Tossing Salt Presents:
Ultimate Wrestling Q&A
Eva Marie, Austin Aries, Roman Reigns & More
DougMaynard.com
Doug Maynard

I’m Doug and this is the Ultimate Wrestling Q&A. Happy New Year’s Eve. And now, let’s get to it, shall we?

Who was the biggest breakout star in pro wrestling during 2024?

This one is easy. The Samoan Werewolf, Jacob Fatu. There was some stiff competition such as Bronson Reed, Liv Morgan, who has really come into her own, and Joe Hendry, who has everyone believing. But Fatu has been so impressive since his WWE debut, that I can’t think of anyone else who’s even close.

When is Tiffany Stratton gonna cash in?

It’ll be Tiffy Time and she’ll cash in when the time is right and she’s good and ready. But next week, with the debut of RAW on Netflix, plus Smackdown moving to three hours on USA Friday nights, I think it’s well worth keeping an eye on Miss Stratton.

What has happened to Swerve Strickland in AEW? He was so hot, the leader of the Dynasty Era, but since All Out, he’s only wrestled four matches and has become an afterthought. Thoughts?

It’s the AEW Curse and Tony Khan booking. Swerve was the flavor of the month for Tony so he got the strong push and the AEW Championship for a short run. And now, Tony has moved his attention to Ricochet and The Hurt Syndicate, so Swerve has been swerved and forgotten while the new kids get the attention.

Thoughts on former WWE star Eva Marie. Would you like to see her return to WWE?

Eva Marie? I have no thoughts. She was a Vince McMahon project who looked great, but never showed any true skills inside the ring. She is quite fine where she’s at and there is no reason for her to return to the WWE.

Is Roman Reigns responsible for WWE’s “Renaissance”?

Roman is partially responsible as the steady figure at the top of the roster who attracted fans and had a great run as the champion. But Triple H and his leadership, the less restrictive language with the promos, the dedication to long-term storytelling, the return of CM Punk, the work of Cody, Drew, Randy Orton, Dominik, Sammy, KO, and the rest of the men and women of WWE also can be given credit as well.

Whatever happened to Austin Aries?

After leaving WWE, Aries did a short run with MLW and also TNA, but allegedly wasn’t happy with either promotion and asked for a release. Since then, Aries has made a few appearances with the NWA and a few different independent promotions but hasn’t shown up in any major companies. I can’t find much on Aries for the past couple of years. If anyone knows where Aries is wrestling or if he’s possibly retired, let me know. Thanks!

It’s the War Games and a match between the AWA and AEW. What wrestlers are on each team, and which team wins?

A five-on-five match between the #3 promotion of the ’70s and ’80s versus the #3 promotion of today, behind WWE and NXT. Let’s pick out some wrestlers. For the AWA, I’ll go with former AWA Champions Nick Bockwinkel, Larry Zbyszko, Verne Gagne, and Curt Hennig. And for AEW, let’s use Jon Moxley, Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, Swerve Strickland, and MJF. And the winners? I’d have to go with the AEW Crew for this one.

Who won the promo battle between Seth Rollins and CM Punk at the end of RAW?

This promo was so intense and real. We had mentions of dropping the ball, Becky leaving, the Colt Cabana podcast, Vince McMahon, AEW, injuries, and basically every sticking point that allegedly exists between CM Punk and Seth Rollins. This was Seth at his very best in a role we rarely see. No jokes or comedy, but just raw intensity. And Punk delivered with the A-Game as well. Both men were on target and it was real and believable. Who won? The fans who witnessed this exchange of words. I was only so-so at best about the Rollins versus Punk match for next week on RAW, but I got chills with the intensity of the promos. I’m looking forward to it now more than ever.

Actress Linda Lavin passed away yesterday. In her memory, recast the sitcom Alice, but using current and past WWE Superstars.

I didn’t watch Alice much when it was on TV. A few times, yes, but not often. But I’ll do my best. For the role of Alice and her son, Tommy? How about Bayley in the starring role and Dominik Mysterio as her son? The grumpy boss, Mel, would be played by Steve Austin. Fellow waitresses Flo, Vera, Belle, and Jolene, let’s go with the sassy Flo being played by Chelsea Green. Can you picture Green saying, “Kiss my grits!”? I can. The dingy Vera could be played by Nikki Cross. Belle could be played by Tamina Snuka, while Jolene, let’s go with Alexa Bliss for that role. And the various assortment of customers by various WWE superstars.

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, let’s wrap it up, Happy New Year’s Eve. I’ll see you at the matches.

Ubuntu!