Music of The Mat

On this episode of Music of the Mat, Andrew is joined for the first time by Dave Ryan (Days of Thunder) for the 2023 Halloween Spooktacular. In this year's edition, the focus is entirely on WCW and five Halloween-tastic gimmicks throughout the company's history, including Arachnaman, The Shark, "That 70s Guy" Mike Awesome, and more.Follow Music of the Mat on Twitter/Bluesky: @MusicoftheMatFollow Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewTRichFollow Dave on Twitter: @thedaytodaveFollow Days of Thunder on Twitter: @WCWThunderPodSubscribe to the Days of Thunder Patreon: ALargeManAppears.comAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Music of the Mat, it's another Music Memories episode. Andrew is joined for the first time by Brady Trappett (Voices of Wrestling) to discuss three memories from Brady's wrestling fandom that are strongly linked to music. Andrew and Brady talk about Rise Against, PWG highlight videos, the growth of Will Ospreay, and more.Follow Music of the Mat on Twitter/Bluesky: @MusicoftheMatFollow Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewTRichFollow Brady on Twitter: @BradyHasTakesAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hi there! On this episode of Music of the Mat, Andrew returns from the show's brief hiatus and is joined by Maura Johnston (Boston Globe, Rolling Stone) to discuss the music of Peter Gabriel in pro wrestling. Known for his time as Genesis' frontman in the 70s and then his successful solo career, Gabriel has spent decades as one of music's most innovative minds. Andrew and Maura, both huge fans, discuss Gabriel's longstanding creativity, his eclectic body of work, the live concert that Andrew recently attended in Boston, his songs used in wrestling (of which there aren't that many), and more.Follow Music of the Mat on Twitter: @MusicoftheMatFollow Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewTRichFollow Maura on Twitter: @mauraMaura's website: Maura.comAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Music of the Mat, Andrew is joined for the first time by Kevin Hare (Voices of Wrestling) to discuss the themes of the "Crazy Monkey" Jun Kasai. Kasai has bled, maimed, and scarred his body for 25 years to become one of the most famous and beloved wrestlers in deathmatch wrestling. Andrew and Kevin chat about Kasai's impressive longevity in a dangerous style of wrestling, what makes him stand out amongst other deathmatch guys, and his entrance music that is equal parts intense and monkey-based.Follow Music of the Mat on Twitter: @MusicoftheMatFollow Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewTRichFollow Kevin on Twitter: @stan__hansenRead The Wrestling 101: voicesofwrestling.com/category/vow-latest/columns/wrestling-101/All VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Music of the Mat, Andrew is joined once again by Mike Spears (Open the Voice Gate, SpearsOvations) to discuss the themes of the father of the Dragon System, Ultimo Dragon. As one of the pioneers of the lucharesu style and one of Japanese wrestling's most influential figures, Ultimo Dragon's career has taken him across Japan, Mexico, WCW, WWE, and beyond. Andrew and Mike chat about Ultimo's legacy as a wrestler and trainer, his dashing good looks, his longtime use of "Separados" as a theme, and more.Follow Music of the Mat on Twitter: @MusicoftheMatFollow Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewTRichFollow Mike on Twitter: @fujiiheyaFollow Open the Voice Gate on Twitter: @openvoicegateFollow Spearsovations on Twitter: @spearsovationsSign up for Spearsovations: spearsovations.ghost.ioAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Music of the Mat, Andrew is joined once again by Jeff Hawkins (Shake Them Ropes) to discuss Terry Funk's 1984 album Great Texan. Yes, Terry Funk put out an album in Japan where he "sings." Andrew and Jeff go track-by-track, breaking down Terry's vocals, the album's soft rock musical stylings, the shlock lyrics, Jimmy Hart's heavy influence, and more.Follow Music of the Mat on Twitter: @MusicoftheMatFollow Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewTRichFollow Jeff on Twitter: @Crapgame13Follow Shake Them Ropes on Twitter: @ShakeThemRopesAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Music of the Mat, it's another edition of Music Memories! Andrew is joined by former VOW contributor Andy LaBarre to discuss three memories from Andy's wrestling fandom that are strongly linked to music in some way. Andrew and Andy discuss one of Andy's favorite shows WrestleMania VII, becoming enthralled with the late iconic wrestler Hayabusa, the 90s shoot style legend Volk Han, and more!Follow Music of the Mat on Twitter: @MusicoftheMatFollow Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewTRichFollow Andy on Twitter: @trillyrobinsonAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Music of the Mat, Andrew is joined for the first time by Warren Hayes (Voices of Wrestling, The Mr. Warren Hayes Show) for another New Japan Pro Wrestling grab bag of themes. Andrew and Warren discuss New Japan's bounce back in 2023 with cheering crowds, great matches, and fresh storylines, then get into themes for Shota Umino, David Finlay, Bishamon, DOUKI, Titán, and many more!Follow Music of the Mat on Twitter: @MusicoftheMatFollow Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewTRichSubscribe to Warren on YouTube: Youtube.com/@MrWarrenHayesAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Music of the Mat, Andrew is joined for the first time by Maura Johnston (Boston Globe, Rolling Stone) for another grab bag of AEW themes. Andrew and Maura chat about AEW's recent and upcoming big shows, then get into themes for Orange Cassidy, Willow Nightingale, Rush, Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal, Konosuke Takeshita, and many more.Follow Music of the Mat on Twitter: @MusicoftheMatFollow Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewTRichFollow Maura on Twitter: @mauraMaura's website: Maura.comAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Music of the Mat, Andrew is joined once again by JoJo Remy (Voices of Wrestling) to discuss the themes of the Four Pillars of All Japan Pro Wrestling: Mitsuharu Misawa, Kenta Kobashi, Toshiaki Kawada, and Akira Taue. As four of the greatest and most iconic wrestlers of all time, the group helped take AJPW to monumental heights in the 90s with their incredible matches that have stood the test of time. Andrew and JoJo go through their iconic theme songs in AJPW and NOAH with plenty of epic guitars, keyboards, and a dash of Kenny Loggins along the way.Follow Music of the Mat on Twitter: @MusicoftheMatFollow Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewTRichFollow JoJo on Twitter: @jojo_runsAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"On this episode of Music of the Mat, it's another round of Music Memories. Andrew is joined by Rob Viper (Highspots) to discuss three memories from Rob's wrestling fandom that are strongly linked to music in some way. Andrew and Rob discuss falling in love with Rey Misterio Jr. in 90s AAA, getting interested in ECW through the Gangstas Paradise commercial, the WWE Vengeance 2001 promo video with ""Sinner"" by Drowning Pool, and more!Follow Music of the Mat on Twitter: @MusicoftheMatFollow Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewTRichFollow Rob on Twitter: @RobViperAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/Donate"Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Music of the Mat, it's another edition of Music Memories! Andrew chats with Sean Sedor (Voices of Wrestling) about three memories from Sean's fandom that are strongly linked to music in some way. Andrew and Sean discuss watching the Briscoes in Sinclair era ROH, having your music tastes molded as a young adult by songs from wrestling shows and video games, the NoDQ CAW videos on YouTube, and more!Follow Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewTRichFollow Sean on Twitter: @SASedor2994All VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Music of the Mat, Andrew reunites with original co-host Chris Maffei (Can of Nostalgia) for the first time in over two years to discuss a selection of live music performances at WrestleMania. Chris catches us up on how he's been doing since the last time he was on, then he and Andrew dig into some of the many music performances that happened over the years at the Showcase of the Immortals, from the infamous DX Band rendition of "America the Beautiful" at WrestleMania XIV to Living Colour playing "Cult of Personality" for CM Punk at WrestleMania 29 to Salt-N-Pepa's special version of "Whatta Man" for the Lawrence Taylor vs. Bam Bam Bigelow match at WrestleMania XI, and many more!Follow Music of the Mat on Twitter: @MusicoftheMatFollow Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewTRichFollow Can of Nostalgia on Twitter: @canofnostalgiaChris' website: cmstrikeaudio.comAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Music of the Mat, Andrew is joined once again by Sean Flynn to discuss a selection of themes from the first few years of Ring of Honor. As a hugely influential and important independent promotion that started in February 2002, ROH was a home for many wrestling stars like Bryan Danielson, Samoa Joe, AJ Styles, CM Punk, Low Ki, The Briscoes, and many many more. With ROH continuing today under the auspices of Tony Khan, Andrew and Sean take a look back at some wrestlers and theme songs that were around during the foundation years of 2002-2004, including Christopher Daniels, Jimmy Rave, Generation Next, Steve Corino, and more!Follow Music of the Mat on Twitter: @MusicoftheMatFollow Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewTRichFollow Sean on Twitter: @spiffie6123All VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Music of the Mat, Andrew is joined by Gerard Di Trolio (The Emerald Flowshow) to discuss the themes of Keiji Mutoh and his alter ego The Great Muta! One of the Three Musketeers of New Japan Pro Wrestling and a certified wrestling icon, Mutoh is set to retire (we think) after a nearly 40-year career. Andrew and Gerard discuss their feelings on Mutoh, his influence, his ego, and the many, many wrestling themes he had in his career as both himself and Muta.Follow Music of the Mat on Twitter: @MusicoftheMatFollow Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewTRichFollow The Emerald FlowShow on Twitter: @EmeraldFlowShowAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Music of the Mat, it's another Music Memories episode! Andrew chats with John Carroll (Voices of Wrestling) about three memories from John's wrestling fandom that are strongly linked to music in some way. Andrew and John discuss being a CM Punk fan while attending many ROH shows in the mid-2000s, the Blood Warriors faction in Dragongate, seeing Tetsuya Naito win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and 2017 G1 Climax in person, and more!Follow Music of the Mat on Twitter: @MusicoftheMatFollow Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewTRichFollow John on Twitter: @toshanshuinLAAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

WELCOME EVERYONE TO MONDAY NIGHT RAW WEEOO WEEOO WEEOO WEEOO! On this episode of Music of the Mat, it's the sixth anniversary show! Andrew is joined once again by Rich Kraetsch (Voices of Wrestling, Flagship Podcast) to celebrate six years of the podcast and discuss the themes of another show celebrating an anniversary this month, WWE's Monday Night Raw. Andrew and Rich chat about the 30 years of Raw, its different phases of theme music, when exactly they stopped having any connection to the show, and much more.There is also a discussion at the start about the tragic death of Jay Briscoe. Rest in peace, Jay.Follow Music of the Mat on Twitter: @MusicoftheMatFollow Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewTRichFollow Voices of Wrestling on Twitter: @voiceswrestlingAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Music of the Mat, it's another installment of Music Memories! Andrew is joined by Steve Case (Voices of Wrestling) to discuss three memories from Steve's wrestling fandom that are strongly linked to music in some way. Andrew and Steve chat about being afraid of The Undertaker as a little kid, wanting to use Metallica for an entrance theme, being a Hulkamaniac, and more!Follow Music of the Mat on Twitter: @MusicoftheMatFollow Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewTRichAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Music of the Mat, Andrew is joined for the first time by Fred Morlan (The Good, The Bad & The Hungee) for the annual year-end episode! Andrew and Fred say goodbye to 2022 and discuss a selection of wrestling themes that debuted during the year. Themes this year include Swerve Strickland, Bray Wyatt, Kaito Kiyomiya, Ren Narita, Toni Storm, Danhausen, and more!Follow Music of the Mat on Twitter: @MusicoftheMatFollow Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewTRichFollow Fred on Twitter: @flagrantstatsFollow The Good, The Bad & The Hungee on Twitter: @goodbadhungeeAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Chag Sameach! On this episode of Music of the Mat, Andrew is joined by the returning Jon Hernandez (Voices of Wrestling) for a Hanukkah Special celebrating the themes and career of Barry Horowitz! For many decades, Barry built a legacy as not only a legendary Jewish pro wrestler, but as one of wrestling's greatest losers. Andrew and Jon discuss what separated Barry from a lot of other Jewish wrestlers, his multiple losing streaks, using "Hava Nagila" as an entrance theme, and some other themes Barry used over the years (one of which is definitely NSFW). If you love Jewish references, then this is the show for you.Follow Music of the Mat on Twitter: @MusicoftheMatFollow Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewTRichFollow Jon on Twitter: @OldJonHernandezCheck out Jon's band Timeshares: linktr.ee/timesharesAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy