This week, Mark Andrews, a WWE Superstar and bassist for pop-punk band Junior, shares his unique journey through wrestling and music. He discusses the thrill of life in WWE and NXT UK, revealing the contrasting dynamics of the two industries. Mark dives into his early wrestling experiences, the excitement of creating Junior's debut album, and the nostalgia of punk rock culture intertwined with wrestling. Plus, he recounts the comedic mishaps of training and the bond formed among wrestlers, showcasing the community spirit in both worlds.
Mark Andrews discusses the challenges and successes of balancing his dual career in WWE and music with Junior.
The podcast highlights the evolution and significance of independent wrestling in providing talent exposure and opportunities.
Mark shares his excitement for Junior's new album, emphasizing the importance of creating authentic music that resonates with fans.
The crossover between punk music and wrestling is explored, showcasing mutual respect and camaraderie within these communities.
Deep dives
Introduction of Mark Andrews
The podcast features a conversation with Mark Andrews, a WWE superstar and pop punk musician. The hosts, Sean Smith and Morgan Richards, highlight Mark's dual career in wrestling and music, specifically discussing his band, Junior. They reflect on how Mark is considered a positive figure in both arenas and his journey in professional wrestling, which began when he was just a child, leading to his current status in WWE. Throughout the episode, a light-hearted and humorous tone is maintained as they talk about Mark’s experiences both in the ring and on stage.
Wrestling and Musical Beginnings
Mark shares the story of how he started training in wrestling two days before his 13th birthday, and the challenges he faced in both wrestling and music. He recounts his initial entrance into the wrestling world and the formation of his band, Junior, detailing the struggles and breakthroughs they encountered in both fields. The hosts and Mark discuss the hustle behind balancing tours with his busy wrestling schedule, emphasizing the hard work that goes into succeeding in both industries. They draw parallels between band life and wrestling, particularly the similarities in touring and performing.
The Impact of Independent Wrestling
The discussion shifts to the significance of independent wrestling and how it has evolved over time, especially with the rise of promotions like Attack Pro Wrestling, which Mark helped establish. He elaborates on his experiences with various promotions and how they contributed to the UK's wrestling scene growth. The hosts highlight how independent wrestling provides opportunities for talent to showcase their skills and gain exposure. Mark expresses pride in attending shows where they create an inclusive and family-friendly atmosphere that attracts a diverse audience.
Experiences with WWE and Talent Validation
Mark opens up about his experiences in WWE, specifically discussing the feelings of validation that come from being recognized in such a prestigious organization. He emphasizes the joy of performing in front of thousands while still retaining a passion for the smaller, intimate shows. The conversation reflects on how significant a moment it was for him to perform at events like the WWE UK tournament. Both he and the hosts discuss how they strive to maintain a fan's perspective to appreciate their careers fully.
Pop Punk's Musical Journey
As the conversation transitions to music, Mark expresses his excitement about Junior's new album, which has been a labor of love over several years. He describes the songwriting process as a blend of various styles, from pop-punk to stadium rock, aiming for an adventurous and eclectic sound. The hosts and Mark critique current industry trends, such as releasing singles and the concept of 'influencer' participation in music promotion. They all agree on the importance of creating music that resonates authentically with fans rather than conforming to industry pressures.
Collaboration of Punk and Wrestling
Mark reflects on how the worlds of punk music and wrestling intertwine, mentioning various musicians who are passionate about wrestling. He shares anecdotes about famous bands’ and artists’ admiring wrestling's culture and those who perform while being part of those worlds. This crossover illustrates a growing appreciation among musicians for wrestling, leading to unique partnerships and collaborations. Mark emphasizes that the punk community’s acceptance and sense of camaraderie mirror the wrestling world, fostering an environment of mutual respect.
Future Aspirations and Community Building
The episode concludes with a discussion about future aspirations, both for Mark's wrestling and musical careers. Mark speaks about his hopes to maintain the balance between wrestling and music, encouraging fans to continue supporting independent artists. He showcases a strong belief in the community-building aspects of wrestling schools like Dragon Pro and Junior, where newcomers can find their place and thrive. The hosts reiterate the importance of this community and the potential for more musicians and fans to discover wrestling and vice versa.
High fives and stage dives! WWE Superstar, Junior bassist and Pop-Punk dude, Mark Andrews is our guest on Episode 8 of Sappenin' Podcast. The high flyer open up about the differences in the world of wrestling and the music industry, life in WWE and NXT UK, Junior working on their debut studio album, meeting Triple H for the first time, fanboying over Blink-182, his journey with Pete Dunne, Morgan going back to his hotel room and how he almost killed Sean... Join us to find out what's Sappenin' this week. Get bonus content on Patreon
