On a recent edition of Konnan’s “Keepin’ It 100” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Sean “X-Pac” Waltman revealed that he almost ended up appearing at the WWE Royal Rumble 2022 pay-per-view event.
While Waltman didn’t return at the Rumble, he did end up wrestling for GCW instead.
Waltman said, “A couple of years ago, when I ended up actually having a couple of matches, I had a tag match with Matt Cardona and Brian Myers at GCW, and I had a singles match with Joey Janela; I told them I would be ready for the Rumble. Somebody, I’m not going to say who, I don’t want to stooge them off, but they had me listed for a Rumble appearance that somehow got scratched. This year, I ate what I wanted to over the holidays. I’m in good shape and everything, but I’m not in ‘go’ television shape. If you tell me, ‘Be ready in two months,’ I’ll get abs, but I’m not going to do that and be like, ‘I hope they call me.’ F**k that.“
On a recent edition of Booker T’s “Hall of Fame” podcast, Nia Jax revealed that she didn’t know she would be in the main event of WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 until the day before. She said,
“I didn’t know until I think the night before. I think somebody had sent a card to me and I went, ‘Wait a minute, does this mean that we are on in the main event?’ Not going to lie, it felt like a lot of pressure because you had some pretty stacked Elimination Chambers, and a great tag on the card. I just wanted to put on the best match I possibly could, with a great story. Easy with Rhea Ripley, but wanted to be able to tell a really good story to the fans and hoped that it resonated to them, and it was an honor to be the main event in front of all those people.”
Jax challenged WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley in a losing effort.
In a recent episode of Konnan’s “Keepin’ It 100” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Sean “X-Pac” Waltman shared that he was almost a part of the WWE Royal Rumble 2022 pay-per-view event. Although he didn’t make a return at the Rumble, he did end up wrestling for GCW (Game Changer Wrestling) instead.
Waltman revealed, “A couple of years ago, when I ended up actually having a couple of matches, I had a tag match with Matt Cardona and Brian Myers at GCW, and I had a singles match with Joey Janela; I told them I would be ready for the Rumble. Somebody, I’m not going to say who, I don’t want to stooge them off, but they had me listed for a Rumble appearance that somehow got scratched. This year, I ate what I wanted to over the holidays. I’m in good shape and everything, but I’m not in ‘go’ television shape. If you tell me, ‘Be ready in two months,’ I’ll get abs, but I’m not going to do that and be like, ‘I hope they call me.’ F**k that.”
This revelation from Waltman gives fans an insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of WWE and the uncertainties that can arise when it comes to surprise appearances or returns. Despite being listed for the Royal Rumble, circumstances changed, and Waltman’s appearance was ultimately canceled.
On another podcast, Booker T’s “Hall of Fame,” Nia Jax, a prominent WWE superstar, shared her experience of not knowing she would be in the main event of WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 until the night before the event. Jax admitted that she found out when someone sent her a card, and she realized that it meant she would be in the main event.
She said, “I didn’t know until I think the night before. I think somebody had sent a card to me and I went, ‘Wait a minute, does this mean that we are on in the main event?’ Not going to lie, it felt like a lot of pressure because you had some pretty stacked Elimination Chambers, and a great tag on the card. I just wanted to put on the best match I possibly could, with a great story. Easy with Rhea Ripley, but wanted to be able to tell a really good story to the fans and hoped that it resonated to them, and it was an honor to be the main event in front of all those people.”
Jax’s revelation highlights the unpredictable nature of WWE events and how even the performers themselves may not always be aware of their involvement until the last minute. Despite the pressure she felt, Jax aimed to deliver an exceptional match and create a compelling story for the fans. She ultimately faced Rhea Ripley for the WWE Women’s World Championship but was unsuccessful in her bid.
These stories from Waltman and Jax provide wrestling enthusiasts with a glimpse into the inner workings of WWE and the uncertainties that can arise in terms of match appearances and main event status. It showcases the dedication and professionalism of the performers who strive to deliver memorable moments for the fans, even in situations where they may not have much time to prepare or anticipate their involvement.