The Wrestlesphere Podcast

Donovan Dijak Shares Advice For Released WWE Superstars, Favourite Matches and MORE!

Ahead of an appearance in the UK next month, ex-WWE star Donovan Dijak shared some advice for those Superstars released from the company last week.
 
NXT and Raw star Dijak, was himself released from WWE in June 2024 when the company decided not to renew his contract. Eight months on, there are few better placed to offer their experience and advice to others. “When those releases started happening, that was the first time in a very long time where I didn’t have to experience the other end of it, which is kind of a bittersweet sort of moment.” Said Dijak. “Nothing sweet about it, but that’s the first time where I started seeing the thing where “so and so has been released” and then another name keeps coming out every so often. Because usually when that happens, and I still have PTSD about it, all my friends start texting me and then we start staring at our phones and we’re looking at it and you’re just waiting for a phone call.” Dijak, who is set to debut for Burning Heart Pro Wrestling in Liverpool next month for their inaugural Championship Tournament, offered up some sage words for those affected. Duke Hudson, Sonya Deville, Cedric Alexander, Akam and Rezar (aka AOP), Blair Davenport, Paul Ellering, Giovanni Vinci, Isla Dawn and The Good Brothers (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) were the unfortunate Superstars that did receive the phone call last week. “A lot of these people are my friends and a lot of them I have reached out to. What do you say to someone in that position that can change how they feel? The answer is nothing. There’s nothing that anyone could say to me at that time that could change how I felt.” Said Dijak.
 
For more, visit Wrestlesphere: https://wrestlesphere.com/donovan-dijak-shares-advice-for-released-wwe-superstars/

Richard Holliday talks his Progress Wrestling debut against Man Like DeReiss, GCW in the UK and more

#progresswrestling #majorleaguewrestling #gcw PROGRESS Wrestling has announced another blockbuster matchup for Chapter 176: For The Love of PROGRESS, as Richard Holliday will make his highly anticipated PROGRESS Wrestling debut against 0121’s own, Man Like DeReiss. This clash, set for Friday, February 14th, at the BEC Bowlers Arena in Manchester, could well steal the show.
Man Like DeReiss: A Standout Year in PROGRESS Man Like DeReiss has been on a tear in 2024, delivering standout performances that have solidified his reputation as one of the brightest stars in PROGRESS Wrestling. DeReiss has dazzled fans with his ability to mix high-flying agility with hard-hitting offense in the ring and his charismatic persona outside the ring. Whether in singles competition or as part of a team with Leon Slater as Boisterous Behaviour, DeReiss has consistently showcased his versatility and determination. His recent battles, including a stellar showing in the four-way match for the PROGRESS Men’s World Championship at Chapter 175, have left fans and critics alike singing his praises. Now, DeReiss has the opportunity to test his skills against an international star in one of the most intriguing matchups of Chapter 176. Richard Holliday: A Global Star on the Rise Richard Holliday arrives in PROGRESS Wrestling with an impressive résumé and a growing reputation as one of the most polished performers on the independent scene.
Holliday has been making waves in Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) in 2024, where his mix of technical prowess, striking ability, and undeniable confidence has captured the attention of fans worldwide. Before his GCW success, Holliday was a cornerstone of Major League Wrestling (MLW), where he rose to prominence as one-half of the MLW World Tag Team Champions alongside none other than former AEW World Champion MJF. As part of the Dynasty faction, Holliday demonstrated his knack for storytelling and character work, traits that have only grown stronger since his departure from MLW. Holliday’s debut in PROGRESS Wrestling represents a significant moment for both him and the promotion, as he looks to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with on the UK wrestling scene. Both men are riding high on their respective successes in 2024, and this match could serve as a defining moment for each competitor. For DeReiss, it’s a chance to prove he can hang with the best international talent.
For Holliday, it’s an opportunity to make an immediate impact in PROGRESS Wrestling against one of its biggest stars. Be There for Richard Holliday’s Debut Will Richard Holliday’s PROGRESS Wrestling debut be the start of something special, or will Man Like DeReiss continue his rise with a statement victory? One thing is certain: this match is a must-see for fans of both UK and international wrestling. Get your tickets now at progresswrestling.com/tickets and witness this exciting clash live at the BEC Bowlers Arena on Friday, February 14th!

Jeff Hardy comments on the importance of creating moments in wrestling, working with Darby Allin and loving TNA

Jeff Hardy talks about how working with Darby Allin reignited his love for wrestling, the importance of creating moments for TNA Wrestling in 2025, and MUCH MORE!
https://wrestlesphere.com/

Matt Hardy reflects on Jeff's impact on popular culture, taking smarter bumps and inspiring The Rascalz ahead of TNA Genesis 2025

Matt Hardy chats to Dom Smith about his brother Jeff's wrestling legacy, as well as how he himself has changed and developed in the ring, and how he and his brother helped inspire tag teams like The Rascalz ahead of getting in the ring with them at TNA Genesis 2025. 
https://wrestlesphere.com/

Jason Baker opens up on his favourite Bray Wyatt memories, working with The Wyatt Sicks

#WWE #unclehowdy #braywyatt
Wrestlesphere's Dom Smith chats to Special FX makeup artist and designer, Jason Baker of Callosum Studios about his favourite memories of working with Bray Wyatt on The Fiend, The Firefly Fun House and many more personal thoughts. Alongside this, Jason talks about the return of The Wyatt Sicks, the creativity of Bo Dallas (Taylor Rotunda) and much more.
It's always such a joy to catch up with Jason, and we've done interviews for Soundsphere before now, so we are buzzed to have him feature on Wrestlesphere, talking about his passion and creativity when it comes to working with HHH, Rob Fee and members of the WWE creative team to craft a vision for The Wyatt Sicks, and continuing the incredible legacy of Bray Wyatt.
We hope you enjoy this in-depth chat, and look out for the second part of this, where we talk about Jason's work on Terrifier 3, over on Screensphere!
For more information visit: https://wrestlesphere.com/

Eric Young talks Nikki Cross and SAnitY in WWE, Joe Hendry in NXTNA

#ericyoung #nikkicross #joehendry
Eric Young is a veteran of the squared circle in both TNA and WWW. However when it comes to TNA, EY is a legend who’s done everything there is to do – more than once. Wrestlesphere sat down with Eric to discuss his current TNA run, role as a locker room leader and to get his thoughts on the recent TNA/NXT crossovers. We started by asking Eric Young about loss to Josh Alexander in the run-up to Slammiversary (2024).
This loss disqualifies Young from competing for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at the event, which like any wrestler, is his ultimate goal. “I obviously wanted to advance, the ultimate goal is always to hold the TNA World Championship. Josh and I have been friends for a long time, I respect him and there’s no shame in losing to Josh Alexander. Tensions can run high sometimes, I guess, I think that’s the easiest way to describe that.”
Check out more on: https://wrestlesphere.com/eric-young-talks-tna-wwe-spooky-wrestling-more/

Rickey Shane Page on The Calling in MLW, Burning Heart Wrestling and more

#MLW
In a brand new interview, ahead of some awesome-looking UK shows with Burning Heart Wrestling, we chat to MLW outlier and 20+year + wrestling veteran Rickey Shane Page about his time in MLW, what he learned from Raven as part of The Calling, and so much more. Listen, and watch below:
Tickets are available at www.burningheartprowrestling.com

Ash By Elegance (Dana Brooke) comments on the differences when pitching ideas in WWE and TNA

Ash By Elegance is one of the biggest stars in the TNA Knockouts Division after arriving in TNA at their first Pay-Per-View, and during their rebrand. We spoke to Ash about her new persona in TNA and her hopes for the future.
As Ash By Elegance made her TNA debut at Hard to Kill 2024, we asked the superstar how they’ve found TNA as a home so far, and if her new persona has provided new creative opportunities? “My time with TNA has been a blessing. It’s been the most exciting chapter in my wrestling career. Wrestling in another place for eleven years, I felt very restricted.
Since going to TNA, I’ve felt that creative freedom, it was insane to come to the table with an idea and for them to just just go “Yep, let’s do it” and run with it.” “I was very nervous, I had some time off and was coming into a new place wondering how the fans were going to respond to me, they were excited to see that I didn’t give up on wrestling and continued to pursue my passion. TNA has given me a great opportunity and platform to go out and there and showcase what I’m all about.”
https://wrestlesphere.com/ash-by-elegance-on-joining-tna-creative-freedom-the-future/

Frankie Kazarian on Mustafa Ali and Nic Nemeth in TNA, his own legacy as a performer

#tnaimpact #tnawrestling #frankiekazarian
Frankie Kazarian is a legend in TNA, and has built a real legacy for himself. Here, he talks to Wrestlesphere's Dom Smith about his own personal development, desire to be "the guy" in TNA by winning a World Championship, as well as Mustafa Ali and Nic Nemeth joining the brand.
For more visit: https://wrestlesphere.com/

Mikey Rukus comments on creating Sting's theme, his last match at AEW Revolution 2024

Mikey Rukus has his yearly catch-up with Wrestlesphere's Dom Smith to talk about Sting's last AEW match, creating his theme, the Eras EP and much more.
For more visit: https://wrestlesphere.com/