Tossing Salt Presents:
Ultimate Wrestling Q&A
Rusev, Athena, Alex Windsor & More
DougMaynard.com
Doug Maynard

Welcome to the show. It’s the only pro wrestling Q&A that matters. You have questions, and I have answers. It’s the Ultimate Wrestling Q&A. I’m Doug, your party host and Guiding Light. Are you ready? Let’s do this.

How would you rate Rusev’s return to the WWE so far, on a scale of 1-10?

Rusev has looked decent in the ring, but the story thus far has no energy or momentum to it as of yet. Maybe after a few bangers with Sheamus, it will pick up and become more impressive, but so far, it’s been a letdown. I’ll give it a 6.

Were you a fan of Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat?

Not really, but I’ve always been more of a fan of the heels than the babyfaces, and Steamboat was always the eternal babyface. I was a fan of his tag team with Jay Youngblood. They were far ahead of their time. Steamboat was great in the ring but boring as a character and personality. The man was a legend, but he’s just not my cup of Dew Zero.

WWE is allegedly interested in current ROH Women’s Champion Athena, whose contract with AEW reportedly expires late this summer. Would you be interested in seeing Athena, formerly Ember Moon, return to the WWE?

WWE didn’t know what to do with her during her first run with the company and I doubt the second time would go any better. Athena would just be another face and get lost in the shuffle of the packed WWE roster. She’s better off in ROH/AEW.

Do you like Roman Reigns in The Shield or The Bloodline more?

The Bloodline for sure. Both Roman and Seth have grown immensely since breaking up the Shield and becoming solo stars. Roman, as the Tribal Chief and the Head of the Table, was some of his best work so far in his career.

If all the United States Presidents were to compete in a Battle Royal, who would be the favorite to win?

45 men and what an event it would be. The winner? Abe Lincoln had actual wrestling experience, but Andrew Jackson, U.S. Grant, and George Washington were soldiers with a fighting background. And Howard Taft was over 400lbs, so who would be able to eliminate him? It’s a tough call, but I’ll pick a dark horse in the college football star and known athlete. Gerald Ford gets the win.

What do you think about Shane McMahon possibly joining AEW? Do you think he could help the company out in a major way?

Shane McMahon joining AEW would be a good quick fix for AEW and pop some ratings, but it wouldn’t last for long. Also, Shane has said that he has no plans to join AEW, so it’s a non-issue.

WWE announced the return of King and Queen of the Ring for the Night of Champions PLE in July. Who are your early picks for each tournament?

For the men, let’s go with Jimmy Uso. As for the women, Queen Naomi sounds good to me.

Alex Windsor is now All-Elite and is now the newest member of the AEW roster. Thoughts?

Windsor is the partner and girlfriend of Will Ospreay, so where did everyone think she would end up working? Windsor is a talented wrestler and should do well in AEW, at least until she doesn’t.

Do you think WWE was wrong for not allowing a tribute to R-Truth?

WWE kept a lid on things because they didn’t want the Truth fans to hijack the show. I can’t blame them either. It would have been nice to see Truth get some kudos and flowers from the WWE crowd, but WWE did what they had to and it was probably best for business.

Do you think WWE’s counter-scheduling is smart business or a worn-out tactic that won’t work anymore?

It’s childish and petty, but it’s making the fans choose and is sending a message to AEW. AEW likes to take cheap shots at WWE talents, so now WWE is pushing back. And it’s making the world take notice. That works for me.

And there you go. Thanks for reading. Comments, thoughts, and questions are welcome and appreciated. Reach me by e-mail at Doug28352@yahoo.com or on X at @Doug28352. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe. And with that, let’s wrap it up. Take care and be well, my friends. Watch out for foreign objects, and I’ll see you at the matches.

Ubuntu!