Latest news with #Waltman
Newsweek
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Legend Teases Final Match
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. WWE has officially brought Hall of Famer Sean Waltman, widely known as X-Pac, back into its fold to help guide the company's new and developing talent. Now, some fans are wondering whether he could work one more match. This addition sees another key member of the iconic D-Generation X (DX) faction contributing behind the scenes, joining Triple H, who heads main roster creative, Shawn Michaels, who is in charge of NXT creative, and Road Dogg, currently working as a co-lead writer for WWE SmackDown. During a recent talk on The Ariel Helwani Show, Waltman gave an update on his physical condition and his new WWE ID coach role. His last in-ring match was at GCW Joey Janela's Spring Break in March 2022. Speaking about how he feels these days, the former two-time WWE European Champion stated, "Pretty good, man. I mean, I'm beat up. I got, you know, torn pec, two torn biceps, like a bunch of stuff, but I feel great." He added, "I walk around like, you know ... got a little bit of arthritis here and there, but I have no right to feel as good as I do, Ariel, for all the, you know, damage I did to myself." Even with these past injuries, Waltman believes another match isn't out of the question. "I could do it (one more match.) Let's just put it that way," he said. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 31: A general view of the WWE Raw Aggression Tour event at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park July 31, 2003 in Melbourne, Australia. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 31: A general view of the WWE Raw Aggression Tour event at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park July 31, 2003 in Melbourne, Australia. However, he made it clear it would need to be a significant occasion. "But it had to be the right, you know, something special, like some kind of a pay-per-view event or, you know, something big. But I'm fine with just showing up and do something like that (TNA appearance) every now and then. I don't really have the itch really bad like a lot of people get." More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Waltman made such an appearance at TNA Rebellion on April 27, 2025. He was in the corner supporting Ace Austin & The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz) in their match against The System. He first made a name for himself in WWE from 1993 to 1996 as The 1-2-3 Kid. In that role, he famously pinned Razor Ramon in a major upset on WWE Monday Night RAW and was later part of the Million Dollar Corporation. From 1996 to 1998, Waltman moved to WCW, becoming Syxx. As Syxx, he was an important member of the groundbreaking New World Order (NWO) and also held the WCW Cruiserweight Championship. He then returned to WWE from 1998 to 2002, adopting the X-Pac persona. During this highly successful run, he rejoined D-Generation X, captured the WWE European Championship twice, the Light Heavyweight Championship twice, and was a four-time WWE Tag Team Champion. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WWE legend X-Pac recounts iconic night Scott Hall shocked the world and put him over as the 1-2-3 Kid
On May 17, 32 years will have come and gone since two-time WWE Hall of Famer Sean Waltman — then known as "The Kid" — scored arguably the biggest upset in professional wrestling history. In his 1993 match against the late, great "Razor Ramon" Scott Hall, a 21-year-old Waltman shocked the wrestling world with a surprise quick pin of the established superstar, while in his "jobber" role. Reflecting on the iconic moment on Wednesday's edition of "The Ariel Helwani Show," Waltman couldn't believe one of his career-best highlights had came so long ago. Advertisement "Wow, 32 years — I'm just blown away," Waltman said. "I mean, I know we all talk about how fast time flies and everything, but it's just like that, man. It's all behind us. "That's the most important moment in my entire career. There's not even a close second. Easily top three most important moments of my life, as far as I'm concerned." The 52-year-old legend accumulated many more notable accomplishments throughout his in-ring career, most famously as part of the D-Generation X and New World Order factions. However, the win that turned him into the "1-2-3 Kid" before "X-Pac" is still as memorable as ever. Advertisement Waltman remembered getting to the arena nice and early on the day of the fateful event, while the rest of the company's big stars, like Hall, had to take a red-eye flight overnight from WWE's previous show. WWE booker Pat Patterson met Waltman and Hall backstage to go over the match, and his plan was just to have Hall beat up Waltman before some sort of quick pin. Waltman suggested the moonsault into a pin — and that was that. Waltman didn't even know Hall outside of a small connection through Curt Hennig, but the icon known then as "Razor Ramon" couldn't have been happier with the idea of putting over a scrawny youngster. "I'm just so grateful to Scott," Waltman said. "You hate to say you take somebody for granted, especially one of your best friends, like a brother, but I did. His brilliance, and just — he's gone, and all of that's gone now. As far as I'm concerned, he was the smartest guy in the car of the five of us [in WWE's fabled The Kliq group]. Somebody might dispute that, but that's how I felt. He was just brilliant, man. Not too many people in his league when it comes to that. "Scott got to be a point where he's a heel, and he's doing everything right, as far as he's not trying to be a babyface, but people just loved him. They were going to turn him [into a babyface] on their own, and Vince [McMahon] saw that and he wanted to solve that problem, if you want to call it a problem. Advertisement "This was a great way to bring me in, introduce me, and turn Razor Ramon babyface," Waltman continued. "Thankfully, I did my part and took full advantage of that opportunity — because, let me just say this, usually back then, when they would introduce a new star, it would just be the same old thing, right? Some vignettes, then some squash matches on TV. Then it's like go out there and get over. This is what I got. That was my introduction. Unbelievable, man." These days, Waltman's days of lacing the boots up for a match are likely behind him. However, he's not shy about giving the occasional rub in a fun spot when requested, as he did at the recent TNA Rebellion event with The Rascalz. The small cameo was the only plan discussed for Waltman in TNA, so don't expect to see him popping up regularly. Advertisement More importantly, though, Waltman has reached a good point in his life after battling drug addiction and substance abuse for countless years throughout his career. The WWE legend is proud to have conquered his demons. "I couldn't ask for a better life," Waltman said. "A lot of people know I had a really rough patch in my life over probably a dozen or so [years ago]. I was just in a real dark place, and just constantly in the news for all the wrong reasons. So, I finally got it — finally got this thing figured out, it seems like. "Life is great. I've been married for five years. Buster, my dog, my best friend, I take him hiking all the time. Life is great, man. My wrestling and personal life, business stuff, is balanced perfectly right now. "Just like a lot of other people, you keep trying and keep falling down. People get tired of helping after they've tried and done their turn at helping you," Waltman continued. "I kind of almost ran out of all those people — and luckily, I just happened to be ready to do this. I have dear friends now. Maria Menounos and her husband Kevin Undergaro, they kind of took me into their world, got me set up with all the podcasting stuff, and just around all of their people, and it was exactly what I needed. And I was ready for the help, and I took full advantage of it."
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Public school advocates express worry as Trump moves to close US education department
South Dakota public education advocates are anxious about the impending closure of the U.S. Department of Education, saying they don't see a plan of action for how federal funding will be distributed moving forward. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to dismantle her department and 'return education authority to the states.' The move follows a recent 50% reduction in department staff. Sandra Waltman, director of public affairs for the South Dakota Education Association, described the situation as chaotic, particularly for districts reliant on federal Title I funding that supports schools with high numbers of low-income students. 'If you close down the Department of Education without a plan for ensuring that programs like Title I and special education services continue, then what happens to the students who depend on them?' Waltman said. Public education advocates in South Dakota were already concerned about the sweeping staff reductions to the federal department, warning of potential disruptions to federally funded programs. 'What we need to know is if there's an implementation plan,' said Rob Monson, executive director of School Administrators of South Dakota. 'If not, we're really at a loss for what to do next.' Special education funding is another concern, because federal funding supplements local resources to cover services like specialized teachers, transportation and individualized education plans for students with disabilities. Advocates fear that shifting federal funds into block grants managed by the state — as proposed by some Republican politicians including Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota — could lead to budget cuts at the legislative level. 'My biggest fear is that when you turn this over to the state, it becomes state money, and we know how that can go,' said Dianna Miller, a lobbyist for large public schools in the state. 'We've already had to face education funding cuts this year.' Waltman also warned of the potential ripple effect on South Dakota's universities, whose students rely on federal student loans and grants. 'We're just starting to bounce back in enrollment,' she said. 'If students can't access federal aid, what will that do to our universities?' Monson said uncertainty now looms over school staffing levels and program availability. 'Schools plan their budgets a year in advance, and this kind of uncertainty puts us in a difficult position,' Monson said. 'If federal funding mechanisms change or are delayed, schools will be forced to make staffing adjustments before contract renewals in mid-April. That means potential layoffs and service reductions.' According to the Pew Research Center, South Dakota's K-12 public education system is the nation's second-most reliant on federal aid. The National Education Association reports that annual funding routed through the U.S. Department of Education to South Dakota includes $66.4 for Pell grants to college students, $57.8 million for Title I, $48.1 million from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and $30.7 million in career and technical education grants. U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-South Dakota, who previously introduced legislation to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, celebrated the news of Trump's order to begin shutting down the agency. 'The federal BUREAUCRACY of Education has never educated a single student. It's time to shut it down,' Rounds said in a news release. 'Today's news is a step in the right direction.' Rounds said he's working on legislation that would return education decisions to states and local school districts while maintaining programs like special education and Title I. 'We are discussing this legislation with Secretary McMahon,' he said, 'and we believe there is a very good path forward.' This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: South Dakota advocates anxious over plan to close education department
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Public school advocates worry about lack of planning as Trump moves to close US Education Department
Dianna Miller, a lobbyist for the Large School Group, talks with a follow public school advocate at the South Dakota Capitol in Pierre on Jan. 29, 2025. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight) South Dakota public education advocates are anxious about the impending closure of the U.S. Department of Education, saying they don't see a plan of action for how federal funding will be distributed moving forward. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to dismantle her department and 'return education authority to the states.' The move follows a recent 50% reduction in department staff. Sandra Waltman, director of public affairs for the South Dakota Education Association, described the situation as chaotic, particularly for districts reliant on federal Title I funding that supports schools with high numbers of low-income students. 'If you close down the Department of Education without a plan for ensuring that programs like Title I and special education services continue, then what happens to the students who depend on them?' Waltman said. Trump signs order directing Education secretary to shut down her own department Public education advocates in South Dakota were already concerned about the sweeping staff reductions to the federal department, warning of potential disruptions to federally funded programs. 'What we need to know is if there's an implementation plan,' said Rob Monson, executive director of School Administrators of South Dakota. 'If not, we're really at a loss for what to do next.' Special education funding is another concern, because federal funding supplements local resources to cover services like specialized teachers, transportation and individualized education plans for students with disabilities. Advocates fear that shifting federal funds into block grants managed by the state — as proposed by some Republican politicians including Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota — could lead to budget cuts at the legislative level. 'My biggest fear is that when you turn this over to the state, it becomes state money, and we know how that can go,' said Dianna Miller, a lobbyist for large public schools in the state. 'We've already had to face education funding cuts this year.' Waltman also warned of the potential ripple effect on South Dakota's universities, whose students rely on federal student loans and grants. 'We're just starting to bounce back in enrollment,' she said. 'If students can't access federal aid, what will that do to our universities?' Monson said uncertainty now looms over school staffing levels and program availability. 'Schools plan their budgets a year in advance, and this kind of uncertainty puts us in a difficult position,' Monson said. 'If federal funding mechanisms change or are delayed, schools will be forced to make staffing adjustments before contract renewals in mid-April. That means potential layoffs and service reductions.' According to the Pew Research Center, South Dakota's K-12 public education system is the nation's second-most reliant on federal aid. The National Education Association reports that annual funding routed through the U.S. Department of Education to South Dakota includes $66.4 for Pell grants to college students, $57.8 million for Title I, $48.1 million from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and $30.7 million in career and technical education grants. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New poll finds many SD voters oppose education savings accounts
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – The topic of education savings accounts or school vouchers is top of mind for many lawmakers and voters in South Dakota this legislative session. Monday, the South Dakota Public Schools Coalition released the findings of a statewide poll. The results are in and according to a survey commissioned by the South Dakota Education Association, many voters in the state oppose the implementation of education savings accounts, also known as school voucher programs. Tribes issuing free ID cards amid ICE raids '58, almost 60, percent are opposed to using tax dollars to send to private schools,' Sandra Waltman, Director of Public Affairs for the SD Education Association, said. 'So that, we think, is a clear majority of the citizens of South Dakota. The voters of South Dakota are not in support of this plan.' The survey found that 57% of voters believe South Dakota public schools do not receive enough funding. 'We hope lawmakers see this poll and realize what voters really want them to focus on is making sure our public schools are funded,' Waltman said. House Bill 1020, which would allocate $4 million for students to attend private or home schools, was introduced to legislators earlier this month. It is currently waiting to be read by the House Education Committee. 'This is going to be a debate throughout the legislative session and we would encourage everybody to talk to their lawmakers about why their local public schools are important to their communities,' Waltman said. The poll was conducted by American Viewpoint between January 13 and January 15, 2025, with a sample of 500 general election voters. We reached out to Representative Scott Odenbach, the prime sponsor of HB 1020 to get his thoughts on the poll's findings — he pointed us in the direction of a different poll that found many voters did support school vouchers. That survey was conducted in November 2023. Odenbach's full statement is below: 'There are a variety of polls out there regarding support for school choice in South Dakota. I'm not surprised this coalition came up with one that gave the result they seek. I am curious how much taxpayer money they ended up spending on this push poll. I would encourage you to investigate that, as well as the taxpayer money they spend lobbying. As I shared with you earlier today, other polls have shown around 50% of the voters support school choice, and support rises to around 65% among registered Republicans. School choice is an issue whose time has come, and I will continue to support these needed changes to the way we educate our kids. We must fund students, not systems and allow parents to decide which education environment is best for their children. Property tax payers should also understand that the majority of their taxes go to fund the local schools and so if we ever want meaningful property tax relief we must address the ever-growing spending and force the public schools to innovate and decentralize. HB1020 and education savings accounts start us down that path.' Rep. Scott Odenbach (R) Lawrence County In a follow-up statement, Odenbach said HB 1020 is also supported by Gov. Larry Rhoden and the SD Department of Education as well as the majority leaders for both the House and Senate, the Speaker of the House and the Senate President Pro Tempore. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
