrome hits hard in terms of. In my experience where just the two little seasons I did of Go Big Show, I was legit. Like, Snoop, there's T Pain, there's Jennifer Nettles and like. But I felt like I got a lot out of it. Yeah, I feel like you were made for that.

[A]

Oh, thank you. You learned definitely a lot from it. But I felt very much at home. Yeah, like hosting. I felt very much at home. And the one thing I think you probably felt were great at is, like, live. Like, even if it's taped live to life, like, we just. Something happens and we just. We rise up. We can do it. But I really was like, oh, my gosh, I love these environments. Like, I've gotten to do such cool stuff and I love it.

[B]

Pro wrestlers are the best crisis people.

[A]

We really are.

[B]

There is no such thing as like, oh, the camera broke. Great, we'll keep going. What do you need? Oh, can you do it again? Yeah, we can do it again. There's no tantrum. There's no. It's. Pro wrestlers are really. There are certain people have hidden in Hollywood where they're always like, oh, such and such is so great to work. I'm like, yeah, of course they had to do this. Yeah, they had to do this. And also we would do a live show where it's a hit and there's no redo on that. You know, there's no. And our version of a redo is we've got to find another way to get to that same spot without looking. Like, we ran the exact same spot. Yeah, that's.

[A]

Well. And I used to tell people too. I used to be like, not only do we do that, we do it in front of Vince.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Or we did. That made it even harder, like, because we knew you only had so many chances and that was it. Like, oh, you know, you Lost your spot. Your mania match got taken from you and gorilla.

[B]

It's so, it's so funny you mentioned doing it in front of someone in Gorilla. I. Do you ever feel the sense of when gorilla kind of clears out, pressure's a little less.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Like at the end of the night for the closing show, Dark or whatever it may be. Every now and then when gorilla clears out, I can always. Part of me is always like, okay, it's a little. It's a little less.

[A]

You know, judgy ones are watching.

[B]

Yeah, they're. They're. They. I'm. I'm going to go out there and we're going to have a great time. I'm going to do. Have fun with the crowd and they're going to be able to beat the traffic. And maybe that's the relationship we have here. It's. It's a good. It's. It's not a bad feeling, you know?

[A]

Well, I always thought it's harder to speak. Speak in front of like 30 people, you know, and thousands of people you don't know. Right. So that's kind of like the gorilla feel.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And then it's like. I mean, like, for instance, tonight, like.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I haven't wrestled in six years. I've done a few rumbles.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But just rumbles. And I know tonight was like a battle royal, but I was doing a bit more. But also, like, it was so many of the top women in all of wwe, so I was like. I'd say step up, and then. Everyone wants a gorilla, too.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And. And then it being evolution, which is always a different, you know, feel of a ple. So I was like, oh, man. But it was amazing.

[B]

Of course, you know, rose to the occasion.

[A]

That's exactly.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. No, I was. I literally. You just had me thinking about. We're talking about evolution. We're talking about gorilla. Oh, man, I can't believe that match got cut in.

[A]

You know what I mean?

[B]

So mad about.

[A]

I mean, no one will ever understand it unless you're us in that feeling of, like, having one at that time. Our biggest moment just taken right from us.

[B]

Here's a question for you. Cause you mentioned your son is five.

[A]

In a few weeks.

[B]

He's gonna be five in a few weeks. What happens between four and five? Liberty's four.

[A]

Oh, she's four.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Well, it's crazy because I definitely feel they're knowing themselves more. More curious now. I think there is a difference between boy and girls, but I do think girls tend to get More sassy at this age, like, they're just more getting, like, to know things. Their voice, like, bossing around. But I love it because my son's such a mama's boy. He's, like, the cutest thing.

[B]

Aww.

[A]

But I feel like communication's better. So they're telling you more things they want, or they're telling you things that, like, are so fun, funny, and you're just like, oh, my God. Did they just say that they're showing more of their interest? Like, I want to do T ball. I don't, like, dance anymore. All the things. And then someone told me this, and then it hit me really hard. They're like, enjoy the summer before they turn five, because once they go into kindergarten, nothing's ever the same.

[B]

Oh, wow.

[A]

And I was like, buckle up.

[B]

What? Yeah.

[A]

And I'm like, this is like. Yeah, I'm. I don't do well. I'm. I'm needy in, like, some ways, and I like that, like, you know, in relationships. But what I realize is now I found my needy baby. All I need for life. So Mateo and I are like koala bears.

[B]

So needy baby meets needy mom.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Does it make you less needy because he's the needy?

[A]

Or is it.

[B]

Or they work together.

[A]

We work together.

[B]

Oh, that's special.

[A]

We are, like. You know when you see, like, the mama otter and the baby otter just swimming together and living life for, like, koala bears? That's us fully.

[B]

Oh, I love it.

[A]

And we're like, it's the best thing ever. We're so obsessed.

[B]

Oh, my gosh.

[A]

Yeah. We. What's been good for me coming back and having, like, that. It's like, it comes out to, like, two days away from him is I was getting a lot of separation anxiety, and I feel like it helps him be more resilient and strong in me, too. Like, we both need that because, like, look, I don't want to have a son that's, like, can't be away from his mom. And, I mean, I would love for him to live with me forever.

[B]

No. No. But. Yeah, sure.

[A]

But I need him to be a man at some point one day. Like, I don't want to ruin him because of my selfishness.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So this is good for us.

[B]

So you're. You're. You're doing it right. In terms of when I think about my daughter, I. I've already started hearing a few things like, you know, make sure, you know, she knows the difference and don't spoil her too much. Or. Yeah, you can't Give her everything. And in my mind, I'm thinking, like, I don't know. Yeah, I'm going to do you know, like you said, like, so hard to say.

[A]

No.

[B]

Yeah. Well, this. This little. Let me. Let me show you. Let me get this thing.

[A]

Oh, I got to see.

[B]

Let me get this thing. Is this mug in here? Yeah. Look at this girl. Look at her.

[A]

Let me see. I mean, what am I supposed to do? You guys had a gorgeous baby.

[B]

Oh, my gosh.

[A]

And then I can only imagine just to see it with Brian. Like, the dad and daughter relationship. It's like the mom and son.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

And then dad and daughter, they own you. Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. No. What am I supposed to. Well, my dad also was really, like. He was playfully hard on me.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But he was actually like, hey, you need to. You can't quit once you started. Hey, stop crying, Daddy. Like, he one time threw my. I had a cast for seven months. I broke my leg when I was in fifth grade, and I had a cast for seven months, which is a ridiculous amount of time to have a cast. And then when I go to the doctor to get it removed, they gave me an air cast, which I didn't need. The leg was healed, but that's the next step in the. And my dad threw it out the truck window when we were driving away from the hospital. So he was actually, like, playfully hard, but sincerely hard.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But with my sisters, like, there was a whole different energy about, like, his love and how he. Like, nothing was really. Nothing they did was technically wrong. No, Maybe different, Maybe.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Maybe, you know, unorthodox in that approach, but just had, like, such a pride about. About. So I don't know if that's the daddy. Daughter. And so my daughter still calls me papa.

[A]

Aw.

[B]

And I've tried to hang, and it looks like I'm hanging onto it.

[A]

No, you.

[B]

I want to hang on. I want to hang on to papa as long as I can. Because a few times she's been like, that's my dad. And I'm like, wait till they start.

[A]

Calling you by your first name.

[B]

So she has. Well, so she's.

[A]

Which is cute because they just. They're learning people's names, so then they. Once they learn yours, it's, like, cute for them. And, like, whoa.

[B]

Well, the other day, she was like. She goes, well, mama Brandy said. And I'm like, why are we. Why are we saying Mama Brandy? Why are we saying both names? Gotta pick a name here. Yeah. I love that in terms of. As a parent and 5 years old and a child who clearly loves you. What do you feel? What do you feel has changed as far as you? Because this is what the reason I ask is. I met you. No kids on the climb up. Everybody on the climb up. How can we get more? What can we do next? Yeah, the big spotlight, the main event, the WrestleManias, the freaking hall of Fames. How can we get that? What do you feel is different about your drive, your work ethic? What's changed for you?

[A]

I definitely think that everything for sure, gets motivated to provide for your child. I think things that you didn't have in your childhood or your life, like, you want to provide for them.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It's so weird to be focused on education, health, like, all the things college, fun. Like, I'm. I do all that. Like, yeah, I'm really big with all that. And it's that. And then also, I mean, I'm in my 40s now. I'm going to be 42. November.

[B]

There you go.

[A]

So longevity of life, like, for me. And Bri and I are very much in sync in this.

[B]

It's like, hey, shout out to Bri.

[A]

By the way, you know what? Brie met soon. Get her on your show. Good luck, Brie, now. But you guys will end up in, like, interpretive dancing and stuff like that. It'd be great.

[B]

So how does this happen when I believe the number I know is 16 minutes. Is that correct?

[A]

Oh, Brie and I. Yeah, you're the older. Yeah. Good job.

[B]

So how are. How is it so different?

[A]

You know, I sometimes wanna have a talk with God about that. Cause I don't know what happened in the womb in that 16 minutes.

[B]

Sure.

[A]

Being identical twins, but we're so night and day. But we also are a lot alike.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, I'm the boss. But then there's just this thing with free Mode, and I look at her and it's been. I literally, you know, gave her that nickname in high school.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I mean, we could say when she's 21. But we take credit for it, by the way. Oh, yeah.

[B]

Here's why you should always take credit for things you came up with.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

This. This culture of pro wrestling will try and take it away from you. It's so don't be afraid to call out that thing you made.

[A]

So I did. Brimo. I came up with that in high school. And Keg Killer.

[B]

Keg Killer.

[A]

Call her that too.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

She was both, but she would just. And then when I would see my mom, though, when we started to go out When I was in college, I'm like, oh, my gosh. Brie mode comes from my mom.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

They are so like. And then a few cousins have that gene.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And it's like, how would you classify.

[B]

Brimoed for someone who's not seen it? Like, you've seen it. What does brie mode mean? Fully?

[A]

So she hits a certain point of intoxication.

[B]

Got it.

[A]

She'll have. It's just all of a sudden, number four, drink or whatever. And then she looks at you and you're like, we're about to be in brie mode. And majority of the time, it's really fun and playful. I mean, there's no fear in her. Fearless.

[B]

Oh, man.

[A]

Like, wants people that's very hot and fearless dancing now. Then sometimes it would turn into wrestling, fighting. And I'd have to be like, you can't bite random people who are waiting for a drink.

[B]

That's when it started to get violent.

[A]

That's when it would like. So then brimo and I didn't know what I'd get, but majority of the time, it was hilarious and funny. It was like having free entertainment. But I would just have to make sure to stay sober and responsible. And we'd be. It doesn't matter where we would be. And I would just be like, oh, my gosh, here it goes. We're about to get a performance for hours till I put her to bed.

[B]

This might be a deviation off what we're talking about, but you guys are Italian.

[A]

Yeah. Mexican. Italian.

[B]

Mexican, Italian. Have you ever done, like, a genealogy? Like one of those?

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

So you know it?

[A]

Yeah. So well, she knows it better than me.

[B]

Okay. So I'm only curious because our family. My sister got it, so we kind of finally kind of found where things were.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So the Cuban element, my mother. That's real.

[A]

Oh, wow.

[B]

So that was real. I was like, okay, we haven't been telling a lie. That's actually.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, that's good. But then my father was really as everything I found out basically when he passed away, like, everything was 2 degree true. But also everything was 2 degree. Somewhat of a legend.

[A]

I love it.

[B]

So he had always told me he was a Native American.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I thought, like, that makes sense. His dad's super tan. And this is photos. He's a Native American. And then the genealogy came back where he was super. Just white, just German. And, like, then I looked at my grandma and she had this giant. So I was like, clearly they were German. And then. But then just now we Found a relative who's Choctaw and that is actually his great great grandfather. So he wasn't lying.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

But you know, there's certain. And I'm not trying to generalize or stereotype, but there are certain places and people that they get hot quicker.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

In terms of like the red blooded. And they're ready. They're ready. And that's a whole. So I don't know, like Brie mode in terms of.

[A]

Yeah, there was some Irish in there, so I'm assuming maybe it comes from that.

[B]

Cause the who gets, you know, the friend who gets teed up and starts wrestling is always like, that's a precursor to like, that's bad.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like what, what do we need to. What do we need to shuffle back and forth here? And then somebody hits the wall and then it's a bit. Oh, man. So Wheatley and myself, yeah. Since we started this partnership, we consider ourselves the American dream team.

[A]

I love that.

[B]

What we ask people is, who is your team? Who is your American dream team? Again, the world dreams, who's your team? And sometimes I always tell people, it can be whatever you want. It can be you. And 50 lions, we've had some very bizarre answers. Sometimes it's easier to say, hey, you're going to the zombie apocalypse. You can bring it with you. I feel like I know one, no doubt who's on your team.

[A]

So, I mean, no doubt, Bre mode, breezy and she's truly all I need, but solid. If I. We wanted to add to the team, which Brie and I have always said we could survive anything if zombies happened. 50 lions.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Any of it.

[B]

You're ready for it.

[A]

Yeah. What is the thing out right now if, like, you can fight? Is it 100 gorillas or something?

[B]

That was something crazy that so many men were like, I could do it.

[A]

Yeah. I'm like, no, no, you couldn't even do one.

[B]

These are gorillas.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like, there's no shame in saying you couldn't win that gorilla fight.

[A]

But my brother would be that, like, my brother wanted to do the pros versus Joe's because he was like, no, I could beat the pros. I'm like, no, you can't. Yeah, like, no, you can't. And he's like, yes, I can. So he would be the one to be like, I could beat 100 gorillas. That's him. And you can't.

[B]

Nobody's beating these gorillas, guys.

[A]

But Brie and I could.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Yep, we could. Gosh, you know what? I'm going to say with how the women's division looks now. I mean, talk about an American dream team. While I'm taking that whole division with me.

[B]

Whole WWE women's division. Bri.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's a pretty solid team. I mean, no one's anybody else you want in there. You know, it's your team you can have.

[A]

I mean, it's my team. Right. Because we need then some smarts. We need some wisdom.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

We need someone that plans thing. And then my mom.

[B]

What a team.

[A]

What a team.

[B]

That's a great team.

[A]

That's all I need.

[B]

Thank you for using all people.

[A]

Yeah. Oh, shoot.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

I mean, yeah, I have a lot of my spirit animals that will join me spiritually.

[B]

You know what I do when people ask me questions like this or Mount Rushmore of wrestling questions, they haven't figured this out yet. I answer it differently every time because now every answer gets you some sort of heat for some reason. Like you left somebody off. No. No kidding. There's four available heads here, guys.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like so.

[A]

And it's usually people that have impacted you personally. That's why you think.

[B]

Yeah. So it's my Mount Rushmore.

[A]

Your Mount Rushmore.

[B]

So what I do now is every interview, I just answer it differently. That's just somebody's finally like, yeah, this guy's messing with us.

[A]

Yeah, for sure. Good.

[B]

I like that he's effing with us here. He's. Yeah. Because it's mine.

[A]

It's yours.

[B]

Why are you judging mine? You know, like, it's mine. As a 16 minute older sister.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Do you feel the need to protect her or does she protect you?

[A]

So this is a crazy thing.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I have always felt the need to protect her, but what I realized is my need to protect hers in present moments.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

But Bri protects me overall. I've realized that I can't live my life. Bree's my rock.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And like, it's amazing because Brian's understood that. He's pretty much married to two people. He's understand that pretty much since they've been dating. I mean. But I've now real everything that I've been through, especially the past few years, I'm like, oh, now I get it. I protect Bri in moments. Bri's my rock overall in life. Like, she's my massive protector. I mean, she will literally damn people being like, don't talk like that about my sister.

[B]

Oh, wow.

[A]

Yeah. Oh, she's. She's. Yeah. I mean, she's my bulldog.

[B]

I love that.

[A]

Yeah. It's the greatest thing. I love that she's very, very protective. And it's because she. She lives life with me. I mean, we're on the phone literally minimum, four times a day. If we're not with each other really at least one FaceTime. Yeah. But then we don't live far from each other. So then we see each other all the time. And, yeah, we never go a day without communication.

[B]

I don't know if we can use anything I'm about to say, but I'm gonna bring this up because him being married to two people, the closeness that you'll have. I spent a lot of time on the road with Brian. A lot of time, Dan. And one of the things that really, really shocked me, and I thought about it just recently is he would always pick the strangest things to have a deep conversation about the strangest things. And one of them was. And I just started thinking about it the other day, and I thought, this is wild. Why are we talking about this? Because I was dating Brandy at the time, so Brandi was also in the car. And he started talking about the average male penis size and wanted to have a full round table about it. And I remember I was just, like, tending to, like, what? And it was nothing. It was like a scientific conversation.

[A]

Totally.

[B]

He wanted to have. But I thought, where was it? Was it your need to, like, hey, we're on the road. We're going to talk?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Was it. Was it genuinely something you read this morning and you wanted to bring up? But it was just, like, jarring. And the other day, because I saw him on TV or whatever, and I thought, man, like, I wonder if he still does that. Just.

[A]

He loves boner jokes, dick jokes. Like, all the things Bri will always be like. That's what he loves the hardest. He just loves anything. Penis and all that, which is like, that's his.

[B]

That's his spot.

[A]

That's his thing. He thinks that's kind of his love language. Yeah. Like, the fact that, like, TV will show, like, penis now. Like, he thinks it's hilarious.

[B]

That's great.

[A]

You know, like, HBO specials now. Like, I mean, you might get a penis or a vagina now. I mean. And just like that the other day, yeah, we got a full Miranda nude. And I was like, oh, cool, she doesn't shave. Like, just got that from the scene.

[B]

It's a whole. It's different what's on tv.

[A]

It's so different.

[B]

It's different, guys.

[A]

It's wild, you know?

[B]

Oh, my gosh. So that's his thing. I'm in my mind, trying to think, what's the thing that I think is funny? The thing I can.

[A]

Yeah, what is that?

[B]

I know this. So I don't know if I know mine, but I know if I'm in the other room and I hear my wife laughing hysterically, I know it's somebody falling down.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And it's. This is the thing that bothers me a little bit, though. It's not like, oh, I slipped.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's, like, violent. Like, hey, I don't know if that guy survived. Like, that guy looked like he broke both his legs. Like, just. Oh, I gotta watch it one more time. I don't know. Everybody has their thing.

[A]

No. So that's. Brie and I, we, like, cry, laugh at that stuff at a fall. I don't laugh at, like, cat videos and, like, stuff like that. Like, when I see people do that, I'm like, that's. That's so not my humor. I laugh at, like, falls. I laugh at, like, dick jokes, like, certain pranks.

[B]

I laugh at bad comedy where it's so bad.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's like.

[A]

Like, so cringy that you're like, nobody's.

[B]

Popping for a bit. And then it's. That's the thing that becomes funny. Like this. This guy is dying out here. And I laugh at it when it's in a wrestling sense where, like, I did. I'm trying to think what it was. Oh, my gosh. I'm. So I was asking around, right? And I said something about. It was a joke that targeted Michael Hayes. And so I. Taking that in mind, I respect and love Michael. He's a super genius. So for this joke to work, it has to. The joke has to pop the entire arena. Then it's worth it. Then it's like, hey, Michael. Like, it's worth it. The worst thing that can happen is if the joke doesn't land. And I just. My guy just caught a stray. And I'm gonna be honest. This joke I made where Michael was included, it didn't land. Oh, no. Nothing to the point where I just moved the promo along. Every one of these people backstage misled me. They all loved it. And then I went out there and did it, and it just died. Died.

[A]

So you hate those.

[B]

Three weeks later, he was on vacation, and three weeks later, he's on the headset and I'm on the headset, and he's like, you know. And he starts telling me about it. I'm like, I'm sorry. Like, I. I didn't know, I can't. I don't want to get too specific with this because this joke was not good. But it was bad. Yeah, but I love it. I love it. Especially in wrestling where I'm like, who? Oh, yeah, I didn't hit.

[A]

Oh, that's such a. It's like the worst feeling. You're like, and all right.

[B]

So bad.

[A]

That's a hard one. You know, it's cute because your dad, when we were at fcw, you know, Bri and I would always call him Daddy. He was like our protector.

[B]

That's wild.

[A]

Wild. Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Well, then that's why we started calling Dustin Daddy.

[B]

There we go.

[A]

You know, it was just. I don't know why that became with your dad, but in like actually a very fatherly way.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And he's very daddy. Yeah, Very Daddy. We always do in a southern accent. He always go, babies, it's my babies.

[B]

I also think the time you were saying daddy, Daddy's now in the nomenclature where it's a little different now.

[A]

Way different. Not like that.

[B]

That's a different type of daddy.

[A]

Big time.

[B]

He's daddy. Yeah.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But then I remember he'd tell everyone, like, I've never seen a tag team love each other so much, but hate each other so much. Like, he would go off on Brie and I because literally when we be training, we just get in a massive sister fight.

[B]

Oh, I love that.

[A]

Just straight up and be like, what's going on? Like they're fighting now. And like, we just be full on fighting.

[B]

Let me tell you, if there's a sure fire way to wake up feeling fresh after drinks with friends, it's with pre alcohol zbiotics. Pre alcohol probiotic drink is the world's first genetically engineered probiotic. It was invented by PhD scientists to tackle rough mornings after drinking. Here's how it works. When you drink, alcohol gets converted into a toxic byproduct in the gut. It's a buildup of this byproduct, not dehydration, that's to blame for rough days after drinking. Pre alcohol produces an enzyme to break this byproduct down. Just remember to make pre alcohol your first drink of the night. Drink responsibly and you'll feel your best tomorrow. Every time I have pre alcohol before drinks, I notice a difference the next day. Even after a night out, I can confidently plan on getting a great workout in the next day without worry. Summer is here, which means more opportunities to celebrate the warm weather before that. Backyard barbecue, brew glass of Pinot. Watching the sunset at the beach or a cocktail by the campfire. Don't forget your Zbiotics pre alcohol. Drink one before drinking and wake up feeling great and ready to take on the next day and all that summer has to offer. Go to ZBiotics.com Cody to learn more and get 15% off your first order. When you use cody at checkout. ZBiotics is backed with 100% money back guarantee. So if you're unsatisfied for any reason, they'll refund your money, no questions asked. Remember to head to ZBiotics.com Cody and use the code Cody at checkout for 15% off. Is this a battle wound on your arm from tonight?

[A]

Yeah. Look at that.

[B]

Who did it?

[A]

You know what? I got my butt kicked by quite a few men.

[B]

There's a lot.

[A]

There was a lot of.

[B]

There's a lot of people who got it.

[A]

I was really given tonight.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I don't know. I'm trying to think who that would be. I saw that earlier and I had one on my chest.

[B]

But yeah, those girls get it.

[A]

They get it.

[B]

Yeah. They're. They're hungry for it.

[A]

Yeah, it was fun. A lot of booty shakes. I Nya did the booty shake.

[B]

She's great, huh?

[A]

She's amazing.

[B]

She's one of my favorite people here.

[A]

I love her.

[B]

Yeah, she's a really good person. I gotta get her on the pod.

[A]

Oh, my God. You gotta get her on the pod.

[B]

She always. What I like most is I'm very nervous backstage.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And the way I. But I do try to very much. A lot of fake it till you make it. I do always try to stand up straight. There's always a suit on. I'm always trying to be articulate. I always try to act like I've got this. Well, maybe I do, but also maybe, like, no clue, guys. It's Michael Hayes joke hanging on land. You know, like, maybe I don't. But. But she's always. It doesn't matter. Like, she is. Literally. She'll yell at you. I could be meeting a foreign dignitary and she'll yell some awful joke from across the hall, like, yeah, all right. Or like, barking is the thing I do backstage. I bark at everyone. And she'll just, like, bark. And if you don't bark back, she'll say something really off color, like, yeah, really? Yeah. It's a whole. But she's. I like it because it's very much like, I don't care.

[A]

Yeah, she doesn't at all. Yeah, she's so comfortable in her own skin and who she is, and I love it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

We need to find her a man. Not like that's important, but you know what I mean.

[B]

Is that something she's looking for?

[A]

Well, I think, you know, we're always looking who. When we're.

[B]

So I don't know as far as, like.

[A]

Well, I signed up for Ray and.

[B]

Hold up. Full stop. Talk me through everything you just said.

[A]

Yeah, Ray, the app.

[B]

Nope.

[A]

Okay, so it's a dating app, but, like, for people in the industry.

[B]

Got it.

[A]

So you.

[B]

VIPs.

[A]

VIPs.

[B]

VIPs.

[A]

So you submit an application, but you have to give, like, your Instagram account. You need to have, like, referrals, so in your contacts, you can see who's, like, a part of it.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I like this, you know?

[B]

Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

I was, like, not gonna ever do a dating app, but then since I've been back on the road and it kind of gets, like, lonely in hotel rooms and not like, I want to be on Tinder, but I think it would just be fun to text people.

[B]

Well, you can't be on Tinder.

[A]

No.

[B]

You're probably already on Tinder and it's never even done.

[A]

I never even.

[B]

You're not actually on Tinder.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I would never do any of that stuff. But then I was like, you know what, Ray? Could be fun because, like, we're not sliding in people's DMs to, like, ask people out. And I don't want to date Napa.

[B]

At all as far as this.

[A]

I don't even want a date, to tell you the truth.

[B]

As far as his app goes, say the app doesn't exist. Right. What is it, though? That would be. What are you looking for?

[A]

I mean, well, I don't want anything now. Like, I don't want anything serious for years. Cause I don't want anything to interfere with my son. And I. And I don't want my son to meet anyone. I just want him to have his mom and his dad and that's it. Yeah, I think that's healthy for him right now.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I don't want anything like that to happen for, like, years. And I don't even want to give my energy to someone. Like, I'm raising him, and that's all I want to give for my energy. And times he's at his dad's and if I'm not here, I'm, like, Netflixing and chilling and it feels great.

[B]

There you go.

[A]

You know how it is with a parent Being a parent and toddler stage. But let's just say in a few years, I want someone like I have always loved, like a businessman, but that has swag.

[B]

Swag. Swag. Swag. Businessman.

[A]

You need to have. Yeah. Like Ed.

[B]

Swag, businessman.

[A]

Yeah. I don't like, just straight up, like, business.

[B]

I need.

[A]

There needs to be a pool vibe.

[B]

Okay. Do we have something we can frame up in terms of, like, what does that look like?

[A]

How about the Nepo baby in the back?

[B]

Like Kyle.

[A]

Yeah. Just kidding.

[B]

I mean, Kyle's got swag.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Good business suit.

[B]

Suit. Yeah.

[A]

You know.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

He would have had me at Tahini.

[B]

I'm so curious. Yeah, he blew it. The rim, it. Oh, man. Oh, man.

[A]

Dude just took it for granted. Took it for granted.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

The Nepos.

[B]

Oh, man. He.

[A]

But, yeah. So the day. I do look. I mean. But what sucks is I'll be like mid, late 40s and then maybe settle.

[B]

For a second, but does it matter?

[A]

Yeah. No matter.

[B]

How do you feel? I feel like so many of us who met each other when we were 25.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And now we're in our 40s. And I would say. And I mean this, and I. I hope I'm not wrong. I feel like we all look better now.

[A]

No, I told. Did I not tell you that?

[B]

It was very nice. Yeah.

[A]

You've gotten so masculine. Not like you weren't masculine, like, years ago, but your skin was so smooth.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

Like, you had no pores. So it's good to see a little age on you. It makes you very handsome and rugged.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Brandy probably loves it, I think.

[B]

Yeah, I think Brandy's pretty into me, but, yeah.

[A]

Oh, for sure.

[B]

I would hope. Yeah, I would hope. You know. You know what I think? You know what I always try when I think about, like, what would my wife think is sexy? This is gonna sound so.

[A]

Oh, my God. I wanna hear.

[B]

I think my wife. I don't have, like, Randy's legs. Like, I don't have big, massive. I'll be fair, over developed quads and hamstrings and calves. But she told me one time she really liked my legs. I don't think she even remembers she told me that. So she's never heard this before. This is so terrible.

[A]

I love this.

[B]

Every now and then, if I'm, like, trying to think, like, I'm gonna get some attention around the house, I'll wear, like, high shorts.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. I love that.

[B]

Like, the high under armours that are maybe one size too small, but just where you get a little of that hamstring. You know what I'm saying? And I don't know if it's working, but she said it. So that's the thing I do because, like, what are the sexiest things you can do when you've been married to somebody for quite some time?

[A]

Right.

[B]

What is that thing you do? I don't know. I often. I love that it's fun being in the relationship as long as we've been in, where I'm still completely like, what do we do? Like, what do you. Like, how do I do? How do I get you?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, that's a fun.

[A]

So cute that you think of that.

[B]

Oh, my gosh.

[A]

I love that.

[B]

That's the whole. That's the whole, like.

[A]

That's the magic.

[B]

That's the thing is, like, you're still trying to figure it, you know, like the magic.

[A]

It's a good marriage.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

No, you can't stop dating each other.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Or wanting them to want you.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Can't give up.

[B]

You know what's funny? I've talked about on this show about giving up a lot about what's done, because I've been working out since I was 14 years old.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then, like, wrestling, it's all you do. And then after a while, it's like, what does the end look like for me? You know, like, what do I look like at 50?

[A]

But what does it look like?

[B]

I don't know.

[A]

If wrestling was to go away tomorrow, what would you do?

[B]

If wrestling was to go away tomorrow, I'd be an amateur wrestling coach. Like a high school wrestling coach.

[A]

Oh, I love that.

[B]

Yes. That was my plan. Shockingly. You're gonna be like, what? But around the time we got cut at WrestleMania and around the time Stardust popped up, I was going to get my degree so that in the public school in Georgia, I could be an amateur wrestling coach. I had completely given up on entertainment, on ever making it on. I thought I had done everything right. I was very. Pity party. Feel sorry for myself, all those things. Couldn't get a look left or right. And, you know, a series of things happened in my life where now I look back and I'm like, man, what the. Like, who were you? You weren't you. It's like a gap few years of not being me.

[A]

It's the journey.

[B]

It got you very much the journey. Yeah.

[A]

I feel like we have to have those times in our life because then they make us who we are. It's like we can't always Be on the rise. Can't always be at the top of the ladder. We have to fall at times we rise up from the ashes like the Phoenix. I believe we need those spots in our journey, those losses, and then we get some of those hope spots. But then it makes us the champ we are today.

[B]

Speaking of the champ, you are today the first hall of Famer we've had on the show. You said you had the ring, right? You don't have it with you, but you don't have it.

[A]

I have it in my suitcase right now.

[B]

It's real.

[A]

Yeah. Especially because I did the fanatics.

[B]

Can we get it?

[A]

Oh, yeah, totally.

[B]

Can we get this ring?

[A]

I feel like there needs to be a new rule.

[B]

Hit it.

[A]

That if you're gonna decide one year to make diamonds on all of the hall of Fame rings, us from the past who don't have diamonds should get an upgrade.

[B]

I think it's a great Rule three. You guys getting rings at all, though? It was just a plaque.

[A]

Yeah. So, I mean, they need to call them up.

[B]

They almost. They have to retrofit everybody.

[A]

I just feel like the modern.

[B]

When did they start doing diamonds?

[A]

This year or this past year? Oh, you didn't see all their sparkly hall of Fame rings.

[B]

I'm gonna be honest. As much as I. I love wrestling more than I feel like I love wrestling more than anybody on the planet.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

However, sometimes the hall of Fame is late at night. Sometimes I'm scared to death of what I'm doing at tv.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I'm nervous and I. And sometimes I. It's a hard night sometimes. Even though my favorite wrestler is literally talking.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I'm almost about to fall asleep in the front row.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's real.

[A]

It's real. Look at this. Oh. Oh, my gosh. Blaming the vodka. I'm a lightweight.

[B]

This is so great.

[A]

And then look inside. They put a subscription.

[B]

2020.

[A]

Fearless Nikki.

[B]

Gimmick and everything. Fearless Nikki. That. There it is.

[A]

There it is.

[B]

And you said, you rock yours.

[A]

I rock mine, so. Especially when I know I'm gonna do. Look at that.

[B]

Look at this.

[A]

Like, my hearing.

[B]

Congratulations.

[A]

Thank you. Especially when I know I'm gonna be, like, meeting the Bella army, like, photo op stuff. I like them all seeing it, per se.

[B]

Well, that's. Here's the thing. I love and, like, I'm gonna word this in a way that if I mess up, I apologize.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

The word wrestler. There's. Okay, there's wrestler, there's worker, there's all these, like, terms that describe Us. And to me, I always just funnel it into one.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Okay. It's like, what is the. What is makes up a great wrestler?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And it's a combination of all the things, promos, technical skills. I'm not trying to break it down individually. And a big part of it is the drive, the connection with the audience, which is the most important thing. So, like, today, people say storytelling.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I don't think they mean to say just storytelling and not realize, like, storytelling only works if you're connected with the audience. Then it's a different type. It's not just this word that means nothing. But you wearing that ring when you meet the Bella army, when you meet fans, is the most wrestler thing ever.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's the classic case of, why are you in your gear? Because I'm a wrestler.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Why are you in gimmick? Because I'm a wrestler. Like that. So. I didn't. I didn't. I should have started the pod by telling this. At the Nightmare Factory, we have this rule. First day is ask everybody who the favorite wrestler is. And the whole lesson in the day is, because where you are at on the card sometimes will determine how somebody treats you. And I don't believe in that. I think it's like any call sheet there is. So I'll say, hey, who's your favorite wrestler? I have had two girls in the last four camps tell me that you were their favorite wrestler. And the lesson is always. I'm like, great, we'll treat everybody in here like they're Nikki Bella. Treat everyone. That's the whole point.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But I feel. I love that we're in this transitional period, and I have heard. I can't speak to it because I feel like I'll speak to it incorrectly. But tonight I saw Maurice turn around and point at the Diva on her jacket.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And the way she pointed at it was like, it's a good thing, a great thing. It's a great thing. And you, more than anybody, could speak to that time period, what you did, what you went through, and how you ended up with that.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So, I don't know, like, in terms of how you feel about Modern, how we look at our women's division versus the Divas division. But please tell us, like, your outlook on it.

[A]

You know, the greatest thing about being a woman is we hold a lot of power. Not only are we intelligent, but we get to have a beauty that men don't have, and we could use that as power. And that's what I always looked at as The Divas is. They had it all. They had empowerment, they had inspiration. There was motivation, and then they had beauty, and they used that as their strength. And a lot of the girls were like, especially NXT girls were like, talking to me today, and I was telling them about, like, connection and all that. And I said, you know, I've always made sure that even though I'm a pro wrestler and I'm a fighter, I find the moments that people don't realize to also show that I'm womanly and I'm sexy and I'm comfortable in my body. So whether it's I'm selling or I'm crawling to a pen, I'm going to do it in a way that a man can never do it. And that's like the power of a woman. And that was the power of the Divas.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I really. I loved that era. And also the Divas were kind of like. How do I say this? Like, we had to earn our place. We had to earn ourselves.

[B]

There was only one place.

[A]

There was only one place.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And if we earned it too much, like, if we worked too hard, it was like we needed to be more feminine. If we showed too much Matt masculinity, I guess you could say it was always, like a tug of war there. And so. But it made us such great fighters and never give up. And, like, so it's such a special era. And when I saw that with Maurice tonight, too, I, like, loved it because we. I thought at wwe, we really changed that name Diva. We worked hard on making it a very special name. And people will always ask me, like, are they gonna ever bring back the Divas Championship? Like, even the fans miss it. I don't think there was anything ever wrong with that, you know, being called a diva. I think it's cool. It's character, it's fun.

[B]

I think the way it was branded and what you're talking to and what you're speaking to, it's that group. And you could literally point out somebody like, they're in that group.

[A]

They're in that group.

[B]

Maurice, we're talking about, of course, that I feel like, especially the fact that you had to fight. There was no evolution.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

There was no all women show.

[A]

Right.

[B]

You. Whenever you meet one, talk to one, engage with one. You're talking to somebody who can do it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And. And check all kinds of boxes, get through and just is prepared.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Ready? So cheers. Cheers to the Divas.

[A]

Oh, the Divas. Oh, I agree. Yeah.

[B]

Again, it's a WWE and Fanatics. Original, production Fanatics has everything, every jersey, every piece of memorabilia, whatever it may be. Do you. And you are a sports fan.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And have made your allegiances known.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Do you have a Mount Rushmore? A4 of sports jerseys?

[A]

Oh, well, yeah, it's going to be Philadelphia Eagles jersey.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I mean, technically, I would throw that in all four, but.

[B]

Okay. We got one Eagles jersey.

[A]

One Eagles jersey.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Then we'll do a Phillies jersey.

[B]

Do you have players in mind, or are you just going straight the brand?

[A]

Well, we could put. Let's do Hurts. Okay. Then we'll do Sixers.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Even though he's retired. We'll do Iverson.

[B]

Oh, oh, yes. Yes. Ahead of his time.

[A]

Yeah. Ahead of his time.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

We're going to drop the Phillies.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I mean, I would put the brand there, but let's put people I love.

[B]

Yeah. That's. What's all this about.

[A]

We will do women's World cup soccer team.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

At me and Ham.

[B]

Oh, yeah. Change the game.

[A]

Change the game.

[B]

We all watch. We all watch the definition of moves and storytelling and character.

[A]

Do you know what I mean?

[B]

Yes. Okay.

[A]

Do you know what Brandi Chastain did then?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

All she did was take a shirt off and celebrate.

[B]

And we all know about it.

[A]

We all know about it. It was epic. Ooh, number four. That's gonna be hard. There's a lot of amazing people. I'm very torn in my head right now. That's okay, because you're.

[B]

As a Mount Rushmore person who has to answer a lot of Mount Rushmore.

[A]

Questions, do I put new or retired?

[B]

I'd say in this one, go. Retired.

[A]

Okay. She has her own jersey.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And what she's done is just incredible. And she's close with her sister. But Serena Williams, what a good choice. Right?

[B]

I almost wonder what the other. Serena Williams. What a great choice.

[A]

I mean, Serena Williams, what.

[B]

What a choice.

[A]

What a choice. And by the way, when we think of a diva in Sexy, powerful and smart. Smart. She's all that. Like, she's all of it. And what she's done in tennis. And her sister. I gotta give her sister credit, too.

[B]

Sister love.

[A]

Yeah. I always make jokes to Brie. I go, you know, you're the Venus, I'm the Serena. When we had, like, a run, she didn't like that joke.

[B]

She didn't like that joke.

[A]

But, you know, but, you know, Venus is. Everyone feels the role.

[B]

You know what I'm saying? They're both so good.

[A]

Mount Rushmore, right?

[B]

Very good. Mount Rushmore. Maybe the best Mount Rushmore we've had on the show.

[A]

Oh, nice.

[B]

We've had a couple people give up on Mount Rushmore, so appreciate you. Nailed it.

[A]

Nice.

[B]

For our viewers and listeners, whoever is on your Mount Rushmore, you can get all your favorite jerseys and fan clothing from fanatics. Go to fanatics.com or download the app today. So you had said six years since you had your last match. Match.

[A]

Yeah. Crazy.

[B]

With six years, the gap, the game has changed. We're talking about the strengths of the diva time. And there's a strength to now and you've got to be able to bring both worlds together.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Where do you go to train? I know this because I've been looking at your social media, but yes, I love it.

[A]

So I go to the Dungeon 2.0 Natty and TJ's the best wrestling facility, school, whatever you want to call it. I think TJ has the smartest brain in the wrestling industry.

[B]

Unbelievable, huh?

[A]

He's won a wrestling encyclopedia, but the way his brain puts things together and I mean, then how he moves is so flawless. But he's just a genius.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And then he's actually very. He has a lot of patience and he can coach very well. But also Natty can too.

[B]

Oh, my gosh.

[A]

Natty. When I'm just in and like, Natty and I are like sisters because I started with Natty and tj, Harry, that whole group. Nadia and I are like sisters. And I'll always text her this when I leave. I go, I'm just so impressed with you. Like, how you control the room. It's special how she controls and coaches, but she'll tell you she's not coaching, but she actually is coaching and she's incredible at it. And they just both have so much love and passion for wrestling in the industry, but they're both so smart and they teach you what you do need in this business to be great. Because there are some places you go to and it's not teaching you how to be a great wrestler. We can all learn how to do big moves and, like, get those. You need all the in between moments. You need the grit, you need the heart, but you need to be so good at that in between to carry match and to tell a story or whatever it is, and to engage a crowd, to have fire. So that's why I always go to the dungeon because I'm like. And I know a lot of people even outside of WWE that go because they're like, there's nothing like it. Like, especially if you Already know how to wrestle. It's great. You know Nattie's book, I can't wait to read it.

[B]

If she tells you the amount of people who contributed to the book.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It makes it very clear how powerful Natty is.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And she'll never act like she's that powerful. She'll say, everybody ever was. Like, yep, what do you need? Tell me what you need and I'll write it. Or you need this. I'll tell you. And I always. That's a Hall of fame one I'm looking forward to.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because she's one of those that when everyone's standing and sincerely up on their feet, not wanting to sit down and mean it. She's so. She's so special.

[A]

So I so agree with you.

[B]

She's so special. And my. So my nephews are getting in the business. They've been training for a few years with Dustin. They're. They're right at the point where I'm like, oh, it's getting serious. They're both handsome, too. It's like. And they. They have a lot of Dusty. Because, like, Dusty skipped me. But he's, like, got them. And, like, I got. Like, I'm all mom. And like. But he's. They're special, and I'd love it if they trained with me. Great.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I love it that they train with Dustin. They can't have a better trainer.

[A]

Yeah. Dustin's good, too.

[B]

But when I told him, I was like, you know, you should go to Natty and teachers. And I think a thing people don't realize is in the Dusty's kids conversation of all his NXT kids.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

No one has ever figured out his number one was tj. Yeah, he loved tj.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Like, so we handed out all these pocket knives when he passed away. Cause that was my dad's way of saying, you're a friend, he'd give you a knife. I feel like we gave tj, like, three knives, like, just every other week. Like, oh. Because he was his number one Dusty kid. Yeah. He just. He thought TJ had everything. He's like, oh, he's great. He can do this, he can do that, and he could trust him. The reason I, like, he was consistent in a. You're doing shows. That's at a school.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

But he knew that guy's consistent. He puts on a main event performance whether there's 13 people or 1300 people or 13,000 people.

[A]

Totally.

[B]

And I feel like people don't know, like, TJ's is one. So I tell people I've told Dalton and Dylan I love that I want them to go.

[A]

I'm like, they need to go.

[B]

They have to. And, like, that's a different. You're talking, like, stampede. You're getting a different vibe than just, like, Dustin and I teach how our world, how we teach, go there.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

That's the best thing, like, a Nepo baby can do is get outside your zone, honestly, in another zone, and you're just gonna be so much better for it. But they. Yeah, they're incredibly special.

[A]

They're so incredibly special. I would not have been able to do this comeback. And it's just the beginning of it. But without Natty and tj. But especially Natty. And, like, even tonight for the Battle Royal, it's. She just. I could always go to her to pick her brain, but she's done this to me since I've been back. And twice when I've gone out, like, for competition, she's always the last one to come to me right before my music hit. And she's just always like, give him the F you. And just, like, gives me full inspiration, motivational speech, and gets me out there.

[B]

I love that you have somebody like that. Yeah.

[A]

She's my hype.

[B]

Every time I go out there, there's not a soul around.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Looking out and just like, all right, cool. Well, then sometimes I do the thing where I come from under the stage, and it's so unflattering under there. One guy yelling, like, get on the block. Like, there's no. You're just terrified. No one's around to give you, like, a thumbs up or anything. You pop up and there's 80,000 people. You're like, oh, all right. This is why we do what we do. You know, that's a good personality. You need that. I need one of those. I need a Natty.

[A]

Yes. We have gone. Natty says it's gonna be a lot in Brooke, and you do need a Natty around. She. Bri. Natty and I have gone through a lot in this business. We've gone through a lot together. A lot of ups and downs, but we've always just been this sisterhood and have stuck with each other, but it's. Our stories are crazy, but we've. I mean, look where we're all at.

[B]

I know.

[A]

And we had. It was such a great support system. And even when I haven't seen her in a while, like, we always catch up on texts and the phone, but it always feels like I had seen her yesterday.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, we never miss A beat. And we were really close to her dad, too.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

She used to laugh because on her dad's nightstand, it was a photo of Natty Brian dying. Like, it was a. And she would always laugh like, no, it's just not me and my dad. It's me and the twins and my dad. And so. But we all were, like, really, really close.

[B]

We're putting Natty over so hard. But I have one more Natty piece.

[A]

No, please.

[B]

We got to. I looked at Natty. So I was with my niece today, who's on the bus. I love my niece. And she wanted to see the show and watch it. Great show to come to. And I saw Maddie from across the. Just the ring.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And what I noticed is Natty looks like everything happening. And what I mean by that is she could be wrestling. She could be a legend in the crowd. She could be producing the segment.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

She could be leading those extras. She could be the floor manager. She could be the commentator. She could be the announcer. She literally was, like, glowing in this group of people. And I thought, like, that that's. When someone walks around with that. That's real power.

[A]

That's real power.

[B]

That's real. And I was just looking at her like, is that Nat? That's Natty.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I don't know what she was doing. You know, Natty, she probably was not doing anything or, like, making some sort of joke or whatever. But. Yeah, no, I just thought, like, I'm very, very happy for her. Like, talk about someone who made it. This is something I want to ask you. I've asked it on this, and I've gotten some very unique answers before. What do you tell a young woman who wants to get in to pro wrestling? What do you tell someone like that? With everything that you and your sister have done and continue to do because you're back. This is just the beginning of a new chapter.

[A]

Right.

[B]

What do you tell someone who's trying to get into this? What advice can you give?

[A]

So the advice I give girls who want to get in this industry, on the advice part, I always say, never take no for an answer. I never did. And I heard it a lot, and look where it got me. And turn every negative into a positive. And then I always tell them, when it comes to the wrestling side of things, like, we can always work on our craft and, like, know the basic. I go, but know your character.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Know the layers. Be a standout. Like, have every layer to this character. So when you go for your audition, they can't look away. They know they need it. They have to have it.

[B]

They have to have that.

[A]

They have to have that. Cause sometimes you just go in and you're just being you, and you're like, I'm gonna show my wrestling skills and all that. No, be something. Be something that they can't say no to. And so I always tell my girls all that, and I feel like that it helps. It's like the grit and grace we talk about.

[B]

It's funny you say that about be you and know your character. Because today there is this online argument about moves versus storytelling. And it's shocking to me that it's an argument.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Because the truth is, like you said, work on your craft. Get it down.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You can't be a slouch.

[A]

No.

[B]

But this is also. Bring them together.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I don't know why we're arguing. We need them both, guys.

[A]

Both, like.

[B]

I don't know what we're arguing about. Great story. Awesome. Yeah, I need that cool move, too. Bring them together, and then it's a whole nother thing. Then there's a connection in the audience. Oh, my guy's about to do the thing. It's a piece. And there's. Everything today is so, like, we gotta make a stand. No. Like, it's in the middle.

[A]

No. We need it all. And we need the ref and the fans as well, and the commentary. But what I've always looked at is we are a Broadway with body slams.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

We go and tell a story on that mat with moves. We are sports entertainment. We are not just sports, and we're not just entertainment. We are both, and we need both. And that's what makes us so badass and cool. And why we have a worldwide following is because no one does what we do. And I hate when I watch things and I don't feel the story, because the main thing about us is we are all about connection. And connection is story. Is character.

[B]

One of the things I love the most. And I'll never take it for granted, because it took me so long to kind of find it. I will do something, and then there'll be. You know, there's been different types of fire ups through the years. Big Hulk fire ups and different types of doing it, and sweet chin music in the corner, whatever it is. But sometimes I'll just kind of shake or I'll punch my jaw or something. But there's these little moments where nothing's happening, but because they know me, they know something's about to happen. And there's this build. There's this swell, I call it. And I think, like, how did I ever get so lucky to get to know, like, oh, it's about to. My guy's about to do this thing.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then when you do, it's awesome. And if you don't, it's like, ah, no, please get it back up. It's just again, the connection, the whole piece of.

[A]

It's so true.

[B]

Broadway and body slams was an old school PR line, by the way.

[A]

Yeah, I remember that.

[B]

Stands true, though.

[A]

It does. And when I still, like, like, say it and use it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

People are like, oh, my gosh. Like, especially mainstream. They go, wait, get it now. I'm like, yeah, that's what we do.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

They don't get it until you use that. It's such a good one. I remember this classic.

[B]

Do you remember smart, sexy, powerful. Oh, yeah, this is probably. We probably.

[A]

I love that you remember that.

[B]

Well, the reason I remember it is I will never name this person's name.

[A]

I know, exactly.

[B]

I watched a person try and say, I'm smart, sexy and powerful. That was all she had to say. And I had worked on a promo all week, and I did my promo to a smattering of applause from promo class. Ah. It's like, yeah, whatever. And then this girl just needed to say, I'm smart, sexy and powerful. And she stopped halfway through and spaced. And the class started doing like a. And I thought, like, what? What are we doing, guys? Like, power of a woman. Like, exactly. I was like, it is very much into the point where. No longer upset about it because, like, like, totally get it.

[A]

Totally, totally get it. That's the magic of women in this business. It's confidence.

[B]

But literally, I gave a masterpiece.

[A]

She got the slowest.

[B]

Come on, come on. To say three words. And I remember I walked out and then I walked back in and I completely was like, got it. I get it. I'm different. Different thing, you know? Yeah.

[A]

I remember those classes with Steph about the meaning of a diva and like that and those words and all that.

[B]

Just needed three words.

[A]

Just needed three words.

[B]

Yeah. They were accurate. Yeah.

[A]

Smarts. I bet you, though, you can go use that in your promise now and you actually would get smart, sexy. Yeah.

[B]

Guys, I'm not just. I'm not just. I. I try to find a way to put it in there.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

That actually would be hilarious if we still had, like, the live events going. It'd be fun. Do it on live events or try.

[B]

It out a little bit. Oh, my gosh.

[A]

That would Be.

[B]

We do have a couple live events coming up, by the way. Do you?

[A]

Maybe in Mexico City?

[B]

Yeah, we have a. We have actual live events that could be. They can never truly go away.

[A]

Never.

[B]

And I also wonder, like, in two years, if we start full running again. It's subby to be. So we can never truly call our. But right now I like it because they're in markets that normally wouldn't get a TV show.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So it's the perfect place to be, like.

[A]

And that's what I think it's amazing for.

[B]

Come, come see this. It's an intimate thing. That was my whole bread and butter when I came back here was. I got to. I'm the live event guy.

[A]

See? Live event guy's good.

[B]

See everybody. I'll spend every second I can with them until they drag me out of here and. And then like, bought the bus.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And live events went away.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Oh, I didn't even think about that.

[B]

Yeah. No, but we filmed the show on the bus.

[A]

Hey, but. Which is so badass and cool. So sexy, smart and powerful.

[B]

It is. I feel sexy and smart and powerful.

[A]

I could just see that when you sit in that chair.

[B]

I'm gonna try and find a way. I'm gonna find a way.

[A]

It would be so good.

[B]

Come back and somebody be like, you seem like you were reaching on that.

[A]

Well, especially if you do it after this episode. Then people might feel it. They'll connect.

[B]

Gotta get it in.

[A]

That's right.

[B]

Now it's official.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

We will say it. It will happen. It will happen on a TV promo.

[A]

Good.

[B]

The big smart, sexy, powerful.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's not just the divas anymore, guys.

[A]

No, the men too.

[B]

You okay?

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

Good to go.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

Okay. I am going to play for you the Wheatley American Vodka jingle. And I will ask you to replace a word after you watch it. You can't lose this one.

[A]

No.

[B]

Wheatley so good I drink it neatly. This song right here is for the red, white and blue. You got good taste and you drink like it too. American vodka.

[A]

That's really good.

[B]

So wheatley so good I drink it neatly. If you had to take out the word neatly. Wheatly so good I drink it it freely. Perfect. Absolutely right.

[A]

Is that okay?

[B]

It is okay. And shockingly, so many people have struggled with this answer.

[A]

Oh, really?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I just think freely, like, if I want to drink Wheatley, I'm gonna do it when I want.

[B]

Yeah, I think that's. That's a really good one. Freely.

[A]

Freely.

[B]

Another really good one. We had La Knight hit with just completely, Right. Oh, yeah.

[A]

I drink completely. See? Freely. I feel like it can mean the tangible and intangible.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

If you know what I mean.

[B]

Absolutely.

[A]

So.

[B]

Well, thank you.

[A]

That's what our call does, right? Freely.

[B]

Freely.

[A]

Freely.

[B]

Thank you. Thank you.

[A]

Of course.

[B]

Nikki, you've been a wonderful guest.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

You killed this, by the way.

[A]

Oh, thank you. This is great. Yeah.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Thank you, guys.

[B]

Thank you very much. Mom, dad, you should shop Amazon for back to school and save some money. See, I'm obsessed with superheroes and need all the superhero stuff. Superhero launch box, superhero backpack. But next year it'll be something else. Maybe dinosaurs, I don't know. I'm not a fortune teller, but I can tell you not to spend a fortune and shop. Low prices for school on Amazon. K. Good chat, Amazon. Spend less, smile more.

[A]

Tipping culture is out of control. Yesterday I tipped someone just for handing me a napkin. So when hotels.com gives me up to 20% off for being a member, I finally get tipped. And you know what? It feels good. Hotels.com members save up to 20% off at hundreds of thousands of hotels.