Insight with Chris Van Vliet - Summer Rae On Slapping Natalya, WWE Return, Total Divas, Why She Loves Watching AEW

Episode Date: August 10, 2023

Danielle Moinet (@daniellemoinet) is a former WWE Superstar who performed under the name Summer Rae. She sits down with Chris Van Vliet in Hollywood, CA to talk about her recent return to WWE at the Royal Rumble, appearing on Total Divas, the slap heard around the world to Natalya, her storylines with Rusev and Dolph Ziggler, becoming a dancer for Fandango, the heated promo she cut when her character broke up with Rusev, what her DMs typically look like, her advice for men trying to schedule a first date and much more! Sponsors:  MANSCAPED - Get 20% off and free worldwide shipping with the code CVV at manscaped.com    Quote I'm thinking about: If you want to make your dreams come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up. — J.M. Power For more information about Chris and INSIGHT go to: https://podcast.chrisvanvliet.com If you enjoyed this episode, could I ask you to please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/iTunes? It takes less than a minute and makes a huge difference in helping to spread the word about the show and also to convince some hard-to-get guests.  Follow CVV on social media:  Instagram: instagram.com/ChrisVanVliet Twitter: twitter.com/ChrisVanVliet Facebook: facebook.com/ChrisVanVliet YouTube: youtube.com/ChrisVanVliet TikTok: tiktok.com/@Chris.VanVliet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All systems are gathered. Ladies and gentlemen, Chris Van Bleleet. Well, here we go, my friends. Welcome back to another audio adventure on Insight. I'm CVV, Chris Van Fleet. It's episode 501. I hope you enjoyed episode number 500. Great conversation with the man himself, DDP.

But with episode number 5001 right now, I just feel like we're right back at the beginning again. Like that was just the first 500. And now it's a fresh start as we go towards the next 500. So we'll see you over the next 499 here and meet again at episode number 1,000. You may have noticed that I've been trying to record as many of these as possible in person like this one here with Summer Ray. We sat down inside the third wheel podcast studios in Hollywood, California for this one. There's just something about doing an interview in person that's so much.

much better. The conversation flows a lot better. You get to feel their energy, shake their hand, give them a hug. As good as Zoom interviews are, there's not that like quarter of a second lag. That's not to say we're not going to do any more virtual interviews. In fact, there's a pretty big one coming up for the next few weeks. And as soon as it comes out, you'll go, oh, it's true. It's damn true. Or something like that. I don't know. Please, if you enjoy this conversation, snap a screenshot and tag us. Summer Ray's real name is, of course, Danielle Monet. You can tag her at Danielle Monet. It's just her name. Mine is also just my name at Chris Van Fleet. If you're not already following the show, take a second right now to click follow or subscribe wherever you're listening to this right now.

There's a lot to get into with her, including her recent return to WWE at the Royal Rumble. Plus, why maybe we'll see her in AW? It sounds like she's not quite done. with wrestling just yet. And of course, that infamous slap heard around the world with Natalia. There's so much more, so much to get into. So let's do it. Please welcome the one and only, Summer Ray. Well, it is so good to finally have you on. We've been talking about this. Five years. Three, four years. At least like four years, like pre-COVID. And now we're doing this in person. Yes. So welcome to L.A. and I'm so glad we can sit down and do this. Thank you. I'm excited. This is the only way I would do it. I'm not like a Zoom.

person. Look, I'm not a Zoom person for the interviews either with the hand movement that we're doing here. I just, like, sometimes you have to do this. You live, you know, you live in Nashville, right? Yes. Well, kind of. I'm never really there, but. So you have a home there. Yeah, I have a home in Nashville and always traveling. I feel like I thought when I left WWE, I wouldn't be traveling as much. And now for work, I'm just open to it. And I feel like the more that I'm at home, the more I'm like, when's the next flight, where am I going next? Like, I felt. I found. a lot of people that after they leave WWE, they're like, somehow I'm busier than I was with WWE. I think it's the freedom. You can, you don't have to have your eggs all in one basket.

You can go somewhere. I can work and travel vacation-wise. So all these people think I'm on vacations, living the life, and really I'm working as well online and doing things online. So, yeah, it's freedom. Well, look, anyone that takes a look at your Instagram, you're wearing a lot of bikinis. Yes, you know, it's the, it's the uniform. I mean, you're wearing a lot of of bikinis in some very beautiful places. I think people just assume your job is like, you know, just look awesome and be shredded all the time. It would be nice. It would be nice that that was my only job.

But, yeah, it does pay the bills here and there. But as long as you're happy doing what you're doing, I think it's great. Were you doing something with horse racing? Yes. So I, 2020, maybe 2021, after the great pandemic. We don't talk about that. Post-COVID PC. That'll be in the history books.

Seriously. Yeah, I had a mutual friend that got offered a position with America's Best Racing, and she couldn't take it because it was a conflict of interest. So she goes, I met this one girl in passing. Actually, you know who it was? Lisa Ann. Oh, yeah. You know Lisa Ann?

I'm familiar with her work, yes. You're familiar with her work? Yeah, so Lisa Ann was a sweetheart. I met her at Serious Radio years ago. We followed each other on Instagram, didn't really chat much, and she was so sweet. She teed me off this. Um, full-time gig the first year.

We live streamed every month. I went from COVID getting no checks and no money to actually getting paid monthly from this company. And then they took me on the road. And to be fair, I had no idea about horse racing, gambling. But, um, you know, Dusty Rhodes always would say about me, he'd be like, just put her in a room and she'll figure it out. I love that. So I don't know if it's, I'm full of shit or what it is. But, um, yeah, but now through osmosis and doing it weekly for three years, I know.

know a lot about horse racing. Like, are you like the, you know, calling? No, I don't do the call. That guy is skilled. I can't believe. Whenever I hear anybody doing that. Oh my gosh. And the tone in his voice is amazing.

I started off color, um, being funny and like talking about the outfits of the jockeys and stuff. And, um, now I actually know a lot and I have good opinions. Um, so it's me, my producer, Dan. And then we have different people that come on and off. But I did my first Derby, Kentucky Derby last year. And that was a four hour live stream. You just love wearing the hats, don't you?

So the hats are amazing. They're so expensive. It's so stupid. That's like a $1,600 hat. For men, it's like... What? But I made sure they put it on my contract. But yeah, Cam Hat, she's in New York.

She's an amazing milliner. Didn't know what a milliner was before horse racing. That's a hat maker, right? Yes, it's a hat maker. It's like an old, I guess, like an old occupation that is dying. But yeah, it's cool. It's, you know, it's an interesting job. Jack of all trades.

So in between that and then walking in Paris Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week. So you can't really box me in. Yeah, you're a lot taller, I think, than people realize. Yeah, 5'10. Yeah, you're like built like a model. Yeah, which is the weirdest compliment that I get a lot is when people are like, you're in WWE. You don't look like a wrestler. And I feel like one thing that WWW.

does do really well is if you look at the women's division, there is diversity in different body types and it has come a far away since the Diva's era and like the Kelly Kelly era where a lot of women did look similar. So there's always more representation we can get, especially in professional wrestling. But it's weird. When I say that people are always like, you don't look like a wrestler. I'm like, oh, thank God. What's that mean? You were right on the cusp of the divas era and the women's Revolution. Mm-hmm. You were right on it.

Like there was still a divas championship when you were there. Yeah. Still a div, the butterfly title. The butterfly title. The butterfly title. Which I was shocked to learn you never won. Yeah. So I've never held a title.

Every signing that I have, everyone likes to remind me of that. But it's nice. It's sweet. Like everyone's like, you were so underutilized and you didn't get your, you know, your flowers. And I wish you would have done that. And the main thing that I always say to, everyone and the fans that consistently say that to me is I got my dream. Like there is a small

percentage of women in this world that ever get to be a professional wrestler and say they wrestled on the grandest stage of all in WWE, multiple WrestleMania's. And that was my dream. Like growing up, that's what I wanted to be. I wanted to be a WWDiva. And they were called divas. And that's what I looked up to. So I won the prize. Sure, that would be cool to have, you know, a title shot, but that didn't make or break my career. Me just being a part of such an amazing family and living out my passion, that's a win for me. Do you feel like there was a storyline you were a part of that as you were in it, you're like, oh, this could lead to the championship? To be fair, now looking back and going to the Royal Rumble last year, I don't think I ever really lived in the moments in

WWE. Like, I don't really remember, like, walking out in the crowd and being like, wow. Like, I was very in it. I was very, like, next thing. What do I do? And I think a lot of athletes can relate to this. It's like, okay, I got that. Okay, now I'm out of NXT. Like, where can I go here? Okay, I'm on this week. I'm on main event. How can I get on SmackDown? And so I never, like, I would have amazing. I had a double-seg match with Mercedes twice. And she loved it. And she was like, oh, let's pitch stuff. And I'm like, cool, but let's see if it sticks. Like, I just never really got my hopes up because so many things wouldn't stick.

And now, looking back, like, being at Mania, like, I made, not Mania, Real Rumble, I made sure to be present. Like, I was like, I want to remember this. Like, I had nerves, but it was different kind of nerves. Like, when you're still trying to make it and you're in it, you can't appreciate it. Like, it's so hard. And now going back, I'm like, oh, like, look at the. the crowd, look at St. Louis, Missouri. It was different. And yeah, I feel like it's weird.

Like you can't absorb it almost. Let's like, look, hindsight's 2020. And when you're in it, it's city to city and it's TV to TV and it's hard to sit back and go, oh, that thing we did last week was really great. Yeah. And my mom would always tell me that. Like, she's really great. Like during WrestleMania, she'd be like, go out in the crowd and sit there and take it in. And, you know, And I definitely was proud of myself. Like, I had moments where I was like, I'm proud of myself. Like, look at this, 80,000 people in Dallas.

Like, this was great. And I would have moments where I appreciated it. But it's weird. Like, I don't recall, I recall commercial breaks and seeing the crowd. And I was there, but I never, I don't know. Like, I never, like, really appreciated it until I left, I think. Do you feel like you replay those moments when you watch them back? Do you go, oh my gosh, I do remember that?

Yeah, I forget. I forget stuff, too. And it's weird. I mean, there's some YouTube clips with, like, especially the feud with Miro and Lana and Dolph and I that have like 100 million views. Like, stuff where I'm like, why does I have 100 million views? Like, she's shoving a fish in my face. Like, that's so weird. And I forget, but watching a lot of NXT.

it's interesting. Like, I'm like, oh, I used to do that. Like, I would forget my move. So I feel like if you don't use it, you lose it. And so recently I've been in the ring a little bit in Tampa, and I was like, oh, what did I used to do? And so I was, like, going through it. And I'm like, oh, that was cool.

But then I also, like, get the ick. I'm like, oh, God, I can't believe Saran. Like, I'll send it to Saran. I'm like, God, this is cringy. And she's like, oh, my God, don't send me my kicks. Like, that was horrible. You're giving people hope right now saying you got back into the ring. Yeah.

So recently, God, I think it was like in January, I went in the ring. Teneal was going back to the Royal Rumble. Wait, that was this year. Yeah, yeah. And she said when she showed up to the Rumble practice that all of the girls were like, where's Danielle? And she's like, what do you mean? She's like, Danielle, like she's in the Rumble, right?

And they're like, no. She's like, why the hell is she training? And I'm like, she's like, I don't know. She just wants the cardio. So it was interesting that girls thought I was like, like, faving them. Like, I'm going to tell, like, the girls, you know. Who does wrestling training for cardio? I know.

It was fun. I wanted to. Okay, so it made me happy to, like, get back in. I hadn't been in forever. And Natty and T.J. Have their ring. And I was like, you know, I see their class. I see them running high spots and stuff.

And I'm like, I want to, like, get back in there because the one thing that helps my anxiety so much is to watch wrestling. And when I watch it, I'm like, forget things in the world and I forget what's happening and it makes me really happy. So I was like, I kind of want to get in the ring. And so I went in and Natty like, oh, God, I'm really ruining our feud right now telling everyone how sweet Natty is to me. But she was like, okay, I'm not letting you take bumps. I'm like, no, I want to take bumps like the rest of them. So we got in and I wasn't as sores. I thought I would be the next day, but I definitely was like, oh, God, I'm so rusty. And the competitiveness, like, the competitiveness in me, I'm such an athlete through and through that I was like, this is horrible.

I have to come back in two weeks. Like, I can't, like, and everyone was like, oh, my God, you haven't been in for five years. Like, that was, you were great. And I'm like, no, it's horrible. My little choppy feet, like, just like little stuff where I'm like, oh, I didn't cover on it on the pin like this. And it ate away at me because I know I'm better than that. But it's a very positive atmosphere that they have down there with Natty and T.J. And it made me happy. Is there like a – do you have aspirations of getting back into the ring? Yeah.

So I miss wrestling. I personally wouldn't – personally, I have a bones sprung and vertebrae in my neck. And I have thoracic outlet syndrome. So I'm doing good. But at the end of my injury, I, like, I kind of had, like, the tingling in my hand where I couldn't really open doors. And that was, like, a little scary to me. So for me, I miss storytelling. I constantly write ideas and pitches down and, like, submit them to certain promotions.

And I have all these ideas and I miss it. And I do want to be a part of it again. I do think I have a lot more to give. And especially from, like, I was telling you, a standpoint. of being present in the moment, how I would do things so differently, so much more confident and so have fun with it, like so much more fun. I don't think I could wrestle every week and be in that role. And I don't think that's my purpose either. I think, you know, being able to highlight talent and pull the best out of them and being able to make them the main thing

and being able to showcase new younger talent and bring them up with what I know from the business, I would love to do something like that. There's a lot of love for you. Like when I posted on Twitter that I was going to be sitting down with you, you saw the amount of mentions that came in, the amount of questions that came in.

Yeah. People love Summerette. It's funny because they're mean to me. So I don't know. Like some people are, like I feel like Twitter, I have like my little group of girlies. Like they love me. The girlies and the gays.

love me and I love them. But it is weird that, like the blogs don't, like any kind of the dirt sheets. Like, when I came back for the Rumble and they announced me, people are like, why would they announce Mickey James and Summeray? Like, she's not a draw. And so I don't care. It doesn't hurt my feelings anymore. I've been in entertainment for like over a decade now. But it's nice to see that because I think wrestling fans, they're so unique and they're so sweet. Like, they can say really nice things where they are so nasty, but then the minute they see you in person, they love you. So it's just like, why don't they just be happy?

Well, everyone can hide behind a keyboard, right? Yes, for sure. And I think, you know, that's what's wrong with society a lot is people, a lot of people need to go outside and they need to touch grass. They need to take their shoes off. Yeah. And realize that, you know, the life is good and you can get sucked in behind the keyboard. And it's not real life.

And, you know, wrestlers, they put their body on the, the line every single week. Anyone that's even jobbing out, the extras that are having four-minute highlight matches in AW, they're putting their body on the line. We all are, and everyone, some people's injuries are worse than others, but everyone's doing this for the entertainment of the fans. And so the nastiness, like, I'll never understand that, you know? I don't get it either. Yeah. But I thought that when you were announced for the Rumble and then you came out for the Rumble, there was a lot of Lone. for you. Yeah, I was surprised. I didn't even think maybe I'd get a pop. Oh, come on. I don't know.

You never know. You never know. You never know. Yeah, which is funny. I'm like definitely hair dysmorphic. I'm like, oh, I look so different hair. Now my hair is like very blonde. It's like strawberry blonde. Yeah, like very strawberry blonde. So I feel like I look pretty similar. But yeah, the red hair was like, maybe they won't recognize me and maybe they won't care. And then I got a really big reaction. I'm like, well, that's really cool. So when you came out of the rumble. It was hilarious because you're running to the ring screaming, F you! I don't remember that. I definitely blacked out. I definitely blacked out. Again, I don't know how I'm on live TV like streams for like horse racing. I used to work for NASCAR and there was like all

this stuff where you can't curse and I'm just because of wrestling it's just F this, F that. Like I have the worst body mouth. So I don't remember that, but that went viral. Yeah. And I'm like, oh no. And so. I knew what I was given, you know, was two minutes, and I was going to make the best of it. So it definitely wasn't the FU. But Natty and I milked our storyline. You know, I was bummed that they announced me before because I felt like no one thought I was going to come back ever. And I'm so good at hiding stuff, like pretending that I'm somewhere else.

And I'm like, oh, I'm going to pretend I'm in Dubai or something. Save photos in a album? Oh, yeah. All girls do. Oh, no. Oh, yeah, for sure. And also, too, like, nefarious. Also, like, old, like, I travel so much that, like, I can put that I'm on a boat somewhere and I don't even have to

put that it's St. Bart. So, you know, whatever it is. I hid my hair color change. I wanted it to be when I was in Maximov 100. I wanted to debut on the red carpet. So I think I posted me with blonde hair for like a week and then I just showed up one day.

This is tricky. Yeah. So I remember when they said they were going to announce me, they literally called me Day of. And I was doing cardio. And it was Smackdown. And they were like, hey, we need to sell tickets. We're going to announce the twins. You, Mickey James. And I was like, Mickey. I'm like, don't announce Mickey. Like, she's the champ. Like, oh. And which is, I mean. She was the impact champ. Oh my gosh. And that's like such a no-no with WWE and like the forbidden door and everything like that. So I wasn't going to fight with them on me, but I'm like, I really think that's a mistake for Mickey. But like, wow, what company I'm in to be announced with, you know, with the twins and Mickey. I'm like, okay, cool. And then I'm like, I haven't told any of my friends.

Like I was fabing everyone. And so I was like, okay, now I have to call my best friend. So I like stopped doing cardio and I called like two or three people. I'm like, guess what? I'm going back. They're like, how long have you known? Three weeks? So when it came out that night, I will say that was cool.

The internet was like super excited. You know, even the haters were like, well, at least she's not back for good. Like, they're like, cool, I'll have one night, you know, or whatever. Come on, people. Most people were excited. And it's crazy because you just don't know if you're going to have a five-minute thing or a two-minute or whatever. So for me, I was like, I don't need to train. I'm fine.

Like, I, you know, it's like riding a bike, spin kick, spin, kick cover. Like, it'll be fine, you know? And so when we showed up, it's just so many moving parts. And I can't imagine having the job of the producers to do that. And as my first rumble, you know, I'll show up, do what you want. But I'm going to get my stuff over character-wise online and I'm going to get myself over. So, yeah. And everyone says that too, like, oh, you're only.

in it for a little bit. And I'm like, we all get paid the same. Well, not really. But like, I'm like, we're all getting paid. And what a moment. And I actually was so, so, so, so nervous backstage. So I'm like, oh, God, I only have like a little bit to get it out. And it makes the fans want more, you know? You don't go in there and mess up a 10 minute thing and then they never want to see you again. Oh, the fans want more. Yeah. So the fans want more. They want more like to this day. Yeah. So it's good. It was, it was cool. And I wore the same. same gear. And that was a big gripe online. Everyone was mad that I wore the same gear. You need to stop looking at comments. I know. I know. But it was like my gear costs $1,000.

I'm like, you guys are only paying me a certain amount. I'm not spending the money on that. Yeah. You know people. And I can still fit my same gear six years later. So you stay ring ready. Like you're, you have abs as you sit here right now. I just feel like there's so many things in life you can't control. and your job and your family and your health and boyfriends and girlfriends that, like, the things that I can control are working out, eating healthy or eating bad, whatever. And the effort that I put in when I show up places. And so you want to give me horse racing? Cool. I'll learn it.

Bitcoin? Sure. Teach me. Put me in the room with the smartest people. So I'm like a big person on control what you can control. and that's how I manage my anxiety. And the gym is such an outlet for me that I love it. Yeah, I'm going to be fit for my whole life.

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when you use the code CBV at manscape.com. Inside this package, I love that we keep saying packages, so fitting here. You'll find the lawnmower 4.0 trimmer, weed wacker, ear and nose hair trimmer, crop preserver ball deodorant, crop reviver toner, performance boxer briefs,

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I know. And I was thinking before, I was even thinking before this that I was like, do I like save him the whole interview and like keep the Natty thing? because even when I'm down training, Natty won't post me on her Instagram. Wow. We got to keep it up. And I'm like, yeah, I, before Natty leaves wrestling, we have to have our feet. Seriously? She absolutely crushed her double-sug match with Rea.

And it was so good. Natty is such a good trainer. And I think that's the one thing that people don't know about her is she's so patient. And when you've wrestled decades and it's just. in your blood, how can you not? Like, she probably knows thousands of pins. She's wrestled everybody, too. Yeah, and like every pin and roll-up possible.

She probably knows, like, 72 pins and roll-ups. I'm sure she knows 1,000 and 72. Totally. And so she's so patient, and her and T.J. are just so in love. It's so gross to see. Like, they've been together since they were, like, met when they're 13. I was actually just telling someone this.

like, they're 13 years old, and she's in the ring teaching us all. And he's just, like, looking at her. Oh. And, like, being in love. And I'm like, I hate this. What am I going to fight? Like, what is this? Like, aren't you sick of her?

I'm sick of her. Aren't you sick of her? But everyone comes back. Everyone comes back to that slap on Total Divas. Like, that was a legit slap. Yeah. She didn't know it was going to happen. No way.

Yeah, that was a shoot. Well, I didn't mean it. So, what had happened? Natty said people talk to her about the slap more than they ask her about Brett Hart at signings. And she's like, that slap will always be with me. I wonder how many views that has on YouTube. It's many millions. Let's a look at it.

So that was my first day filming Total Divas. So, tushay to the producers, because they really got me. And they were like, and I will say, they were like, if you're going to do anything like this to anyone in cast, Natty's the one. Because Natty's life is a work since she was 12 years old. So she gets it. And we showed up and they were like, we really want this moment for you to slap her. Now knowing what I know about Totally was I would have thrown the girl out, whoever slapped me without telling me. And I would have quit the show and never done it again.

Like we all had to have a big talk about physicality after this. And so we did two takes. And during the two takes, she didn't say anything that I felt like warranted a slap. So though it's not like. it's not scripted. I was like, if you tell me I look ugly, I'm not going to slap you because I know I'm not ugly. I'm like, you got to give me something more to work with. And so she said something about my age. And I was like, oh, you're not even going to lie about my age. But still. And then she said, you're on the verge of being a stripper. And I'm just like about

my looks or something like what I wear or something. I can't remember. And so I slapped her. and I was ready. Like I was ready for her to deck me. I was ready for her to completely hit me. And she stood there frozen. And she just was like, and I, you see, they had to edit the clip because it was so long and I went,

okay. And so I turn around and I like whip my hair and I start walking. Like what am I going to do? Like it was so weak. I couldn't believe. Natty Nyhart from the dungeon. Shocked, stumped.

And she goes, you get off my property. And she kind of like half pushes me, like so weak. And, like, it was the weirdest half push. And I kind of trip. And I'm like, get serious. And I, like, walk to my car. And I pull off.

They hit cut. And then I back up. And Russell comes out of the bushes. Everyone comes out of the bushes. And I'm like, he told me to. Oh, my God. He told me to. He told me too.

And she was like, no, it's okay. And I'm like, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. And at this point, I had only been on the main roster for maybe not even. Like, maybe not even. So I still was like very new, fresh meat, God. And there she goes, well, that's fine. Can we film it again?

And I'm like, oh. And she's like, I just, that's a weird reaction. Like, that's not how I would do it. And I'm like, oh, well, do you want to slap you? You slap me back. I'm like, I give you permission. Like, whatever you want. She's like, yeah, like, I just want to feel it.

Like, but can we film it again? And Russell's like, sure. But when we filmed it again, she flinched before I slapped her. Like she knew. And then watching it back too, you sound, being on reality TV is hard because I'm not talking like this. You sound a little like the camera's there. Like in some people. And you can see as the years went by, we all got more comfortable being on camera.

And so she kind of flinched. And I think she pushed me hard. I don't even know what the take was. And we end up going with the first take because she just like had no clue. And I think Steph McMahon told me at TV, she was like, you got a slap. You got a slap girl. And I was like, it's safe. And I'm like, it's safe.

It's right on, it's on the bomb. It's on the fingers. Stephanie McMahon is the slap queen. Oh, she's the slap queen. She gets the best slaps. She'll slap you in the ear. She slapped Big Show in the ear. If you ever had Big Show on, ask him about that.

But then don't your ears ring? Yes. Yes. She slapped the shit out of show's ear. And he's told me. So she's the slap queen. but it's wild. That slap you did to Rousseau.

Oh yeah. And she said the same thing when I came in the back and she was like, you had a vein in your forehead and I was like, yeah, because it was real. That promo felt legit.

It was. And it's funny because I feel like you guys were forced into that storyline. Yeah. So I'm trying to think if that's something

I've ever talked about on a podcast. I don't do a lot of podcasts. Well, I appreciate you coming on. I think you did. I think you talked about how TMZ kind of forced your hand. Oh, yeah. Yeah, yeah. So the Rousse of... Ring the bell as the podcast you're wrong.

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. The guy's great, by the way. He's great. He's so sweet. I just saw him. I just told him he needs to watch A.A.W. And he was like, I don't watch it. And I was like, there's a lot of hot guys on it. He's like, okay, I'll watch it. Yeah. But yeah, so the Rousse of Lanna, I'm like, are we calling everyone by the fake names? Rousse of L'AWRUs of Dahlth storyline was cool because it actually seems really organic, like, bringing and Dahl, you know, like having us do that. We all really enjoyed working with each other when it first, like, started happening. Me, what's it, single white femaleing her, like, pretending to be her and stuff like that was good. But yeah, when it definitely broke down with Lana got injured, I can't remember on what. And she was still learning how to wrestle at the time.

Like she hadn't wrestled much on the main roster. And so I was trying to teach her things as well as we were going along. Yeah, when the TMZ storyline got mysteriously leaked to TMZ, no one cares, y'all aren't Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, you know. That really set Vince off and like everyone because I don't know why, but we were like the favorite storyline of him. It was crazy. I think at the time, Sina had had a storyline for three and four months and we were going on three.

So it just wasn't something you were seeing, like, how they do nowadays, like amazing long storylines. The storytelling in WWE right now is just really coming around so differently. But it was interesting that we were like, and we were getting crossover position, like great, you know, positions. And so when it went there, he was really upset. I think the headwriters at the time were really upset too. because they had just been so invested of it. And I think the fans aren't dumb to know that there was never a payoff. Like, we never had a payoff match.

Lon and I never went back and forth. We never had the doubles match even. So clearly something went wrong in the storyline. And so, thank God we were in Chicago, the best wrestling crowd, in my opinion, in the nation, because Europe is great. as well. And don't disrespect Toronto and Montreal, okay? Well, recently, and Puerto Rico at the pay-per-view.

Puerto Rico's is hungry. Like, give us something. They're like, give me any promotion, something. Yeah. And then they got the top one. Yeah, no, Toronto just recently, that was amazing. I'm from Toronto, so I'm very biased. Well, the AEW that just was in Toronto.

Well, forbid, we can have a whole chat about forbidden door. But that was just like 10 out of 10. even collision was in Toronto. It was just great. Yeah, Toronto. And they went to Hamilton, yeah. Yeah, Hamilton was like, okay. I feel like the crowd wasn't as hot as they needed to be for dynamite for Hamilton.

But it still was good. It still was good. And it's so close to each other, too, that, like, I think they need to drive further. They did four shows over the course of whatever it was less than a week. For sure. That's a whole other conversation. And still to sell so many tickets. Like, I'm big AW-AW mark.

So, like, yeah, it was great. So Toronto's on. my Toronto's on my map. I think it's... Everyone thinks you're going to A.A.W. now, by the way. Oh, my God. Well, great. I would love to be at A.W. Tony, call me. But I think top wrestling cities are Chicago. This is in no order except Chicago's first.

Chicago, Pittsburgh, New York. So wherever it is in New York, if it's like Jersey or Madison Square Garden or whatever, it's just like, even when I lived in New York, I got recognized so much. And I'm adding Toronto on there. Thank you. I think Philly needs to be in there because of E.C. And so like the whole Philly Pittsburgh area, they love heels. And every time we would go there, we knew they loved teal.

So it was like, okay, if we have a promo, you got to really watch it because they're going to cheer you. And Boston, Boston, I proposed to Roussev in the middle of the ring in Boston. There is a direct, there's a direct correlation between how much people are invested in their sports team. Yeah. And how cold the weather is in that place. Yeah. And that's no disrespect, but like, like Tampa. Arizona, like, great, there's lots of sports there, but they're not die hard.

No, yeah. Like Chicago or Buffalo or Green Bay, Cleveland. Yeah, it's like, that's all they have. And they don't have like. It's a spectator city. Yeah, and like you don't have the beach to go to when your baseball team is also playing. Yeah, yeah, that's true. Like Miami, there's so many other things they can do, they don't care, you know.

Yes. We've gone off in a total other tangent because you were in Chicago. So what happened was, and this is actually, um, People ask me what my favorite moment in WWE is, and I think it was this. And also having the double-seg match with Srea and the next Taks. We're the first girls to do that. I hated it, though. I watched it back the other day, and I wanted it cringe.

But yeah, so when the Russov Lana storyline blew up in our faces, we're in Chicago, just happened to be. And I lived in Chicago seven years, Big Bears fan, so, like, people knew that. And usually I would get pretty solid reactions, even if I was on main event or something. I was like, oh, that's weird I'm over. And we found out that day. I think they called me into the office. I don't even think it was Vince.

I think the headwriters, like, called me. And they were like, hey, it's on TMZ. No one's bigger than WWE. That's a big thing for Vince was like, and Sina would always talk about that. Like, no one's bigger than WWE. And they don't want you to think that either. So like, oh, you want to go to TMZ and say you guys are married.

And that kind of ruins our storyline, which in my opinion, I don't think it did ruin it. It's K-Fave. But they wanted to announce it. But, yeah, like, you want to do that? We'll watch this. It's over. You're breaking up with him today. Do you want to write your own promo?

And I'm like, what? And yeah. And they're like, okay, great. We're going to put you together with a writer. You guys can go out and, like, write it. because I was I was pissed too. Like I was so mad. I was like, God, we just did all this.

There's no payoff. Like, what do I do? I'm on the European tour with them. Like, now am I kicked off European tour? Like, that's $15,000, like, I'm just not going on tour. So the whole thing, I was like so mad. And so Jimmy Jacobs and I sat in at the United States in the arena. And Jimmy Jacobs was like, not obviously new to wrestling,

but I think he was like newer at WWE. And so he was like, okay, we got to write this. And I just sat there and I really told him everything. I love writing promos. I love it. Like I want to write things for other people. I have this whole idea watching Jungle Boy turn the other day. And I was like, oh, I need to DM him and tell him this idea.

Like I have these ideas pouring out of me. And so we wrote the promo and I think he went and got it approved. and right before, and I was hot, like I was pissed. And right before we went out, Rousseff came up to me and he was like, I don't like this line. I don't think we should do this line. And I said, okay, well, I don't like that this just happens. So this is what's happening.

Like, what was the line? I think it was about him not having balls or something. Like, or being, I don't remember if I said that you're a little bitch. But he said something like this doesn't make sense. But then I also said to him, I said, I put you over. Like, Dusty's thing was always like, if you trash someone, then who cares if you beat them? So if you don't put them over first and then say like, oh, that was the hardest match. You know, like people in the NBA will be like, oh, it's a hard game, blah, blah, blah, but here we are.

Yeah, yeah. If you just are like, oh, it's so easy, I beat him this and that. And it's like, well, then why should we care? Yeah, so it's like if that person's a piece of crap and they suck. Well, if you beat them, who cares because they suck? Totally. It was like, that was the hardest match of my life. That was so forced.

Like, you know, Kenny Omega did a good job of that in the Scruff, scrum afterwards with Will Osprey. He was just like, that was the hardest. I can't believe we did that, you know? So, yeah, talk about, like, how hard it was. And so I told him, I'm like, I'm putting you over. We're talking about this and that. And, you know, it's more about, and then I also told them, too. I was like, I know you didn't do this.

And I know you're going to have a lot to deal with that. home as well outside of this work. So like let's just go out there. This is TV. Don't take anything personally. It's going to be good. And he was like, all right. And so we went out there and watching it back. I don't watch back a lot of my WWB stuff. I think it's so cringy. But washing it back, I loved it. I felt real. I was pissed. You can see the vein in my neck. Yeah. The slap was safe. And I didn't. know how the crowd would react and the interesting thing is the crowd reacted on things that I didn't think they'd pop on like I thought they'd pop on like you're a little bitch or something but

they popped on like you who wears the ball who wears a pants in the relationship or something I can't remember what it was where I was like oh they're so loud for that and I just remember the crowd was so loud that they didn't play my music on the out they just let me go up the ramp alone and I just was like oh that was so good it felt felt so good and I was imagining not Rousseff like when I was doing it. Like I definitely was like inserting a different character there and I got it out my system. And then I also was proud of it because I wrote it. And Jimmy Jacobs was so happy.

We came in the back and afterwards Jimmy was, I saw him recently. We talked about it. But he was like, oh, it's great. Like you made me look good. You know, like Vince was happy and everyone was happening. And Steph came out to me and she goes, girl, you slapped. And I said, yeah, I know. So was there an ex-boy?

friend that would have watched that going. Oh, that was directed at me. I'm usually like, so I usually don't let things get to the point where I'm like angry like that. If I do, then like you're really in trouble. So no, like I'm not a really big yeller, but I also didn't yell in that too. I feel like the best heals. And I also feel like when you're really in trouble and maybe you know this with your wife is that like slow serial killer anger. where I tell you, you really messed up and I hate you and I want you to die. And now I'm going to leave. Never fucking called me.

My wife has never said that to me, thank God. But like the calm serial killer, like, when I watch dramas, I'm like, that's the kind of heel. Like, you don't want to be like, roar, rah, roar. So I played baseball growing up. And a lot of my teammates that were really high-headed would get kicked out of games or whatever. I got kicked out once. I got kicked out of a game once.

And it was when I got kicked out, I didn't yell at the empire, I didn't get in his face. I just went, you're going to watch this back and you're going to realize that you're wrong. Yeah. And you're going to think of this exact moment right here when I'm telling you that you got that wrong. And he just stared at me like, what are you talking about? Yeah. And I was like, yeah, I got to him. Like, I got to him in that moment.

That's the kind of anger. Like, I'm disappointed in you. Yeah. Or even when heels, like, when babies turn to heels and they're like, I'm this guy. I'm like, no, tell the audience, you did this to me. You didn't appreciate me. So now I have to be a bitch and show you guys. Like, you know, like, it's like you have to like connect with people.

And if you're like, you're wrong, I'm players hear that every single day, you know. One of my favorite things that you would do is you would sing your theme song as you were coming down to the ring. Again, another thing I don't think I knew I did. How do you not know? I also like felt like it was awkward. to just walk. So I think I did it because I like, you know, like in Talladega nights where he doesn't know what to do with his hands.

Like, I feel like I just like didn't know what to do. So I was just like sing it. And I'm also like hate that kind of music. Like I, that music doesn't represent me as a whole, but I guess it's like summer Ray. So it just was like catchy. And all my like fans and like a lot of people and like a lot of my gay friends are like, that is such a bop.

I love that song. And I'm like, oh my God. It haunts my dream. Who gave you the name Summer Ray? Oh, that's a good one. So we were in FCW, good old FCW, and we had to submit names. And I remember, I don't know if this is still how it is in WWE, but you submit 10 first names. I don't know if I did first and last.

I think it was first. So I submitted the 10, oh, no, no, no, first and last. So I submitted 10 or seven or whatever, first and last names. And I remember, like, Dusty had an assistant, Rob Naylor. I don't know if you know Rob Naylor, but we became very close. He gave me, like, a lot of tapes from back in the day that I would watch because I really try to learn and absorb. I didn't just want to be, like, a model girl that was coming into the business.

So I sat down with him and we made names. And so my name that I submitted and it got approved because usually at that time, like, headquarters, they just wanted to name you. Like, they didn't care. And I had been there so long without a name. I had been there like three and a half months, and I wasn't able to have a match until I had a name, and I was ring announcing. So I was like, just wanted a name. And so my name was Kylie Summers.

And so I had submitted Kyle. I like to boy name for a girl. I still like that for my future kids. And I said, that's what we did. Really? Our daughter's name Logan. Oh, my God, I love that. Yeah.

Like, I love like boy names for girls or I don't know what girl names for boys. But yeah, I love what that's a great name. Congratulations. Thank you. So Kyle, okay. So Kylie, it came back, Kylie Summer. So I'm like, fine. So I showed Dream and Dusty goes, what?

And I'm like, Kylie Summers, he goes, what in the fuck is a Kylie Summers? He goes, hold on. Class is about the start because we have promo class every Wednesday. And he goes, hey guys, welcome the class, blah, blah. He goes, hold on a second. Danielle, come here. And I was like, oh, my God. Like, you never know a dream.

And I'm like, okay. And he goes, tell him what? in the F. They named you. Listen to this shit. And I'm like, Kylie Summers. And in my class, mind you, I had Seth Rollins, like Roman Raines, Ambrose, the New Day. Like, I had the most elite Brad Maddox, like the most elite class ever, right? So they're all sitting there and they're like, oh yeah, that's pretty sweet name. He's like, hell, no, it's not a sweet name. And it was interesting. Something that always stuck with me was he said, what was that noise, Dusty always said, your name will stick with you for the rest of your life, what you have for the rest of your life.

But in that moment, I was like, dream, I just want to name four months. And it takes a while for the name to come back from headquarters. And I was like, oh, I just want a name. And he goes, for the rest of your life, might as well be on your tombstone. So I said, okay, Kylie Summer's fine. What about Summer? Because it was Summers. And he was like, yeah, okay, I like that.

And he always wanted, he said the best name was one or two syllables for the first name. And then the last name to be, or he wanted the full thing to be one or two syllables. So someone could be like, Summer Ray. Or like it couldn't be like a really, really, really, really like long name and long last name because people can't chance it. And I was like, okay, that's interesting. And so then he also said whatever the last letter of your first name is to make it the first letter of your last. So Summer is an R, so I needed to pick an R last name because it rolls off the ring and announcer's tongue more.

So, like, Dream had, like, all these isms. It was crazy. So I looked up, it was like ray-ish sunshine, like summer. And I was like, okay, so I think I put R-A-Y, which is a very famous Instagram model, Summer Ray, R-A-Y. So I'm glad I didn't pick that. And then they came back with R-A-E. And that was my name, but I was a Kylie. And there's there's so many layers to that story.

I know. Dusty every I have like so many things Dusty's told me that I think about. Everybody has a great Dusty story. Yeah. I love how money you've shared with us just off the top of your head. It's just great. Dusty was the only person that believed in me like super early. I wasn't being put on the weekend shows for FCW. We do the loops.

Back then you didn't have a day off. Like you worked every, back then I sound so old. But, um, I, his show. was the Thursday show at FCW on Dale Mayberry, and he would put me on all this. He's like, you're ring announcing. I never was off. He's like, no, he's like, you're so pretty. Like, you're going to be in front of the crowd.

You need to be in front of the crowd. I'd be in a tag match. Oh, your guest refereeing, if I didn't know how to, you know, wrestle. I was like, okay. And he's like, I'm making you GM, your general manager. You can speak. He always was like, you're good on the mic. And so it was great.

I think it was really good for my confidence so early on. And just to know that, like, Dusty Roe. was in my corner. Yeah. You know, it was, it's just so great. I hear him all the time. He would always tell us, especially when I was on raw valet, he would always say, do it first and ask for forgiveness after. And then he always would say, too, go as big as possible because they can always pull you back.

But most of the time, people will never push you because they don't know how far you can go. So show them everything and then have them go. no, no, no, no, come back. And I'm like, okay. So I think about that stuff now, like with modeling or being on air and apologizing later, just doing it, especially with live TV. The United States Soccer Federation present the U.S. soccer podcast. My name is David Goss, and I'm joined by my co-host, Megan Clemenberg. And now we're giving people an inside look at the World Cup.

Time's ticking. I think you can feel the intensity. All the guys are wanting to really stake their claim, and they want to be on that World Cup roster. There's no doubt about it. Hosting the World Cup on the home soil comes with its pressures, but we're just really excited just as the people are. The U.S. Soccer Podcast, presented by Henko.

Follow and listen on your favorite platform. It was interesting talking to Fandango about his debut and working with you. He's like, I had no idea. A ballroom dance. I don't know how to dance. Oh, my God. They sent us to dance classes. Bullshit.

Like, I took two classes and they were like, go. He was the worst dancer, too. Oh, my God. I think Kurt took like 15 dance classes. But he was dancing with an actual professional for the first few weeks. Yeah. And then you got the call. Yeah.

So they were having an extra every other week, like a different girl in each city. But then they repeated one girl, which is a mistake, because then the fans liked her. Sure. They get used to her. A fandango girl. Totally. So then it's like the fandang girl. So then you're having to fly someone.

Yeah. So then you might as well. fly one of us, you know? So it's like... Probably better than teaching someone dance moves every week. But like hire a local dancer wherever you are, but it was probably more work for them or whatever. And so then came London. They were going to Europe and it was the O2 Center. Yeah.

And you can't bring Fandango Girl over there because she's not an employee and she's not an independent contractor. So they were like, oh, all right. We'll bring summer. I have no idea why they pick. Well, they probably picked me because at the time it was like Saraya. She's not going to be the dancer. evil ease she's not going to be the dancer you know so it's like people that didn't pick you know fit the role visually i guess so i remember they sent me over there and i remember hunter took me down

the ramp i think it was at o2 center and he gave me a crash course he said and which i love this is great advice from hunter he said it's not about you it's about him you're going to be a valet this is what china did when she was with dx she always looked at me she never looked at the camera she you're always looking at their person, you're putting them over. If they get too close, if they move, you move. You're always behind them. Oh, it drives me nuts when I watch some valet girls now, and I see them in the front. It's not about her.

And China was, you know, visually, like, how can it not be about her when you look at her? So hearing him say that, I was like, okay. And he was like, this is a one-off. We're going to do this. And then, you know, you're going to go back down. I said, tell me less. Let's do it. We did it.

And then they messed up because it was Chris Cherico. The whole feud, he grabs me as part of the gimmick, grabs me, spins me, dips me in my debut. So if I wasn't in the shadows, now I'm definitely not in the shadows, me and, you know, one of the greatest. And he's dipping me and they make it about me, Fandago throws a fit. Well, shit, that looks like a debut for Summer A. I think I did the whole tour with him, the dark shows and everything. Then I go back the next week, Fandango Girl comes up and Twitter loses their mind. Start trending on Twitter.

I can't believe, which is funny because they all threw a stink because they wanted her. And when I was got when I was up there, I can't believe she's not there. Justice for Summer Ray. All this stuff. And I say this to be like, people think that the internet doesn't matter. But the wrestling community and the internet can make changes. Like the divas revolution. They really listen to it.

W.E. A.W. for sure listens to it. Tony. And they went in the stink. And I thought it was cool. I was at home like, oh, I'm trending on Twitter. Never in a million years would I think they'd be like, all right, bring you're back. And I remember they brought him back.

And I can't remember. I see the arena in my head. I don't know what city. And the hunter goes, well, I guess you're on, kid? And he's like, they want you. He's like, but remember what I said. He's like, let's go do a walkthrough again, you know?

And he was like, it's very important. Like, we're putting a lot in Fandago. He had just come off his WrestleMania match with Jericho, which even the girl was there. The Fandago girl, I'm like, that could have been my moment. And so we had a really good run. And I think pivoting is good. Kurt always knew how to – he was open to using me, like, as a valet.

He was great. A lot of the boys don't like having a girl and don't understand that. They think it's the beginning of Job Fest 99, you know, having a girl. And I think some of the greatest know how to utilize a valet, even if it's a man, you know, with Hayman. Well, we can have a whole chat about Heyman. He's the best. But, um. The best.

Yeah. And like, I remember, um, RVD knew how to use girl. Like when we had a match, he's like, oh, I'm so happy summers here. Let's use summer for the spot. You know, and I remember even there was a time where I really messed up a match bad and interfered at the wrong time and I effed it all up. And even after that, Kurt was hot, but he was like, all right, well, let's forget about it. Next town. And so, you know, Fandango, Kurt was like the best partner.

But I think what worked really well for us was we weren't friendly, we weren't chummy. We weren't like sitting next to each other, buddy, buddy. met at the curtain and kept it like super professional and there's no drama when you do that. When you say that wrestling fans are vocal and are, you know, willing to speak their mind, I'm so curious what your DMs look like. Yes. It's a lot of like, it's a lot of selfies like this. Like men don't, men don't know how to take selfies for some reason.

So it's a double chin selfie and they're like, and it's not just wrestling fans because in my girls group chat, we screenshot and we share the pictures. Oh, sure. Yeah. So even like when you're dating a guy and you send you a selfie, I'm like, what is that? Like, guys, guys. This is a good angle. This is an angle.

Mirror picture, perhaps. Even though that's like an ick for some girls. That Instagram request area must just be a wild wild west for you. Sometimes the ones that creep me out or that worry me or when it's every day for six years. Because I'm like, that's a lot of commitment. And even if it's not like threatening or sexual, it's like, I'm going to leave that in there for the FBI. Like in the future, like, if he needs to get in there and, like, look, like, he's been there.

But, yeah, my DMs are, like, actually not that exciting. I do not believe you. It's, like, no one, like, it's no one, like, asking me out on date. Like, well, it's like wrestling fans. You have 1.7 million followers on Instagram. Yeah. I'm sure every day you're getting dozens of very interesting messages. I'm getting, like, weird messages, but it's, like, come back to wrestling.

I'm your biggest fan in India. And also, by the way, you have nice feet. Yeah, like, or, like, yeah, like, show me your feet more. Like, it is, like, stuff like that, but it's not like, I do get, like, really weird ones, but it's every now and then it's never, like, people shooting their shot. And I think, um, I think it's because people think I won't see it with 1.7 million followers. They're like, that's too many. Like, I'm going to go get a girl.

even a girl with 100,000 followers, I think a lot of my guy friends that are dating, they're like, oh, she's so pretty, but she'll never see it. And I'm like, I see all of my DMs. Don't put that out there. So I'm just like telling everyone, like, shoot or shoot, like, because my, even my girlfriends are like,

stunning and so pretty and successful and single and just like super single and like don't find guys. And I think, I think guys, it's a hard climate right now for me. men as well because they want to be respectful. They don't want to meet too too much. But then they're like don't want to have rejection because rejection's hard. So I do think it's hard for men. It's tough to know your spot, right? Like the gym's a great place to meet someone who has a mutual interest of like being in shape. But you never want to approach someone at the gym. That's always such an awkward thing. I did an interview when I got Maxim Hav 100 my first time. I did an interview saying,

do not mess with me in the gym, hat down. It's a bad place. But now that I'm older and I'm realizing I don't go out a lot. Like I'm like a social drinker in this, but like I'm not in the bars every night. And I don't want a guy that's in the club every night, you know? So why would I go to a bar? Who do you want? By the way, are you single?

Yes. Okay. Yes. I'm single. Oh, boy. We're going to hook you out here. I know. This is what the podcast is really about.

We should have started with this. I'm single, but it is true. It's like, why would I go to the bar and find someone? Because that's guys that are in the bar. So even, like, my sister is, like, super into cooking. I'm like, oh, you need to, like, go take a chef class. Like, find a chef, like, something. So it's this interesting concept that I've told my girls because,

though I'm an extrovert, I'm very introverted, and I love being at home. And you're not going to meet people at home. So the things that I do all the time is I do go to the gym. And going to the gym, you don't have to have abs, but it's very important to be healthy in a lifestyle and have a similar lifestyle to mine. So that's something that I do look for at a partner. So it is like, oh, maybe I do need a smile to people. Maybe just take the, maybe work out a few times without the AirPods. Oh, my God.

Because the AirPods are. Music is so good. And right, the music of the gym is so bad. Oh, my God, so bad. It's a Slendy on. And Matchbox 20 You're like Which I love but like not for lifting

Yeah AirPods are like the signal Of like please do not talk to me Yes These are in My friend who you don't even know Who lives in Nashville texted me on my way here

And it's like Daniel doesn't know me But we work out of the same gym Yeah And I'm like oh my gosh You should say hi So I think what it is For dating advice

From a woman to a guy Is I think it's the lingering Like it's You know It's okay to tell a girl Like I also do you think it's a little aggressive if you're like, hey, I just wanted to interrupt and tell you you're so beautiful.

That's nice. And then you go. Like, you go. If that's a gym you frequent or a coffee spot, you frequent, it's not the first time she saw you. She might have not saw you before, but now she's like, oh, my God, that's so nice. And it's not creepy. It's not like, hey, you got a fatty. Like, you know, it's like, oh, that's nice. But I also think, too, like, you know, maybe like, oh, hey, like those are cool sneakers. Like, what kind of shoes are those? Wouldn't you prefer someone talking about anything other than the way you look? Yeah. It's not a great opener.

But I don't, I don't, it's also nice if it's like genuine. Like, hey, um, hey, I've seen you in here a lot. Um, you really work hard. Like, that's really, um, that's really admirable of you. That's a great line. Oh, cool. Like, yeah, like, oh, wow. Thanks.

Men are taking notes out there right now. Yeah. Because then in my head, I'm like, oh my God, I've never seen him before. And honestly, it's not even because I don't find you attractive or I don't like you. It's just because. I'm in my zone. I have one hour. Like, I'm busy.

So I need to get in and get out. So I think also, too, like so many people were in our phones all the time, women especially. So putting your phone down. But, yeah, not lingering. And I also think don't ask for the number right then and there. Like, you're at the gym. Like, you're at the coffee shop. Like, you'll see them again, like building that friendship and then be like, hey, we should go out some time.

Because even me being single, it happened to me recently. coffee shop, like, I always say I want to meet people organically. And then he came after me. He's like, hey, I'm so sorry. I saw you in there. And I just had to come up to you and ask you, like, would you want to get coffee with me sometime? Like, what's your number? And I was so like, and then I'm like, I think everyone wants to kill me and like, like, rob me. So I'm not giving, who are you? So I'm not, and it's famous or not. Like, I just feel like that's dangerous for women, too. So like, I'm like, I'm not going to give him my number. So by default, I was, It was like, oh, I have a boyfriend.

I'm sorry. So I shut down. So, you know, it's nice if it's a place you frequent and you can give like a nice compliment. I met my wife on Hinge. Really? And wow, I feel like there's so many couples that I'm hearing that about. But I also struck out a bunch. And like, we could get into a three-hour-long conversation about that.

It also sucks because you start to build this idea in your mind of who that person is based on five photos in three sentences. You're like, oh, my gosh, there's a photo of them with their family. Like, oh, man, Thanksgiving with their family would be so great. And you're, like, creating this entire story that doesn't exist. Yeah. Or you'll, like, match with someone. You hit it off for a few messages and then they never respond ever again. Yeah.

And then it's like they're not not responding because they're not interested in you. It could literally just be Thanksgiving. Or they're so busy. Or they stopped using it or they got back with their ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend or... So timing's another thing that's really good. When you really think about it, like, even Instagram, Instagram's the worst. Like, guys use it as a dating app. Like, it's just so.

And then girls use it because they want to get more followers. And, you know, it's just like this slippery slope. But really, at the end of the day, it has to be perfect. Like, you have to be in the right frame. The timing has to be right. Your ex can't be in the picture. Like, it really has to just be, like, this divine timing. So.

Are you on Raya? Yes. That's great. Right? No. I didn't, I didn't get approved on Raya. I don't like it. I think for girls, it's, I think for guys, it's,

probably gold mine because the girls are like gorge and great. But even then like nothing really comes from it. Like I did go on a date with one guy. And he lived in Paris and drove a Ferrari. Oh, that's another thing there in different areas where I did go on the day and he did like fly in to meet me. And I thought, I was like, wow, that's like so nice. But it just like wasn't there. I don't know. That's another thing with me too. I'm very much like not attracted to, not even physically. Like it's, I don't know what my type is, but I'm like, hard. When I see it, I see it. And I'm open to dating. I actually canceled a date last night. Oh, no. No, but he didn't.

Dating in L.A. is not great, by the way. Yeah. And so I was like, oh, I'm in L.A. and he was like, oh, I'd love to take you dinner. I was like, okay, great. Three weeks ago, he's like, I'll make a reservation. I'll make a reservation at Nobu. Sounds great. Well, we'll get ready. He didn't make a reservation. So then I'm like, great. He seems great. And we actually have a mutual friend that was like trying to introduce us. So I was like, I'm open. I need to be open or whatever. And so then he texted me, he was like, hey, like, what time do you land?

Also, this is what I was thinking if you want. And this is good for men to know. I'm going to put this out there for you boys because I don't think you guys understand. He was like, great. If you want to come over by me, you can park in my parking garage. And then we can go walk and get some food. There's a bunch of good restaurants around here. I see what he's doing.

Okay. So for me, that's cool if I know you, if we've been dating for a while. I'm a casual non-heim maintenance girl, even though I look like it. So I'm casual. I'll go walk, whatever. I'm in town for two nights. I have a spray tan at 9 p.m. You told me you're making a reservation like a couple weeks ago.

You had a month. Do we not have a reservation? Because it's L.A. Like on a Thursday. How do I know we're going to get in there? So instantly, I'm in my masculine. I'm trying to plan in my head and like figure it out when I just want to show up and have a nice date and have, and usually men want to provide and like impress you. And so I think there's this like relaxed feel to dating now where it's like, I care less.

I'm cool. It's no big deal. You didn't ask if you want to pick me up. Like I don't want you to pick me up because I have something later. but like ask, and also what part of town am I on? Am I in Hollywood and you're in Santa Monica at 6 p.m.? It's taking an hour and a half. Why do I have to come to you?

That's convenient. I just flew in. So it's like little things where I would do it, but I think it spills into a relationship where like you had a month to make a plan. You can't make a plan. Am I going to start to have to book your travel for you in the future? I hope this guy listens to this episode realizes it's him and goes,

oh, damn. You know? I could have done that thing that takes. two and a half minutes to do. Yeah, and I'm exhausted. So I was like, you know. I could have got an open table and got us a reservation. Or get it, too.

If you don't know what the girl likes, this is so impressive. If you don't know what kind of the girl, the food, like food, the girl likes, make an Italian reservation and then make sushi. It's a little niche, something really like sushi. And then do something where it's like steak and say, hey, I didn't know what you're into, so I made two reservations. You pick. The bottom line out of all this.

Oh, my God. You're saying shoot your shot. Imagine that never happens, man, that's free game. So look, we could talk for 17 more hours, but I do have to wrap this up. Or else they're going to get very maddie. I'm so sorry, guys. The question I end every conversation with, and I'm so happy that we got to sit down and do this, and I'd love to have you back on the show.

Gratitude is such an important part of my life. So I end every conversation asking, what are three things in your life that you're grateful for right now? Oh, that's a good question. I'm very thankful for the health of my family. My grandma is 94 years old. The wrestling fans love her. I put her on my Instagram all the time. She's alive and kicking.

Everyone in my family is healthy and I'm healthy. So I'm very thankful for that. I'm thankful to have a lifestyle that makes me happy and not feel like I'm confined. So being able to like utilize my skills and make money how I do. I'm very thankful for that. And then I'm very thankful, I'm very thankful to have a good support system in friends. And also online because though I read the bad comments, people are really great.

And I'm really thankful to have a really good group of friends because they don't have to keep me grounded. I don't have a big head. Like, but if I ever got like that, they would check me. But also, like, I, you know, I struggle from, like, general anxiety disorder. I have crazy crippling anxiety once a year. And in those times, like, they're there for me. Or if I just want to be alone and not respond back to people for two weeks, that's okay with them too. They're not like, where were you?

It was my baby shower. You didn't respond. It's like, do you. So I just have this, like, amazing group of people. I just walked Miami Swim Week, and I have three different sets of friends. come from different places in Florida and watch me. And so when stuff like that happens, like I feel so special and I feel like,

oh, I don't have a family and I don't have a husband, but I must be doing something right that I just have people like, sit like, I had like maybe 15 people fly to the rumble. Wow. So good group of friends. I'm very thankful for them. I love that. I'm thankful for you.

Thanks for coming in here. I know you've got big plans for the rest of your time here in L.A. Yes. Please say hello to everyone there. I will. We're hanging out with a bunch of girls from WWE this again, so it'll be fun. Thank you so much.

Thank you. All right, my friends. I'm so curious what her DMs are going to look like after this. But I mean, she's basically saying, dudes, shoot your shot. You know, what's the worst that can happen here? So I feel like we might be seeing Summer Ray slash Danielle Monet in some sort of wrestling promotion at some point,

maybe this year or next year, I guess we'll see. If you enjoyed this episode, please snap a screenshot and tag us both. It's just our names at Danielle Monet, at Chris Van Fleet. And please follow the podcast. I mean, we're 501 in right now, but I feel like we're just getting started here, baby. Some really, really big interviews coming up over the next few weeks. I mean, we've got a great conversation with Shelton Benjamin. You might have seen me talk about that recently.

down with him in Las Vegas for that one. Hurricane Helms. Great interview with the hurricane. Sat down with him in Detroit for that one. Billy Corgan joined us inside the Las Vegas studio, the Blue Wire Studios. So there's just three. And then you heard the little hint that I dropped at the start of this episode. Oh, it's true. So that one will be coming up at some point. I don't want to say too much and give it away of who it might be. This is one of my favorite quotes and it has been for years. remember on like MySpace? Like of course you remember MySpace, but you could put your bio there. My bio had this quote on it.

It probably might still. If my, I think my MySpace is still there. MySpace.com slash Chris Van Vleet. But this quote has really stuck with me for a long time because I feel like there's a deeper meaning to it. If you want to make your dreams come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up.

It's from J.M. Power. So like, it's the idea of, of course you have to wake up if you're dreaming. But also like you've got a, wake up and figure out what is the next step that you need to take towards making these dreams come true. You know what I'm saying? Be great. Be grateful. We will see you on the next one for some more insight. Jim Rome takes on sports. Why? Because I have a job to do with rapid fire takes. So I don't want to hear from you lava pigs on this notion today. No idea what you're talking about. You're complaining more

than you like to breathe air. It's like you get up in the morning only to complain and cry and moan on social media about things that you don't even understand. He's the spitfire of sports smack. Take advantage of it, but get up in here. The Jim Rome Show podcast.

What should be? Follow and listen on your favorite platform. You've been warned.