Tossing Salt Presents:
Ultimate Wrestling Q&A
Shelton Benjamin, Kerry Von Erich, Ahmed Johnson & More
DougMaynard.com
Doug Maynard

It’s the Ultimate Wrestling Q&A. I’m Doug. It’s Friday. Yay! Let’s roll.

True or False: Stone Cold Steve Austin > Shawn Michaels.

It’s a tough call because both have been so important to the WWE. I guess since Austin is incredible but kind of one-dimensional. He’s the best Steve Austin there is, but doesn’t do much more than that. HBK was a wrestler, an authority figure, and now runs NXT. He still contributes and is more important than ever.

Shelton Benjamin has arrived in AEW. Thoughts?

He’s arrived and is aligned with MVP, thus it looks like we’ll be getting a reunion of the Hurt Business. I’m happy for Shelton. He can probably outwork 98% of the AEW roster and hopefully, this will be his opportunity to strut his stuff and prosper. Congratulations to Shelton.

“NONE OF THIS IS ABOUT ME!” What does Jon Moxley mean by that?

He’s planting the seeds for the debut of a mysterious leader, a man calling the shots and out to end AEW once and for all… or maybe just take over. It means that Moxley has a boss and most likely, his name is Shane McMahon.

Is pro wrestling a soap opera for men?

That is exactly what it is but with simulated violence, great physicality, and the most talented entertainers in existence.

Today marks 100 days for Finn Balor & JD McDonough as the WWE World Tag Team Champions. They’ve only had one title defense. Thoughts?

I don’t like this and wish that we’d see more title defenses by the champs. I do feel that this lessens the value of the championship. Finn & JD wrestle regularly and have the skills to pull off some title matches while still being part of the Judgment Day feud with Rhea & Priest. Someone in WWE Creative needs to take notice and step things up a bit. It’s a small thing, but it does matter.

The AEW library will be available and streaming on Max? Thoughts?

This is good for AEW and good for me personally as well. If the shows are on Max, I may actually take the time to sit down and try to watch them. It would be more convenient and easier that way rather than torturing myself by trying to watch the shows on regular TV.

Thoughts on Bill & Scott “Hogg” Irwin, aka The Long Riders.

I don’t remember much about these two guys. Big, scary, and worked the AWA during the final years of that promotion. Scott, I believe, worked in the WWE for a while as The Goon, and Bill did some work in WCW. I’m guessing about all of that, but I’ve heard Cornette and Mantell both mention these two on occasion. My own memories of them though are practically non-existent.

What are your thoughts on Kerry Von Erich?

The Von Erich brother with the perfect body and worldwide appeal. Kerry was the Von Erich who worked for the WWF, was the poster child of the family, and was briefly the NWA World Champion. Physically, Kerry had all the tools and potential to be one of the very best. Unfortunately, he had his demons and their influence was too hard for him to overcome. A true wrestling legend and one of the most popular wrestlers of that era. RIP Kerry.

How would Ahmed Johnson do in today’s WWE?

In today’s WWE, Ahmed wouldn’t make it through the initial tryouts. All Ahmed had going for him was a huge body. He was not a good wrestler, nor could he talk. Ahmed was the big man that Vince liked and thus, got a career out of it. If by some miracle, Ahmed even made it through the door of the Performance Center in today’s WWE, he’d be gone within a week. And good riddance.

Do you think, if Cody turns heel, it will be before or after WrestleMania?

If it does happen, we’re looking after Mania. We might get a tease and a few subtle hints before then, but so far as a full-fledged turn goes, it won’t be until after Mania is through.

And there you go. My thanks for reading. Comments, thoughts, and any questions are welcome and appreciated. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe. And with that, I’m out of here. I’ll see you at the matches.

Ubuntu!