Layla El is our guest in the twelfth episode of WrestleShadow.

The two-time WWE Women’s Champion reveals why she dated Cody Rhodes, shares behind-the-scenes stories from famous segments, and explains how she realized that The Deadman had a soft spot for her compatriot, Michelle McCool.

Do check out the full playlist of WrestleShadow

TIMESTAMP

0:03 - *Tribute to her mother*

1:05 - *Unique entrance and its origin*

2:11 - *Prank on The Miz*

3:40 - *What Layla did with her $250,000 Diva Search prize money*

4:33 - *Culture shocks Layla faced in WWE*

6:17 - *Vince McMahon's involvement and early learnings from Extreme Expose*

8:39 - *Perspective on storylines perceived as humiliating*

9:37 - *Working with Vickie Guerrero*

12:01 - *Missed opportunity for a women's tag team division with LayCool*

12:59 - *Relationship with Michelle McCool*

14:10 - *Perspective on the Piggy James storyline*

16:37 - *Moments when she almost broke character*

17:17 - *Witnessing Michelle McCool and The Undertaker's romance*

18:17 - *Cody Rhodes' story about carrying half the Women's Championship*

19:29 - *Belief in Cody Rhodes' potential*

20:13 - *Commitment to WWE*

20:54 - *Reflection on the Divas era*

22:31 - *Opinion on female talent monetizing themselves independently*

23:16 - *Natalya's longevity*

24:20 - *Paige's return*

24:54 - *Final WWE run and retirement*

26:56 - *Current life and future plans*

27:47 - *Opinion on current WWE locker room environment*

29:13 - *Criteria for return*

30:00 - *Women Layla would like to work with in a potential return*

30:33 - *Past tension with Kaitlyn*

32:39 - *Hollywood opportunities for male vs. female wrestlers*

33:55 - *Divorce*

34:15 - *Outro*

For interview requests and business enquiries - contact@sportshadow.com

#wwe #laylael #codyrhodes #undertaker #michellemccool #wwepodcasts

Luke Menzies, formerly known as Ridge Holland in WWE, is the latest guest on our Wrestleshadow podcast.

Do check out the full playlist of WrestleShadow • WrestleShadow

TIMESTAMP

01:15 : Foot and neck surgeries

02:15 : Transition from rugby to professional wrestling

03:20 : Rugby teammates' reactions to his career move

04:10 : Visa challenges and selling his house from the UK to the US for WWE

05:35 : Differences between UK and North American pro-wrestling styles

06:45 : Why European wrestlers sometimes struggle in North America

07:50 : Financial struggles after injury, including a GoFundMe campaign

09:50 : The often-unaccounted costs for wrestlers (travel, hotel)

11:20 : WWE contract extension, pay cut, and move from main roster to NXT

12:30 : Luke Menzies' decision to ask for a move back to NXT

13:50 : Details about the WarGames match against The Bloodline

16:00 : TNA's response after his injury on their show

17:05 : Thoughts on Oba Femi and Trick Williams' success

17:50 : Relationships with former tag team partners and other wrestlers

19:20 : His WWE contract termination linked to online comments

20:00 : WWE covering his surgery and rehabilitation costs

20:30 : Future plans, upcoming bookings, and staying relevant

20:55 : Comparing Triple H and Shawn Michaels' leadership in NXT

21:55 : Addressing the perception of being an "unsafe worker"

23:20 : Impact of the WWE/UFC merger (TKO) on creative

24:15 : One thing Luke Menzies would have done differently in WWE

26:15 : Would Luke Menzies return to WWE if given the chance?

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#wwe #wweinterview #wwecontract #ridgeholland #lukemenzies #tna #wrestlinginjury #wrestlingsurgery

In this exclusive interview with Sportshadow, 'Big Trouble' Ben Bishop sits down with Prem Deshpande to discuss his transition from college basketball to pro-wrestling, WWE tryouts in 2021 and 2025, building his social media brand from scratch, fitness and nutrition regimen, and managing ego while losing a match in the indies.

Link of the WrestleShadow podcast • WrestleShadow

0:00 : Intro

0:52 : Transition from basketball to wrestling

4:05 : Developing himself as a witty character and not as a brooding tall monster

6:33 : Overcoming burnout and transition to content creation

12:09 : WWE Tryouts in 2021 and 2025

16:22 : Fitness regimen and nutrition

23:00 : Use of testosterone to keep up with his age

26:28 : Managing ego while losing a match in the indies

30:31 : Future aspirations

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#wwe #wweinterviews #benbishop #wwepodcast #independentwrestling

In this exclusive interview with Sportshadow, Prem Deshpande sits down with former WWE star James Ellsworth, the ultimate underdog who proved that “any man with two hands has a fighting chance.”

We dive into his incredible journey from the independent scene to sharing the ring with AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose, and Carmella, and talk about what life has been like after his WWE run. Ellsworth opens up about the highs, the challenges, the controversies, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Link of WrestleShadow podcast https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe5bwaHlRmf2VSEninc8cSZgrliX2IqFi&si=0ab-WadLrR8DmKr9

0:00 Story behind "Any man with two hands has a fighting chance”

7:34 Early years and facing bullying

23:14 WWE locker room's reaction to his sudden rise

25:00 Thoughts on Logan Paul

26:30 Ellsworth's opinion on his WWE storylines

32:38 2017 MITB and Carmella

37:30 Why James Ellsworth left WWE

41:40 ACW

45:45 Promoter vs wrestler - which is more difficult?

49:00 Dealing with other wrestlers

51:20 2018 Snapchat allegations

55:00 What is James looking forward to next?

57:45 Goodbye

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#JamesEllsworth #Carmella #WWE #ACW #WWEPodcasts #WWEInterviews #loganpaul

Barry Horowitz is the guest in the tenth episode of WrestleShadow.

Do check out the full playlist of WrestleShadow • WrestleShadow

TIMESTAMP

0:00 Opening Hook and Introduction

2:10 Scary Indian Tour Experience (1992/1993)

5:15 Locker Room Bullying

8:15 Steroid Use in WWF Locker Room

9:20 Views on Celebrities in Pro-Wrestling (Logan Paul, Bad Bunny, Jelly Roll, Pat McAfee)

12:20 Interactions with Vince McMahon Sr. and Eric Bischoff

15:45 Recent Wrestling Appearances

17:25 Thoughts on MJF

18:05 Interaction with Tony Khan

19:40 Can AEW Compete with WWE?

22:25 Desire to be a Coach in Pro-Wrestling

27:45 Ego in His Wrestling Career

30:00 Working with Owen Hart and his Tragic Accident

34:20 Branding and Sponsorship in WWE

38:25 Rapid Fire Questions

40:55 Upcoming Projects and Merchandise

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#wwe #wwepodcasts #wweshootinterviews #wweperformancecentre #owenhart #vincemcmahon #ericbischoff #aew #tonykhan #loganpaul #barryhorowitz #jellyroll #patmcafee #badbunny

Aron Stevens is the guest in the ninth episode of WrestleShadow.

Do check out the full playlist of WrestleShadow • WrestleShadow

TIMESTAMP

0:00 - Introduction

1:15 - Did WWE miss a moment with Damien Sandow?

3:55 - Interaction with CM Punk and Cody Rhodes early in his career

7:15 - Current role in NWA

11:20 - Few names from NWA to keep an eye on

15:40 - Pairing with Casey James and Michelle McCool

17:10 - Comparison of FCW and current NXT

21:10 - One thing you tap into while working in a character

22:30 - Failing to cash in his MITB contract

23:40 - Interaction with Vince McMahon

24:40 - Future plans of NWA

26:05 - Rapid fire

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For interview requests and business enquiries - contact@sportshadow.com

Dijak sits down with Ishan Chavan in the recent episode of WrestleShadow podcast.

One of the most athletic and intimidating big men in pro wrestling discusses his run in NXT, WWE main roster, WXM, the indies, and much more in this exclusive interview.

Do check out the full playlist of WrestleShadow • WrestleShadow

TIMESTAMP 00:00 - Introduction

02:10 - Why Dijak's trainers trained him to be a high flying big man

6:50 - Story behind the Canadian Destroyer to Keith Lee off the top rope

8:15 - How Dijak's basketball career helped him execute top rope moves

11:20 - Why Dijak feels the Canadian Destroyer is overused in modern pro wrestling

14:15 - Rivalry and friendship with Keith Lee

17:55 - Fans' perception of his poor promo skills leading to failure of the T-Bar character

22:00 - Differences and similarities of working under Triple H and Shawn Michaels in NXT

25:50 - Oba Femi's first-ever entrance

28:00 - Why some NXT stars succeed while others fail in the transition to main roster

30:35 - Financial compensation in WWE and the indies

34:20 - Post WWE call from TNA

36:30 - Working with WXM in India

39:30 - Best and most underrated matches in his career

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For interview requests and business enquiries - contact@sportshadow.com

#nxt #wwe #wwepodcasts #wweshootinterviews #wxm #dijak #keithlee #obafemi #tripleh #shawnmichaels #canadiandestroyer

EC3 sits down with Ishan Chavan in this latest episode of WrestleShadow.

The former TNA World Champion discusses his Impact India Tour, WWE and NXT stints, writing his new book, and more.

Do check out the full playlist of WrestleShadow • WrestleShadow

TIMESTAMP

0:00 - Introduction

0:30 - Memories of Impact India Tour

2:20 - The Origin of E Singh 3

3:32 - Fascination of Indians with EC3's biceps

5:07 - Running a Training Academy

8:28 - Inside John Cena's Hard Nocks South private gym

10:25 - Being a police officer in WWE segments

12:23 - Getting noticed as an extra in WWE

13:38 - Creative freedom in Early NXT

16:08 - On Daniel Bryan being his mentor

17:04 - Importance of a character vs in ring skills of a wrestler

19:24 - Transformation into EC3 in TNA

24:00 - Earning respect in TNA

26:00 - Relationship with Dixie Carter on screen and off screen

33:02 - Influence of Rockstar Spud

34:31 - Winning the TNA World Championship

37:04 - Influence of Kurt Angle

38:04 - Returning to NXT in 2018

42:45 - The silent gimmick in WWE

44:39 - Thoughts on current WWE

50:10 - NWA experience and mentorship

53:12 - Writing a book

56:01 - Tributes to John Cena and AJ Styles

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#ec3 #tna #nxt #wwe #wwepodcasts #wweshootinterviews #kurtangle #rockstarspud #dixiecarter #johncena

Join us on WrestleShadow as Ishan Chavan sits down with the one and only Santino Marella!

From his unexpected WWE debut and the legendary Cobra to his current role as Director of Authority at TNA, Santino shares incredible stories and insights from his two-decade-long career. Get ready for behind-the-scenes tales with Vince McMahon, Donald Trump, Snoop Dogg, and his thoughts on the current TNA roster.

Link of the WrestleShadow podcast • WrestleShadow

TIMESTAMP 0:00:00 - Introduction

0:00:26 - Santino's Unexpected WWE Debut & Intercontinental Championship Win

0:01:50 - Meeting Vince McMahon Backstage

0:02:26 - Sharing the Stage with Donald Trump and Snoop Dogg

0:05:10 - The Origin Story of "The Cobra"

0:08:40 - Thoughts on Mr. Iguana

0:09:36 - Tag Team with Vladimir Kozlov & The Dance Off

0:12:06 - The Longevity and Value of a Comedic Wrestling Role

0:14:01 - Inspirations Behind Santino's Character & Accent

0:15:07 - The Akon "Diss Rap" Backstory

0:16:16 - The Glamarella Duo with Beth Phoenix

0:18:45 - The Creation of Santina Marella

0:20:28 - Funny Santina Backstage Memory with Vicky Guerrero & Rosa Mendez

0:21:28 - Donald Trump Firing Santina

0:23:36 - Potential TNA Invitation for Bad Bunny

0:25:00 - Current Role as TNA Director of Authority

0:26:28 - Santino's Plans for Future Special Matches

0:27:27 - Would Santino Marella Bring AJ Styles Back to TNA?

0:28:45 - TNA's Creative Process vs. WWE's

0:31:02 - Santino's Daughter in Professional Wrestling

0:34:03 - The Benefits of the NXT-TNA Partnership

0:37:03 - Royal Rumble "Win" Moment & Elimination by Alberto Del Rio

0:39:02 - Elimination Chamber Near-Victory in 2012

0:40:01 - Impact of Injuries on His Career & Desire for a World Title Push

0:42:19 - Current Lingering Injuries

0:43:17 - The Rock Roasting Santino at the 2008 Hall of Fame

0:44:35 - The Jersey-Changing Mid-Match scene with Chavo Guerrero at New York

0:45:49 - Memories with R-Truth

0:46:55 - Top 5 Hardest Workers in TNA

0:48:44 - The Strength of the TNA Knockouts Division

0:49:27 - Evolution to an Authority Figure

0:50:18 - Santino on his Career Contentment

Do follow us on X - https://www.x.com/sportshadownews

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#santinomarella #vincemcmahon #WWE #tna #donaldtrump #WWEPodcasts #WWEInterviews #snoopdogg #akon

Sportshadow got the opportunity to interact with former WWE, TNA, and AEW writer and five-time ROH World Tag Team Champion Jimmy Jacobs.

Known for his long form feuds in the independent circuit, Jimmy Jacobs spoke on a myriad of topics like his ROH stint, epiphany to turn into a writer, interactions with Vince McMahon and Tony Khan, writing the Festival of Friendship, and working with John Cena and Roman Reigns.

Link of the WrestleShadow podcast • WrestleShadow

0:00:02 - Introduction

0:01:30 - Developing a Unique Wrestling Style

0:03:39 - Focus on blood feuds and storytelling

0:05:39 - The love angle with Lacey

0:11:38 - Transition to Age of the Fall Faction

0:17:30 - Comparison between Age of the Fall and S.C.U.M.

0:20:40 - Epiphany to turn into a WWE writer

0:23:29 - WWE Creative Process and Challenges

0:27:16 - Memorable WWE Creative Projects

0:29:07 - Writing the Festival of Friendship

0:32:06 - Working Culture under Vince McMahon

0:36:41 - The Incident leading to his WWE firing

0:44:50 - Experience at AEW and differences from WWE

0:51:43 - Hardest part of the Creative Role

0:54:33 - Thoughts on Triple H's Leadership in WWE

01:00:05 - Thoughts on Tony Khan's Leadership in AEW

01:02:36 - Reflections on Friendship with Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn

01:07:52 - Should writers be a part of the Hall of Fame?

01:09:40 - One word descriptions of Vince McMahon, Triple H, John Cena, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Chris Jericho

01:11:46 - Best performer you wrote for

01:12:42 - Toughest wrestler to write for

01:14:50 - Predicting AJ Styles' Last Opponent

01:19:57 - Jimmy Jacobs' Future Plans for 2026

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#jimmyjacobs #vincemcmahon #WWE #tna #aew #WWEPodcasts #WWEInterviews #roh #tonykhan

In this exclusive interview with Sportshadow, Ishan Chavan sits down with former WWE star Ken Anderson.

The former two-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion spoke on a myriad of topics like his wellness policy suspension, backstage discussion with John Laurinaitis and Vince McMahon, the comparisons between TNA and WWE's atmosphere, relationship between the Undertaker and John Cena, his thought on WWE Unreal and the current wrestling landscape.

Link of the WrestleShadow podcast • WrestleShadow

00:00:00 Introduction

00:01:54 How he found out about his wellness policy suspension

00:06:43 Reaction to the suspension news

00:08:15 Impact of the suspension on the Vince's son storyline

00:14:16 Performer's knowledge of storylines and entertainment through surprise

00:16:30 Thoughts on WWE Unreal

00:20:03 Memorable moments and rivalries in WWE career

00:25:08 Working with The Undertaker and calling spots in the ring

00:30:45 Dynamics and relationship with John Cena

00:35:20 Transition to TNA

00:35:43 Comparison of WWE's and TNA's atmosphere

00:41:54 His children's preference being a heel or a babyface

00:44:07 Reaction to Vince McMahon's departure from WWE

00:47:14 Thoughts on Dominik Mysterio

00:50:32 Cody Rhodes and the "one star" era in wrestling

00:52:46 Thoughts on Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed

00:54:37 Comparisons between Mr. Anderson and LA Knight (Eli Drake)

00:57:08 Thoughts on Zilla Fatu

00:58:27 Rapid Fire Questions

01:05:44 Facing AJ Styles before his retirement in 2026

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#mranderson #vincemcmahon #WWE #tna #WWEPodcasts #WWEInterviews #undertaker #johncena

Sportshadow got the opportunity to interview 19-year-old Aussie pro-wrestler, Jimmy Zero in the third episode of WrestleShadow podcast.

In this interview with Prem Deshpande, Jimmy lets his heart out on a variety of topics, like what got him hooked to wrestling, the buzzing scene in Australia which produced so many WWE and AEW wrestlers, his diet and fitness regime, memorable moments so far in his career, and much more.

Link of the WrestleShadow podcast • WrestleShadow

0:00 - Earliest memory of watching wrestling

1:18 - Meaning of Jimmy Zero

4:55 - The Independent Wrestling Scene in Australia

6:08 - Preparations in wrestling gym

8:00 - Learning top rope maneuvers and training in Japan

13:15 - Fitness regimen and diet

17:55 - Emotional match in Japan in front of 1000 people

20:16 - High flying wrestling style and mental preparations ahead of a match

25:08 - Favorite move to execute

27:17 - Origin of the nickname, "The Delinquent"

29:29 - Dream Wrestling Opponents

39:14 - Five year goal

40:47 - Myths he wants to clarify

44:27 - Rapid Fire

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