Maxxine Dupri On Criticism, Alpha Academy, Royal Rumble Debut, LA Knight

Sydney Zmrzel aka Maxxine Dupri (@maxxinedupri) is a professional wrestler with WWE. She sits down with Chris Van Vliet in Hollywood to talk about her journey to becoming a WWE Superstar, getting signed after her tryout in Las Vegas, being a cheerleader for the LA Rams and Phoenix Suns before starting her wrestling career, her experience at Super Bowl LIII, getting called up from NXT to Smackdown and being given the Maxxine Dupri character, learning from LA Knight, teaming up with Chad Gable and Otis in Alpha Academy, continuing to improve in the ring with every match, making her Royal Rumble debut, her goals for this year and much more!
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Quote I'm thinking about:
"You don't get results by focusing on results. You get results by focusing on the habits and behaviors that produce results."
00:00 Intro
00:31 Going to Disneyland with the Cardona’s
01:54 Sharing a May 19th birthday with CVV
05:30 Story behind being called up from NXT for her WWE debut
10:42 Figuring out who Maxxine Dupri is as a character
11:35 Meeting LA Knight in Maximum Male Models
14:02 Books that have changed the way she thinks
19:12 Why doesn’t she watch movies?
22:12 What were her favorite tv shows?
23:04 When did her passion for dancing begin?
24:24 Memories of her early dancing career
26:08 Cheerleading for the Los Angeles Rams & Phoenix Suns
27:14 Getting to go to the Super Bowl with the Rams
32:23 Experiences living in Los Angeles
34:03 Memories of her WWE tryout
40:47 Being deceivingly tall with ‘short girl energy’
41:58 Dealing with nerves before big matches
44:08 Learning to do the worm
45:43 Memories of her first Royal Rumble
47:21 Getting to learn from Rhea Ripley
49:54 Working with the Alpha Academy
51:46 Being afraid on the Guardian of The Galaxy ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios
52:40 What are her goals in WWE?
53:43 Her close friendship with Chelsea Green
57:15 3 Things Maxxine Dupri is grateful for
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#wwe #maxxinedupri #wrestling #BlueWireVideo

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Get $5 off Magic Spoon! Use the code CVV at magicspoon.com/cvv 🔥 Go to boncharge.com/CVV and use coupon code CVV to save 15% on your BONCHARGE Infrared Sauna Blanket!

[@jacobbarker7062]

hi how you doing

[@samukelisiwemudau3553]

Hey Chris love the podcast simple solution to Maxxine not getting over with the crowd now turn it into a storyline that you can end up pairing her with Trish Stratus

[@RT-bt5ql]

Book I recommend, self control: it’s kingship and majesty, very short book

[@RT-bt5ql]

You said she had big moments in the rumble? The 2 botched, we ain't interested in seeing her practice

[@antonycuff4512]

This was clearly filmed before her recent incident !

[@mhug86]

Trish was once considered trash and now she's a legend and hall of famer. Keep your head up Maxine! 👍 👍

[@WiZdOm17]

THIS!!! Go Maxine!!! 🎉

[@CadChamberlain]

CVV's ability to connect with every single person he interviews is incredible. Dont think Ive ever seen an interviewer be able to get people to instantly open up on a personal level regardless of the era or walk of life.

[@EG101_Official]

Ikr. Chris is amazing

[@Vicvines]

I think it's because he's an actual journalist. Some interviewers are just goofy comedians and influencers and to me the difference shows big time.

[@CamTownDown]

How could anyone dislike Maxxine? Her vibe is amazing

[@DubzBoyz30214]

I don't hate her as Sydney Zmrzel, it's her lack of in-ring experience, and I cannot lie it worked for like a month and a half and it had me over as well. But it faded out because the more and more she was put out there in front of a live audience with her inexperience really starting to show and her botches are now becoming daily, it's hard to even cheer for her. I'm not a Maxxine supporter but she needs a lot of work and right now she's just not cut out for the ring. I see her better as a manager or valet and while she's doing that she can be at the performance center so she can train for real and get better.

[@strykerdude23]

She carried herself very well in this interview and i love what she’s doing with the alpha academy. I wish nothing but the best for her future in wwe

[@KHLthe2nd]

I love that she's articulate and understands needing to be prepared. Thanks for this interview. My appreciation has grown.

[@diluted8]

Chris is a master at this in person interview style. around 5:25 he must notice her anxious energy so he slows down his talking cadence and smooths his tone, very masterful

[@RandomPNW]

I would love to see Chelsea & Maxxine as a Tag Team

[@Badcat361TLS]

And Tiffany

[@Coach0kay]

Chelsea would be a great guide I feel like it

[@RandomPNW]

@@Coach0kay right! I think they could be as good if not better than The Iconics together.

[@RandomPNW]

@@Badcat361TLS they would reek havok lol I'd certaintly would watch

[@starwwa592]

Kiana james and izzi dame

[@ardonthorn5]

It’s a shame she gets dumped on. She’s a good entertainer and has a lot of room to grow. Give it time.

[@Evan-dm3si]

key there “Give it time”. this community isn’t patient and quick to say criticize but can’t do half of what they see

[@mariopadilla1445]

@@Evan-dm3siagreed, the internet wrestling community are very impatient and judgmental

[@C0ACHMAYNE]

She’s the new Eva Marie

[@DateMike22]

​@@C0ACHMAYNE Oh hell nah 👎🏼. Eva Marie was 🗑️.

[@cedricgant8535]

I’ve seen everyone coming to her defense. She got booed one time. She gets dumped on online? Guess what everyone does. Roman, Rock, Cody, Seth, Rhea, Becky, Iyo is doesn’t matter who you are.

[@BronxAF]

I admire her commitment to improving, she also just exudes great energy. How can you not love her?

[@DylRicho]

This woman deserves absolutely none of the hate and disrespect she has been receiving lately. I greatly admire her desire to improve.

[@thelordsephiroth777]

Hate fuels the brand. The reason that Roman sells out arenas is about hate not love. People wanna see him fall. So it's a compliment to be hated

[@thelordsephiroth777]

That being said I dod not like what Candace LaRay said on raw yesterday. That was not okay and her just taking it made Maxxine look super lame. I was very sad. That's humiliating

[@alifnajmi1997]

As per Master Gable said: *"And, Thank Youuuuu''* . We need to give her a chance because she's still learning how to wrestle under Chad Gable, Otis, and Akira Tozawa's guidances

[@diluted8]

But "still learning how to wrestle" should not be broadcast on national television

[@chrisfrank6507]

Trial by fire. It's also why she's being put In the ring with professionals who know what to do to help her recover and get better. Because the women's roster in nxt is so stacked. But no one has the right to criticize her until they've been where she is, if anyone watched tough enough they've only seen a fraction of what it takes to be a "professional" wrestler hell even an athlete in general

[@cuminyermum]

simp

[@Nazhussain07]

She can learn in the PC. Thats the point of it.

[@StevenTyler94]

@@diluted8not everybody should be just wrestlers and that’s it. WWE is about character work too, and Maxxine is excellent at that.

[@rainmaker5692]

Just finished the interview. As soon as I saw Maxxine will be the guest, I knew I have to watch. And I was watching and didn't even noticed I was already listening for 50 minutes! Her friendly and positive energy is just there! So funny that usually when Chris ends the interview, after the 3 things, the interview is over. Here, Maxxine just want to talk more haha. Great interview Chris!

[@HeelHeatHeavenPodcast]

Great job. I hope you can get Tiffany Stratton on soon. It's tiffy time

[@dalbertorodriguez3028]

I been pointing at my wrist all week dying like the urgency she expresses when pointing at her wrist ugh just phenomenal crowd work

[@Badcat361TLS]

And Tiffy

[@cschmitty75]

It's Dupri time bros

[@dalbertorodriguez3028]

@@cschmitty75 what did you just say to me?

[@cschmitty75]

@dalbertorodriguez3028 "it's Dupri time" bros I'll not say it again

[@JS-im6uu]

If any other person was interviewing her I wouldn’t have even gave this interview the time of day. Man, I’m so glad, I listened to it. She is funny and likable, green as the day is long but you can tell she wants to get better and be here. I have a new found respect for her because of this. I’ll be quietly cheering her on every Monday night!

[@banealexander7973]

Her gimmick works for me because its made explicitly clear in her story that she is learning on the job. Hating her for not wrestling well feels like people are missing the point. I really enjoy watching her learn and grow.

[@drew5688]

THANK YOU!

[@countyboy3988]

I agree i love her character but to speak on her in ring work what alot of so called wrestling won't acknowledge is that the injury she referenced in the beginning of this interview really slowed her progression

[@lucyburnett69]

This interview tells me that she genuinely cares about her performance. Give this girl her props because she wants to improve Wanting to be prepared and present in everything she does is truly inspiring Hats off for this illuminating interview

[@larrylon3wolf1984]

Her energy is so uplifting

[@Iamtemjin]

I don’t care what anyone thinks. Maxxine is a very chill and wonderful person and this interview has been a fun listen. Loved her backstory, her interests, and time in WWE is intriguing. Another great one, CVV!!!

[@micha72]

no one is saying she is an awful person. She is just a terrible wrestler.

[@paulcarpenter7844]

No one saying she's a bad person and this this and that she just not that good in the ring and needs to work on it

[@thelordsephiroth777]

Wrestling is fake. So why does it matter. I'm here for the ride. Maxxine is much more wholesome so hate all you want but I just feel like she's a better person

[@noiisserpmii]

She has shown great ethic for improving. Shes still green as grass & the whole situation with that video was so blown out of proportion because she is a female talent. The dude never stepped over the line, nothing vulgar sexual etc. I never that kind of support for any other male talent gets boo’d…. She clearly wants to get better but she deserves to be at the PC so she can get better. Its more on management vs her knowing her abilities.

[@dalbertorodriguez3028]

Okay, I stayed up all night and was just about to go to sleep… but okay I can stay up another hour u had me at max

[@davidbanks636]

I started reading ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck’ and I’ve been enjoying the read. Thanks foe the shout out. I always appreciate hearing about good reads.

[@truthdetector4036]

Hard not to like Maxxine even more after seeing this interview...great work CVV

[@stevemelo]

The Four Agreements! Yes! So happy to see you both discuss it!

[@mrblvnko]

Shout out to CVV for the Publix chicken tender sub shoutout! 🔥🔥

[@Hypno_BPM]

i ate Publix subs for the first time around 2018 in Florida and was shocked how good they were

[@Shrug02]

Never heard of this girl but she makes an entertaining interview. Very engaging and positive. Hope she does well.

[@billybatson22]

CVV must have slept well the night of this interview because man oh man that Sydney can chat and chat and its FAST..it was great!

[@grantkistel3411]

Hearing that her biggest goal is to improve as an in ring performer makes me really happy to hear. She’s got a lot of potential as a personality and you can tell it’s genuinely natural. This made me a bigger fan fr.

[@joevales6775]

Great energy! Thanks @CVV for another real interview with Sydney. Good advice on books. Wish you and @maxxinedupri all the best!

[@realrollerderbydude]

Chris, another fun and informative interview. Never really paid attention to the female with Otis & Gable. I will now. She is a fun interview. Keep up the wonderful shows. I look forward to your interviews. Others need to study your approach to interviews, especially with wrestling talent. You are respectful, yet insitefull and ask different type of questions. I watch certain podcast because of the host's style of interviewing and you are FANTASTIC. Keep up the great job. I am grateful to have the opportunity to learn from you.

[@agsesperez]

How can you not love this woman, she has a great energy, sure she might not be the best in the ring but she giving it a go and has been super entertaining

[@rainmaker5692]

Maxxine looking so fine! Definitely gonna be a great interview!

[@yogsterz]

This was an awesome interview. Start to finish.

[@kurtoppenheim4552]

What a great interview. She has a fun vibe and comes across as very authentic and likeable. It's no surprise she's gotten so far at her young age because she has a very positive energy and I'll bet she makes an instant impression on everyone.

[@pickleballer1986]

cvv hit this interview of park again wow cvv is doing such a amazing job you keep getting better and better

[@markdale1]

Another fantastic interview and really interesting to hear her journey to WWE. Maxxine has a very bright future ahead

[@jasonmoehl6994]

New to the channel and I’m a fast fan of Chris and his interview styles

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Welcome to the channel, Jason!

[@harijha7560]

Waiting for the day when you will interview HHH and Paul Heyman 😊😊

[@Roosimpson]

I love hearing about Maxine and Chris’ favorite books!

[@jonrico924]

My man Chris brings up. Any chance to say anything good about Publix subs definitely a man of culture and great taste. It's Florida staple

[@XxShadowGTxX]

I've always liked her, but now I adore this woman. I really hope her future is as bright as she is, and it seems like it will be💙

[@wolvensky]

She might not be the smoothest in the ring sometimes, but hopefully experience and time will help her confidence grow. But she seems like a natural entertainer. A good attitude, comedic timing, presentation, willingness. Not everyone goes out and puts on 5-star classics, but an entertaining character is still an entertaining character. Hope she keeps improving and enjoys a good career.

[@Random_Artist_Music]

Great interview, she’s so awesome, definitely way more of a fan now

[@lancea1202]

Wow. There are a lot of great guys born in may 19th. My mom was also born in may 19. You guys are awesome.

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Your mom sounds awesome!

[@alexhidalgo7110]

Love her talking about her friendships with Chelsea

[@jocam21]

I like her attitude. I don't get fans that boo her.

[@richardmiddleton7539]

Luv these 2 ❤

[@mrkevinhaughey]

I don't understand all the hate Maxxine gets. She's new and obviously still learning, but she tries hard, she seems passionate and like a genuinely great person. I love to see how much she improves from week to week and I hope she continues to get better. As usual, what a great interview.

[@chinoofficial6426]

CVV is The best interviewer I think I’ve even listened too… been here for 6 years and I ain’t ********** leaving 😅😂

[@ChrisVanVliet]

I appreciate you so much!

[@MrZerocool562]

Great interview as always. She seems like a great person I can’t believe people were hating on her at the live event.

[@cultoay0utube]

50:54 Thank you!!! ✌🏼✌🏼

[@Trunks7500]

THANK YOU

[@Spiderweb566]

Awesome video and great job chris

[@KayfabeGames]

17:33 she said gratitude. CVV energy for sure.

[@rubeng370]

I love you Maxxine! I have faith to see you become the Women's World Championship ❤ and omg were almost the same age 😮 thats so cool!

[@Chandlerac938]

She's an awesome interview

[@Punisher_1923]

She seems great! I didn't realize how new she was to being in the ring

[@Blaze42069]

I would love to see a ride along with Chelsea and Maxine

[@smoovegaming1286]

Maxxine is great. Awesome interview as usual🤙

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Thanks for listening!

[@mikedevito9338]

I’m sure this is easier said than done but you need to get cm punk, questions about his UFC career, him being Chris Benoits opponent at vengeance 2007, AJ Lee, etc.. hopefully one day you’ll get him on bc that would be an exciting interview

[@lindelwemavimbela1115]

Rhea said thay the important thing is to learn and to grow....Be patient and let's give her time to improve please and 'Thank Yuuu✌'.....she's a great entertainer IMO

[@davidthanos]

Great interview. She's so cool

[@christianw935]

I've been one of her biggest fans since I saw her. I'm hoping she can get better in the ring cuz she has the look

[@dr.davidboisselle7399]

Chris's interviews with WWE folks gives us insights into them as human beings and makes me want to pull for them.

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Thanks doc!

[@TheDragonKiller90]

i dont get the hate she recieves everybody started with something and wasnt a master at it she will be getting better over time and she is such a lovely person, she is absolutly awesome great interview CVV

[@kylesimpson8343]

She is infectiously personable, really impressed by her enthusiasm, and her self awareness. Clearly a hard worker and respectful of the business, a great future I’m sure.

[@handsoffsnaky]

Not sure when this was recorded, but we were at Disneyland a couple weeks ago when it was raining. Wonder if we were there the same day

[@the13th]

The DraftTop is fantastic, really glad I kickstarted it first time ever hearing it mentioned randomly lol

[@ChrisVanVliet]

It's so good!

[@the13th]

@@ChrisVanVliet 100%

[@sasukeuchiha8801]

love her and her gimmick but people upset over the video of people booing her at the house show are ridiculous. people are allowed to boo at a wrestling show thats how its always been. yea its her gimmick that she's supposed to be green but at least keep her off houseshows like cmon. some of you in the comments act like they don't have a performance center like cmon. yall defend her getting booed but not any of the other wrestlers who get hate for no reason

[@TorquhilM]

She seems really smart and sweet, playing the green newbie works so well. She’s clearly humble and driven. Hope for big things in the future, maybe a tag with Chelsea?!!

[@stevehall6951]

The only thing about these interviews is once you interview heels i cant not like them anymore lmao great job man. I have a dream list to hear but im sure youll get them all

[@L0L-.-001_]

She seems awesome, really want to see her succeed in WWE.

[@brianhopson2072]

How can you not like her? She's got a cute personality. I wouldn't even put her with Tiff or chelsea. She just seems too nice for that. Hopefully she keeps doing what she's doing because team Gable seems to be putting her on the right track as far as long-term story arc is concerned. Say what you will, this lady is going to surprise us all.

[@mychaeljones7526]

Im also from Sacramento 😮😮😮

[@the121smashchampion]

She's got a great energy about her!

[@WillGeorgeRockett]

Triple H started as Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Shawn Michaels started as a tag team wrestler, The Rock started as a generic babyface and Trish Stratus started as a mere manager of a middle tier tag team. If they can improve and be known as the greatest of all time, then Maxxine has a lot of time to grow before she’s no longer green. Any new talent being a future star is never farfetched just as long as they can develop.

[@Vaas9420]

She is stunning! I hope for her that she can achieve all she wants im sure she is giving all she have

[@lightweights]

this is ICONIC

[@ablewhite91-13]

Maxxine has such an awesome vibe, I love how she seems to have much fun whatever she's doing, I'd love to experience one of those car rides with Chelsea, it sounds hilarious 😂

[@neilpersen]

She's absolutely delightful

[@andy-ghozz]

I always liked her but after this interview I'm rooting for her, such a vibe

[@KamoMustafaWWE]

Criticism is a part of wrestling. I hope she doesn't take it to heart and uses it to become better. I want her to succeed.

[@eddiegomez8256]

Sure but some people take it too far. Fans can be toxic at times.

[@LNER985]

There is a difference between criticism and bullying a wrester.

[@reaperreaper3071]

​@LNER985 comments like these are what give Cornette's comments credence. If a wrestler is ever feeling bullied they need to grow thicker skin and remember kayfabe. I know everyone is a smarck but unless a crime is being committed, deal with it. You're a public figure in a profession designed to elicit the positive AND negative emotions of fans. Look no further than CVV's most recent interview with John Cena and a random stranger. Or we can go to the Die Rocky sign. Or, there are numerous instances of jeering at house shows in the past. Unless a fan jumps the arena or tries to commit an actual crime, what's the problem? This is exactly the problem: the saying was boo me, cheer me, but don't go silent on me. Now it's "just cheer the things you like and boo when I want you to or it's mean". That's how you draw go away heat. Ridiculous.

[@LNER985]

@@reaperreaper3071 Yet Hana Kimura is no longer alive because of disgusting behaviour from fans.

[@sasukeuchiha8801]

@@reaperreaper3071 exactly. people in the comments dont understand this

[@creatinjustin]

She's so awesome

[@allmightylowercasejay1138]

She has great energy and the right mindset if she sticks with it she can be where she needs to be in 3 years

[@Traynor-gw3cb]

I like her energy I think she’ll develop very good and will be entertaining

[@azazel819]

Are there any chances or plans for Roxanne Perez? Another great interview btw

[@sabianescoo]

Maxine Dupreeee❤️❤️

[@EYEconic84]

Chris, you and your pal Jake Hamilton are my two favorite interviewers and bring out the best in people. Keep up the great work!

[@KingRioT1]

✌🏼 ¡¡Thank you!! ✌🏼

[@wisey105]

Chicken Tender Pub-Sub is life. Hearing that while watching the video is making me want to order one for lunch right now.

[@ChrisVanVliet]

They’re so good!

[@dustinbaxter4521]

Love Maxxine Dupri 🙌

[@CastileAllen]

Thank you for these insightful and entertaining interviews mr. vilet!

[@giosamigos]

DUUUUUU--PRRRIIIIIIIIII🤣This was great🙏

[@Jessica_Roth]

I adore Sydney/Maxxine and I'm thrilled that she is friends with Chelsea, and it was such a fun hour with her and Chris. HOWEVER: the headline is misleading, because I thought they would be addressing the incident where the fans were hating on her at that house show and the other wrestlers went on SM to defend her. And that actually isn't mentioned at all. Felt rather like a bait-and-switch, but I'd like to think that Chris is better than that.

[@L0L-.-001_]

This was likely filmed before that

[@Jessica_Roth]

@@L0L-.-001_ Ah, did not know CVV had such lead time on the vids. (Still a bit miffed about the misleading headline, but that's probably because I wanted to hear what Sydney has to say.)

[@SlyCarey]

I enjoy her charisma and personality. Seems like a lovely girl wish her the best

[@Megatallica000]

She has so much enthusiasm and a positive attitude it's infectious. Sucks that they pushed her a bit too early in the ring but shes a total babe and looks great during the alpha academy segments. Just needs a lot of work in the ring

[@kinghiggins5021]

I love Maxine

[@acerimmer9894]

ok maxine seems great high energy very polite as for her wrestling this is what i will say if your going to be in the wrestling business u cannot let people get to u if u do you are not for the wrestling business fans are going to say whatever they want. U just deal with it that being said i would say to fans we need to give her a chance to get better. But people need to stop sugar coating things for women u hurt them more then help them. Rhea Ripley had best comment when she said all people who where new at there jobs weren't always great which is true Becky Lynch love her but she was not helping maxine by just saying it's ok instead people need to help her to get better. tell people the truth even if it hurts them.

[@jbrookflores]

I’m May 18!

[@AlsoMagems]

I enjoy the alpha academy, and maxxine just brings them the energy that wasn't there before. They had it already, but she helped it show off more