Wrestling With Tomorrow: The Podcast

Episode 18 was recorded inside the El Parral Ballroom while the crew was setting up for the next Lucha Union show. Randy and I wanted you to feel the energy of a room coming together in real time and to understand how much work and belief goes into building something from the ground up. We talk about the aftermath of Grand Slam and how that match reshaped the year, what it really takes to launch a wrestling promotion, and why Austin MN continues to be the heartbeat of this entire universe. You’ll hear honest conversations about pressure, identity, confidence, long nights, and the grind behind the scenes as the ring goes up around us. We walk through the card, share what the documentary team is capturing tonight, break down the business moves happening behind the curtain, and look ahead to where all of this is heading in 2026. If you want a raw look at the chaos, the passion, and the mission of Wrestling With Tomorrow, this is the episode. Let’s get to work!

The dust has settled after MAW Grand Slam VII — and Cowboy Gator Magraw’s long-awaited return is finally in the books. In this episode, Mike and Randy break down everything that happened at the show: the emotion, the chaos, and the moments the cameras didn’t capture. From the roar of the crowd to the reality of what comes next, this is the unfiltered story behind one of the biggest independent wrestling moments of the year. They’ll share honest reflections on the night, reactions from fans, and what this means for Wrestling With Tomorrow moving forward. In this episode: Behind the curtain of Grand Slam VII The emotional impact of Mike’s comeback match Favorite matches and standout moments from the show Lessons learned for wrestlers, promoters, and fans alike What’s next for Gator, Lucha Union, and the WWT universe Follow & Support: Cowboy Gator Magraw Micro Brawlers: strictlygator.com Patreon exclusives: patreon.com/wrestlingwithtomorrow YouTube: @kinneyconfidence Instagram: @wwt.pod TikTok: @wrestlingwithtomorrow

In this episode of Wrestling With Tomorrow, Mike Kinney and Randy Harig sit down just days before MAW Grand Slam VII — where Mike steps back into the ring for the first time in nearly 20 years. It’s not about hype. It’s about the stillness before everything changes. They dive into what it means to prepare mentally and physically when the stakes are personal, not just professional. You’ll hear about: The grind no one sees when the cameras aren’t rolling How self-doubt and discipline battle for control before a big moment Why calm doesn’t mean weak — it means ready What legacy really looks like when you stop chasing approval and start owning your story This is The Calm Before the Bell — a conversation about pressure, purpose, and the peace that comes when you’ve done the work. 🎧 Listen now, share with a friend who’s chasing their own comeback, and be ready when the bell rings. #WrestlingWithTomorrow #CowboyGatorMagraw #GrandSlamVII #Motivation #MensMentalHealth

This week on Wrestling With Tomorrow, Randy takes the reins as host for a special Max Kellerman–style interview between Aaron Corbin and Cowboy Gator Magraw. The face-off format pulls no punches—Corbin and Gator go head-to-head, exchanging sharp words and raw emotion. Tensions rise, the heat builds, and fans get a rare look at the personal and professional friction driving this rivalry. Don’t miss this exclusive episode that sets the stage for what’s coming next. 👉 Join the conversation and unlock bonus content at: patreon.com/wrestlingwithtomorrow

This week, the gloves are off. The Kickstarter failed. The documentary’s off. The BBQ rub deal fell through. Mike’s walking into his final match with busted ribs and a full plate of everyday life hitting at once. In Episode 15 of Wrestling With Tomorrow, Mike and Randy strip away the highlight reel and talk about what happens when the dream you’ve been chasing starts to crumble. It’s raw, messy, and painfully real — but also funny, honest, and full of that stubborn “get-back-up” spirit the show’s built on. Inside this episode: The reality of watching big plans collapse — and why it’s okay to admit it hurts Performing hurt: lessons from the ring that apply to real life How to rebuild when everything feels like it’s slipping away A few laughs, a few F-bombs, and a reminder that the show always goes on!

In Episode 14 of Wrestling With Tomorrow, Mike and Randy dive into the growing conversation around mental health in the mainstream. Highlights from this episode include: Anne Hathaway’s reflections on sobriety, stress, and self-care AJ Lee’s journey with anxiety, Bipolar II, and therapy in and out of the wrestling spotlight A bigger look at how celebrities opening up helps reshape the way we all talk about mental health Lessons anyone can apply: boundaries, self-awareness, and seeking support Mental health isn’t just a headline—it’s something we all face every day. This episode brings together Hollywood, wrestling, and real life in an honest conversation about resilience and strength. 👉 Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/wrestlingwithtomorrow

In Episode 13 of Wrestling With Tomorrow, Mike Kinney opens up about being passed over for promotions time and time again—and the wake-up call that changed everything. What started as anger and frustration turned into a hard lesson about entitlement, value, and growth. Joined by co-host Randy Harig, the two dig into how entitlement shows up in work, relationships, and even wrestling. Mike shares the turning point where he realized hard work alone wasn’t enough if it wasn’t visible or impactful, while Randy adds his own perspective on moments when entitlement backfired. Listeners will learn: How entitlement blinds us to how others perceive our contributions The key questions that flip entitlement into growth Why creating undeniable value is the only way forward A challenge to put into action this week “Entitlement says: I should have it. Growth says: I’ll make it undeniable.” The episode closes with updates on Lucha Union’s return to Austin, MN on November 22 and how fans can support the show through Patreon.

Mike and Randy sit down for a wide-open conversation about where Wrestling With Tomorrow is headed, why Lucha Union is more than just another indie show, and how creating something different means giving ourselves the flexibility to be who we really are. From the ballroom in Austin to the bigger picture of wrestling as a community, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it takes to build a promotion and a podcast at the same time.

Mike and Randy are back in the studio breaking down the next big step in this comeback journey: the official launch of Lucha Union. From why it’s happening now, to what makes it different, and how fans can get involved, this episode gives you an inside look at the vision behind the new promotion. Mike also shares updates on his road to the November 1st return match, training progress, and what fans can expect as the countdown continues. Along the way, the guys trade stories, crack jokes, and remind everyone why this podcast is all about confidence, redemption, and wrestling with tomorrow. 📌 Topics in this episode: The story behind Lucha Union and its homecoming roots How the first show will set the tone for the entire promotion Mike’s training updates and road to November 1st Wrestling banter + confidence tips along the way 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Wrestling With Tomorrow is available wherever you get your podcasts.

What separates the people who stay down… from the ones who rise again? In this episode, Mike and Randy unpack the mindset behind comebacks—whether it’s in the ring, in life, or in your own head. From personal battles with identity and addiction to legendary pro wrestling redemption arcs, this one goes deep. Mike opens up about why his November 1st return match isn’t just a gimmick—it’s closure, accountability, and unfinished business. They also reveal the four traits every true comeback story shares—and how to tell if yours is still being written.

In this special episode of Wrestling With Tomorrow, Mike Kinney and Randy Harig honor the life and legacy of the most iconic figure in professional wrestling—Hulk Hogan. Mike reflects on how the Hulkster shaped his childhood, his confidence, and his identity—both in and out of the ring. Together, Mike and Randy explore the grief of losing a hero, the mental toll of staying “larger than life,” and the complicated legacy of a man who became more than human to so many. Whether you grew up tearing your shirt off and flexing in the mirror or just admired the spirit of Hulkamania, this episode is for you. 🟡 Rest in power, Hulk. You made us believe in something bigger. Topics Covered: Hulk Hogan’s cultural impact Personal grief and childhood heroes Mental health behind the gimmick The cost of being “the icon” A final thank-you to the Hulkster 🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 📺 Full video episode also available on YouTube 💥 Follow us on social @wrestlingwithtomorrow #HulkHogan #WWTPodcast #WrestlingWithTomorrow #Grief #MentalHealth #Hulkamania #ThankYouHulk

Mike & Randy attended a deathmatch show—barbed wire, broken glass, chaos everywhere. But what hit them the hardest wasn’t the violence in the ring…it was the silence outside of it. This episode is about the battles no one sees. The ones we carry in our minds. The ones we fight alone. Randy and Mike open up about mental health, grief, identity, and why the return to the ring—even Mike as a guest referee in a Texas Bullrope match this October—means more than just nostalgia. 🗓️ Mike's official return match is November 1 at Grand Slam VII in St. Paul, MN. 🌶️ Facepunch Foods is back in our corner, bringing the heat to your table with real flavor and real grit. 👉 Hit play. Leave a comment. Share with someone who might need it. And remember: the comeback always starts in the quiet.

After two and a half years, Wrestling With Tomorrow is back. In this special relaunch episode, Mike Kinney is joined by his new co-host, longtime friend and wrestling veteran Randy Harig. They dive into why the podcast went quiet, what’s changed since, and what’s coming next. From mental health to locker room stories, Episode 7 sets the tone for a whole new chapter of WWT.

Host Mike Kinney sits with his friend, Jake Johnson, a fellow podcaster and sales professional. Jake and Mike discuss overcoming obstacles, effective teamwork, and Jake's hair...all this and much more!

Host Mike Kinney sits with his friend, Hans Anderson, whom Mike believes truly exemplifies "The American Dream." Hans tell us about his life from an immigrant's perspective, and how he navigated change throughout...all this and much more!

Host Mike Kinney reviews the career of a man of many talents: Air Force veteran, retired pro bull rider, and currently working as a traveling singer, Kenny Wade, to understand how he navigates change through rough times...all this and much more!

Host Mike Kinney reviews the career of a former traveling actor, Matt Centner, to understand how he pivoted his life after leaving the stage...all this and much more!

Host Mike Kinney takes a deep dive into the career of former UFC star Charlie Brenneman to determine how Charlie shifted gears after his career ended in the octagon. ...all this and much more!

Host Mike Kinney takes a deep dive into the career of independent professional wrestler to determine how Aaron shifted gears after reaching the pinnacle of his career. ...all this and much more!