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Listen "BTT Conversation: Inside Pro Wrestling’s Style Revolution: Designer Rodney Caldwell on Creating Iconic WWE & AEW Gear"
Episode Synopsis
Full Podcast Summary / Notes (Timestamps):
00:00-00:31 – Cold Open/Teaser
Rodney Caldwell hints at the unlikely journey that brought him to wrestling design, collaborating with top talents, and the unique challenges of the business.
00:31-01:36 – Show Introduction
Hosts The Coach and Tommy C welcome listeners to Behind the Turnbuckle, setting the stage for another in-depth insider interview. The show's mission: spotlighting overlooked roles that make wrestling possible, beyond just the in-ring talent.
01:36-03:44 – Channel Growth & BTT Plus Announcement
Coach shares excitement about Behind the Turnbuckle’s growth and introduces BTT Plus, their new premium service offering live Q&As, "The War Room" debate show, and exclusive content.
03:44-05:37 – Wrestling’s Current Hot Storylines and Merch Trends
Hosts discuss the summer’s hottest WWE storylines—Bloodline, Wyatt Six, new merch like Liv Morgan and Drew McIntyre’s latest shirts—and how creative character branding sells.
05:37-07:27 – Introducing Rodney Caldwell: The Man Behind the Gear
Coach and Tommy C officially welcome Rodney Caldwell, teasing the superstars he’s worked with and the importance of unique ring attire.
07:27-08:39 – Rodney’s Pro Wrestling Gear Origin Story
Rodney describes how a friendship with Montez Ford (then Kenneth Crawford) and connections at NXT serendipitously launched his gear design career, despite initial reluctance.
08:39-11:09 – First Breakthrough: Designing for The Street Profits
He details the creative process behind the Street Profits’ first custom Money in the Bank gear, drawing inspiration from classic hip-hop albums and making a statement with unique patterns.
11:09-14:36 – Growth by Word of Mouth & Character-Driven Design
Other superstars quickly took notice of Rodney’s original designs. He emphasizes tailoring each look to the performer’s unique character and mentions working with iconic gear maker Ms. Sandra Gray.
14:36-17:45 – Big Names & Backstage Stories: Cody Rhodes & LA Knight
Rodney reveals the collaboration process with Cody Rhodes, including the now-iconic “Star Trek coat” displayed in Saudi Arabia. He also shares insight into LA Knight’s gear, linking his look to sneaker culture and classic Jordan prints.
17:45-19:31 – Crafting Logos and Symbols for Superstars
Rodney dives into the importance of logos (like LA Knight’s revamped “knight” logo) and draws parallels with iconic wrestling symbols—Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin.
19:31-22:53 – Balancing Multiple Superstars’ Personas: Street Profits, Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins
He explains how he adapts his creative approach for diverse talents, factoring in each wrestler’s personality, hobbies, and even Easter eggs—like Montez Ford's nods to Bianca Belair.
22:53-25:49 – Designing for Jade Cargill & Women’s Wrestling Gear
Rodney discusses the unique challenges of designing for a superstar like Jade Cargill, balancing her physique and preferences with highlighting her strengths, plus the nuances of women’s pro wrestling attire.
25:49-26:52 – Bianca Belair: Superstar & Gear Maker
Surprising fact: Bianca Belair crafts her own ring attire and even makes outfits for The Street Profits at times.
26:52-29:16 – Backstage Gearmaker Drama & Competition
Hosts ask Rodney about inter-designer rivalries and reliability. Rodney shares firsthand stories of gear mishaps and the intense backstage pressure to deliver under tight deadlines.
29:16-32:13 – Industry Expansion & The Escalating Importance of Design
With WWE and AEW rapidly expanding events and pay-per-views, Rodney predicts gear designers will become more crucial than ever to wrestling’s business and branding success.
32:13-34:09 – Gear Costs: Investing in the Look
The financial reality: top-tier wrestling gear can run hundreds—and sometimes thousands—of dollars per outfit, and many WWE women never wear the same look twice.
34:09-36:49 – Production Timeline & Staying Ahead
How far ahead do big stars prep their gear? Rodney explains that SummerSlam and Survivor Series designs are finalized months in advance, and emphasizes the need for constant readiness.
36:49-38:13 – Life as a Multi-Talented Designer & DJ
Rodney shares how he balances his design work with DJing and travel, managing creativity across multiple passions in and out of wrestling.
38:13-End – Wrap Up & Teasers for Next Guests
Coach and Tommy C praise Rodney’s unique role and tease upcoming major episodes with Al Snow and Vince Russo. End credits and social media plugs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
00:00-00:31 – Cold Open/Teaser
Rodney Caldwell hints at the unlikely journey that brought him to wrestling design, collaborating with top talents, and the unique challenges of the business.
00:31-01:36 – Show Introduction
Hosts The Coach and Tommy C welcome listeners to Behind the Turnbuckle, setting the stage for another in-depth insider interview. The show's mission: spotlighting overlooked roles that make wrestling possible, beyond just the in-ring talent.
01:36-03:44 – Channel Growth & BTT Plus Announcement
Coach shares excitement about Behind the Turnbuckle’s growth and introduces BTT Plus, their new premium service offering live Q&As, "The War Room" debate show, and exclusive content.
03:44-05:37 – Wrestling’s Current Hot Storylines and Merch Trends
Hosts discuss the summer’s hottest WWE storylines—Bloodline, Wyatt Six, new merch like Liv Morgan and Drew McIntyre’s latest shirts—and how creative character branding sells.
05:37-07:27 – Introducing Rodney Caldwell: The Man Behind the Gear
Coach and Tommy C officially welcome Rodney Caldwell, teasing the superstars he’s worked with and the importance of unique ring attire.
07:27-08:39 – Rodney’s Pro Wrestling Gear Origin Story
Rodney describes how a friendship with Montez Ford (then Kenneth Crawford) and connections at NXT serendipitously launched his gear design career, despite initial reluctance.
08:39-11:09 – First Breakthrough: Designing for The Street Profits
He details the creative process behind the Street Profits’ first custom Money in the Bank gear, drawing inspiration from classic hip-hop albums and making a statement with unique patterns.
11:09-14:36 – Growth by Word of Mouth & Character-Driven Design
Other superstars quickly took notice of Rodney’s original designs. He emphasizes tailoring each look to the performer’s unique character and mentions working with iconic gear maker Ms. Sandra Gray.
14:36-17:45 – Big Names & Backstage Stories: Cody Rhodes & LA Knight
Rodney reveals the collaboration process with Cody Rhodes, including the now-iconic “Star Trek coat” displayed in Saudi Arabia. He also shares insight into LA Knight’s gear, linking his look to sneaker culture and classic Jordan prints.
17:45-19:31 – Crafting Logos and Symbols for Superstars
Rodney dives into the importance of logos (like LA Knight’s revamped “knight” logo) and draws parallels with iconic wrestling symbols—Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin.
19:31-22:53 – Balancing Multiple Superstars’ Personas: Street Profits, Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins
He explains how he adapts his creative approach for diverse talents, factoring in each wrestler’s personality, hobbies, and even Easter eggs—like Montez Ford's nods to Bianca Belair.
22:53-25:49 – Designing for Jade Cargill & Women’s Wrestling Gear
Rodney discusses the unique challenges of designing for a superstar like Jade Cargill, balancing her physique and preferences with highlighting her strengths, plus the nuances of women’s pro wrestling attire.
25:49-26:52 – Bianca Belair: Superstar & Gear Maker
Surprising fact: Bianca Belair crafts her own ring attire and even makes outfits for The Street Profits at times.
26:52-29:16 – Backstage Gearmaker Drama & Competition
Hosts ask Rodney about inter-designer rivalries and reliability. Rodney shares firsthand stories of gear mishaps and the intense backstage pressure to deliver under tight deadlines.
29:16-32:13 – Industry Expansion & The Escalating Importance of Design
With WWE and AEW rapidly expanding events and pay-per-views, Rodney predicts gear designers will become more crucial than ever to wrestling’s business and branding success.
32:13-34:09 – Gear Costs: Investing in the Look
The financial reality: top-tier wrestling gear can run hundreds—and sometimes thousands—of dollars per outfit, and many WWE women never wear the same look twice.
34:09-36:49 – Production Timeline & Staying Ahead
How far ahead do big stars prep their gear? Rodney explains that SummerSlam and Survivor Series designs are finalized months in advance, and emphasizes the need for constant readiness.
36:49-38:13 – Life as a Multi-Talented Designer & DJ
Rodney shares how he balances his design work with DJing and travel, managing creativity across multiple passions in and out of wrestling.
38:13-End – Wrap Up & Teasers for Next Guests
Coach and Tommy C praise Rodney’s unique role and tease upcoming major episodes with Al Snow and Vince Russo. End credits and social media plugs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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