Arroe Collins All Level Sports...

Professional Wrestlers Trick Williams and Roxanne Perez From WWE's NXT On The CW

With a chaotic and history-making run during her time in NXT, Perez has as bright of a future as any WWE newcomer has had in a long time. WWE NXT Announced For Historic Philadelphia Wrestling Venue - NXT will broadcast from the former ECW Arena for The CW on November 6th. After rumors were reported online regarding this historic wrestling venue, WWE is officially returning to the House of Hardcore. WWE announced this morning that NXT will broadcast live from the former ECW arena, 2300 Arena, in Philadelphia, PA on November 6th. The episode will air on The CW at 8pm ET. "The city of Philadelphia has a rich wrestling history, and we are excited to bring a night of unforgettable action to such a storied venue," WWE Sr. Vice President of Talent Development, Shawn Michaels, was quoted as saying in the press release. During WrestleMania XL weekend in April, NXT ran "Stand and Deliver" from Wells Fargo Center, which became the most attended NXT event of all time with a recorded attendance of 16,545 people. Located at the corners of Swanson and Ritner Streets in South Philadelphia, 2300 Arena is synonymous as the ECW Arena, and was the home of Extreme Championship Wrestling during its meteoric rise and throughout most of its existence. The arena is currently the home of Major League Wrestling, as well as previously hosted boxing, MMA, and other events.WWE and The CW announced their five-year agreement to bring NXT to broadcast television for the first time in its 13-year history in November 2023. It's been a historic 2024 for #WWENXT!

Duration:: 22m
Broadcast on:: 10 Nov 2024
Audio Format:: other

But there's only one feeling like knowing your banker personally, like growing up with a bank you can count on, like being sure what you've earned is safe, secure, and local. There's only one feeling like knowing you're supporting your community. You deserve more from a bank. You deserve an institution that stood strong for generations. Bank of Colorado, there's only one. Member FDIC. Breaking news, and this one is almost unbelievable. Yeah, it's all about new customers at Bet365, because they get $150 in bonus bets when they bet $5, and even better bonus bets can be used on the spread, totals, and player props. There you have it, bet $5 to get $150 in bonus bets. And see why, it's never ordinary at Bet365. Gambling problem? Color text 1-800-Gambler, 21+ only. Must be physically located in Colorado. Terms and conditions applied. Good morning, you two. How are you doing? Good. How are you? Doing good, Arrow. Good morning. How you doing? Fantastic. I am so glad that the CW is putting you guys up there with NXT, because, I mean, this is where it's really all about, because you are the future, you know, it's building up that fan base that's just going to become a part of every grandparent's story, because we carried you forward. Yeah, I agree. I appreciate that. I mean, it's got to be so exciting for the two of you to be in this limelight in the way of displaying not only the fights, but the storylines. Those storylines are so valuable to every fan. Yeah, I agree. I feel like the stories were what really got me as a kid, so, you know, all those different types of feelings that you get from like watching those stories, and now I get to be the person to give that feeling to other people, so, hopefully, I'm doing that. Yeah, I was about to say, I'm doubling down on what Roxanne said. You know, the storylines, I think what really brings it home for everybody to relate to. So good stories always help, you know, us build the fan base and build the brand. Isn't it? I mean, one of the things about NXT is that it's like this is where you get to plant the seed. I mean, I mean, whoop, you know, that trick, you know, whoop, that trick. I mean, it's like, that's the kind of stuff that you're going to carry forward for the rest of your life. Yeah, man, it's a blessing. It all happens so organically, and I'm glad I get to take that with me to the main roster. Yeah. Because I mean, to me, it's all about growth, and that, and because we've seen the documentaries now, they've taken us behind the scenes, we, you know, as fans, we're going, oh, my God, there really is something that's going on before it even hits that big stage or that ring. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, you know, you got to talk to big Roxanne on that one because, you know, every time she goes to the Royal Rumble, you know, people go crazy. Oh, my gosh. How do you prepare for something like the Royal Rumble? Because that's got to be a mental game as well. Yeah. No, definitely. I feel like, honestly, it sounds a little funny, but I feel like I've technically been like preparing since I was a kid because, um, honestly, like the Royal Rumble was like my top three bucket list matches of all time. So to be able to, you know, be in the Royal Rumble twice within three years of my WWE career is absolutely insane. I would have never thought, honestly. So to be in the city, the city of brotherly love Philadelphia, my God, guys, we're talking about the NXT show me some love, but it's a, if you're on the right team, you're going to get that love. Definitely. Definitely. You know, Philly's very special to me. You know, I play football there, I play my last down on football there and also to my first wrestling bump and Philadelphia too. So I have family there, so every single time I go to Philadelphia, it's always special to me. And, um, yeah, I mean, it was just ever stand deliver where we had the largest NXT audience of all time. So, you know, you have Philly show love and they've got a special show this time at the ECW arena. So, you know, we really live a boy to it. I was going to ask you about that because, I mean, you know, when you step into the ECW arena, I mean, are there ghosts in there from that, from that wrestling past? Probably, right? We'll find out together. Because I mean, when you walk into that arena, are you like a rock star? You've got to go in there and listen to the corners and listen to the walls because you don't know where the fan base is going to be when it comes to making all of those cheers. Yeah, you know, I love the ECW arena. I actually wrestled there a few years ago and that's where I won the Ring of Honor Women's Championship. That's where I became the inaugural champion that is also where I are in Philadelphia is where I became two-time NXT Women's Champion. So, yeah, a lot of history made there, so hopefully we can make some more. Well, Roxanne, you're such a pioneer because I remember in my days of growing up, way before even Ric Flair became a big superstar or Harley race. I mean, women wrestling was the opening act of the show. I mean, you are a main event performance now. Yeah, it's so awesome, you know, to see the women's evolution and, you know, like, there's so many amazing women that helped us in creating this from Lita to Tristratus to AJ Lee to, you know, Bayley. I could go on and on, but yeah, you know, we used to be that little break, that break where people would just go get some popcorn and now we're literally on every single show where main eventing, it's not just one match, there's multiple matches. And I think Shawn Michaels for that because he's been awesome and really, like, putting the spotlight on the woman because he knows how much potential we have, so it's really cool to see. Trist, is it kind of weird that, you know, people bring up your name and all of a sudden they've got a story? I mean, they say, all of a sudden they're saying, "Oh my God, this is what wrestling match," that, that, that, that, I mean, for you, what is that like when you get to hear your story through the eyes of a fan? I counted all the blessing because, you know, my story is crazy and, you know, I'm just grateful for it, honestly, you know, like four or five years ago, I didn't know what I'd be doing with my life. And to be where I imagine that, man, like, I'm just grateful, man, and how I've been received from the fans and everything. Like, you know, I love to tell the story, I love to motivate people, you know, and let them know the real me, so that's always really cool. Like, yeah, being real like that, Roxanne, I mean, you've got to be able to give us that real stage, don't you? Yeah, for sure. I mean, I feel like my whole story has been pretty real, you know, like, I've said it multiple times, but I've always wanted to be here since I was like 10-year-old kid. So, to, I feel like every single day I'm still like pinching myself, you know, just remembering that 10-year-old kid that just wanted to be here so bad that wanted to make all her dreams come true, and now I'm literally living out my dream every single day. So, yeah. Yeah. It's crazy. I'm grateful. Now, I don't know if it's just the social medias that I'm connected to, but it seems like every single day they're always talking about the wrestling pro-Haul of Fame. Do you guys dream of that, or is it not, is it way too early to even be thinking about that? I mean, I'd love to be a part of the Haul of Fame one day, you know? We're done with it. Yeah, I would love to. I don't think about it. I figured I'd take care of itself, but I definitely would love that. You know, the one thing that I've learned about being in radio, because they asked me one time, they said, you know, so what do you want to do? I said, I want to be in the radio Haul of Fame. They said, "What are you doing for the industry and your listener?" And I thought, "Oh, God, this isn't about me." So, I'm going to turn it on to you guys when it comes to being in that Haul of Fame. Is it about the fan? Who is it really all about? Um, I think it's a few things. I mean, like, the performance side of me, like, man, not even being a performer, just the person I am. Like, everything in the room that I walk in, I want people to feel something when I walk in. I want people to feel better. By their lives, I want to brighten up room when I walk in. And I'm able to do that, you know, through my work. But as far as the Haul of Fame, I feel like that's just legacy, you know what I mean? That's something to back down to, the generations after you, you know, like, once you put in those record books, when you got titles, like we have, you know, I mean, you forever cemented into the legacy of the WWE, and yeah, maybe that is selfish, but like, I mean, we all got to have something that we pass on to somebody else, you know, so the motivates somebody else at the same time. Speaking of passing those things forward, I mean, as a martial artist, I have every single one of my belts from, from white belt all the way up to my third Don, are you, do you guys get to collect those belts as well and put them on display? We do. Yeah. I got to come. I'm in display at home. Yeah. It's a moment. It's a moment in time that you earned. Right. My family takes all my bills. I don't know if you keep them, they take all my, oh my God, I would be so protective of those belts. And what are you doing with that bill? No, we are not playing professional wrestling at home. This is something that we did the real win. Did you guys grow up doing that? And having those matches inside the living room, then my older sister hates me for it. I broke my little brother's collarbone. Yeah. And then Royal Rumble off the bed, he's better now. How do you prepare for the several different people that you meet inside that ring? Because I mean, everybody's got their own style. Everybody's got their own vision. And all of a sudden you have to meet as one. Yeah, I feel like for me, you know, I, I run with the prodigy, I mean, yeah, the prodigy moniker. And I feel like that kind of implies that I'm able to adjust to absolutely any style at such a young age. So I kind of pride myself in that, whether it's, you know, Stephanie Bakker that came from, you know, wrestling in Mexico, with Julia wrestling in Japan, girls that come from basketball, gymnastics, you know, I feel like I can adjust to any of those styles. You talk about Japan and Mexico. You're talking about those are high speed, high energy places of wrestling. I mean, it's got to be one, two, three, boom. Make that happen. Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. It's a dream to wrestle there as well, Japan. There's only one feeling like knowing your banker personally, like growing up with a bank you can count on, like being sure what you've earned is safe, secure, and local. There's only one feeling like knowing you're supporting your community. You deserve more from a bank. You deserve an institution that stood strong for generations. Bank of Colorado, there's only one member FDIC. Breaking news coming in from Bet365, where every nail biting overtime win, break away, pick six, three point shot, underdog win, buzzer beater, shoot out, walk off, and absolutely every play in between is amazing. In football, the basketball, and hockey, the baseball, whatever the moment, it's never ordinary at Bet365. Gambling problem, call or text 1-800-Gambler, 21+ only must be physically located in Colorado. In martial arts, they train us. Okay, sure. You can kick, sure you can hit, but you better learn how to fall. Is that true for you guys as well? Absolutely. Oh my God. People don't understand that. Yeah, I was about to say, growing up playing football, man, I spent 20 years learning how to stay on my feet. I never get first downs and touchdowns. You know, my first day of training to be a WWE superstar, I learned how to fall. And it was, you know, a message with your mind, because there's nothing natural about it. But that's what we do. Well, see, in the way that we looked at, I mean, even with the back fall, I always told myself as I was falling, hit the numbers, hit the numbers, go up on the shoulder area. Do they do that the same thing with you, even front falls, side falls, you've got to get these falls down. Just a backbone. Thankful. Yeah. Yeah. I still don't fall that much, you know, I'm that type of athlete, you know, I mean, it's hard to get me down, you know, well, that tells me trick that that's that's a leg energy. That's strength in your legs. Is that is that where you put your concentration? Absolutely, man. I mean, you know, the upper body is for the show, you know, that's so, so people think that you're strong, but the lower body is where you show it. Yeah. That's like a train legs. Don't skip leg day. What are the workouts for you like, Roxanne? The workouts here, they're great. You know, we have practice training and gym training Monday through Friday. So yeah, we have like an hour of each of those. So yeah, it's, I love working out though. It makes me feel good. I've always loved working out. So, I mean, I, I get, you know, paid to work out. Well, trick making that transition from football to wrestling, I mean, that's two different types of management there. Yeah, it is, but you know, ironically, the mindset is actually very similar, you know, and even with my college experience, you know, I walked on to University of South Carolina, which meant like I wasn't invited to the team. I had to earn a spot on the team and then earn play and time afterwards. So every single day I had to prove myself and show why I belonged on the field. That's the same mindset that I brought to wrestling, not to earn my spot and show why I belong to get on TV to get my own matches to get in the ring. So it's just that mental toughness that you have to persevere, push through and become, you know, that guy. So you're Gamecock. I was. Oh, you always, you always get a big win. Yeah. I love my game costs. There's no better fan base than the Gamecock's. I mean, and then you take it to the NXT. My God, dude, man, I'm, I've been fortunate just to be around some good fans and then the Eagles too. So like, you know, you know, all the fans have been very passionate where I go. So, you know, helps me fly. What's your background, Roxanne? How, how, I mean, how did you formulate this plan to do what you're doing right now? What is everything that you've been doing? Well, my plan was to make a big enough name for myself on the independent scene so that one day the WWE would notice me and call me in for a tryout and that's exactly what happened. I started training pretty young when I was about 13 years old in a local warehouse. And then when I was 16, I, I started getting on Grey House to go train up Booker T's. And I feel like that completely elevated everything about my wrestling. I did that for a couple of years, then I became Ring of Water Women's Champion. And then I got the call from WWE. And it was pretty crazy also because Ring of Water was going out of business and it was the day of our very last taping. And I wasn't sure like what exactly I was going to do next, but I knew that something regarding wrestling, I was just going to keep trying. And then that last day of the taping, that's when I got the call from William Regal asking me to come for a tryout. So it was everything fell into place exactly how I was supposed to see that's the part of the story that a lot of fans don't get to experience it, you know, the smaller levels of wrestling as well as getting in the car and driving to the next city. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's hard, honestly, even like just traveling to Booker T's on that Greyhound, I didn't know anybody else, a 16 year old kid and doing my homework on a bus, just in hopes of one day making my dream come true. But that's the sacrifices that are so worth it one day and you don't see it at the time. But just holding on to that hope, that's what kept me going and it was worth it. >> My sensei and combat karate used to tell me all the time. I don't care what match you're in, it is all about the arts, it's called martial arts. Do you feel wrestling is the same way it is about the showmanship? >> Yeah, I mean, we are elite performers, especially NXT. >> Yes. >> You know, with a whole month, some of the most athletic, unmatched athleticism here at NXT, man, we're the future of bra and smack down right here at NXT. So the art showmanship has to be stellar. >> Well, I don't know where you guys find the confidence to do the high flying stuff, or even to throw yourself into the lines around the actual stage itself or the ring. Because I mean, you're putting your body in action. >> Correction, I don't do the high flying stuff, I feel like you feel. >> I feel like every now and then, but I like to keep my feet on the ground too. >> So then, so it's like what my sensei said. Get on the inside, and then we used to train us all the time saying, and ask yourself that question. One of us is going to the hospital, which one will it be? It's not me. >> It's not me. >> It's not me. >> So getting on the inside is the trick then. >> Absolutely, yeah, yeah, get leverage. >> My God, that takes guts, you guys. One of the things we haven't talked about, the fashion. NXT has fashion, and I truly believe that you affect fans in the way of saying dress up. Do what you gotta do, but look good and play the part. >> Yeah, I think, so both of us have a real good relationship with Booker T. >> Yeah. >> And I think his biggest thing is always, you have to look good, man. >> [LAUGH] >> My God. >> So that's always been pretty cool, you know what I mean? Cuz that's how I thought about the business. When I was young and watching, man, I liked the guys who took pride in having looked. You know what I mean, like the rock, you know, he was, you know, attitude at a rock. You know, heel version of rock, he always looked good with the Versace shirts and different stuff like that, and that always stuck out to me. So I always got to take pride in my parents when I was on stage. >> Speaking of the rock, do either of you have a vision of maybe you would like to try television, a Hulu, Netflix, or even movies? >> Yeah, it's definitely something that eventually when some, you know, all good with wrestling, maybe one day I would love to try that out. I've always been really big into theater art since I was a kid. So yeah, maybe one day, you know, no. >> I don't want to deprive the millions of people around the world of this face and body, so I do my personal obligation, and I get on the big screen for everybody else. And after me, I do it for everybody else. >> How do you keep the mind and body in harmony? They've got to work together as one machine. >> Yeah, absolutely. You know, I think, does it go out there so important? You know, we're athletes, we got to take care of ourselves. But we also got to take care of our mind, and I think that goes for everybody. So yeah, I think, you know, just giving ourselves that bit of rest when we do have that time, because we don't usually have that time, but I feel like when you do, you know, really giving yourself that time to just recuperate. >> Do you like where the cameras are going these days, where it does show the wizard behind the curtain, where we're seeing things behind the stage, and we're seeing the little spits and spats and things that are going on? >> I personally love that. I used to love watching as a kid, you know, it's really cool being able to see, like, the behind the scenes, especially, you know, wanting to be a part of it. I'm sure, you know, there's thousands and thousands of boys and girls everywhere that want to be a part of this and like to see, you know, that we'll back the curtain and see what really goes on in our day to day lives. So yeah, I think it's, I think it's really cool for people to see what goes on. >> You know, trick, there's probably a high school player out there that's doing the same thing that you didn't go in from football right into wrestling. And you serve as that leader in the way of saying, hey, look, there's hope after the game that NFL may stand for not for long, but there's always wrestling. >> Yeah, man, like, I think that's so important, man. I was actually talking to some kids about it. Children's church yesterday. But yeah, like, you know, I think growing up, you know, football, basketball is a lot of people's dreams. And because you see, you know, some of your favorite player superstars, you know, playing these sports and the harsh reality is, you know, it's very few that can actually make it to the top level and especially stay there. And truth is, it's the same thing with every day being a superstar. But for me, you know what I'm saying? This outlet was better for me than football. And I just think it's important for people who come from communities where maybe they see football and basketball all the time. Just know like, hey, there's other options out there. And WWE's been great for me. And man, there's a lot of talent I'm sure out there who loves WWE, who's been watching, but just doesn't know how to get into it. Because that was my story. Like, I just never knew about the end of this, you know, there wasn't very many people in the community showing us how to get started. Wow, the two of you have got to come back to this show any time in the future. The door is always going to be open for you. Oh, man, I appreciate that man. They've been having us. Well, you guys be brilliant today, OK? Yes, sir. Thank you, thank you. And go Gamecocks. Go Gamecocks, fly, Eagle, fly. Let's talk about it. There's only one feeling like knowing your banker personally, like growing up with a bank you can count on, like being sure what you've earned is safe, secure, and local. There's only one feeling like knowing you're supporting your community. You deserve more from a bank. You deserve an institution that stood strong for generations. Bank of Colorado, there's only one. Member FDIC. Breaking news, and this one is almost unbelievable. Yeah, it's all about new customers at Bet365, because they get $150 in bonus bets when they bet $5. And even better, bonus bets can be used on the spread, totals, and player props. There you have it, bet $5 to get $150 in bonus bets. And see why. It's never ordinary at Bet365. Gambling problem? Color text 1-800-GAMBER, 21+ only. Must be physically located in Colorado. Chums and conditions apply.