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Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #172 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! It's part one of the NWA Word Champions series, with special guest Dr. Robert Stinson. This week, Brian and the good doctor look back at the life and career of an often-overlooked legend, the very first National Wrestling … Continue reading Episode 172: The NWA World Champions Series, Part 1 – Orville Brown → The post Episode 172: The NWA World Champions Series, Part 1 – Orville Brown appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #171 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian is joined by podcaster and historian Tony Richards to discuss the legacy of Dory Funk Sr., patriarch of the Funk family, as well as the West Texas territory he ruled. Tony is the author of … Continue reading Episode 171: Tony Richards Talks Dory Funk Sr. → The post Episode 171: Tony Richards Talks Dory Funk Sr. appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow PWI writer Alfonso Lopez to discuss WWE's purchase of Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide and all the implications around it: how each company might benefit or change, which stars could be involved, and what impact this may have on the rival CMLL promotion. Plus: The legacy of Sabu, reactions to WWE Backlash, and more.
Hello, wrestling fans, and welcome to Episode #170 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon. This week, Brian is joined by “Blue Meanie” Brian Heffron to remember the life and legacy of the legendary Sabu, who passed away several days ago at the age of 60. Meanie recalls some classic moments from ECW … Continue reading Episode 170: The Blue Meanie Remembers Sabu → The post Episode 170: The Blue Meanie Remembers Sabu appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #169 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian welcomes MLW and AAA commentator Joe Dombrowski to the show! Listen in as Brian and Joe discuss the glories of old-school wrestling VHS tapes, as well as Joe's current efforts to make as much vintage … Continue reading Episode 169: Joe Dombrowski → The post Episode 169: Joe Dombrowski appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #168 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian welcomes author and podcaster Lavie Margolin to the show! Lavie is one half of the Business of the Business podcast, and author of the 2018 book TrumpMania: Vince McMahon, WWE and the Making America's 45th … Continue reading Episode 168: Lavie Margolin → The post Episode 168: Lavie Margolin appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon reconvene for an in-depth review of WrestleMania 41, discussing everything from the controversial main event match between Cody Rhodes and John Cena to the influence (for better and worse) of the live crowd.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #167 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian welcomes collector, historian and old-school wrestling fan supreme Tom Burke back to the show! Tom brings his 65+ years as a wrestling fan to bear on another wonderful conversation that encompasses Paul Bowser's Bedlam from … Continue reading Episode 167: Tom Burke Returns → The post Episode 167: Tom Burke Returns appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #166 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This WrestleMania week, Brian welcomes longtime WWF photographer Tom Buchanan back to the show to remember the first WrestleMania and beyond! Tom talks all about getting started with the WWF in 1985, and his sixteen subsequent years with … Continue reading Episode 166: Tom Buchanan Talks WrestleMania → The post Episode 166: Tom Buchanan Talks WrestleMania appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
On the new #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by Senior Writer Harry Burkett and Editor Kevin McElvaney to preview #WrestleMania41. Plus: In an unexpected turn of events, the guys relitigate the controversial ending to WrestleMania IX.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #165 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian welcomes former WWF Magazine editor Ed Helinski to the show! Brian and Ed both worked for WWE Publications in different eras, and in this conversation they compare notes, but also–Ed shares incredible stories and memories … Continue reading Episode 165: Ed Helinski → The post Episode 165: Ed Helinski appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by author Keith Elliot Greenberg to discuss how WrestleMania (and particularly WrestleMania III) transformed the pro wrestling industry. Plus: The multitude of multi-person bouts planned for WrestleMania 41. And are we buying John Cena's explanations for his recent heel turn?
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #164 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian welcomes Mike Bessler of Pro Wrestling Illustrated to the show! This week's joyful conversation includes loads of warm nostalgia, and not just wrestling nostalgia, but a discussion of the appeal of nostalgia in general. Plus, … Continue reading Episode 164: Mike Bessler → The post Episode 164: Mike Bessler appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #163 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian welcomes Barbara Goodish, the widow of the legendary Bruiser Brody, to the show. Brian and Barbara discuss her late husband's incredible legacy, his imitators, his relationship with many of the power broker businesses, his philosophy … Continue reading Episode 163: Barbara Goodish → The post Episode 163: Barbara Goodish appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #162 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian's great friend and colleague, the author and historian Keith Elliot Greenberg, returns to discuss his new book, BIGGER! BETTER! BADDER! WRESTLEMANIA III AND THE YEAR IT ALL CHANGED. Come for the in-depth conversation on WrestleMania … Continue reading Episode 162: Keith Elliot Greenberg Returns → The post Episode 162: Keith Elliot Greenberg Returns appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
On Episode 250 of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by PWI Editor Kevin McElvaney for an in-depth (and, at times, heated) discussion of #AEWRevolution. Plus, Brian takes his version of a victory lap after foretelling John Cena's heel turn.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #161 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian welcomes wrestling historian, author and super-fan George Schire back to the show for a classic old-school conversation. George is one of top authorities on the AWA, but is here this time to talk not only … Continue reading Episode 161: George Schire Returns → The post Episode 161: George Schire Returns appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
“I knew every day I woke up I was the best wrestler alive, I went to bed knowing it. I didn't think about it, it was so natural.” It's time to go back into the Brian R. Solomon archives this week for a 2006 interview Brian did with “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair! The interview … Continue reading Episode 160: From the Archives – Ric Flair → The post Episode 160: From the Archives – Ric Flair appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by writer and historian Evan Ginzburg (The Wrestler, Pro Wrestling Stories). Together, they debate the pros and cons of the WWE and AEW presentations of the sport. Plus, Evan discusses his new book, previous experiences as an associate producer for Darren Aronofsky, experiences as a fan, and much more.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #159 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian welcomes longtime WWE TV producer Tom Carlucci to the show! Tom has some priceless stories of working for the company from 1988 all the way to 2020, including riding with Gorilla Monsoon, working with Vince … Continue reading Episode 159: Tom Carlucci → The post Episode 159: Tom Carlucci appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #158 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, author and journalist Steven Johnson returns to the show to discuss his new book, Jim Londos: The Golden Greek of Professional Wrestling! Londos was in many ways the greatest star that pro wrestling ever produced, and … Continue reading Episode 158: Steven Johnson Talks Jim Londos → The post Episode 158: Steven Johnson Talks Jim Londos appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #157 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian welcomes to the show, the General Manager of Monday Night Raw himself, Adam Pearce! Not only can Adam be seen on Raw each and every week, but he also happens to be a 5-time NWA … Continue reading Episode 157: Adam Pearce → The post Episode 157: Adam Pearce appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Send us a textIt's a truly special edition of Bob Smith's Outdated Wrestling Hour podcast as Smith (former PWI managing editor) welcomes back the esteemed pro wrestling writer Brian R. Solomon (Blood & Fire) to this wrestling nostalgia podcast. Together, the pair of veteran journalists take a look at the changing mores and tastes of Pro Wrestling fans through the decades in another great, one-of-a-kind conversation. BONUS: Discover an upgrade to The Outdated Wrestling Hour that will take place in the next episode!Support the showContact us at outdatedwrestling@gmail.com!
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #156 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! Something a little different this week, as by popular demand, Brian pays tribute to his grandfather, Anthony Salica. Often referred to on the show, Brian wanted to pay tribute to his late grandfather on the occasion of his … Continue reading Episode 156: Remembering My Grandfather → The post Episode 156: Remembering My Grandfather appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by Pro Wrestling Illustrated Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney to discuss the winners of this year's #RoyalRumble matches (Jey Uso & Charlotte Flair), what the #wrestlemania41 card is shaping up to be, and the takeaways from this year's #PWIAwards.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #155 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian welcomes wrestling's leading financial reporter and analyst, Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics, to the show! Brandon joins Brian to discuss the business of professional wrestling, how attention to TV ratings have changed over the years, plus … Continue reading Episode 155: Brandon Thurston → The post Episode 155: Brandon Thurston appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #154 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian welcomes collector and archivist Barry Rose of the Breaking Kayfabe podcast to the show! A longtime booster of the glory days of Florida wrestling, Barry joins Brian this week to wax nostalgic about the glory … Continue reading Episode 154: Barry Rose → The post Episode 154: Barry Rose appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #153 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian welcomes his former WWE colleague Lou DiPietro to the show! Lou has worn many hats for WWE over the years, but some of the most fascinating stuff he worked on took place in the early … Continue reading Episode 153: Lou DiPietro → The post Episode 153: Lou DiPietro appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow Pro Wrestling Illustrated contributor Scott Fishman to discuss Raw's Netflix debut and various topics of debate sparked by it, such as the trajectories of The Rock and Hulk Hogan. Plus: What might John Cena's retirement run look like? When will Joe Hendry's time come? And Brian provides an update on his forthcoming Gorilla Monsoon biography.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #152 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian welcomes leading Japanese wrestling historian Fumi Saito to the show! Brian and Fumi's conversation focuses on a little-discussed topic: Gorilla Monsoon's wrestling career in Japan, and the significance of Japan to his legacy. Plus there's … Continue reading Episode 152: Fumi Saito → The post Episode 152: Fumi Saito appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #151 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian welcomes independent wrestling manager and wrestling history buff Sidney Bakabella to the show! Sidney and Brian get into the weeds on the timeless psychology of drawing heat, the origins of wrestling managers–including memories of Bobby … Continue reading Episode 151: Sidney Bakabella → The post Episode 151: Sidney Bakabella appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
On the year's final episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by Jason McVeigh to discuss the state of WWE, AEW, and TNA as 2024 becomes 2025. Plus: looking back on the return of Saturday Night's Main Event, this year's "Tag Team 100" ranking, and more.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for the landmark 150th episode of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! To honor the occasion, Brian welcomes the pioneering wrestling journalist and indispensable wrestling historian himself, Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter to the show! It's a one-of-a-kind conversation that focuses on Brian and Dave's love … Continue reading Episode 150: Dave Meltzer → The post Episode 150: Dave Meltzer appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #149 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian welcomes former NWA President Bruce Tharpe to the show! Bruce has spent a lifetime in the business, including living through the last glory years of the territorial era! Listen in for a conversation covering his … Continue reading Episode 149: Bruce Tharpe → The post Episode 149: Bruce Tharpe appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow PWI contributor Mike Bessler to talk about the evolving tradition of pro wrestling around the major holidays. They also discuss the recent WWE Survivor Series and AEW Full Gear events (with special focus on the Costco guys.)
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #148 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian welcomes Jeff Bowdren of the Breaking Kayfabe with Bowdren and Barry podcast! Listen in for some convo on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, as well as Jeff and Brian's takes on some of … Continue reading Episode 148: Jeff Bowdren → The post Episode 148: Jeff Bowdren appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #147 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, we head back to the Pacific Northwest with a visit from collector, historian and longtime listener, Kerby Strom! Brian and Kerby's conversation goes all over the place, starting in Portland and Tacoma, heading to New York, … Continue reading Episode 147: Kerby Strom → The post Episode 147: Kerby Strom appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #146 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, one of Brian's earliest guests, “Blue Meanie” Brian Heffron, returns to the show! It's a conversation covering ECW, Paul Heyman and Meanie's experiences in the WWF, as well as many of Brian's memories of encountering legends … Continue reading Episode 146: The Blue Meanie Returns → The post Episode 146: The Blue Meanie Returns appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, longtime Contributing Writer Louie Dee makes his return to chat with hosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon about the WWE Vault, Donald Trump's relationship with WWE, and more.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #145 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, it's the finale of Brian's epic two-part conversation with the returning Joe Marotta of the Our Vantage Point podcast! Get ready for more unpacking of the classic 1980s/1990s WWF/WCW announcers, including the Art Donovan debacle, the … Continue reading Episode 145: Joe Marotta Returns, Part 2 → The post Episode 145: Joe Marotta Returns, Part 2 appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #144 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, prolific podcaster Joe Marotta returns to the show for the first of an epic two-parter! Buckle up for more in-depth nostalgia on the WWF commentators of the '80s and '90s, as well as some Attitude Era … Continue reading Episode 144: Joe Marotta Returns, Part 1 → The post Episode 144: Joe Marotta Returns, Part 1 appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #143 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian is joined by Paige Sutherland, daughter of one of the most fearsome “foreign heels” of the '70s and '80s, Kurt Von Hess! Paige talks about her cherished relationship with the loving father she knew away … Continue reading Episode 143: Paige “Von Hess” Sutherland → The post Episode 143: Paige “Von Hess” Sutherland appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
The guest for this episode is Brian R. Solomon! Brian is a writer, podcaster, and ex-WWE employee. We talk about working for WWE as an editor of the magazine, working directly with Shane McMahon, interactions with Vince McMahon, his podcast "Shut up and Wrestle", interviewing Roddy Piper and Paul Heyman, and more!Support Brian by visiting his website!
It's our second WON HOF show of the week. We're happy to have back on the show author and podcaster Brian R Solomon (@brianrsolomon) for another round of discussions about this year's ballot. We cover a lot of the same topics as we did with Greg on the last show, including measuring tag teams in dog years, not voting for active competitors, judging someone's entire career regardless of the category in which they are placed and comparisons to both Cooperstown and the Rock and Roll HOF. We also to talk to Brian about his upcoming book next year on the legendary Gorilla Moonson and what surprised him most while researching the man, in his career, billed from both Manchuria and Cherry Hill, NJ. And since it's almost Halloween, we also threw out a couple of film recommendations for the season, including Gothic, The Abominable Dr. Phibes and The Black Cat. Be sure to check out Brian's podcast Shut Up and Wrestle, especially if you love hearing about the Weston/Apter wrestling magazines, as well as Brian's great ability to get wrestlers' children on as guests, as they always have fascinating stories to tell.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #142 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! It's WON HOF season again, and Brian has author, historian and podcaster Greg Klein on this week to talk about some of the candidates, especially Morris Sigel and the Junkyard Dog. Brian and Greg discuss why Sigel and … Continue reading Episode 142: Wrestling Observer HOF Episode w/ Greg Klein → The post Episode 142: Wrestling Observer HOF Episode w/ Greg Klein appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #141 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian is joined by wrestling writer and historian Jamie Greer, author of Killers, Butchers, Cry-Babies & Canadian Destroyers: The History of Pro Wrestling in Windsor, Ontario! It's a deep-dive into the history of Ontario wrestling, but … Continue reading Episode 141: Jamie Greer → The post Episode 141: Jamie Greer appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #140 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, Brian is joined by independent wrestler Bull James, also known for his time in NXT as Bull Dempsey! Brian and Bull go back about 15 years in the business, and get together this week to remember … Continue reading Episode 140: Bull James → The post Episode 140: Bull James appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #139 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! Shut Up and Wrestle returns this week with Brian's guest, wrestling writer and historian, Dan Murphy! Brian chats with Dan about his work with the CAC and his history in wrestling magazines, as well as his upcoming book … Continue reading Episode 139: Dan Murphy → The post Episode 139: Dan Murphy appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #138 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! This week, film critic and dedicated wrestling lover BJ Colangelo makes her return to the show! Join BJ and Brian for a conversation on film, and yeah, a bunch of wrestling stuff too, of course! We get into … Continue reading Episode 138: BJ Colangelo Returns → The post Episode 138: BJ Colangelo Returns appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.
Hello, wrestling fans! It's time for Episode #137 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! Can you imagine being the son of Harley Race? Well, Justin Race doesn't have to imagine it–he lived it! And he's here to talk about it with Brian this week. From going on the road with the traveling … Continue reading Episode 137: Justin Race → The post Episode 137: Justin Race appeared first on Shut Up And Wrestle with Brian Solomon.