Ned Fulmer, the former “Try Guys” star, has publicly addressed the criticism he faced following the launch of his new podcast “Rock Bottom”, stating in a recent interview that he acknowledges his imperfections and is committed to moving forward from past mistakes.
In an exclusive discussion on TMZ’s “Inside The Ring” podcast, Fulmer explained that he chose to create “Rock Bottom” as a platform to openly confront difficult topics, rather than avoid them. The first episode featured his wife, Ariel, marking their first joint public appearance since the 2022 cheating scandal that led to his departure from the popular YouTube group. Fulmer admitted that some clips from the episode appeared “cringeworthy” but emphasized that the full conversation represented years of personal growth for both of them. He understands why the content made fans uncomfortable but believes in addressing these issues directly.
The podcast quickly drew backlash online, with critics accusing the couple of attempting to sanitize the narrative around Fulmer’s infidelity. Viral social media posts highlighted viewer discomfort, particularly with the decision to include Ariel in the debut episode. Fulmer noted that he became a trending topic again, reflecting the ongoing public scrutiny. Despite this, he and Ariel expressed pride in the hour-long discussion, viewing it as a testament to their journey over the past three years.
Fulmer’s public image suffered a significant blow in 2022 when it was revealed that he had an affair with a producer while portraying himself as a devoted “wife guy” on “The Try Guys”. The scandal resulted in his firing from the group, forcing remaining members Zach Kornfeld, Keith Habersberger, and Eugene Lee Yang to continue without him and eventually rebrand with new creators. Fulmer largely disappeared from the public eye in the aftermath, making his recent return to content creation a notable step in his career rehabilitation.
Now, Fulmer is diversifying his projects beyond the podcast. He announced a new YouTube series, “Building a More Curious World”, which premieres on October 19 and focuses on ambitious, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. One such experience was his recent debut in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as “Nasty Ned”, where he underwent rigorous training and performed in the ring. Fulmer shared that the wrestlers were supportive of his efforts, though the physical toll left him with neck and back pain, humorously noting that he is still recovering.
Reflecting on the criticism, Fulmer stated that he is learning to ignore the negative noise and concentrate on his personal and professional development. He recognized that he is not perfect and that some moments in the podcast may have been awkward, but he and Ariel are proud of their progress. This transparency, he hopes, will help in rebuilding trust with his audience and allow him to pursue new creative endeavors without being held back by past errors.
The interview highlights Fulmer’s ongoing attempt to rehabilitate his career through honest storytelling and new ventures. However, the mixed public reaction suggests that full redemption may still be a distant goal, as many remain skeptical of his motives. As he continues to navigate this path, Fulmer’s future in the entertainment industry will likely depend on his ability to demonstrate genuine change and earn back the confidence of fans and peers alike.
Ultimately, Fulmer’s response to the podcast criticism underscores a broader effort to reclaim his place in the public eye, balancing acknowledgment of his flaws with a drive for renewal. Whether this approach will resonate long-term remains to be seen, but it marks a significant chapter in his post-scandal journey.
