In a recent interview on the Cheap Heat Productions Podcast, Chris Nelson, a former wrestler known as Chris Avery and Chris Tipton, shared a memorable experience from his time in WWE that resulted in one of the biggest paydays of his wrestling career. The incident took place on the April 16, 2000, episode of Sunday Night Heat.
During this episode, Stephanie McMahon, the daughter of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and an on-screen character, was involved in a segment with Nelson. In the skit, McMahon and her on-screen personal trainer, Muffy, spotted Nelson backstage. They proceeded to fat-shame him in a degrading manner, as Nelson was portraying a member of WWE’s lighting crew for the purpose of the segment.
Stephanie McMahon’s character made disparaging comments about Nelson’s appearance, criticizing his weight and overall appearance. She mocked him for being a part of the WWE, using hurtful language to humiliate him. Muffy, the on-screen personal trainer, joined in on the degradation, referring to Nelson with derogatory names and physically assaulting him, making him do jumping jacks.
“She [Stephanie McMahon] goes, ‘Hey, who are you? Do you work here?'” Nelson said. “‘Yeah, on the lighting crew.’ ‘God, you’re fat! You’re slovenly. I can’t believe you work for WWF [WWE]. This is my personal trainer, Muffy, now your personal trainer.’ Then she [Muffy] starts, ‘I don’t know what your name is. I’ll call you fat-a**,’ or whatever. She starts punching me in the stomach and starts making me do jumping jacks.”
Despite the distressing nature of the segment, Nelson revealed that he earned $500 for his involvement that night. While the experience may have been emotionally challenging, the significant payday was a notable highlight in his wrestling career.
