1
00:00:01,544 --> 00:00:05,026
[Crowd cheering]
2
00:00:05,069 --> 00:00:08,942
[Applause]
3
00:00:08,986 --> 00:00:13,599
[Chattering]
4
00:00:13,643 --> 00:00:15,253
ANNOUNCER: Well,
Ethan Page again
5
00:00:15,297 --> 00:00:17,690
brutalized young Darby Allin.
6
00:00:17,734 --> 00:00:19,127
[Crowd wincing]
7
00:00:19,170 --> 00:00:20,998
Oh my goodness!
8
00:00:21,042 --> 00:00:24,393
Page has treated Allin like
he was a fly who's beneath him.
9
00:00:24,436 --> 00:00:28,092
Face first into the wall!
10
00:00:28,136 --> 00:00:31,704
And Allin has been busted open!
11
00:00:31,748 --> 00:00:34,490
[Crowd wincing]
12
00:00:34,533 --> 00:00:37,188
I'll stop it now.
Stop it now?
13
00:00:37,232 --> 00:00:39,495
[Booing]
14
00:00:39,538 --> 00:00:42,019
Allin has got a trash can.
15
00:00:42,063 --> 00:00:45,849
[Cheering]
16
00:00:45,892 --> 00:00:48,330
He just jumped off the balcony!
17
00:00:48,373 --> 00:00:52,899
CROWD: Holy shit! Holy shit!
Holy shit! Holy shit!
18
00:00:52,943 --> 00:00:55,641
[Groaning]
19
00:00:55,685 --> 00:00:59,471
Allin taking that trash can
back with him to the ring.
20
00:00:59,515 --> 00:01:02,953
Page asking for mercy
and getting none!
21
00:01:02,996 --> 00:01:06,565
CROWD: Oh! Oh! Oh!
22
00:01:06,609 --> 00:01:09,177
[Yelling]
23
00:01:09,220 --> 00:01:11,614
[Laughing]
That's so cool!
24
00:01:11,657 --> 00:01:13,355
[Crowd yelling]
25
00:01:13,398 --> 00:01:16,140
Allin to the top of the ladder!
26
00:01:16,184 --> 00:01:18,099
No. Ugh.
27
00:01:18,142 --> 00:01:21,972
[Crowd yelling]
28
00:01:22,015 --> 00:01:25,193
[Cheering]
29
00:01:25,236 --> 00:01:26,977
CROWD: One! Two! Three!
30
00:01:27,020 --> 00:01:28,718
It's over!
[Bell dinging]
31
00:01:28,761 --> 00:01:30,241
[Cheering]
32
00:01:30,285 --> 00:01:33,940
HOSTESS: The winner of
the match: Darby Allin!
33
00:01:33,984 --> 00:01:36,160
No matter what you think
of professional wrestling
34
00:01:36,204 --> 00:01:40,295
on a pure physicality level,
if you aren't taken aback
35
00:01:40,338 --> 00:01:43,950
by what we just saw, I don't
know what's gonna take you.
36
00:01:43,994 --> 00:01:47,040
[Applause]
37
00:01:52,002 --> 00:01:53,656
MAN: We don't know,
we don't know.
38
00:01:53,699 --> 00:02:00,141
♪
39
00:02:00,184 --> 00:02:01,707
DAMIAN: Professional
wrestling is experiencing
40
00:02:01,751 --> 00:02:03,492
a global renaissance.
41
00:02:03,535 --> 00:02:05,624
Brought on by a cross
pollination of styles,
42
00:02:05,668 --> 00:02:08,236
it has its own language,
each style a different dialect.
43
00:02:08,279 --> 00:02:11,064
♪
44
00:02:11,108 --> 00:02:12,892
As a lifelong wrestling fan,
I've always felt there's more
45
00:02:12,936 --> 00:02:15,547
to wrestling than just
choreographed violence.
46
00:02:15,591 --> 00:02:17,984
At the core of every wrestler
there's a storyteller,
47
00:02:18,028 --> 00:02:20,813
every ring a stage to reflect
the struggles of its audience,
48
00:02:20,857 --> 00:02:24,382
whether it be gender, sexuality,
race, religion or class.
49
00:02:24,426 --> 00:02:25,775
A theatre for the
masses that gives us
50
00:02:25,818 --> 00:02:27,994
the heroes and villains we need.
51
00:02:28,038 --> 00:02:30,997
From the skyscrapers of Japan
to the alleyways of the Congo,
52
00:02:31,041 --> 00:02:32,869
we're gonna meet some of
the most influential figures
53
00:02:32,912 --> 00:02:35,567
in the sport, and examine
their global impact.
54
00:02:35,611 --> 00:02:39,136
In a world where the President
of the United States is in
55
00:02:39,180 --> 00:02:41,269
a wrestling hall of fame,
and global politics
56
00:02:41,312 --> 00:02:44,228
increasingly resemble theatre,
it's impossible to ignore
57
00:02:44,272 --> 00:02:46,361
wrestling's place
in our society.
58
00:02:46,404 --> 00:02:48,667
[Cheering]
59
00:02:48,711 --> 00:02:50,669
Wrestling has always had
a complicated relationship
60
00:02:50,713 --> 00:02:52,193
with the truth.
61
00:02:52,236 --> 00:02:53,846
For decades, bookers
tried to maintain that
62
00:02:53,890 --> 00:02:56,022
the matches were not fixed.
63
00:02:56,066 --> 00:02:59,983
It wasn't until the 1980s, after
a slew of investigative reports,
64
00:03:00,026 --> 00:03:02,159
that it became widely known
that the winners and losers
65
00:03:02,203 --> 00:03:04,248
were predetermined.
66
00:03:04,292 --> 00:03:06,685
For non-fans, it's proven
difficult for wrestling
67
00:03:06,729 --> 00:03:09,035
to shake the moniker of fake.
68
00:03:09,079 --> 00:03:11,212
But to dismiss wrestling
as a fake sport
69
00:03:11,255 --> 00:03:13,344
is to misread it completely.
70
00:03:13,388 --> 00:03:16,129
To understand why, I'm taking
you to one of the best bookers
71
00:03:16,173 --> 00:03:18,610
in the world: Gabe Sapolsky.
72
00:03:18,654 --> 00:03:21,396
His promotion Evolve is
widely considered the top indie
73
00:03:21,439 --> 00:03:24,268
wrestling company in America,
and he's agreed to show us
74
00:03:24,312 --> 00:03:26,618
exactly what happens
behind the curtain.
75
00:03:26,662 --> 00:03:33,146
♪
76
00:03:33,190 --> 00:03:36,193
Gabe Sapolsky, I was
like I gotta meet this guy.
77
00:03:36,237 --> 00:03:38,848
He's the top
promoter on the indies.
78
00:03:38,891 --> 00:03:41,981
Getting on Evolve set up
the rest of my career.
79
00:03:42,025 --> 00:03:44,027
As a promoter, he knows
what he's looking for.
80
00:03:44,070 --> 00:03:45,768
He has a vision.
81
00:03:45,811 --> 00:03:49,206
Gabe understands
what I want to achieve.
82
00:03:49,250 --> 00:03:52,296
That's the guy that
you want to impress.
83
00:03:52,340 --> 00:03:54,907
If you don't know who Gabe
Sapolsky is when we're talking
84
00:03:54,951 --> 00:03:58,563
about wrestling, you just don't
know what you're really doing.
85
00:03:58,607 --> 00:04:00,870
He's just the guy.
86
00:04:02,828 --> 00:04:16,712
[Wipers clicking]
87
00:04:16,755 --> 00:04:19,018
Special treat Friday.
Right, Jack?
88
00:04:19,062 --> 00:04:20,629
JACK: Yeah.
89
00:04:20,672 --> 00:04:24,850
If we eat well during the week
and really don't have any treats
90
00:04:24,894 --> 00:04:27,984
- or maybe just one -
and we work hard all week,
91
00:04:28,027 --> 00:04:29,768
we get to go for a
special treat on Friday.
92
00:04:29,812 --> 00:04:31,248
- Right, Jack?
- Yeah.
93
00:04:35,034 --> 00:04:37,341
I have a lot of work to
do this weekend, okay?
94
00:04:37,385 --> 00:04:38,908
Mm-hmm.
95
00:04:38,951 --> 00:04:40,475
But then I'll be back Monday
to pick you up from school.
96
00:04:42,041 --> 00:04:43,652
CROWD: Oh!
97
00:04:44,696 --> 00:04:47,177
The big question is always:
is pro wrestling fake?
98
00:04:47,220 --> 00:04:50,528
The drama and the physicality
of it is not fake at all.
99
00:04:50,572 --> 00:04:54,663
The way people would
describe wrestling forever,
100
00:04:54,706 --> 00:04:59,798
for years, would be it's a
fake sport, it's not real.
101
00:04:59,842 --> 00:05:02,801
I don't think that they've
ever seen an actual wrestler,
102
00:05:02,845 --> 00:05:05,282
because there's nothing
fake about what they do.
103
00:05:05,326 --> 00:05:10,461
And it's very hard to explain to
them that that isn't the case.
104
00:05:10,505 --> 00:05:12,333
You either get it or you don't.
105
00:05:13,551 --> 00:05:16,641
[Toy rattling]
106
00:05:16,685 --> 00:05:17,947
Whoa!
107
00:05:17,990 --> 00:05:20,123
It kinda sikes you, right?
108
00:05:20,166 --> 00:05:22,473
It's kinda...
hypnotizing, eh?
109
00:05:22,517 --> 00:05:23,953
[Laughing]
110
00:05:23,996 --> 00:05:25,607
Looking around, Gabe,
111
00:05:25,650 --> 00:05:28,610
there's not a lot of
wrestling ephemera in here.
112
00:05:28,653 --> 00:05:29,872
Is there any?
113
00:05:29,915 --> 00:05:32,396
The Dragon Gate USA title belt.
114
00:05:32,440 --> 00:05:35,268
It's symbolic to me because
I was done, I was dead in
115
00:05:35,312 --> 00:05:38,402
the industry, and that belt
signifies the comeback.
116
00:05:38,446 --> 00:05:42,188
The original merchandising
contract we had with Sabu.
117
00:05:42,232 --> 00:05:44,669
So if it wasn't for
this contract right here,
118
00:05:44,713 --> 00:05:46,192
none of this would've happened.
119
00:05:46,236 --> 00:05:48,238
And then you of course have
120
00:05:48,281 --> 00:05:50,719
the picture of the godfather
of hardcore wrestling.
121
00:05:50,762 --> 00:05:53,069
Yes, I have that
Terry Funk plaque.
122
00:05:53,112 --> 00:05:55,201
Terry Funk of course was like
the beginning of everything too
123
00:05:55,245 --> 00:05:57,116
with ECW.
124
00:05:57,160 --> 00:05:59,728
September '93 is my first
year, so we're talking...
125
00:05:59,771 --> 00:06:01,730
you know, moving on
24 years now.
126
00:06:01,773 --> 00:06:03,862
I appreciate the fact that
I've been able to do this
127
00:06:03,906 --> 00:06:07,083
for so long, and also
I realize the fact that
128
00:06:07,126 --> 00:06:09,390
the next show can
be my last show.
129
00:06:09,433 --> 00:06:12,218
Like that's how quickly it ends.
130
00:06:12,262 --> 00:06:14,699
[Cheering]
131
00:06:14,743 --> 00:06:18,486
When I was booker for Ring
of Honor, it was my life 24/7.
132
00:06:18,529 --> 00:06:22,315
Every minute of every day
was spent thinking about it,
133
00:06:22,359 --> 00:06:24,361
and I was very unhealthy.
134
00:06:24,405 --> 00:06:27,103
A lot of people in the
business become so immersed
135
00:06:27,146 --> 00:06:29,410
that they kinda
lose themselves in it.
136
00:06:29,453 --> 00:06:32,674
There was a couple of years
where he was on the road
137
00:06:32,717 --> 00:06:35,677
like every weekend,
every weekend.
138
00:06:37,200 --> 00:06:39,507
Having that routine,
it definitely has brought
139
00:06:39,550 --> 00:06:41,683
a balance to him for sure.
140
00:06:41,726 --> 00:06:43,598
I just don't wanna be a person
141
00:06:43,641 --> 00:06:45,556
that's having somebody
else raise their kid.
142
00:06:47,210 --> 00:06:49,517
Once he stops holding your
hand walking home from school,
143
00:06:49,560 --> 00:06:51,693
he is never holding
your hand again.
144
00:06:51,736 --> 00:06:54,652
Wrestling's giving me
this luxury to raise my kid.
145
00:06:54,696 --> 00:06:58,917
I try to do the logistics
and the promotional stuff
146
00:06:58,961 --> 00:07:00,528
during the day.
147
00:07:00,571 --> 00:07:03,444
Most of the writing I do
takes place after midnight.
148
00:07:03,487 --> 00:07:06,055
I can be up till 4:00 or 5:00
and 6:00 in the morning
149
00:07:06,098 --> 00:07:08,405
writing wrestling storylines.
150
00:07:08,449 --> 00:07:10,407
[Applause]
151
00:07:10,451 --> 00:07:12,322
Wrestling is a thing
that goes up and down.
152
00:07:12,365 --> 00:07:15,456
It might be very high,
very popular right now,
153
00:07:15,499 --> 00:07:17,762
but in two years
it can hit bottom.
154
00:07:17,806 --> 00:07:19,808
And that's not his
fault or anyone's fault.
155
00:07:19,851 --> 00:07:22,941
So we know that he's
made his mark in wrestling,
156
00:07:22,985 --> 00:07:26,075
but it's not
something that is...
157
00:07:26,118 --> 00:07:28,077
that we expect to
go on steadily.
158
00:07:29,165 --> 00:07:32,647
A professional wrestling booker
is a dying breed these days.
159
00:07:32,690 --> 00:07:34,257
I could've gotten a 9-to-5 job.
160
00:07:34,300 --> 00:07:35,998
Maybe I'd be better
off now if I did.
161
00:07:36,999 --> 00:07:38,870
I mean, ultimately
it's his decision,
162
00:07:38,914 --> 00:07:41,133
and I've always told him that
throughout the whole time
163
00:07:41,177 --> 00:07:42,439
we've been together.
164
00:07:42,483 --> 00:07:43,919
It's your decision,
that's your career path.
165
00:07:43,962 --> 00:07:46,269
Whatever it may be,
I'll support you.
166
00:07:46,312 --> 00:07:48,924
At the same time, I know...
I know how much he loves it.
167
00:07:48,967 --> 00:07:53,537
♪
168
00:07:53,581 --> 00:07:56,671
Much like in boxing, a booker
in wrestling is the matchmaker,
169
00:07:56,714 --> 00:07:58,673
and they also decide
which match happens when
170
00:07:58,716 --> 00:08:00,936
to maximize the
audience's reaction.
171
00:08:00,979 --> 00:08:04,592
But unlike boxing, the booker
decides who wins and who loses.
172
00:08:06,202 --> 00:08:08,378
In wrestling, the booker
becomes like a stage director
173
00:08:08,421 --> 00:08:10,772
of an athletic improv troupe.
174
00:08:10,815 --> 00:08:12,817
I would-- You know what,
I'm gonna change this.
175
00:08:12,861 --> 00:08:16,255
I would hit the double team
finish on Fred, okay?
176
00:08:16,299 --> 00:08:18,301
Maybe dump him out of the
ring, you turn to Harper...
177
00:08:18,344 --> 00:08:19,824
But then how is
Harper gonna be legal?
178
00:08:19,868 --> 00:08:21,043
- What's that?
- How's Harper gonna be legal?
179
00:08:21,086 --> 00:08:22,131
You guys figure that out.
180
00:08:22,174 --> 00:08:24,002
It's... It's un-figure-out-able!
181
00:08:24,046 --> 00:08:25,308
No, it's not!
182
00:08:25,351 --> 00:08:26,875
Everything is figure-out-able.
That's your job.
183
00:08:26,918 --> 00:08:28,224
- Alright.
- Alright.
184
00:08:28,267 --> 00:08:29,399
[Laughing]
185
00:08:29,442 --> 00:08:30,879
Exposing the business 101!
186
00:08:30,922 --> 00:08:32,402
[Laughing]
187
00:08:32,445 --> 00:08:34,317
A big part of being a booker
188
00:08:34,360 --> 00:08:36,232
is being able to
manage the big picture.
189
00:08:36,275 --> 00:08:39,670
You're dealing with maybe
about 20 talents, 30 talents.
190
00:08:39,714 --> 00:08:42,499
Wrestlers look at things from a
perspective of just themselves,
191
00:08:42,543 --> 00:08:44,893
because they're
focused on their careers.
192
00:08:44,936 --> 00:08:47,069
A part of that is getting
the talent to understand
193
00:08:47,112 --> 00:08:48,331
the big picture.
194
00:08:54,642 --> 00:08:56,948
If you're out at the merch
table while the matches are
195
00:08:56,992 --> 00:08:59,647
in the ring, all the focus
of the fans should be on...
196
00:08:59,690 --> 00:09:01,431
Yeah, you don't
want a fan thinking,
197
00:09:01,474 --> 00:09:03,476
"Oh, well this match,
I got another option.
198
00:09:03,520 --> 00:09:05,217
I can go hang out with Matt
Riddle at the merch table,"
199
00:09:05,261 --> 00:09:06,610
you know what I mean?
200
00:09:06,654 --> 00:09:08,612
It's disrespectful to
the guys in the ring.
201
00:09:08,656 --> 00:09:10,745
That's the old school mentality.
202
00:09:10,788 --> 00:09:12,485
Alright, cool, thank you.
203
00:09:12,529 --> 00:09:14,836
Everyone has
different talents in life.
204
00:09:14,879 --> 00:09:18,056
I can't fix a cabinet, but
somehow I'm able to write these
205
00:09:18,100 --> 00:09:20,972
storylines and recognize
this quality in wrestlers.
206
00:09:21,016 --> 00:09:22,844
Same way with each
of these wrestlers.
207
00:09:22,887 --> 00:09:24,715
They all have a
different skill set.
208
00:09:24,759 --> 00:09:26,499
Take a guy like Darby Allin.
209
00:09:26,543 --> 00:09:28,850
I recognize that this is
a guy who wants to create.
210
00:09:33,768 --> 00:09:36,292
♪
211
00:09:36,335 --> 00:09:38,337
Two years into his wrestling
career and one year after
212
00:09:38,381 --> 00:09:40,731
walking into an
Evolve open tryout,
213
00:09:40,775 --> 00:09:43,081
Darby Allin has had
a very quick ascent.
214
00:09:43,125 --> 00:09:45,083
ANNOUNCER: It's Darby Allin!
215
00:09:45,127 --> 00:09:47,608
DAMIAN: Still in his early 20s,
he's achieved what takes
216
00:09:47,651 --> 00:09:50,349
other wrestlers years to
accomplish, moving quickly up
217
00:09:50,393 --> 00:09:53,570
the Evolve card in
increasingly bloody matches.
218
00:09:53,614 --> 00:09:55,137
Get rid of that towel.
219
00:10:00,708 --> 00:10:11,980
♪
220
00:10:12,023 --> 00:10:14,765
[Laughing]
221
00:10:14,809 --> 00:10:18,943
♪
222
00:10:18,987 --> 00:10:20,597
Damn it!
223
00:10:20,641 --> 00:10:22,207
By the end, I will get one.
224
00:10:22,251 --> 00:10:24,470
The Executioner
will get one of them.
225
00:10:24,514 --> 00:10:27,212
Two of the boys from Atlanta
are playing a game of
226
00:10:27,256 --> 00:10:29,954
who can board slide this
rail over here first,
227
00:10:29,998 --> 00:10:32,740
and the loser gets maced.
228
00:10:32,783 --> 00:10:35,177
[Laughing]
229
00:10:35,220 --> 00:10:37,875
Okay, um... why?
230
00:10:37,919 --> 00:10:40,225
Life's kinda boring at
times, and you gotta...
231
00:10:40,269 --> 00:10:42,140
spice things up.
232
00:10:46,057 --> 00:10:47,711
[Sighing]
233
00:10:47,755 --> 00:10:50,018
I'd say there's
a lot more on the--
234
00:10:50,061 --> 00:10:52,542
[Cheering]
235
00:10:52,585 --> 00:10:54,065
It's finally over!
236
00:10:54,109 --> 00:10:55,501
Someone's getting
pepper-sprayed!
237
00:10:55,545 --> 00:10:56,502
[Dinging]
238
00:10:56,546 --> 00:10:58,113
You're gonna break your board!
239
00:10:58,156 --> 00:10:59,854
[Cheering]
240
00:10:59,897 --> 00:11:01,246
- Keep it close like this.
- Okay.
241
00:11:03,422 --> 00:11:06,730
[Can hissing]
242
00:11:06,774 --> 00:11:10,603
The thing that's exciting about
pain is when you videotape it,
243
00:11:10,647 --> 00:11:13,781
and you remember it, and you
can hold onto that forever.
244
00:11:13,824 --> 00:11:20,309
♪
245
00:11:20,352 --> 00:11:23,573
This is my face after I got
pepper-sprayed years ago, 2013.
246
00:11:23,616 --> 00:11:25,096
Oh, come on!
247
00:11:25,140 --> 00:11:26,663
Yeah, I couldn't even see.
248
00:11:26,707 --> 00:11:28,534
Now get the rag.
249
00:11:28,578 --> 00:11:30,275
[Laughing]
250
00:11:30,319 --> 00:11:32,495
[Chattering]
251
00:11:32,538 --> 00:11:34,976
This is why we need
community centres
252
00:11:35,019 --> 00:11:36,412
and art spaces in suburbia.
253
00:11:38,806 --> 00:11:41,417
What do you say to this
older mentality that looks at
254
00:11:41,460 --> 00:11:44,507
wrestling today as
being too dangerous?
255
00:11:44,550 --> 00:11:46,770
Like there's too many risks?
256
00:11:46,814 --> 00:11:50,034
At the end of the day, people
are gonna do what they want.
257
00:11:50,078 --> 00:11:52,863
There's a lot of times
people love wrestling,
258
00:11:52,907 --> 00:11:55,083
and then they're out
there doing wrestling,
259
00:11:55,126 --> 00:11:57,259
and it just looks like
they're playing a wrestler.
260
00:11:57,302 --> 00:12:00,436
But I come from a standpoint
where I don't get inspired
261
00:12:00,479 --> 00:12:03,004
from that wrest-- you know,
wrestling too much.
262
00:12:03,047 --> 00:12:04,832
So where do you find
inspiration from
263
00:12:04,875 --> 00:12:07,051
if it's not just in the ring?
264
00:12:07,095 --> 00:12:11,360
There's a whole world out there,
so that's why I try not to just
265
00:12:11,403 --> 00:12:14,929
recycle into the wrestling
world what's already been done.
266
00:12:14,972 --> 00:12:17,366
If I watched everything from the
'80s and I tried to recycle it
267
00:12:17,409 --> 00:12:19,934
and give it to the 2000s, it
would feel like pro wrestling.
268
00:12:19,977 --> 00:12:22,458
[Shouting]
269
00:12:22,501 --> 00:12:24,982
I like to show people pain,
'cause that's like a daily thing
270
00:12:25,026 --> 00:12:26,810
people experience.
271
00:12:26,854 --> 00:12:28,769
I'm not out there to try and
like have my wrestling be
272
00:12:28,812 --> 00:12:31,815
some type of utopia where
it's some fake thing.
273
00:12:31,859 --> 00:12:33,382
Take the real life situations
274
00:12:33,425 --> 00:12:35,210
and put it in that
squared circle.
275
00:12:35,253 --> 00:12:37,386
That's what pro wrestling
is to me at least.
276
00:12:37,429 --> 00:12:39,518
You know, that's what I
try to convey and create.
277
00:12:40,911 --> 00:12:45,046
He told me what's important to
him is storytelling and drama.
278
00:12:45,089 --> 00:12:47,352
This guy has a different way of
thinking than everybody else.
279
00:12:47,396 --> 00:12:50,747
♪
280
00:12:50,791 --> 00:12:53,228
There's a lot of symbolism
why I picked those two names,
281
00:12:53,271 --> 00:12:54,795
Darby Crash and GG Allin.
282
00:12:54,838 --> 00:12:56,448
Oh man!
283
00:12:56,492 --> 00:12:59,800
They were known around the
world for just being themselves.
284
00:12:59,843 --> 00:13:02,585
And in a way it's ironic
because I'm straight edge,
285
00:13:02,628 --> 00:13:05,283
and those two died
of drug overdoses.
286
00:13:05,327 --> 00:13:08,069
[Yelling]
287
00:13:08,112 --> 00:13:11,986
He's willing to drop everything
in Seattle and drive to Florida
288
00:13:12,029 --> 00:13:16,120
to live there so he can hop in
a van and drive hours and hours
289
00:13:16,164 --> 00:13:18,775
and hours to all of our shows.
290
00:13:18,819 --> 00:13:20,864
This is a guy who wants it.
291
00:13:24,912 --> 00:13:30,352
ANNOUNCER: Six, five,
four, three, two, one...
292
00:13:30,395 --> 00:13:32,833
[Cheering]
293
00:13:32,876 --> 00:13:35,009
It's amazing how much
stuff you have to juggle
294
00:13:35,052 --> 00:13:36,184
to make this come off.
295
00:13:36,227 --> 00:13:37,750
Like obviously
you've got partners...
296
00:13:37,794 --> 00:13:39,927
It's like four hours a day,
though I'm good at delegating.
297
00:13:39,970 --> 00:13:41,711
That's what-- you know?
298
00:13:41,754 --> 00:13:44,583
Like you know, you
get people you trust,
299
00:13:44,627 --> 00:13:46,063
and you delegate stuff to them.
300
00:13:46,107 --> 00:13:47,543
Yeah, but even
with the delegation,
301
00:13:47,586 --> 00:13:48,849
you haven't stopped moving once.
302
00:13:48,892 --> 00:13:51,721
♪
303
00:13:51,764 --> 00:13:53,375
Darby, did you get
everything under the ring?
304
00:13:53,418 --> 00:13:55,551
Priscilla, make sure
you stay dead, okay?
305
00:13:55,594 --> 00:13:57,945
Larry Dallas!
Zack Sabre!
306
00:13:57,988 --> 00:13:59,424
Keith Lee, please.
307
00:13:59,468 --> 00:14:01,122
Larry!
Trevor!
308
00:14:01,165 --> 00:14:02,384
Larry Dallas!
309
00:14:02,427 --> 00:14:03,907
Drew Galloway?
310
00:14:03,951 --> 00:14:06,214
Hey, Drew Galloway, where do
you want the sledgehammer?
311
00:14:06,257 --> 00:14:07,824
I'll probably open
in like 10 minutes.
312
00:14:07,868 --> 00:14:09,870
Yo, five minutes, guys!
Five minutes!
313
00:14:11,132 --> 00:14:13,351
So this is gonna be the...
314
00:14:16,485 --> 00:14:19,009
Alright, so, just be...
315
00:14:19,053 --> 00:14:21,098
I'm thinking.
[Laughing]
316
00:14:21,142 --> 00:14:25,798
And an immense amount of
respect on display by the fans
317
00:14:25,842 --> 00:14:28,976
here in Queens and New
York for Austin Theory.
318
00:14:29,019 --> 00:14:31,761
AMIAN: Traditionally the booker
stands behind the curtain
319
00:14:31,804 --> 00:14:33,632
in the gorilla position,
the point just before
320
00:14:33,676 --> 00:14:35,983
the wrestler enters and
returns from the arena.
321
00:14:36,026 --> 00:14:38,420
It's here that Gabe will impart
any last-minute bits of wisdom,
322
00:14:38,463 --> 00:14:40,509
encouragement, or
changes to the script,
323
00:14:40,552 --> 00:14:43,033
and the vantage point from
which he will read the room.
324
00:14:43,077 --> 00:14:45,253
Gabe has invited me to
stand with him on this tour,
325
00:14:45,296 --> 00:14:47,646
a very rare opportunity
for an outside to catch
326
00:14:47,690 --> 00:14:49,474
the inner workings of a match.
327
00:14:49,518 --> 00:14:51,302
I try to be here every match.
328
00:14:51,346 --> 00:14:53,174
When they come
through the curtains,
329
00:14:53,217 --> 00:14:55,437
give 'em a handshake and
thank them, and I mean,
330
00:14:55,480 --> 00:14:56,960
they're risking their
bodies in the ring for you.
331
00:14:57,004 --> 00:14:58,396
He's the man!
332
00:14:58,440 --> 00:14:59,963
[Shouting]
333
00:15:00,007 --> 00:15:01,922
It's like a huge sign
of respect for the...
334
00:15:01,965 --> 00:15:04,228
It's a sign of respect
for what they do, yeah.
335
00:15:04,272 --> 00:15:07,275
ANNOUNCER: The history between
Darby Allin and Ethan Page
336
00:15:07,318 --> 00:15:09,103
goes back over a year.
337
00:15:09,146 --> 00:15:11,975
Who knows what damage these
two men can do to each other.
338
00:15:12,019 --> 00:15:14,847
You know both guys
are really gonna put
339
00:15:14,891 --> 00:15:17,067
a lot physically on
the line in this match,
340
00:15:17,111 --> 00:15:19,069
and I trust them in
knowing their limits,
341
00:15:19,113 --> 00:15:20,462
but you still have
those butterflies
342
00:15:20,505 --> 00:15:22,290
'cause the risk is increased.
343
00:15:23,595 --> 00:15:26,163
DAMIAN: Ever since Ethan Page
beat the hell out of Darby Allin
344
00:15:26,207 --> 00:15:28,644
moments into his Evolve
debut, the two have been
345
00:15:28,687 --> 00:15:30,776
locked in a nasty feud.
346
00:15:30,820 --> 00:15:32,996
In a year of matches that've
been punctuated with brutal
347
00:15:33,040 --> 00:15:34,998
violence, the two have found
themselves the talk of
348
00:15:35,042 --> 00:15:37,914
the wrestling world, and the
main event on the Evolve card.
349
00:15:37,958 --> 00:15:41,265
This could be a feud that people
will look back at for years,
350
00:15:41,309 --> 00:15:43,485
with the proper close.
351
00:15:43,528 --> 00:15:45,008
You have to have that finale.
352
00:15:46,270 --> 00:15:48,707
It's the match card for tonight.
353
00:15:48,751 --> 00:15:51,188
Thinking of all the stuff
we have to compete against.
354
00:15:51,232 --> 00:15:53,712
The last match we had,
you either gotta top it
355
00:15:53,756 --> 00:15:56,454
or you gotta compete with it,
you can't go any lower.
356
00:15:56,498 --> 00:15:58,761
So it's time to rock and roll.
357
00:15:58,804 --> 00:16:02,504
HOSTESS: From Seattle,
Washington, Darby Allin!
358
00:16:02,547 --> 00:16:05,768
[Cheering]
359
00:16:05,811 --> 00:16:09,337
And his opponent,
"All Ego" Ethan Page!
360
00:16:09,380 --> 00:16:12,035
[Cheering]
361
00:16:12,079 --> 00:16:15,299
The anticipation for
the match will be high,
362
00:16:15,343 --> 00:16:17,040
so we don't really
have to do much.
363
00:16:17,084 --> 00:16:18,955
I can do a suicide dive,
364
00:16:18,999 --> 00:16:20,565
like if your back's
against the guard rail.
365
00:16:22,045 --> 00:16:25,657
ANNOUNCER: Beautiful
elevation, and a suicide dive!
366
00:16:25,701 --> 00:16:28,530
And then I'll get on the
top rope, diving headbutt.
367
00:16:28,573 --> 00:16:32,055
Darby Allin at the
behest of Ethan Page,
368
00:16:32,099 --> 00:16:33,970
and is he gonna throw himself?!
369
00:16:34,014 --> 00:16:35,493
[Cheering]
370
00:16:35,537 --> 00:16:38,583
My god, a flying headbutt!
371
00:16:38,627 --> 00:16:41,325
You get the shovel, and then you
come in, you go to swing it.
372
00:16:41,369 --> 00:16:46,417
♪
373
00:16:46,461 --> 00:16:48,463
The chaos is the stuff
that's an accident.
374
00:16:51,379 --> 00:16:54,295
The one thing I turn my back on
and I wasn't paying attention to
375
00:16:54,338 --> 00:16:55,861
is the one that got me.
376
00:16:55,905 --> 00:16:58,386
[Cheering]
377
00:16:58,429 --> 00:17:02,042
[Crowd gasping]
378
00:17:02,085 --> 00:17:14,097
♪
379
00:17:14,141 --> 00:17:16,752
It just clipped
me in the elbow.
380
00:17:16,795 --> 00:17:18,841
Before I knew it
there was blood,
381
00:17:18,884 --> 00:17:21,713
and the muscle was showing,
everything like that.
382
00:17:21,757 --> 00:17:26,327
But I was so in the sense of not
letting go of any opportunity,
383
00:17:26,370 --> 00:17:27,763
telling the referee-- he's
like, "We gotta end it."
384
00:17:27,806 --> 00:17:29,678
I was like, "No,
you're not gonna end this."
385
00:17:29,721 --> 00:17:31,506
I work too hard for this.
386
00:17:31,549 --> 00:17:33,725
I put in too much time
in a year, and I told
387
00:17:33,769 --> 00:17:36,076
too hard of a story
to have you end it.
388
00:17:36,119 --> 00:17:38,121
In a sense, it's just
a shovel cutting me open
389
00:17:38,165 --> 00:17:40,036
and fracturing my arm.
390
00:17:40,080 --> 00:17:42,560
We're gonna finish this match.
391
00:17:43,735 --> 00:17:48,871
[Cheering]
392
00:17:48,914 --> 00:17:50,960
He's gonna fill that
body bag with thumb tacks.
393
00:17:51,003 --> 00:17:54,790
[Crowd yelling]
394
00:17:54,833 --> 00:17:56,748
Ahhhh.
395
00:17:56,792 --> 00:17:58,924
No... Ugh...
396
00:18:00,665 --> 00:18:02,145
Oh! Oh!
397
00:18:02,189 --> 00:18:05,540
[Crowd wincing]
398
00:18:05,583 --> 00:18:08,499
So I was real hesitant
about the thumb tack idea,
399
00:18:08,543 --> 00:18:10,632
but I trusted them.
400
00:18:10,675 --> 00:18:12,590
I don't know how he's
gonna get out of this.
401
00:18:12,634 --> 00:18:15,376
[Crowd yelling]
402
00:18:15,419 --> 00:18:18,335
But I think he's okay.
403
00:18:18,379 --> 00:18:19,945
Oh no.
404
00:18:21,730 --> 00:18:23,297
[Crowd yelling]
405
00:18:23,340 --> 00:18:24,907
ANNOUNCER: Power bomb!
406
00:18:24,950 --> 00:18:28,128
Darby Allin has not let go of
that arm in quite some time.
407
00:18:28,171 --> 00:18:29,955
I don't know if he's...
408
00:18:29,999 --> 00:18:31,957
if Ethan Page has
broken Darby's arm.
409
00:18:32,001 --> 00:18:33,568
[Bell ringing]
Oh, thank God it's over.
410
00:18:33,611 --> 00:18:34,612
[Crowd cheering]
411
00:18:35,787 --> 00:18:36,788
You alright?
412
00:18:38,399 --> 00:18:39,400
Darby's fucked up?
413
00:18:40,879 --> 00:18:42,142
On what?
414
00:18:42,185 --> 00:18:46,363
CROWD: Darby!
Darby! Darby! Darby!
415
00:18:46,407 --> 00:18:48,191
What happened, man?
Sorry, you alright?
416
00:18:48,235 --> 00:18:50,237
My elbow got sliced
open with a shovel.
417
00:18:50,280 --> 00:18:52,848
Oh shit...
418
00:18:52,891 --> 00:18:54,589
Alright, let's get
him to the back.
419
00:18:54,632 --> 00:18:57,157
[Crowd chattering]
420
00:18:57,200 --> 00:18:58,680
Do you know
where the doctor is?
421
00:18:58,723 --> 00:18:59,985
Is he still here?
422
00:19:00,029 --> 00:19:01,726
FAN: Thank you, Darby!
423
00:19:01,770 --> 00:19:05,034
[Crowd chattering]
424
00:19:05,077 --> 00:19:07,210
We got paramedics
and the doctor.
425
00:19:07,254 --> 00:19:11,171
[Chattering]
426
00:19:11,214 --> 00:19:12,868
MEDIC: Sorry, dude.
427
00:19:12,911 --> 00:19:14,565
It's okay.
428
00:19:17,742 --> 00:19:19,266
Like that's totally cool.
429
00:19:19,309 --> 00:19:21,050
Yeah, shit happens,
you know what I mean?
430
00:19:23,270 --> 00:19:25,794
- Go to a hospital.
- You gotta get stitches.
431
00:19:25,837 --> 00:19:27,578
Can someone drive me there then?
432
00:19:27,622 --> 00:19:29,276
We have an ambulance
that will take you there.
433
00:19:29,319 --> 00:19:30,973
I don't wanna take
an ambulance though.
434
00:19:31,016 --> 00:19:33,193
I'll just-- Let me just
have someone drive me.
435
00:19:33,236 --> 00:19:34,498
- Alright.
- That's just between--
436
00:19:34,542 --> 00:19:36,413
Yeah, I just don't wanna
pay for no ambulance.
437
00:19:54,431 --> 00:19:56,651
It's kinda hard
to protect yourself
438
00:19:56,694 --> 00:19:58,261
when a shovel is coming.
439
00:19:58,305 --> 00:19:59,871
Yeah, I know.
440
00:19:59,915 --> 00:20:02,178
DAMIAN: Darby goes to
the hospital for surgery.
441
00:20:02,222 --> 00:20:04,485
He won't be wrestling the
next day, and is looking at
442
00:20:04,528 --> 00:20:07,488
2 to 3 months before
he'll be back in the ring.
443
00:20:12,275 --> 00:20:13,842
DAMIAN: Since the beginning,
wrestlers have travelled
444
00:20:13,885 --> 00:20:15,931
long distances between matches.
445
00:20:15,974 --> 00:20:17,846
The Evolve crew is no different.
446
00:20:17,889 --> 00:20:20,152
They think nothing of logging
thousands of miles in a single
447
00:20:20,196 --> 00:20:23,155
weekend, or driving
for 24 hours straight.
448
00:20:23,199 --> 00:20:25,854
It's a claustrophobic journey
broken up by the occasional
449
00:20:25,897 --> 00:20:28,726
gas station sandwich
spot or pancake joint.
450
00:20:30,380 --> 00:20:32,295
Well, now we've
been in the car for...
451
00:20:32,339 --> 00:20:33,949
I don't know how many hours.
452
00:20:33,992 --> 00:20:36,168
Um...
453
00:20:36,212 --> 00:20:38,040
My butt is so numb.
454
00:20:38,083 --> 00:20:39,694
It's like just humming.
455
00:20:43,350 --> 00:20:46,178
So Austin, you... how many times
a day do you eat normally?
456
00:20:46,222 --> 00:20:48,006
Uh, usually six meals a day.
457
00:20:48,050 --> 00:20:49,356
Six meals a day.
458
00:20:49,399 --> 00:20:51,575
I eat every two hours.
459
00:20:51,619 --> 00:20:53,969
Every two hours you're
gonna eat a protein-heavy meal?
460
00:20:54,012 --> 00:20:55,492
Exactly.
461
00:20:55,536 --> 00:20:56,798
So when you're on
the road though,
462
00:20:56,841 --> 00:20:58,103
there must be temptation
to eat junk, right?
463
00:20:58,147 --> 00:20:59,757
Like every time you stop
at those gas stations
464
00:20:59,801 --> 00:21:01,281
and things like that.
465
00:21:01,324 --> 00:21:03,195
It's not really a temptation
'cause I do it, you know?
466
00:21:03,239 --> 00:21:04,545
[Laughing]
Yeah.
467
00:21:04,588 --> 00:21:06,764
I train so much that I
can eat this kinda stuff.
468
00:21:06,808 --> 00:21:07,983
Mm-hmm.
469
00:21:08,026 --> 00:21:09,550
It's just all day I work out.
470
00:21:09,593 --> 00:21:12,074
That's why I look like this,
and then I eat every two hours.
471
00:21:12,117 --> 00:21:14,163
So you identify as being
straight edge, right?
472
00:21:14,206 --> 00:21:15,556
Absolutely.
473
00:21:15,599 --> 00:21:17,645
And so that's like
no drugs, no alcohol,
474
00:21:17,688 --> 00:21:18,907
no cigarettes,
none of that stuff.
475
00:21:18,950 --> 00:21:20,212
Nothing.
476
00:21:20,256 --> 00:21:22,345
I imagine in the
sport of body building,
477
00:21:22,389 --> 00:21:23,868
and even pro wrestling,
like you know, I'm not...
478
00:21:23,912 --> 00:21:25,217
you hear about this stuff.
479
00:21:25,261 --> 00:21:26,436
Yeah, absolutely.
480
00:21:26,480 --> 00:21:28,133
Performance-enhancing
drugs are a reality,
481
00:21:28,177 --> 00:21:31,354
and people use these drugs,
but you're straight edge.
482
00:21:31,398 --> 00:21:34,966
Yeah, it's something I've heard
since I was in high school.
483
00:21:35,010 --> 00:21:37,752
You know, somebody sees
like a little muscle on you,
484
00:21:37,795 --> 00:21:40,232
it's like, "Oh, he's
doing this, he's doing that!"
485
00:21:40,276 --> 00:21:41,756
But no, man.
486
00:21:41,799 --> 00:21:43,540
I don't even have
the money for that.
487
00:21:43,584 --> 00:21:45,760
Well, now we're gonna
have some turkey, right?
488
00:21:45,803 --> 00:21:47,327
This is gonna be good.
489
00:21:47,370 --> 00:21:48,502
And you know what's crazy?
490
00:21:48,545 --> 00:21:51,505
I eat a lot of
tilapia, but I hate fish.
491
00:21:51,548 --> 00:21:56,336
But I eat it because it makes
my arm look like this, so...
492
00:21:56,379 --> 00:21:57,946
That's probably why
mine look like this.
493
00:21:57,989 --> 00:21:59,600
[Laughing]
494
00:21:59,643 --> 00:22:00,992
- 'Cause you don't eat fish?
- I don't eat fish!
495
00:22:01,036 --> 00:22:02,559
[Laughing]
496
00:22:02,603 --> 00:22:05,432
Austin Theory is a
pro wrestling prodigy.
497
00:22:05,475 --> 00:22:07,912
Austin has been streamed
for wrestling stardom
498
00:22:07,956 --> 00:22:09,871
for over half his life.
499
00:22:09,914 --> 00:22:12,177
He drives an hour and a half
every day to practice at
500
00:22:12,221 --> 00:22:15,224
World Wrestling Alliance,
located behind a strip club
501
00:22:15,267 --> 00:22:17,182
in West Atlanta.
502
00:22:17,226 --> 00:22:19,794
At the age of 19, he stands
fully equipped to take over
503
00:22:19,837 --> 00:22:21,361
the wrestling industry.
504
00:22:21,404 --> 00:22:24,015
[Chattering]
505
00:22:24,059 --> 00:22:25,495
Look, check it out.
506
00:22:25,539 --> 00:22:27,454
My hand's acting
like my foot, okay?
507
00:22:27,497 --> 00:22:31,240
I'm gonna raise it up, and
I'm gonna plant it there.
508
00:22:31,283 --> 00:22:32,850
I'm just gonna put it there.
509
00:22:32,894 --> 00:22:36,332
The main thing is all this
too, this whole presence,
510
00:22:36,376 --> 00:22:38,639
this whole... you know
what I mean, acting.
511
00:22:38,682 --> 00:22:40,205
This whole-- The face already.
512
00:22:40,249 --> 00:22:41,903
So if I'm going aah!
513
00:22:41,946 --> 00:22:44,906
You know, no, don't
shy away from it.
514
00:22:44,949 --> 00:22:46,995
[Thudding]
So I'm just doing that.
515
00:22:47,038 --> 00:22:48,823
Come on, come on, you got it.
516
00:22:48,866 --> 00:22:49,911
[Thudding]
Okay.
517
00:22:49,954 --> 00:22:51,391
Damn it!
518
00:22:51,434 --> 00:22:52,827
Are you worried about this, man?
519
00:22:52,870 --> 00:22:54,132
I mean, 'cause
it's pretty much...
520
00:22:54,176 --> 00:22:55,395
[Laughing]
521
00:22:55,438 --> 00:22:57,397
Alright, look, let
me put it like this.
522
00:22:57,440 --> 00:22:59,050
If it was real,
it'd be easy, right?
523
00:22:59,094 --> 00:23:00,487
Kick this person in the gut.
524
00:23:00,530 --> 00:23:03,403
You're doing that,
but just not for real.
525
00:23:03,446 --> 00:23:07,276
[Laughing]
526
00:23:07,319 --> 00:23:09,017
Ar Fox is one of
the most influential
527
00:23:09,060 --> 00:23:11,498
independent wrestlers
of his generation.
528
00:23:11,541 --> 00:23:16,024
His fearless style has inspired
many fan and wrestler alike.
529
00:23:16,067 --> 00:23:19,114
The first time I met Austin,
I didn't know what to expect.
530
00:23:19,157 --> 00:23:21,769
You know, and then he
started wrestling and stuff,
531
00:23:21,812 --> 00:23:24,206
and I could just
tell this kid gets it.
532
00:23:24,249 --> 00:23:25,990
[Groaning]
533
00:23:26,034 --> 00:23:28,471
I'm like I will put a
little extra work in this kid,
534
00:23:28,515 --> 00:23:31,518
and I'm gonna push him, and I'm
also gonna like give him a few
535
00:23:31,561 --> 00:23:35,173
snug shots to see if he
comes back the next day.
536
00:23:35,217 --> 00:23:36,479
[Thudding]
537
00:23:36,523 --> 00:23:38,786
And that's gonna see
how bad you want it.
538
00:23:38,829 --> 00:23:42,093
Some guys still are like trying
to get on Evolve that I know
539
00:23:42,137 --> 00:23:44,748
that've been
wrestling for 8 years.
540
00:23:44,792 --> 00:23:47,577
Me and Gabe actually
had a small falling out.
541
00:23:47,621 --> 00:23:49,623
Once Austin
started doing real good,
542
00:23:49,666 --> 00:23:52,539
I just swallowed my pride and I
wrote on my Facebook and I said,
543
00:23:52,582 --> 00:23:54,236
"Can I call you?"
544
00:23:54,279 --> 00:23:57,239
GABE: Ar Fox said, "Hey, I got
this student, Austin Theory.
545
00:23:57,282 --> 00:23:59,023
He's gonna be a star."
546
00:23:59,067 --> 00:24:03,375
What got me with Austin Theory
was his facial expressions.
547
00:24:03,419 --> 00:24:06,553
And the facial expressions most
guys don't get till 3 to 5 years
548
00:24:06,596 --> 00:24:08,685
down the line,
some guys 10 years.
549
00:24:08,729 --> 00:24:10,339
ANNOUNCER: Austin Theory
almost going right through
550
00:24:10,382 --> 00:24:12,210
the mat there.
551
00:24:12,254 --> 00:24:15,126
The fact that he was able to
have these kind of instincts at
552
00:24:15,170 --> 00:24:18,521
his experience level and age,
if this was sports or baseball,
553
00:24:18,565 --> 00:24:22,612
this is a five-tool player, and
a natural professional wrestler.
554
00:24:22,656 --> 00:24:25,485
We immediately signed him,
we signed him the next day.
555
00:24:27,356 --> 00:24:29,663
Wrestling is everything to me.
556
00:24:29,706 --> 00:24:32,230
It's what I've known
since I was 8 years old.
557
00:24:32,274 --> 00:24:34,319
I just was so drawn to it.
558
00:24:34,363 --> 00:24:36,931
It was like real
life superheroes.
559
00:24:36,974 --> 00:24:40,195
My first show, I remember
going with my grandfather.
560
00:24:40,238 --> 00:24:43,546
I remember a guy coming out
and being real scary to me.
561
00:24:43,590 --> 00:24:46,549
And I was not knowing if I
wanted to be there or not.
562
00:24:46,593 --> 00:24:49,378
And then the next guy comes
out, and he's like the hero.
563
00:24:49,421 --> 00:24:51,511
And I was like wait,
I wanna see this.
564
00:24:51,554 --> 00:24:55,036
After that night, I
was completely hooked.
565
00:24:55,079 --> 00:24:58,126
My mom had me doing
baseball and basketball,
566
00:24:58,169 --> 00:25:01,172
but once I'd seen wrestling
at 8, I was done with that.
567
00:25:01,216 --> 00:25:03,523
Like I knew this is
all I care about.
568
00:25:05,350 --> 00:25:10,355
The way he is, he's driven,
and he don't wanna be held down.
569
00:25:10,399 --> 00:25:13,097
And when he sees something
he wants, he goes for it,
570
00:25:13,141 --> 00:25:15,535
and he will give up
anything to get it.
571
00:25:16,927 --> 00:25:20,844
I can go out of town,
and I could leave alcohol,
572
00:25:20,888 --> 00:25:23,630
you know, here, and I
don't have to worry about it.
573
00:25:23,673 --> 00:25:26,197
The only thing that's
gonna be missing is protein.
574
00:25:27,242 --> 00:25:28,809
AUSTION: I think
I was 12 years old.
575
00:25:28,852 --> 00:25:31,376
I told my mom, I was like,
"Can I start going to the gym?"
576
00:25:31,420 --> 00:25:34,336
But I wasn't old enough to
work out, but I'd sneak in.
577
00:25:34,379 --> 00:25:37,557
I just know getting
on that main stage,
578
00:25:37,600 --> 00:25:39,950
there's no way you're
getting there without hard work.
579
00:25:39,994 --> 00:25:44,651
♪
580
00:25:44,694 --> 00:25:47,001
Oh shit! Oh shit!
581
00:25:47,044 --> 00:25:51,483
♪
582
00:25:51,527 --> 00:25:53,137
[Groaning]
583
00:25:53,181 --> 00:25:58,186
♪
584
00:25:58,229 --> 00:26:02,625
[Grunting]
585
00:26:02,669 --> 00:26:06,629
♪
586
00:26:06,673 --> 00:26:08,413
[Groaning]
587
00:26:08,457 --> 00:26:14,202
♪
588
00:26:14,245 --> 00:26:15,769
[Laughing]
589
00:26:15,812 --> 00:26:17,292
[Clapping]
590
00:26:17,335 --> 00:26:19,076
Most intimate thing
I've ever seen in the ring.
591
00:26:19,120 --> 00:26:21,339
You know, it felt like it was
a private match just for me.
592
00:26:21,383 --> 00:26:25,996
♪
593
00:26:26,040 --> 00:26:29,217
AUSTIN: My parents, I think
they split before I was born.
594
00:26:29,260 --> 00:26:31,654
My dad, there would be times
where we'd be in a store
595
00:26:31,698 --> 00:26:33,438
and he'd steal stuff.
596
00:26:33,482 --> 00:26:36,746
I wanna say I was 15 years old,
and I was in the car with him.
597
00:26:36,790 --> 00:26:39,575
I had got like my learner's
permit so I could drive now.
598
00:26:39,619 --> 00:26:42,143
We were riding, and he
was telling me some story,
599
00:26:42,186 --> 00:26:44,232
but he just kinda
starts like dazing off.
600
00:26:45,712 --> 00:26:48,671
He basically was geeking out
from like a reaction from
601
00:26:48,715 --> 00:26:50,717
some type of drug.
602
00:26:50,760 --> 00:26:53,197
That moment
really stuck with me.
603
00:26:54,111 --> 00:26:55,678
Straight over.
604
00:26:55,722 --> 00:26:59,203
It brought me to the
point of being straight edge.
605
00:26:59,247 --> 00:27:02,119
Never in my life
have I had alcohol,
606
00:27:02,163 --> 00:27:04,600
or smoked, or done
any type of drug.
607
00:27:07,255 --> 00:27:08,909
It's amazing watching
him interact with
608
00:27:08,952 --> 00:27:10,388
his two younger brothers.
609
00:27:10,432 --> 00:27:13,478
To me, Austin's a role model
for all of his siblings.
610
00:27:13,522 --> 00:27:15,916
And with his brothers,
they both look up to him.
611
00:27:17,613 --> 00:27:19,746
AUSTIN: I just want
them to always be good,
612
00:27:19,789 --> 00:27:22,618
and not go through
kinda what I went through.
613
00:27:22,662 --> 00:27:24,533
They just think he's cool
because he's a wrestler,
614
00:27:24,576 --> 00:27:26,143
and they have t-shirts
that's got him on it.
615
00:27:26,187 --> 00:27:27,231
[Laughing]
616
00:27:29,538 --> 00:27:32,454
AUSTIN: One day I'll have kids,
and I wanna be somewhere
617
00:27:32,497 --> 00:27:34,412
where they have nothing
to worry about.
618
00:27:34,456 --> 00:27:36,371
[Crowd shouting]
619
00:27:36,414 --> 00:27:39,243
Before I go out to the ring,
I definitely get nervous.
620
00:27:39,287 --> 00:27:41,202
I'm a freakin' train wreck.
621
00:27:42,943 --> 00:27:47,164
I love what I do so much that
I know when I go out there,
622
00:27:47,208 --> 00:27:49,645
I wanna give them
everything I got.
623
00:27:49,689 --> 00:27:52,474
I want them to
see Austin Theory.
624
00:27:55,564 --> 00:27:57,218
[Chattering]
625
00:27:57,261 --> 00:27:59,524
- Oh my.
- Ooh-wee.
626
00:27:59,568 --> 00:28:01,352
Yeah.
627
00:28:03,790 --> 00:28:05,530
I've been on my fast
all day too, so...
628
00:28:05,574 --> 00:28:06,967
[Laughing]
629
00:28:07,010 --> 00:28:08,882
Yeah, me too, I haven't
eaten anything all day.
630
00:28:08,925 --> 00:28:10,797
[Chattering]
631
00:28:10,840 --> 00:28:12,276
Alright, Pudding Pie, go ahead.
632
00:28:12,320 --> 00:28:14,844
[Laughing]
633
00:28:14,888 --> 00:28:16,237
Pudding Pie?
634
00:28:16,280 --> 00:28:17,847
That's the name
for the ring, dude!
635
00:28:17,891 --> 00:28:19,109
Pudding Pie!
636
00:28:19,153 --> 00:28:20,589
ALL: Pudding Pie Yehi!
637
00:28:20,632 --> 00:28:21,895
[Clapping]
638
00:28:21,938 --> 00:28:23,244
Pudding Pie Yehi!
639
00:28:23,287 --> 00:28:24,549
[Clapping]
640
00:28:24,593 --> 00:28:26,334
Pudding Pie Yehi!
641
00:28:26,377 --> 00:28:27,596
Alright.
642
00:28:29,337 --> 00:28:31,905
DAMIAN: Without the size that
fast tracks someone for success
643
00:28:31,948 --> 00:28:36,300
in wrestling, Fred Yehi has had
to fight for every opportunity.
644
00:28:36,344 --> 00:28:39,477
But Fred's ability to make the
most of each and every match,
645
00:28:39,521 --> 00:28:42,437
and an undeniable charisma, have
helped him kick down the door to
646
00:28:42,480 --> 00:28:44,395
some of wrestling's
biggest indies.
647
00:28:44,439 --> 00:28:47,747
Fred's a guy who has
done my favourite thing,
648
00:28:47,790 --> 00:28:50,575
which is improve
every aspect of his game.
649
00:28:50,619 --> 00:28:53,143
He's very impressive, and
he brings it in the ring
650
00:28:53,187 --> 00:28:55,058
like no other.
651
00:28:55,102 --> 00:28:57,844
'Cause I wrestled him,
and it's a rough time.
652
00:28:57,887 --> 00:29:02,152
♪
653
00:29:02,196 --> 00:29:04,241
Fred would
destroy me in the ring.
654
00:29:04,285 --> 00:29:06,548
He's really good at
technical wrestling.
655
00:29:06,591 --> 00:29:08,724
His biggest
challenge is his height.
656
00:29:08,768 --> 00:29:11,292
He's not a super tall guy.
657
00:29:11,335 --> 00:29:13,816
There's guys who are his
height that have become stars
658
00:29:13,860 --> 00:29:16,688
on national TV, but it's
not a strength of his.
659
00:29:16,732 --> 00:29:19,126
He has taken that and
made it part of his persona,
660
00:29:19,169 --> 00:29:20,736
made it part of his move set.
661
00:29:20,780 --> 00:29:22,869
Something as small
as hitting the ropes,
662
00:29:22,912 --> 00:29:25,088
which is when the guys
run into the ropes
663
00:29:25,132 --> 00:29:26,524
and bounce off of them.
664
00:29:26,568 --> 00:29:28,526
If you notice, Fred does
this off the second rope.
665
00:29:28,570 --> 00:29:30,746
He's the only guy that does
this off the second rope.
666
00:29:30,790 --> 00:29:32,313
ANNOUNCER: Bouncing
off the second rope.
667
00:29:32,356 --> 00:29:34,271
So unique, the way he comes
out and you see that tackle.
668
00:29:34,315 --> 00:29:37,187
His wrestling style,
stomping on the hands...
669
00:29:37,231 --> 00:29:38,667
I was waiting for it there!
670
00:29:38,710 --> 00:29:41,713
...they all bring his
opponent down in size.
671
00:29:41,757 --> 00:29:43,498
So he took what was
a weakness of his,
672
00:29:43,541 --> 00:29:45,543
his height, and he
made it into a strength.
673
00:29:45,587 --> 00:29:46,849
Stomp on the foot!
674
00:29:46,893 --> 00:29:47,981
I mean, that's smart.
675
00:29:49,330 --> 00:29:51,854
FRED: Wrestling in the
South, it's really tough.
676
00:29:51,898 --> 00:29:56,859
The crowd is pretty much like an
all-white crowd, country crowd.
677
00:29:56,903 --> 00:29:59,688
60% of the crowd
is grossly obese.
678
00:29:59,731 --> 00:30:03,692
Are they gonna identify
with the 350-pound, beer belly,
679
00:30:03,735 --> 00:30:06,260
out of shape guy who
comes out in a cowboy hat?
680
00:30:06,303 --> 00:30:07,914
He's the guy they're
gonna put in the main event.
681
00:30:07,957 --> 00:30:10,220
He's the guy they
wanna put on the posters.
682
00:30:10,264 --> 00:30:11,569
I wouldn't say there are any
683
00:30:11,613 --> 00:30:14,007
African American
companies per se.
684
00:30:14,050 --> 00:30:17,445
There's just a decent amount of
us who wrestle here in Georgia.
685
00:30:17,488 --> 00:30:19,142
And in the end, we all go
through that same struggle.
686
00:30:19,186 --> 00:30:20,622
We all do.
687
00:30:20,665 --> 00:30:25,757
♪
688
00:30:25,801 --> 00:30:28,369
You met this dude training.
689
00:30:28,412 --> 00:30:30,327
Let's bring you
back to that moment.
690
00:30:30,371 --> 00:30:32,677
Do you remember the first
time you saw Pudding Pie?
691
00:30:32,721 --> 00:30:34,070
When I first saw him wrestle,
692
00:30:34,114 --> 00:30:35,898
there was this girl
who was just flipping out.
693
00:30:35,942 --> 00:30:37,726
She's like, "Oh my god,
aah! Fred! Fred!"
694
00:30:37,769 --> 00:30:39,902
And I was like uhn, whatever,
I don't see the hype.
695
00:30:39,946 --> 00:30:41,512
I was like I don't even
think he's that cute.
696
00:30:41,556 --> 00:30:43,210
And this is
literally what I said,
697
00:30:43,253 --> 00:30:44,820
that's literally what I said!
698
00:30:44,864 --> 00:30:47,214
My trainer's like, "Okay, we're
gonna do drop down drills,"
699
00:30:47,257 --> 00:30:48,824
which is... you know,
the person lays down,
700
00:30:48,868 --> 00:30:50,391
you jump over 'em,
jump over 'em.
701
00:30:50,434 --> 00:30:52,480
So I hit the drop down, and
I can't get back up in time.
702
00:30:52,523 --> 00:30:53,916
What does this guy do?
703
00:30:53,960 --> 00:30:55,483
What do you do, Fred?
704
00:30:55,526 --> 00:30:57,137
He keeps going!
705
00:30:57,180 --> 00:30:58,616
Straight on my ribs.
706
00:30:58,660 --> 00:31:00,749
I flip over on my back,
I'm like, "Aah! Oh my god!"
707
00:31:00,792 --> 00:31:02,055
[Gasping]
708
00:31:02,098 --> 00:31:03,665
I love to tell people
to embarrass him.
709
00:31:03,708 --> 00:31:06,276
[Laughing]
710
00:31:06,320 --> 00:31:09,627
Dating in pro wrestling, it has
its pros and it has its cons.
711
00:31:09,671 --> 00:31:11,586
Oh, fuck!
[Laughing]
712
00:31:11,629 --> 00:31:13,240
We're both in this business,
713
00:31:13,283 --> 00:31:15,024
so we have to be
really understanding.
714
00:31:15,068 --> 00:31:16,721
There has to be trust.
715
00:31:16,765 --> 00:31:19,072
What's it like being in a
relationship when both of you
716
00:31:19,115 --> 00:31:20,943
are on the road?
717
00:31:20,987 --> 00:31:23,424
It's honestly really hard,
I'm not even gonna lie.
718
00:31:23,467 --> 00:31:25,252
- Thank you, thank you.
- Bye!
719
00:31:25,295 --> 00:31:31,562
♪
720
00:31:33,173 --> 00:31:35,175
What motivates you to
get in the van and do this
721
00:31:35,218 --> 00:31:37,351
weekend after weekend?
722
00:31:37,394 --> 00:31:41,224
I remember being kinda stuck,
and like stuck in Georgia,
723
00:31:41,268 --> 00:31:46,447
doing like these rink-a-dink
backwoods shows with like
724
00:31:46,490 --> 00:31:48,884
maybe 20 to 50 people.
725
00:31:48,928 --> 00:31:50,233
The pay was dirt.
726
00:31:50,277 --> 00:31:51,669
You know, 30 to 50 bucks.
727
00:31:51,713 --> 00:31:53,584
Maybe half that money,
if not all of it,
728
00:31:53,628 --> 00:31:55,151
is going back into the tank.
729
00:31:55,195 --> 00:31:56,631
I appreciate that we have a van.
730
00:31:56,674 --> 00:31:57,980
We don't have to
worry about gas,
731
00:31:58,024 --> 00:31:58,981
we don't have to
worry about food.
732
00:31:59,025 --> 00:32:00,635
All that stuff is covered.
733
00:32:00,678 --> 00:32:02,463
And taking all that
in consideration,
734
00:32:02,506 --> 00:32:03,986
shoot, I'll stay
crammed up in the van.
735
00:32:04,030 --> 00:32:05,292
[Laughing]
736
00:32:05,335 --> 00:32:06,858
You know, and
deal with it, so...
737
00:32:06,902 --> 00:32:09,122
I don't know if you ever heard
that quote where it's like,
738
00:32:09,165 --> 00:32:12,212
you know, if you're the
hardest worker in the room,
739
00:32:12,255 --> 00:32:14,170
then you're in the wrong room.
740
00:32:14,214 --> 00:32:15,867
As long as I'm a wrestler,
I don't think I'm ever gonna
741
00:32:15,911 --> 00:32:18,653
arrive because I'm not gonna...
742
00:32:18,696 --> 00:32:20,481
I won't allow
myself to be, you know?
743
00:32:20,524 --> 00:32:23,440
I won't allow myself to
believe that I just know it all,
744
00:32:23,484 --> 00:32:25,051
that I'm there.
745
00:32:25,094 --> 00:32:27,183
There's always someone
working harder, you know?
746
00:32:27,227 --> 00:32:28,750
[Laughing]
747
00:32:28,793 --> 00:32:31,535
Shoot, like I mean
Austin, he got his contract.
748
00:32:31,579 --> 00:32:33,407
He was like, "Man,
that's freakin' awesome!"
749
00:32:33,450 --> 00:32:35,104
It's like I don't want him
to catch me, you know?
750
00:32:35,148 --> 00:32:36,801
[Laughing]
751
00:32:36,845 --> 00:32:40,544
So you know, there is that
sense of like competition.
752
00:32:40,588 --> 00:32:42,590
Like you have to stay
on top of your game.
753
00:32:42,633 --> 00:32:52,556
♪
754
00:32:52,600 --> 00:32:55,081
It's real, guys.
755
00:32:55,124 --> 00:32:57,431
Very real.
[Laughing]
756
00:33:00,521 --> 00:33:08,224
♪
757
00:33:08,268 --> 00:33:10,096
I need to be back
-on a 4
-G connection.
758
00:33:10,139 --> 00:33:12,141
-I cannot be on a 3
-G connection.
759
00:33:12,185 --> 00:33:14,535
Three, two, one...
[Laughing]
760
00:33:14,578 --> 00:33:15,971
That one's a clam.
761
00:33:16,015 --> 00:33:17,625
Got it!
[Laughing]
762
00:33:17,668 --> 00:33:20,584
And you wonder how we pass time
when we're away from our family.
763
00:33:20,628 --> 00:33:22,151
- That's it!
- Goofing off.
764
00:33:22,195 --> 00:33:25,633
It's crazy with Evolve, 'cause
you have legitimately like...
765
00:33:25,676 --> 00:33:27,635
the most talented
people in this industry
766
00:33:27,678 --> 00:33:29,158
in that locker room right now.
767
00:33:29,202 --> 00:33:31,726
There's the future of
this industry, you know?
768
00:33:31,769 --> 00:33:33,902
Like some of the greatest
talents that are gonna emerge
769
00:33:33,945 --> 00:33:36,209
in this generation of wrestling.
770
00:33:36,252 --> 00:33:38,646
Oh man.
771
00:33:38,689 --> 00:33:40,169
Man, I hate all y'all.
772
00:33:40,213 --> 00:33:42,302
Bring all these
cheesecakes and hot wings,
773
00:33:42,345 --> 00:33:43,912
and I just gotta
sit here like...
774
00:33:43,955 --> 00:33:47,220
The wings might mess me up,
775
00:33:47,263 --> 00:33:48,786
but I don't think
the cheesecake will.
776
00:33:48,830 --> 00:33:50,484
[Laughing]
777
00:33:50,527 --> 00:33:52,964
You can't eat cheesecake
in front of the biggest guy
778
00:33:53,008 --> 00:33:54,749
in the locker room,
eat the cheesecake
779
00:33:54,792 --> 00:33:56,577
and then show off
that you're ripped too.
780
00:33:56,620 --> 00:33:57,795
That's rude.
781
00:33:57,839 --> 00:34:00,015
Shut up, Fred!
[Laughing]
782
00:34:01,147 --> 00:34:03,932
One, two, three, four, five...
783
00:34:03,975 --> 00:34:06,848
[Chattering]
784
00:34:06,891 --> 00:34:09,111
GABE: I never wanted
to be a wrestler myself.
785
00:34:09,155 --> 00:34:11,679
When everybody was cutting
wrestling promos and imagining
786
00:34:11,722 --> 00:34:14,812
characters for themselves
as like a kid or growing up,
787
00:34:14,856 --> 00:34:17,206
I was actually
putting together matches.
788
00:34:17,250 --> 00:34:20,079
The whole side as far as
being in front of a crowd
789
00:34:20,122 --> 00:34:23,125
and performing never
really appealed to me.
790
00:34:23,169 --> 00:34:25,301
I always wanted to
be the guy backstage
791
00:34:25,345 --> 00:34:27,347
kind of pulling the strings.
792
00:34:27,390 --> 00:34:31,394
If this is what Catch Point is
gonna stand for, then I quit.
793
00:34:33,004 --> 00:34:35,529
And when you say to
Tracy Williams hi,
794
00:34:35,572 --> 00:34:37,487
make sure... 'cause you're
saying that to Tracy.
795
00:34:37,531 --> 00:34:39,794
That's who's back
to Orlando, okay?
796
00:34:39,837 --> 00:34:41,578
So you're saying that
right to Tracy, okay?
797
00:34:41,622 --> 00:34:44,146
Like as a fuck you to
him for earlier, okay?
798
00:34:44,190 --> 00:34:47,497
What's it like dealing with
bookers and dealing with someone
799
00:34:47,541 --> 00:34:51,675
who is telling you how to work
with your art like a director?
800
00:34:51,719 --> 00:34:53,547
I get paid to show up
and play a role
801
00:34:53,590 --> 00:34:55,157
that they write the script for.
802
00:34:55,201 --> 00:34:59,683
So whether I disagree or agree,
I 9 times out of 10 will just do
803
00:34:59,727 --> 00:35:02,033
exactly what they say to
the best of my ability.
804
00:35:02,077 --> 00:35:04,471
And usually people understand
that whoever wrote the show
805
00:35:04,514 --> 00:35:06,821
is in control of all
the moving parts.
806
00:35:06,864 --> 00:35:10,433
CROWD: Ego! Ego! Ego! Ego!
807
00:35:10,477 --> 00:35:12,392
I go by my gut,
you know that, okay?
808
00:35:12,435 --> 00:35:13,915
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- My gut's 100% right.
809
00:35:13,958 --> 00:35:15,612
- That's been...
- That's not true.
810
00:35:15,656 --> 00:35:17,136
No, that is 100% true.
811
00:35:17,179 --> 00:35:20,922
You... Your gut said to do
another match after Orlando.
812
00:35:20,965 --> 00:35:22,880
No, that was me thinking.
813
00:35:22,924 --> 00:35:27,276
My thinking is 50/50,
my gut is 100%, okay?
814
00:35:27,320 --> 00:35:30,453
Being an experienced wrestler
and someone who's been in this,
815
00:35:30,497 --> 00:35:33,456
a lot of what you do is manage
expectations of the younger
816
00:35:33,500 --> 00:35:36,067
wrestlers you're working with,
and also translate their ideas
817
00:35:36,111 --> 00:35:37,982
into the world of
wrestling so they work.
818
00:35:38,026 --> 00:35:42,248
That's a very... I don't know,
strong ability that I have.
819
00:35:42,291 --> 00:35:46,165
I assume that's why Gabe puts me
in the ring with younger talent.
820
00:35:46,208 --> 00:35:48,645
[Bell dinging]
821
00:35:48,689 --> 00:35:50,256
ANNOUNCER: Tonight though,
what we're looking at here
822
00:35:50,299 --> 00:35:51,779
is actually a rematch.
823
00:35:51,822 --> 00:35:53,781
[Clapping]
824
00:35:53,824 --> 00:35:55,565
[Crowd gasping]
825
00:35:55,609 --> 00:35:57,567
His face nearly
taken off by Ethan Page.
826
00:35:57,611 --> 00:35:59,221
ANNOUNCER 2: Yeah, that's
a rookie mistake right there.
827
00:35:59,265 --> 00:36:03,094
I would imagine it must feel
like a mark of accomplishment
828
00:36:03,138 --> 00:36:05,401
that you're trusted
again to kinda be that guy.
829
00:36:05,445 --> 00:36:09,013
It is a mark of accomplishment,
but it's also frustrating
830
00:36:09,057 --> 00:36:13,714
because if you're always the
guy that has to cater to the
831
00:36:13,757 --> 00:36:18,240
inexperienced and essentially
make the stars of tomorrow,
832
00:36:18,284 --> 00:36:19,981
you'll never be
the star of today.
833
00:36:20,024 --> 00:36:22,375
Ladies and gentlemen, if you've
never seen Austin Theory before,
834
00:36:22,418 --> 00:36:24,377
you're about to see
this young man fly.
835
00:36:24,420 --> 00:36:26,901
Over the top rope, moonsault!
836
00:36:26,944 --> 00:36:29,338
Spring-boarding off
of the top rope, Tim!
837
00:36:29,382 --> 00:36:31,862
[Crowd chanting]
838
00:36:31,906 --> 00:36:34,038
ANNOUNCER 2: I like the
split crowd reaction here.
839
00:36:34,082 --> 00:36:35,649
Austin Theory clearly
already endearing himself
840
00:36:35,692 --> 00:36:37,564
for the WWN and Evolve faithful.
841
00:36:37,607 --> 00:36:40,044
Pisses me off, but it's
also a pat on the back
842
00:36:40,088 --> 00:36:41,785
that I'm good at my job.
843
00:36:41,829 --> 00:36:44,310
I don't know, it's...
I'm being pulled both ways.
844
00:36:45,354 --> 00:36:46,790
Is that the same shovel?
845
00:36:46,834 --> 00:36:48,139
No, they left it
out in the room.
846
00:36:48,183 --> 00:36:49,880
I mean, but does it
look like the same shovel?
847
00:36:49,924 --> 00:36:51,055
No, it was green.
848
00:36:51,099 --> 00:36:52,492
Yeah, then that does us no good.
849
00:36:52,535 --> 00:36:54,102
Those fucking assholes, man.
850
00:36:54,145 --> 00:36:56,322
I told them like 10 fucking
times to bring a goddamn shovel.
851
00:36:56,365 --> 00:36:59,673
So there's always unbelievable
risk with every wrestling match
852
00:36:59,716 --> 00:37:01,283
and every wrestling move,
but with these hardcore
853
00:37:01,327 --> 00:37:04,286
wrestling matches, is that like
a mental leap you have to make
854
00:37:04,330 --> 00:37:07,158
to be able to inflict
that much pain on someone?
855
00:37:07,202 --> 00:37:08,769
Yeah, I hate it.
856
00:37:08,812 --> 00:37:12,076
Like I hated everything about it
because you have the guy
857
00:37:12,120 --> 00:37:14,296
that's taking the moves
saying he wants to do it,
858
00:37:14,340 --> 00:37:18,300
and it's his idea, and then you
have your boss who's obviously
859
00:37:18,344 --> 00:37:21,825
concerned for our health, but
also genuinely excited about
860
00:37:21,869 --> 00:37:24,741
the reaction that you'll get
online or with the crowd.
861
00:37:24,785 --> 00:37:27,353
In today's day and age,
you're looking for hits,
862
00:37:27,396 --> 00:37:30,834
and that's how people thrive
and keep their businesses alive.
863
00:37:30,878 --> 00:37:32,619
[Applause]
864
00:37:32,662 --> 00:37:35,752
HOSTESS: The winner of
the match, Ethan Page!
865
00:37:35,796 --> 00:37:39,278
I try to give these guys
a safe working environment,
866
00:37:39,321 --> 00:37:41,454
and at the end of the day
867
00:37:41,497 --> 00:37:43,804
these are highly
trained professionals.
868
00:37:43,847 --> 00:37:46,241
Anything can hurt
anybody in that ring.
869
00:37:46,285 --> 00:37:50,680
There have been times where I've
almost quit because I just...
870
00:37:50,724 --> 00:37:53,204
I didn't wanna be a
part of that aspect.
871
00:37:53,248 --> 00:37:56,338
They're literally risking
their lives and serious injury
872
00:37:56,382 --> 00:37:59,080
every single match,
every single move.
873
00:37:59,123 --> 00:38:02,344
If something goes wrong and
their concentration isn't there,
874
00:38:02,388 --> 00:38:04,172
that can end their career.
875
00:38:04,215 --> 00:38:05,260
[Bell dinging]
876
00:38:08,698 --> 00:38:10,483
[Clapping]
877
00:38:10,526 --> 00:38:12,006
ANNOUNCER: This is a match-up
that once upon a time
878
00:38:12,049 --> 00:38:13,573
I could never even imagine.
879
00:38:13,616 --> 00:38:15,923
Fred Yehi, Kyle O'Reilly, here
in an Evolve wrestling ring!
880
00:38:15,966 --> 00:38:17,359
ANNOUNCER 2: Coming in here
tonight, probably one of
881
00:38:17,403 --> 00:38:19,405
the more highly
anticipated match-ups
882
00:38:19,448 --> 00:38:21,276
here on the Evolve 83 card.
883
00:38:22,451 --> 00:38:25,062
So tell me about what kind of
opportunity this is for Fred.
884
00:38:25,106 --> 00:38:26,629
It's a huge opportunity.
885
00:38:26,673 --> 00:38:28,588
Putting the spotlight
solely on him,
886
00:38:28,631 --> 00:38:31,199
it also put him in
there with Kyle O'Reilly,
887
00:38:31,242 --> 00:38:34,289
a world-class guy
from all over the place.
888
00:38:34,333 --> 00:38:37,510
I have a sense right now that
the crowd is ready for him
889
00:38:37,553 --> 00:38:39,076
to be in a bigger role.
890
00:38:39,120 --> 00:38:41,383
So then you break him
away, and if you're right,
891
00:38:41,427 --> 00:38:43,167
he's gonna blow up.
892
00:38:43,211 --> 00:38:46,083
If you're wrong, you
could screw up his career.
893
00:38:46,127 --> 00:38:54,135
[Clapping]
894
00:38:54,178 --> 00:38:57,312
Place some very powerful
maneuvers on top of it.
895
00:38:57,356 --> 00:38:58,922
[Crashing]
896
00:38:58,966 --> 00:39:00,402
ANNOUNCER 2: Yeah, and
taking him down as he begins
897
00:39:00,446 --> 00:39:02,012
that submission here.
898
00:39:02,056 --> 00:39:04,145
[Groaning]
899
00:39:04,188 --> 00:39:06,756
What the hell
submission is this?
900
00:39:06,800 --> 00:39:08,367
What the fuck is this?!
901
00:39:08,410 --> 00:39:10,020
Yeah, Fred's got a lot
of unique stuff.
902
00:39:10,064 --> 00:39:13,720
[Laughing]
903
00:39:13,763 --> 00:39:16,375
It's like some kind of
yoga pose with pressure.
904
00:39:16,418 --> 00:39:19,116
ANNOUNCER: He's just
twisting the body of O'Reilly
905
00:39:19,160 --> 00:39:22,032
into a pretzel, and just...
what, he's holding the leg down?
906
00:39:22,076 --> 00:39:23,512
[Laughing]
907
00:39:23,556 --> 00:39:25,993
[Clapping]
908
00:39:26,036 --> 00:39:27,516
ANNOUNCER 2: Coming off the
ropes looking for that kick.
909
00:39:27,560 --> 00:39:29,823
Yehi with the reversal,
stomp on the foot.
910
00:39:29,866 --> 00:39:31,868
ANNOUNCER: And the stomp
followed by the forearm.
911
00:39:31,912 --> 00:39:33,957
Move by Kyle O'Reilly.
912
00:39:34,001 --> 00:39:36,090
However, that chop block
there taking him down.
913
00:39:36,133 --> 00:39:37,526
ANNOUNCER 2: Right
to that same knee.
914
00:39:37,570 --> 00:39:39,136
Figure 4 leg lock!
915
00:39:39,180 --> 00:39:40,790
CROWD: Ooooh!
916
00:39:40,834 --> 00:39:42,401
ANNOUNCER: And you can see
Fred doing everything he can
917
00:39:42,444 --> 00:39:44,490
to stop him from rolling
through, but instead
918
00:39:44,533 --> 00:39:46,753
O'Reilly able to get just
enough momentum to do it.
919
00:39:46,796 --> 00:39:49,930
[Clapping]
920
00:39:49,973 --> 00:39:51,714
This kind of
wrestling I love,
921
00:39:51,758 --> 00:39:55,283
just good, straightforward,
two hungry guys, you know.
922
00:39:55,326 --> 00:39:57,241
I mean, they're leaving their
heart and their soul on the ring
923
00:39:57,285 --> 00:39:58,591
right now, both of them.
924
00:39:58,634 --> 00:40:00,027
[Crowd shouting]
925
00:40:01,158 --> 00:40:03,683
A great wrestling match will
build, and it'll build,
926
00:40:03,726 --> 00:40:06,642
and build, and take the fans
on a rollercoaster ride.
927
00:40:06,686 --> 00:40:08,949
Give them something
that they can grab onto,
928
00:40:08,992 --> 00:40:11,299
but then surprise them,
play with their emotions.
929
00:40:11,342 --> 00:40:13,780
[Crowd chanting]
930
00:40:13,823 --> 00:40:15,216
[Groaning]
931
00:40:15,259 --> 00:40:17,653
One stomp to the knee,
Yehi so effective.
932
00:40:19,089 --> 00:40:20,569
[Crashing]
933
00:40:20,613 --> 00:40:22,571
And that release German,
just full top Kyle O'Reilly.
934
00:40:22,615 --> 00:40:23,964
This could be it, Tim!
935
00:40:24,007 --> 00:40:27,054
Two... And O'Reilly kicks out.
936
00:40:27,097 --> 00:40:29,578
ANNOUNCER 2: Cannot question
the tenacity of Kyle O'Reilly...
937
00:40:29,622 --> 00:40:31,232
[Crowd chanting]
938
00:40:31,275 --> 00:40:34,278
...nor can you question the
reaction we're hearing here
939
00:40:34,322 --> 00:40:37,456
for Fred Yehi from
the WWN faithful now.
940
00:40:38,761 --> 00:40:40,197
[Crowd cheering]
941
00:40:40,241 --> 00:40:42,025
Nuked again by Fred Yehi!
942
00:40:43,723 --> 00:40:45,551
Your goal is to
make them forget that
943
00:40:45,594 --> 00:40:46,987
they're watching a performance.
944
00:40:47,030 --> 00:40:51,252
♪
945
00:40:51,295 --> 00:40:52,558
Seven!
946
00:40:52,601 --> 00:40:54,516
Oh wait, he gets up!
947
00:40:54,560 --> 00:40:56,431
[Cheering]
948
00:40:56,475 --> 00:40:58,564
Now you hear the crowd is
realizing what they're watching.
949
00:40:58,607 --> 00:41:04,178
♪
950
00:41:04,221 --> 00:41:06,876
I think this is gonna be it
right here, if he gets the arm.
951
00:41:06,920 --> 00:41:09,705
He's gonna try to
get the arm out.
952
00:41:09,749 --> 00:41:11,359
Gonna get the shot.
953
00:41:11,402 --> 00:41:13,535
And I mean, at some
point he's got no choice.
954
00:41:13,579 --> 00:41:16,756
In fact, the brain
buster we saw last night!
955
00:41:16,799 --> 00:41:19,541
ANNOUNCER: This could
put him away... Oh no!
956
00:41:19,585 --> 00:41:21,456
ANNOUNCER 2: Now to go for
the arm bar, the armageddon!
957
00:41:21,500 --> 00:41:22,762
Yehi's in trouble!
958
00:41:22,805 --> 00:41:23,980
He is in the centre of the ring!
959
00:41:24,024 --> 00:41:25,242
This is perfect.
960
00:41:25,286 --> 00:41:26,722
Holding on for dear life!
961
00:41:26,766 --> 00:41:28,898
Trying to not let that arm free.
962
00:41:28,942 --> 00:41:31,379
ANNOUNCER: But you can see
the fingers just slipping away
963
00:41:31,422 --> 00:41:34,774
from one another as Yehi
trying to hold on desperately,
964
00:41:34,817 --> 00:41:37,820
not allowing Kyle O'Reilly
to lock in that arm bar!
965
00:41:37,864 --> 00:41:40,431
What a fucking match.
966
00:41:40,475 --> 00:41:42,346
What a match, Jeff!
967
00:41:42,390 --> 00:41:44,087
Fucking phenomenal, man.
968
00:41:44,131 --> 00:41:46,307
[Applause]
969
00:41:46,350 --> 00:41:48,744
ANNOUNCER 2: We told you
Kyle O'Reilly coming back to
970
00:41:48,788 --> 00:41:51,138
Evolve Wrestling,
there's no question.
971
00:41:51,181 --> 00:41:54,010
This is a main event star,
with a victory over Fred Yehi
972
00:41:54,054 --> 00:41:56,578
tonight at Evolve 83!
973
00:41:56,622 --> 00:41:58,014
That was beautiful.
974
00:41:58,058 --> 00:42:00,843
We got Kyle established as
a main event guy for us.
975
00:42:00,887 --> 00:42:04,107
It elevated Fred right there,
but you're still hungry for
976
00:42:04,151 --> 00:42:06,066
the big win by Fred.
977
00:42:06,109 --> 00:42:07,546
That was beautiful.
978
00:42:07,589 --> 00:42:09,286
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
979
00:42:09,330 --> 00:42:10,636
[Clapping]
980
00:42:10,679 --> 00:42:12,202
[Cheering]
981
00:42:12,246 --> 00:42:13,900
ANNOUNCER: Sign of respect.
982
00:42:13,943 --> 00:42:17,381
There's nobody sitting
down, and Fred Yehi,
983
00:42:17,425 --> 00:42:20,602
he showed he does not need
to be a part of Catch Point.
984
00:42:20,646 --> 00:42:22,256
Fucking grand slam,
out of the park.
985
00:42:22,299 --> 00:42:23,736
- Thank you.
- Fucking phenomenal.
986
00:42:23,779 --> 00:42:25,433
Phenomenal, man.
Be proud of that.
987
00:42:25,476 --> 00:42:26,739
Be proud of that, okay?
988
00:42:26,782 --> 00:42:28,523
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
989
00:42:28,567 --> 00:42:32,483
I truly hope we see a rematch
between these two athletes
990
00:42:32,527 --> 00:42:35,574
in the future here in the
World Wrestling Network.
991
00:42:35,617 --> 00:42:37,445
DAMIAN: For someone to pursue
their dream in the world of
992
00:42:37,488 --> 00:42:40,187
professional wrestling is to
knowingly subject themselves to
993
00:42:40,230 --> 00:42:42,406
a life that makes the saying
"blood, sweat and tears"
994
00:42:42,450 --> 00:42:44,713
a literal experience.
995
00:42:44,757 --> 00:42:47,716
Months of their lives will
be spent cramped up in a van,
996
00:42:47,760 --> 00:42:51,154
years inside a gym, and
hopefully at the very best
997
00:42:51,198 --> 00:42:54,375
only a few injuries to
nurse along the way.
998
00:42:54,418 --> 00:42:57,813
It's a solitary endeavour, but
what makes wrestling so unique
999
00:42:57,857 --> 00:43:00,860
compared to other combat
sports is collaboration.
1000
00:43:00,903 --> 00:43:02,513
They aren't just going
out there to physically
1001
00:43:02,557 --> 00:43:05,038
destroy each other, they work
together to build a narrative
1002
00:43:05,081 --> 00:43:07,997
that aims to surprise,
enrage, and gratify.
1003
00:43:08,041 --> 00:43:11,697
On some level, every wrestling
fan knows the winners and losers
1004
00:43:11,740 --> 00:43:13,916
are predetermined, but
that's not the point.
1005
00:43:13,960 --> 00:43:16,876
What's beautiful is that we as
an audience choose to suspend
1006
00:43:16,919 --> 00:43:20,531
our disbelief in order to
become a part of that narrative.
1007
00:43:20,575 --> 00:43:23,143
It's art, so it
doesn't work all the time.
1008
00:43:23,186 --> 00:43:26,363
But when it does, that's
the magic of pro wrestling.
1009
00:43:26,407 --> 00:43:27,800
[Clapping]
1010
00:43:27,843 --> 00:43:29,192
This is awesome!
1011
00:43:29,236 --> 00:43:30,411
[Clapping]
1012
00:43:30,454 --> 00:43:31,978
This is awesome!
1013
00:43:32,021 --> 00:43:54,304
♪