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Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From Las Vegas strip club to becoming The Godfather of WWE - How a Sylvester Stallone movie changed the life of a wrestling legend
The Godfather (Image via WWE) The name Charles Wright might not ring a bell with fans of wrestling but The Godfather sure does. He was still working at a strip club in Las Vegas when a sudden conversation and a subsequent phone call changed his life completely. Gone was Charles Wright, and instead, fans got to see a legendary wrestler who became one of the biggest names in WWE during the Attitude Era. But what really went down that made a once non-believer into one of the top performers in wrestling? Let's find out. The Godfather reveals how he became a top wrestler Charles Wright had no prior experience as far as wrestling was concerned. For him, it was just people who did play-fighting for viewers and had no other thoughts on it. But one night, a conversation led to changing his whole perspective on the matter. Sylvester Stallone was filming his movie, Over the Top, in Las Vegas, and the shoot had a lot of wrestlers in it. A little chat with them, and Wright was completely blown away. In a conversation with the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast, he said: 'I was working in a strip club in Las Vegas… and they were filming a movie called Over The Top. A lot of guys in that were wrestlers… and they come in, they're like, 'Dude, you should become a wrestler.' And I'm like, 'Man, I don't want to do that phony shit.'' Hall of Famer The Godfather, Plus Reactions to AEW's All In & WWE Evolution | No-Contest Wrestling But when he heard one of the wrestlers present there had "made a million dollars last year," Wright was astonished. He could not believe that wrestling could pay that much. And even though he did not have any idea how wrestling worked, he decided maybe he could try his luck and see what happened. A phone call led to the birth of Soultaker That one conversation led to Charles Wright making a phone call, and that one call changed the trajectory of his life. Further into his conversation, the Hall of Famer revealed: 'Literally, less than two years from that call, I'm wrestling Jerry Lawler in Memphis, Tennessee, on a Monday night on my very first match ever, not knowing anything about wrestling, because I never went to wrestling school. I beat Jerry Lawler on a Monday night." And that one night alone was enough to make him the Soultaker. It also led to a friendship that defined the Attitude Era, as the Soultaker and the Undertaker became an unlikely duo in wrestling. "I was The Soultaker in Memphis, Tennessee, man.' He became the Soultaker, a name he had taken from one of the tattoos on the arm of the wrestlers from the bar in Las Vegas, who had convinced him to try professional wrestling. He went through many gimmicks and name changes throughout his career, but later, it was the moniker of The Godfather that became his identity. It was as The Godfather that he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016, and is today regarded as one of the legends in wrestling. Also Read: WWE: Unreal is ready to pull back the curtain on the world of wrestling with its newest docuseries Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'I wanna bury these ni**as' — Kevin Durant sends chilling message after Houston Rockets trade
(Image Source - Getty Images) Houston's offseason just got wild. Kevin Durant found out he was traded to the Rockets while on stage at Fanatics Fest—and later posted a chilling message on Instagram: 'I wanna bury these ni**as like 20 feet down…' This wasn't a goodbye—it was a warning. The Rockets, coming off a strong 52-win season with coach Ime Udoka and Fred VanVleet, just got even scarier. With Durant, things are about to get serious. Rockets land Kevin Durant in blockbuster trade and get a chilling rallying cry The big trade, wrapped up on June 22 and effective from July 6, has Durant heading to Houston in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 2025 No. 10 draft pick, and five second-round picks. Notably, Durant discovered the news live at New York's Fanatics Fest before he confirmed it on his Instagram Story—the same platform where he quietly dropped a serious threat: 'Anyone else would retire, but I'm not content. I wanna bury these ni**as like 20 feet down. So no one can find them again," borrowing Drake's line from Smiley's 2021 single'. This line is taken from Drake's verse in Smiley's 2021 song Over the Top, and it clearly shows that Durant is aiming for dominance, not just hanging up his sneakers. He steps into a Rockets locker room that's still buzzing from its best season since 2020. With coach Ime Udoka—who just secured a sweet long-term deal—they powered through to a 52-30 record and snagged the Southwest Division title, but ended up losing in a nail-biting seven-game series against the Warriors. To get ready for Durant, Houston locked in Fred VanVleet with a fresh two-year, $50 million deal and also extended veteran center Steven Adams. This is a clear shift from rebuilding to a win-now approach, with championship goals taking the spotlight. Bringing in a Hall-of-Fame-worthy forward—who comes with two NBA titles, two Finals MVPs, four scoring championships, and 15 All-Star appearances—dramatically shifts Houston's competitive dynamics. On the court, twins Amen Thompson and center Alperen Şengün now have exceptional scoring help. Meanwhile, off the court, the front office is focused on ensuring long-term consistency and effective leadership. Also Read: NBA Draft 2025: Key dates, full order, top picks, and prospect buzz you shouldn't miss As Houston embarks on a fresh journey, all indications lead to one conclusion: Kevin Durant isn't just signing with the Rockets—he's altering the narrative. His Instagram post wasn't a retirement announcement; it was a rallying cry. For a team climbing out of the depths into genuine contention, the stakes are high. With a dynamic roster and a bold superstar, the Rockets' season won't just be seen—it'll be felt. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Hypebeast
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Drake and Smiley Team up on New Track "2 Mazza"
Summary The highly anticipated collaboration between OVO Sound'sSmileyand label headDrake, titled '2 Mazza,' arrived earlier today. Both Toronto rappers come together for the joint effort, marking the first since their successful 2021 hit 'Over the Top.' '2 Mazza' immediately distinguishes itself by leaning into authentic Toronto street lexicon. The phrase 'mazza' itself, used to describe a 'crazy situation' or a chaotic scenario, becomes a central theme, woven into the fabric of the song's narrative. Smiley leads the charge with vivid, street-level storytelling, reflecting on his come-up and navigating the complexities of his environment. His signature, somewhat laconic yet impactful delivery, often described as a 'one-of-a-kind flow' with a distinctive 'cartoonish Snaggletooth wheeze,' provides a raw and unfiltered perspective over a hypnotic, R&B-infused beat. The song is part of Smiley's first album in three years, titledDon't Box Me In. Drake's verse on '2 Mazza' serves as a complementary counterpoint, mirroring Smiley's ascent while also showcasing his own journey from humble beginnings to present-day opulence. His presence on the track not only lends significant star power but also reinforces his long-standing commitment to nurturing talent within his OVO Sound imprint and putting Toronto's unique voice on the global stage. '2 Mazza' is more than just a song; it's a cultural moment, a sonic snapshot that brings local Toronto slang to a global audience, all under the influential co-sign of one of music's biggest names. Watch the music video above.
Telegraph
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Why a £6 white tank is all you need to inject spring into your wardrobe
The humble basic with a rich fashion history is making a comeback – and it's the easiest styling hack to update your look. Amidst the ongoing cycles of fashion weeks and awards show red carpets, some heartening news for those who just crave a simple outfit refresher. There's one item that can make everything else in your wardrobe feel positively spring-like: a simple white tank top. The white tank is having something of a revival, evoking long-forgotten images of off-duty Kate Moss, Gwen Stefani and Angelina Jolie. Spotted on Sienna Miller for her recent (and very sexy) advertising campaign with Frame; on modern day supermodels such as Bella Hadid, who is a fan, and once again on Moss, who revived the tank for a strut down Bottega Veneta's SS23 catwalk, styled with baggy jeans and a checked shirt. The reason? 'It is such an easy styling hack,' says stylist Serena Crawley. 'A fresh white tank top or t-shirt is an absolute must for every wardrobe.' Sarah Corbett-Winder, a stylist and the founder of women's tailoring brand Kipper agrees, adding that for those suffering from dull winter skin, 'the splash of white near the face instantly lifts and brightens the complexion'. The tank has a long history. One origin story dates back to the 1860s, when Parisian dockworkers cut the arms off their wool jumpers to allow for more movement. In the 1950s, an innovative bonnet maker from France's Loire valley called Marcel Eisenberg began mass producing white tank tops – called the Marcel vest (a moniker still used today) – worn by the working people from labourers to soldiers, which spread across Europe and the United States. In 1951, the humble staple was given a shot of star status when actor Marlon Brando wore it in A Streetcar Named Desire. Then, James Dean donned one throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Over the coming decades, the piece came to symbolise androgynous toughness for actors such as Sylvester Stallone (in Over the Top), Bruce Willis (Die Hard) and Sigourney Weaver (Alien). Freddie Mercury sporting one on stage at the 1985 Live Aid concert was a neat segue into the piece's ubiquity in the modern music scene; from Bruce Springsteen to Axl Rose in Guns 'N' Roses – before being adopted by pretty much the entire grunge scene in the 1990s (often coupled with a plaid shirt tied around the waist). Not long afterwards, fashion got in on the mood thanks to designer Helmut Lang, who showed white tanks as part of his spring-summer 1999 collection. Fast forward to 2022 and Italian fashion house Prada sent ribbed white tanks emblazoned with their logo down the catwalk and even onto red carpets, a decision which generated such a level of attention that British Vogue deemed the £720 piece the item of the year. From functional workwear to high fashion, does the simple vest then transcend class? It certainly comes loaded with connotations of it, having symbolised everything from proletarian workwear (think of unwashed TV character Rab C. Nesbitt in his string vest, or the pejorative synonym of 'wife beater') to a high cost aspirational item. But then, fashion likes to play games like that. True to its roots, there are a vast array of good options on the high street that will leave you change from a tenner, but plenty more mid-range that feel weighty and worth a slight investment. Fit is personal – and depends on what you want to highlight or perhaps cover. For Pip Durrell, founder of shirting brand With Nothing Underneath (and a former fashion editor), a form fitting shape works best, with 'the most important part being the neckline. A classic wide curve is a fail-safe, but I also love a higher neck to give a racer feel.' Gap currently has a nineties-style scooped neck version on sale for £6, while Reformation has an excellent higher neck version, made from organically grown cotton and cut to flatter the fleshy section under armpits (£48; Danielle Windsor, founder of luxury clothing and accessories brand Yaitte, is also a fan of a scooped neck, allowing 'a hint of skin'. She adds, though, that while there are cheap options available, 'the quality and cut are really important; I think it's often worth spending a little bit more, especially as I reach for a tank on almost a daily basis.' Sunspel's classic vest is a solid choice, made in its Derbyshire factory from the same cotton the brand makes its excellent t-shirts (£70; David Telfer, creative director of Sunspel says that a 'fine rib is key to achieving the perfect fit, adding both texture to the fabric and giving a flattering shape.' The beauty of the white tank is that it can be styled with anything to make it look instantly cooler (tailoring) or up to date (denim). Here you can take inspiration from the catwalks and celebrities: Prada styled their tank with an embellished maxi skirt, Tom Ford paired one with a sequin skirt for their spring 25 collection, Loewe's campaign imagery paired a white tank with a heavy wool blazer, and the house sent models down catwalks in loose, but tailored trousers. Windsor agrees that a white tank 'paired with tailoring gives a modern twist on office attire - it can really change the tone of functional dressing.' For a looser fit, Hush has a cotton slub tank that will skim curves (£25; Durrell loves wearing her tanks under a shirt (which can be a midlife style saviour – allowing for temperature changes). Corbett-Winder adds a tank can be personalised by adding chunky chains and neck scarves. Windsor suggests the vest with 'stovepipe jeans for an off-duty feel' – a good reference point being actor Yara Shahidi in the latest Gucci campaign who showed how a tight white tank and wide-fitting denim trousers (complete with brown double G belt) is a masterclass in cool. And as the weather starts to warm, Windsor says the item 'is a must-have in the summer for beach-to-bar style with a sarong or linen skirt'. Just one styling tip to keep in mind, Crawley says, 'a fresh tank is imperative. Once they go a little bit grey, it's time for a refresh.'
