Latest news with #TheOverlap
India Today
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Andrew Flintoff reveals how he nearly joined WWE, trained to face the Undertaker
Former England cricketer Andrew Flintoff has revealed that he once turned down an offer from WWE, having been approached directly by former chairman Vince on The Overlap's Stick to Cricket podcast, the legendary all-rounder explained how the opportunity came about after he retired from professional cricket in 2010. Though he briefly returned to play for Brisbane Heat in the 2014–15 Big Bash League season, Flintoff had already begun exploring options outside the his BBL stint, Flintoff said he had started training with WWE and even discussed potential storylines, including matches against The Undertaker and appearances at the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania. "I just hid for a bit and started to wonder, 'What am I going to do now? Some of the TV offers started to come, which was never the plan — I stumbled into that. I nearly joined the WWE, I didn't want to box, that was never the plan! I would have been called 'Big Fred'!"Flintoff added that his initial motivation was to regain fitness, and his childhood love for wrestling inspired him to pursue the WWE route.'I wanted to get fit again, but I needed motivation. As a kid, I loved WWE, so I came up with this idea, because I was doing League of Their Own with Sky, to fight the Undertaker in Manchester.'advertisement'I wrote this treatment up and presented the idea to Sky, it started gathering momentum and next minute it's being passed onto WWE. I was in contact with the WWE, Vince McMahon!'As the idea took off, Flintoff was flown over to WWE's academy in the United States for initial training, where he quickly realised the level of physical punishment involved.'They fly us over business class, next morning we get in the car and go to WWE's academy, two massive units all branded. We're sitting in the car and these things are walking past me, like 6ft 8in monsters.'My missus asked, are you going to be okay? I said, 'Yeah, I'll be fine.' I walked in — on the first day, nobody liked me because it's really competitive with 60 of us all wanting a contract with the WWE — then this English lad walked in."Despite his enthusiasm, things took a turn when he suffered an injury during the intense training sessions."So I go in and we do the warm-ups, then they put me in the ring for three hours and I just ran the ropes, I'd run into someone and they'd throw me. The second day I went in there, I had lashes all down my back and my missus said, 'Are you alright with this?' I was sore and thought something's not right here,' he said to this physio, 'I think I'm having a back spasm,' so they're all like, 'Oh the English lad's got a back spasm,' so they put me on the couch, he's pushing me and I can feel my ribs separating,' he also worked on his mic skills, but ultimately chose not to pursue the WWE opportunity due to family considerations.'The money was obscene, but we wanted to move back from Dubai,' he said.'The kids wanted to play cricket and didn't want to go to America, so I just changed it to boxing and had a fight instead,' he Top-Gear and Coaching RolesShortly after, Flintoff took on a professional boxing bout against Richard Dawson, winning on then, he has enjoyed a varied post-cricket career, including hosting roles on Top Gear and serving as a consultant coach with the England men's team and the England Lions.- EndsMust Watch
Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd could profit from Arsenal decision as Ollie Watkins transfer talks held
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who Arsenal made a £50million offer for during the January transfer window Arsenal's failure to sign Ollie Watkins could come back to haunt them after Manchester United made contact with Aston Villa to discuss a move. Watkins, 29, has been added to the Red Devils' shortlist as manager Ruben Amorim looks to bring in new striker. United's list of options already includes Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres and Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike, both of whom have interest from elsewhere. The Red Devils are focussing on their attack in the summer transfer window, having spent £62.5million to sign Matheus Cunha last month and bidding up to £63m for Bryan Mbeumo. To fund their business, Amorim would be willing to part ways with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Jadon Sancho. United's talks to sign Watkins began through Rashford, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa. The Athletic report that ahead of Rashford's move to Villa Park, talks took place regarding a potential swap deal involving Watkins. Now contact has been made to explore the conditions of a separate deal after Villa - who remain at risk of breaching Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules - confirmed that Rashford's loan wouldn't be made permanent. Had Arsenal been successful in their pursuit, though, Watkins wouldn't be on the market. The Gunners made a bid for the England international, who Villa were willing to let go while fellow striker Jhon Duran was still at the club. But Arsenal's £50m offer was rejected and Duran was the one to be sold, joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr. Speaking in April, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher revealed the reason why Watkins didn't sign for Arsenal. "When we talk about Arsenal going for Ollie Watkins, someone told me that Aston Villa offered him to Arsenal," Carragher said on The Overlap podcast. "I know that. I don't think it was Arsenal phoning Villa saying they want to sign him. "Arsenal didn't sign him because they didn't offer a lot of money. They offered around £50m. However, this is the information I had. If I know that then I'm sure his agent knows that. Should Manchester United attempt to sign Ollie Watkins? Have your say in the comments section. "Villa have spent a lot of money, and they need to get something back. In an ideal world, you probably would sell Ollie Watkins and keep Jhon Duran because he is the younger player - he is only 21." Arsenal are no longer focussed on Watkins, with Gyokeres and RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko emerging as their top striker targets. United could therefore have a free run at the 29-year-old, who Villa could demand less for amid their concerning financial predicament. Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Metro
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Roy Keane blasts Jill Scott in rant about TV pundits who 'don't love football'
Roy Keane accused Jill Scott of 'not loving the game' in a rant about TV pundits who do not have an in-depth knowledge of football. Keane and Scott have both been regular guests on The Overlap to discuss the major Premier League and Champions League talking points this season. The former Manchester United captain is also one of Sky Sports' leading pundits for their Premier League matches, while Scott, who was in England's squad for their victory at Euro 2022, will be part of the BBC's coverage of the Lionesses' Euro 2025 campaign this summer. In a behind-the-scenes edition of The Overlap which was released on Thursday, Keane was filmed sparking a debate about football pundits in which he claimed that Scott is 'too busy' with other commitments and is unable to keep up with the latest events in the sport. Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright could be heard defending Scott during the exchange, but both appeared to take Keane's rant in good humour. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. 'See I love the game, these people with stat packs, I don't,' Keane said. 'They need stat packs, I don't. Do you know what? I love the game, I love the game, they don't love the game, there's loads of people on TV who don't love the game of football. 'Ask Jill a question – who got promoted last week from League Two? She wouldn't have a f***ing clue. Who got promoted from League Two last week?' Scott replied: 'I don't know.' Keane then exclaimed: 'Yes, exactly! You don't love the game. Get out!' More Trending Man behind viral video of fight at Ibiza hotel pool is a pro-footballer Scott laughed and said with a smile: 'The game doesn't love you. 'Some of us are too busy to be constantly watching football. You're like 70 now, you can just chill, you can watch a game, I've still got a life.' Keane replied: 'That's my point, you're too busy. You go to London to open a shop for £200, I'd go and watch a game, Jesus.' Keane then smiled as Scott joked back: 'And that's just the voucher.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Alan Shearer says new Chelsea signing is 'a little rough around the edges' MORE: Arsenal open talks to sign La Liga star in £17m transfer MORE: Jamie Carragher gets his wish as Liverpool confirm £40m signing
Wales Online
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'I'll never forget my final conversation with Shane Warne - his death shocked me'
'I'll never forget my final conversation with Shane Warne - his death shocked me' Shane Warne and Phil Tufnell were on opposite sides during the 1990s, and the pair often locked horns, but they still shared a close friendship away from the cricket field Shane Warne passed away on back in 2022 after suffering a heart attack (Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images ) After numerous memorable encounters with Shane Warne, former England cricketer Phil Tufnell's last interaction with the Australian was rather unassuming. With his charming personality, bamboozling spinning ability and habit of finding himself in the headlines, Tufnell, 59, could be considered England's answer to Warne. While Tufnell might not have sported an earring or the bleach blonde hair that gave Warne his movie-star looks, he nevertheless had the skill to bewilder batsmen and make the ball turn on command. Notably, Tufnell eclipsed Warne during the 1997 Ashes by securing 11 wickets compared to the Aussie's four, leading England to a narrow 19-run win in the sixth test against Australia. Friendship blossomed between the two after their international cricket careers ended, with both contributing their insights to media coverage. The world, along with Tufnell, was shocked by Warne's sudden death due to a heart attack at age 52 on March 4, 2022. Tufnell reflects on his final words with Warne fondly. It was simply a routine farewell post-match, followed by a light-hearted confirmation that they both had cigarettes on hand. Speaking at the launch of The Overlap and Betfair's Stick to Cricket show, Tufnell told the Mirror: "I do a little bit actually (remember his last conversation with Warne). "I think we were at a cricket match. We have a breakout group there, so we're BBC and he was at Sky. As usual, we all meet up for a fag, we both used to smoke. I tell you what, it was one of those where we were just chatting. Article continues below "It was virtually, 'Oh, well, see you later. See you next year. Cheers mate. You got a fag, yeah? Alright! Cheers mate. Ta, bye.' Warne and Tufnell had many battles on the field (Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images ) "Then, shortly afterwards (when news of the death was confirmed), it was like, 'F***, what?' That was the shock. We just couldn't believe it." Warne's sudden passing while on holiday in Thailand was deeply felt across the sport. Tufnell recalled exactly where he was when he heard the devastating news. He said: "I was driving along in my car and I thought they'd got it wrong. I thought they'd got it wrong because I think Rod Marsh, the legendary Australian wicket-keeper, had passed away two or three days beforehand. Tufnell will be starring on Betfair's Stick to Cricket show (Image: Betfair/Stick to Cricket podcast ) "I thought they had got that (Warne's death) wrong on the radio. Then I turned to another channel and they said it again. "I stopped the car. Stopped the car. I had been working with him not so long ago in the media centre at a cricket match, just chatting to him. I just couldn't believe it." Warne is universally recognised as the finest leg spinner in history, concluding his illustrious career with a tally of 708 wickets, second only to Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan, who bagged 800. Article continues below Betfair are set for a big summer and winter of cricket, launching a new show with The Overlap: Stick to Cricket. Don't miss the first episode next week, where the team will be reviewing the opening test of the series between England and India.
Daily Mirror
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I was with Shane Warne months before he died - I still remember our last words'
EXCLUSIVE: The sudden death of Shane Warne sent shockwaves through the cricket world, including former England star Phil Tufnell, who still remembers his last conversation with the Australian After many extraordinary battles with Shane Warne, ex-England cricket star Phil Tufnell's final exchange with the Australian was a simple one. As a revered spinner and colourful character who was often in the headlines, Tufnell, 59, could be described as England's answer to the Australian. Tufnell may not have had the earring or the bleach blonde hair that made Warne look like a movie-star, but the English off-spinner could also bamboozle batsmen and spin the ball at his will. Many fans will never forget Tufnell outshining Warne at the 1997 Ashes by taking 11-wickets to Warne's four, inspiring England to a 19-run victory over the Aussies in the sixth test. Naturally, the pair developed a good friendship in their retirement from cricket and often worked together in the media. As millions were across the world, Tufnell was devastated by Warne's fatal heart attack at the age of 52 on March 4, 2022. He still remembers his final exchanges with Warne. It was an unextraordinary goodbye after a cricket match, followed by both spinners assuring one another that they were equipped with cigarettes. Speaking at the launch of The Overlap and Betfair's Stick to Cricket show, in an exclusive interview with Mirror Sport, Tufnell, when asked if he remembers his final exchange with Warne, said: "I do a little bit actually. "I think we were at a cricket match. We have a breakout group there, so we're BBC and he was at Sky. As usual, we all meet up for a fag, we both used to smoke. I tell you what, it was one of those where we were just chatting. "It was virtually, 'Oh, well, see you later. See you next year. Cheers mate. You got a fag, yeah? Alright! Cheers mate. Ta, bye.' "Then, shortly afterwards (when news of the death was confirmed), it was like, 'F***, what?' That was the shock. We just couldn't believe it." Warne was on holiday in Thailand when he suffered his heart attack three years ago. His passing left a gaping hole in the world of cricket, particularly in the hearts of his family and former rivals who became friends. As well as their final conversation, Tufnell also remembers being behind the wheel of his car when news of Warne's death filtered through his radio. He added: "I was driving along in my car and I thought they'd got it wrong. "I thought they'd got it wrong because I think Rod Marsh, the legendary Australian wicket keeper, had passed away two or three days before hand. "I thought they had got that (Warne's death) wrong on the radio. Then I turned to another channel and they said it again. I stopped the car. "Stopped the car. I had been working with him not so long ago in the media centre at a cricket match, just chatting to him. I just couldn't believe it." Warne is widely regarded as the greatest leg spinner of all-time and finished his esteemed career with 708 wickets, second to only Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan, who claimed 800. Betfair are set for a big summer and winter of cricket, launching a new show with The Overlap: Stick to Cricket. Don't miss the first episode next week, where the team will be reviewing the opening test of the series between England and India.
