Tossing Salt Presents:
Ultimate Wrestling Q&A
The Hurt Syndicate, Tiffany Stratton, Brie Bella & 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.

Rumor has it that the Hurt Syndicate has been refusing to put people over, has heat with Creative, has heat with several people in the locker room, including Speedball Bailey, and seems to be believing their own hype. Thoughts?

It seems to me that MVP has realized that he, Lashley, and Shelton are in a clown show and are trying to keep their credibility and reputations intact. Again, I’m speculating, but I’m sure that MVP has noticed what has happened to FTR, Edge, Christian, Mercedes, and so many others when AEW and Tony Khan are in control. MVP sees this, and since he resists, that makes him ‘difficult’. I think The Hurt Syndicate is getting some bad press, but all they’re doing is covering their own ass.

Paul Heyman says the “critics” need to get over Brock Lesnar returning, and he isn’t going to be cancelled. Thoughts?

Brock is back, and I’m glad to see him. And Heyman is 100% correct. Complain all you want, because here comes The Pain. Brock is back! ‘Nuff said!

Brie Bella says that she should bring the Yes chants back to WWE. Thoughts?

The ‘Yes’ chants were for Daniel Bryan, and he’s the one who got them over. Brie may return to WWE, and she might get an easy pop the first time she tries to get the chant going, but it won’t last. Brie may be married to Bryan Danielson, but she’s not him, and her popularity compared to his isn’t even close. It won’t work.

Do you see any free agents showing up on AEW Dynamite?

The most recent free agents from WWE are Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, Dakota Kai, Kayden Carter, and Katana Chance. Braun has a show for Peacock coming up, and Shayna has been spotted at the PC, so that mostly eliminates them from AEW. Carter and Chance seem more likely to end up in TNA or OnlyFans. Dakota Kai, though? I can see her becoming All Elite.

When asked about Hulk Hogan in a recent interview, Tiffany Stratton declined to comment out of fear of being cancelled. Thoughts?

Sadly, a person is afraid to express an honest opinion because of all the crazies and toxic people out there, ready to be insane and full of hate and vitriol. It sucks.

Should WWE revisit the Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar rivalry in the future?

Cody versus Brock was a fantastic rivalry two years ago, and if WWE wants a safe, reliable match that will always deliver, it’s a good match to go back to. I expect, especially with Cody holding gold, that we’ll see it happen again. And it will be good.

What’s your take — was Brooke Hogan right to skip the funeral?

I don’t do funerals myself, so I can’t judge. But she hadn’t been a part of her Dad’s life for years and didn’t get along with anyone else who would have been there, so showing up probably would have caused more issues than it would be worth dealing with. It was probably the right decision.

Do you think WWE will deliver a better product under ESPN, or is this deal just a cash grab at fans’ expense?

It looks great on paper, but I doubt the quality of the programs will improve to any degree. This is all about the money, as is 98% of the things that TKO tries to do.

Logan Paul wants to return to Japan with WWE. Thoughts?

Given his history, it will be interesting to see if Japan even allows Logan into the country. But coming in with WWE is a good way to feel out the situation and break the ice. It’s a way for Logan to work on repairing the damage and the relationship with Japan.

Despite having double knee replacement surgery, Dustin Rhodes insists that this is not the end. Thoughts?

As a trainer, a commentator, or even as an agent, once Dustin recovers, I can see it happening. But as an in-ring wrestler, I just don’t see it. I hope that I’m wrong, but I just don’t see it.

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!