Jey Uso talks Bloodline, YEET origins and infamous press conference | What Do You Wanna Talk About?
Summary
Highlights
Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes recall the spontaneous and high-energy Fastlane press conference where they celebrated their Tag Team Championship win. Jey reveals that none of it was planned and describes how the event further ignited the 'Yeet' movement, a term that had already been gaining traction. Cody shares his initial embarrassment and the humorous reaction of producer Michael Hayes to their antics.
Jey expresses his desire to maintain the momentum and 'hotness' he feels he has achieved, noting the addictive nature of connecting with the crowd. He recounts a backstage conversation with The Undertaker, who praised Jey's renewed 'work' ethic. Both Jey and Cody acknowledge the unique feeling of having the audience's full support and the responsibility that comes with it.
Jey shares his 'American Dream Team' lineup, which includes iconic wrestlers like Umaga, Yokozuna, King Kong, Rikishi, and Vader, alongside The Bloodline. The conversation shifts to Jey's father, Rikishi, and the profound impact he had on Jey's career and understanding of the wrestling business, emphasizing his father's hustle and character evolution.
Cody and Jey discuss how the wrestling 'hustle' has changed over the years, from constant house show tours to the current schedule packed with media, appearances, and TV tapings. They both express a longing for the consistency of wrestling every night and the invaluable experience it provided for honing their craft and building camaraderie within the locker room.
Jey reflects on his individual journey to becoming a top guy, attributing his success to hard work in the ring and earning the company's trust. He acknowledges the shift in his role, from being 'one of the boys' to carrying a greater responsibility as a leader, a sentiment Cody echoes with his own similar experiences and the importance of professional conduct.
Cody recounts a memorable story from an international tour with Jey, Jimmy, and Dustin (Goldust) where they adopted a 'Full Speed Ahead' mantra despite a small crowd. They share anecdotes about Dustin's intense in-ring style and the unique relationship among wrestlers, where hard-hitting moves are almost a sign of respect and friendship.
Addressing the 'Game Plan' segment, Jey emphasizes the importance of a tight-knit circle of loved ones and a 'higher calling' to stay sharp and motivated in life and career, especially within the family-oriented culture they grew up in. They also touch upon the candidness of the 'Unreal' documentary series, acknowledging its raw portrayal of backstage life.
Cody discusses the intelligence of wrestling fans, asserting that they are passionate and loyal rather than 'dumb,' leading to a more sophisticated product. Jey highlights his focus on connecting with younger fans, believing that 'wrestling is for the kids' and that their enthusiasm fuels his performances, creating a genuine and immersive experience.
The conversation shifts to the broader impact of The Bloodline storyline, recognizing it as one of the most iconic and financially significant sagas in WWE history. Jey reveals that the team often improvised and found ways to keep the story fresh, even during the COVID era, by performing for the cameras as if it were 'cinema.' They also discuss the unique dynamic of collaborating with family and the challenge of appearing serious during emotional segments.
Cody shares a humorous anecdote about Solo Sikoa’s philosophy on fan interaction, where Solo expressed his dislike for 'begging for cheers.' This sparks a discussion on the changing landscape of wrestling and how new talents like Solo, who debuted directly into major storylines, may never experience the struggle of earning fan appreciation in the same way seasoned veterans did.
The episode concludes with a promotional jingle for Wheatley Vodka, where Jey comically replaces 'neatly' with 'yeetly,' eliciting cheers and laughter. Cody then humorously recounts an awkward moment with CM Punk where a well-intentioned fist bump was not reciprocated.