Digest

This podcast features Chris Van Bleeck, detailing his transition from a career in MMA and professional wrestling to establishing a successful bail bonds business over 17 years. He recounts his diverse MMA training, the impact of the UFC on his wrestling aspirations, and his reputation for toughness in WWE, exemplified by his "go time" mentality. The conversation delves into his physical challenges, including significant neck issues and post-surgery recovery, as well as a harrowing experience with dysentery and malaria in Africa that led to a prolonged illness. Van Bleeck also reflects on his early wrestling career, grueling training, his return to WWE, and his experiences in the hardcore division, including memorable matches like the SummerSlam 2000 bout with Shane McMahon and his participation in the controversial "Brawl for All." He discusses the realities of wrestling props, the origin of his "Lethal Weapon" nickname, and his perspective on tough opponents. The podcast touches upon his frustration with wrestling due to pain, his focus on his MMA school and bail bonds business, and his appreciation for his current life, family, and health. Additionally, it includes anecdotes about an airport altercation with JBL/Bradshaw, the tragic impact of Owen Hart's death, and the online phenomenon of "Steve Blackman Facts."

Outlines

00:00:00

From MMA and Wrestling to Bail Bonds: A Career Transition

Chris Van Bleeck discusses his transition from wrestling and MMA to a successful 17-year bail bonds business, driven by a need to support fighters and finding it a stable venture.

00:02:34

Wrestling Background, Toughness, and Physical Challenges

Chris details his extensive MMA training, his reputation as one of WWE's toughest wrestlers, and his "go time" mentality. He also addresses significant neck issues, including bone spurs and nerve impingement, and the recovery from surgery.

00:09:15

Early Wrestling Career, Grueling Training, and Severe Illness in Africa

Chris recounts his early wrestling career starting in 1986, intense training in Japan and Canada, and a life-threatening bout with dysentery and malaria in Africa, followed by a difficult journey home and a long recovery.

00:16:55

Return to WWE, Hardcore Division, and Memorable Matches

Chris discusses his return to WWE around 1995-96, meeting with Vince McMahon, training in developmental, and his enjoyment of the hardcore division. He highlights successful angles, tag team runs, the origin of his "Lethal Weapon" nickname, and the dangerous SummerSlam 2000 match with Shane McMahon.

00:34:25

The "Brawl for All" and Wrestling Realities

Chris shares his initial skepticism and participation in the legitimate fighting competition "Brawl for All," including rule changes and matches against Miro and Mark Henry. He also clarifies the use of real props in wrestling and recounts a brutal chair shot incident.

00:40:06

"Brawl for All" Aspirations, Injuries, and Career Frustrations

Chris admits his aim to win the "Brawl for All" but was hindered by a leg injury. He identifies Bart Gunn as the toughest opponent and expresses frustration with his wrestling career due to neck issues, leading him to focus on his MMA school and bail bonds business.

00:44:13

MMA School Success, Painful WWE Run, and Departure

Chris highlights his success training UFC fighters and his philosophy. He reveals wrestling in constant pain with migraines throughout most of his WWE career, which, along with other circumstances, led to his departure.

00:49:04

Post-Surgery Recovery, Tag Team Success, and Career Reflections

Chris details the severe atrophy in his right arm after neck surgery and his 11-month recovery. He discusses the unexpected success of his tag team with Al Snow, the comical segments, and reflects on his WWE career, including his fondness for the hardcore division and limited thoughts of returning.

00:57:11

Airport Altercation, Owen Hart's Tragedy, and Career Regrets

The speaker recounts an airport altercation with JBL/Bradshaw leading to suspension and the profound impact of Owen Hart's tragic death. He reflects on his career, acknowledging regrets and the respect he garnered, including the "Steve Blackman Facts" phenomenon.

01:06:54

Camaraderie, Gratitude, and Life's Blessings

The speaker expresses missing the camaraderie of wrestling and describes the unique mentality of wrestlers. He shares three things he is grateful for: his children, his family's health, and the success of his businesses, reflecting on his current well-being.

Keywords

Q&A

• How did Chris Van Bleeck transition from wrestling to the bail bonds business?

  After his wrestling and MMA careers, Chris started a bail bonds business about two to three years after opening his MMA school. He has now focused on the bail bonds business for 17 years, finding it a stable and lucrative venture.

• What were the main challenges Chris faced during his wrestling career?

  Chris's primary challenge was persistent neck pain and migraines, stemming from his wrestling career. These issues significantly impacted his ability to train and perform, leading to multiple surgeries and limiting his potential.

• Can you explain the "Brawl for All" and Chris's experience in it?

  The "Brawl for All" was a real fighting competition within WWE. Chris was initially skeptical but participated. His match against Miro was a boxing-style fight with takedowns, and he later faced Mark Henry, strategizing to use takedowns frequently.

• What was the most dangerous moment Chris experienced in his wrestling career?

  Chris considers the SummerSlam 2000 match with Shane McMahon, specifically Shane's dive from the TitanTron, to be one of the most dangerous moments. He also highlights the risks involved in using real props and the potential for severe injury.

• How did Chris's severe illness in Africa impact his career and health?

  Contracting dysentery and malaria in Africa left Chris severely ill for years, causing debilitating symptoms and intestinal infections. This illness significantly impacted his physical condition and delayed his return to wrestling and full recovery.

• What is Chris Van Bleeck's perspective on being considered one of the toughest guys in WWE?

  Chris appreciates the recognition but emphasizes that many tough and athletic individuals were in WWE. He attributes his reputation to his "go time" mentality and willingness to confront any situation directly.

• What led to Chris's departure from WWE?

  Chris's departure was influenced by his ongoing neck pain and the abrupt end of a planned tag team storyline due to his partner's firing. The persistent pain and limitations made it difficult to continue at the highest level.

• How did Chris overcome his severe arm atrophy after neck surgery?

  After surgery, Chris experienced significant atrophy in his right arm. He dedicated himself to a rigorous rehabilitation process in his brother's basement, gradually regaining strength and function over approximately 11 months.

• What was Chris's favorite aspect of the hardcore wrestling division?

  Chris enjoyed the hardcore division because it allowed him to showcase his creativity with various weapons and his speed. It was also, ironically, easier on his neck compared to traditional wrestling matches.

• What is the story behind the "Lethal Weapon" nickname?

  The nickname "Lethal Weapon" originated during Chris's wrestling career in Canada. It became more prominent when he incorporated routines with Filipino sticks (Eskrima) into his entrance, emphasizing his dangerous capabilities.

Show Notes