WWE Raw News, Producers, Writers; Interview Notes (Patreon)

• We're told neither 3 hours or 2.5 is an official length for WWE Raw moving forward, but they do have the idea that there will be a time each week they try to hit.

• WWE had dark matches planned all week for WWE Raw, so the time was not a surprise to them.

• Alexandra Williams was listed as the writer for the CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre promo

• Chad Barbash was listed as the writer for Gunther's promo

• Ben Saccoccio was listed as the writer on Rhea Ripley and Nia Jax's segment

• Penta was backstage throughout the day and wasn't hidden.

Producers

• WWE Main Event: Kayden & Katana vs. Pure Fusion Collective: Molly Holly

• WWE Main Event: Joaquin Wilde vs. Pete Dunne

• Chad Gable vs. Penta: Jamie Noble

• Sheamus vs. Ludwig Kaiser: Abyss

• Dakota Kai vs. Lyra Valkyra: Petey Williams

• Sami Zayn vs. The Miz: Shawn Daivari

• Rhea Ripley promo: Jason Jordan

• Damian Priest vs. Finn Balor: Michael Hayes & Bobby Roode

• Dark: LA Knight vs. Shinsuke Nakamura: Jason Jordan

• Dark: Bayley vs. Nia Jax: Jason Jordan

Richard Holliday

Fightful caught up with Richard Holliday at WrestleCade in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp spoke with Holliday for nearly 15 minutes.

The conversation begins with Sean complimenting Holliday’s mustache. He says he’s proud of his ability to grow a mustache and Compares it to having a great head of hair. Sean then asks Holliday about some people in the industry who have good mustaches. Holliday says he’s spoken to Hangman about his and that Hangman is growing a beard. Dax Harwood is also mentioned in the conversation.

Sean mentioned Holliday’s social media presence. Uses “give me my flowers” as a recurring theme. He said people are so quickly tempered.’ I could say anything, and he said it with a certain confidence. People believe his statements, delivered with conviction, intentionally rile people up. Attributes online controversies and debates to helping his social media engagement. Acknowledges receiving flowers from fans at events, seeing it as a unique and underappreciated gesture.

He confirmed the report that he had a WWE tryout, which he described as a great experience. He said he had great, productive conversations with Tony Khan. 

He recalled the evolution of his role in The Dynasty. He said he played a silent character initially but later developed his persona, getting success. He told Sean that he did not talk in their first promo. (Writer’s Note: The Dynasty included Richard Holliday, Alex Hammerstone, Gino Medina, and MJF).

When the topic of GCW came up, Holliday said he loves GCW. He praised GCW as one of the top wrestling promotions globally, emphasizing its independence and reach. He also said he appreciates the flexibility and creative freedom GCW offers.

They spoke about D12. (Writer’s Note: Yeah, that D12.) Holliday acknowledges D12 but feels it is less impactful or memorable than Eminem’s solo work. He compares D12’s significance to Paul McCartney and the Wings, emphasizing that it is not a standout act. Sean mentions that Paul McCartney wrote the worst Christmas song ever.  (Here is the link to that Christmas song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94Ye-3C1FC8)

You can follow Richard Holliday on X and Instagram @MostMarketable. You can also purchase his Coffee at https://linktr.ee/RichardHolliday.

AJ Francis

AJ Francis
Fightful caught up with A.J. Francis at WrestleCade in Winston-Salem, NC. Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp spoke with the TNA star for a few minutes and discussed numerous topics.

The interview began with Sean and the former NFL player joking around when Sean asked him if he would be a defensive tackle for his Cincinnati Bengals. A.J. said, “Oh, no, I'm done with that. No, no, no. I don't want to play football anymore. You got to realize, brother, I played football for 16 years. I’ve had enough football for one life.”

Sean mentioned that Francis worked with Joe Hendry. Francis said that Tommy Dreamer gave him the opportunity. Francis noted that Dreamer didn't let people influence his decision, and he has been given endless opportunities.

KC Navarro’s name came up, and A.J. says KC fits in like a glove. AJ added, “He's talented, he's young, and he's hungry. AJ noted, “If you know the right people and the right people, you coast. You rest on your laurels because you know you're going to be alright either way. I have had to do everything but that my entire career. I've had to scratch and claw for every single opportunity. So I like somebody that's hungry. That's why I like KC.

Sean mentioned that A.J. recently worked with Muscle Man Malcolm. A.J. says he is willing to work with more influencers. He even tells Sean that he would like to work with him. Francis said, “The only place in the world you could be a babyface is standing in the ring with me, right? So I love it.”

Francis says he is open to wrestling anyone. He added, “People are afraid to wrestle women. I wrestle women. I wrestle people of the trans community. Everybody. I respect everybody, and I’ll wrestle anybody.”

Francis says he cannot wait for Sean to go for his drop-toe hold and for him to stand there, look at you, and watch everyone around you laugh. Francis tells Sean to get it booked. Francis says Sean’s money will go to charity, and his would go to a woman named Charity. 

You can follow AJ on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @AJFrancis410.