In the Front Row | "MACHINE GUN" KARL ANDERSON on the Rise of the Bullet Club, "Beating up John Cena", and the Talkn Shop Network

“Machine Gun” Karl Anderson joins In the Front Row for one of the most personal conversations we've had with a professional wrestler. Before the championships, Japan, Bullet Club, WWE and the worldwide wrestling career, Karl Anderson was just a kid growing up in Asheville, North Carolina, watching wrestling and dreaming about one day being part of it. Karl takes us through the unlikely path that got him there — from growing up as a wrestling fan in Asheville, to going to college to play baseball, to discovering a wrestling school in Ohio and deciding to chase a completely different dream. He talks about getting his opportunity with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, building his reputation in Japan, becoming part of the legendary Bullet Club, and what it was like to suddenly find himself wrestling on one of the biggest stages in the world. Then came WWE. Karl discusses winning championship gold, working alongside some of the biggest names in wrestling, beating up John Cena, and experiencing the highs and lows of life inside WWE. He also opens up about being released and what came next — including his time with TNA, AEW, and eventually returning to WWE before once again finding himself released. Now, Karl is embracing the independent wrestling scene, traveling the world and continuing to win championships and create new memories while doing things on his own terms. But this conversation isn't just about wrestling. Karl talks about building the Talking Shop Network, life outside the ring, and perhaps most importantly, being a husband and dad while maintaining a career that has taken him all over the world. From Asheville to Ohio…From Japan to Bullet Club…From WWE to TNA and AEW…From championships to the independent scene… This is the story of “Machine Gun” Karl Anderson. In the Front Row brings you conversations with athletes, coaches, entertainers and personalities from the worlds of sports and beyond. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.