Windy City Slam

One of Chicago’s premier wrestling photographers has taken a step into promoting as CameraGuyGimmick Nick Consalvo has founded Bloodstone Wrestling. Consalvo returns to Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss his debut show “Uncut Gems” coming up at the Berwyn Eagles Club. We break down the card with a couple of exclusive announcements, who is helping him run the show, who he has called upon for advice, as well as some of his favorite moments as a ringside photographer. Plus, Mike recapped SSW’s “Suplex The Stigma, ARW Pro, TNA Victory Road and NXT No Mercy and reflects on Vic Capri’s career, while previewing cards for Rocket Pro, Black Label Pro and POWW Entertainment. Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

With a special event ahead from SSW Entertainment and You Are More, “The Punk Rock Prince” Jordan Kross returns to Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss “Suplex The Stigma,” a wrestling benefit show in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Kross breaks down the card for the show and talks about his 4-way match with Vic Capri, Jeff Luxon and Chris Masters, his relationship with the members of You Are More, the latest developments in his career, helping train at Capri’s “IcePick” Academy, tributing Eric Priest and more. Plus, Mike recapped WWE WrestlePalooza, AEW All Out, Freelance Wrestling and Southland Championship Wrestling’s “WrestleTopia VI” and previewed NXT No Mercy, TNA Victory Road and the local schedule ahead. Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

With his in-ring career winding down, “Ice Pick” Vic Capri joins Windy City Slam to talk about the final matches of his career, his transition to being a trainer and mentor for younger talent, his upcoming 4-way match with Jordan Kross, Jeff Luxon and Chris Masters at SSW/You Are More’s “Suplex The Stigma,” why it was time to move away from in-ring competition, how Shelly Benson asking him to train her became the impetus to open a wrestling school, some of the up-and-coming talent at The IcePick Academy, working with Aleah James in a recent tag match and Mason Beck at “A Day For Priest” and loyalty to DREAMWAVE and SSW. Plus, Mike previewed WWE WrestlePalooza, AEW All Out, a pair of Freelance Wrestling shows, Southland Championship Wrestling’s “WrestleTopia VI,” POWW Entertainment and Ultimate Combat Gauntlet and recapped Chicago Style Wrestling, AAW Pro, ARW Pro and WCPW and paid tribute to Nacho Barrera. Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

He’s at the top of Southland Championship Wrestling and ARW Pro, holding championships in both promotions and doing it with more of an edge than in the past. “Sempiternal” James Creed returns to Windy City Slam Podcast after a two-year absence to preview his 4-on-4 elimination match at ARW Pro’s “Survival of the Fittest” and SCW Championship match against Benny Bargas as SCW’s WrestleTopia VI. We also discuss working with The Torture Killers at SCW, the fallout from the disintegration of Sabotage, working at “A Day For Priest,” and what “Mad Dog” Ivan Manson meant to him. Also, special correspondent Tony Gabagool reviewed Rocket Pro Wrestling’s “Fall Brawl,” which featured a new RPW Champion. Plus, Mike talked about a banger SmackDown with John Cena’s final Chicago appearance and AJ Lee’s return, recapped POWW Entertainment and SCW and previewed Chicago Style Wrestling, AAW Pro and ARW Pro. Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

It was time to shake things up for Maurice, who initially made his name as Moondog Murray on the Chicago independents. Maurice joined Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about his character shift, working on his craft at The Ice Pick Academy, his rivalry with POWW Entertainment Champion Mason Percs, his upcoming California excursion to enrich his training and much more. Plus, Mike discusses the evolving CM Punk-Seth Rollins story, which may lead to AJ Lee’s comeback to WWE, recaps WWE Clash In Paris and Ego Pro Chicago and previews POWW Entertainment, 2econd Wrestling, Zero1 USA’s all women’s show in Berwyn and the return of Rocket Pro Wrestling. Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

He may have gotten a late start in pro wrestling, but Magnus King is making his mark at POWW Entertainment as one of the owners of a Key to the Kingdom. Magnus joins Windy City Slam Podcast for the first time to discuss what led him to finally start wrestling training after years of competing as powerlifter, aligning with Jimmy Blaze against The Reckoning, what his possible plans are for cashing in his key for a title opportunity, being a fan of the monsters in wrestling such as Undertaker, Kane and Bray Wyatt, competing in the Arnold Classic and more. Plus, Mike recaps action from AEW Forbidden Door, NXT Heatwave, Freelance Wrestling, Southland Championship Wrestling, Squared Circle Megastars and a joint show from Northland Pro and All Heel Wrestling, while previewing WWE Clash in Paris, Ego Pro Wrestling, Wrestle League, They Live Wrestling, C3 Ultimate Wrestling, Ultimate Combat Gauntlet and Illiana Pro Wrestling. Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

“Big” Mac Hartman is living his dream in promoting his first-ever show and local wrestling podcaster Sean Lennon has joined him for the ride. Hartman and Lennon join Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss They Live Wrestling’s “All Out of Bubblegum,” which takes place in Berwyn on Aug. 30. We break down all the matches on the show and what to expect. We also discussed Hartman’s dream match with Colt Cabana and who helped in his early days as a wrestler. Mike also recaps ICW Milwaukee’s Deathmatch extravaganza “The Insane 8,” Chicago Style Wrestling, TNA Emergence and TripleMania and previews a loaded weekend of action including AEW Forbidden Door, NXT Heatwave, Freelance Wrestling, Southland Championship Wrestling, Squared Circle Megastars, Defiant Pro Wrestling and Ultimate Combat Gauntlet. Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

Starting her pro wrestling journey at age 12, “The Miraculous” Leslie Michelle already is a young veteran on the Chicago scene with training from Atomico, Bryce Benjamin, Missa Kate and Vic Capri and several championships under her belt. Michelle joins Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss recovery from her recent surgery, timetable to return to the ring, holding titles in places such as All Heel Wrestling, ZOWA, Honor Among Wrestling, Ragin’ Pro Wrestling and 4th Wall Wrestling, what led her into getting into wrestling training, working in a midget company, favorite people to train with, career goals and more. Plus, Mike recaps action from AAW Pro, POWW Entertainment, ARW Pro and Black Label Pro while previewing Chicago Style Wrestling, FabMania, TNA Emergence and TripleMania. Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

WWE just completed its first-ever two-night SummerSlam event and former WWE Digital staffer Jordan Garretson returned to Windy City Slam Podcast to break down all the ups and downs. We discussed the twists and turns of CM Punk winning the title and Seth Rollins’ Money In The Bank cash-in, John Cena’s loss to Cody Rhodes and his ill-fated heel run, the return of Brock Lesnar and the disappointment of Karrion Kross’ booking. We also get takes on WWE Unreal and Hulk Hogan. Mike recaps the full weekend of DREAMWAVE action and previews lineups for POWW Entertainment, ARW Pro, Pro Wrestling Sometimes, Black Label Pro and AAW Pro. Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

“The King of Clubs” Jason Midas returns to Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss his new venture, Pro Wrestling Sometimes’ “The Jason Midas Experiment,” wrestling and rave show coming to Logan Square Auditorium, he breaks down the wrestling card and musical talent, he also discusses some of the latest in Freelance Wrestling and filling in for Kirby “The Voice” Alexander. Plus, Mike reflects on the life of Hulk Hogan, recaps “A Day For Priest,” a special show in honor of “The Underwear Model” Eric Priest and all of the emotion of that event and previews WWE SummerSlam, DREAMWAVE weekend, 2econd Wrestling and Wrestle League. Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

Longtime Chicagoland wrestler and trainer Doug Simmons returns to Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about his comeback to the ring in 2025, including winning the Northland Pro Championship, being a part of this weekend’s “A Day For Priest” event and being a mentor for talent such as Skye Blue, Jordan Kross and Damien Walker. We discuss what gave him the itch to return to the ring, watching Skye Blue grow in AEW and getting to know Kyle Fletcher, and break down the card for “A Day For Priest.” Plus, Mike recaps a history-making TNA Slammiversary and the latest from Chicago Style Wrestling while previewing a loaded week, including Freelance Wrestling, Wrestle League, Souhtland Championship Wrestling, Ultimate Combat Gauntlet and Iron Spirit Pro. Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

With TNA Slammiversary this weekend, Chicago guy and TNA color commentator Matthew Rehwoldt returned to the show for the first time in nearly five years to discuss the big event, including the three-way main event between Trick Williams, Joe Hendry and Mike Santana for the TNA World Championship. We discuss the Slammiversary card, the current state of TNA, TNA’s working agreement with NXT, Mustafa Ali’s storytelling, Leon Slater’s rise, Mike Santana’s breakout as a singles star, Matt’s hilarious Wikipedia story, occasional independent appearances, working with Tom Hannifan and more. Plus, Mike reviews a huge weekend of WWE, AEW, NXT and ROH shows and takes a trip around the local scene with news from DREAMWAVE Wrestling, ARW Pro, POWW Entertainment, Chicago Style Wrestling, Freelance Wrestling and Iron Spirit Pro. Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand

The New World Order – better known simply as the NWO – was a pop culture phenomenon in the late 1990s and catapulted professional wrestling into the mainstream consciousness. ESPN journalist Marc Raimondi joined Windy City Slam to chat about the revolution and his new book, “Say Hello to The Bad Guys: “How Professional Wrestling’s New World Order” Changed America.” We go back to how the NWO was formed and ask Marc about his research, share opinions on the group’s impact on pop culture, recount some of his opinions of the events of 29 years ago this month and his take on the today’s pro wrestling landscape. Plus, Mike previews a big weekend on the national scene with events from WWE, AEW, NXT and ROH and local shows such as DREAMWAVE Wrestling, POWW Entertainment and ARW Pro. Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

Longtime wrestling contributor and local historian Nick Headford joins Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss a special event to honor the life of Eric Priest, who passed away suddenly earlier this year. Headford talks about the diverse group of talent who are scheduled to work at “A Day For Priest” at the end of July in West Chicago, memories of Priest and what to expect from the show, as well as the latest in POWW Entertainment. Plus, Mike recaps loaded Freelance Wrestling and AAW Pro shows from over the weekend as well as the newsworthy events of WWE Night of Champions. Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

Growing up in the same area as WWE Superstar CM Punk, maybe it was destiny for “Big Hoss Hippie” Regan Lydale to become a professional wrestler. Lydale, who just won the Defiant Pro Wrestling Championship this past weekend, joins Windy City Slam Podcast for the first time to discuss how a family friend pushed her toward Tommy Else, who in turn prepared her for the rigors of the Freelance Wrestling Academy, her upcoming Freelance World Championship match against Devon Monroe, winning the Freelance Rumble, her previous title match against Storm Grayson, what era of wrestling drew her into the business, working for Defiant Pro, Ego Pro Wrestling and POWW Entertainment among other local companies and more. Plus, we recap Chicago Style Wrestling and preview John Cena vs. CM Punk at WWE Night of Champions, Freelance vs. The World XI, AAW Pro, NWA Chicago, ZOWA Live and GALLI Lucha Libre. Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

Formerly of Alpha Zeta Zeta, Hans Carden has made his name from mastering the single-leg Boston Crab and securing multiple championships. Carden joins Windy City Slam Podcast for the first time to discuss his runs as Chicago Style Wrestling Metra Division Champion and GALLI Lucha Libre Discovery Champion, a memorable rib played on him and Charlie Kleiman during their time as AZZ, training at CSW Academy, his first memory of flipping wrestling on TV, which legendary wrestler inspired to use the half crab and more. Plus, we recap shows from ARW Pro and DREAMWAVE Wrestling, preview Defiant Pro Wrestling among other local shows. Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

Rocket Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion “Simply Undeniable” Steve Michaels may be a beast in the ring, but he owns a heart of gold outside of it. Michaels returns to Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss his yearlong reign as RPW Champion, being the rock of The Undeniable, his upcoming match with former NXT and AEW wrestler Parker Boudreaux, participating at the Cauliflower Alley Reunion Showcase, working a show with Steve “Mongo” McMichael, media appearances, doing charitable work with the Windy City Ghostbusters, his beloved Cubs and more. Plus, we pay tribute to the life of “Mad Dog” Ivan Manson, recap POWW Entertainment’s “Summer Xplosion,” WWE Worlds Collide and Money In The Bank and TNA Against All Odds and preview shows from preview shows from 2econd Wrestling, ARW Pro, Wrestle League, Black Label Pro and DREAMWAVE. Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

Thanks to The IcePick Academy, “Icebox” Josie Valentine has transformed herself into a potential star over the last year. Valentine joins Windy City Slam Podcast for the first time to discuss her stint at Black and Brave, her father’s influence, the ups and downs of her wrestling journey, who pointed her toward The IcePick Academy and Vic Capri, her character makeover, filling out her literal wrestling bingo card and more. Plus, we preview WWE and TNA events, POWW Entertainment’s Summer Xplosion and 4th Wall Wrestling and recap Northland Pro and hit the highlights of OnlyWrestlers and Healthy Brain Entertainment. Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

Returning to Windy City Slam Podcast is the inaugural NWA Chicago Champion “Polish Power” Mario Pardua. Pardua joins us to discuss working his way through Chicago Style Wrestling and the CSW Academy, defeating his mentor “Superstar” Steve Boz to win the NWA Chicago title, teaming with Boz at NWA 76 last summer, Team Babushka with Shelly Benson and Eric Schultz, getting a pic with Billy Corgan, branching out to more companies, aspirations, pierogi, and more. Plus, we recap a busy weekend from WWE, NXT, TNA, AEW and Freelance Wrestling as well as news from ARW Pro, POWW Entertainment and Squared Circle Megastars. Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

She’s one of the fastest rising wrestlers on the independent scene, a former Ohio Valley Wrestling Women’s Champion who has seen action in Illinois at DREAMWAVE, Uprising Women’s Athletes and Chicago Style Wrestling. “The Ultimate Athlete” J-Rod joins Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss the great names who have held the OVW Women’s title, working for DREAMWAVE, career aspirations in and out of the ring, what she learned from her WWE tryout in 2019, getting schooled by Rikishi and Reno J Anoa’i at KnoKX Pro Academy and more. Plus, we recap highlights from Chicago Style Wrestling, AAW Pro and 2econd Wrestling and preview a stacked Memorial Day weekend with events from WWE, NXT, TNA, AEW, Freelance Wrestling, ARW Pro, POWW Entertainment, Squared Circle Megastars and Illiana Pro Wrestling. Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!