Tossing Salt Presents:
Ultimate Wrestling Q&A
Ric Flair, AEW Blood & Guts, Trish Stratus & Much 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 Cyrus. Are you ready? Let’s do this.

Ric Flair was scheduled for AEW Blood & Guts, but all we got was Ricky Steamboat. Thoughts?

Ric was in Greensboro and came out to wave to the live audience, but seemingly suffered a shoulder injury sometime between Monday and the show on Wednesday night, and was in too much pain to do his spot on Dynamite. So, Flair just waved, wooo’ed, and went home early instead, allowing Rick Steamboat to work an angle alone against FTR instead.

What were your thoughts on the two AEW Blood & Guts matches?

They were everything I expected them to be. Lots of blood for both the men and women, lots of insane spots involving thumbtacks, staple guns, stun guns, outside interference, nails, a puppet, and a fire spot involving Darby. In other words, these featured matches from the company that proclaim “Where the best wrestle”, had nothing to do with wrestling. Just goofy spots and people damaging themselves for a cheap pop, but no purpose. I wasn’t impressed.

What was the dumbest thing you ever saw someone do at a show?

Usually, it’s just the fans trying to get inside the ring and going after the wrestlers. Suffice it to say that it rarely ever turns out well for the fans.

Trish Stratus says that Vince McMahon used to hound her quite persistently to do Playboy magazine, but she was not comfortable with that and always refused. Thoughts?

Being in Playboy was a big deal in the ’90s, but I can see why Trish wouldn’t be comfortable with doing that, and I commend her for standing her ground. Outside of maybe Sable, did that move help any of the other women who did the Playboy shoot, aka Torrie Wilson, Chyna, Ashley Massaro, or Christy Hemme? Not in any way that I can see. There’s nothing wrong with being a beautiful woman and wanting to show off that beauty, but it’s not for everyone, and obviously, it wasn’t for Trish.

Do you take issue with Charlotte Flair always being in the WWE title picture?

Charlotte is one of the most talented in-ring wrestlers in WWE, be it man or woman. She belongs near the top of the roster, and if that means constantly being either the champ or a top contender, so be it. She’s earned that spot, and if anyone has a problem with it, then be better than her. It really is just that simple.

Do you ever want to see Mercedes Moné in another Blood and Guts match again?

If I never see another Blood & Guts match again, regardless of who is in it, I’ll be happy. As for Mone, the gimmick doesn’t fit her character, and if she doesn’t want to do any more of those matches, who can blame her? I don’t.

Tony Khan says that he wants to bring AEW to Europe, specifically Germany and Paris, saying that they are untapped wrestling hotspots. Thoughts?

Both Germany and Paris recently hosted WWE events, so they’re not necessarily untapped, but I can’t blame Tony for wanting to take AEW and tour Europe. It’s always been a good market for wrestling, and would make for some good shows and lively crowds. The European fanbase has always been strong for pro wrestling, and even AEW would be no exception to that.

MVP recently revealed that he’s signed an extension with AEW and will be there for a long while. Thoughts?

MVP likes the company, the way he’s being used, and the money that AEW provides. Good for him. May he thrive and have a long and happy future with the company.

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!