Select Portions: UK Scene Update, CW Anderson

Fightful's Corey Brennan has learned the following news from the UK scene.

- PROGRESS Women’s World Champion Rhio will be in the US at the end of this month, and we are told there is interest from multiple companies in taking a look at her. However, PROGRESS were involved in securing Rhio’s visa, so her visit to the States is unlikely unrelated. Lykos Gym will also be stateside for a run.

- Those we spoke to in the British Wrestling scene have heaped praise on Cara Noir following his return from an almost career ending foot injury. We are told to expect ‘big things’ for Cara in the coming months.

- The NJPW Royal Quest card is set to be announced in the days following the King Of Pro Wrestling event.

- We have an interview with The Cut Throat Collective’s Lizzy Evo later this week.

- Several sources in the UK scene reached out to praise the debut of GAYNE at TNT Wrestling.

- Promoters and talent alike have tipped Critchy as one to watch, with Effy said to be incredibly high on him and his potential.

- Riot Cabaret will be launching several new features to Riot GOLD in the coming weeks, including early access to pre-sale and exclusive merchandise with Blacksmith.

- Will Ospreay continues to attend RevPro shows when his AEW schedule lines up.

CW Anderson

Fightful Select caught up with MLW’s CW Anderson for an exclusive interview. Anderson discussed numerous topics with Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp.

Sean started the interview by asking Anderson how the idea of him being part of the Rogue Horsemen came about. Anderson said Court Bauer, MLW's promoter, pitched the idea of forming a faction with BRG (Brett Ryan Gosselin), Bobby Fish, and Brock Anderson. The team was named the Rogue Horsemen, an homage to the legendary wrestling faction the Four Horsemen. Anderson mentioned when he was part of the Extreme Horsemen and how the new team continues that legacy in a modern context.

CW recounts when he met WWE Hall of Famer Arn Anderson, who became a significant figure in his career. CW mentioned that Arn told him it was an honor to see him wrestle and entrusted his son. CW said he could have retired right then. CW told Sean it led to Arn having him mentor his son Arn’s son, former AEW Wrestler Brock Anderson.

Anderson mentions that he considers this a huge responsibility, reflecting on how he aims to pass down everything he has learned from the Anderson wrestling legacy. Although CW acknowledges that he will always be compared to the original Andersons like Arn and Ole, he explains his intention to carve out his path while respecting the Anderson name. 

Anderson says he has taken inspiration from old footage of Ole Anderson mentoring Arn and applied those lessons to his mentorship of Brock. While accepting the inevitable comparisons, Anderson emphasizes the importance of finding one’s style.

CW mentions the ongoing comparisons between the Rogue Horsemen and the legendary Four Horsemen. He reveals he hears remarks like “you’re not a real Anderson” but embraces the comparisons while forging his own path. 

In guiding Brock, CW emphasized the importance of authenticity, urging Brock to develop his promo skills and style in a way that sets him apart from his father. Anderson humorously shares how people have commented that he looks younger now than during his ECW days, crediting his wife for his fitness and youthful appearance at 54.

Sean asks Anderson about his experience training at the WCW Power Plant. Anderson describes it as grueling despite not being formally trained before going to the Power Plant. Anderson says that despite his talent, WCW overlooked him due to his lack of a "cosmetic" look, which was a disheartening rejection at the time.

Anderson mentions that he eventually succeeded in ECW, where he was encouraged to showcase his wrestling ability and prove his worth. Anderson says Tommy Dreamer told Anderson to make an impression during his first pay-per-view match to prove WCW wrong for not offering him a contract. 

Anderson discussed his time as an NWA World Tag Team Champion, explaining how the Anderson family name is historically linked to the NWA. He says the NWA title is one of the accomplishments that Anderson holds in high regard, symbolizing his wrestling legacy.

Anderson said his career highlight is being featured in a video game. Having studied video game design in college, the idea of being in a game was exciting. Anderson recalls being one of the last wrestlers added to the ECW video game despite signing a contract that waived his rights to royalties. Anderson said that, at the time, being included in the game was more important to him than the financial aspect. He mentioned that Sasha Banks [Mercedes Mone] once said CW’s character in the game looked like he pissed his pants.

Before pursuing wrestling, CW mentioned had a promising baseball career. Drafted by the Padres straight out of high school, he was a catcher with an impressive arm, capable of throwing 90 mph from his knees. Although he passed on a professional baseball career, his love for the sport never faded. He said his favorite player was Benito Santiago.

He shares stories from his time with WWE, recalling specific matches such as one against Spike Dudley on Velocity. He mentioned working with Chris Masters before he debuted the "Master Lock.” He mentions receiving compliments from wrestling legend Chris Benoit, who praised his in-ring abilities, which felt overwhelming yet validating. Arne Anderson also gave high praise for his superkick, stating that no one should ever kick out of it, advice that he’s followed ever since. 

Anderson discusses his experience working with TNA and wrestling against Too Cold Scorpio at Hardcore Justice. Anderson said Scorpio pushed for the two to wrestle at TNA's Hardcore Justice. Scorpio told CW he was one of the few wrestlers with whom he had a natural chemistry, mentioning Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit as the others.

CW recalls a particularly intense match with Scorpio. During the match, Scorpio performed a moonsault followed by a leg drop, landing on Anderson's face and unintentionally knocking him out for seven minutes. Anderson explains that this incident caused him to stop breathing for a few minutes, leading to a brain injury. He mentions that mistakes happen and adds, “This ain’t ballet.”

Sean asked Anderson about a match earlier in his career when he wrestled Christian Cage and Sexton Hardcastle (later known as Edge/Adam Copeland). Anderson said they and the Hardys were destined for greatness. He notes that even early in their careers, they had the elusive "it factor," which set them apart.

In closing, Anderson says for him and his wife, Brittany, WrestleCade has become a tradition they look forward to each year, regardless of whether or not he is wrestling. Anderson praises the event for offering something for everyone, including wrestling fans who may not be interested in the meet-and-greet aspect but still want to enjoy great wrestling shows. He also credits Brian and Tracy from AML (Appalachian Mountain Wrestling) for helping him stay connected to the wrestling community. 

You can follow CW Anderson on X and Instagram at @ECWAnderson.