The Worst Territory In The World

Chris and Gabe talk Shane McMahon/AEW before being joined by Jake Petri, who Midwest wrestling fans would know as Evan Gelistico or Buddy Shepherd. We talk about The Commission in Metro Pro, Buddy Shepherd in NWL and his longtime involvement with St. Louis Anarchy.

Chris and Gabe talk about the crazy, stressful, thankless job of promoting independent wrestling. Chris talks about starting Metro Pro, going into NWL and getting out. Gabe describes his path to start Journey Pro and his leaving the promotion. If you want to promote indie wrestling, you should listen to this!

Chris and Gabe discuss the Royal Rumble, CM Punk's untimely injury and Chris gives his thoughts on the Vince McMahon he knew and all the controversy surrounding the former WWF Chairman. Taped February 8, 2024.

We discuss The Claw (in theaters now), as well as The Rock's return, who's going to main event WrestleMania and Chris Jericho's embarrassing online communication.

In this episode, Gabe and Chris discuss all the wrestling stuff that has happened over the holiday season -- including the big SHOCKING return of CM Punk to WWE!

We look back at the life and career of longtime Kansas City wrestler Billy Howard, who passed away at the age of 78. Chris also ties in his documentary, KC On The Mat, as Howard was one of the last interviewees who was still on Earth. Plus, we hit the top news stories around pro wrestling!

Chris and Gabe talk about the saga of CM Punk in AEW. We go over Tony Khan's decisions, the actions of the EVPs & Jack Perry, respect in wrestling and the future of Punk in wrestling.

In this episode, Chris and Gabe remember the wrestling legend, Terry Funk, who passed away at the age of 79. We talk about his legacy in wrestling, his best matches and promos and we chat with Ace Steel and Dan Gier about their memories with the man himself. RIP Terry Funk

In this episode, we talk with former WWF/WWE TV writer, magazine writer and WWF.com content creator, Seth Mates. Chris and Seth started nearly the same time at WWF back in the late 1990s, and they both entered the WWF creative writing team in 2002 together. In the first of many conversations, Seth chats about getting his internship with WWF, his time in Titan Tower and stories about pitching stories directly to Vince McMahon. Good inside baseball talk. Chris and Gabe also talk SummerSlam 2023, CM Punk's latest news and Cash Wheeler getting busted. Plus, Gabe takes another wrestling trivia test!

In this episode, we talk with longtime Midwest promoter Herb Simmons. Herb currently runs SICW, just outside of St. Louis, and he's been involved in the wrestling business for more than 50 years. We talk about his start in the business, his relationships with The Crusher, Larry Matysik, Bruiser Brody and others, his thoughts on the NWL and lots of stories about promoting pro wrestling! Check it out!

In this episode, we talk with former Metro Pro/Gateway Championship wrestler "The Human Wrecking Ball" Pete Madden. Pete talks about his beginning in the business, his Dad getting hurt by The Crusher, his time in Gateway Championship Wrestling then to Metro Pro Wrestling. Pete is a great dude, and his infectious optimism is always a refreshing change! Check it out!

In this episode, we talk with former Metro Pro Champion Bull Schmitt. Bull takes us through his career, which began in Oklahoma then to World Legion/League Wrestling with Harley Race to Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan and, finally, to Metro Pro Wrestling. It was great getting to chat with Bull again! Gabe and Chris also talk Abdullah the Butcher, FTR vs. Bullet Club Gold and more!

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #024 - Thoughts on Darren Drozdov, Mantaur, AEW Collision, NWL Name Association and more!In this episode of The Worst Territory In The World, Chris gives his thoughts on his friend -- former NFL players and WWE Superstar Darren Drozdov, who passed away at the age of 54. Chris and Gabe also give thoughts on Mantaur, AEW Collision, Terry Funk and we play some NWL Name Association!6/28/2023

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #023 - The NWL: Perspective of Kevin Lee Davidson (fka Todd Letterman)In this episode of The Worst Territory In The World, we interview former full-time NWL wrestler Kevin Lee Davidson. KLD used the moniker "Todd Letterman" in the NWL, and he was a force to recon with in the early days of the promotion in KC. We talk with him about his decision to sign a full-time contract with NWL, why he eventually decided to ask out of his contract, his favorites matches and much more! 6/28/2023

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #022 - Akio SatoIn this episode of The Worst Territory In The World, we interview longtime Central States wrestler, Akio Sato. We've NEVER been able to talk with him, and he was a great guest. Akio talked about his beginnings in Japan, his heavy influence in All Japan Wrestling, his first time in America, dealings in Central States and more! It's a great perspective from an accomplished wrestler and booker from Japan. Thanks to Akio and Mike George for making this happen!5/22/2023

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #021 - The Origin of Metro Pro WrestlingIn this episode of The Worst Territory In The World, Chris and Gabe discuss the creation of one of Kansas City's independent promotions -- Metro Pro Wrestling. Metro Pro began in June 2010 and continued through the Summer of 2016, leading into the creation of the NWL (National Wrasslin' League.) Chris gives his thoughts on how he ended up leaving the WWE and coming back the Kansas City, and what ultimately led to him starting Metro Pro Wrestling on Metro Sports. For those who were a part of our Metro Pro family, it was a special time in KC wrestling.5/19/2023

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #020 - "Magic Man" Jack SinnIn this episode of The Worst Territory In The World, we interview wrestling manager "Magic Man" Jack Sinn. He talks about getting into wrestling as a professional magician, his experiences in American independent promotions and becoming famous in Japanese wrestling! Did you know he was almost a manager in WCW? Why was Christopher Daniels starstruck when he saw Magic Man's picture in Kansas City? All this and more!5/2/2023

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #019 - Gerald BriscoIn this episode of The Worst Territory In The World, we interview WWE Hall of Famer Gerald Brisco. His storied career has gone from amateur wrestler to collegiate wrestler to pro wrestler to Vince's Stooge to high-level recruiter and now a podcaster -- and his pro wrestling career started in Missouri! Gerald discusses his dealings in Central States and beyond.4/24/2023

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #018 - "The Hustler" Rip RogersIn this episode of The Worst Territory In The World, we interview "The Hustler" Rip Rogers. Rip spent most of 1987 in the Central States territory, and we do cover that, but Rip is entertaining, so we covered so much more. This episode is not for those with virgin ears. Enjoy.4/13/2023

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #017 - WrestleMania 39 thoughts, WWE is sold & Kraig Keesaman on Sonny MyersIn this episode of The Worst Territory In The World, we learn more about Central States wrestling legend Sonny Myers, as told by a man who was trained by him -- Kraig Keesaman. Kraig began his career under the tutelage of Sonny, and he gives his perspective of Sonny in his later years.Also, Chris and Gabe give thoughts on WrestleMania 39, the WWE sale and more!4/8/2023

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #016 - Ace SteelIn this episode of The Worst Territory In The World, we interview Ace Steel - veteran wrestler and trainer and friend. We ask Ace about his start in wrestling, moving to Missouri to train with Harley Race, some of his memorable matches in his career, Metro Pro Wrestling and NWL!3/30/2023

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #015 - Randy BirchIn this episode of The Worst Territory In The World, we interview Randy Birch - the longtime Kansas City radio personality, and most remember him as the main announcer at The Woodlands Racetrack in Kansas City, Kansas. Randy spent many years around wrestler and promoter Bob Geigel, and he gives us a lot of stories about Bob, as well as his thoughts on wrestling, The Woodlands and much more!3/23/2023

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #014 - The NWL: Perspective of Marti BelleIn this episode of The Worst Territory In The World, we interview veteran wrestler, as well as former NWL employee Marti Belle, as we get her perspective on the National Wrasslin' League (NWL)! Marti talks about her introduction to the NWL, living in Kansas City, working for Major Baisden and more!3/21/2023

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #013 - Chotts DunkinIn this episode of The Worst Territory In The World, we interview Chotts Dunkin, the daughter of Central States wrestler and promoter, Bob Geigel. Chotts talks about growing up next to The Funks in Texas, her life as Bob Geigel's daughter in Kansas City, her thoughts on Bulldog Bob Brown and Rufus R. Jones and her memories of her father's infamous bar in Kansas City -- The Tender Trap! 3/13/2023

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #012 - The NWL: Perpective of Hoodie HowlettIn this episode of The Worst Territory In The World, we interview veteran wrestler, as well as former NWL employee Hoodie Howlett, as we get his perspective on his time with the National Wrasslin' League (NWL)! Hoodie talks about getting his start in Kansas City, his eventual full-time job and the final day of the company.3/1/2023

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #011 - Rob SchambergerIn this episode of The Worst Territory In The World, we interview Kansas City native and well-known wrestling artist, Rob Schamberger. Rob discusses meeting Bob Geigel for the first time, his start with wrestling-related art at the independent level in KC with Metro Pro Wrestling and his ascent to his current job with the WWE. 2/22/2023

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #010 - The NWL: Creative with Matt JacksonIn this episode of The Worst Territory In The World, we interview veteran Midwest wrestling and promoter Matt Jackson as we talk about his journey in the National Wrasslin' League (NWL)! Jackson talks about getting the full-time job offer, navigating through many changes in the start-up company and the ultimate end of the NWL.2/8/2023

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #009 - Lucy MendezIn this episode of The Worst Territory In The World, we interview veteran Midwest women's wrestler Lucy Mendez! She gives us her stories on training with "The King" Harley Race, moving to go to wrestling school in the middle of Missouri, Harley's best sex story and her time in Metro Pro and NWL!2/6/2023

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #008 - Matt MurphyIn this episode of The Worst Territory In The World, we interview longtime Midwest wrestler and the first graduate of the Harley Race Wrestling Academy -- Matt Murphy! Matt talks about breaking into the business, his relationship with Harley Race and his thoughts on the Central States region. Plus, Chris and Gabe discuss the Jay Briscoe tragedy, Chris talks about dream matches he never got to see and more!01/25/2023

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #007 - The NWL: The Full-Time RosterChris Gough and Gabe Miller continue with their discussion of the National Wrasslin' League (NWL) in Kansas City. This episode specifically talks about the formation of the initial roster of full-time, salaried with benefits roster. The NWL was a territorial wrestling promotion in the Midwest from 2016-2018, basing in Kansas City, but also operating shows in St. Louis, St. Joseph, MO, Wichita, KS, Topeka, KS, Springfield, MO, Joplin, MO and more.01/18/23

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #006 - The NWL: The CreationChris Gough and Gabe Miller discuss the beginnings of the National Wrasslin' League (NWL) in Kansas City.The NWL was a territorial wrestling promotion in the Midwest from 2016-2018, basing in Kansas City, but also operating shows in St. Louis, St. Joseph, MO, Wichita, KS, Topeka, KS, Springfield, MO, Joplin, MO and more.01/10/23

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #005 - Dan GierIn this episode of The Worst Territory In The World, we interview longtime Central States wrestling fan, ring announcer and one-time part-owner of World League Wrestling, Dan Gier! Dan talks about his close relationship with Harley Race, some of the legendary stories surrounding Harley, memories of longtime St. Joseph, Missouri, promoter Gust Karras and his involvement in Metro Pro, NWL and more! Plus, Chris and Gabe chat about WrestleKingdom, the RETURN of Vince McMahon and more!01/09/2023

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #004 - Jay FrenchIn this episode of The Worst Territory In The World, we interview former Central States wrestler and behind-the-scenes man, Jay French. Jay talks about his time helping Bob Geigel in the dying days of the Central States territory from 1987-1989. Chris and Ben also talk about the Mandy Rose situation, Joe Rogan vs. The Rock, and Chris is once again on the Hot Seat!12/13/2022

The Worst Territory In The World - Episode #003 - Dr. Tom PrichardIn this episode of The Worst Territory In The World, we interview longtime wrestler and wrestling trainer, the "Doctor of Desire" Dr. Tom Prichard. Chris and Ben also talk about Tyrus becoming NWA Champ, Stone Cold possibly returning and we give our Mount Rushmore of underrated wrestling managers!11/16/2022

In this episode of The Worst Territory In The World, we interview longtime Central States wrestler and multi-time champion Mike George. Chris and Ben also talk about Ace Steel, blading, current wrestling and Chris gets on the Hot Seat!

Chris Gough and Gabe Miller introduce themselves and explain why the Central States was considered the Worst Territory In The World!