Cathy Kelley On Returning To WWE, Rhea Ripley, Random DMs, Triple H & Stephanie McMahon

Cathy Kelley (@cathykelley) is a journalist, TV host and backstage interviewer for WWE. She sits down with Chris Van Vliet in Hollywood, CA to talk about her decision to leave WWE in 2020 and what made her return in October 2022, how she got started in broadcasting, moving to Los Angeles, what she learned working in NXT, her favorite interview moments, the relationship she has with Stephanie McMahon and Triple H, working with Rhea Ripley, her thoughts on Grayson Waller, what kind of DMs she receives and much more!
00:00 Intro
00:26 What is her LA story?
03:11 Working for Maria Menounos’ podcast network
03:57 When did she gain her passion for broadcasting?
05:28 Would she ever learn to wrestle?
06:15 Being in a band in high school?
08:55 Rewatching her WWE debut
11:13 Growing an appreciation for the production of WWE
12:37 What was her intro to WWE?
13:56 Starting with Championship Wrestling from Hollywood
15:08 How did she get on WWE’s radar?
17:10 Getting the initial offer from WWE
18:10 Moving to Stanford as opposed to Orlando
19:01 Advice she received from Booker T
20:11 Her psychology as a backstage interviewer
21:53 Michael Cole being underrated
23:30 Working with Rhea Ripley
24:43 How difficult was it to move on from WWE?
26:27 Opportunities outside of WWE during the pandemic
30:24 Learning to write a screenplay in her off time
31:41 Triple H bringing her back to WWE
33:16 Forming a relationship with Stephanie McMahon
34:10 What does her pinned tweet say about her?
36:09 Her current goals in WWE
38:31 Creating “The Bump” and “Talking Snack”40:21 Backstage interviewers having personality
41:21 Who can get her to break character the easiest?
42:44 What do her DMs look like?
44:50 Memories of her last broadcast with Triple H
45:35 What did she learn from Triple H
46:33 Advice for people who want to be announcers?
49:31 What is she reading right now?
50:57 Playing the guitar
51:59 Being a member of Mensa International
55:47 3 Things Cathy Kelley is grateful for
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[@thegameslave2]

It's been cool to see all this Cathy Kelly content this week, from this great chat, to her Out Of Character interview, to her workout with Sheamus. Glad that she ended up coming back to WWE. She's good at what she does.

[@DukeGouliez]

Chris has really been killing it lately with this fire content

[@ChrisVanVliet]

🙏🙏

[@darrenyang0323]

@@ChrisVanVliet 41:40 i thought she’d say Rhea 😂

[@_JC_21]

​@@ChrisVanVlietyou're a legend. You're on the up for years now.

[@digitalmarketinghumans]

Cathy Kelly is such a genuine and nice person. Someone who many people would LOVE to have on their team or just to know as a friend. Such a good and positive role model.

[@kingjames6013]

Cathy Kelly, Pat McAfee and the guests during that watch along era carried me through 2019 WWE. Johnny Gargano’s reaction to the Fiends entrance was hilarious 😂

[@crangel8623]

She is so intelligent and well spoken...I was genuinely thrilled when she came back to wwe.

[@DUFFYISBACK]

would you kiss her combat boots?

[@andrewghickey]

Cathy and Kayla Braxton are the best backstage interviewers in WWE. But they need to give Cathy more airtime

[@GaretheDen]

I wish the IIconics were there to interact with Cathy. HEY CATHY!!!

[@doomprojectgaming9259]

Cathy Kelly is a National Treasure.

[@awesometruth6409]

yea in so many ways.

[@hypnotics7886]

Another great interview from Chris. Another example that no matter how accomplished somebody is, and how put-together they appear to be, words matter in the end. If Cathy ever reads the comments here (unlikely though that is), from one faceless poster, “you’re doing well and the best is yet to come”

[@MarvelMan320]

Am I the only one who thinks that Cathy Kelley needs to write a book? She’s so well spoken and so smart.

[@abhishekyogan3358]

Can listen to her for literally hours on end such a good voice and the personality speaks for itself.

[@Deviitt11]

I'm glad to see Cathy back, loved her interactions with the Undisputed Era back in NXT, great interview as always, Chris! 😄🙌🏼

[@TripSoul10]

Although Cathy said she wouldn’t wrestle, it would be fun to see her be a surprise entrant in a women’s royal rumble or have her in a tag team match at Wrestlemania and win. 😇

[@RichardMasonOfficial]

Always a pleasure to see Cathy! So happy for all her success and her comeback story. I really hope she gets to work more closely with the women wrestlers by developing their storylines as a writer, while still being an on-air backstage interviewer. No one is defined nor should be reduced to contributing in one aspect of the wrestling business when they clearly have so much more to offer. In the end, we all, as fans, greatly benefit from it!

[@christophersimmons5396]

Cathey Kelley is the finest girl ever.. 💕💕💕💕

[@Mapex04417]

True facts!

[@user-tw6xv9jg6v]

Quit playing zoey stark is

[@ricogold_]

Lmfaoo I was deadass gonna comment this and you beat me to it 🤣😂😂😂

[@aryamanchauhan2906]

Fr

[@xgray2012]

Yes she is.

[@mattmtz9586]

im glad cathy is back, miss her when she was gone

[@knection1986]

I just want to say Chris you are absolutely on fire with these interviews. Dude you have a talent for making people comfortable no matter their personality type and its very appreciated by us.

[@11sdownie]

Met her in Brooklyn in 2017. She was an absolute dream.

[@giosamigos]

I had to keep rewinding parts not hearing what was said just from being in awe of Cathy Kelley 's beauty👏

[@UhartAK420]

Cathy Kelley should do commentary... we need more female commentators in WWE

[@realsilentg2413]

I enjoyed this interview with Cathy Kelly. Thanks for having her on your show.

[@nfindc]

I wasn't watching WWE when Cathy started with the company. I started watching again around '18-'19, and she is tremendous at what she brings to the table. Plus, she's humble and very down-to-earth. Glad she's on the team! ❤

[@Exthias1983]

I think this world could use more people like Chris Van Vliet

[@studiotsunami3446]

cathy kelley is our next genneration micheal cole. She is brilliant! She can do it all! I do hope we see her in the WWE for decades.

[@AndrewsOpinion15]

HAPPY 35TH BIRTHDAY CATHY KELLEY !!!

[@Chris91391]

Cathy is such a smart, funny, nice and of course beautiful woman, I was so happy when I saw she's back in WWE, love her!

[@questionquestion1]

She seems like someone you could talk to for hours. I very rarely can sit through full interviews that are an hour long but this was such an easy watch. Of course, big part of it is because you're a great interviewer and asked all the right questions and are a great conversationalist just like she is! Cathy is such a fascinating person and you really were able to bring that out in the best way in this interview! Subbed.

[@michaelmirza1933]

How can you not love Cathy Kelly? Such a sweetheart

[@zucchinidude1695]

Can't wait for dis interview I love me some Cathy Kelley 🤤

[@marcushamner5994]

You’re always killing it Chris. I’m so glad Cathy Kelly is back with WWE. She’s awesome. You’re an inspiration, C.V.V. Much love, bro🎙️😊👊🏾🤍

[@wolframiumlavasioth]

She's so gorgeous 😭

[@jennesis]

Chris, please PLEASE see if you can interview Stephanie McMahon - I would love to have a nice sit-down with her in light of everything that's happened. I hope she's enjoying life, finding peace in spending more time with her kids and I hope she plans to continue working on her book.

[@jooreff]

Undisputed Era was not the same after Cathy wasn’t their interviewer anymore. That one Christmas segment was the best lol

[@TripSoul10]

Best backstage reporter 🔟🔟🔟😎

[@CatsOverBrats]

Great episode. Cathy is an amazing human being. Any chance of an episode with Kayla Braxton one day?

[@JCLopez209]

Dude frosted tips and goatee Michael Cole along with Frosted tips Josh Matthews hahahahaha I loved it

[@anonymoususerhere]

Chris! My guy, you're on fire!! It is a difficult task to grab our attention with the lovely Cathy Kelley on screen, but you did just that. Great questions and a perfect mix of professionalism and casual chats. This was perfect 🤌

[@koepisking]

She's the best ❤

[@collider21]

I'd love another MJF interview 🔥

[@healthymealthy775]

Chris does an excellent job

[@gisellekhan5679]

Cathey Kelley is the finest girl ever.. 💕💕💕💕 Chris has really been killing it lately with this fire content

[@wolfgangwhite]

Chris this is great, but is there a reason why you didn't wanna inquire more about Cathy mentioning her mental health taking a toll before her WWE departure? Feel like that conversation could be beneficial... but nevertheless thank you for these 🙏🖤

[@cro996]

Amazing interview with an amazing woman!

[@gerardolopez3637]

Love this interview I'm glad you returned to WWE Cathy we missed u😊❤

[@andyrevo19]

Okay Chris you got Cathy. . Now I want Samantha Irvin! Book it Chris!

[@brainswag]

Well well

[@voxstelarum]

Queen Cathy 4ever ❤

[@robertrogers074]

Queen of afterbuzz. First I discovered her on John campea show.

[@MaxCarroll]

Great video. Cathy is the best wwe interviewer

[@voxextremos22]

She is so humble and sweet.

[@JonathanMartinez-vk5pk]

I love this woman so much she seems like such a sweetheart and she’s beautiful ❤

[@JustinTNAWWEGuy]

Best rehire Triple H did she's so good at her job and looks so good

[@Htown5]

Cathy is bae. I have the biggest crush on her. So glad to have her back on our screens 😍

[@outsidetheringwithryan2001]

Great interview 🔥🔥

[@jfranck9186]

CVV uve gotta give an intertview to Michael Cole ... would be awesome .. great intreview btw :)

[@yousufseedat7736]

Cathy is great ❤

[@lovelywaz]

At least two people didn't want this interview to end, I know one of them is ME! Just wondering who's the other one.... 🤔🤔

[@stryker94]

Great interview

[@gisellekhan5679]

Rhea Ripley on returning to wwe

[@sahpdude]

Chris: Everybody has an LA story my mind: YEAHHH

[@spoogtastic]

Cathey is not only 1 of the most gorgeous women ever, she also seems like such an awesome person. She's incredible!

[@guillermoescamilla1269]

The energy Michael Cole brings to the show he's the best along with Jim Ross.

[@yusufgazi7]

Love her so much

[@ivanr6203]

Im not ashamed to say i want Cathy Kelly to break my heart

[@jsinai67]

Cathy is fire 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@doubles7533]

She's still as fine as ever. 🔥

[@DannyCosmos]

I think she’s getting hotter

[@prakashpatra2494]

My love❤ cathy....

[@legendkillla21]

I was glad when she came back

[@DamonMoves]

Don’t worry, Chris, we got the “slappin the base” reference😂

[@Ff101891]

I know my boy Chris is married but these two would make such a good couple.

[@mokujin29]

Her dad was a great pilot.

[@ketoshrkboi6370]

"I could barely pick up the phone to call for take out when I was even in high school" me at 23 still incapable, gladly we have apps now.

[@OnlyBuenoBars]

*Oh yeah, I'm here dude*

[@Deathadder1994]

I would propose to Cathy!

[@WhiteCaneV1]

Shout out to Afterbuzz TV #HiTrueHobo

[@FURYKIX]

my first WWE crush

[@siddharthsharmaBelieve]

Cathy avoided saying that she thinks she is taller than other back stage interviewer that's why WWE don't want her to be doing to avoid making superstars seem not huge.

[@michaelvazquez7851]

Hi Chris Van Vliet

[@corm1000]

Mean Gene is the goat of backstage interviewers, too bad no one attended his funeral according to DDP.

[@kumarashwarya2185]

The book's name is outliers.

[@Trunks7500]

The best

[@JayAnthony87]

She is unfairly attractive. Damn 😂

[@TysonEmmy]

Wish she gets involve in segment with wreslter ! Like Lilian Gracy

[@ashly.8]

Idk why Twitter are always mean to announcers like samantha Kelly and Kayla just to name a few take so much unnecessary hate they literally so nice

[@johnthompson8125]

Everyone has an L.A story let me talk to ya..Yeaaah

[@ChrisVanVliet]

YEAH!

[@bencromwell707]

I Love Me Some Cathy💋😉😚☺️😊🥰😍🤩😘 Kelly Since Her NXT Days💯👍

[@uzi978]

She is one of the prettiest women in the world. Yowza.

[@trinibwoy27]

#CupcakesAndDevelopmental I WILL NEVER FORGET 😁😁😁😁😁 #CATHYKELLEYGUY 💯💯💯💯

[@MythraStudios]

Cathy is definitely a crush. YEAH!

[@RuanAntunes7]

Intelligent & gorgeous. Women don’t get any more attractive and desirable than Cathy

[@karangoraksh6859]

Cathy and Chris would make a good couple ❤

[@markperkins2656]

Cathy Kelley is so fine, how could the opinion of random men effect her so much 🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️

[@kingmagick8165]

Chris you should’ve asked her on a date man you guys would make a good couple lol

[@Kalel2.0]

He's married and has a kid

[@Gabriel.633]

She likes him, haha. Just see...

[@whatseatontim918]

Always had a crush on her 😍❤️

[@CrazyValik]

Is it Alicia Atout?

[@colinmathie2710]

People hating on Michael Cole had nothing to do with his heel character, it was because Vince was in his ear making him say stupid 💩.

[@PaoloRCB]

muy interesante ultima pregunta, y Cathy es toda una belleza, esa mujer por donde la mires es perfecta.

[@jay2300_]

Bro shes so damn beautiful

[@ErnieCT1987]

Her clothes?? This woman could wear sweatpants, a hoodie, and ugly Christmas socks (with no makeup) and I would be ok with it. A person really has to be looking for flaws to comment on her. Enjoying the interview. She seems very sweet.

[@VIVALA_JWILL]

Pretty’s sure he’s talking about La knight lol

[@raveoreynolds6049]

It's not a CVV female wrestler interview until he brings up their dms.

[@CK2008able]

Cathy is a Larry David fan. As if she isn't the catch of catches already