The Retro Wrestling Archive Podcasts

“The Gun Show” Brett Michaels joins Brian Tramel for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit” for Episode 406 ! Brett & BT talk about growing up as a fan, wanting to be a pro wrestler, wrestling in Mississippi, EPW, wrestling for me in CCW, Memphis Wrestling is back, Memphis Legends and much more ! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The boots are off. The crowds are gone. And for the first time… the conversation ISN'T about wrestling.Welcome to the debut episode of Beyond Wrestling w/Robb, where host Robb Helt pulls back the curtain and steps into the Neutral Corner Lounge, a place where the gimmicks fade, the stories get real, and you finally meet the person behind the persona.And for the very first episode, Robb sits down with a man who’s lived it all…“Wildfire” Tommy Rich.But this isn’t the Tommy Rich you’ve heard in shoot interviews or wrestling podcasts.This is something different.Instead of championships and territories, Robb takes Tommy somewhere deeper:Growing up in Hendersonville, Tennessee and what life was like before wrestling ever entered the pictureThe values instilled by family, and the influence of a strong mother who helped shape the man behind the personaWild childhood stories (including one that ends with a burned haystack… and multiple ass-whippings)Life on the road vs. life at home and what it really meant to balance wrestling with being a husband and fatherPersonal struggles, health scares, and the discipline it took to completely change his life later onAnd along the way, you get moments you’ve NEVER heard from Tommy Rich before:Honest reflections on faith, family, and legacyStories about meeting legends outside the wrestling business, from music icons to everyday influencesHis thoughts on aging, slowing down, and what truly matters nowThis isn’t about what happened in the ring.It’s about everything that happened outside of it.By the end of this episode, you won’t just know Tommy Rich the wrestler…you’ll understand Tommy Rich the person.And that’s exactly what Beyond Wrestling w/Robb is all about. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Rylee Rockett joins Brian Tramel for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit” for Episode 382! This is an episode in ROCKTOBER the “Month of Morton” series that features episodes about Ricky Morton ! Rylee & BT talk about becoming a fan, favorite wrestlers, when did you find out it was a work?, heel or babyface?, training at “School of Morton,” Crazy Steve, working with the guys, Flawless, TessaBlancard, Kylie Rae and much more ! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week on Retro Wrestling with Gene Jackson, we dive deep into one of the most fascinating and under documented territories in wrestling history, the Mississippi promotion run by the Culkin family.Gene is joined by Gil Culkin, author of The Mississippi Wrestling Territory: The Untold Story, for a revealing conversation about: The legendary George “Curtis” Culkin and his wrestling roots dating back to 1939 Breaking away from Bill Watts’ Mid-South Wrestling and launching an independent Mississippi territory in 1977 The promotional war between the Culkins and Watts The wild Grizzly Smith angle that nearly imploded a major Jackson show How a 16-year-old Terry Gordy became Mississippi’s first heavyweight champion The earliest days of Michael Hayes, including the first time he ever came out to “Freebird” The creation of Percy Pringle III (yes, future Paul Bearer got his start here) Frankie Cain’s booking genius and his outside the box storytelling Riots in Gulfport, police involvement, and the night Ernie Ladd nearly caused a full scale arena meltdown Gil shares behind the scenes stories about working with legends like Nick Bockwinkel, Lou Thesz, The Spoiler, Porkchop Cash, King Cobra, The Mongolians, Mr. Fuji, and more while offering insight into what made the Mississippi territory unique.More than anything, this episode highlights something rare in wrestling history: a territory built on loyalty, fairness, and reputation.If you care about territorial wrestling, promoter wars, the birth of major stars, or how wrestling really operated in the 1970s and 80s, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.Pick up The Mississippi Wrestling Territory: The Untold Story by Gil Culkin on Amazon.It’s required reading for territory era fans. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Gene Jackson and Bob Anderson are back as the Retro Wrestling Re-View WCW journey through 1989 continues and just two weeks after Halloween Havoc, WCW is already back on TBS with Clash of the Champions IX: New York Knockout!Broadcast live from Troy, New York, this Clash features one of the most emotionally charged main events of the year, an I Quit Match between Ric Flair and Terry Funk but that’s just the beginning of the chaos.On this episode, Gene and Bob break down:🔥 Flair vs. Funk in a brutal I Quit showdown 🔥 The Road Warriors vs. The Freebirds kicking things off loud 🔥 Doom continuing their rise under Woman’s influence 🔥 The Steiners colliding with the Skyscrapers in a stiff, wild brawl 🔥 The Dynamic Dudes’ fate at the hands of Jim Cornette 🔥 Lex Luger defending the U.S. Title against Flyin’ Brian Pillman 🔥 Norman the Lunatic, Dr. Death, and the mysterious Super Destroyer! 🔥 WCW’s production quirks, crowd reactions, and late 80s energyWas this one of the stronger Clashes of 1989? Did the I Quit match live up to its reputation? And just how chaotic did things get in that Steiner/Skyscraper confrontation and was Sid nervous??It’s peak 1989 WCW: gritty, unpredictable, sometimes awkward, but always interesting.For all things related to Dangerous Conversations w/Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich, go to www.douggilbertpodcast.comFor all things related to Gene Jackson and the Retro Wrestling Archive Podcasts, go to www.retrowrestlingarchive.club ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Gene Jackson and Robb Helt are back for another deep dive into the wild world of Continental Championship Wrestling, and this episode from July 20, 1985 is a perfect snapshot of why CCW was one of the most entertaining and unpredictable territories of the 1980s.This week delivers peak Continental energy:Ron Fuller & the Stud Stable tightening their grip on the territoryA fiery Austin Idol promo that steals the showLord Humongous continuing to look like the scariest man aliveThe Armstrongs dealing with betrayal, revenge, and an arm injury that refuses to healTommy “Wildfire” Rich defends his $20,000 Battle Royal check against Mr. ClassA surprisingly strong TV match that turns into total mayhemAnother big angle to set up a packed Boutwell Auditorium cardPlus: bizarre production choices, hilarious commentary moments, and that signature Continental mix of good wrestling, heated promos, and absolute insanityGene and Robb break it all down with humor, history, and plenty of territory-era insight. If you love CCW, Mid-South, Memphis, Georgia, or any other southern wrestling from the ’80s… this is your show.Like, subscribe, and join us weekly as we journey through every episode of Continental television we can find! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Chris Van Vliet joins Brian Tramel for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit” for Episode 368 !!! Chris & BT talk about starting as a fan, fandom, training to be a wrestler,YouTube channel, AEW, interviewing stars, the Rock, interviewing Enzo, and much more! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Beau James joins Brian Tramel for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit.” On Episode 327, Beau joins BT for the the 3rd annual “Memphis in May” series by talking about carny, growing up as a fan, getting into the business, Power Pro, payoff heat, Buddy Wayne, Jimmy Valiant, Tony Williams, Alan Steel, Derrick King, Brandon Baxter and more! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Royce Isaacs joins Brian Tramel for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit.” On Episode 319, Royce & BT talk about quarantine, being off the road, working with the NWA, watching wrestling as a kid, PCO, BT has heat with Latimer, Paragon Pro Wrestling, Championship Wrestling from Hollywood, blood in wrestling, Tiger King, murder shows and much more!! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

From his early days growing up in Boston during the WWWF era… to surviving brutal tryouts under Gene Anderson and Nelson Royal… to training in the infamous Hart Dungeon… Bob Blackburn’s journey into professional wrestling was anything but ordinary We dive deep into:The insane 250-man tryout that only four survivedTraining under Gene Anderson (and what those “tryouts” were really like)Stu Hart, Bruce Hart, and a gimmick pitch so wild it nearly got him struck by lightningBecoming “The D.I.” in Continental WrestlingThe Honor Guard, Mark Young, and tag team gold with Randy ColleyWorking with a young Sid Vicious (and surviving the leg drop)Why Austin Idol once refused to follow his promoREAL heat in Montgomery and a riot level whipping angleLosing a wheel off his car on I-40 on the way to Memphis… and selling his car to a state trooperLiving with Mark Calloway (The Undertaker) in NashvilleWhy Memphis was the hardest hitting territory he ever workedThe phone call from Roman Gabriel that ended his wrestling career overnightThis is a raw, honest, hilarious, and occasionally jaw dropping look at what it was like working in the dying days of the territory system, when the miles were long, the money was thin, and the heat was very real.If you love Continental Wrestling, late 80s Memphis, Eddie Gilbert stories, or behind the scenes tales from the road, this episode is for you. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode #17 of Cassette Wrestling News marks a dramatic turning point for the series, as Jeff Osborne hosts the show solo in the immediate aftermath of John Seaton’s on-air meltdown and departure. What follows is a sprawling, information heavy, and emotionally charged episode that captures the wrestling world in absolute upheaval during the summer of 1991. The episode is dominated by the Ric Flair contract saga, with mounting evidence that Flair is WWE bound. Osborne covers WCW’s failed attempts to bring Flair back as head booker, speculation that Titan will recognize Flair as a world champion, and growing belief that Flair vs. Hulk Hogan is inevitable. The sense of finality surrounding Flair’s WCW exit looms over nearly every discussion. Major topics and segments include: Continued fallout from Ric Flair leaving WCW, including reports of Titan Television acknowledging his championship status Intense criticism of Jim Herd and Dusty Rhodes, with speculation about backstage power struggles and possible outside influence Detailed coverage of Eddie Gilbert and Cactus Jack’s Philadelphia war, described by multiple witnesses as a legitimate “match of the year” contender Real glass used in the match Significant venue damage Medical and athletic commission fallout Reports that officials feared a legitimate death or career-ending injury Updates on WCW tryouts for Eddie Gilbert and Cactus Jack, including backstage tension with Jim Ross Extensive discussion of steroid abuse, testing policies, and the WWF’s public relations campaign Analysis of Hulk Hogan’s steroid denials, Dr. George Zahorian’s trial testimony, and contradictions in Hogan’s statements Rumors and speculation surrounding Ultimate Warrior’s resignation, SummerSlam plans, and WWF locker-room instability Coverage of independent wrestling growth, including Joel Goodhart’s Tri-State Wrestling Alliance, Autumn Armageddon II, and extreme stipulations Reports and commentary from international correspondents, including Joe Massinio (Australia) and Dr. Mike Lano’s Japanese wrestling report, covering FMW, JWP, Medusa Miceli, and New Japan relations A major announcement from Brian Tramel, ending his newsletter work to launch a new Mississippi-based promotion with Eddie Gilbert involvement Listener contests, tape trading, and insight into the pre-internet wrestling underground economy The episode also reflects a philosophical shift for Cassette Wrestling News itself- less chaos, more reporting, but no shortage of anger, disbelief, and passion as Osborne grapples with what many fans saw as the collapse of professional wrestling’s credibility. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

P3 Radio’s Josh Briley joins Brian Tramel for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit” for Episode 364 !!! Josh & BT talk about growing up as a wrestling fan, his uncle “Nightmare” Danny Davis, his grandma, Bullet Bob story, Nightmares history, going to Louisville, Fred the wrestling dummy, why podcast? and much more !! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

OVW Heavyweight Champion Tony Gunn joins Brian Tramel for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit.” On Episode 340, Tony & BT talk about growing up as a fan, building a wrestling ring, training with Derrick King, an angle with BT, moving to Louisville, KY, working OVW, Al Snow, “The Gunn Show,” Sami Calihan, being offered a job at IMPACT, No Ropes Match and much more ! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

It’s time for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit!” Kayfabe Flicks: Ep 3! Brian Tramel is joined by P3 Radio’s Richard Mullikin & Josh Briley for Episode 304. In this episode they review the movie “Hell Comes To Frogtown” with Roddy Piper. Fun show !! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

JP Zarka of Pro Wrestling Stories .com joins Brian Tramel for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit.” On Episode 297, JP & BT sit down to talk about being a fan, Coliseum videos, wrestling books, starting the website, stories on website, Bret Hart, Titanes en el Ring and more! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week on Retro Wrestling with Gene Jackson, we sit down with one of the most unique and misunderstood characters of the 1990s wrestling boom.....Maxx Payne.From the New Japan Pro Wrestling dojo system to Memphis, WCW, and the WWF, Maxx opens up about a career that was anything but conventional. He talks about training in Japan alongside Chris Benoit, the culture shock of Memphis wrestling, the politics of the mid-90s locker rooms, and what it was like trying to break new ground with a rock & roll wrestling persona before the business was ready for it.But the centerpiece of this conversation?Maxx tells the full, unfiltered story involving rock legend Steve Miller, the behind the scenes saga that derailed what could have been a game changing crossover between wrestling and mainstream music. This isn’t rumor or secondhand storytelling, it’s Maxx’s firsthand account of what happened, how it unfolded, and how it changed the trajectory of his career.And here’s the kicker…We even have the Jimmy Kimmel Show clip that backs up Maxx’s side of the story.This episode is part wrestling history, part rock & roll cautionary tale, and part redemption story, as told by the man who lived it.If you’ve ever wondered what really happened with the Man Mountain Rock gimmick, the clique era politics, or how close wrestling came to something truly groundbreaking musically… this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

It’s time for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit.” Brian Tramel sits down with “Pro Wrestling Between the Sheets” Bob Magee for Episode 285. They talk about “Toys for Tots,” Mauro Ranallo controversy, Wednesday Night Wars, Starrcade and more! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★