The Wrestling Memory Grenade

It’s finally here! After weeks of buildup, it’s time for the NWA’s Great American Bash ’89, “Glory Days” PPV. It’s nothing but fun, fun, and more fun as Ray Russell and Steve Eckstat call all the action as they relive one of, if not THE greatest PPV in WCW history. It’s a mixture of entertainment, info, and straight-up two guys just marking out for one of the greatest nights in wrestling history. Whether you watch along for yourself, or just listen to this episode you won’t be disappointed.Card listed below… The Great American Bash ’89 “Glory DaysNWA World Champion Ric Flair vs. Terry FunkWAR GAMES: The Road Warriors, Dr. Death & The Midnight Express vs. The SST and All 3 Fabulous FreebirdsU.S. Heavyweight Champion Lex Luger vs. Ricky SteamboatNWA TV Champion Sting vs. The Great MutaTornado Tag: The Steiner Brothers vs. Kevin Sullivan & Mike RotundaTuxedo Match: Jim Cornette vs. Paul E. Dangerously2-Ring Triple Chance “King of the Hill” Battle RoyalThe SkyScrapers vs. The Dynamic DudesFlyin’ Brian Pillman vs. Wild Bill IrwinIf you're enjoying WrestleCopia and interested in helping us continue to grow, please consider Subscribing to our Patreon to help us pay the bills! https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopiaYOU CAN ALSO GIFT SOMEONE A PATREON MEMBERSHIP (OR ASK THEM TO GIFT YOU ONE) AT https://www.patreon.com/WrestleCopia/giftIncludes the $5 “All Access” Tier $9 "VIP Superfan" Tier, and "The ULLLTIMATE Tier", featuring our various VIDEO-CAST Series, Early Show Releases, our insanely detailed show notes (for the Grenade, Monday Warfare, Regional Rasslin, Puro Academy, & Retro Re-View), monthly DIGITAL DOWNLOADS for your viewing and reading pleasure, & more!HELP SUPPORT THE SELF-FUNDED WRESTLECOPIA BRAND, CONSIDER DONATING TO OUR PAYPALWRESTLECOPIA MERCHANDISE - https://www.teepublic.com/user/wrestlecopiaVisit the WrestleCopia Podcast Network https://wrestlecopia.comFollow WrestleCopia on “X” (Formerly Twitter) @RasslinGrenadeFollow & LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/RasslinGrenadeSubscribe to the WrestleCopia Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/RasslinGrenade ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

It’s our final stop before the NWA Great American Bash, our very own “Go-Home” Show, if you will. This week Ray Russell & Steve Eckstat take a look at the final two weeks of TV and news leading into the NWA’s Bash PPV. Listen to everyone’s final thoughts right before the NWA’s biggest event of the Summer as they set the stage for what is sure to be a tremendous night of hot wrestling action!If you're enjoying WrestleCopia and interested in helping us continue to grow, please consider Subscribing to our Patreon to help us pay the bills! https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopiaYOU CAN ALSO GIFT SOMEONE A PATREON MEMBERSHIP (OR ASK THEM TO GIFT YOU ONE) AT https://www.patreon.com/WrestleCopia/giftIncludes the $5 “All Access” Tier $9 "VIP Superfan" Tier, and "The ULLLTIMATE Tier", featuring our various VIDEO-CAST Series, Early Show Releases, our insanely detailed show notes (for the Grenade, Monday Warfare, Regional Rasslin, Puro Academy, & Retro Re-View), monthly DIGITAL DOWNLOADS for your viewing and reading pleasure, & more!HELP SUPPORT THE SELF-FUNDED WRESTLECOPIA BRAND, CONSIDER DONATING TO OUR PAYPALWRESTLECOPIA MERCHANDISE - https://www.teepublic.com/user/wrestlecopiaVisit the WrestleCopia Podcast Network https://wrestlecopia.comFollow WrestleCopia on “X” (Formerly Twitter) @RasslinGrenadeFollow & LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/RasslinGrenadeSubscribe to the WrestleCopia Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/RasslinGrenade SPECIAL THANKS! (00:01:31)Big thank you’s this week to Good Old J.R., Jim Ross @JRsBBQ as well as Mr. Richard Land @MaskedWrestlers for two completely different reasons. Find out why by listening to the show! THANKSGIVING FREE PRIZE GIVEAWAY (00:04:12) THREE FREE PRIZES being given away on Thanksgiving, which means THREE WINNERS will be drawn, which means you have THREE CHANCES to win! I like those odds! All you have to do is FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @RasslinGrenade to enter for a chance to win one of those prizes. Listen to our show or visit our Twitter feed to hear all about those Turkey Day prizes! PATREON NEWS, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO KEEP US GOING! (00:08:24) Let us know you’re there, let us know you care. Please subscribe! Your choice of 14 Tiers, as low as a $1 Tier just to show your support. Help keep the Grenade and the Copia Podcast Network going in 2021 by subscribing to a Tier that best suits you. Patreon.com/Wrestlecopia WrestleCopia Podcast Network (00:11:22) What’s going on in the world of WrestleCopia and the Grenade? The Great American Bash Tour Continues (00:13:32) We continue our look at the 1989 Great American Bash Tour as we continue to break down ticket sales and compare them to Bash Tours of year’s past. NWA Main Event 7/9/89 (00:24:25) In a rarity, we cover both the SYNDICATED AND WTBS version of this week’s Main Event! It’s Dr. Death teaming with the Steiners to take on All 3 Freebirds in the main event! Listen to two separate Terry Funk promos specifically made for two different audiences. Plus, Tommy Rich vs. The Bounty Hunter, NWA Power Hour 7/14/89 (00:40:46) STEEL CAGE MAIN EVENT as the ROAD WARRIORS are set for battle against the SST. ANGLE ALERT!!! Watch what happens in the aftermath inside the Cage as it’s a 5 on 2 beating leading to Hawk being taken out on a stretcher!!! All to set up WAR GAMES at the Bash! The Great Muta is the gust of Funk’s Grill. Watch as Muta mists the Funker to give him the power of the ancient Samurais and Shogun Warriors!!! Plus, Gordon Solie weighs in on this week’s WNN, and action with the Skyscrapers, and Ricky Steamboat vs. Jacko Victory. NWA Pro 7/15/89 (01:00:27) NWA Representative Sandy Scott oversees the contract signing between TV Champion Sting and the Great Muta. Ricky Steamboat actually cuts a GREAT heated promo demanding a No DQ match with the Total Package, hear how Lex responds. Missy Hyatt’s jugs be a jigglin’. Plus, the Steiners vs. New Zealand Militia, and action with the SkyScrapers, Flyin’ Brian, Sting, Ricky Steamboat, and Dr. Death teams with the Midnights as they aid Trent Knight in defying the laws of gravity. NWA Worldwide 7/15/89 (01:18:53) Terry Funk shows just how hardcore he can be when he battles “Chopper” Steve Casey while wrestling with a fractured back! The Steiners take on Kevin Sullivan & Mike Rotunda. The first-ever DUELING CHANT from the fans??? VOTE NO for the Dynamic Dudes on the A&W Cream Soda King of the Slams. Jim Cornette has a message for Paul E. Dangerously. Action featuring the likes of The SkyScrapers, The Great Muta, The Freebirds, and a new attitude Ricky Steamboat vs. The Bounty Hunter. Plus, the crowd goes crazy TWICE on the same show! First, Sting goes nose to nose with the Great Muta in the ring, then Ric Flair closes the show with an insanely awesome ringside promo! NWA World Championship Wrestling 7/15/89 (01:40:45)Ric Flair joins Paul E.’s Danger Zone! Lex Luger shares the latest on Steamboat’s No DQ demands. Action with the likes of Dr.

We’re another step closer to the Great American Bash “Glory Days”! Hosts Ray Russell and Steve Eckstat take a look at the first two weeks of July 1989, including TV reviews, Bash Tour ticket sales compared to years past, plus the June ’89 VIP Jobber of the Month and the NWA Top 10!!! Scott Steiner debuts the Blockbuster Suplex AND THE FRANKENSTEINER. Plus, JR coins the phrase “Steinerline” for brother Rick. The SST have 3 attempts to launch Lee Scott into orbit… and they succeed!!! We see our first angle involving BLOOD here in 1989 as the Funker attacks Sting WITH A BRANDING IRON TO THE SKULL!!! Find out what happens when the Freebirds refuse to sell for Dr. Death. Plus, the in-ring debuts of “Wildfire” Tommy Rich and Flyin’ Brian Pillman, and Ric Flair’s Press Conference addressing the future of his wrestling career. And before they were stars… a look at Mike Awesome and “Glacier” Ray Lloyd paying their dues here as job guys. It’s a stacked 2 weeks you won’t want to miss!!! If you're enjoying WrestleCopia and interested in helping us continue to grow, please consider Subscribing to our Patreon to help us pay the bills! https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopiaYOU CAN ALSO GIFT SOMEONE A PATREON MEMBERSHIP (OR ASK THEM TO GIFT YOU ONE) AT https://www.patreon.com/WrestleCopia/giftIncludes the $5 “All Access” Tier $9 "VIP Superfan" Tier, and "The ULLLTIMATE Tier", featuring our various VIDEO-CAST Series, Early Show Releases, our insanely detailed show notes (for the Grenade, Monday Warfare, Regional Rasslin, Puro Academy, & Retro Re-View), monthly DIGITAL DOWNLOADS for your viewing and reading pleasure, & more!HELP SUPPORT THE SELF-FUNDED WRESTLECOPIA BRAND, CONSIDER DONATING TO OUR PAYPALWRESTLECOPIA MERCHANDISE - https://www.teepublic.com/user/wrestlecopiaVisit the WrestleCopia Podcast Network https://wrestlecopia.comFollow WrestleCopia on “X” (Formerly Twitter) @RasslinGrenadeFollow & LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/RasslinGrenadeSubscribe to the WrestleCopia Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/RasslinGrenade WrestleCopia Podcast Network News (00:04:24) What’s going on in the world of WrestleCopia and the Grenade? Monday Warfare: The Battles Within Launches (00:06:06) Our very first episode of Monday Warfare, chronicling the Monday Night War from the very beginning, launched on November 9th and will continue to post each and every Monday morning! Visit WrestleCopia.com or any of your favorite Podcast Streaming Apps to give it a listen right now! PATREON NEWS, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO KEEP US GOING! (00:06:48) Let us know you’re there, let us know you care. Please subscribe! Your choice of 14 Tiers, as low as a $1 Tier just to show your support. Help keep the Grenade and the Copia Podcast Network going in 2021 by subscribing to a Tier that best suits you. Patreon.com/Wrestlecopia JUNE ‘89 VIP JOBBER OF THE MONTH (00:09:44) Lee Scott continues to impress but see who knocked the Two-Time-Two-Time VIP Jobber of the Month off the mountain top. There’s a NEW Jobber of the Month in town. Find out who he is right now! JUNE 1989 NWA TOP 10 (00:12:02) He pokes Gators with a Stick… and Women with his…. Well, you know… “Gator” Scott Hall cracks the Top 10 this month THE 1989 NWA BASH TOUR (00:13:34) Ray breaks down the first half of the 1989 Great American Bash Tour, comparing this year’s ticket sales with years prior. We discuss everything from the Tour Main Event of Terry Funk vs. Sting being canceled for the first leg of the tour due to injury, to events drawing less than 1,000 fans, to the NWA completely CANCELING cities due to poor ticket sales. Find out where the ’89 Tour matches up with previous Bash tours. Spoiler alert… Not well. NWA Power Hour 6/30/89 (00:30:37) TV Champion Sting defends against Ron Simmons. 6-Man action with All 3 Freebirds taking on Dr. Death, Rick Steiner, and Eddie Gilbert! It’s the TV DEBUT of Flyin’ Brian Pillman as well as the final taped match of Ricky Santana in the NWA. U.S. Champion Lex Luger is the guest this week on Funk’s Grill. The Skyscrapers continue to dominate. Plus, it’s WNN with Gordon Solie who talks the WWF and Jake Roberts’ injury, Ric Flair’s announcement, and he even creates some #FakeNews for good measure. Uh-uh, BRU-THER! NWA Worldwide 7/1/89 (00:51:16) WE HAVE BLOOD! For the first time in 1989, we get BLOOD when crazy Terry Funk attacks Sting with the Branding Iron!!! The Funker returns later in the program to take on Ricky Santana and grabs a hand full of junk. The SST have a trial run with Lee Scott as a human projectile. 6-Man action with all 3 Freebirds, plus action with Sullivan & Rotunda, Ranger Ross, Jim Cornette speaks, and Scott Hall pokes things with a different stick this week. We even get an early look at the future Glacier, Blood Runs Cold… Plus, it’s finally here… Ric Flair makes his special announcement. Will he retire, or will he return to action??? NWA World Championship Wrestling 7/1/89 (01:13:11) THE SST LAUNCH L

It’s the post-Halloween edition of the Grenade, and another wild two weeks of history as we close out the month of June 1989 and reach the half-year mark here in the NWA. In this episode, Ray Russell & Steve Eckstat discuss 9 episodes of TV, including many debuts… The debut of the Power Hour, the debut of Funk’s Grill, and the debut of SID VICIOUS, just to name a few. Plus, the returns of Gordon Solie and “Wildfire” Tommy Rich, and angles galore! And, Lex Luger cuts what may be the PROMO OF THE YEAR! No, seriously… Yes, that Lex Luger. A tremendous promo that you must hear to believe!If you're enjoying WrestleCopia and interested in helping us continue to grow, please consider Subscribing to our Patreon to help us pay the bills! https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopiaYOU CAN ALSO GIFT SOMEONE A PATREON MEMBERSHIP (OR ASK THEM TO GIFT YOU ONE) AT https://www.patreon.com/WrestleCopia/giftIncludes the $5 “All Access” Tier $9 "VIP Superfan" Tier, and "The ULLLTIMATE Tier", featuring our various VIDEO-CAST Series, Early Show Releases, our insanely detailed show notes (for the Grenade, Monday Warfare, Regional Rasslin, Puro Academy, & Retro Re-View), monthly DIGITAL DOWNLOADS for your viewing and reading pleasure, & more!HELP SUPPORT THE SELF-FUNDED WRESTLECOPIA BRAND, CONSIDER DONATING TO OUR PAYPALWRESTLECOPIA MERCHANDISE - https://www.teepublic.com/user/wrestlecopiaVisit the WrestleCopia Podcast Network https://wrestlecopia.comFollow WrestleCopia on “X” (Formerly Twitter) @RasslinGrenadeFollow & LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/RasslinGrenadeSubscribe to the WrestleCopia Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/RasslinGrenade FREE PRIZE CONTEST NEWS (00:01:24)Join us for our latest update in the ongoing Free Prize Giveaway Contests as part of the Grenade. Follow us on Twitter @RasslinGrenade to enter and win! RIP Johnny Meadows (00:09:43)Our condolences to journeyman enhancement talent Johnny Meadows. NWA Pro 6/17/89 (00:11:45)It’s the DEBUT of SID VICIOUS as he attempts to commit homicide on poor DeWayne Bruce. Seriously, go to our Twitter, watch the video. Sid attempts to send Bruce into early retirement. Plus, Bill Irwin takes exception to Ricky Santana’s interference, and Scott Steiner takes on Mike Rotunda in the main event of the program. NWA Worldwide 6/17/89 (00:34:23)We’ve found footage from the vault, previously thought to be missing forever, with action involving Butch Reed, the Steiner Brothers, and Mike Rotunda! Also on this episode, the Ricky Santana/Bill Irwin saga continues. Plus, the Dudes ride bikes, and action with Ricky Steamboat, and Dick Murdoch vs. The Great Muta in the main event! NWA World Championship Wrestling 6/17/89 (00:54:15)In a rematch from Clash 7, Terry Gordy battles Dr. Death in the main event. Paul E. and the SST declare WAR on the Road Warriors. Plus, action with the Dudes, Terry Funk, the Steiners, Norman, the Midnights, Ranger Ross, the Freebirds, Sullivan & Rotunda, Sting takes on Big Al Green, and more. All of that, plus a wild Battle Royal-Esque brawl to close the show! Main Event Quick Results 6/17/89 (01:43:17)It’s quick results featuring Sullivan & Rotunda vs. Randy Rose & Ranger Ross, Bill Irwin vs. Ricky Santana, and Butch Reed in action! Power Hour 6/23/89 (01:47:17)IT’S THE DEBUT OF THE POWER HOUR! Featuring the debut of WNN and THE RETURN OF GORDON SOLIE! Plus, the DEBUT of Terry Funk’s new talk show “FUNK’S GRILL”, and Jim Ross interviews Ric Flair “Poolside”. And action with Terry Funk vs. Ricky Santana, World Tag Champions The Freebirds vs. “Gator” Scott Hall & Ranger Ross, and the SST tangle with the Road Warrior. Hear what happens when Paul E. and his Samoans take out manager Paul Ellering!NWA Pro 6/24/89 (02:15:23)The Steiners take on Kevin Sullivan & Mike Rotunda in the main event. Plus, the Dudes, MUTA, Ranger Ross, the New Zealand Militia, Steamboat vs. The Raider (Doug Gilbert), and SID VICIOUS returns for more destruction. Do I smell a… POWERBOMB?NWA Worldwide 6/24/89 (02:26:11)Scott Steiner meets The Great Muta in a dream encounter. SID VICIOUS attempts another homicide as he clotheslines poor Bob Emory for a backflip. Plus, Rick Steiner in singles action, the Irwin/Santana issues continue, the Dudes vs. The New Zealand Militia, Ranger Ross vs. Snake Brown, and, Lord help us all, it’s the Dynamic Dudes “At Play”. NWA World Championship Wrestling 6/24/89 (02:46:38)THIS SHOW IS STACKED!!! This may be the wildest one hour of pro wrestling here in 1989 yet! Find out what happens when you call Terry Gordy “yellow”. A wild brawl between World Champion Freebirds and the Midnight Express sets up a World Title Match for later in the show! Sullivan and Rotunda tease Robin Green, and Rick Steiner takes it out on poor Cruel Connection. Terry Funk has some final words of warning before Ric Flair’s press conference next week. Sting shares his disappointment in buddy Lex Luger’s heel turn. The Great Muta mists “H

It’s a special Watch-Along edition this week as Ray Russell & Steve Eckstat review the NWA’s Clash of the Champions VII “Guts and Glory” from Fort Bragg, NC. The show features Terry Funk taking on Ricky Steamboat in the main event. Plus, the semi-finals and finals of the World Tag Team Title Tournament, we hear from Ric Flair for the first time since his injury, Dr. Death vs. Gordy, the Steiners vs. Sullivan & Rotunda, Lex Luger completes his heel turn, and the debut of both Norman….. and the Ding Dongs, Yikes! Plus, vignettes galore!If you're enjoying WrestleCopia and interested in helping us continue to grow, please consider Subscribing to our Patreon to help us pay the bills! https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopiaYOU CAN ALSO GIFT SOMEONE A PATREON MEMBERSHIP (OR ASK THEM TO GIFT YOU ONE) AT https://www.patreon.com/WrestleCopia/giftIncludes the $5 “All Access” Tier $9 "VIP Superfan" Tier, and "The ULLLTIMATE Tier", featuring our various VIDEO-CAST Series, Early Show Releases, our insanely detailed show notes (for the Grenade, Monday Warfare, Regional Rasslin, Puro Academy, & Retro Re-View), monthly DIGITAL DOWNLOADS for your viewing and reading pleasure, & more!HELP SUPPORT THE SELF-FUNDED WRESTLECOPIA BRAND, CONSIDER DONATING TO OUR PAYPALWRESTLECOPIA MERCHANDISE - https://www.teepublic.com/user/wrestlecopiaVisit the WrestleCopia Podcast Network https://wrestlecopia.comFollow WrestleCopia on “X” (Formerly Twitter) @RasslinGrenadeFollow & LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/RasslinGrenadeSubscribe to the WrestleCopia Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/RasslinGrenade The WrestleCopia Podcast Network (00:02:26)It’s not only the new home of the Wrestling Memory Grenade but several other upcoming podcasts as well. Find out all the latest on this new Wrestling Podcast Network over at WrestleCopia.com The WrestleCopia / Wrestling Grenade PATREON ACCOUNT (00:05:29)We’re proud to announce that in order to keep our shows ad-free, we’ve opened our very own Patreon account at Patreon.com/Wrestlecopia in order to offset the costs of running the Podcast Network. Listen here for info on the amazing 14 Tiers of goodies offered by Copia and the Grenade as you can subscribe for as little as $1 or as much as $100 depending on the Tier you deem the most valuable to you! Monday Warfare Podcast (00:08:27)It’s the newest edition to the WrestleCopia Podcast Network, “Monday Warfare: The Battles Within”, covering the Monday Night War from the very beginning. Listen here for more news on this upcoming podcast scheduled to launch this November! CLASH OF THE CHAMPIONS VII "GUTS & GLORY" (00:09:10)NWA Clash of the Champions VII“Guts and Glory” – Fort Bragg, NC June 14th, 1989Semi-Final: The Dynamic Dudes vs. The NEW FreebirdsRanger Ross vs. The TerroristThe Great Muta’s “Dragon Shai” Contest goes up in flames when Eddie Gilbert arrives, but it’s Trent Knight who pays the price.The Debut of the Ding Dongs vs. George South & Cougar JaySemi-Final: The Midnight Express vs. SSTDr. Death vs. Terry GordyNorman the Lunatic finally arrives vs. poor Mike Justice!The Steiner Brothers vs. Kevin Sullivan & Mike RotundaTV Champion Sting vs. Wild Bill IrwinJim Ross Interviews Ric Flair at homeThe NWA World Tag Team Title FinalsRicky Steamboat vs. Terry FunkA Special Appearance by Lex Luger!Plus videos and vignettes featuring the likes of Flyin’ Brian Pillman, the Road Warriors, “GATOR” Scott Hall, and more! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

As we count down to the Clash of the Champions VII, Ray Russell & Steve Eckstat cover the final two weeks of news and TV reviews before the big event. It’s two weeks of NWA Pro, two weeks of Worldwide, two weeks of WCW, and two weeks of the Main Event. All NWA programming for the first two weeks of June 1989! Plus, the May ’89 Jobber of the Month, and another edition of the NWA Top 10. If you're enjoying WrestleCopia and interested in helping us continue to grow, please consider Subscribing to our Patreon to help us pay the bills! https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopiaYOU CAN ALSO GIFT SOMEONE A PATREON MEMBERSHIP (OR ASK THEM TO GIFT YOU ONE) AT https://www.patreon.com/WrestleCopia/giftIncludes the $5 “All Access” Tier $9 "VIP Superfan" Tier, and "The ULLLTIMATE Tier", featuring our various VIDEO-CAST Series, Early Show Releases, our insanely detailed show notes (for the Grenade, Monday Warfare, Regional Rasslin, Puro Academy, & Retro Re-View), monthly DIGITAL DOWNLOADS for your viewing and reading pleasure, & more!HELP SUPPORT THE SELF-FUNDED WRESTLECOPIA BRAND, CONSIDER DONATING TO OUR PAYPALWRESTLECOPIA MERCHANDISE - https://www.teepublic.com/user/wrestlecopiaVisit the WrestleCopia Podcast Network https://wrestlecopia.comFollow WrestleCopia on “X” (Formerly Twitter) @RasslinGrenadeFollow & LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/RasslinGrenadeSubscribe to the WrestleCopia Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/RasslinGrenadeThe WrestleCopia Podcast Network (00:04:16) It’s not only the new home of the Wrestling Memory Grenade but several other upcoming podcasts as well. Find out all the latest on this new Wrestling Podcast Network over at WrestleCopia.com Monday Warfare Podcast (00:06:01) It’s the newest edition to the WrestleCopia Podcast Network, “Monday Warfare: The Battles Within”, covering the Monday Night War from the very beginning. Listen here for more news on this upcoming podcast schedule to launch this November! The WrestleCopia / Wrestling Grenade PATREON ACCOUNT (00:06:42)We’re proud to announce that in order to keep our shows ad-free, we’ve opened our very own Patreon account at Patreon.com/Wrestlecopia in order to offset the costs of running the Podcast Network. Listen here for info on the amazing 14 Tiers of goodies offered by Copia and the Grenade as you can subscribe for as little as $1 or as much as $100 depending on the Tier you deem the most valuable to you! THE MAY ’89 VIP JOBBER OF THE MONTH (00:09:42)See who becomes the first job guy to earn a 2nd JOTM Award here in 1989! MAY ’89 NWA TOP 10 (00:13:07)We all know 1989 Michael Hayes is a steaming pile of #2, but with George Scott gone, who is the new #1?JUNE ’89 NWA NEWS & NOTES (00:14:53) The NWA continues to play musical announcers. The latest on Eddy Guerrero joining the NWA. Where did Tonga, the Polynesian Savage go?NWA Pro 6/3/89 (00:19:46)Terry Funk has his first of several altercations with Sting! Ricky Steamboat battles “Hacksaw” Butch Reed. Kevin Sullivan announces that Terry Gordy took out Dr. Death in Japan. Plus, the A&W Cream Soda SCAM…. I mean SLAM of the week.NWA Worldwide 6/3/89 (00:39:35)Lex Luger has a new attitude, and Steve Casey finds out the hard way. It’s more Terry Funk goodness on the mic. The Great Muta takes on two opponents. Eddie Gilbert suffers a legit injury in a match with Jack Victory. Michael Hayes teases the new member of the Freebirds. NWA World Championship Wrestling 6/3/89 (00:54:33)It’s Two Hours this week with TEN MATCHES! Terry Funk introduces the world to RICK FLAIRE, and Sting takes exception. Ranger Ross looks for revenge against Ron Simmons. Teddy Long introduces yet another video of Norman, the Lunatic. Bob Orton becomes a victim of “When keeping it real goes wrong”. In a precursor to Smashing Pumpkins, the SST are Smashing Pineapples. They call him HALL…..SCOTT HALL. The Midnight Express return to the NWA and take on Butch Reed & The Raider. The Great Muta vs. “CHOPPER” Steve Casey. Another fun Roadies Promo. Action from the likes of Ricky Santana, Dick Murdoch, Ricky Steamboat, the Dynamic Dudes, and Scott Steiner. Plus, Rick Steiner’s biggest fan has her sign ripped up by Kevin Sullivan and spends an entire segment crying in the crowd. Awww, poor Woman.NWA Main Event 6/4/89 (01:32:59)Terry Funk battles Johnny Rich. Ricky Santana takes on Jack Victory. And the SST face Scott Steiner and Randy Rose while we try and count how many concussions Rose should have by now. NWA Worldwide 6/10/89 (01:37:27) This is a stacked weekend on syndication…. First, a Major Title Change! Lex Luger regains the U.S. Heavyweight Title from Michael Hayes! The Great Muta takes on 3 men in an Oriental Torture Match. Terry Funk finally cracks the Top 10. Plus, action involving Butch Reed, Scott Steiner, and tag action with Ranger Ross & Randy Rose vs. Jack Victory & The Raider. NWA Pro 6/10/89 (01:48:18) ANGLE ALERT #1! As Terry Funk and Sting tear the arena down i

Join us this week as Ray Russell & Steve Eckstat discuss the fallout from the NWA’s WrestleWar ’89 PPV and cover the final 3 weeks of May, featuring loads of Terry Funk goodness. We’ll walk you through the month of May as the Funker wreaks havoc while he works his way up the NWA Top 10 for a shot at NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair. It’s loads of fun, mixed with show reviews, news and notes, sound bites, the April ’89 VIP Jobber of the Month, and another edition of the NWA Top 10 (Parody!). Timestamps are included below for your convenience.OUR MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT! (00:03:42) WRESTLECOPIA.COM - THE NEW WRESTLING PODCAST NETWORK!Take a listen to all of the shows coming to this new Podcast Network!MAJOR PATREON NEWS! (00:06:29) WrestleCopia offers an astounding 14 TIERS for as little as $1 per month! Listen to all the offers here and be sure to visit Patreon.com/WrestlecopiaVIP Jobber of the Month for April ‘89 (00:10:07)Who will join names like Trent Knight, Jack Victory, and Cougar Jay in the hallowed halls?April ’89 NWA Top 10 (00:11;37)Join us as we say goodbye to George Scott in the Top 10!NWA Notes and News for May ’89 (00:13:23)Rick Steiner Injury Update! NWA Hirings and Firings ROADHOUSE is coming to a theater near you!NWA Pro 5/13/89 (00:23:04)It’s our very first Terry Funk promo and he doesn’t disappoint! The Great Muta vs. Randy Rose. Ron Simmons vs. JYD. It’s the fallout from WrestleWar ’89 and it’s hosted by Bob Caudle & Lance Russell for crying out loud. You can’t go wrong!NWA World Championship Wrestling 5/13/89 (00:38:48)Scott Steiner makes his NWA in-ring debut as he battles Kevin Sullivan. The Fabulous Freebirds are back together. Paul E. picks a fight with the Roadies! The Great Muta gets “Stone Cold” on Ranger Ross when he busts out a STUNNER! Another tremendous Terry Funk Promo before he proceeds to murder a jobber. Teddy Long introduces his pal Norman via a vignette. Jim Herd has a special announcement regarding the NWA Tag Team Titles. Ray and Steve discuss why “The Meltz” thinks it’s okay for Steamboat to hold the World Title for a couple of months, but not Ron Garvin. Plus, Lex Luger is developing a new attitude! NWA Pro 5/20/89 (01:12:01)Gary Hart issues an open challenge for the Dragon Shai Match as we get our first confrontation between Sting and the Great Muta! Yet another great Terry Funk Promo before he’s interrupted by two rookies. Things don’t end well for the rookies. We also talk the Casey Kasem syndrome and the importance of structuring the segments within a show. Kevin Sullivan faces Eddie Gilbert. Ron Simmons takes on Randy Rose. Plus, it’s our first look at a young man named Flyin’ Brian!NWA Worldwide 5/20/89 (01:36:12)The Road Warriors and the SST battle it out in a wild one. Sting takes on Ron Simmons in a fun one. Eddie Gilbert tries to teach Scott Steiner how to strut! Terry Funk gets politically incorrect as he uses Rick Steiner as a reason for Roe v. Wade to be repealed. Kevin Sullivan trashes a former member of the Varsity Club. Plus, we see another Sting and Great Muta confrontation! NWA World Championship Wrestling (01:52:01)The NWA Tag TItle Tournament kicks off with the Roadies vs. The Freebirds! TV Champion Sting defends against Jack Victory directly before Sting and the Great Muta have a stare down for the ages! Terry Funk faces the challenge of a young man by the name of Eddy Guerrero shortly before he tells us a story about blowing the brains out of a jackass! We check in on Rick Steiner’s rehab. Ron Simmons and Ranger Ross prepare for the tournament. The Dynamic Dudes are introduced to Jazzercise! Teddy Long is back with another Norman vignette. We’re introduced to the Party Patrol in what may be their one and only appearance. Scott Steiner dominates in the ring. Plus, find out what Flyin’ Brian and TWIX have in common! Chika chika! NWA Main Event 5/21/89 (Quick Results Only)Terry Funk vs. Brad Armstrong headlines the show. NWA Pro 5/27/89 (02:20:38)Rookie DeWayne Bruce is given interview time, but Terry Funk interrupts. You can guess what happens next! Paul E. explains his heat with the Road Warriors dating back to 1983! Plus, the Dynamic Dudes, Scott Steiner, and Michael Hayes gets obscene with the camera. NWA Worldwide 5/27/89 (02:32:25)Paul E. taunts the Roadies and Hawk takes offense of the “banana boaters”. Scott Steiner goes one-on-one with Michael Hayes. Butch Reed battles Randy Rose. Plus action involving Ron Simmons, the SST, and the Great Muta in handicap action!NWA World Championship Wrestling 5/27/89 (02:45:02)The Great Muta takes on 3 men in an “Oriental Torture Match”. The World Tag Title tournament continues with the SST vs. Ranger Ross & Ron Simmons. Lex Luger challenges Michael Hayes to a Badstreet Match. Terry Funk takes on Johnny Rich. Scott Steiner faces Jack Victory, while brother Rick’s admiring fan returns with a present for the Dog faced Gremlin. We hear from Ric Flair’s doctor. Michael Hayes returns as cohost,

It's the most fun yet! Ray Russell and Steve Eckstat cover the weekend news and notes for May 6th, 1989 before diving into the WrestleWar '89 PPV Watch-Along on the WWE Network. Easily the most fun and relaxed show yet. The new booking made it easy to enjoy, and we have a lot of fun throughout the PPV, including Ray's various wrestler impressions and our take on the product in the ring. A great listen, you won't be disappointed! Timestamps from the show below for your convenience. All of that, plus we announce the WINNER of the FREE PRIZE GIVEAWAY of the Autographed 1989 Lex Luger Promo Pic. Remember, you too can enter your chance to win future prizes by simply following us on Twitter @RasslinGrenade. PATREON ANNOUNCEMENT! (00:03:54)We announce our 14-Tier Patreon Account. Prices and offers of all shapes and sizes, subscriptions affordable for anyone's budget, from $1 to $100! https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopia NWA World Championship Wrestling 5/6/89 (00:07:08)It's the FINAL COUNTDOWN to WrestleWar as Champion and Challenger prepare for their PPV match, as both Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat compete in tune-up matches. Teddy Long cuts his very first HEEL promo. It's the debut of the Dynamic Dudes. TV Champ Sting tangles with Rip Morgan. Plus, we hear from Michael Hayes, Rick Steiner squashes the competition, and Dr. Death vs. Animal in a 'Designated Hitter' Match! But what's a Designated Hitter Match? Tune in and find out!NWA Main Event 5/6/89 (00:40:19)Jim Ross and Paul E host the final show before THE show. Matches from the Omni include Sting vs. Dan Spivey, and Ron Simmons vs. Rip Morgan. Plus, Butch Reed in action from Center Stage.NWA WrestleWar '89 Lineup (00:54:56)Jim Ross runs down the entire PPV card with a couple of Easter Eggs in the lineup. Special Announcement! (00:57:24)Find out who won the Autographed 1989 "Total Package" Lex Luger Promo pic!NWA WrestleWar '89 Watch-Along (00:59:04)Ric Flair vs. NWA World Champion Ricky Steamboat in the final match of their legendary Trilogy. The Road Warriors seek revenge vs. World Tag Champs Mike Rotunda and Steve 'Dr. Death' Williams, with Nikita Koloff as Special Referee.United States Champion Lex Luger vs. Michael 'P.S.' HayesU.S. Tag Team Champions 'Hotstuff' Eddie Gilbert & Rick Steiner vs. Kevin Sullivan & Dan SpiveyTV Champion Sting vs. The Iron SheikBullrope Match: Dick Murdoch vs. Bob OrtonThe Dynamic Dudes vs. The SST"Hacksaw" Butch Reed vs. Ranger RossThe Great Muta vs. Doug GilbertIf you're enjoying WrestleCopia and interested in helping us continue to grow, please consider Subscribing to our Patreon to help us pay the bills! https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopiaYOU CAN ALSO GIFT SOMEONE A PATREON MEMBERSHIP (OR ASK THEM TO GIFT YOU ONE) AT https://www.patreon.com/WrestleCopia/giftIncludes the $5 “All Access” Tier $9 "VIP Superfan" Tier, and "The ULLLTIMATE Tier", featuring our various VIDEO-CAST Series, Early Show Releases, our insanely detailed show notes (for the Grenade, Monday Warfare, Regional Rasslin, Puro Academy, & Retro Re-View), monthly DIGITAL DOWNLOADS for your viewing and reading pleasure, & more!HELP SUPPORT THE SELF-FUNDED WRESTLECOPIA BRAND, CONSIDER DONATING TO OUR PAYPALWRESTLECOPIA MERCHANDISE - https://www.teepublic.com/user/wrestlecopiaVisit the WrestleCopia Podcast Network https://wrestlecopia.comFollow WrestleCopia on “X” (Formerly Twitter) @RasslinGrenadeFollow & LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/RasslinGrenadeSubscribe to the WrestleCopia Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/RasslinGrenade ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Ray Russell & Steve Eckstat are back again, this time to tackle an astounding 4 weeks of NWA TV, news, and notes for the entire month of April 1989. This Ultra-Mega-Mass 4 hour extravaganza takes a look at life in the NWA Post-George Scott era, and ahhh, it's a wonderful world! Nonstop action, angles, and everything else you need to know heading into WrestleWar '89! Timestamps for all shows included below so that you can stop and pick back up anytime you want without worrying about losing your place! Free Gift Giveaway: Autographed 1989 Lex Luger Promo Pic Update (00:01:25)Follow us on Twitter to enter the drawing coming the weekend of October 3rd!What’s New On The Retro Network (00:02:34) Karen revisits retro Music Video premieres on Prime Time Network TV, while OldSchool80s Tim takes a look at vintage Dr. Pepper commercials from the late 70s and early 80s. GEORGE SCOTT IS FIRED!!! (00:03:30)IT’S A NEW DAY, YES IT IS!!!NWA Pro 4/8/89 (00:04:04) Kevin Sullivan fears Grenada. Cougar Jay “recovers” from the Danger Zone before Randy Rose. Poor Rip Morgan gets stuck with the Sheik. Action with the Midnight Express, The Great Muta, and more. Plus, it’s the battle of the 1980s crap watches, the Laser Beam Wristwatch meets the Swiss Army Watch. which will prevail? Go to Twitter and vote now! NWA Worldwide Wrestling 4/8/89 (00:12:55) Mike Rotunda joins commentary. Is there dissension in the Varsity Club? World Champions Steamboat vs. Rip Morgan. Action with Steiner & Gilbert, SST, Lex Luger, and more. Plus, D.J. Dick Murdoch spins records? NWA World Championship Wrestling 4/8/89 (00:18:59) A hodgepodge episode from the “Control Center” as we hear from Ric Flair, his attorney Dennis Guthrie, World Champion Ricky Steamboat, AND Executive VP Jim Herd in regards to the finish of the Clash VI World Title Match and a potential rematch. Two dark matches from the Clash involving TV Champion Sting vs. Rip Morgan, and highlights of U.S. Champion Lex Luger vs. Jack Victory. Action from Center Stage involving Bob Orton vs. Shane Douglas, and Randy Rose vs. Jack Victory. Plus, Greg Brown goes for the title of “Iron Jobber” as he somehow takes on the Roadies AND the Varsity Club in back to back TV matches. Oh yeah, and there’s this guy, maybe you heard of him, he’s called the Great Muta. And in the Danger Zone, it’s Stiiiiing!NWA Main Event 4/9/89 (00:49:03) U.S Champion Lex Luger takes on Michael Hayes in what is literally a practice run of their WrestleWar ’89 encounter. The Great Muta takes on two men in handicap action. Plus, Paul E. learns that he will soon be handcuffed to the JYD as part of an upcoming SST vs. Midnight Express match. Hear what Dangerously has to say about it. NOTES AND NEWS (00:56:14) The “New Generation” heading in? Barry Windham gone from the NWA! Plus, more rumors on the WWF’s Islander - Tama, Tom Prichard, and Buddy LandelNWA Pro 4/15/89 (01:02:16) Kevin Sullivan shows up dressed as the future Tugboat! Michael Hayes attacks U.S. Champion Lex Luger and introduces him to the DDT. Dick Murdoch takes on Butch Reed in a fun main event. Ric Flair makes the rounds and speaks with Bob Caudle. World Champion Steamboat vs. Rip Morgan for a 2nd time. Plus, action with Sting, Steiner, Muta, Luger, Shane Douglas, this show is loaded. NWA Worldwide Wrestling 4/15/89 (01:19:11) World Champion Steamboat vs. “Secret Service’ Jack Victory. Green jobbers piss off Dr. Death in a Varsity Club squash. Plus, SST, Butch Reed, Bob Orton, and Sheik & Morgan team. NWA World Championship Wrestling 4/15/89 (01:30:09)Our first full-fledged Center Stage Show! World Champion Steamboat vs. Ron Simmons… DAMN! Jim Cornette announces his departure from the NWA, along with his Midnight Express in a semi-shoot promo. Sting is introduced to the Iron Sheik. Jim Ross takes potshots at the WWF. Missy Hyatt gets physical with Kevin Sullivan. Action involving Muta, Steiner, Luger, and more. The Roadies speak. Plus, Dick Murdoch removes his teeth to accept a challenge from Gary Hart, Bob Orton, and Butch Reed. And, Lex Luger calls out Michael Hayes as the two men brawl to end the show. NWA Main Event 4/15/89 (02:09:03) The Midnight Express battle the SST while managers Cornette and Dangerously are handcuffed to the JYD! Rick Steiner vs. Kendall Windham in Kendall’s final match in the NWA. Plus, Dan Spivey plays Howdy Doody on some job guy’s coconut! Whoooaaaaa-ooooaaa.NWA Pro 4/22/89 (02:18:35) Rick Steiner battles Dan Spivey in a battle of the hosses. Michael Hayes “Pearl Harbors” Ranger Ross. The Roadies in a murder squash. Action with SST, Shane Douglas, Bob Orton, Iron Sheik. Plus, Gamesmaster turned Coach, turned Professor, Kevin Sullivan gives us a Geology lesson on Samoa. NWA Worldwide Wrestling 4/22/89 (02:33:21) U.S. Tag Team Champs Gilbert & Steiner vs. Iron Sheik & Rip Morgan. Kevin Sullivan & Dan Spivey take on 3 men? Another Roadies Murder Squash! Action with Sting, Muta, JYD, Ranger Ross. Plus, it’s the DEBU

The Wrestling Memory Grenade returns with two more big weeks of NWA action for the year 1989. On this episode, Ray Russell & Steven Eckstat review the weekends of March 25th and April 1st, including the TBS Friday Night Special Event “Countdown to the Clash”, as well as “that show in New Orleans” better known by us fans as Clash of the Champion VI “Ragin’ Cajun”, featuring the classic 2 out of 3 fall NWA World Title match between Champion Ricky Steamboat vs. Ric Flair. Plus, thanks to drawing the lowest-rated episode of “WCW” in company history, and refusing to promote the Clash, this episode also marks the end of the George Scott booking era! Things will be a-changing. See what Ray and Steve have to say about the ordeal!NWA Worldwide 3/25/89 (00:04:12)Ric Flair in action! Sting reunites with Lance Russell and then announces he wants to do the “wild thing” with Ric Flair in the ring. Someone needs to have a talk with the Stinger. Barry Windham has his final NWA appearance. The ARN Sheik? Plus, Ron Simmons makes his return to the NWA! NWA World Championship Wrestling 3/25/89 (00:12:54)Michael Hayes replaces Magnum as cohost. Sigh. ANGLE ALERT - Randy Rose has found “LOOPHOLES” and he’s back in the NWA, but Paul E. isn’t as excited to see him back. The World Champion Ricky Steamboat in action. The always entertaining Iron Sheik gets a sound bite. Ranger Ross is simply doing his job. The Great Muta debuts the “Pearl of the Orient” moniker. The Roadies vs. Yatsu & Jumbo Tsuruta FROM ALL JAPAN! Plus, Rick Steiner discusses his NEW BOAT! Great stuff!NWA Main Event 3/26/89 (00:49:03)We FINALLY get our very first Clash of the Champions Commercial… and we’re only 7 days out!!! Did you know it’s ABSOLUTELY Free of Charge?!?! Two big matches from the Omni! First, it’s Sting vs. Butch Reed in a rematch from Chi-Tow Rumble and it’s MUCH better. Then, Cornette’s Midnight Express battle Paul E’s SST. Plus, “The Pearl of the Orient” The Great Muta!NWA Countdown to the Clash 3/31/89 (00:56:05)We’re 48 hours from the Clash and we’re treated to a Friday Night TBS Special that nobody knew anything about. This show pushes Steamboat vs. Flair hard, including a debate from champion and challenger, and a special segment with former World Champions and true Hall of Famers, Lou Thesz and Harley Race! Non-Title action with U.S. Tag Champs Eddie Gilbert and Rick Steiner take on Mike Rotunda & Dr. Death. Plus, Jim Ross picks some mystery guests for Paul E’s Danger Zone in the form of the Road Warriors. See how Paul E. responds. March 1989 VIP Jobber of the Month (01:15:20)The NWA Top 10 Parody for March 1989 (01:17:00)Kids gets your parent's permission! NWA Pro 4/1/89 (01:18:59)We talk what could have added more heat to the Flair/Steamboat saga. Action involving the new U.S. Tag Team Champions Rick Steiner and Eddie Gilbert, accompanied by the sultry Missy Hyatt (boing!). Six-man tag team action with the Varsity Club. Bob Caudle marks out for the Great Muta’s Moonsault. Plus, who were the ORIGINAL members of the Dangerous Alliance?NWA Worldwide 4/1/89 (01:30:12)World Champion Ricky Steamboat joins Lance Russell as cohost of the program this week. The caissons go rolling along with Ranger Ross. More six-man action with the Varsity Club. First Bob Caudle, now Lance Russell, listen as Lance has his mind blown by the Great Muta. Speaking of Muta, Joe Pedicino tries to get himself over as he attempts to expose Muta’s identity. NWA World Championship Wrestling 4/1/89 (01:38:34)It’s the final show inside WTBS studios. Sigh. And thanks to George Scott, this is the lowest-rated episode of “WCW” in show history. Laminated fan signs return! Shane Douglas makes his NWA debut. Bob Orton makes his return to the area after more than 5 years. Ron Simmons returns to TBS. The Great Muta appears on the Danger Zone, while Gary Hart discusses Muta’s “father”, The Great Kabuki. SST squash as Samu murders a guy with a middle rope DDT. More Muta as he takes on both members of the Cruel Connection. U.S. Tag Team Champions Eddie Gilbert & Rick Steiner vs. Kevin Sullivan & Dan Spivey. Plus, Sting captures the TV Title from Mike Rotunda (6 minutes after the allotted time limit) as we get our first look at CENTER STAGE!BEHIND THE SCENES NOTES AND NEWS (02:08:00)Brian Pillman headed in. YAY! Secret Service…. Dennis Condrey? YUCK!Clash ticket presale is less than 1,000 fans. YIKES!Conspiracy Theory… Did Vince pay off George Scott to sabotage the NWA? HmmNWA Clash of the Champions VI - “ Ragin’ Cajun ” (02:10:56)It’s finally here, “that show in New Orleans”! Are we allowed to call it the Clash yet? We talk at length about the big event. We break down the classic 55+ minute, 2 out of 3 fall bout between World Champion Ricky Steamboat and “Nature Boy” Ric Flair. Plus, The Roadies lose the World Titles (and their first match in 4 years). Seeds are planted for a Teddy Long heel turn, U.S. Tag rematch with Gilbert/Steiner vs. Sullivan/Spivey, the Midni

Ray Russell & Steven Eckstat continue on with 1989 and the fallout of the Chi-Town Rumble PPV. If you fans missed the PPV Watch-Along episode, do yourselves a solid and head back to episode #4 and check it out. It's a whole lot of fun mixed with a ton of discussion about the PPV and the history of wrestling in general.And now it's onto episode #5 as we dissect another FOUR WEEKS of NWA TV where we begin with the weekend following Chi-Town Rumble, Feb. 25th, and continue on through March 19th, 1989. That's a month's worth of reviews in one history-packed jumbo-sized monster edition of the Grenade!As always, along with the TV reviews, we'll have sidebar discussions about a variety of topics going on in the NWA today, including all the latest behind-the-scenes notes and news relevant to the weeks we are covering. Plus it's the February edition of the VIP Jobber of the Month, AND the February '89 NWA Top 10!We know this is a monster-sized edition, so just in case you need to cut it up into a few periods of free time to get it all in, for your convenience we've included Timestamps below for all of the segments on the show so you can keep track of where you left off. Another tremendous show, so what are you waiting for? Dive on in!NWA Notes and News for February and March 1989 (00:04:42)NWA Pro 2/25 (00:09:30)David Crockett just won’t go away! Steve Casey tries to get over by stealing his brother’s stache. The crowd pops for a Russian Assassins win? Are they trying to force the Fantastics out of the company? We're still trying to identify the Terminators. Based on the card, could this be the worst episode ever?NWA Worldwide 2/25 (00:17:40)The NWA introduces the Green Screen of doom. The Fantastics are Poetry in Motion. Dick Murdoch busts out a KIP UP. Can someone find something for Sting to do (besides cutting promos)? Junkyard Dog never leaves his feet, even for the pin. Ivan Koloff's face turn fizzled out of the gate. And who will be Michael Hayes' teammate on the wheel of partners this week?NWA World Championship Wrestling 2/25 (00:29:10)We're just FIVE DAYS REMOVED from the Chi-Town Rumble PPV and the NWA is GIVING AWAY ALL OF THE FINISHES ON FREE TV???!!! Missy Hyatt returns to manage Hot Stuff. Jim Ross makes a promise he can't keep when he claims he will present an Internationally renowned superstar. If this were 1982 that might be true. Michael Hayes continues to cross the line, and this week he gets bleeped for his troubles. George Scott begins the push for "That Show in New Orleans". Plus the first of three awesome Dan Spivey sound bites, worth the price of admission alone!VIP Jobber of the Month for February 1989 (00:48:41)We're back for the next VIP Jobber of the Month Award! Who will win the trophy this time?It's the NWA Top 10 Parody for the month of February 1989 (00:50:28)NWA Pro 3/4/89 (00:52:17)This is it!!! It's finally here!!! It's David Crockett’s FINAL APPEARANCE, I PROMISE! Plus the SST unveil their manager, Michael Hayes continues to spin his Wheel of Partners, and it's time to play Howdy Doody on your coconut with another Dan Spivey sound bite!NWA Worldwide 3/4/89 (01:03:05)Steve and Ray discuss if the SST was handed a manager too soon. We also discuss the new pay scales for some of the top talent. Is it fair that managers are making as much as the wrestlers? And it's the last of 3 Dan Spivey sound bites as he promises to snap, crackle, and pop AT your bones! Plus, is the grass really greener on the other side?? Can it be true, can George Scott be worse than Dusty Rhodes? Lots of discussions on this episode.NWA World Championship Wrestling 3/4/89 (01:16:21)It's the DEBUT of the DANGER ZONE, and Secret Service Jack Victory! More discussions as we talk Missy Hyatt and the First Family and if they work well as faces. Hiro Matsuda scouts his next rock band? Bob Emery EARNS a shot at the TV TItle? Mike Rotunda is christened CAPTAIN of the Varsity Club. Plus, Lex Luger is CLEARLY on a CYCLE, and I don't mean a bike. And, the Iron Sheik is HOW OLD???NWA Main Event 3/5/89 (01:43:52)We get a rematch from the main event from Chi-Town Rumble, no, not Steamboat vs. Flair, I’m talking Kendall vs. Casey, as The Windhams take on Eddie Gilbert and Steve Casey in the main event. Plus, Paul E. mocks former client Randy Rose, and they give away FLAIR VS. STEAMBOAT from Chi-Town Rumble on free TV!!! Just WTF?!?!NWA Pro 3/11/89 (01:52:15)We talk David Crockett's DEATH STARE at Bob Caudle from his final episode last week (images are on our Twitter!). Kevin Sullivan replaces Crockett on commentary. The round mound of sound, Joe Pedicino, makes his NWA debut, as does the NWA HOTLINE! Call 1-900-909-9900 today, or maybe not. Lex Luger uses a Full Nelson and it's just weird. Flair and Steamboat continue to sell their rematch, but we're never told when or where it is. #Stoopid. And we talk Flair's change in demeanor while in the challenger position. Fun stuff all around.NWA Worldwide 3/11/89 (02:00:44)A lacklus

This week on the Grenade, Ray Russell & Steven Eckstat present a special Hybrid episode as we first look at TV from the weekend of February 18th in the NWA. Then, we follow that up with the NWA's Chi-Town Rumble PPV, featuring Flair vs. Steamboat for the NWA World Title!NWA Pro 2/18/89 David Crocket has technically been removed from TV weeks ago but he still won't go away!!! Sting meets the future Billy Gunn, the final match involving the Original Midnight Express, and more.NWA Worldwide 2/18/89 Steamboat goes all "Star Wars" on us as he claims that Ric Flair is from the Darkside. Lex Luger teams with Sting to take on the Cruel Connection. The Varisty Club gear up for 6-man tag team action. Steiner Watch '89 continues as Rick Steiner takes to the ring. Plus, the interesting team of Barry Windham paired with "Hacksaw" Butch Reed, and more.NWA World Championship Wrestling 2/18/89 Debuts Galore! This is the NWA... We Wrestle. Dan Spivey debuts as the newest member of the Varisty Club and gives the first of many insane promos. Just 48 hours before his World Championship Match at Chi-Town Rumble, Ricky Steamboat has a warmup match. The Roadies in another Murder Squash. Vince Young breakdances his way into the NWA. The Samoan Swat Team also make their NWA debut in impressive fashion. Jim Ross just won't let Pearl Harbor go. Plus, is there a First Family Reunion on the way? All of that, and it's some female fan's 18th Birthday. Hear how uncomfortable the program gets when they make a fuss over this girl now being "legal". Yikes!NWA Chi-Town RumbleFebruary 20, 1989NOTE: THE ORIGINAL VERSION OF THIS EPISODE WAS MEANT FOR THE FOLLOWING TO BE A WATCH-ALONG EVENT. HOWEVER, WE HAVE WENT BACK AND ENHANCED THE AUDIO OF THE SHOW AND IN TURN REMOVED SMALL "DEAD SPOTS" OF NO SOUND FROM THE SHOW, SHORTENING IT BY A FEW MINUTES IN TOTAL. JUST A FAIR WARNING THAT AS THE WATCH-ALONG GOES ALONG YOU MAY FIND THAT IT DOESN'T MATCH UP 100% WITH WHAT'S ON YOUR TV SCREEN. HOWEVER, THE DISCUSSION IS WELL WORTH THE LISTEN, COMPLETE WITH PPV SOUNDBITES & PROMOS!PPV Intro Michael P.S. Hayes vs. The Russian Assassin (w/Paul Jones) (complete with Hayes' Promo)Ricky Steamboat and Family Promo Sting vs. "Hacksaw" Butch Reed (w/Hiro Matsuda) Paul E. Dangerously drops a bomb on Jim Cornette just moments before their match.Jim Cornette Responds 6-MAN LOSER LEAVES - Jim Cornette & His Midnight Express vs. Paul E. & His NEW Original Midnight Express NWA World Champion Ric Flair has some final words for The Dragon NWA TV Champion Rick Steiner (w/Scott Steiner) vs. Mike Rotunda. Can Steiner Watch '89 survive another week with George Scott as the booker? Find out here! Road Warriors PromoU.S. Heavyweight Champion Barry Windham vs. "Total Package" Lex LugerMike Rotunda Promo NWA World Tag Team Champions The Road Warriors vs. Kevin Sullivan & Steve "Dr. Death" WilliamsLex Luger Promo Highlights of the Flair/Steamboat feud NWA World Heavyweight Champion "Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat THE REAL MAIN EVENT! Steve Casey vs. Kendall Windham If you're enjoying WrestleCopia and interested in helping us continue to grow, please consider Subscribing to our Patreon to help us pay the bills! https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopiaYOU CAN ALSO GIFT SOMEONE A PATREON MEMBERSHIP (OR ASK THEM TO GIFT YOU ONE) AT https://www.patreon.com/WrestleCopia/giftIncludes the $5 “All Access” Tier $9 "VIP Superfan" Tier, and "The ULLLTIMATE Tier", featuring our various VIDEO-CAST Series, Early Show Releases, our insanely detailed show notes (for the Grenade, Monday Warfare, Regional Rasslin, Puro Academy, & Retro Re-View), monthly DIGITAL DOWNLOADS for your viewing and reading pleasure, & more!HELP SUPPORT THE SELF-FUNDED WRESTLECOPIA BRAND, CONSIDER DONATING TO OUR PAYPALWRESTLECOPIA MERCHANDISE - https://www.teepublic.com/user/wrestlecopiaVisit the WrestleCopia Podcast Network https://wrestlecopia.comFollow WrestleCopia on “X” (Formerly Twitter) @RasslinGrenadeFollow & LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/RasslinGrenadeSubscribe to the WrestleCopia Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/RasslinGrenade ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

It’s the Wrestling Memory Grenade’s very first WATCH-ALONG! All you have to do is just pop on the WWE Network, press play, and your hosts will do the rest. So, sit back and relax, while hosts Ray Russell and Steve Eckstat take you on a journey back in time to February 15th, 1989, and the NWA’s Clash of the Champions V “St. Valentine’s Massacre”.You too can watch-along on the WWE Network while the Grenade hosts discuss the live TBS special event and a variety of other topics that pop into their heads throughout the course of the evening. Lots of great discussions and sound bites throughout.Here’s the breakdown below…Clash 5 Intro (00:01:33)Jim Cornette’s Midnight Express vs. The Russian Assassins (00:05:52)Bob Caudle interviews Ricky Steamboat… and son (00:22:19)Butch Reed vs. Steve Casey (00:25:00)Bob Caudle Interviews Word Champion Ric Flair in the ring, and it doesn’t take long for Ricky Steamboat to get involved. (00:44:34)Lex Luger vs. The Blackmailer (00:57:12)Rick Steiner Promo (01:11:20)US Tag Champions Dr. Death & Mike Rotunda vs. The Fantastics (01:11:49)Ricky Steamboat vs. Bob Bradley (01:26:41)TV Champion Rick Steiner vs. Rip Morgan (01:35:55)Michael Hayes, JYD, and Sting Promo… With a cameo from Kevin Sullivan and a padlock. (01:42:11)World 6-Man Tag Team Champions The Road Warriors & Tenryu vs. Michael Hayes, Sting, and JYD... or is it??? (01:45:!2)Clash Outro (01:55:31)If you're enjoying WrestleCopia and interested in helping us continue to grow, please consider Subscribing to our Patreon to help us pay the bills! https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopiaYOU CAN ALSO GIFT SOMEONE A PATREON MEMBERSHIP (OR ASK THEM TO GIFT YOU ONE) AT https://www.patreon.com/WrestleCopia/giftIncludes the $5 “All Access” Tier $9 "VIP Superfan" Tier, and "The ULLLTIMATE Tier", featuring our various VIDEO-CAST Series, Early Show Releases, our insanely detailed show notes (for the Grenade, Monday Warfare, Regional Rasslin, Puro Academy, & Retro Re-View), monthly DIGITAL DOWNLOADS for your viewing and reading pleasure, & more!HELP SUPPORT THE SELF-FUNDED WRESTLECOPIA BRAND, CONSIDER DONATING TO OUR PAYPALWRESTLECOPIA MERCHANDISE - https://www.teepublic.com/user/wrestlecopiaVisit the WrestleCopia Podcast Network https://wrestlecopia.comFollow WrestleCopia on “X” (Formerly Twitter) @RasslinGrenadeFollow & LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/RasslinGrenadeSubscribe to the WrestleCopia Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/RasslinGrenade ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Grenade is back as Ray Russel & Steven Eckstat continue to take a trip down the 1989 Timeline of the National Wrestling Alliance. This week we dissect the weeks of January 21st through February 12th, 1989. That’s four weeks of news and reviews all leading up to the Clash of the Champions V “St. Valentine’s Massacre” WTBS Special.This week we discuss all the comings and goings after the recent shakeup in power. We bid adieu to the likes of Dusty Rhodes, Tony Schiavone, JJ Dillon, David Crockett (say it ain’t so), along with several others. Meanwhile, there’s new blood headed in… including one SCORCHING surprise for The Nature Boy!George Scott arrives as the new booker of the NWA, but can his old school ways adjust to the modern era?It’s Steiner Watch ’89! Three weeks and counting. Just how long before the NWA drops the ball on Rick Steiner’s incredibly over character?Steve Eckstat’s favorite wrestler, Michael “P.S.” Hayes, tries a dropkick not once, but twice! And I do put the emphasis on TRIES.This week’s episode also marks the debut of a few new features including our sound bite feature, as we have some fun snippets of audio cued up for your enjoyment from the various programs we’ll be reviewing. You’ll also have your first listen at the WMG’s version of the NWA Top 10 for the month of January ’89. And, which enhancement talent performed above and beyond for the month of January 89 and deserves a moment in the spotlight? Find out who the VIP Jobber of the Month is.On top of discussing the latest behind the scenes news, we’ll be reviewing an insane FIFTEEN TV Programs from this 4-week period. We do our best to get you as prepared as we possibly can before we return with Episode #3 and the Clash V Watch-along. It’s a month’s worth of hype with both Clash of the Champions V and the Chi-Town Rumble PPV right around the corner.Highlights below…Championship Wrestling 1/21/89 (00:14:35)Our very first sound bite, as Jim Cornette declares his Midnight Express Pioneers of tag team wrestling. Then, David Crockett makes an astute observation, as only he can. Plus, Michael Hayes attempts to leave his feet! Fly, Freebird, Fly!World Championship Wrestling 1/21/89 (00:20:46)Butch Reed makes his return to the sport courtesy of JJ Dillon, Michael Hayes takes on Russian Assassin #2, and just who will “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert select as his mystery partner to take on Ric Flair and Barry Windham? I’ll give you a hint… it’s Ricky Steamboat!NWA Main Event 1/21/89 (00:33:38)All matches from the Omni! Larry Zbyszko vs. Kendall Windham, Eddie Gilbert vs. Kevin Sullivan, and in the main event Jim Cornette’s Midnight Express vs. Paul E’s Original Midnight Express, and YES, there is a finish!NWA Championship Wrestling 1/28/89 (00:37:30)Sting tags with Michael Hayes, and in a game of “Top This” Sting busts out a flying head scissors, so Hayes responds by attempting ANOTHER DROPKICK. Bad move for Badstreet. Also, co-host Steve Eckstat asks the question, “What would have happened had Sting gone to the WWF in the late 80s?”.NWA Worldwide 1/28/89 (00:45:14)Kendall Windham turns on Eddie Gilbert to join his brother as a Horseman… for like a week. A great audio clip featuring Paul E. Dangerously and Jim Cornette in dueling promos. Plus, Michael Hayes & JYD vs. Russian Assassins, Magnum TA interviews Ric Flair about his recent loss to the returning Dragon, and our own Steve Eckstat points out the creepy perverts in the production truck.NWA Pro 1/28/89 (00:55:41)Steve continues to get philosophical as we discuss Magnum TA as an announcer, the Ricky Steamboat “Family Man” gimmick, and why Ted Turner is paying guys like the Junkyard Dog to do nothing. Plus, another great Jim Cornette sound bite.World Championship Wrestling 1/28/89 (01:08:28)ANGLE ALERT! Ric Flair and Barry Windham seek revenge on Steamboat, but it’s Eddie Gilbert who pays the ultimate price. Butch Reed pins a job guy WITH A SIDE HEADLOCK when the jobber forgets to kick out. Reed makes him pay after the bout. Plus, the Road Warriors have a murder squash, Rick Steiner with Alex, Lex Luger, EVIL Kendall Windham, and Steve continues his discussion of Ricky Steamboat: Family Man.THE VIP JOBBER OF THE MONTH AWARD FOR NWA – JANUARY 1989 (1:26:00)Who wins the inaugural VIP Trophy?The Grenade debuts its own version of the NWA TOP 10 for the month of January 1989! (1:27:19)Did your favorite star make the cut? To quote the Gorilla… Highly…. Unlikely.NWA Championship Wrestling AM Show 2/4/89 (01:32:32)This is the NWA… We Wrestle! Who are the Terminators? Help Steve and Ray figure out the identities of the masked men.NWA Worldwide 2/4/89 (01:34:58)It’s David Crockett’s final television appearance, or is it???? Steve continues to add insight as he fantasy-books a Butch Reed baby face program with Ric Flair. We expose George Scott’s original booking plans for Ricky Steamboat’s return. Plus, 6-man action with Paul Jones and his Russian Assassins vs. Michael Hayes, JYD & Ivan Kol

BOOM! The Wrestling Memory Grenade is on the air with Host Ray Russell!The Grenade will be taking you on a weekly trip down Memory Lane as we focus on one promotion and year at a time. Join us as we analyze everything that happened throughout that 12-month period. It’s a mixture of information, discussions, results, watch-alongs, special guests, and so much more.Tune in to Episode #1 as we kick things off by examining the National Wrestling Alliance circa 1989. (Note: Thanks to my co-host Steve Eckstat for spoiling the planned in-podcast announcement. He literally lets the cat out of the bag within 2 minutes!!! D’oh)In our first episode, we’ll recap the tail end of 1988 by discussing the Ted Turner buyout of JCP and the ramifications it had on the NWA. We’ll also talk about the demotion of the head booker and in-ring superstar “the American Dream” Dusty Rhodes. Plus, there’s a new sheriff in town… and his name is Jim Herd!!!From there, we look at Starrcade ’88 and the fallout it had leading into 1989.We discuss all of that, plus we’ve tracked down and watched everything we could find from the company that aired between the dates of December 31, 1988 through January 15, 1989. We’ll review all of those results and look into the behind the scenes goings-on as reported by the dirt sheets from that period.We’ve included a breakdown of some of the results we’ll be discussing below so that you can follow along. - Ted Turner buys JCP - Dusty Rhodes loses his power - Exit the American Dream, Enter Jim HerdNWA Starrcade ’88 Results and Fallout (00:20:56)NWA Championship Wrestling 12/31/88 (Sat. Morning Show) (00:34:37)Hosted by David Crockett & Paul E. Dangerously, featuring the likes of the JYD, Paul E’s Original Midnight Express, “Hotstuff” Eddie Gilbert, the Texas Broncos, the Fantastics, tag-team Ladies action, and the “high flying” action of the Commandos. NWA World Championship Wrestling 12/31/88 (Sat. Night 6:05) (00:46:42)It’s New Year’s Eve, so it’s PSA time as Jim Ross, Eddie Gilbert, and even the evil Paul E. Dangerously remind us not to drink and drive! And featuring a 6-Woman Tag, JYD, Eddie Gilbert, another 5-star classic involving the Commandos, Dustin Rhodes & Kendall Windham, the Original Midnights, the Fantastics, and an appearance by Missy Hyatt. Plus, they give away Starrcade action on FREE TV! What were they thinking???NWA Main Event 1/1/89 (1:10:25)Those Texas Broncos are at it again. Plus, the Original Midnights vs. The Fantastics, and a huge main event with World Champion Ric Flair teaming with U.S. Champion Barry Windham to take on Bam Bam Bigelow and “American Dream" Dusty Rhodes!!!NWA Championship Wrestling 1/7/89 (Morning Show) (1:18:47)Hosted this week by David Crockett & Jim Cornette. Featuring tag team action from Sting & Lex Luger, Al Perez & Larry Zbyszko, and the dreaded Russian Assassins. Abdullah the Butcher EATS Segment 6! Plus, youngster Steve Casey, Eddie Gilbert, and a fun but short main event featuring U.S. Champion Barry Windham vs. Capt. Redneck Dick Murdoch.NWA World Championship Wrestling 1/7/89 moves to 7:05!?!?! Sacrilege!!!A Year-In-Review show highlighting the events of 1988.NWA Championship Wrestling 1/14/89 (Morning Show) (1:29:28)Hosted by David Crockett & Paul E. Dangerously, featuring a wild angle between the Road Warriors and the Varsity Club just minutes after the Roadies destroy a pair of unfortunate souls in the ring. Other action involving the Original Midnights, Steve Casey, Dustin Rhodes, Kendall Windham, Al Perez, and Larry Zbyszko. Plus, this week’s main event features the odd pairing of Michael Hayes and the JYD vs. The Russian Assassins.NWA World Championship Wrestling 1/14/88 (Sat. Night) (1:37:25)ANGLE ALERT!!! Eddie Gilbert battles U.S. Champion Barry Windham to kick off the show, and it leads to a special challenge tag team match for next week! Who will Gilbert’s mystery partner be???Plus, we’ll see Steve Eckstat’s favorite wrestler Michael P.S. Hayes, the Varsity Club, The Road Warriors, Sting, Lex Luger, the Original Midnights, Al Perez, Larry Zbyszko, Jim Cornette’s Midnight Express, and Dick Murdoch. All of that and Mike Rotunda gets his TV Title rematch against Champion Rick Steiner. Missy Hyatt chats with the Nature Boy Ric Flair, and the Roadies announce their new partner in the 6-Man Tag Team Championships.NWA Main Event 1/15/89 (2:02:22)From the Omni, featuring a hodgepodge of 6-man tag team action in the main event when Dusty Rhodes teams with JYD and Rick Steiner to take on the unique pairing of Road Warrior Hawk, Paul Ellering, and… Steve “Dr. Death” Williams???If you're enjoying WrestleCopia and interested in helping us continue to grow, please consider Subscribing to our Patreon to help us pay the bills! https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopiaYOU CAN ALSO GIFT SOMEONE A PATREON MEMBERSHIP (OR ASK THEM TO GIFT YOU ONE) AT https://www.patreon.com/WrestleCopia/giftIncludes the $5 “All Access” Tier $9 "VIP Superfan" Ti