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Mike Johnson: So you've been given a lot of opportunities in AEW in the past. The one that I was so excited about was the Grand Slam show where you wrestled CM Punk at Arthur Ashe Stadium, which was a massive event for AEW in New York City. When you look back on that match, like obviously CM Punk's just come into the company, this is a big moment for you, we know that show was going to do a big rating, we want you to be part of this. When you think about kind of being knighted with the sword of hey, we trust in you that you can carry your end of the bargain, what are your memories of that moment and everything leading up to and what did it mean to you, as you were still relatively young in your tenure with the company compared to a lot of older talents that had been hired?
Will Hobbs: I looked at it as a test. There are a lot of other talents that could have had that opportunity but I remember Punk going online on social media and mentioning my name as 1 of 5 guys that he's been watching, that meant the world to me. And being his second match in the company, in 8 years I believe it was, it meant a lot and I felt I had to showcase what I could do. A lot of eyes were on me, a lot of eyes were on Punk and I believe that we delivered that night. I don't think anyone left disappointed. I remember walking back to the locker room, walking past the fans and getting pats on the back, and later on hearing comments from Punk that he was proud of that match, so it meant the world. I've been on record before saying what that match meant, being my mom passed away a month prior to that match, so he knew that and he knew we had to go knock it out the park, and that's what we did.
Mike Johnson: I just lost my mom a month ago, so I understand what you were going through.
Will Hobbs: I'm sorry to hear that.
Mike Johnson: Thank you. I am sorry for your loss as well. I understand emotionally what that must have been like for you to even try to get up and perform at that level so that says a lot about you as a person.
Will Hobbs: Punk reassured me that my mom was there, she was watching the match, let's put on a match for her, and that's what we did. I think after that match, a lot of people, if they didn't know who I was, they did after that night.
Mike Johnson: What better tribute could you hope to give, right?
Will Hobbs: Yeah.
Mike Johnson: So let's talk about something else that's going to happen this week, it's going to start streaming on May 27th later this week Apple TV Plus, Carpool Karaoke The Series. You're going to be one of seven AEW stars who are going to hit the road and..
Will Hobbs: I get to sing - I sing like an angel!
Mike Johnson: [Laughs] You're going to get to hit the road with MJF and Ruby Soho - a very unique opportunity for you to show yourself outside of the in-ring presentation of All Elite Wrestling. What was your first reaction when you found out that you were part of the roster that was going to be showcased?
Will Hobbs: I was happy. I've seen the show before and I'm definitely a fan of it. I get to show a different side of me, having fun, hanging out with people I normally don't hang out with just to see how we all mesh together but I think everyone who watches our episode will have some laughs, might be shocked a little bit, you get to see my parenting skills in action.
Mike Johnson: When you found out you were going to be matched up with Ruby Soho and MJF, what was your reaction because that's a very eclectic trio that almost sounds like a mad scientist put it together?
Will Hobbs: It is, it's 3 different unique personalities. Max is a character, Ruby is a character herself, so it's funny to see all 3 of us come together.
Mike Johnson: I'm going to ask you, I don't want to give you spoilers away as to what you guys were singing but like what's the type of stuff that when you're on the road and you got to keep yourself awake driving or you need to entertain yourself, what is the stuff that you lean towards?
Will Hobbs: It depends on my mood. Sometimes I'll listen to a little Michael McDonald to try and mellow out, put on some DMX or some Ice Cube. I may even put on some Bee Gees, it all depends on my mood.
Interview continues on Page 3!
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