Summary

Tony D'Angelo says one of wrestling's oldest talking points falls apart the moment outsiders actually step into the ring.

D'Angelo recently addressed the idea that pro wrestling is not physically demanding, saying people who visit the WWE Performance Center often realize very quickly how tough even the basics can be. He pointed to something as simple as hitting the ropes and taking a first bump as moments that change minds fast.

That comment lands in a system that is constantly bringing in new prospects, including four new Performance Center recruits announced this week.

Tony D'Angelo and the NXT learning curve

D'Angelo's point is a reminder that NXT's training environment is built around far more than learning moves for television. If experienced athletes and visitors struggle with the ropes and their first bump, that underlines how steep the adjustment can be for anyone trying to break into WWE.

It also adds context to D'Angelo's recent confidence about being ready for the main roster. A wrestler who has come through that system and speaks this directly about its demands is also speaking to the standard WWE expects before that next step happens.

Quote from Tony D'Angelo

In the interview, D'Angelo said:

"That it’s not real. Since the beginning, everybody was like, ‘Ah, yeah, it’s not real. You guys are jumping on a trampoline. But it’s funny. Every time we have somebody come into the Performance Center, or anybody go into the ring, they can’t even make it past hitting the ropes. The ropes leave bruises on your back just from running it. Then they take their first bump, and they’re rethinking their entire life. So I think it’s a lot harder than everybody thinks."

What D'Angelo's comments say about WWE training

D'Angelo was answering a question about the biggest misconception people have about wrestling. His answer centered on the physical punishment involved, even before a match gets to advanced spots or long-form storytelling in the ring.

The larger point is simple: scripted does not mean painless. D'Angelo framed the Performance Center itself as proof of that.

Sources

As reported by Fightful.