Digest

This podcast features wrestler John Morrison (also known as Johnny TV) reflecting on his diverse career. He delves into the impact of a hair vs. hair match, his journey with various ring names like John Morrison and Johnny TV, and the creative freedom sought in promotions like CMLL. Morrison recounts significant career moments, including winning the ECW Championship under unusual circumstances and the development of his iconic slow-motion entrance. He discusses the influence of parkour on his in-ring style, leading to spectacular saves and unique maneuvers like the \"Spider-Man save\" and \"Starship Pain.\" The conversation also touches on his perspective on being labeled \"underrated,\" his experiences with \"Tough Enough,\" and the evolution of his professional identity. Fitness and his \"dad bod\" are explored, alongside memorable moments like the \"grating cheese on abs\" segment and praise for Bad Bunny's wrestling debut. Morrison emphasizes his philosophy of focusing on future career highlights over past achievements, expressing gratitude for his journey and the wrestling community.

Outlines

00:00:00

Career Beginnings and Identity Shifts

The podcast opens with a discussion on hair vs. hair matches and the visual impact of a shaved head, leading into the speaker's feelings of being underutilized in AEW and his exploration of opportunities with CMLL. The genesis of the shaved head idea is linked to acting aspirations and the cultural significance of hair matches in Lucha Libre. The reveal of the shaved head and the visibility of old scars are described, alongside his partner's positive reaction. Social media comments about hair loss prompted a realization about his own thinning hair.

00:10:42

The Evolution of John Morrison's Persona and Entrance

The origin of the "John Morrison" name, suggested by Vince McMahon and inspired by Jim Morrison, is detailed, along with the creation of his signature "wet hair" look. The development of his famous slow-motion entrance, a collaboration with Stephanie McMahon, is also discussed, highlighting the use of cinematic techniques.

00:15:23

Championship Reigns and Career Milestones

The speaker recounts the unexpected circumstances surrounding his ECW Championship win at Vengeance 2007, replacing Chris Benoit, and the mixed emotions that followed. The lineage and significance of the ECW Championship within WWE are clarified, emphasizing its role as the primary focus for the ECW show. The label "underrated" is discussed, with the speaker preferring it to "overrated" and acknowledging its necessity in professional wrestling identity.

00:29:23

Dream Matches, Tough Enough, and Early Career Challenges

Desired AEW opponents like Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley are listed, with recollections of past matches. The speaker reflects on how his career would have differed without winning Tough Enough and discusses how rejection from Season 2 fueled his intense preparation for Season 3. The success of Tough Enough winners and contestants is compared, and the harsh realities of early wrestling careers, including low pay and perceived entitlement, are shared. The Miz's evolving reputation is also touched upon.

00:41:35

In-Ring Innovation and High-Risk Maneuvers

The process of crafting unique and dangerous spots for Elimination Chamber matches, inspired by parkour, is detailed. An incident involving The Undertaker's pyro malfunction during an Elimination Chamber match is recounted. The speaker explains how his parkour training enabled the \"Spider-Man save\" during the Royal Rumble, showcasing his agility. The difficulty and impact of his Royal Rumble handstand save are discussed, noting its influence on other wrestlers.

00:52:04

Signature Moves and Athletic Prowess

The discussion shifts to underrated finishing moves, highlighting the Swanton 450 and the unique \"Starship Pain.\" The origin and evolution of \"The Intestinizer,\" a move derived from breakdancing, are explained, along with its reception and discontinuation. Variations of \"The Intestinizer\" performed in CMLL and AEW are described. The speaker discusses the highest and scariest jumps performed, including a dangerous drop in Lucha Underground and a fall through tables.

01:03:15

Fearlessness, Ring Names, and Character Development

Chemistry with Jeff Hardy, particularly a dangerous top-rope dropkick spot, is reflected upon, noting how adrenaline masked fear. The fearlessness of Johnny Mundo in Lucha Underground is attributed to intense martial arts and tricking training. The speaker confirms using over 34 ring names throughout his career, highlighting favorites like Johnny Blackcraft and Johnny Caballero, and detailing their unique personas. Current names Johnny TV and Johnny Conejo are listed, with speculation on future possibilities like \"Johnny Colvo.\"

01:08:48

Career Highlights and Defining Moments

The speaker defines the highlight of his career as what's coming next, emphasizing continuous growth. Winning the ECW title is discussed as a significant career inflection point, recounting his journey from apprentice to champion. The Intercontinental Championship win against Rey Mysterio is highlighted, with surprise at the crowd's positive reaction validating his place in the industry. Memorable wrestling chants are shared, including \"Let's go Johnny,\" \"Fight Forever,\" and \"This is Awesome,\" with the latter signifying fan engagement.

01:21:10

Unique Talents and Fitness Philosophy

The speaker humorously explains the origin and execution of \"grating cheese on abs,\" a unique talent showcased on \"Johnny Loves Taya.\" Bad Bunny's wrestling debut is praised for his performance, work ethic, and humility. AJ Styles' retirement plans and intention to shave his head are mentioned. The speaker discusses redefining the \"dad bod\" and the importance of fitness, viewing the gym as a cure for many things and a meditative space.

01:30:27

Fitness Journey and Photoshoot Experiences

The speaker shares that their workout routine began at 16, inspired by dreams of becoming a pro wrestler. A period in Miami focused on achieving extreme leanness for a fitness photoshoot is recounted. Tricks learned for fitness photoshoots, like holding dumbbells to enhance muscle definition, are discussed, along with how posing and props create illusions.

01:35:02

Gratitude and Reflections on Professional Wrestling

Future podcast appearances and the speaker's changing hair status are humorously discussed. Gratitude is expressed for season two of \"Johnny Loves Taya,\" their relationship with Taya, and the accepting nature of the wrestling community. The inherent absurdity of professional wrestling is reflected upon, contrasting typical weekend activities with the extraordinary nature of their profession. The Muser's podcast is described as a weekly dose of absurdity and intimacy.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the inspiration behind the "Intestinizer" wrestling move?

  The "Intestinizer" was inspired by breakdancing moves where one person is balanced on another's head. The wrestler adapted this concept to a move where he would spin on an opponent's stomach, aiming to disrupt their "GI tract."

• How did the Chris Benoit situation impact the speaker's ECW Championship win?

  The speaker was unexpectedly put into a match to replace Chris Benoit, who did not show up for the event. While he won the championship, he later felt guilt and confusion benefiting from a tragedy.

• What is the significance of the "hair vs. hair" stipulation in Lucha Libre?

  In Lucha Libre, hair vs. hair matches hold deep cultural significance, often seen as more impactful than mask vs. mask matches due to the personal and permanent nature of losing one's hair.

• How did the speaker's parkour training influence his wrestling career?

  Parkour training significantly enhanced the speaker's athleticism, agility, and ability to perform complex and dangerous maneuvers, such as the "Spider-Man save" at the Royal Rumble and various high-risk spots.

• What is the speaker's perspective on being labeled "underrated"?

  The speaker finds the "underrated" label preferable to "overrated" and sees it as a compliment, acknowledging that it suggests he should have achieved more, like winning a world championship.

• How did the speaker develop his iconic slow-motion entrance?

  The slow-motion entrance was a collaborative idea, initially discussed with Stephanie McMahon, who refined the concept of transitioning from live action to slow-motion filming for dramatic effect.

• What was the reaction to the speaker shaving his head?

  The reaction was overwhelmingly positive, with online consensus indicating he looked even better. His partner also approved, which was the most important perspective for him.

• What are some of the speaker's most memorable ring names?

  Memorable names include Johnny Blackcraft, with its edgy persona targeting nerdy fans, and Johnny Caballero, a fun cowboy character with a llama named Lorenzo.

• How did the speaker's career change after winning the ECW Championship?

  Winning the ECW Championship was a major turning point, described as the first "huge wave" that led to significant career advancements and opportunities, potentially including world championships on Raw or SmackDown.

• What is the speaker's philosophy on career highlights?

  The speaker believes the highlight of his career is always what's coming next, emphasizing continuous growth and the excitement of future potential over past accomplishments.

• What was considered a major turning point in the speaker's wrestling career?

  Winning the ECW Tag Team Championship against legends Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio was a significant turning point. This victory came after a period of uncertainty and feeling overlooked, validating their potential and solidifying their place on the roster.

• How did the crowd's reaction in Cleveland impact the speaker's confidence?

  The speaker was surprised and encouraged by the crowd cheering for both him and Rey Mysterio during their Intercontinental Championship match. This positive reception made them feel accepted and confident in their ability to belong and succeed in the wrestling industry.

• What is the unique "Chef Johnny" segment, and what is its most memorable aspect?

  "Chef Johnny" is a segment on "Johnny Loves Taya" where the host humorously demonstrates cooking. The most memorable aspect is the "grating cheese on abs" bit, a unique demonstration of using body heat to melt cheese for a culinary purpose.

• What made Bad Bunny's wrestling debut so impactful?

  Bad Bunny's wrestling debut was impactful due to his incredible entrance, his dedication to training, and his natural connection with the crowd. His performance at WrestleMania 37 and Backlash showcased his athleticism and respect for the business, impressing both fans and peers.

• What are the benefits of working out, according to the speaker?

  The speaker believes working out is a cure for many things, always leading to a positive feeling afterward. It provides energy, releases endorphins, and offers a meditative experience, contrasting sharply with the negative consequences of excessive drinking.

• What advice is given for attempting the "grating cheese on abs" technique?

  For the "grating cheese on abs" technique, it's recommended to use low-moisture mozzarella cheese that is cool, but not freezing. A slight temperature difference between the cool cheese and a warm abdomen helps create the desired effect.

• How did holding dumbbells help during a fitness photoshoot?

  Holding dumbbells by the side during a fitness photoshoot helped the speaker appear more "manly" by retracting shoulder blades and tightening the core. This simple trick instantly made the bicep vein pop, enhancing the visual impact of the muscles.

• What are the speaker's three main sources of gratitude?

  The speaker is grateful for the airing of season two of "Johnny Loves Taya," their relationship with Taya, and the acceptance within the wrestling community. They appreciate the unique characters and the supportive environment for entertainers.

Show Notes