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The latest episode of "After the Bell with Corey Graves" is now available.
Corey opens the podcast by saying the show was taped on Monday morning so there's will not be any reaction to anything that happened on Raw. Graves said due to scheduling they just wanted to make sure to deliver the episode of the show. He said he will play catch-up next week.
Graves moves on to talk about other happenings in the week, particularly the return of CM Punk. He states that it is a smart move by Fox. This will get more eyes on "WWE Backstage" and FS1. The SmackDown commentator states that Punk is one of the most controversial superstars in the modern era, with his name chanted in arenas worldwide. Corey then moves on to the rumors that immediately began regarding an in-ring return. Graves knows Punk and his previous comments about not returning as an in-ring competitor. But as his appearance proved can never say never. Corey's opinion is that is a smart move for Fox.
Next up is the interview with Randy Orton. They talk about Randy's new five-year contract extension. Randy states he is happy about it. Graves asks about his social media troll game regarding teasing fans about "dipping his toe in other waters". Orton says he was just having fun mentioning guys like Will Ospreay and Cody. The Viper states that he's been watching more wrestling outside of the WWE bubble as of late. Orton goes on to say he's learning to appreciate other styles beyond what he's known in WWE for the last two decades. The Apex Predator states that he never saw himself leaving WWE. He says that was about getting to a point where he's happy. Orton states at this stage of the game, it's all about conserving the damage done to his body and the time he spends away from his family. He says, in the end, it's all going to be worth it. That is where he is at right now. So he's definitely happy being a WWE superstar right now.
Graves asks about what Orton credits his longevity in WWE staying on top and keeps him motivated. Orton says it's a little bit of luck, a little bit of talent, he really doesn't know. Randy goes on to say he's been given a lot of second chances early on in his career. Orton says he would get punished for his bad behavior. Whether it be a timeout or a fine. But he would always come back. The Viper says he is very consistent talking about no matter you put him in the ring with whether it be Ricochet or whoever, he can help out talent who need a little bit of a push or change in direction. Orton goes on to say that he feels like there are many things he can do to help the young talent like that. The Viper states that the young talent of the roster can do so many amazing things. But he feels sometimes they forget to do the little things. Randy says that's what he thinks separates him from anyone else and gives him his longevity. Because the audience picks up on that and they appreciate it. This goes into a conversation between Corey and Randy, discussing what the "little things" are. Graves states that what they are talking about are things you cannot verbalize. He says when you see it you know the difference. Orton says the little things are feeling the crowd over planning because she's lost in what comes next. The Viper says he may do a few little things or none at all. Orton talks about getting reactions from WWE producers regarding his improvisation. The multi-time World Champion states that facial expressions, selling, and body language are all parts of what they do and the stories they tell. Orton says young guys can do the moves better than he ever could. But the reason why he is still around is that Orton does those little things that others don't.
Orton is asked about moving into this mentorship role in his career mentioning guys like Ricochet, Shorty G and Ali. Randy says 100%. Especially, if they really want it. Randy mentions after being in the company for decade guys would ask for him to watch their match and you could tell which ones genuinely wanted the advice and which ones wanted to shove their nose up Orton's butt to curry favor. Orton says a guy like Ricochet is sincere. Ali is sincere. Gable is sincere. But not just them, there's a whole slew of talent that he can name. Orton mentions Finn Balor as a talent he would love to work with over the next five years. He says they're putting talent that he wants to get in the ring with who are great in-ring performers and storytellers that he hopes he can make them that much better.
Graves asks who Orton credits most with being a mentor for him coming up. Orton mentions Ric Flair, and Triple H for obvious reasons, but also Shawn Michaels, who Orton states hated him when he first came in. Orton also mentions John Cena as much as he hates to admit it, who taught him how to play into the crowd and slow down calling him an "F--king ninja" when listening to the audience. He also puts over Rey Mysterio for helping them out along with the multitude of other talents.
Corey Graves and Randy Orton end the interview by playing a game.
Now we move on to the Rhea Ripley interview. Graves opens up by asking her how she became an NXT superstar to which Ripley responded by talking about her dedication the matter what she did. She talks about training her butt off at 16, saying, as soon as she saw the business, she knew it was for her. Corey then asks what drew her to want to become a wrestler. Ripley says she was always a rough kid and played every sport you can think of. One day she was shown footage of Triple H shoving a screwdriver into Ric Flair's forehead, watching his white hair turn red and she knew that she just had to do this. Rhea says she showed that to her parents who thought she was crazy. But Ripley says that love for ultraviolence has got her pumped for Wargames. The Australian says she's never been in a match where weapons are involved mentioning that back home, promoters will not put her in matches like that because of her age and the fact she would go all out. She says it great that this is the first all-women’s Wargames in history. She's just excited to go into a match with no leash on. Ripley is asked what was going through her mind when the Women's Wargames Match was announced. Ripley says a lot of things. For example, what crazy things can she do, what weapons can she use, etc. Corey then talks about the current level of talent in the NXT women's roster. He mentions how during the Four Horsewomen era of NXT, they went above and beyond every time they were given a first. He asks Ripley if they think the Wargames match will do the same. She says definitely. Corey then asks if she could face anyone who would she choose. Ripley says, given her recent interactions on Raw and SmackDown, Becky Lynch or Sasha Banks. Then Ripley proceeds to say why her team will win this Saturday's Wargames match.
Corey then announces The New Day's podcast, "Feel the Power" will debut Monday, December 2. They play the podcast trailer. The New Day say that they will talk about anything and everything from inside and outside the ring. Corey then states that The New Day will likely be on After the Bell the week that "Feel the Power" launches.
Corey moves on talking about King Corbin introducing "The Big Dog" on SmackDown. Graves says he doesn't understand why the crowd is not a fan of this. We all know what's coming. The Bulldog will get speared.
He moves on to talk about the women's three-way and wonders where Becky Lynch has been in all this because it seems more like Shayna versus Bayley. He talks about Bray Wyatt and Daniel Bryan talking about their history, he understands why the audience doesn't remember given how quick WWE programming moves. He talks big excited and happy that more long-term storylines are coming back to television. Saying he's enjoying everything.
Finally, we hear the interview with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. They discuss the origins of the Broken Skull IPA. Austin mentions getting together with the El Segundo Brewing Company getting the flavor right on the beer the first time. The Texas Rattlesnake says that there hoping to expand distribution to six more states in 2020. Corey mentions the reaction Austin got for WWE's Raw return to Madison Square Garden. Austin said it was great to feel that energy. Austin mentions his interview with Undertaker that will be shown on Broken Skull Sessions on WWE Network, saying it was awesome, shoot the breeze with his old friend. Stone Cold says running the roads back in the day, he didn't get to talk a lot with Undertaker. Austin says he hopes he did the Phenom justice. Austin says what he liked about the interview. He said the interview probably went about four hours. He says you probably cannot get to everything. Austin says that he has a few more in the can. He promotes his podcast.
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