Tossing Salt Presents:
Ultimate Wrestling Q&A
Santos Escobar, Darby Allin, Lyra Valkyria & 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, guiding light, and the man with the best mullet since Billy Ray. Are you ready? Let’s do this.

Santos Escobar and WWE have made up. Allegedly, as of yesterday, WWE reached out, offered a new deal, and Escobar has signed a new deal. Thoughts?

Escobar wanted some idea of what the future holds, and WWE came through. WWE gave him what he asked for, and thus, he’s sticking around. Good for Escobar.

Taz is taking time off from AEW Dynamite for shoulder replacement surgery. Who should fill in and take his spot while he’s away?

Both Big Show and Ric Flair are under contract with AEW, so why not have one of them step in and fill the void? Maybe Danhausen? It would at least make the commentary interesting. But realistically, Josh Matthews, the former lead announcer for TNA for so many years, is employed by AEW as a production crew member. This would be a great time to move him to the announce table.

Darby Allin threatened Moxley with a Molotov Cocktail last night on Dynamite, before being tackled by AEW security. Thoughts?

But I thought AEW was where the best wrestlers are. A Molotov cocktail? Really? Suspension of belief is one thing, but it’s getting so stupid, again. Arson, attempted murder, kidnapping, and now criminal assault weapons. This is why it’s so hard to take AEW seriously. Stupidity at its worst.

Do you think WWE SmackDown could use a major overhaul on the creative side?

It needs something to liven things up, and a change in the creative process can’t hurt. Whatever works, right?

Would you like to see Xavier Woods have a run as a singles champion?

Woods has the potential and charisma to be a top singles champion. He plays the chickenshit heel so well, and reeks of charisma. Woods has it, and while I truly enjoy the new New Day, it would be cool to see Woods with IC or United States gold.

A fan’s “ICE fears Hangman” sign was confiscated by AEW security at a recent event. Was AEW right to allow security to remove the sign—or is this another case of free speech being policed at live events?

AEW is cool with Adam Page speaking his mind, but the fans bringing signs might be a bit too much. ICE is paying TBS and WBD to advertise on their shows, and while they might tolerate some things, AEW doesn’t want to piss off their advertisers. Removing the signs. It’s just damage control so they can appease the sponsors and keep that money coming in.

Do you think John Cena calling himself the “last real champion” was a shot at Cody Rhodes, or just part of his farewell swagger?

It was a line, suggested by a writer, for the heel character. I doubt anyone is taking it seriously.

Do you think Lyra Valkyria is the future of WWE’s women’s division?

In the ring, yes. But she needs to work on her promo ability and presence as a character. She has a ton of potential, but unless she steps up her game on a few things, she’ll always be mid-card and never the top woman.

Do you want to see Omos back in AAA soon?

I just want to see Omos wrestle. WWE has a giant, and they’re not using him. I don’t care if it’s AAA, the main roster of WWE, NXT, TNA, or Evolve. WWE has a true giant, who doesn’t totally suck. Use him.

What’s your favorite championship? Not the best looking, but your personal favorite for whatever reason.

I always liked the TV titles. A fifteen-minute time limit and bragging rights as the best wrestler on TV. Arn and Tully made this belt special in the NWA/Crockett, and the little things that make it different from all the other titles make it stand out to 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; that is all people need to know. I’ll see you at the matches.

Ubuntu!