During an interview with the Chris Van Vliet podcast, former WWE star Swerve Strickland, now a prominent figure in AEW, opened up on a pivotal moment in his career that was critical in shaping his character. 

Strickland, also known as Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, discussed the significant impact of WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels on his journey during his time in NXT. 

The wrestler detailed the valuable lessons he learned from Michaels, emphasizing their extensive tape study sessions. 

Swerve Strickland is currently signed to AEW. (Source: Instagram)

Michaels, known for his legendary career and profound understanding of the industry, took the time to analyze Strickland’s earlier work in independent wrestling promotions. 

The two engaged in thorough tape studies, examining matches from PCW and Defy Wrestling, among others. Michaels sought to understand the essence of what brought Strickland to WWE, delving into his unique style, pacing, and overall performance. 

Strickland revealed that Michaels, upon recognizing his potential, initiated creative discussions with Triple H to provide him with opportunities that truly showcased his abilities. 

The collaborative effort between Strickland and Micheals led to memorable moments in Strickland’s career, including standout matches like the one against Bronson Reed. 

Additionally, the interview exposed the behind-the-scenes dynamics of Strickland’s frustration and determination to be acknowledged for his full potential. 

It also highlighted the importance of communication and taking proactive steps to seek guidance, as seen when Strickland expressed his desire to learn from Michaels directly. 

Swerve Strickland’s WWE career

Strickland’s WWE career spanned from 2019 to 2021. Having signed a contract with WWE in April 2019, he adopted the ring name Isaiah “Swerve” Scott and began his journey at the WWE. 

In June, it was revealed that he would participate in the NXT Breakout Tournament. He made his debut on the July 3, 2019, episode of NXT and lost to Cameron Grimes in the tournament’s first round. 

In January 2020, he competed in a fatal four-way match for the Cruiserweight Championship at Worlds Collide. against Travis Banks, Jordan Devlin, and then-champion Angel Garza, but was defeated.

In April 2020, he participated in a tournament to determine the interim NXT Cruiserweight Champion, engaging in a series of matches. 

He represented Group B in the tournament, where he was defeated by Akira Tozawa and Gentleman Jack Gallagher, but defeated El Hijo del Fantasma but failed to enter the finals.

He then began feuding with Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar as he claimed to be the only one to have pinned Escobar, which led to a title shot at NXT TakeOver: 31, where Strickland faced Escobar but fell short. 

Later, he entered the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament with Jake Atlas, yet the duo was eliminated. Notably, on the February 17, 2021, episode of NXT, Strickland turned heel by attacking Leon Ruff after losing the match.

A significant turning point occurred on the June 29 episode of NXT, where Strickland defeated Bronson Reed to capture the NXT North American Championship, marking a pivotal milestone in his WWE career. 

In 2021, Strickland was drafted to the SmackDown brand. He then defeated Santos Escobar on October 12, 2021, and retained the NXT North American championship. 

However, on November 18, 2021, Strickland, along with Adonis and Dolla, was also released from his WWE contract. 

Arch Manning is an American football quarterback for the Texas Longhorns.

Generation after generation, football has been played in Arch’s family. His dad used to be a football player, and so did his dad. Arch is currently the third generation in the Manning family who has started his career in football.

Here is all we know about the Manning family as well as Arch’s bio.

The Manning family

The Mannings are an American family that has become well-known in the sport of American football due to many members of the family playing quarterback. They are regarded as a dynasty in the sport. 

The first Manning to play in the National Football League (NFL) was Archie Manning of Mississippi. He played most of his career for the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Since then, Louisiana has been the Manning family’s home.

Three Manning family members and siblings have enjoyed prosperous careers as professional and collegiate football players. They have competed in the National Football League (NFL) and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). 

Two College Football Hall of Fame inductions, three SEC Player of the Year awards, twenty cumulative Pro Bowl selections, seven first-team All-Pro selections, five NFL MVP awards, six Super Bowl appearances, four Super Bowl victories, three Super Bowl MVP awards, five ESPY Awards, and one Pro Football Hall of Fame induction are just a few of the football accolades that the Manning family has received. 

As said before, the first generation of their family in football, Archie, played professionally for the New Orleans Saints, Houston Oilers, and Minnesota Vikings in addition to attending Ole Miss for his undergraduate studies. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, he is a first-team All-American and a two-time Pro Bowl pick. 

The second generation of the Manning family includes Archie’s sons —  Cooper Manning, Peyton Manning, and Eli Manning.

Cooper was a wide receiver in high school who planned to play football at Ole Miss, his father’s alma mater. However, Cooper was forced to give up the sport after receiving a spinal stenosis diagnosis.

Peyton was a Consensus All-American during his time as a collegiate player at Tennessee. He also played professionally with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, going to two Super Bowls and winning one with each team. 

Along with being inducted into the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame, he is a 14-time Pro Bowl selection, a five-time NFL MVP, the MVP of Super Bowl XLI, and the recipient of five ESPY Awards —  three for Best NFL Player, one for Best Championship Performance, and one for Outstanding Team with the Colts in 2007.

Eli was selected to the Pro Bowl four times while playing professionally for the New York Giants and as a collegiate player for Ole Miss. He also won two Super Bowl MVP awards.

Now, the Manning family is in their third generation because of Arch. Arch is following in his dad’s footsteps and is an American football quarterback for the Texas Longhorns. 

Arch Manning’s bio

Arch was born on  April 27, 2005, making his age 18 as of 2023. He was born to his parents, Cooper and Ellen Heidingsfelder Manning.

As said before, his dad was a football player who could not continue his dreams because of spinal stenosis diagnosis. Regardless, Cooper is still a vital member of the Manning family’s support network and has achieved success in the energy investment sector despite not pursuing a career in professional football. 

He continues to be active in the media and occasionally contributes to articles on sports. On the other hand, there is not much information known about his mother, Ellen. 

Cooper and Ellen have three kids, meaning that Arch has two siblings —  May, born in 2002, and Heid, born in 2006. Arch is the middle child of his parents and the only one among his siblings who is involved in football.

Talking about his football career, in his first year of high school, Arch made headlines as a varsity starter at Isidore Newman in New Orleans, Louisiana. He won the MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year award after an outstanding first year that featured 2,407 passing yards and 34 touchdowns. 

As a sophomore, he excelled even more, tossing six touchdown passes in one game.

Despite Arch’s extraordinary potential, the Manning family has kept him out of the spotlight by turning down early college scholarships and keeping a modest profile on social media. 

Arch started his college hunt and visited esteemed universities such as Ole Miss, SMU, Clemson, LSU, Alabama, Texas, Georgia, and Virginia. He formally committed to the University of Texas in June 2022, starting a new chapter in his exciting football career.

Arch signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Texas on December 21, 2022. On June 23, 2023, he committed to play football for the Longhorns in college. 

He redshirted in 2023 in his true freshman year. In the third quarter of a rout of Texas Tech on November 24, 2023, he completed two of his five throwing attempts for thirty yards to mark his college debut.

In the fascinating realm of wrestling, many faces make their mark. From wrestlers to interviewers, everyone has a story to tell.

This article delves deep into the life of Chris Van Vliet, who has emerged as a pivotal figure in wrestling, giving fans a closer look into their favorite personalities. Read on to discover the life, achievements, and passion of this remarkable individual.

Early Life and Origins: Birth and Upbringing in Ontario

Chris Van Vliet was born and nurtured in Pickering, Ontario. This place not only shaped his early years but also played a significant role in molding the man he became. Though he later relocated to the bustling environment of Studio City, Los Angeles, his Canadian roots remain integral to his identity. Significantly, Van Vliet’s diverse background of Dutch and Macedonian descent further enriches his personal tapestry.

Academic Achievements and Early Career: Education and Initial Professional Forays

Navigating through his academic journey, Van Vliet was a student at Pine Ridge Secondary School in Pickering. Later, he pursued higher education at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario.

Here, he didn’t just acquire a degree in communication studies but also garnered valuable work experience with Rogers Community Television and AM570 News in Kitchener. Immediately post-graduation, CHEX-TV in Peterborough, Ontario, saw his potential, hiring him as a news reporter and videographer.

A Flourishing Media Career: Embarking on a Journey With FOX and Others

The FOX affiliate WSVN in Miami recognized Van Vliet’s talents, bringing him onboard as an entertainment reporter for their show, Deco Drive. Before this Miami adventure, he showcased his expertise at WOIO in Cleveland and also charmed the airwaves as a radio personality on WDOK. His skills weren’t confined to the US, as he had left an impression in Canada too, co-hosting Sun TV’s Inside Jam! and Razer’s 969 program.

Brush With Virality: The Famous Interview with Leslie Mann and Dakota Johnson

On January 29, 2016, an interview with Leslie Mann and Dakota Johnson for the film How to Be Single saw a fun twist. Instead of the usual questions and answers, the actresses spent their screen time engaging in playful flirting with Van Vliet. This unexpected banter caught the attention of netizens, turning the interview into a viral sensation overnight.

Recognitions and Awards: Emmy Wins and Nominations

Achievements are the true testament to one’s dedication. On June 27, 2015, Van Vliet’s commitment to his craft earned him his fourth Emmy Award for Best Host.

This wasn’t his sole accolade. In his illustrious career, he has been honored with a total of nine Emmy nominations, highlighting his consistent excellence in the world of media.

The YouTube Endeavor: Conversations With Celebrities and Wrestlers

Expanding his media presence, Van Vliet established a YouTube channel under his name. Here, he blends his love for entertainment and wrestling, conducting insightful interviews with celebrities and wrestling icons. This platform has further solidified his position as a leading figure in the entertainment domain.

AEW and Wrestling: An Integral Part of All Elite Wrestling

Van Vliet’s passion for wrestling saw him delve deeper into the wrestling universe. On July 29, 2019, he announced a significant move: signing with All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

As a backstage interviewer for AEW Dynamite on TNT, he added depth to the show. His notable contributions include interviewing celebs like Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes ringside during Dynamite’s premiere. Plus, he hosted a memorable segment with The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express in Charleston, West Virginia.

Unfortunately for Chris, in his home town of Pickering, Ontario sports betting regulations do not allow him to bet on his favorite wrestling matchups.

An Outdoors Enthusiast: Competitive Bass Fishing and Business Ventures

Beyond the entertainment sphere, Van Vliet has a penchant for the great outdoors. His enthusiasm for competitive bass fishing has led him to participate in numerous Bassmaster and FLW Outdoors tournaments. 

His prowess is evident with his Amateur Division Big Fish of the Day win during the Bassmaster Northern Open from September 12–14, 2013, where he caught a whopping 6-pound, 7-ounce smallmouth bass. Moreover, his business acumen shines through as the co-founder of the outdoors brand, WOO! Tungsten.

INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet: Podcasting With Top Personalities

Deep dives into the minds of the world’s best performers are what Chris Van Vliet seeks. His podcast, INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet, does just that. Every episode offers in-depth discussions with top athletes, celebrities, entrepreneurs, and thinkers. Van Vliet’s aim? To extract their insights and make them accessible for everyone.

Conclusion: A Multifaceted Personality

From the screens of television and YouTube to the wrestling arenas and tranquil waters of bass fishing, Chris Van Vliet’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and versatility. His story is a remarkable blend of media, sports, and personal endeavors, all converging to define the man he is today.