Charlotte Flair

27:14The NFL never stops and neither does its newest podcast. The NFL Report, hosted by me, Andrew Siciliano. It is your home for everything football. Williams, drifting, sprinting for space, in all kinds of trouble, put it up for next. He is a stick! He got it! For the touchdown! They've done it again! We're tapping the biggest news stories, giving you expert analysis, fantasy previews, game picks, and more. We fly around every single place. We dominate every single place. Want to hear from the league's top stars ahead of the biggest matchups? We've got you covered. They're a really good football team.

27:52We've got to have all hands on deck. Join me and an all-star cast of analysts for everything you need to know from around the league. Get new episodes of the NFL Report Monday through Friday all season long. Listen to the NFL Report podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. She's probably more nervous that you're sitting there watching.

28:16Steph McMahon:I'm going to be there at the rehearsal. Yeah. So she'll, and I'll try to be exactly where I'm going to be. During it. During the show. But she knows where we sit. Assuming we're still sitting. Yeah. Okay. Wait, is your mom and Hunter nervous? Everybody. Yeah, and so what's really cool is we're going to interview the grandparents. So we're going to get their comments and advice to Vaughn. Before she goes. Before she goes. And just, you know, for us and for her. For her to have. Her grandparents will forever give her this message, whatever that may be. Yeah. you know because life goes fast it does it really does and once you again have perspective of that it's like what matters most you know and I struggled a lot with coming home because I mean I'm still doing a lot of stuff obviously but like I was an executive like working executive and now Yeah, pretty much.

29:29Steph McMahon:And now it's like, am I less of someone now because I'm not? And do I have to still prove it to who? To myself? Nobody. No, I don't. And it's okay for me to enjoy my life and still, of course, work hard and give back. But I get to pour my love into my family and be there. and that's what matters the most to me is what I've realized. Like, and of course I love the business, always will. I pour my love into the business no matter what and, you know, and all the people in it. We never got our match stuff. I know, Ash. I always wanted it. Well, give me two. And can you imagine if it were when our dads were in their prime and like, I mean, not their prime, but like their prime later and we could have actually had them involved.

30:19Steph McMahon:I think they still think they're in their prime by the headlines I read. A thousand percent. A thousand percent. I could be wrong. You are correct. You are very correct. Yes. But yeah. Can you imagine if they would have been involved in like, what a big, I think it would have been crazy. What a crazy match. And who would have been in the middle to like coordinate that? Hunter. I know. Yeah. Your poor husband. Your poor husband. The chaos. Oh my God. He's like, I did not sign up for that. you said something. It's about you, you being a not, not enough, but disconnecting from the business. It's also learning to, and obviously I never did this until I started in 2015.

31:06So it wasn't technically my whole life, but attaching your self-worth to your job. You can't do that. Like we're for so long I did. And, and yeah, I still have like days where I'm like, why am I thinking this way? But when you leave work and you go home and you have your friends and family in your life and like what you do, like how you want people to remember you, that's like, I've spent more time this year, whether it's like, I've given the national lady at the rental car place tickets or I do the thing where you buy someone Starbucks behind you just like so many little things like that's what it's about so it's like okay if I can't fix me or not fix me but or if I one thing that makes me feel good I know is like knowing that I make that person had a good day

32:04Steph McMahon:yeah yeah because you want that I totally so maybe did I know there's not like one defining moment but even recognizing that right because you said you didn't necessarily understand gratitude at first so I imagine this is a part of that right like small acts of kindness and making someone else feel good do you not think Scarlett might be your biggest change angel you know like she from a perspective of just like giving someone my time not that I didn't give like people my time but I mean there I've met many fans over the years or like random tickets here and there but like really taking the time to do it now so when I met her and her family I even remember seeing her in the FaceTimes and being like you don't really realize that there's an expiration date because you're not seeing her as sick or seeing the person as sick so when Kim and Isaiah kept saying like you know they only gave her six months or she might not make get to WrestleMania 40.

33:21Like, and I'm like, well, she looks fine. Right. And just using my resources and what I can do and meaning like, if I can't do something in my storyline or in the ring, there is other things that I can do that are impactful. Yeah. And that's like, whether it was giving her hope every two months to come to a show or she's so excited or, um, your gear,

33:50Steph McMahon:But I've never seen you attach to anyone like you did to her. And maybe I'm putting my feelings for Connor and my relationship with him. Maybe I'm like seeing some parallel there that maybe isn't there. No, it is. I'm trying to like downplay it. I think like when MJ texted me, there's a little girl here that wants to FaceTime with you. and I know you know this because you said like now you went from an executive and being a part of the company to not but like when I was home injured the business keeps going yeah like yeah with with or without with or without you yeah and everyone and may it always yes yes no may it always yeah um but just like in my feels and then there's this like little girl that's like I mean like if you could just see in her face when she saw me and I'm just like someone remembers me do you know like when you're home feeling sorry for yourself like will the fans still like me or remember me like we all go through that no matter like how many titles or tv time or how much you've done you like I know I'm still insecure about that like will they remember me or what's that gonna feel like when your music hits or are they going to cheer or is it going to be silent?

35:13Are they going to do? So when she first did, I needed that. Like, even though in that moment for her, she was like, I'm meeting Charlotte Flair. Cause we have the same name, Charlotte and Scarlett. But like, to me, it was like, there was a little girl and I'd been off of TV for almost a year that just wanted to talk to me. And that made me like, oh yeah, they haven't forgotten me. And then like, I just kept up with her.

35:39Steph McMahon:And the ones that matter most. Yes. Yes. Right? Like this little girl who doesn't have much time left, who doesn't feel very good, you know, she got her strength through you and chose to spend or wanted to spend as much time as she could with you. And you gave so much time to her. And it was, I think time. I know, but I just feel like it's just not fair. It's not. Like it's really just. No, it's not. That's why. She's eight years old. I mean, she's not here, but I'm like, I still haven't like processed her passing because it's like your life goes on. And why does an eight-year-old not get to be here?

36:27That's right. That's right. I guess I've lost like when I lost Reed.

36:35not them like comparing age but like i still haven't even dealt with read i mean i've dealt with it i'm just saying like you just don't realize life is gone like you i think you're just going to see someone again right but that's their that's their path that's their path not that um this might be tmi but like Scarlett's softball number was 22. So her parents got a new apartment after she passed, like, pretty quickly. And the number that the people gave her, people gave them for their apartment number was 220. Wow. So, like, there's always little signs that she's sending. It's really cute.

37:19Steph McMahon:But I really understand how you feel. Yeah. I was devastated when I lost Connor. I mean, his dad, his family lost Connor, but like when as a friend, you know, and he made such an impact on everybody. You know, he had so much love and he just, I, the only way I can process it is that I think of them as angels, right? Yeah. Guardian angels. like whatever kind of angels that they were here for a short time and they made a tremendous impact no she did i even like um at the live event on thursday um the staff lady that was sitting outside the locker room she looked at me and she goes i'm just so sorry i was like about what i got my bags wait I really do have a lot of bags it's like a running joke um no she was about your friend Scarlett and when I was overseas this was before Scarlett passed random people either at the hotel or at the arena and obviously the fans would ask how she was like that's how many people she impacted like I was blown away like I forget that like because our fans are wonderful people yes I think they are just good people just good people right just good people majority you know but truly you know because they they think about Connor's cure yes right and it's like how our fan base and also because he was Connor was a fan yeah Scarlett was a fan they're one of them I know.

39:05Steph McMahon:And they're just like anytime we did anything like, you know, our fans would stand up and cheer or you deserve it. We gave we were working with Hyundai at the time and they do a lot where they did a lot anyway. I'm not sure if they still do for pediatric cancer. Hope on wheels. and there were two brand ambassadors and they came out to the ring, Elizabeth and Carter. And Elizabeth, she had sang to me, happy birthday, because it happened to be on my birthday. That was one of these full circle moments for me was here we are with this partnership for pediatric cancer. And then this little girl, Elizabeth, she's not so little anymore.

39:49Steph McMahon:She's beautiful and she's in college, but she was a survivor and so was Carter. That's how they became ambassadors. And she sang happy birthday, like the most beautiful happy birthday. And then she was backstage doing like some TikTok dance or whatever. And so in the ring, my husband had seen her. So in the ring, he asked her to do the TikTok dance. But so at any rate, we introduce Elizabeth and Carter and the entire arena, everybody gets to their feet. and then when we gave them paul and i gave them championship belts in the ring the the crowd started chanting you deserve it and then that night i got an email from elizabeth's mom that said when i was in the hospital praying for tomorrow with elizabeth i never imagined And she had lost her voice.

40:48Steph McMahon:I never imagined I would be able to hear her sing and watch her dance in such a big, beautiful way.

41:02Steph McMahon:And you know, you think about that. Oh, I know, I know. Praying for tomorrow. What that's like with your child. I pray you're gonna wake up tomorrow no my god right no that's what Kim and Isaiah always said um live today we can cry later oh I heard her say that yeah but that's really like it wasn't her just saying that to make me or someone else feel better like that they lived every day whether it was yeah going to Disney WWE event watching movies I mean like Scarlett Connors dad did that with him too. It was so mean like now I've I can't imagine like Kim's not sleeping. Living every moment. And you know who else does it is Superman Jimmy.

41:52Steph McMahon:That's what I was going to say. At Hall of Fame when you gave him the shout out and showed him in the video and he stood up and loved it but our fans Yeah. They remember. Everybody was like the whole arena. You felt it. Like it was beautiful. No they are. And then but they live every single day to its fullest. Oh yeah. Well no Not that this is about my character separate from all this and Scarlett, but when I wrote that Players Tribune piece and I was nervous to post it, took two years to write it. I'm glad it took longer because I added so much more drama to it. It was great. But at Evolution, the second one, I was on the apron,

42:37and all of a sudden I started hearing, we want but i was like they say charlotte and then it just kept getting louder and louder and obviously it was like probably one of the biggest

42:57comebacks or receptions i've ever had but it was all because they were they read that article and we're in vet, like they follow what we do. I agree. Like, I don't know had I not been open, like they were finally like, yes. We knew there was a human inside of you. I think I remember we had read the article separately and talked about how amazing it was.

43:21Steph McMahon:And that night we were like, they're letting her back in. Like they see her now. Yes, but - It was like finally they got that you were you. Yeah, but it was like, that's all it took. No, but it's not that. I also am so proud of what I have built and the character of Charlotte I built. But I think I somewhere down the line lost. How do I say this? I've said it so many times. I've like, I lost what it really meant to be a champion. And a champion doesn't just mean being perfect or winning or not having any failures or just this like stoic, independent, like you can be all those things, but you like, it's the scars that like, I'm so busy trying to hide all the scars or the imperfections or feeling like I have to be perfect that it lost like it took over a life of its own yeah like you can't love a block of ice yeah does that not that it was a block of ice yeah like no because I was like you weren't letting anybody in but you let everyone in yeah I don't know how to like say it no that's right because that's a defense mechanism that we learn yeah right it's our armor yes and it just got thicker and thicker yeah you You don't let anybody in.

44:57Steph McMahon:But then I think what happens is you trap yourself in. Yes, you trap in. And then you're like in this bad cycle, you know? It's hard. It's hard to get that armor off. Which like you never want to melt. Right? Yeah. Or break through it or whatever. But it's the fans. Like you said, they are invested. Our fans. They care. They care. They care. They care. They do. It's amazing. We do. And it's been like one of the most incredible years of my career, like hands down. And I'm so grateful for Lexi. I got to give her a shout out. Oh, I love Lexi. Lexi, my rock. Like she was like, put your big girl pants on.

45:44Remember who you are. Let's do this.

45:47Steph McMahon:That's great. And I'm like, I don't know. Like we're really good at fighting each other. Like this isn't going to work. and she's like yes ma 'am so it's kind of a shoot that's a shoot that's a shoot well okay in fairness like I don't think I think creative was a little hesitant too because like I was so hated and she so liked like really what was going to come of it but like because we're such stars in our own right it really was just like it's fun well and it's a different side of both of you We're not lifting each other. It's like we're brightening each other. Right. Because you know sometimes in tags it's like, okay, this person's here.

46:28Yeah. No, this just made both of our stars just shine brighter together because of the opposite.

46:35Steph McMahon:And bringing then more light to everyone else too. Yes, yes, yes, yes. And shining a light on the division, which is super cool. Clock it. Yes, which is super cool. Clock it. And just to go back for one second, and we don't have to go deeper because I know it's still very fresh yeah i didn't want to start crying like yeah no and i'm sorry i didn't mean to to no you're good but thank you for amplifying her story oh no yeah because it does matter and your voice is so loud you do reach so many people and thank you because that's pretty amazing and thank you for all the things you've done for kids and hospital visits and military base visits and still do very much you know it's a lot of very important things that you know yeah are important to shout out that you make a difference in people's lives and always have whether or not you felt it I just I want children one day so these are my kids yeah I don't have my own and I'm sure like I'll adopt I was just gonna ask you know would you yeah no I mean like I'm gonna have I think women in our 40s can do so much.

47:52There's a lot of foster kids too. A lot of foster. However I become a mother, I do feel like I'm a mom too. Every time I see the little kids front row, I'm like, It's the best. You're mine. You're mine. You're mine. I get so attached. I tell Kim and Isaiah this. I was like, maybe Elena's going to cure cancer one day. I know Smarlit's time on earth. served a purpose and a reason. She came, she did what she was supposed to and we don't see what she was supposed to do right now. But we know like Reed, I was never supposed to wrestle. But Reed sent this, like Reed put me on this path. I think you were born to do it.

48:34No, I mean, I was born to do it, but like we don't know why things happen to get us. To get us there. So Reed's - He's the reason you got there,

48:41Steph McMahon:but you were always meant to do it. Reed's purpose was that. Yeah, yeah, yeah. oh wow that's heavy i'm sorry i'm tired that's why i'm crying i had to drive here i'm gonna use that it was a very long drive i was not in my helicopter with your first i was in my ford focus

49:06looking like this look at what yes oh yeah my one the other day was like if you could bedazzle your rental car she was. I know. Wait, was it you that figured out

49:18Steph McMahon:how to bedazzle your aura ring? Was that you? No, but you can buy the diamonds. Did you talk about it? Someone just said this. Oh, wasn't it Danielle Fisher? Yes. Oh, that's who it was. I was thinking about it. But I know my only thing is I'm so competitive with my aura ring. I have to start over. I had to take it off. and one thing I've determined is that I don't sleep well oh I don't need a ring to tell me that I'm not sleeping I was like Liz I only got 32 minutes of REM sleep I gotta lay back down like yes sorry it's a real thing maybe you get the new one or you have to start over I think yeah you do I think I'm not sure I did it then I did it again Like I got rid of it and then I got an Apple watch and then I said no to everything.

50:14Steph McMahon:And then I did the Oura Ring again for a brief period of time. And then it's just unhealthy for me. I obsess over it. A Rolex and his Apple watch. Same wrist. I cannot make this up. I look over and he's just like, I'm like, are you looking at your Apple watch or your wrist? Which one? And still doing this. Oh my God. He has to. that's hilarious only now that he gets older like you are the only man that can wear an Apple watch and a Rolex amen I'm thinking a partnership oh it's a great idea Rolex with like a monitor how do you say Apple and Rolex together right Rappel Rappel yeah we were there Rappel we talk a lot about iconic stories on this show and when it comes to sports entertainment or professional wrestling, no stories are bigger than the ones written by WWE legends.

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52:50Steph McMahon:So which moments will you collect? With each card only available for a limited time, you won't want to wait to begin your Topps Now journey. Be sure to subscribe to the WWE Topps Now mailing list on Topps.com and follow Topps on all social media platforms so you never miss a single moment. If your bookshelf and your For You page are equally important to your personality, welcome home. This is Prose Society, the weekly podcast that's part book club, part group chat for thought daughters, pop culture obsessives, and anyone who thinks Pride and Prejudice and Love Island deserve the same level of discourse.

53:30I'm Eli Rallo, and every week we're connecting the dots between books, the internet, and the conversations everyone can't stop having. I'm going to have to look up this story. I'm obsessed. I'm obsessed. From bestselling authors and your favorite book talk creators to the latest pop culture moments, Nothing is off the table. It's like if you can hide some real messages inside compelling characters, then that is a Trojan horse. Whether you're looking for literary deep dives, smart pop culture conversations, or a community of readers who love to think a little too much, you're in the right place.

54:04Listen to Pro Society on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. See you between the pages.

54:13Steph McMahon:Our town is small taters by most standards, right? But to the people who grew up here, it's everything. What happens when a quiet Tennessee town becomes the front line in a battle over the future of America? Developers with right-wing ties have purchased hundreds of acres of land in the area. The first thing you see when it pops up is pioneers in Appalachia. But they weren't just planting houses. We need cities on a shining hill that exemplify and embody the Christian way of life. Stop right there. Is that normal? A podcast about what happens when a small town becomes the site of a social experiment.

54:49God need men to rule. Great. And decides to fight back. Do not use my hard work to sell your bull.

54:57Steph McMahon:They're not just opposing what's being planned for here. Our hometown is not a test tube. They feel like they're standing in opposition to an entire administration. Guess you didn't move in on a bunch of dumb hillbillies now, did you? Listen to Our Town on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Brett Coleman. And I'm Trevor Sikama. Have you ever watched a game and wondered what really made the difference beyond the final score? That's exactly why we created NFL Pro. Got a man wide open. Touchdown! Seahawks! Every week, we use exclusive next-gen stats insights and NFL content to break down the biggest stories, matchups, and moments from around the league.

55:40We go beyond the box score to uncover the numbers, the tendencies, and details that help explain what actually happened on the field.

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56:27Listen to NFL Pro on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

56:37The NFL never stops and neither does its newest podcast. The NFL Report, hosted by me, Andrew Siciliano. It is your home for everything football. Williams, drifting, sprinting for space. In all kinds of trouble, put it up for Dixie. He's a step! He got it! For the touchdown! They've done it again! We're tapping the biggest news stories, giving you expert analysis, fantasy previews, game picks, and more. We fly around every single place. We dominate every single place. Want to hear from the league's top stars ahead of the biggest matchups? We've got you covered. They're a really good football team.

57:14We've got to have all hands on deck. Join me and an all-star cast of analysts for everything you need to know from around the league. Get new episodes of the NFL Report Monday through Friday all season long. Listen to the NFL Report podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

57:35Steph McMahon:How is your dad? He's good. Yeah? Yeah, I mean, here's the thing.

57:46I still even struggle with like TikTok and Reels and it takes me a very long time or editing or yada, yada, yada. but the amount that we fight about his social media i cannot tell you it is a daily thing and then i'm like why are you in all caps i like why are you yelling at me in your post but here's what i've learned

58:15so i was talking to natty the other day and she just said something like she was talking about Brett and I was talking about my dad and we were just yapping back and forth. And she was like, you know what? She goes, he's earned that right to have an opinion. And I was like, okay, that's one way to look at it. You know what? I'll just let him have his opinion. Yeah. Well, you're not going to change it, but I'm like, who are you fighting with? They're like, I'm just confused. He's like, well, I saw it here. And I'm like, seven people follow that website. but I don't think like at 78 he's like I don't know he doesn't or maybe he's a genius I like when you comment you're like oh so I'm like not today no no no dad no or like actually I don't want to I'm not no I comment sometimes but if it's really bad I won't comment because I don't want to draw like sometimes I just have to make a joke out of it yeah that's I think it's really bad like report report report whoever runs a social like if you're seeing like oh my god

59:19Steph McMahon:account is being banned charlotte wwe has attacked your account so let me just say i have seen your dad's social media i can understand why you're saying this also i have to like tell him daily like that ai image is not real yeah i'm like he thinks that no like he has sent me pictures of him and like other people, other people. And I'm like, that didn't happen. I told you this happened. No, I can't make this up. I cannot make, I'm like, and then he's like, I'm just, you know, I'm just proud of you. Yes. I thank you. I know he is my, my biggest fan. He is for sure. But if he would just let me manage his social.

1:00:10I don't know that you want that. I don't want that responsibility. You do not. Oh, wait, Steph, because I think I sent you pictures. My mom and dad have been divorced since 05. But now we spend Thanksgiving and Christmases together and hang out. Which is great. They could have saved me 25 years of therapy had we just not gone through all of this. But now we all hang out and it's great. That's great. But it's like still really funny. Like my mom and I got, we went on the boat recently, the three of us and, uh, Kiana James, my like little bestie. Um, she's so good. I told her one time, um, oh, I think it was after the, the qualifier for, um,

1:00:54uh, chamber. And she was like stressed about something. I was like, I am telling you, I've been doing this for a long time and you make me want to step up my game. That's what you're like, you were doing everything you're supposed to. Like when I am in that ring and I go, oh damn, like she's making me work hard for this. Like she's going to be such a star. That's great. Just stay the course, keep training. Like she.

1:01:20Steph McMahon:And she's super smart too. Very smart. Yeah. Her story. I don't, I'm not going to share cause it's not my story to share, but how she grew up and her dad and like how she turned that into a business woman and how she got into WWE uh it's just I don't know her story y 'all should have her on to let I know her story it's wild okay yeah you heard it here first come on Kiana like that's always like one of those reasons why I feel like I can never say like my childhood I didn't go without or I didn't have like maybe things were dysfunctional. Sure. But like they are in every family. You hear all these stories and Kiana's and like, she's the oldest of six to help raise six children with her mom.

1:02:08Right. I'm just like so impressed, so motivated, inspired, like paying attention to others.

1:02:16Steph McMahon:Yeah. Yeah. That's another gift, right? Yeah. Oh yeah. Just blown away. or maybe it's like you don't give yourself any credit, but it's, yeah. I don't know where, my dad's social media. Yes, that's where we were. My dad's social. And can I just say managing him is an entirely different situation and the calls I used to get. Oh, I get them too. No, I know, but like, you know, and I'm a young executive, right? But I know your dad and I've been on the road with your dad. No, it's good. Yeah. And I love your dad. I do. I do. He is one in a million. I mean, there's nobody like Ric Flair. Nobody. The nature boy.

1:03:05Steph McMahon:Wait. I've got to tell you a funny story about him. We're on the boat. I know. I was ready to woo. You could be three animals. I was ready to woo. I'm sorry. No, no. So he gave his three animals, and then the third animal is usually what you really are. like how like he was like how how do you want people to see you perceive you how do you think you're perceived he said zebra and i go you're exactly a zebra like i wouldn't even think like i'm like yes you are a zebra i think he said lion tiger and then zebra i was like you're a zebra brother zebra yeah zebra i love that i think that's great i'm a peacock What are you, Steph?

1:03:49Steph McMahon:I have no idea. Let's think about this. What are you? I might be a squirrel, honestly. You are not a squirrel. That's cute, though. So could I be an eagle? Yeah, you're definitely an eagle. I'd like to be an eagle. Yeah, that makes sense. That does make sense. You're, like, majestic and... It can fly. Wings. Predator. Predator? Terrifying. Predator. We're delicate flowers. And when they see you in the wild, they take a picture. When I see you in the wild. I do. They're everywhere. I mean, it's true. Because you're a majestic, beautiful creature. So I've always been. Don't do it. What? I don't know where you're going.

1:04:29Steph McMahon:I got to get her an eagle shirt. So I've always been self-conscious of my body. She's doing it. Right? And I've always had a little extra love, which is great and well-earned. Here. Thinking about petite. You look great now. Well, thank you. I am just training a lot. To come to the ring? No. For that match? For that match with you? Wait, that match with me? I do jujitsu. I've heard that. Yeah. I mean, I have it nice. I work with a personal instructor and everything. And sometimes my daughters join. And I really started doing it for them for self-defense because they were getting ready to go to school and I wanted them to know a few things.

1:05:12Steph McMahon:and then I just fell in love with it and then kept doing it and I love it, love it, love it, the challenge of it, right? Oh, sure. It's like, it's just awesome. But so where I was going was, we talked about like our worst fears, right? So there it is. It's a picture of me at Fanatics Fest with my arms up and my belly is showing and it's shot from underneath but regardless, it's just a horrible picture. Like purple shirt, white jeans, great outfit. it's like it's just an unflattering picture I thought you were talking about that beach shot no it is the opposite of the beach shot it was this Mediterranean but see this is where you were last time so now this shot now that I'm talking about it it's not a good shot it is just not flattering so the thing is it's just not how you look I actually thought it was AI because daily it's just a belly that's hanging over the pants Also, like, why are we posting this?

1:06:11Someone asked him. We didn't post it.

1:06:12Steph McMahon:Oh, but the person was, like, the, what they said. Like, I'm like, it had to have been a man that didn't pay attention. He didn't pay attention. We were promoting his podcast, so we had hats. So I took the hats, and I was putting them behind the chair next to me, exposing my ass. And that's the shot they took? That's actually why I thought it was AI, because I'm like, there's no way she just turned to the crowd like that. Yeah, I just wasn't thinking people are going to take a picture. I didn't think of what it looked like. Eagle. I was just getting the hats out of the way, and I actually thought, oh, this is great.

1:06:46Steph McMahon:I'll just get the hats out of the way, right? Not realizing people are taking pictures. I mean, you're welcome. You're welcome, everyone. It seemed like there was interest in the backside shot, but certainly that one shot was unfortunate. I mean, you could argue, I guess it's just. We've all been there. But it was like. We've all been there. Oh, it's terrible. It's awful. Oh. Hated it. But you know what? And then I was like, you know what? Fuck it. It's a bad picture. What are you going to do? That's what I have. You know, it's like. I will do the circle though. I'll dread it. And I'll be like, you know, it's a picture.

1:07:26And then I'll go back to it. And it's a bad. Like.

1:07:29Steph McMahon:Yeah. But then perspective. Yeah. Yeah. We have to remember perspective. Yeah. And you know what? Yeah. it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter. And it really doesn't. But yeah. But so I, you know, it's like worst fear situation. Okay, great. That's out of the way now. That's what I'm going to tell Vaughn tonight. Have fun. Have fun, baby. I'm going to tell her to have fun and expect everything to go wrong. Oh, yeah, that's expect the queue to be off. Expect hair, makeup to be late. Expect she better not there be no speaker. And I don't mean that literally Jackie, Also be present. Ooh, good one. Because I feel like a lot of my big moments are surreal.

1:08:14Well, and you're like thinking what's next instead of like every match I have now, big or small. I mean, I look at every match the same. But when I was injured, when you realize things can be taken away so fast, I go out there going, I don't want to walk away from this five minute match or this backstage segment or this interview or whatever thinking I didn't give it my all.

1:08:39Steph McMahon:Yeah. Yeah. So it's like, that's great. We talked about being present. Not that your phone has anything to do with the match, but like when she's there tonight, like don't think what's going to happen a year. Just think, okay, I get to hear from my grandparents. I'm singing here in Minneapolis and I'm present. Yeah. That's going to be that's going to show through in the performance. Thank you. And I think that's great advice and an awesome way to even end this interview is for all of us in our lives, in our daily lives to be present. Don't just go through the motions, get the stuff done, you know, anxious to go to bed early and wake up late.

1:09:21Steph McMahon:Like sleep should not be the goal. I mean, sleep is important, but it shouldn't be your end goal. Spoken like someone who's thrown away her aura. No, but you should stop tracking sleep. If I wake up tired. It's not the goal anymore. It's not the goal. No, but be excited for the day. Yeah. Like I was at home living the same day. Instead of fear also. Fear of the unknown. Because then you like create that fear. And it's. Or those negative. And literally you're just driving yourself crazy. Because what's going to happen is what's going to happen. You have no control over it. None. None. this is how you coach oh and then like someone told me this the quickest way to alleviate um anxiety is action yes and training and training yeah moving your body moving your body or like if you're dreading a phone call or a text or something you have to get do it yeah like that's the only way it's gonna go away yeah there's various quotes about fear but one is that everything you want is on the other side of fear.

1:10:23Steph McMahon:And it's like, how would you know if you never take the risk? Okay, real quick, because I am so honored to be a part of it. You know how I still say Hunter because my dad calls him Hunter. Your husband. Yeah. Hunter. Hunter's how I knew him until we got engaged. He's on the council for the presidential fitness. So I had the opportunity to do the first one. So I'm getting brought back to the second one on Monday in Des Moines but they're giving me a speaking role. And when TR told me that he thought I would be, I could take on a bigger like role to speak at it. Oh, that's awesome. I'm so nervous, but like, I know how much this means to me.

1:11:05So it's like, even if you're scared, the fear of it. Yes, embrace it. Embrace it and go for it. So I'm like. And what a good role model. I'm really so excited. Oh my God. I remember doing that like. Yeah. it's so important yeah and i don't care what anyone's political beliefs are or not but i this is for our future and our children and for the kids healthier it doesn't matter what this is for them to be healthy yeah and confidence starts i feel like with teamwork that's where you learn to work with others it's so important sorry i don't want you to my soapbox no it's great i

1:11:41Steph McMahon:love it i love it that's super great i'm pumped i'm nervous and i've already started practicing which is so funny it's only like four lines and it's like but i'm still like i take it very serious can you tell a story from either volleyball or um or even when you remember the challenges or whatever but i think a story yeah would be great for the kids to relate to yeah well i was i see because it's your why yeah oh just this is where i found my confidence yeah the gym so right there yeah that's it like that oh that's enough to make me lean in right okay i could look like her well or i could find my confidence you know it's like but that's how i don't know how there's a height thing you're not gonna overcome no but team sports teach you discipline um I mean there's like motivation teamwork ethic leadership communication skills like even if you're not good at like you could also be the sports therapist on the side or the coach or like there's just so many aspects yeah that you take to other parts of your life I just think absolutely there it's like a very high percentage I think it's in the 90th percentile of female CEOs were D1 athletes.

1:13:10Steph McMahon:Female quotient put that out. Yeah. Yeah. No, but it's a real stat. I just can't remember the exact percentage. It was very, very high. Yeah. And it's like, there's a real correlation there. I think it's important. I'm really excited for you to take this on. No, I'm so proud. There's such a bigger, broader, you know, there's so much you can do with that. you know i'm very honored to be a part of it yeah and even taking that into you know being a motivational speaker corporate speaker there's speakers bureaus you can work with i know you're launching your own podcast yes um for sure you should pedestal okay i wanted to get 10 episodes done before october how many have you shot four all right yeah how's the one with your dad because I've seen that I learned so much like really not well when I have him like just like this for 30 minutes I asked him because a lot of it's about mental health and your self-worth and what you struggle with and I asked him and I never told me this but I was like what was something in the business that you could not get past mentally and they said when they made him cut his hair and he the first time he walked through the charlotte airport no one knew who he was and to my dad that's like yeah wow no one knew who i was and like seeing the pain on his face and then him saying my uncle art and mom got him through it but like him articulating that to me was like very i won't give away the whole thing but like i was just like did he tell you what he did to the person who made him do that?

1:14:50Steph McMahon:Yes. So I think I'm in charge of talent relations at the time. This goes back to managing your dad. And I could have been. It may or may not have been. But at any rate, I get the call that your dad has punched Eric Bischoff in the face. And I think we were in Kansas City for some reason.

1:15:15Steph McMahon:Shouldn't have made him cut his hair. But he, because he had held on to that. But he left to come to you guys. Yeah, yeah. But he had held on to, like it bothered him so much. It never grew back the same. And he was ready to explode. No, I, when he was, like you could feel that it really affected him. Yeah, because it was his identity. He's like, yes. Right? Like Samson. You cut his hair.

1:15:43I cut it, guys. And it looks gorgeous. I'm living for it. I love it. It looks so good.

1:15:47Steph McMahon:And I love the, is it ombre? Yes, yes, yes. Yeah, it looks really pretty. Thank you. Really, really pretty. It feels like fresh. It does. Oh, it's just trying something new. I don't have to be blonde. Flares don't have to be blondes forever, right? No. No. I mean. Okay. Absolutely not. How about my husband's growing his hair back in? I know. Yeah. It's fun. All the way. It's fun. But we have, like, it's fun. No, but so that and then, you know, I've known Natty this whole time. and she basically launched my career. And then just her perspective. I remember that. I remember watching. I was watching NXT Live when that happened.

1:16:26That match to this day holds up.

1:16:29Steph McMahon:Yeah, it does. It's not something that will ever run out of stock. It's a classic. Yep. And had it not happened, would not be here today, hands down. But she said, why not me? And how she said it. And then like, I don't know. it was just so like I've heard, I mean, we all know Natty, right? It was just so like how she said it and the story leading up to it. And I'm like, Oh, more people should like, like, why not me? Yeah. And like seeing everything that she's taking, like do, I'm just like so inspired. So this is also part of me. Like, it's like, I'm also growing as a person taking this challenge on because I didn't wake up one day and was like, I want a podcast.

1:17:09Right. Right. It was the company I invested in the self-care is for everyone to be an angel investor. And they were like, Hey, would you do this? That's really cool. So I'm like, I'm not promising that I'm gonna be good at it, but I'll do it. Well, I bet it's going to be great. It's fun. It's fun. Just be you. It's fun.

1:17:28Steph McMahon:Yeah. Just be you. T-shirts and jeans with like positive affirmations on it. Less makeup. Oh, that's cool. It's not glamorous. Like I have my big butterfly and like my bedazzled tennis shoes. Oh, I love it. Super casual. It's you. That's me. Yeah. We're usually in athleisure wear, you know, but now you got to go So we gotta go watch the big star sing. That's right. And decide which... No jersey? You're a no jersey person? No, you're no jersey? No, no, no. Remember in the beginning... You wanted to wear it, but you're not gonna wear it. ...the jersey or the t-shirt. Or a t-shirt. I have to decide because the family was so divided fiercely.

1:18:04Steph McMahon:Which t-shirt? It's a SummerSlam t-shirt. Oh. So it's just a black... Great quality. ...soft. And then there's the jersey. Shut up, I'm not a... jersey. I say pander you're in Minnesota. Right? I don't know. I'm not used to this baby face shit. She shows up in like a Patriots jersey. Right? Oh actually. Wear everything but if you want her to really get over like sit there in a Steelers jersey. Thank you. Absolutely I will suck up to this audience. Why don't you go to the building? You should show up and... Amen. Amen. Maybe like a low tank, you know? Viking horn. Oh, yes. Yes. The Viking... Yeah, with little blonde details.

1:18:56Braids. Oh. Yeah. Okay. I see it. I do too. Bring the blonde back. Oh.

1:19:03Steph McMahon:I was blonde briefly. It was pretty. You thought so? For her wedding. I don't think it worked on me very well. Well, my hair did not like it. No. But also, I don't think it worked with my coloring very well. It's your eyes, though. You have such blue eyes. As do you. Thank you. Thank you. But you know, we can't see our own things. When Vaughn first met John Cena, she was like one and a half, two. She loved John Cena. I mean, he was her everything. And she was so cute. And she was in my arms. And he came over to say hi to her. And she gave him her pretty eyes. stop it two years old that's amazing it was so cute that is so cute it was the cutest thing and she won him over she just totally she won him over right there in that very moment and now she's gonna be 16 and she's gonna be singing God Bless America oh my god I had no idea I know because we're just keeping it quiet well and we we're holding her back too I And I was holding her back on purpose because she's so young.

1:20:13And she just, I believe she has all of the ability.

1:20:17Steph McMahon:Like who knows what will happen tonight. But she has the ability. I know she can sing. I know she can perform. She has this presence, this poise. And you're drawn to her. I mean, you're just drawn to her in a room. You know, like she has all of it. And so I didn't want to put her out there. because I know she'll attract so much attention, you know, and we'll see. We'll see what happens. But, man, and she's so, she's ethereal. Yep. That's a good word. That is a really good word. She is. She's ethereal and so much love and such a kind soul and so talented and so mischievous. I mean, she's total package.

1:21:04Steph McMahon:I mean, the eyes at Sina. I know. It's everything. I'm going to try that today, y 'all. And she'd make it. Well, she does it. Actually, my fake ashes are getting stuck as I do that. Yeah, you can't do it. Sorry. I know. She's tired. I'm like, I can't. That's right. It was a long drive. Why are my eyes not opening? Well, Ash, this is just awesome. Good luck. Thank you. No, you guys good luck. Please continue on this path. I don't know where it's going to go, but it's going to go somewhere. And your gratitude and surrender, I think, are two, so many great lessons. And I think those are the two that are speaking loudest to me today, because that's kind of where I'm feeling too, is just gratitude and surrender.

1:21:51Steph McMahon:Yeah. Have fun today. Thank you. Thanks for having me. Thank you for being on. Yeah. Thank you for being you. I've known you forever. I love you, Ash. You know that. This is the best version, right? Oh. Oh, you know what? I've loved every version. No, I know you did. I absolutely have. And I loved the... Scoot along. I loved, okay. I loved the worried version. I loved the, you know, I've loved every version of you, Ash, because I love you. I love you too, Sam. And we're all... Thank you. We all struggle. Yeah. You know, we all struggle. So I'm happy to see this version of you. Thank you. Yeah.

1:22:31Steph McMahon:I'm still waiting on my match. Okay. I know I'm going to make you. You're going to be waiting. You're going to be waiting. I'm telling you, you will regret it. No, I don't. I can't. I can't cut it. Women in their 40s are doing everything. Yeah, and some women in their 40s. And I'm going to be 50 in September. So? This is an old bag of bones. No, it's not. Yeah, it is. No. Old bag of bones. The people would kill to look like. The ring is very different. I'm yeah I could say it because I'm not gonna do it I think it's a great idea you're gonna have to be there too you know I'll be in the front row cheering that's what I'll be doing thank you guys so much for having me thank you for being here thank you

1:23:26hey this is Hayes Davenport and Sean Clements we host the podcast Hollywood Handbook each week we talk to someone in show business and try to help them with their careers and see what they have to offer us. Everyone has a good time, and no one gets mad at their publicist for letting them do our show. We've had a lot of great guests like Sarah Sherman, Adam Scott, Danny McBride, Ben Stiller, and a lot of other big shots that wouldn't be where they are without us. Listen to Hollywood Handbook on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Brett Coleman. And I'm Trevor Sykema.

1:23:56If you love football and want to understand what's really happening on the field, check out our show, NFL Pro. Every week, we break down the biggest plays, trends, and matchups using exclusive next-gen stats insights and NFL content you will not find anywhere else. Whether you're new to football, a fantasy football fanatic, or a diehard fan, NFL Pro will help you analyze the game like a pro. Listen to NFL Pro on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I believe that whoever was in that room and did that was a murderer.

1:24:30Steph McMahon:A new podcast series, Faultline Haditha, tells the story of a shocking crime and a cover-up at the highest levels of the United States Marine Corps. If you've got five players and you offer immunity to four, you better be right about the fifth. Because if you're not, then you've just given immunity to your killer. Listen to Faultline Haditha on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. On August 4th, 1962, Marilyn Monroe died. Then the rumors started, and she died again. And now, we're going to set the record straight and learn about the way Marilyn Monroe actually died.

1:25:08The third way. I'm Jake Brennan, and on my podcast, Hollywoodland, I revisit some of the biggest stories from Hollywood history, separating the myths people want to believe from the reality underneath them. Hollywoodland is part of the Exactly Right Network. Listen to new episodes every Monday on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.