Tony D’Angelo wants to show people there’s more to Italian culture — and maybe crack a few skulls while he’s at it.
The NXT North American Champion spoke with WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard ahead of NXT’s November 6 broadcast from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. It was noted that the 2300 Arena (ECW Arena) was once home to other (Full Blooded) Italians, and D’Angelo was the next generation of paisans to compete in WWE. D’Angelo didn’t have any plans for Philadelphia yet*, but he’s proud to etch his name in history alongside the greats.
“I don’t really have any plans. But maybe smash somebody’s head in, if they want it. Who knows, after this Oba match I might scare the rest of the roster. But I think it is great going into that arena. So much [wrestling] history is going on,” D’Angelo said. “I think it’s cool to share the same arena that all these legends have been in and went to war in. And I think it’s pretty cool to be the next generation of the Italian group and representing a culture.”
The NXT 2300 show is expected to have a large ECW presence. Bubba Ray Dudley/Bully Ray, Rob Van Dam, Dawn Marie and Francine are advertised for the taping. He was not explicitly confirmed, but Nunzio is expected to be involved in a segment with Tony D’Angelo.
Swinging the narrative
D’Angelo also has a great opportunity to show people that there’s more to Italian culture than just pizza and spaghetti. He loves both of them but he also wants to show people there’s more to the culture than the stereotypes that are often portrayed.
“I would love to keep it in good standing. Bring the Italian culture to more than just, ‘Ha ha, spaghetti and meatballs, pizza guys.’ Not that [the FBI and Nunzio was]. But sometimes it can turn into that and I don’t think Italians appreciate it. I don’t. It’s fun, but at the same time, I want us to be taken seriously. I want us to be real contenders,” D’Angelo said. “I’m honored to have my name etched in the list of wrestlers that got to be in that arena.”
“Don’t get me wrong,” he added. “I do like pizza, I love spaghetti and meatballs. I love everything Italian. It’s whatever. But, if you want to make fun of it, doesn’t really bother me. But I just want to swing the narrative a little bit to what the norm would be.”
Read More: WWE NXT Results: Review, Grades, Card For October 29
* This interview was recorded prior to the phone call that Tony D’Angelo received Tuesday’s episode of NXT.
