Insight with Chris Van Vliet - Kylie Rae on taking a break after leaving AEW, signing with Impact, comparisons to Bayley

Episode Date: July 16, 2020

Smiley Kylie Rae chats with Chris Van Vliet from her home in Chicago, IL. She talks about signing a long-term deal with Impact Wrestling, leaving AEW and taking a break from wrestling, her match at Sl...ammiversary, what a heel turn would look like for her, her iconic ring entrance, the comparisons to Bayley, working at Pro Wrestling Tees before she became a wrestler, training with Booker T and what she learned from him, her struggles with mental health and much more! Support the show by supporting our sponsors! BetOnline  - Head to http://betonline.ag and use the promo code BLUEWIRE for your free welcome bonus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Starting point is 00:00:00 What's up, y'all? It's Druski, and I've teamed up with Mountain Dew to produce a hilarious new basketball podcast called The Do Zone with Drewski. Learn the backstories of your favorite ballers and celebrities like Jamal Murray. Did you have like a favorite team? Was it the Raptors at the time or no?
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Starting point is 00:00:32 It's Chrysomania, brother. That's a great question. Look at you. man with the powerful questions This is the Chris Van Bleet Show Ladies and gentlemen Chris Van Fleet Show Welcome back to the Chris Van Fleet
Starting point is 00:00:54 Show and you guessed it, yeah I'm your host Chris Van Fleet If you haven't yet, please subscribe on whatever platform it is you're listening on right now And if you're feeling extra generous Maybe I could persuade you to leave a review as well If you do If you do, I will give you the best high five ever
Starting point is 00:01:12 The next time I see you and when it's okay to give high fives again This episode is brought to you by BetOnline And it's hard not to smile when you're talking with smiley Kylie Ray I mean her energy, her positivity It just radiates through with like everything she does But it wasn't always that way, no She opens up in our conversation about being at her lowest point when she was with AEW, which led to her taking a break from wrestling.
Starting point is 00:01:43 We talk a lot about Star Wars here because she was wearing a Star Wars shirt, which led to me asking what her favorite Star Wars movie was. And I was shocked at her answer. You will be shocked at her answer too. Even if you're not a Star Wars fan, you'll be like, what? So we'll get into that in just a sec, but I'm still blown away by everybody who has felt extra generous and who has left a review on Apple Podcast.
Starting point is 00:02:08 Thank you. I'm so grateful for the support. And I will keep reading one out on every single episode because you are the most important part of the show. So keep them coming. Josh 045 says, honestly, the best wrestling podcast out there. Man, wow. I love how Chris always lets his guest answer and giving them time to think of an answer, always showing his guest with, or treating his, always showing his guest with respect. There we go, not making them uncomfortable. This man is the goat when it comes to wrestling interviews. I can't wait for what's next for this awesome and amazing podcast with the best wrestling interviewer out there.
Starting point is 00:02:48 Wow. Josh, oh, that is very kind of you. Thank you. And thank you to everyone for the very nice tweets and Instagram comments about the interview we did with Peyton Royce. I'm glad you enjoyed that one as much as I did. She's awesome. She's so awesome.
Starting point is 00:03:03 Can't wait to see her. Hopefully one day get a run. the women's champion. And the same can be said about my guest today. Kylie Ray as the knockouts champion, hmm, sign me up for that. And from the sounds of it, she has her eye on that. Did you know, by the way, did you know she used to work at pro wrestling teas? How incredible is it that she worked at pro wrestling teas and now her merch is being sold at pro wrestling teas? That's incredible. She's done a lot. She's had an incredible four years. She debuted four years ago and, And man, the future is so, so bright for her.
Starting point is 00:03:39 A lot of incredible opportunities in impact wrestling. You could say the future is as bright as her smile. You could say that. Yeah. It works. Let's get right to it. Here we go. It's smiley Kylie Ray.
Starting point is 00:03:59 Well, Kylie Ray is joining me, but you're not alone here from the looks of things. Who's this? She's making her appearance. This is Gemini. Can you wait? This is our wiener dog. Her name's Gemini. We've had her for a little over a year.
Starting point is 00:04:18 We rescued her and she's amazing. So I hope you don't mind that she's joining us. No, please. I've actually written a whole bunch of questions for Gemini. So this is great that she's joining us. All right. You're ready. Look at her face.
Starting point is 00:04:31 So you were based in Chicago right now, right? Yes, correct. Yeah, born and raised. Yeah. Are you a, I was going to ask something else. but now I'm just so interested. Are you a deep dish pizza person person? I wasn't growing up.
Starting point is 00:04:46 I will be honest. But within the past few years, I actually, I enjoy it, but it's not my go-to. I like thin crust. I'm going to be honest. I'm with you. It's so filling. And I like to eat a lot. And, you know, just one piece will fill me up with deep dish.
Starting point is 00:05:02 So I'm a thin crust. I'm with you. I just, yeah, I don't feel like it, I don't think pizza should be eaten with like a fork like that. I know, right? Yeah, so, well, I'm happy to hear this. I'm happy to hear we're on the same page with this. I already clicking. I love it.
Starting point is 00:05:19 Chicago's been very, like the city's been very tight about the coronavirus and everything going on there. How do you feel like things are going in your bubble? You know, for the most part, I, it was hard initially at first because we didn't have all the information. So naturally, we're going to be like, oh, do we really have? to stay inside. We're going to downplay it. But once everything started coming out more information and just seeing the pain that everyone else was going through, that was unfortunate enough to,
Starting point is 00:05:53 you know, get this virus, that's when it kind of put things in perspective and just be like, hey, it's not that hard to just stay in for a little bit or, you know, it's not that hard to just wear a mask if you're saving the life of somebody else, you know, even multiple people you're seeing the life. But think of how many people you come in contact with just like, When you go to the gas station, you're using the pin pad or, like, for example, now our gyms are open. So that's something like we have to wash before and after, same with training. So it was a little hard to adapt to at times, like when it would be a long period of time,
Starting point is 00:06:27 just, you know, being alone, you'd get a little stir crazy. But I honestly, I didn't mind it. I'm kind of an introvert. So, like, I feel like in wrestling where I'm such like a high. for like the shows that it's fine to like just decompress during the week so um yeah and we were still filming with impact and everything so um it was nice having like like here we're doing all this but then you know you get to just relax at home and luckily we haven't gotten sick here so good i'm glad to hear that you probably had a lot of bookings that were on the horizon i mean it was
Starting point is 00:07:06 the lockdown really happened right before russomania so you probably had a lot of stuff that got canceled or has now been postponed to who knows when. Right. Exactly. And like even like dream matches. Like I was going to wrestle like killer Kelly and she's somebody who's been on like a bucket list of mine for so long now. And, um, you know, I don't know if I will ever get that opportunity again.
Starting point is 00:07:28 So hopefully, you know, um, but everything happens for a reason. And I truly believe this is just like the universe, the universe working itself out. And, um, it's a transitional phase, right? I'm a Cubs fan, so I had many years of transitional, like the rebuilding phase. This is a rebuilding phase for humans in general, then. Right. Sure. I love the shirt you're wearing right now, which ties into the –
Starting point is 00:07:55 There's a storm trooper behind you for anyone who's just listening to us in a podcast. Are you a big Star Wars fan? I am. I do. I like it a lot. I'm not as much growing up, but I feel like now I have a new, appreciation for it. I will admit, I do chuckle a little bit watching the, um, the initial ones that came out just because it's crazy to see like, um, the most recent one compared to the
Starting point is 00:08:22 first one I came out, just how everything has changed. And then like, parts that weren't supposed to be funny are kind of funny. Um, but yeah, it's just all around. It's, it's fun. Like, it's, it's a little bit of everything. And it's got something for everyone, especially now that Disney took over. You know, it's got like, um, it's got like, It's fine, but like, I get it. Which is your favorite Star Wars film? Okay. Mine is episode one, and people will like...
Starting point is 00:08:53 What? I know. I know. People just make fun of me every time I tell them that, but I can't help it. I think it's just because, like, it had a little bit of sentimental value because, like, I saw it with my entire family, and that was, like, one of the last times, like, everyone was really together. So like, it's just, it's like, I don't know, I got to see you with everyone. And I, like, was in love with Dark Mall.
Starting point is 00:09:16 He is one of the most underrated villains of all time. And, like, how do you not, I don't know, he's, that's the only movies. I just feel like the correct answer is four, five, or six. And when everyone strays outside of that, it's like, and I'm not a huge Star Wars fan by any man's. And I'm pretty sure episode one is usually the last on everyone's list. But of course, I'm like, yeah, that's my favorite. And you're like, and the worst movie is Return to the Jedi. I hate that thing.
Starting point is 00:09:43 Right. So bad. No, it's not. I like, I genuinely enjoyed all of them. A couple were a little rough to get through, but I try to appreciate stuff for what it is. And yeah, I enjoy it. Next thing you know, you're going to tell me that Jar Jar J.J.R. Binks is your favorite character. Oh, no.
Starting point is 00:10:02 No, okay. But honestly, Darth Ball is, but Jar Jard Binks, I have. his action figure growing up. It's just, I'm embarrassed. I'm so ashamed. I think you might be blushing now. I know. I'm like starting to sweat.
Starting point is 00:10:18 And I'm just like, it's a bad look. Okay, all right, I need some redemption. Let's figure it is how. Well, I feel like you have a whole, like, shelf of nerddom a little bit behind you there.
Starting point is 00:10:27 What do we got? Is that Spider-Man? Spider-Man? Yeah, we have a little Buddha, too, bringing us some like good luck. And then, yeah, I think there's more Star Wars stuff. And then we have a little pop final,
Starting point is 00:10:43 like a custom Kylie one. So that was kind of. That's awesome. Yeah, somebody made it for me. And it was just really cool. I actually got two. One was from our friend Tyler. And then another one was from somebody down in Houston.
Starting point is 00:10:55 So that's cool. Oh, that's. I don't know. Some of my fans are like some of the sweetest people I've ever met. like and most of i i have never met them but um they'll send me stuff online and it's just like especially when i'm going through like a hard time just reading some of the stuff that like they said it's just it uh it helps me throughout the day so i don't know what a nice surprise when you see something to that online right like how do you not just you know you feel special
Starting point is 00:11:26 at that point well i think the thing and you you must be aware of this that you make people feel special just by the presence that you have. Whether they know you or not personally, your presence comes through the screen. And I think people feel like they have this real intimate connection with you. Oh, thank you. Sorry. Now I'm blushing. Now the blushing. No, I don't know what it is. Like, I can't, I, I'm genuinely just an awkward person in real life. And I feel like a lot of wrestling fans tend to be very awkward as well. So maybe they're, uh, they see a little bit of themselves and me. Because that's, that's kind of what I would tend to gratitate towards, like, when I was a fan.
Starting point is 00:12:09 Like, whatever I felt relatable to, like, I would just, that was what I was a fan of. Like, for example, Sean Michaels is my favorite wrestler. And, like, he was, like, the ultimate underdog, right? Like, he was, you know, he's the smaller one. Like, but yeah, just a huge fan. Like, I just, like, I felt his pain. And, yeah, I don't know. So that was, so Sean Michaels, who else, you know, were you really invested in growing up?
Starting point is 00:12:31 Okay, I wasn't invested in him growing up, but macho man is my second. Like, he's number two on the list. Obviously, when I was growing up, I didn't have access to his matches as much. But now that I've been wrestling, I just have a new appreciation for him. His promos, his in ring work, he's just, he's one on the, I mean, we all know. He's the macho mitt. No, I'm just kidding. Okay.
Starting point is 00:12:58 That was good. Come on. Give us some. I used to work at pro wrestling teas. And on my last day, they, like, played macho man's theme for me. And they used to sell, like, macho man, just, like, all macho man gimmicks. Like, his sunglasses and, like, the bandana and, like, the cape. And they had me, like, put it on.
Starting point is 00:13:17 And I hadn't had a Mac yet at that point. But one of my, like, all-time dreams was just to get streamers thrown at me. Like, I never had streamers thrown at me. I thought it was the coolest thing. Like, we would watch ROH, and it was just so cool. So, like, I did like my untrim. And they just all started throwing streamers at me. And I started crying.
Starting point is 00:13:37 And I think it's like on Facebook somewhere. But yeah. But yeah, it turns out like a couple years later, I ended up having a match. And like streamers were throwing at me. And I was like one of the best feelings in the world. This might be one of the greatest success stories that you worked at pro wrestling teas. And now your merch is being sold at pro wrestling teams. I know.
Starting point is 00:13:59 it's yeah poetic justice no I don't think is that really poetic justice there that's like come full circle I think poetic justice would be like they fired you and then now they're selling your shirts okay that never mind I'm sorry that's so embarrassed
Starting point is 00:14:16 were you actually printing shirts there no I was doing shipping and handling so I messed up a good amount to Ryan was very patient with me But no, overall, it was so much fun. It was just like a good crew of people. So, you know, even though you're doing like the same work every single day, it's just the camaraderie.
Starting point is 00:14:39 And then like everyone's just so chill. So you just like, it's like hanging out with your friends. And this is before pro wrestling teas with the massive company that it is now. I feel like they were still pretty big then. Sure. Because it was only just 2015. I want to say 2014 or 2015. So it was fairly recent.
Starting point is 00:15:03 But yeah, they weren't like, like AEW wasn't a thing yet. So like. Yeah, that partnership, I mean, Ryan's been crushing it since that. Yeah. And they were already so successful as it was. So it was like, you should see some of the stuff that he does though. It's just he's so like just smart with the different avenues of his business. Like, it's just so creative and innovative.
Starting point is 00:15:25 And, like, even, like, the outside of his shop just looks so awesome. And then, like, you go inside and it's like, there's couches and, like, the walls are painted. And even where we train for wrestling, like, it's, like, brick. And it's, it's beautiful. Like, I don't know if you've ever been to Chicago. Oh, yeah, we have. Okay. It's last time I saw you within Chicago.
Starting point is 00:15:48 I've been talking to Ryan about having him on the show. And, you know, he's a busy, busy. guy. But now after you telling these stories here, I'm like, I need to push to make this happen. He has such an incredible story. Oh, yeah. And he'll, yeah, it's like, like, he built his company from the ground up and like to see where it is today. It's just, it's insane. So, yeah, he's, he's a very admirable person. So, um, I recommend him. What shirts were you shipping the most? Like when you were, when you were shipping and you were like, oh, geez, another one of these ones? a lot of bullet club shirts
Starting point is 00:16:24 I feel like yeah Bullock Club Young Bucks Stone Cold was also he had just started like wasn't the TV show like the broken skull school ranch I think
Starting point is 00:16:38 so that had really just started all of that merge was being sent out so I remember doing like coosies like there were so many coosies like the Stone Cold Coosies but yeah I would say that was that was a good and then like
Starting point is 00:16:49 I think there were a lot of like Kevinstein DVDs. Okay. Yeah, like random like DVDs would be sent out, but it would always be like the Kevinstein one. So, um, yeah, or even if they're, they would like drop like a new, a new shirt. That would be like the big thing. But for the most part, it was like a little bit of everything.
Starting point is 00:17:09 Because they had like one hour teas. They had pro wrestling teas and then they had like the barbershop window, I think. So like they had so many different types of shirts that we can just send out. It wasn't just wrestling shirts. And was it, you were like training at the time and obviously that was starting to take up more of your time and you finally had to say, all right, wrestling is going to become my job now, not this. Well, no, I was in school at the time and training full time. And I think I was like just in the process of graduating. And then I found, yes, I just graduated college and I found like a job that was quote unquote in my major.
Starting point is 00:17:46 Like that was in communication. And then I. Yeah, me too. No way. Oh, that's awesome. And then I just like minor in marketing. So it was just like marketing PR work. And once I got there, it wasn't what I thought it was. And I realized like, hey, what I love is wrestling. Like, why would I leave a job that, you know, just because that's what I thought I was supposed to do. And that's when I just like pulled the trigger and decided to move to Houston and start training at Booker T's. So. Which, I mean, that's a huge move. to basically move from the top part of the country to the southernmost part of the country. What thought goes into going Booker T's school is the right place to be? Well, I was initially going to start at a different school there because I didn't think I can get into Bookers.
Starting point is 00:18:38 It wasn't until, I think, like, a week before, or even like a couple days before I was leaving, somebody who I had met through the training school up here had like a mutual friend or like, a connection to get into Bookers. So I still had that other company, like, I don't want to say like in my, you know, like my plan B, but I was like, oh, okay, like, you know, thinking about if you're going to train at Booker T's
Starting point is 00:19:04 or a not well-known place, I guess you can say. And nothing is the other place, but like Booker T's a Hall of Famer and he's found a W. You know, it's just point blank. One of the best wrestling schools in the world. Right, exactly. I did not to even try to go there. So once I got done,
Starting point is 00:19:21 down there and had the meeting. And also, I didn't know anybody down there. So, like, that was another thing. I had, like, a second cousin who lived, like, an hour north of me. And I had met him once, I think. Um, but yeah, once I got down there, I think I just thought, you know, if I have wrestling, I, at least I'll, I'll be able to make some friends or meet some people, you know, because usually wrestlers were taught like we take care of our own. So, yeah, once I got down there and started the first month I wasn't wrestling and I did not meet any person so I was just by myself every day it was so um it was an adjustment we'll say but I think it like taught me to grow up like very quickly and uh once I started wrestling down there then I started like meeting new people and that's when
Starting point is 00:20:07 like I feel like I really learned the most was in those like first two months at bookers and that's when I had my first match and like it's just snowballed from there I feel like I really learned the most I feel like my entire career has happened so quickly. I don't even know if I've had a chance to actually breathe and kind of realizes what's going on, you know, like where I'm actually at. But I mean, it's been, what a ride you're on. Congratulations. Because you debuted four years ago and look at you now. Yeah, right?
Starting point is 00:20:38 Like, because when I say it, I'm like, if I think about it in hindsight, August 26th of this year will be seven years since I started training. But March was just four years since my debut. So if you think about it, it's like four years, oh, that's not that long, but then you think like seven years, it's like, okay, it's kind of a long time. But like, yeah, it's just a different game when you're actually working matches
Starting point is 00:21:00 because you're learning at such a quick pace. And like I've had opportunities, like, I don't know how I've been, like, so blessed to put in some of the opportunities I've been put in. But, yeah, I feel like I've learned even more being able to have opponents who are just like head and shoulders above me. And like it's, yeah, it's just been a wild ride. It's, I can't complain about it.
Starting point is 00:21:25 What's been one of those opportunities where you pinch yourself and go, hold on, I'm wrestling. Who? I think one of my biggest, like, I had always wanted to wrestle one chastity. And like that was like, he was just on my list. Like that was like, it was just a dream batch of mine. And I remember I'd, I talked to, um, the promoter had Beyond with Drew and he was like okay like who do you want and I was like would this be okay? He's like yeah like let's do it and it ended up being like main event and it was like
Starting point is 00:21:57 the most I'd ever done an event like the most I've been pushed and he like he like believed in me like even the stuff I was like I'm a little nervous he's like no you got it and I was like that's so cool and it was the type of match that like I hadn't really had before like I wasn't used to that style. So like it was just, it was amazing. Like I still talk about it. Like obviously I go back and I wish like there were some things I could have done differently and some things that would have changed. But I think like that's one of the first people that come to mind. And like there's honestly so many other people like I've also tested I think three different times now and she possibly four including multi-person matches and she always makes me better. Like I always leave that right
Starting point is 00:22:34 better than when I walked in and I can't think her enough. Like she's very good. Like she's one of the best. Yeah. Your match with Tesla on YouTube have, I think one of them is like four million views. Oh, wow. I don't know that. That's, I'm like. Yeah. Yeah. I can't remember where it was, but I'm sure you know. You probably know exactly which match I'm talking about. Yeah, I mean, there's been three. All right. I'll look it up. I'll look it up so we can see. Okay. I was going to say, I was like, I'll be looking it up after this. Don't see. I mean, we might as well if we're talking about it. So let's see.
Starting point is 00:23:11 It is your match. What's that? No, I always go back and watch my matches just to see like... Do you want to guess which one it is? Is it in Milwaukee? Is that Zola? Yes. Okay, okay.
Starting point is 00:23:27 That's the one? Okay. Yeah, it's the one. It was uploaded June 9th, 2018. Okay. Yeah. I remember. I think I watched it.
Starting point is 00:23:38 Did everyone go watch this match now? Pretty, yeah. I probably will, to be honest. It's also, like, it's fun to see, like, how far we've come, just, like, as wrestlers in general or, like, anything that we do. Like, let's say we start something, and then two years later, we're still doing that same thing. I would like to think if we're actually working hard at whatever we're doing,
Starting point is 00:24:00 we're going to progress. So, like, going back and looking at our previous work, it could be, like, in a way, inspiring. And also, like, hey, it's good to look. you know, reflect on how far we've come and like appreciate that, but also like not take anything for granted and work like even harder for the future. So I just think that's great life advice. That's not just wrestling. Like if you're not looking back six years, six months or a year and going, ooh, I'm so much, you know, I'm in a better place now. I think that you're doing something wrong.
Starting point is 00:24:33 Right. I agree. So I'm very interested in this move to Houston. Did you know where you were going to stay when you got there? No, like literally, my mom had called the cousin and asked him to take a look at the apartment. I just picked a random apartment. Turns out it was in Chinatown. I didn't know, which doesn't matter. But I just, again, I didn't, that just goes to show how little I knew about, like, when I was getting into.
Starting point is 00:25:03 So, yeah, there are like cockroaches and stuff in the apartment. But like, it was cheap. and I was what I could afford. And it was my first place by myself. And I was excited. Like, every day I was waking up. Like, it could have been pouring rain, like, thundering and just, like, I slip in a puddle. And I'm still, like, waking up, like, just bird chirping, like, and nothing's wrong.
Starting point is 00:25:27 So. I don't think there's anything that can really get you down. You have the most positive disposition of anyone and, like, the most infectious smile. Have you always been this way? Yes. And honestly, it's just. a nervous thing. Like, I used to get in trouble from it because even when I would get reprimanded, like, I would just smile or I'd giggle out of, because I'm just like, ah, like, sorry kind of thing.
Starting point is 00:25:50 And, yeah, like, I've gotten timeouts extended and, like, groundings extended or even, like, another detention because they think I'm laughing at them. And I'm just like, no, I'm like trying to, like, do the thing where I'm like, you know, I don't have to smile. But yeah, it's like, always been like this. So thank God, this is my in-ring character, because otherwise I probably would have been screwed. I can't imagine you having an in-ring character any different from this. Like, have you ever given any thought to what a heel version of Kylie Ray would look like? So much, because I want to be able to be dynamic and, like, versatile. And I don't want to, like, get booked for something. And God forbid, you know, the promoters like, hey, we need a heel. And,
Starting point is 00:26:40 I'm like, oh, I don't know how to do that. So, like, it's always, I've always wanted to do it for, like, from the beginning of my career. And, like, it's gotten more and more obvious, especially as of late. And I think, like, I wrestle a lot at a company in Chicago called freelance wrestling. And, like, I am always doing stuff that's like, um, like, for example, like, someone cold would, like, blur the baby face lines a little bit. And, like, that's stuff that I was trying to do because I slowly wanted to just turn heel. and like they were not having it at all.
Starting point is 00:27:13 Like they, the more aggressive I would get or the more I would cheat. Like I'd use a chair. I'd use like the guardrail. Like they would just cheer more. And I was like, oh crap. Like this is not working. So like, so like now it's just like an ongoing joke at freelance.
Starting point is 00:27:29 Like they'll say like Kylie could, you know, obviously I don't promote violence, but Kylie could, you know, shoot someone in the ring. I don't even like say that. saying, like, do that and like the crowd would still cheer. And like, so it's just been a joke in Chicago that like I just, but I think it wouldn't happen like that anywhere else. I think it's just because I'm from here. So like I'm their girl, you know. Do you think you could wrestle a match without smiling? I don't know. Um, I maybe, but I just feel like I would break. Like sometimes
Starting point is 00:28:01 I watch some people's promos and I'm just like, how are you not like just laughing in tears to yourself? because some it's just so entertaining. So that's another reason why I'm like, thank God I can smile because I'd be screwed. But I think I would have to keep that. Like it would almost be like a maniacal smile. Yeah, it could be the devious like smiling. But oh, yes, you're evil. Right.
Starting point is 00:28:28 We'll see. Whose idea was it to call you Kylie? Because I mean, it rhymes with smiley, which is great and it's so fitting for you. Yeah. Let's see. So I think initially I had talked to my first trainer up here and we talked about getting a name and we just like came up with the name Kylie Ray. But I never had a match up here. And then when I went down to Bookers and he was having me debut, I was initially doing just a segment, like an in ring segment and then the next show is going to be an actual match.
Starting point is 00:29:00 But the in ring segment, he said what my actual name is. but it's not really a name that's like a wrestling name. Like it's just it's we used to make the joke like, oh, it's like a Sims character name. So then like Booker and I like sat down. I was like, oh, that doesn't sound. And he's like yeah,
Starting point is 00:29:17 like we kind of agreed like it's not really something that's, you know, like it doesn't sound like and he tried. Like he tried saying it in like his deepest voice and it's just not. But yeah. And then I like we talked about I was like, oh, with the previous trainer we had discussed Kindly Ray. And he's like, oh, this. And he's like, I love it.
Starting point is 00:29:34 And it's just okay. So then we just, yeah, it was probably right from there on out. But thank God. And I also like I like keeping that like little bit of privacy too. Because there's some instances where like people have gotten like my home address and like sent me mail and stuff and like use my real name. And it's like just to me it's like it's a little inappropriate. Like I like having like a little bit of boundaries. Not a little bit.
Starting point is 00:29:59 A lot bit about. Sure. Because you just never know. Well, I mean, the lines are blurred in wrestling, though. Like Kylie Ray, the wrestler and Kylie Ray, the person sitting here right now wearing a Star Wars shirt, are one and the same and they're also different. Right. Exactly. Like, I'm not just walking around in my wrestling gear every single day. You know, like, sometimes I get cranky when I haven't eaten. You know, like, I'm a human being. So, like, sometimes just as fan, and like I, as a fan lose sight of that as well.
Starting point is 00:30:38 We forget that some people in the public eye are human beings. But I think we're starting to change that a little bit as the years go on. So that's pretty cool to see, too. I want to, I want to ride with this for a second because I don't think there's anything that does make you upset. So what is, what is Kylie Ray's pet peeve? I, oh, let's see. Oh, my gosh, a pet peeve. I don't know if I have a pet peeve.
Starting point is 00:31:02 It'll be some, oh, wait, I'm, I don't really like bad breath. I don't know if that's a pet peeve, but that's something. I don't think that would, like, trigger me, though. Like, if somebody is disrespecting me and I'm hungry, I will be very upset. And I will probably start, like, I will be very upset. It's very convincing. No, but, like, I'll, I'll, I'll, I'll, start giving a little attitude, like especially if somebody starts, like, throwing jabs at me,
Starting point is 00:31:31 like I'll be quick to throw it right back. Just like a little sarcastic attitude a little bit sometimes. Some people need to, you know, get checked in their place. So, but usually it's, it's with humor, unless I'm very hungry. But again, we're all human, so. Driven by food. Always, always. And not deep dish pizza, thin crust pizza, but what else? What else is the, What's the go-to food right now? The go-to. Well, I'm trying to get ready for slime anniversary, so I've been sticking to my meals, but I think the go-to food is probably pizza from, there's this place, this local place called beggars pizza, and it's so good because, like, they have, like, I swear it's like three layers of cheese. It's an abundance amount of cheese, and it's so good.
Starting point is 00:32:21 It's delicious. I love people. So you're speaking my language here. It's like a three-to-one ratio. like cheese sauce ratio. It's so good. That's like the pizza the Ninja Turtles used to eat. Remember?
Starting point is 00:32:33 They would take the blank and be nothing but cheese. She's dripping. Yeah, I love that. That's great. But yeah, that's why I go to. But I'm definitely, I'm a sweets person. Like, I love, like, chocolate, anything is, I just can't pass it up.
Starting point is 00:32:49 So, like, having the discipline has been so hard. But, yeah, that's anything chocolate and then beggars pizza is the go to. Hey, it's Chris. Just popping in for a second to thank our sponsor for this episode, Bet Online. And sports are coming back, and so are your chances to bet on your favorite sports teams and events.
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Starting point is 00:33:39 Visit betonline.ag. Use the promo code Bluewire to receive your new welcome bonus. That's one word blue wire as your promo code. Bet online, it's your online wagering experts. Slammerversary is just a few days away now, And if anyone's following you on social media, you've been like putting up some big weight at the gym. You've been posting your deadlift videos. You keep saying your goal is 230 pounds.
Starting point is 00:34:10 I love goals. I always say vague goals, get vague results. So specific goals get specific results. 230 pounds is your goal for the year. You just put up 210 like it was nothing. So when do you think you'll be hitting this goal? To be fair, the 210, that was my third. try because I did fail the first two.
Starting point is 00:34:30 But yeah, I've been watching it. I was like, wow, okay, that did look easier than I thought, but it felt very hard. Perfect form, too. I think I've also been cutting back on calories since I have Slammiversary coming up. So I think I'm going to wait until after Slammiversary and then just have an obnoxious cheat day. And then just the day after that, just straight go for the 230. Like, I'm not even, so I'm just going to try it. Like, I'm going to skip the two.
Starting point is 00:34:58 220, skip the 225, and go straight to the 230. Why 230? That's such a random gym number. I know. It is. Like that's putting on the two and a half pound plates. I know. I think it's because the most I've ever done currently is 220.
Starting point is 00:35:14 So I wanted to, I didn't want to do 225. I was like, oh, I'll just try to do 230. But. But you know what I mean? 225 is two plates on each side. Yeah. Two 30s, two plates, and the two, the little baby things. But five pounds heavier than a PR is not as impressive as 10 pounds heavier to me.
Starting point is 00:35:39 You know what's even more impressive? 15 pounds heavier. Well, we'll try. To be determined, we'll see how much it goes. I mean, you're going to, you're going to crush 2.30 before the end of the year, for sure. And here's cross. I saw Christy jane's was I think she was dead lifting like
Starting point is 00:35:58 230 or 240 like that was nothing so I was like okay now I got to keep up but that's what I love about social media is like especially during quarantine like everyone's been posting like their workout videos and like even like random challenges and stuff and like it's kind of like kept that community sense like even though we're not actually physically able to like be around each other
Starting point is 00:36:16 so it's been cool it's been like motivating and whatnot how excited are you for Slammiversary so excited like It's, this is our first live, yeah, live pay-per-view in, what, since October, right? Or, I don't know. I don't know exactly. Don't call. Well, maybe down for glory, right?
Starting point is 00:36:38 Yeah. So that, yeah. Yeah, so last year. Yeah, yeah. Okay. But the point is just the fact that it's going to be live is just, because there's, it just adds to the adrenaline. Because it's like, we know, like, hey, you got to get this in one take. So like, and not wrestling consistently for like every week, it's going to be even more of a challenge.
Starting point is 00:37:01 So I think that adds to it and just the fact that like the amount of people were in the ring with and the like the depth of talent in the match. So I think that just all adds to it. And I'm just excited to see where it goes because I've never been to the got of the match. Well, I mean, there's kind of like this caveat here because it's slammerversary. It's live. And then there's no one there in the crowd. Great. Oh, man.
Starting point is 00:37:31 The things that we have to do now because of the pandemic. But like I completely understand. And I think it's safer that way anyways. But like it does add a sense of awkwardness to the matches. Like it's very hard to get through just like two to three hours of just straight matches that are like there. There's nobody in the crowd. completely understand like the um like the different style matches now like the cg i and like um like like the pre-recorded ones and i think you kind of have to make it more like entertainment based now
Starting point is 00:38:06 just because it's it's just doesn't have the same feel like you need the crowd there in order to have just the standard not always but like it's asking a lot for the fans to do that so i mean the fans are what makes some of the greatest matches the greatest matches like rock hogan my favorite match of all time, because of, you know, the crowd reaction for the first two, three minutes. Right. Yeah. They didn't even, like, touch at all. Like, it was, you can feel, like, just the atmosphere.
Starting point is 00:38:36 And, like, that's what I would always tell, like, my non-wrestling fan friends. So I would, I would just be like, you just have to go to a live event. Like, it's just different once you see it live, because you can feel it there. So, like, yeah, the fact that, like, it's not there anymore. it's not as bad as I thought it was going to be or like as difficult, I guess. Because once you're in the zone, you're just in the zone. But yeah, it's definitely sometimes you can feel a little cringe. But it's fine.
Starting point is 00:39:10 Impact's going to be your home for a while. How did this signing come together? Let's see. So after the Bound for Glory pay-per-view, which even grateful that they gave me that opportunity, And, you know, we had, we were talking and discussing a possible contract, but I just wasn't ready. Like, I was very honest with them. I wasn't ready, like, mentally, physically or emotionally. And, like, all the props to them, they were 100% understanding.
Starting point is 00:39:40 And it was the hardest decision, not hardest, one of the hardest, hardest decisions I ever had to make. I remember, like, even sitting on it for days, but I just knew in my heart, I was not ready. and yeah they were completely understanding they're like okay like we'll keep in touch and and then a couple months later they like reached back out and stuck to their word and offered yeah and it was just at that time I was like I'm ready like I was like I was like slabbering like I was like I was like I just want wrestle like I'm ready for this like I'm so like I felt like I was starting like to get back in a groove and like the days weren't hard anymore if that makes any sense. to anyone who's gone through like some stuff.
Starting point is 00:40:23 So yeah, like once the day starting getting better and better, that's when I was like, oh, I want this, like so bad. So yeah, it was just, it was cool. And it was like, not just cool, obviously, but it's a dream come true. Obviously, any wrestler, that's what they want, right? Usually. But yeah, it's been amazing. Did you feel like you needed that pause to be able to make yourself understand?
Starting point is 00:40:45 Like, oh, yes. Like, now I'm super excited about this. Oh, yeah. I firmly believe that if I would have continued going at the rate that I was going at, I wouldn't, I would have never came back. Like, I don't know where I'd be. I don't even know where, like, but it wasn't, it just wasn't healthy. Like, that's the bottom line.
Starting point is 00:41:06 And where I'm at today is just, it's a completely different person. And we even talked about, like, seeing where you are in the past, where you are now. It's like, it's cool to see the progress. And, yeah, I, I, I've loved it there. Like, it's just. It's such a supportive group of people. And every time we walk in, it's like, it's fun and, like, lighthearted. And, like, the people want to be there.
Starting point is 00:41:26 And, yeah. And the matches are really good in impact right now. Aren't they, though? I was like, am I biased? No, impact doesn't get enough love. Thank you. Oh, that means that means a lot to me. I know I'm new to the group.
Starting point is 00:41:42 I've been through a lot of the, I was at Bound for Glory. I was at a few tapings in Vegas. And the in-ring product, what's going on in the ring is amazing. and just unfortunately there's not enough eyeballs on it right now. Yeah, which I get it. Like sometimes just our generation as a whole, we like stuff that's easily accessible. And getting access to impact is not,
Starting point is 00:42:08 I will say it's not as easy as some of the other streaming services, but it really, if you look at it, it is. Like it can be. It's just, it's not as familiar. So it's not that it's harder. It's just it's not as common. And that's, I think that's what we're starting to change.
Starting point is 00:42:25 Like, I feel like every week we're starting to get like a little bit more buzz and like a little bit more and like a little bit more. And it's just like it's so fun to see because like the amount of talent they're bringing in. Have you seen everyone they've signed like as of late? That's crazy in a good way, obviously. Well, an impact is also found. It's home like Monday's raw Tuesday's impact. Wednesday's dynamite.
Starting point is 00:42:47 Like the whole week and impact has its whole has his day there. Right. It's like it's like it's like it's almost like low key. Like we're just like slowly like like making moves under the radar type thing. And it's fun because like it's getting everyone excited because we're like, oh, that's just new people that we get to work with and like have all these awesome matches and like you think about all the things we can do and like all the characters we can work with. And that's the thing is like impact every single person brings a little bit something different to. the table and like that's awesome to see i know that gail kim helps to book a lot of the stuff there i'm like how excited you get when i mentioned what did you learn from working with gail
Starting point is 00:43:31 what happens i like she's just like her mind is it's just one of a kind and like i'm so grateful to be able to work with her because like i've been such a huge fan like i literally like my top is like designed after her top like once she got to impact because like i just i love the way it look. Yeah, she's just great. And she's, she was always so crisp in the ring and, like, fluid.
Starting point is 00:43:54 And, like, you know how some matches, she was wrestling at a time that, like, women's matches were, like, popcorn match. And, like, her matches weren't, though. Like, people would stay for her matches because they knew how good she was. And, like, to people learn from that, it's, like, she's been everywhere.
Starting point is 00:44:12 So it's been a dream from true, honestly. Like, just, I'm telling you, every experience I've had there, has been great. And she's the sweetest, nicest person. Right. She might be nicer than you. I'm sorry. I don't take any offense to that. I completely understand. Like, I will vouch for that because she's so sweet. And she, like, keeps the entire locker room together and, like, in check and, like, excited. And that's, it's amazing. When you look at the whole landscape of potential people that you could wrestle and impact, who really stands out to you that you go, When we have a match, it's going to be so great.
Starting point is 00:44:52 I know immediately, Deanna came to mind, and that's because we've wrestled twice already and both of our matches, like, I've loved. But now that I think about, like, every single person in that division, I've wrestled, I'd say 99% of the women in the division. I've enjoyed every single time I've been in the ring with them. And, like, I just recently got to do something.
Starting point is 00:45:17 with Rosemary too, which was my first time being in the ring with her, and that was fun. And then, like, hopefully one day, to Neil, like it's just, I think that, like I had said before, everybody brings something different to the table, and that's the fun part about it. So, like, I think I'm
Starting point is 00:45:33 just excited to work with anybody. And how often does that happen? You know, like, how often can you walk into work and you're like, wow, I genuinely, like, enjoy everyone here. Well, the knockouts division is incredible. Like, it's just There's endless amounts of talent there.
Starting point is 00:45:51 Yeah. So great. Now, do you have your eye on... That's true. Do you have your eye on Jordan Grace's championship? I would be lying if I said I did it. But I want to earn it. Like, I want to work.
Starting point is 00:46:06 I know I'm new here. Like, I know I have to start from the bottom. I know I have to work my way up. And I'm not afraid to do that because I've done that so many different times at so many different companies. And since the start of my... career like I've always had to like work my way from the bottom and I'm I'm excited to see because that's that's my time to like to own my craft you know it's
Starting point is 00:46:29 I don't know like they they're now they're gonna be ready because they're they're in the spotlight right now so yeah I'm not so like they're the only ones I'm worried about but I'm not the only ones that they're worried about if that makes sense they have a target on their back. So I know that's just even harder on them. So we'll see. But I'm looking forward to Deanna and Jordan at Celebrity because I know what both of them can do. And it's going to be great. Well, Deanna said that you are her favorite wrestler. I know. Right? I was like, I didn't believe it at first. And I was like, wait, what? I thought it was Photoshop. And it wasn't. It was from her Patreon.
Starting point is 00:47:13 And the fact that somebody, like, put that on Twitter just to show me, like, that's so sweet. And then she actually, like, confirmed it. Like that, you know, she didn't have to do that. And she's one of the sweetest people in and out of the ring. And she's helped me in more ways than you can even imagine. Like, especially, like, right after I broke my collarbone, she's somebody who, like, truly helped me through that process because it was a hard time.
Starting point is 00:47:35 It was tough. Sure. But, yeah. You know, the energy that you have and the excitement you have and how much you've smile. There's always a lot of comparisons between you and Bailey. Do those comparisons bother you? No. I think when when people get angry about it, I'm like, oh, okay. Like, I understand it, but like, I don't see why everything has to be like this or that. Like, why does it have to be a comparison? And why does there have to only be one way how to be happy? Because, like, at the end of
Starting point is 00:48:08 the day, like, I just have ADHD. Like, like, legitimately diagnose ADHD. Like, you can't take that away from me. You can't tell me I'm not that in the ring because I am. Like, that's me as a person. I'm genuinely, I'm just hyper. So, like, people misconstrue that as happy, which, yes, I'm happy as well. But at the end of the day, I'm just a hyper person. So, like, I get the comparison there, but it's almost like wrestling is the most superficial business. I mean, I mean, entertainment in general, let's be honest. But, like, people will be so quick to judge. And at the end of the day, like, our in-ring abilities, we're just completely, we're just completely different.
Starting point is 00:48:49 Our, like, our styles are different. And it was just, like, she inspired me. And I told her that. Like, she knows that. Like, I've met her. And I, like, tell, like, I'm like, there is no Kylie Ray without Bailey. She's, like, one of the biggest inspirations of, like, my life. And because if you think about it.
Starting point is 00:49:08 Like us growing up, we didn't have a lot of women to look up to. Like, she's one of like the first women to like, like strong, legit role models. I know she's saying she's not a role model, but she was like at that point. And yeah, it was just that would be a fun match. Like that's the stuff that people like don't think about. Like that would be a fun match. That would be a fun tag. Like that's the stuff that's like people are.
Starting point is 00:49:32 I don't I don't understand why people are so quick to get angry about something they don't quite know everything about. I just ask. Yeah. Why would someone get angry about that? Right. I'm like, okay. But I don't know. And that happens.
Starting point is 00:49:48 And I feel like sometimes, I don't know if it's insecurities or what or just like, to me, when people like start comparing, it can like, it can cause even more insecurities. And then like it just, it's just, I don't know the reason for it. Because at the end of the day, like, we're not just our appearance. Yeah. Like, you know that. Like, there's so many wrestlers who just, like, they're, they're compared to, like, they're in ring work.
Starting point is 00:50:20 And usually it seems like a lot of women are, like, one of the first things that is talked about them is, like, usually their physical appearance. And it's like, why is that the thing? Like, that is 100% true. You've nailed it. There are so many people that just look at. what a woman looks like and not the wrestling ability that they have. Whereas a guy can look not great and they go,
Starting point is 00:50:45 oh, yeah, but come on, so-and-so is such a great worker. Right, right. Oh, okay. And it's just, and it's, I will give it, it's changing nowadays, but, um, yeah. But there will be, there will be a wrestling that I don't like that female wrestler because I'm not into blonde. It's like, what do you mean? They're a great worker. She's um her what like her legs are too big or she's she's too short she's too thick she's too this she's to that and it's like wait how am I supposed to take that feedback and improve on that?
Starting point is 00:51:24 Like I don't get that that you're not talking about like my technical skills you're not talking about the structure of my match like what feedback can I improve on like my hairline? Like, I don't get, you know, just like stuff. It's so little. But, yeah, fans are ruthless sometimes. But then there are some people who are just so nice. And it's like those are the ones we got to focus on. Well, that's a thing. Like 99% of your fans or, you know, the comments you see are going to be great.
Starting point is 00:51:53 Yeah, I can't take them enough. I don't know. I don't know what I did to deserve all them because they're so sweet. But you were sophisticated. Oh, thank you. That's, I think somebody had told me that. They're like, you're not Kylie Ray. the superstar, hear Kylie Ray from the laundromat on the street that they want to cheer for.
Starting point is 00:52:12 I was like, yeah, I can see that. Well, it kind of goes back to what we talked about earlier. I think there's a lot of fans that see a little bit of themselves or a lot of themselves in you. And like, your ring entrance is like it just screams, I'm so excited to be here. Gosh, which was actually like, it came across. I don't even know how, like, it was just a joke one day. Like I think I had seen somebody from, I think it was AAA.
Starting point is 00:52:40 I was watching just a highlight video of like all these Lucia moves I wanted to try. And somebody did a suicide died, but they didn't put their, they used their hands at their side. And they just dove out head first. And I was like, wow, that's wild. I would never be able to do that. And then one time, like, I had a run in, I think. And I just ran. And I was like, yeah, I'm going to just slide in like this.
Starting point is 00:53:02 So then I slid in and I came to the back. And like, everyone was like, oh, that was hilarious. blah blah blah and I was like okay maybe I'll just start doing it so like I don't know it's and I feel like that's how a lot of like the character stuff has come about is like I've genuinely just accidentally outspoken and it's been something that's come off either like awkward or like goofy and um I think they relate to that like we were talking about and sometimes it comes off very hokey and it's like awkward and not comical at all but then sometimes it works and it's fun. Well, whatever you're doing is working and you know this.
Starting point is 00:53:43 No, I don't think I know the extent. Like I feel like sometimes people or I don't know if I'm just downplaying it or what, but yeah, let's just say I'm just enjoying the journey. I'm very happy to be here. Well, and you know, like we talked about, this journey is really just beginning. like especially your journey with impact you know is only a few months in right now it's going to be so fascinating to have this conversation one year and two years and five years from now you know and i and i always make the joke i've been saying since my first day of training i got about two years left and then
Starting point is 00:54:20 like seven years later i'm like i got about two years left so like what's hard is like eventually one day I would like to hopefully settle down and start a family. So that's one thing that's hard as like a female performer. And I guess like some male performers go through this as well. But like just taking the time off to like give birth and like go through the pregnancy, that's something that like always consider. And then trying to like get back and ring shape after a pregnancy is going to be extremely difficult.
Starting point is 00:54:49 But I got time to think about it. I got about two years left. So we'll see. Another two years. Yeah, wrestling while pregnant may not be, you know, the safest thing. I would never. Oh, gosh, I couldn't even imagine. But there's, you know, but there's lots of women who have babies and then come back and have great careers. Yeah. And they look amazing while doing it too. So I'm going to have to ask for some feedback or some tips on what to do.
Starting point is 00:55:20 So, but yeah, there are a lot of people. It's just that making that decision to take that time off could be. But sometimes people don't have the option to make the decision. It just happens. Sure. That's beautiful. But. Right. Yeah. I'm very surprised at this conversation, by the way. Yeah. This has just been fun. Yeah. Right. I'm very interested in this, this pause that you had before signing with impact. Was there something that you read or spoke to or someone you spoke to or something that helped you kind of align yourself and be ready for what was next. No, not one bit, which is funny because that's the type of person I am where I'm like, it wasn't until after I already came back and had like that first appearance.
Starting point is 00:56:12 That's when people like I started opening up a little bit more and talking to people. And that's when I started realizing like, hey, mental health is a real thing. And like a lot of people suffer from it. And like, I don't know why it's not a more common topic of discussion to just talk about just like, not even just in wrestling, but in life. But yeah, like talking to a lot of other wrestlers, it just helped me get over some of the things I was going through, like helping talk and out and, yeah, realizing that it's okay to talk about. But initially, I'm so like just the spur of the moment type of person. And that first show back, like I got asked literally the night before. they're like, hey, do you want to work this match?
Starting point is 00:56:51 I was like, you know what? Yeah, I did. I was like, screw it. I was like, I had been like wanting to, but I just like, have you ever wanted so badly to do something? But like, just had in just a ridiculous amount of fear, like almost like a painful amount of fear that stopped you from doing it. So like that was kind of like the struggle. And then like the and it was my boyfriend who I ended up wrestling. And I'm pretty sure if it was anybody else, I probably wouldn't have done that.
Starting point is 00:57:22 But like, I trust him. And we've wrestled before. And I'm comfortable with him. And it was also going to be at a show where, like, a lot of my friends were at. So it was more, it was like, why not? And then once it was announced and I started getting like messages and messages, I was like, wow, this feels like a huge mistake. But like, we wrestled. And it was everything I needed.
Starting point is 00:57:47 Like after that match, it was just like a weight was lifted. And that's when slowly like I think like you started seeing me more. And then like the Instagram came back and the Facebook or the Twitter came back. And then I started like being able to. Because I was also, I went to like two or three different therapists. And like, yeah, it was a long battle. But it was I look back now and I'm very grateful for that because I know like I was hands down the tough. this hardship like I had ever been through my life and I think I came out a completely different
Starting point is 00:58:22 person in the best way possible. You seem like you're in a much better place now. Thank you. Not that I knew. I didn't know you. I didn't talk to you before, but you just seem like you're in a great place now and in a great headspace. I'm not crying. You're correct. No, I'm sorry. No, it's great. No, but thank you. I do. I think this is the most I've been at peace with myself in my entire life. That's great. Thank you. If we had had this same conversation a year ago,
Starting point is 00:58:52 when you were obviously very excited signing with AEW, would you have been in the same headspace? Absolutely not. That was my lowest point. Like a year ago today is probably, not just today, but a year and a month, like the June, July. Right.
Starting point is 00:59:11 Was probably the hardest time of my life. And I'm going to be honest, I don't even know if we'd be in this interview. Like I don't think I would have even had the courage to like respond to like doing an interview. I just I had no confidence. Like it wasn't like I had I was losing control of like my my muscles. It was to a point like it was it was detrimental. Like it was bad.
Starting point is 00:59:32 So like seeing like I've had that because like you know a year ago you start having like little triggers and like memories of like where your life was and like oh crap like remembering like oh yeah a year ago was that was. today a year ago and like just going through everything um i wasn't like yeah there were still some triggers but overall like yeah i feel like i'm i've grown from everything and i i genuinely feel good in life if that makes sense yeah it's accepted if that makes sense yeah well these you got the double thumbs up here or like this right yeah Very nice. Are there things you work on every single day? Yes. So like as far as like therapeutic wise, like self-care. Sure. I always try to take like a warm bath with absent salt. Every day. Yeah, it's it works. It does. Oh, okay. And I also, I listen to because I'm going to help me and I don't push religion at all, but church helped me. So like I listen to like a religious podcast every day. And then something that helps me is I have.
Starting point is 01:00:45 a diary with me and usually I just write um just anything like how I'm feeling like I'll write to myself I'll write to like God and just like try to think about like everything all the good in my life like what I'm thankful for and that stuff like I don't know if it's just like the movement or just like the release of just how you're feeling or what but it helps like writing truly helps I don't know if you ever tried it but no I journal and I quote I can't remember who it's from I'm sure we look it up. But the quote really spoke to me. It said, I don't know what I think until I write it down. Yes. It's so true that we have these thoughts in our mind and these ideas of what we think about something. But then when you have to put pen to paper and actually physically make the words with your
Starting point is 01:01:34 hand, you go, oh, wow, that is what I think. Yeah. I remember my first day journaling. And it was a year ago, probably June and I was so just angry that like my sorry my low battery came up that I was my writing wasn't even legible it didn't look like my writing like usually my writing my print is very clean and like bubbly and this was like I was just angry
Starting point is 01:02:03 like I was just right like there was a point like my muscle like I just had to get it out and then I slowly started like writing and like how it's feeling and like it's true like I I almost couldn't put, like I was so frustrated. I couldn't put into words how I was feeling until I got that little bit out. Like it was like almost like my tantrum. Like it was so weird, but like it's true. Like that's like our brain like telling us like, hey, like this, this is how you're feeling.
Starting point is 01:02:29 Try to like just like just realize or be aware like what is going on. So. And it's helped me tremendously like being aware of my emotions. Like, hey, I'm hungry now. I should eat. Hey, I'm starting to get anxiety. Hey, take a deep breath. Like, just little things like that. So it helps. Well, I think that you being so open about this and being so honest about it is going to help a lot of people who are struggling with this. A lot of people who are dealing with it and maybe don't know what to do. They don't have an outlet. And hearing someone like you talk about dealing with
Starting point is 01:03:06 makes them go, oh, I'm not in this alone. Oh, that makes me happy. Even if this can help just one person. Like, yeah, absolutely, because I know I needed it and it helped me tremendously. So fingers crossed, hopefully it works. Oh, no. There will definitely be people that go, this has helped me immensely. That's good. This has been great. I just love hanging out with you. Ah, thank you, right? I was like sweating initially and I'm like, all right, we're good. Like before we started or what? I just get nervous for interviews. Like I was telling like my boyfriend in the other room and I was talking about it. I'm so nervous for this. I'm so nervous. He's like, why? I was like, I don't know. But now we're like rolling. I was like,
Starting point is 01:03:46 I don't know why I was nervous. He was hanging out on FaceTime, basically. You've had a breath of fresh air, and I love it. It's great. Oh, we'll throw you. And I love that you're just, I love that you're sitting on the floor right now. It's so me. Like, people offer me chairs, like in locker rooms. I'm like, no, I'm good on the floor. I like it. I don't know. It's the thing. Well, I'm excited to see your match at Slamiversary. And I'm so excited for what the future holds for you and impact wrestling. Thank you. Me too. Stay tuned, right?
Starting point is 01:04:17 Yeah, yeah. All right. Thank you so much. Is Gemini around? Should we say goodbye to her? I think she's sleeping, though. Gemini? Yeah, she's sleeping. I'll tell her you guys and you said goodbye. Well, thank you so much.
Starting point is 01:04:31 Thank you for having me on. I appreciate it so much. I remember Slammiversary July 18th. This is she fun? Big thank you to Kylie Ray for this. Big thank you to you for being the best part of every single episode. Seriously. Otherwise, it's just me in my spare bedroom that I call an office using air quotes there. And it's just me standing here talking into this mic. And somehow
Starting point is 01:05:01 through the magic of technologies and the internets, it arrives in your eardrums. Isn't that amazing? Take a screenshot. Tag me. I'm at Chris Van Fleet. Tag Kylie. She is at I am Kylie Ray, let us know you're listening. Let us know what you enjoyed about this episode. And also, let me know who I should have on next. It'd be great to hear from you. I hope you're watching Slamaversary this weekend. I'm excited to see Kylie in the ring. I'm excited to see a lot of these matches at Slammiversary. You know, we talked about journaling. We talked about Kylie writing down her thoughts and how much that's helped her over the last year. So here's that quote that I said during the interview. It's from Joan Didion. And she says, I don't know what I think until
Starting point is 01:05:46 I write it down. Mmm. So good. Have the best weekend. Happy Slamaviversary. Be well. We'll see you next week. The Hammer Alley podcast, an 80s flashback mockumentary.
Starting point is 01:06:01 Back in the 80s, there were a thousand bands trying to make it in the world of rock, but there was one band that had it all. Hammer Alley. Whatever happened to Hammer Alley? How did they go from top of the rock? I'm looking for a music video. They're a band from 1987. Hammer Alley.
Starting point is 01:06:16 ever heard of then? To rock bottom. Dude, I was born in 1987. I can't believe he's doing this. Hammer Alley. Follow and listen on your favorite platform.

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