We are a podcast that reviews old professional wrestling shows. We also share our thoughts about the current WWE product and other happenings in the world of wrestling.
Alex takes a look back at the night WWECW decided to run a Big Show vs. Batista match for the main event in the Hammerstein Ballroom. We'll see how that goes for them. I'm sure the ECW faithful will love that. We get to see the Brooklyn Brawler in action! Roadkill gets to stand around in catering! If that's not enough, we also get a Kevin Thorn promo! Oh, and some guy named CM Punk makes his WWE television debut.
This week Alex and Patrick review ECW's November to Remember from 2000 which was a pay-per-view to forget. We also discuss the deaths of New Jack, Del Wilkes, and Mr. Wonderful Paul Orndorff. We also briefly mention some of the bigger news surrounding AEW, WWE, and GCW's surprising new champion. So get extreme with us on this edition of Retro Wrestling Podcast! (review starts at 33:00)
In this Retro Wrestling Podcast Extra, Alex reviews WWF Ground Zero: In Your House from 1997 featuring Bret Hart defending his WWF Championship against Del Wilkes aka The Patriot. We also talk a little bit about Del Wilkes wrestling background as we remember Del Wilkes who passed away on June 30, 2021 at the age of 59. The Del Wilkes interview clips at the end of the review are from Pro Wrestling Defined (@ProDefined on Twitter) and from the old Stone Cold Steve Austin Podcast (@SteveAustinBSR on Twitter).
In this RWP Extra: Alex looks back at Vice's Dark Side of the Ring episode from March of 2020 entitled "The Life and Crimes of New Jack" in honor of Jerome Young who passed away May 14, 2021 at the age of 58 from a heart attack. This episode contains clips from Dark Side of the Ring which can be found at vicetv.com. We also highly recommend checking out the Crime in Sports podcast episode about New Jack which can be found at shutupandgivememurder.com
In this episode of Retro Wrestling podcast we take a walk down memory lane and along a scaffold as we review the JCP/NWA classic Starrcade 1986 featuring sensational head shaves, frightening falls, and a melee in the main event. The review starts at 21:24. The Jim Cornette clip at the end is from The Jim Cornette Experience which can be found over at JimCornette.com Note from Alex: I'm very sorry for the long delays between episodes. Lots going on. I also apologize for some of the audio issues in this episode as we had trouble with Patrick's connection and I had to sort of cut around it. Hopefully, we'll be back to a more consistent schedule soon and with upgraded audio quality. Thanks for listening.
In this edition of Retro Wrestling Podcast we discuss Wrestlemania 37 and then dive into the *final* ever ECW show which took place at the Hammerstein Ballroom back in January of 2001. It was a show that featured a surprisingly great "I Quit" match and a big surprise (not an appearance from Scott Hall). So, sit back and enjoy our review of this historic ECW show. The review starts at 1:06:47.
In this episode of Retro Wrestling Podcast, we discuss a few news items for the third week of March 2021 including the WWE Network's transition to Peacock, Miranda Gordy's WWE tryout, and the debut of Chris Masters in the NWA. Then, it's time to slog our way through Bash at the Beach 1998 where the basketball court couldn't contain Dennis Rodman and Karl Malone. The review starts at 51:30.
On the heels of Royal Rumble 2021 we head back to 1997 and check out the Royal Rumble from the Alamodome featuring the showdown between Shawn Michaels and Sid, Undertaker and Vader, and Stone Cold Steve Austin's first memorable Rumble performance. We also discuss the passing of Butch Reed, Shaq's return to wrestling, and the departure of Lars Sullivan from the WWE. The review begins at 48:37.
In this Retro Wrestling Podcast Extra: Alex reviews the final episode of WWE's version of ECW. It was a grand total of two matches, zero fanfare, and a lot of shilling for NXT. Let's relive the end to the dismal relaunch of ECW together!
We begin this episode of Retro Wrestling Podcast by taking some time to mourn the many tragic losses in the world of pro wrestling that we missed during our hiatus in December 2020. Alex also explains some of the struggles of recording regularly during 2020. We also take a minute to respond to some listener feedback. Then, it's time to head back nearly 19 years to check out the Hulkster's revival tour as it stops in Nashville for a long await rematch with The Undertaker. We also get to relive Booker T's strange night at a "fan's" Nashville hotel room. This is the first WWE branded pay-per-view and the last pay-per-view to feature Kurt Angle's hair. It's a diverse card that certainly keeps your interest (for good or bad), It's Judgment Day 2002 and it's our first review of 2021. Enjoy! The review begins at 58:58.
Happy Thanksgiving! In this episode of Retro Wrestling Podcast we go back to a historic debut in the WWF as we celebrate the historic 30 year career of The Gobbledy Gooker (also some guy named The Undertaker). We also talk Taker for the first hour or so and reflect on his three decade tenure in the WWF/E. The review of Survivor Series 1990 begins at 1:15:38. Enjoy! Stay safe!
Happy November! This week Alex and Patrick are going to party like it's 1999 as they review the unfinished pilot episode of WCW Festival de Lucha. It was an idea from WCW in 1999 so what could possibly go wrong? In the news: WWE superstars say goodbye to twitch, Kylie Rae calls it a career(maybe?), and Patrick remembers the life of Tracy Smothers. The review starts at 53:43.
Hi there! Remember us? We're back! After taking a monthlong absence from publishing a new episode, we've returned to review Eastern Championship Wrestling and one of their early non-ppv supercards. We also discuss the new Jerry Lawler podcast and the passing of Road Warrior Animal. The review starts around 25:25.
In this episode of Retro Wrestling Podcast we revisit the 1st Royal Rumble of "the new generation". It's a show that features the long awaited clash between Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty, two amazing debuts, a great WWF title match, and a Royal Rumble where a new star booked their ticket to Wrestlemania 9! Don't be like Lex Luger and tease us...listen today!
In this edition of Retro Wrestling Podcast Patrick and Alex discuss the controversy surrounding the WWE and its desire to have their independent contractors cease all content creation outside of WWE endorsed platforms, we mention the handful of recent WWE departures, and briefly chat about the new change in character for Roman Reigns. Then, we review an old episode of World Championship Wrestling from 1986 where Bullet Bob Armstrong teams up with his son to take on Bill Dundee and Jimmy Garvin as Jim Crockett Promotions was prepping for their upcoming Bunkhouse Stampede matches. The review starts at 33:52.
In this episode of Retro Wrestling Podcast, we review Summerslam 1990 featuring a double main event with Hulkster taking on the Earthquake and Rick Rude battling The Utlimate Warrior. Before we dive into the review, we discuss the life and legacy of "Bullet" Bob Armstrong who passed away on August 27, 2020 at the age of 80. The review starts at 27:14.
This week we head all the way back to 1999 to check out an epic encounter between Sting and DDP. We also discuss Renee Young's WWE departure, an update to the legal troubles facing the DiBiase family, update the Sonya Deville stalker case, and give a preview of the Vampiro documentary. There's even an Erik Watts sighting on this episode of Nitro and he lives up to the hype. The review starts at 35:12.
Marty Jannetty has led a life filled with many ups and many, many downs. For a thorough review of Marty Jannetty's life both inside and outside of the ring, we highly recommend checking out the Crime In Sports Podcast's episode about him (check them out at shutupandgivememurder.com) However, in light of Marty's most recent craziness (possibly confessing to a serious crime in a facebook post), we decided to look back at a good day in the life of Marty when Shawn Michaels reunited with him for one night only in March of 2005 as the WWE was building up Shawn's big match against Kurt Angle at Wrestlemania 21. Patrick also shares a personal story about the late Kamala, we preview the David Arquette documentary, and then dive into this review at the 53:16 mark.
In this episode of Retro Wrestling Podcast we review a gutsy performance from Rick Martel as he takes on Booker T for the TV title, Chris Jericho goes for Juvi's mask, we witness the birth of big poppa pump, and we finally get the rematch to Starrcade 1997 that left a lot to be desired. It's Superbrawl 8! Enjoy!
In this week's review Alex and Patrick take a look back at one of Rowdy Roddy Piper's most memorable matches as he takes on Bret Hart at Wrestlemania 8. Patrick chose this to honor the memory of Piper who passed away on July 31, 2015 (so around the 5th anniversary of his passing). We also briefly chat about Rusev's new Twitch venture and Raw Underground. We also give a brief update on the status of Retro Wrestling Podcast and our apologies for the infrequency of our episodes. Thanks for sticking with us for the last several years!
Join Alex as he relives the first pay-per-view he got to watch live (and not on scamblevision) as he reviews a terrible WWF offering that was the bridge between Royal Rumble 1998 and Wrestlemania 14. One of the most disappointing Card Subject To Change decisions in the history of premium combat sport offerings as Shawn Michaels was MIA and they spend the whole night hyping his replacement. Who could it be? Let's find out together on this edition of Retro Wrestling Podcast.
In this episode of Retro Wrestling Podcast we discuss the sale of Evolve to the WWE, Sarah Logan's good news, Necro Butcher's bad news, and a little more coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak in Florida. Then, it's time to go back to 2002 and the last gasps of the nWo as the group makes their WWF debut on the road to Wrestlemania X-8. Enjoy! Review starts at 49:45.
Patrick's appearance on Sign Guy's Wrestling Show. You can learn more about the Sign Guy's Wrestling Show by going here: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/turnbuckle_turmoil/2020/06/26/patrick-young-joins-sgws?fbclid=IwAR0Lo5jbZ5dJBz8fBvv6fT0113D9P9fZNcji4edrYCgFxjFx0s37GhMsvko
This is Patrick's appearance on The Original Rope Break. You can follow them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/TheOGRopeBreak or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Rope-Break-1187294444779808/ and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwaCrpSHMzhP6f6k7coKn8w/featured
This week Patrick and Alex discuss the COVID-19 outbreak within the WWE, the cancellation of WWE Backstage, the release of Tessa Blanchard from iMPACT, NXT's revival of Great American Bash, and the Undertaker's "Last Ride". Then, we go to a historic* night in WWF history when the WCW Title and WWF Title were merged into one. 4 men, 3 matches, 2 titles, and 1 undisputed champion would be crowned at the end of the night. We review WWF Vengeance 2001. The review starts at 59:34. Enjoy!
In this episode of Retro Wrestling Podcast we skim over the "#SpeakingOut" movement (sorry we aren't really journalists). For more information about #SpeakingOut we encourage our listeners to find their favorite wrestling journalists and get the story from them as there were tons of stories that came out last week regarding domestic and sexual assault allegations. Too many, in fact, for us to even get to all of them, We also talk about the passing of Mr. Wrestling II and his commitment to kayfabe costing him a trip to the inauguration of Jimmy Carter. Finally, we travel back in time to February of 1996 and the road to Wrestlemania 12 as it stops in Louisville for In Your House 6 featuring a crybaby match between Razor Ramon and the 1-2-3 Kid and two possible Wrestlemania main event altering matches in Shawn Michaels vs. Owen Hart (for the #1 contenders spot) and Bret Hart taking on Diesel inside the steel cage for the WWF Championship. Enjoy! note: this was taped prior to WWE's COVID-19 outbreak (we'll get to that next week)
In this RWP Extra Alex revisits the moment when Ron Simmons became the first* African American to break through and win a major wrestling promotion's top title in Baltimore, Maryland.
In this edition of Retro Wrestling Podcast we discuss the upcoming courtroom battle between Jeff Jarrett and Anthem Entertainment, Conor McGregor retiring again, ten years since Nexus, and why Patrick thinks NXT doesn't deserve the In Your House gimmick. Then, it's time to revisit one of the so-bad-it's-good pay-per-views of all time: WCW Halloween Havoc 1995 with Sumo Monster Trucks, Humping Mummies, and Ed Leslie! It's a spooktacular showing from the company that never failed to waste a bunch of money on stupid stuff. Enjoy! Review starts at 34:13.
On the heels of Becky Lynch's pregnancy announcement, I wanted to revisit the last pregnancy announcement that I could recall and sort of compare how differently they were handled. Enjoy! Also, I express my love for Jack Swagger's Rage Against The Machine cover song. - Alex
In this weeks Retro Wrestling Podcast we review a very strange battle royal from 1987 featuring a bunch of "golden age" wrestlers in a WWF ring. It was posted to the WWE network and it seemed like it was only booked for the purpose of making a Lou Thesz documentary, but that never happened so it's really a strange event in the WWF's history considering this was the fall of 1987 following Wrestlemania 3. Anyway, enjoy!
In this Retro Wrestling Podcast EXTRA: Alex reviews an episode of Smackdown where JBL kicks a family across the border. Enjoy!
In this very odd edition of the Retro Wrestling Podcast we talk about the very odd times we're currently going through. Then, we dive into some of the biggest news we've missed out on covering for the last few weeks. We discuss the WWE releases and speculate on what the future has in store for some of them, the 2K series taking a year off, our Wrestlemania 36 thoughts, the return of other sports, and wish the Rock a happy birthday. This is surely worth an hour and a half of your time. We'll pick back up with normal Retro Wrestling Podcast episodes very soon (hopefully). Until then, look out for a special RWP EXTRA and other happenings at retrowrestlingpodcast.com
For this week's RWP Extra: Alex reviews the October 14, 1999 episode of WCW Thunder where Kevin Nash sat in the booth and provided his "unique" commentary throughout the night. This was Nash's last act as booker before the Russo/Ferrara "era" began...so Nash was in IDGAF mode as he bumbled and stumbled his way through an awful episode of Thunder. Enjoy!
In this week's Retro Wrestling Podcast, Patrick discusses his experience at the taping of AEW Dynamite in Atlanta. He also provides some news about some former wrestlers in legal trouble, and we also once again debate the pros and cons of signing with World Wrestling Entertainment. Then, we review (spoiler) the worst pay-per-view we've ever done for this podcast: WCW Halloween Havoc 1999 where Vince Russo and Ed Ferrara brought car crash tv to WCW. This pay-per-view's tagline was "the stuff nightmares are made of" and it lived up to the billing. Disco Inferno got a standing ovation. Need we say more? Yes, in this super-sized episode of the Retro Wrestling Podcast. The review begins at 45:24. Enjoy!
In this week's RWP EXTRA: Alex reviews the WBF 1992 Championship featuring Gary Strydom! Totally Drug Free! Enjoy!
This week, Alex and Patrick share their thoughts about the 2020 Royal Rumble. In the news we discuss the latest wellness violation, the WWE corporate shakeup, Sean Mooney's new gig, and Van Hammer's arrest following an incident in Florida. Then, it's time to review the Royal Rumble where Stone Cold Steve Austin broke through to win his second Royal Rumble and where Shawn Michaels broke his back. It's the 1998 Royal Rumble! Review starts at 26:28.
As we end January 2019 we have health updates on a few retired wrestlers, a discussion about David Benoit, and a brief mention about the new iMPACT world champion. Then, it's time to watch a "hidden gem" as we check out the USA Network special titled "March to Wrestlemania 9". Will Kamala learn how to pin someone? Can Crush catch some octopus? Is Shawn Michaels really threatening to scalp a Native American? Find out the answers in this thrilling episode of Retro Wrestling Podcast! Review starts at 33:57.
This week we discuss the passing of Pampero Firpo and the overall treatment of legends by the WWE. We also discuss a few other news and notes from the first week of 2020. Then, it's time to review one of the strangest main events from Raw history as WCW "invaded" Raw and held a WCW title match between Buff Bagwell and Booker T. Review starts at 42:46.
In our final episode of 2019, Alex and Patrick talk about the TLC and NWA pay-per-views from December. Patrick also recaps the Bobby Eaton tribute show. We talk about the recent WWE releases as well as the general state of wrestling headed into 2020. Finally, we review the final episode of WCW Thunder. Will there be anything worth watching on this series finale of WCW's B-show? (Spoiler: No) Review starts at 53:07.
In this week's show Alex and Patrick have a lengthy discussion about Jim Cornette and political correctness. We talk a little bit about the Undertaker's interview with Steve Austin. Then, we dive into the Battle Royal at The Royal Albert Hall featuring a sad Andre The Giant run-in and about 50 Mean Gene interviews. Enjoy! Review begins at 1:15:50.
This week we discuss FS1 hiring CM Punk to join the panel of WWE backstage, we take one final look at the fiasco from WWE's trip to Saudi Arabia, Alex complains about the price point of AEW pay-per-views, and Patrick is excited for a new video game called Retrofest. Then, we review WWF One Night Only from September of 1997 where British Bulldog put his WWF European Championship on the line against Shawn Michaels. It was a long night for the Hart Foundation over in England. We're also treated to a Del Wilkes match against Flash Funk! The review begins at 48:38.
This week Alex and Patrick talk about WWE's stumble in Saudi Arabia, NWA Power, and the disaster known as WWE 2k20. Then, it's time to go back to 1997 to review WCW Uncensored featuring a terrible main event where Team Piper (version 2.0) took on Team WCW (featuring only 3 of the 4 members) and team NWO (featuring Dennis Rodman's interference)...and STING...doing...nothing! Plus: The American Males EXPLODE. It's all in this exciting WCW pay-per-view offering. The review starts at 1:05:46. Enjoy!
This week Alex reviews the first episode of WWF Sunday Night Heat which introduced the world to Shane-O-Mac.
This week Alex and Patrick talk all the happening from the first week of October 2019 including the debut of AEW Dynamite and the NWA Power tapings. We share our thoughts on the first Smackdown on FOX and the rebooted Raw on USA Network. We also briefly mention a few news items including CM Punk auditioning for a WWE FS1 show and Jeff Hardy's latest DWI arrest. Then, we review the first (second) episode of WWF Smackdown from August of 1999 as Triple H does battle with The Rock for the WWF Title. Review starts at 1:04:23 (Billy Corgan NWA post press conference interview clip courtesy of Jeffrey Show Live at https://www.youtube.com/jeffreyshowlive)
Heading into one of the biggest weeks in pro wrestling history we discuss the impending changes coming to WWE programming including the move to Fox, roster changes, commentator changes, and the looming AEW/NXT showdown. Patrick is also very excited about the NWA tapings happening this week. We also discuss the return of Johnny Nitro/Mundo/Impact to the WWE. Then, it's time to revisit the blue brand's first outing on UPN and the formation of two terrible stables: The Corporate Ministry and UPYORS (Union of People You Oughtta Respect Son). PLUS: The speaking debuts of Gangrel and Edge! This week's review begins at 44:57
This week we talk about the upcoming NWA tapings in Atlanta. We discuss the big changes coming to WWE television with Smackdown's move to FOX and NXT's move to the USA Network. We also discuss the RevPro referee incident and Big Cass's struggle at a WrestlePro event. Then, it's time to go back to 1995 and review an ECW card featuring a cage match and all the Dudleys (except the ones you probably know) as we keep spendin' most our lives reviewin' Gangsta's Paradise. Review starts at 1:02:10
In a RWP Extra we look at the go home show before Night of Champions 2014 and John Cena's foray into kidnapping and hostage taking as he tries to get Paul Heyman to make Brock Lesnar show up to work. Enjoy!
In this week's episode we talk NXT coming to the USA Network. Are Enzo and Cass headed back to the WWE? We discuss a couple of notable female performer departures from both AEW and WWE. Then, we get into our review of WCW Fall Brawl 1994 featuring the main event: an 8 minute phone call between Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan (and a War Games match featuring Dusty, Dustin, and the Nasty Boys taking on the Stud Stable). When the leaves start fallin' the guys at WCW would typically start brawlin'. Enjoy! The Review starts at 36:55
In this week's episode we look back at the epic encounter between Ric Flair and Harley race at the 1983 edition of Starrcade. It's a show chosen by Patrick to remember one of his favorite wrestlers after Harley passed away earlier this month at the age of 76. Please enjoy this special Retro Wrestling Review of Starrcade 1983. Follow us on twitter @retrowpodcast or visit retrowrestlingpodcast.com
This week Patrick gives us an update on Jerry Lawler and his endless feuds with movie actors, an injury update on Rachel Ellering, and news about Kevin Nash and Ryback both having stem cell surgeries. Then, Alex goes on a rant about stadiums. Finally, we get to the review of the biggest Summerslam ever from Wembley stadium and the epic showdown between Bret Hart and The British Bulldog. The review starts at 41:17.
This week, we don't have a review. So Alex reviews the go-home episode of Raw is War heading into 1997's WWF Summerslam. Review starts at 16:09. Enjoy!