Scottish Smarks

In 1992, WCW was in a bit of a down period while the northern juggernaut of the WWF was forging ahead into the New Generation Era. In this time frame, Flair had ventured north, and Sting was the main man for WCW, and in the summer of 92 he would lead a team into the dreaded War Games match against Paul E’s Dangerous Alliance. This week on the Scottish Smarks, Chris and Tony break down WrestleWar 1992, discussing the hidden gem that is this war games main event, the fantastic match between Flyin Bryan and The Z-Man, and the sadly underwhelming undercard. There’s also chat around why Greg Valentine featured so heavily in this era, the lack of superstar promos in early 90s WCW, and did the company see parallels between Richard Morton and Shawn Michaels? All this and plenty more on the first officially Locked Down episode of The Scottish Smarks. STAY SAFE OUT THERE FOLKS! Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

In 2002, after the demise of WCW and the end of many of the long standing guaranteed contracts, fans of both WWF and WCW were treated to many crossover matches that they thought they would never see. None bigger than the “Icon vs Icon” match, the guy who defined the classic Era, “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan, vs the man who would go on to be one of the biggest household names in entertainment, The Rock. Let that sink in, Hulk Hogan vs The Rock. And it happened at Wrestlemania X8 This week on the Scottish Smarks, Chris and Tony practise social distancing and self isolation, as they have done for every other episode, but this time with a purpose. We weigh in with our thoughts on the Coronavirus Crisis, and then move on to the good stuff. Covering Mania X8, we discuss RVD’s early run, the addition of nu-metal stalwarts Salva and Drowning Pool to the card, one of the greatest promos ever put together by The Rock, and the art of re-invention. There’s also some chat around the pros and cons of Scott Hall, and was Steve Austin going stale in the spring of 02? All this and plenty more on this week’s episode.P.S - STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY OUT THERE FOLKS! Follow the advice where possible and use common sense to get through this. Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

Survivor Series 1990 is one of those shows that has a bit of lore and mystique surrounding it because of two debuts. One debuting superstar would go on to last 30 years in the WWF/E, and the other wouldn't last 30 days. Welcome to The Undertaker....and the Gobbledygooker! This week Chris and Tony are joined by Gilly from the History Bhoys Abroad podcast, to discuss Gilly's first ever WWF show on VHS, that brought him to the wrestling table and ensured his fandom would last until this day. There is discussion around the comparison between WCW and WWF in 1990, the time period in question being the height of the gimmick era, and why Sgt Slaughter had a limited shelf life in the early nineties.We also dive deep into the reasons why Gilly wasn't the biggest Hogan fan, the perfection of a certain Mr Perfect in one of the greatest elimination matches ever, have a triple threat mark out over Bret Hart, and try to fathom what the hell The Ultimate Warrior was actually saying in any of his promos on any given night... Also, as usual, Chris & Tony mark out for AEW, and sell Gilly on the benefits of watching Dynamite. Did we convert him back into watching modern day wrestling? Check out this bumper edition of the Scottish Smarks to find out! P.S - search History Bhoys Abroad for all good Celtic History related content. Even if you're not of the green and white persuasion it's worth a listen, as the content is informative, interesting and engaging! Check them out wherever you get your podcasts. Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

“Good God Almighty, Good God Almighty, They’ve Killed Him. As God As My Witness, He Is Broken In Half!” In 1998, the landscape of professional wrestling was changed in one swift motion, and in the space of about 7 seconds we experienced one of the craziest spots of all time and probably the most famous moment of wrestling commentary in history. Of course, we’re talking about when Mick Foley crashed through the announcer’s table from the top of the Cell at the King of The Ring pay per view. Join Chris and Tony as they break down this show in full. We spend time on the obvious talking point of Mankind vs Undertaker, but we also go through the rest of the card, focusing heavily on Ken Shamrock, his style and how well he grasped the wrestling business, what happened to the Nation of Domination, and Mick Foley’s contribution to the business. There’s also discussion about Vince McMahon’s classic heel status at this stage and how he handles it superbly well. Plus a tip of the cap to Pat Patterson during a difficult time in his personal life. Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

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Well well well, what can we say? The Royal Rumble 2020 represents a watershed moment in Scottish, and British, wrestling history. Drew McIntyre has done it! A Scotsman will headline Wrestlemania for the first time ever (no, we know, Roddy Piper was Canadian...)Join Chris and Tony on a special edition of the Scottish Smarks podcast, delving into the latest WWE pay-per-view, and trying to express how proud we feel as our fellow countryman finally reached the upper echelons of professional wrestling. In this episode we discuss why Stone Cold Steve Austin is relevant in 2020, the strength of the WWE women's division and what they could potentially do better, the incredible performance of The Beast, and try to figure out who the hell watches Miz & Mrs. There's also a discussion about Wrestlemania, the size of the card, and how it could potentially be split over two nights. OH FLOWER OF SCOTLANDDDDD....etc Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

The 2015 Royal Rumble is one of those shows that sometimes flies under the radar but could potentially be one of the most interesting shows of all time. It was the first Rumble of the WWE Network era, the results of which led many people to #cancelWWENetwork because, in the words of Vince McMahon, “Santa Claus didn’t come”. In episode 28, Christmas comes extra early, as the Scottish Smarks delve into what has been described as the worst Rumble match of all time, as well as the lacklustre undercard, with the exception of the fantastic heavyweight title bout. We discuss the brilliance of Damien Mizdow, the fact that Billy Gunn may compete for all eternity, Stardust, the JBL vs Mauro Ranallo debacle, and why the kickoff panel is a really bad idea. There’s also a tangent involving the “three week PPV” cycle and what AEW are doing right to combat WWE in the Network-era. But mostly, it’s a lot of anger and swearing. Parental Advisory : Explicit Content Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

In 2006, the Ruthless Aggresion era was in full swing and the brand split was in full effect. The Raw roster was boosted by the reformation of De-Generation X and some of today’s household names were just starting out on their main event level careers. In September, the Raw brand presented Unforgiven, headlined by two future hall of famers, Edge and John Cena. Join the Scottish Smarks as they take in a pay per view from an era that is sometimes neglected. Chris and Tony discuss their differing opinions on the Rated R Superstar and the landscape of the WWE product in 2006, particularly in the tag team division. There’s also some chat around Umaga’s character build, why certain heels don’t need a mouthpiece, Jeff Hardy’s progression as a singles competitor, and why we fucking LOVE The Highlanders (biased opinions incoming!) Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

In the mid to late 80s, the competition between the WWF and WCW was represented by the figureheads of each company, Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair. However, on the 7th July 1990, at The Great American Bash, there was a passing of the WCW torch from The Nature Boy to one Steve Borden aka Sting. Join Chris and Tony in the first episode of 2020 as they cover a lacklustre show from the first summer of the 90s, which saw a brand new world heavyweight champion crowned, propelling Sting into the stratosphere. We dissect the Ric Flair character and in-ring repertoire, discuss the attraction that was El Gigante, balk at the hypocritical nature of Jim Cornette and digest a quadruple helping of Gordon Solie. Welcome to the new decade! Start it off in style with the Scottish Smarks Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

It’s a special Christmas 2019 edition of the Scottish Smarks, a BONUS episode! Instead of our usual Pay-Per-View review format, we will be taking 5 underrated talents each, explaining our reasons why we feel they are underrated, and give our match recommendations. Hope you enjoy. Merry Christmas folks! Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

WWE has always been, and probably always will be, the benchmark for professional wrestling in terms of audience size and longevity. The only viable alternative to the McMahons in the 2000s and 2010s was a little known company called Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, or TNA. In our 25th episode, Chris and Tony take a dive into the brand that was started by Jeff Jarrett after WCW folded, and helped launch the careers of many of today’s top names. Covering the Sacrifice pay per view from 2007, we talk about how the X Division compares to 2019’s high flying style, what made TNA different and unique, and the pros & cons of AJ Styles. There’s also a monologue from Chris on his love for Kurt Angle, a chat about accents in the world of pro wrestling, a breakdown of a Texas Death Match, and a pondering about why Christian and Edge never faced off with one another in any promotion. A landmark episode to celebrate our quarter century. Check out TNA at impactplus.tv and enjoy something a little different! Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

The year 2000 is somewhat of an overlooked year in the history of the WWF. Wrestlemania was underwhelming, Stone Cold Steve Austin was sidelined, and many of the pay per views seemed to blend in together with few truly standout shows...and then there was Judgement Day. Join Chris and Tony this week after a small hiatus to discuss one of the semi-forgotten gems of the Attitude Era. Topics this time include Gerald Brisco’s run as the Hardcore Champion, the state of the internet and what was classed as clickbait at the turn of the millennium, the Radicalz as a group and as individuals, and why Rock vs HBK never materialised. There’s also a bit of a recap of the last few weeks of NXT/WWE vs AEW, our feelings toward each brand, and who would win in a bidding war between Shahid Khan, Vince McMahon and Dixie Carter...Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

In the summer of 1998, the Monday Night Wars were in full swing and the Attitude Era was on the horizon, but for those who preferred something a bit more gritty, there was now another alternative. Extreme Championship Wrestling. ECW presented Heatwave 1998 in the shadow of the two big guns, and set their stall out to be different, innovative and thought provoking. This week, the Scottish Smarks give their own views on their first original ECW review. Join Chris and Tony as they chat through the alternative presentation style, the jabs aimed from the talent (and the crowd) to the sports entertainers, the ripped off theme tunes, the aptly named Mike Awesome, and the reasons why a whistle has no place in professional wrestling.Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

In 1997, the WWF stumbled upon one of the most uniquely paradoxical angles of all time. Bret Hart vs Steve Austin switching between babyface and heel roles depending on whether they were in the USA or Canada. It was a goldmine of a storyline which culminated at the In Your House : Canadian Stampede pay per view. This week, the Scottish Smarks explore the show in great detail, including the excellent main event featuring 10 hall of fame level talents. There’s also a discussion about the Light Heavyweight division, Mick Foley’s early career highlights, Vince’s obsession with muscles, and what it really means to be a true wrestling fan through adversity.Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

On April 1st 2001, the WWF presented the greatest overall professional wrestling card of all time. A truly spectacular and revered show that set the benchmark for all pay-per-views to come. This week the Scottish Smarks, Chris and Tony, are joined by Jamie, the host of the excellent Twenty Minute Tims podcast, to break down Wrestlemania X-Seven. Jamie gives us his memories of being a young Scottish fan that was lucky enough to attend the Showcase Of The Immortals, and his own insight into the show from a 2019 perspective. We also discuss the iconic image of Raven with the shopping cart, Jacqueline’s breasts, Kamala’s breasts, Chyna cosplaying as Cher, and the sale of binoculars in the stadium.Do not miss this bumper episode of the Scottish Smarks! And if you’re of a certain footballing persuasion, check out Jamie’s Celtic FC podcast at @20MinuteTims on Twitter, and www.patreon.com/20minutetims Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

“Hogan’s a colourful guy, but his nightmare’s black and white”....In 1997, WCW presented their annual Starrcade event, showcasing Hollywood Hogan vs Sting in a main event for the ages. On the back of an 18 month build, WCW had the makings of a true classic. But why did it fail? Chris and Tony break down everything that happened in the infamous main event, the controversy surrounding the refereeing situation, and try to fathom out Sting’s “MAMACITA” moment.There’s discussions involving 1997’s version of clickbait, Goldberg’s invention of brand new wrestling holds, Chris Benoit’s physique and Perry Saturn’s surprise hair. We also fantasy book Bret Hart’s 97 WCW debut, and The Fiend vs Seth Rollins in 2019. One for fans of all ages!Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

"Shane McMahon has screwed his old man, and now the fight at Wrestlemania means so much more" A departure of sorts for the Scottish Smarks this week, as Chris and Tony delve into two separate time period in wrestling, to cover the first and last episodes of WCW Monday Nitro. Which of Hulk Hogan's theme songs is the best? Why was Mongo McMichael allowed to sit in the commentary booth alongside Eric Bischoff? Was Steve Borden the ultimate company man for WCW? How awesome are Omaha Steaks? There's also a discussion about TNA's failings with WCW alumni, Conrad Thompson's contribution to the wrestling industry in the late 2010's, Tony Schiavone not quite getting the send off he should have had, and Rey Mysterio being particularly horny on the last Nitro! A podcast filled with tangents, rabbit holes and off-topic chat with two reviews crammed into one on this week's bumper episode. Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

In 1994, the Deadman arose...twice, to compete with...himself...at Summerslam! This week on the Scottish Smarks, Chris and Tony are back to discuss all things WWF. Was Diesel’s entrance music the worst of all time? Was 1994 the best year in wrestling for Scott Hall? Did Vince make a mistake moving Randy Savage into a hosting role? There’s also a pretty emotional debate about 5 star ratings, subjectivity, online peer pressure and the opinion of a certain Mr Meltzer.Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

On August 31st 2019, AEW presented their flagship show, All Out, almost a year to the day after the ground breaking All In pay-per-view. This week the Scottish Smarks break away from classic material and cover a modern day show, a show which would see Chris Jericho crowned as the inaugural AEW champion. Are the elite booking themselves as Supermen? Will PAC consider signing on full time for AEW? Are the Jurassic Express the greatest tag team of all time? What is Orange Cassidy’s gimmick? All of these questions are explored on this week’s episode, as well as live breaking news regarding the status of the AEW championship belt.Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

“Are you telling me that the WWF Title is now in enemy hands?”At the height of the Attitude Era, WCW folded and were bought over by the WWF. A few months later, the WWF presented their Invasion pay-per-view. A one-dimensional show that certainly divided opinion at the time, and still does all these years later. In this episode, Chris and Tony revisit this pivotal time in the pro wrestling world. We discuss RVD’s impressive debut, the decline of X-Pac’s creative in 2001, and a very surprising Intercontinental Championship reign. There’s also some shadow boxing, Sunday Night Meat, PG softcore pornography, and William Regal’s Battle of Blackpool...all broken down in great detail by the Scottish Smarks! Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

In 2013, the WWE presented its inaugural Battleground Pay-Per-View, a name that would only last for 4 years before being dumped from the creative table. In this episode, Chris and Tony cover a variety of subjects from the early 2010’s, including the potential for a certain Mr Reigns to be a top level heel, the potential for a Mr Wyatt to go right to the top, and the low status of mid card titles within the company. We also mark out for the Rhodes Brothers, as is the norm, give our thoughts on AJ Lee as a pioneer, and throw out some disdain for Randy Orton as a performer. Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

Ten months after Bret Screwed Bret, Stone Cold Screwed Stone Cold, in the WWF’s first trip to Canada since the infamous Montreal Screwjob. In this episode, the Scottish Smarks give their thoughts on a VHS childhood favourite, Break Down : In Your House from 1998. We discuss potentially the greatest cage match of all time, the worst middle finger of all time, and the problem of buying a WWF T-shirt in the late 90s. There’s also an in depth discussion about WWE video games from this era, which is nostalgic to the max! Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

Wrestlemania VIII hailed from the Hoosier Dome in March 1992, featuring a hoos hoo of professional wrestling. It was the continuation of feuds and storylines from our previous episode, when we covered the 92 Rumble. Find out what the Scottish Smarks thought of the DOUBLE MAIN EVENT, Shawn Michaels’ PPV debut as a singles competitor against a bull fighter, and Drew McIntyre’s mother singing the national anthem. We also get a brilliant story from Chris showcasing the classy nature of Bret “The Hitman” Hart, and discuss the recent events in the world of pro wrestling. Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

With a tear in his eye, this was the greatest moment in Ric Flairs life. But was it the greatest Royal Rumble Pay-Per View of all time? Join Chris and Tony as they discuss the state of play of the World Wrestling Federation in 1992. With Hulkamania running a lot less wild than the fever pitch of the 80s, and no real successor to the throne, the company turned to the WCW turncoat as their top guy. The greatest heel commentary performance of all time, HotRod’s solitary WWF title win as a singles competitor, and promo time a-plenty, did the show live up to the hype? Listen to the Scottish Smarks to find out. Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

In October of 1998, WCW died. Or so is the narrative from a lot of people, after seeing the horror story that was Halloween Havoc. Silly commentary, dream matches with no build, and a questionable goatee, were just some of the low points on this show. It had the potential to be the greatest card ever and didn’t hit anywhere near that mark. Chris rants, then Tony rants, and all with good reason. Listen to the Scottish Smarks as they break down the biggest missed opportunity in professional wrestling history. Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

“Tonight a new ECW champion will be crowned inside the Elimination Chamber” Sandwiched inbetween two regular WWE shows, and regarded as the worst Pay-Per-View of all time, ECW December to Dismember was presented to the general public in 2006. On this show we have an announcer giving away the main event result in the first minute of the broadcast, a guy in a teacher gimmick with his junk flapping in the wind, an exhibitionist, a vampire, a barbed wire baseball bat, and five thousand ECW noobs from the state of Georgia. Dive into the lowest point of the WWECW debacle with the Scottish Smarks, and revel in the misery of the poorest wrestling card ever assembled. Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

“I can do this through him that gives me strength” Shawn Michaels made his long awaited return to the squared circle on August 25th 2002, at the fifteenth annual Summerslam, and captured the imagination of the New York crowd when he faced Triple H in an Unsanctioned match. In this episode, the Scottish Smarks discuss one of the greatest cards of all time, with the debut of a legendary masked luchador, a patriotic message from the American Badass, and the literally jaw-dropping performance of The People’s Champion while passing the proverbial torch to Brrrrrock Lesnar. Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

On May 25th 2019, the landscape of modern day professional wrestling was altered, when All Elite Wrestling presented their first ever Pay-Per-View event, Double or Nothing, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Join the Scottish Smarks in a rare discussion about the present day product, as they cover the highly anticipated rematch between the Alpha and the Omega, the first 5 star rated match in eight years, and a surprise appearance from the so called Lunatic Fringe. Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

I’ve been the best ever since day one when I walked into this company. And I’ve been vilified and hated since that day, because Paul Heyman saw something in me that nobody else wanted to admit. That’s right, I’m a Paul Heyman guy. You know who else was a Paul Heyman guy? Brock Lesnar. And he split just like I’m splitting. But the biggest difference between me and Brock is I’m going to leave with the WWE Championship.On July 17th 2011, WWE returned to Chicago to watch their hometown hero CM Punk challenge an overbooked Super Cena for the WWE Championship, the only difference this time is; if Punk wins, he leaves the WWE with the championship. One of the strongest undercards of the past 10 years and quite possible the best Main Event of the past 10 years, Scottish Smarks give you their take on the controversial storylines, characters and subplots within this event. Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

You sit there, and you thump your Bible, and you say your prayers, and it didn't get you anywhere. Talk about your Psalms, talk about John 3:16 - AUSTIN 3:16 says I just whipped your ass!On June 23rd 1996, a bald fellow named Steve Williams took 30 seconds to change the dynamic of televised entertainment forever. King of the Ring is a coming of age for the World Wrestling Federation, with a card almost split in half of those who would rise to super stardom; and those who would fade into obscurity. Scottish Smarks give you their take on an event that features some of the greats before they struck gold in the world of Professional Wrestling!Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

All right, New York City! Welcome to Madison... Square... Jericho!On January 23rd in the year 2000, WWF hosted Royal Rumble 2000 out of the home of Pro Wrestling, Madison Square Garden in New York City. Arguably of the single greatest events in the history of Sports Entertainment, Royal Rumble featured one of the most talented rosters in an era where the WWF had taken back their crown as the Kings of Professional Wrestling. A first-ever tag team Tables Match, the revival of one of the most iconic characters ever portrayed in wrestling and a pensioner in a bikini contest... Scottish Smarks take a nostalgic dive into an event that served as a turning point for WWF and helped light the fuse for the Pro Wrestling Monopoly that was just round the corner. Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

A monumentous event in the modern era of Wrestling that will likely change the course of Sports Entertainment forever! WWE crown their first ever African-born WWE Champion, host their first ever Main Event featuring members of the Women's roster and squeeze more wrestlers onto a 7-hour long show tighter than Brian Adam's Cranium Crunch! In this bumper episode, Scottish Smarks take you through their thoughts and feelings of Wrestlemania 35 from the perspective of nearly-lapsed wrestling fans. Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

On February 20th 1994, WCW hosted an almost forgotten about event in Albany, Georgia. The Main Event, the highly anticipated Ric Flair and Vader rematch. A match which wasn't a match, DOUBLE Thundercage and some guy called Sting. The Scottish Smarks give you their modern day fan's view on Superbrawl IV, one of the most unremarkable events in history. Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

The Irresistible Force Meets The Immovable ObjectOn March 29th 1987, the whole city of Pontiac, Michigan is brought to a near stand-still as they welcome in the World Wrestling Federation for their 3rd Annual Showcase of the Immortals, Wrestlemania. Jam packed with annoying celebrity guests, a controversial world record and 2 of the greatest matches of all time,The Scottish Smarks give you their modern day fan's view on one of the most important events in the history of Professional Wrestling. Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)

Tonight we're gonna find out who's gonna survive as the World Wrestling Federation champion. And the Excellence of Execution is feeling pretty excellent tonight.On November 25th 1992, the World Wrestling Federation descended upon Richfield Ohio to bring you Survivor Series 92. A nightstick on a pole, a homemade casket with cheap stickers and 2 of the all time greats in one of their first ever Championship bouts, The Scottish Smarks take you through Survivor Series 92, what it was and what it could have been. Support the show (http://paypal.me/scottishsmarks)