The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling

The Doctors of Podanomics are back to wrap up their convo on the Mount Rushmore of John Cena! What match did Eric try sneaking up the side of his mountain? How did Nate take the news? Which of Cena's possibly greatest all-time opponents gets a nod, and which match does Eric think is Cena's greatest of all time? You can't see us, but you can hear us, so listen up, fools!**BOB COOK GOFUNDME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-cooker-bob-cook-recover**SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERSFULL MATCH: Randy Orton vs. John Cena | WWE Title WWE Iron Man Match: Bragging Rights 2009Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

His time is up, but our time is NOW! Time, that is, for Nate and Eric to discuss the Mount Rushmore of John Cena. Over his 23-year WWE career, yes, he's had his ups and downs in the ring--and with the crowd--but the ups were HUGE, and we're here to discuss them. Which matches were not just high quality, but high drama, high stakes, high crowd involvement, and probably even surprised us in some way? These are the matches that might make the cynical fan think, "I didn't know he had it in him!" Well guess what: He did, and we can see them. This is a two-parter leading up to John Cena's last match vs. GUNTHER at Saturday Night's Main Event on Dec. 13; enjoy this episode and keep an eye out for part two.***BOB COOK GOFUNDME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-cooker-bob-cook-recover ***SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS: CM Punk - WWE Raw 06-27-11 Epic Promo PipebombThe Rock and John Cena agree to meet at WrestleMania 28: WWE Raw"F You Cena, You Can't Wrestle, Boo Yay Boo Yay": https://www.peacocktv.com/watch/playback/vod/GMO_00000000375171_01/65b3abd2-ea3b-3119-a358-7c145de2260a Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

Happy Thanksgiving! Your two favorite turkeys talk about the most amazing two on two matches--some might call tag team matches--in pro wrestling history. The context, the drama, the players, the historical significance, the matches we still talk about today because they're the standard bearers of the sub-genre of tag team wrestling within the genre-genre of professional wrestling. For whom would you need to overseas to watch their best matches? Or have ordered a low-buyrate pay-per-view? Or been alive 70-plus years ago? Or been a smelly ROH fan 18 years ago? (Hey, we were both that.) Tag, you're in--listen and find out!**SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS:From the New York Times itself: https://www.nytimes.com/1957/11/20/archives/wrestling-ends-in-riot-at-garden-2-policemen-hurt-as-fans-storm.html Future friend of the show Javier Ojst writes this: https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/1957-msg-riot/ Toshiaki Kawada & Akira Taue (THE HOLY DEMON ARMY) vs. Mitsuharu Misawa & Kenta Kobashi (June 9, 1995): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2OLvGT5ROU El Hijo del Santo & Octagon vs. Eddy Guerrero & Love Machine Art Barr: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=603U_62GeSg No Mercy 2002: Tag Team Championship Promo - YouTubeFULL MATCH: Briscoes vs Kevin Steen & El Generico LADDER WAR! 9/15/2007 ROH Man UP | Hidden ClassicsManami Toyota & Toshiyo Yamada vs. Mayumi Ozaki & Dynamite Kansai 2/3 Falls Match (AJW 11/26/92) matchSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

(Don't forget to rate and review our show, wherever you get our show!)Ah, the pro wrestling referee. Often vilified, rarely vindicated, frequently blamed for not catching the heel wrestlers cheat... but in reality, the unsung heroes--the heartbeat--of professional wrestling. If it weren't for the referee, how would wrestlers know to throw an opponent out of the ring and mug for the hard camera right before a commercial break? Who would throw up the "X" when a wrestler breaks his ankle? Even more, who would ask a wrestler if they want to submit, count them out of the ring, disqualify them for breaking the rules, or count a wrestler's shoulders to the mat--1, 2, 3? Referees play an important role in the drama of a wrestling match. But who were the best of the best? Which referees were trusted with the money-drawing main events? Who were on our television sets for years if not decades due to their skills? Who created their own memorable moments or trademarks? (Or who infringed on trademarks and sold knockoff T-shirts in the parking lot?) Nate and Eric count down their Mount Rushmores of Referees... make a clean break and listen!***SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS:When Earl Hebner Fought Back!The Rock & Earl Hebner Vs DX Part 1 - SMACKDOWN!Tony Schiavone accuses Referee Nick Patrick of being in the NWO! 1996 (WCW)Nick Patrick On Being The nWo Heel RefereeThe greatest run in WrestleMania historyCharles Robinson: WWE's GOAT Referee On Brutal Bumps, His Viral Ramp Run, Iconic Matches, John CenaRed Shoe Unno DiariesJim Cornette on Tommy Young: https://youtu.be/vtVG7ulUMdo?si=Sookunvxvopy6JE-&t=95 Arn Anderson on Tommy Young: https://youtu.be/NBT57Kv_uBk?si=OQjXcpZiAwky2vgi&t=31 Ric Flair on Tommy Young: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DwKVUmO6Tw Shawn Michaels paying tribute to Earl Hebner: https://youtu.be/TTArBJAVZog?si=sELvKXvw5F5uqYQl&t=230 Bret Hart on Earl… oops! https://youtu.be/U9ob-BZnhBQ?si=sSpJI4lEvsGam8XB&t=4309 Steve Austin on if Earl Hebner should go into the Hall of Fame: https://youtu.be/JiUTwJP-7mE?si=u28X9gNg_cyALs2F&t=19 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

Hello, boys and ghouls! (Not sure any ghouls listen to this show.) It's Halloween, so Eric tricked Nate into giving you listeners this treat: It's the Mount Rushmore of Scariest Wrestlers! But as psychotic, blood-thirsty, and stark-raving mad as these wrestlers were, our guests this week are anything but:Barbara Goodish, none other than the wife of Bruiser Brody, joins us to talk about her beloved husband.Brian R. Solomon, author of "Blood and Fire," talks about that book's subject matter, The Sheik.Evan Ginzburg, associate producer of "The Wrestler" and "350 Days," joins us to reminisce about Ox Baker.Tony Richards, all-around historian and host of the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel, talks "The Madman from the Sudan," Abdullah the Butcher.If Nate and Eric didn't already scare you out of your pants, these guests will. Tuuuuuuune iiiinnnnnn.... if you dare!!!!!!!!!!! Muahahahahahaha!!!! **SHOW NOTES:"Brody" by Barbara Goodish: https://amzn.to/3LCLy1h"Blood and Fire" by Brian R. Solomon: https://amzn.to/4nz8z2F"Irresistible Force" by Brian R. Solomon: https://amzn.to/43MT5km"Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets" by Evan Ginzburg: https://amzn.to/3LemZI0Tony Richards' Substack - "Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel" - https://tonyrichards4.substack.com/Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyRichardsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

Before first-class flights, before tour buses, and before chartered planes, professional wrestlers spent hours and hours traveling miles and miles on the road. What would it have been like to be a passenger in those cars? Listening to guys rebook the territory... passing them cans of beer... getting pulled over and the boys being recognized by the cops who suddenly mark out and want to get pictures with their favorite wrestlers... who would make the best road trip buddies in pro wrestling? Nate and Eric discuss, so let us take the wheel while you listen in!Order "Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon" by Brian R. Solomon: https://amzn.to/3WT8fAI**SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERSSteve Austin Shoots on Dallas Page - YouTubeThe Very Best Of Bobby The Brain Heeenan Wrestling Commentary Gold #WWF #WCWSantino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov host a tea party with Sheamus in England: Raw, Nov. 8, 2010Santino Marella On Mispronouncing Names, Stone Cold, The Cobra, Comedy Wrestling, TNASting joins the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2016: Raw, January 11, 2016Jim Cornette at Dairy Queen: https://youtu.be/qVZAa1kxngw?si=Hk_voOzuFN4DIChg&t=80Cornette and Percy Pringle 1: https://youtu.be/o7Cg1N4AMFw?si=V8FYlpHwyAtbPn9b&t=223Cornette and Percy Pringle 2: https://youtu.be/kzMe_6UUod8?si=2-4iGKZn5mtULP0S&t=267JBL tells road stories about him and Ron Simmons: https://youtu.be/R__wy1Z2IF0?si=htCK_CELlBhZj9bu&t=30Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

In this episode of The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling, Eric and Nate welcome author and wrestling historian Brian R. Solomon—former WWF Magazine and WWE.com writer, current journalist, and host of Shut Up and Wrestle. Brian joins the show to discuss his new book, Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon, a definitive look at one of wrestling’s most respected figures inside and outside the ring.From Gorilla’s unexpected path from the squared circle to the commentary booth, to the stunning revelation that he was once earmarked to take over the WWF from Vince McMahon Sr., Brian shares his deep research, interviews, and personal insights into what made Gorilla Monsoon both a giant in stature and a giant in legacy.The conversation explores:Brian’s lifelong love of writing and wrestlingHow WrestleMania III sparked his fandomThe lost archives of 1960s wrestling footage and how historians preserve the pastWhat might have happened if Gorilla had inherited the companyThe making of Irresistible Force and the surprising “gorilla-isms” appendix fans demandedBrian also opens up about what didn’t make the book—including Gorilla’s old-school values and a telling story from a party at Hulk Hogan’s house.Listen for: Brian's Mount Rushmore of wrestling play-by-play announcers, the secret side of Gorilla Monsoon, and the enduring art of telling wrestling’s greatest stories.Get Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4oeNhIsFollow Brian R. Solomon:🎧 Shut Up and Wrestle podcast — wherever you get your podcasts💬 Twitter / Instagram: @BrianRSolomon💻 Patreon: patreon.com/shutupandwrestleSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

Pro wrestling’s play-by-play announcers have shaped how we remember the biggest matches and wildest moments, turning our absurd fascination into lasting memories. From thunderous calls to smooth credibility to down-home honesty, these voices were the soundtrack of wrestling history.On this episode of The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling, Eric and Nate ask: Who belongs on the ultimate monument of play-by-play announcers? Which voices defined eras, elevated stars, and connected fans to the action like no one else? And which near-misses and honorable mentions sparked the fiercest debate? Listen in!**SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS**Jim Ross' Greatest Calls: "Shaking Hands With Satan Himself!"Jim Ross Being A National Treasure For 25 Minutes StraightHeenan Tributes MonsoonGorilla Monsoon & Bobby Heenan: Laughing CompilationLance Russell Tribute 1926-2017Gordon Solie: WWE Hall of Fame Video Package [Class of 2008]Ric Flair on Solie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOz2Q9f8r1w Kevin Sullivan on Solie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FsrGELy9AM  Best of Lance Russell Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTS3JDUwzD0&list=PLrceIZkpzcEtdd-LRQj_NyQV_dGG0a4G5 Jim Cornette and Jerry Lawler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWfwiiQ7eNwTons of Joey Styles links: Shane Douglas: https://youtu.be/6cyPCx80e98?si=7tEyXIo9u-IaW5wf&t=87 to 4:55, kinda longRVD: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qZPhkPeXm5U Stevie Richards: https://youtu.be/lKsXHPJI1E4?si=RVN2QEoN-gXa6QGe&t=11 Jim Ross: https://youtu.be/i-yTV81EfOM?si=jlkxVjM5S57G91DR&t=103 to 2:12"One Night Stand" intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deqJCOsqjqU Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

IMPORTANT NOTE: In this episode, I (Eric) was struggling to think of another way of saying a wrestler was being held down in terms of booking, and, like an idiot, I made a “put a knee on his neck” reference. I swear there was something else on my mind, but I couldn’t think of it, like a body part on another body part. And in my haste and confusion, I said it again. And as I was saying it, I felt 10 times stupider. I really do apologize for making that reference. I think the real-life scenario was absolutely awful, and I’m dumb for using it as an analogy for anything, let alone on this show.Isn't it frustrating to see a pro wrestler on your screen who you know has the whole package: they can wrestle, they can talk, they don't look like a schlub, and they clearly want to grab that brass ring... but the front office keeps yoinking it away. When the gap between ability and booking is too hard to overcome, you've got an underutilized wrestler, and that's what Nate and Eric discuss in this episode. Who are the shoulda woulda couldas of pro wrestling--the ones who were around but not used as well or as much as they should have been? Who had more than just potential but *proof* that they could go, but they weren't allowed? Listen in and find out!**SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERSLarry Zbyszko on Lord Steven Regal in WCWArn Anderson On Why William Regal Ranks In His Top TenRVD on Bam Bam BigelowThe perfect Mr. Perfect Tribute VideoJim Cornette on If The Great Muta Could Have Been A Babyface World ChampionShane Douglas on Why Great Muta is so RespectedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

When you're a huge, dorky, nerdy wrestling fan like Nate and Eric, you often end up where the wrestlers are. In this episode, the guys remember their favorite interactions with professional wrestlers over the years. At the arenas, conventions, halls of fame, airports, parking lots... even over the phone? Listen in for some incredible, ridiculous brushes with pro wrestling greatness.ALSO:"The Tecmo Bowl" documentary lawsuit has been dropped, and the trailer is back up and live on YouTube! Watch Nate superkick a steel chair into Eric's face, among other Tecmo footage, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAaVt4WaceoSHOW NOTES:Bruiser Brody vs Bulldog Bob Brown Feud. 1986IPW - Woodward Academy Highlights - Nov 15, 2014Eric's "artistic success and financial failure" only show he's ever promoted: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-HMdFFqQAw&list=PLidcTPhAYcQuyKTEyW4yQZMp_fXQwu8c3&pp=gAQBSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

We're back! We're here, we're finally not too tired to record, and we're chatting about what we did during our eight-or-so-week hiatus this summer. What kept Nate and Eric busy? Who reached out wondering if we were OK? And what's coming in the near (and a little farther out) future with the boys and the show? Stay tuned! **SHOW NOTESPublic Access Wrestling, our basement wrestling league from high school: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCqAUynM2is"The Tecmo Bowl" documentary IMDB listing: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15366926/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1 Eric's silly commercial for his copywriting book: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ericdnelsonin_what-did-i-do-oh-yeah-i-wrote-a-book-activity-7357026928911900672-K6iH?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAPx49cBslTS-ggU2qoPdbIifARrs6eZFGYTragos/Thesz Hall of Fame: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeTragosLouTheszProWrestlingHallOfFame/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

Get ready for a blazing conversation as this week's episode sparks an explosive debate: Who belongs on the Mount Rushmore of Pyro in pro wrestling? From fireballs to fireworks, we’re breaking down the entrances that lit up arenas—and left lasting impressions. We’re talking fiery finishes, iconic eruptions, and the flames that fueled larger-than-life characters. Whether you're into hellfire, spark curtains, or smoke-breathing spectacles, this one brings the heat. Tune in for bold picks, hot takes, and maybe a few sick burns along the way.SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERSBaptista: https://youtu.be/fWaCzY5xf8A?si=aWA3O7twdB_jm33k&t=242A fan sneaks backstage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeTMkRKqmkwDuane Gill "Gillberg" entrance on RAW 1/11/1999 - YouTubeThat's gotta be... that's gotta be KANE! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASmdxXaOzd4Kane New entrance 2012 - YouTubeKane's Pyro Scared Coach Out Of His Chair  YouTubeThe Brood's Gothic EntranceThe Brood Entrance Was DANGEROUS Gangrel Explains The Brood’s EPIC Entrance Bill Goldberg's Greatest entrance - YouTubeBatista's Epic Entrance on RAW (Oct. 6, 2008) - YouTubeEdge returns at the Royal Rumble 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrLt2KGRMPsEdge uses all the pyro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GFVJHCF0UQEdge's WrestleMania 24 entrance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRDZCg69lj8Booker T's best entrance (of thousands): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuSMA0fxVNwSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

Not all heroes wear capes, not all kings wear crowns—and in pro wrestling, some don’t even want them. This week, Eric and Nate climb the royal mountain to name their Mount Rushmore of the King of the Ring. Who used the tournament to launch a legendary career? Who embraced the gimmick and ruled with an iron fist? And who just beat a few guys and vanished into the midcard wilderness? We’re breaking down which winners truly wore the crown—and which ones just kept the cape warm.We’re talking tournament performances, character transformations, long-term booking impact, and that promo that changed wrestling forever. All hail the kings—just maybe not Mabel. (R.I.P.) Got your own picks? Hit us up and let us know who you’d crown.**SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERSOwen Hart makes history: King of the Ring 1994 - YouTubeThe reign of King Booker: WWE PlaylistKing Booker Was Hilariously Entertaining  - YouTubeWho remembers KING BOOKAAAAHHH? https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BLOiRBQIploIs King Booker the greatest king ever? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIGyYwLzjksBret Hart vs. Bam Bam Bigelow: King of the Ring 1993 - YouTubeRemind me, what did Austin 3:16 say? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjWPoQWdmjgSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

In honor of Father's Day, Nate Merz takes the reins and dedicates an episode to the hardest working guys in the profession, Wrestling Father Figures. Who gave their "kids" the best opportunities? The most daddy issues? And whose legacy still lives on even after a ladder match for custody of a child and the identity of the real father is still up in the air? Forget Maury Povich, because Nate Merz is about to show you who's your daddy--give it a listen!SHOW NOTESCricket Sounds - Crickets Chirping at Night - Nature Sounds for Sleep & Relaxation - 11 HoursShrek (2001) - I’m All Alone“IM YOUR PAPI”! #wwe #reymysterio #eddieguerrero #youtubeshorts #dominikmysterio #smackdownDominik Mysterio wishes he was Eddie Guerrero's sonIs Eddie Guerrero Dominik Mysterio’s Real Father?Kane & Paul Bearer Take A DNA Test Is He The Biological Father Of Kane? 5/18/98Mr.McMahon’s Illegitimate Son Is Revealed (Shocking) RAW Sep 10,2007The day Finlay tried to sell Hornswoggle in the Philippines.Torrie Wilson On The Al Wilson StorylineLadies and gentlemen: Al Wilson!!! (AKA "LOOK AT AL! LOOK AT DAWN!")SmackDown!: Al Wilson's Funeral - 2003Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

Some of the most accomplished amateur wrestlers of all time never step into the pro wrestling ring. Some do, and it's not pretty. Some of the highest achieving professional wrestlers would be tied into knots by a state high school amateur champ. So when a successful amateur wrestler transitions to pro wrestling and finds success there, too, it's special. Nate and Eric discuss the best of those success stories: Whose move to the pros seemed seamless? Whose amateur stardom grew tenfold through pro wrestling? Who supplemented medals and trophies with championship belts and the greenbacks, the moolah, the money that comes with them?And check this out: None other than Mr. Gerald Brisco joins the guys to discuss what he looks for while scouting amateurs that will benefit them in the pros, why he feels he and his brother, Jack, did so well in the squared circle, and he even gives his Mount Rushmore of Amateurs Who Turned Pro! While Mr. Brisco is on the line, he gives his top four reasons for attending the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in Waterloo, Iowa, and he shares some fun stories and episodes from his podcast, "Stories With Brisco and Bradshaw." You won't find many more educated opinions on the topic than Mr. Gerald Brisco himself!National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Waterloo: https://nwhof.org/national-wrestling-hall-of-fame-dan-gable-museum/pro_wrestling/awards/George_Tragos_and_Lou_Thesz_Professional_Wrestling_InducteeGeorge Tragos/Lou Thesz Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeTragosLouTheszProWrestlingHallOfFameStories With Brisco and Bradshaw (on Apple Podcasts): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-with-brisco-and-bradshaw/id1557108431LINKS AND SPOILERS:Bruce Prichard on Jack Brisco: https://youtu.be/eQd9xNkV1q4?si=syj-JVRcWshY0hAv&t=55Jim Ross on Jack Brisco: https://youtu.be/Bd10E2biZsc?si=84GEShu_956t90Ee&t=170Dr. Mike Lano on Jack Brisco: https://youtu.be/vkAhXGFVPQw?si=hVCPK_bfU_Ipyz0C&t=509Dave Meltzer's Jack Brisco obituary: https://www.f4wonline.com/news/other-wrestling/dave-meltzer-life-and-times-jack-brisco-320661/Kurt Angle on pro wrestling clicking: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cf3RfwAjjSg Kurt Angle on giving AND taking in the ring: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JYqwCvNsXkA Undertaker on Kurt Angle: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zzoYJQz_BhQStone Cold Steve Austin on Kurt Angle: https://youtu.be/cDsqSHq4oUg?si=u8QgZnSOBA-jgtaZ&t=4543Kurt Angle Gets Mad At The Stone Cold Steve Austin What Chant Stop It Im A Olympic Gold MedalistPaul Heyman presents a Brock Lesnar career retrospective: Raw, Feb. 18, 2019Insane Bob Backlund PromoSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

It's the end of the school year! Besides burgers and bonfires, graduation parties and gift cards, there's no better way to celebrate than debating and deciding the Mount Rushmore of Wrestling Academics! Which teachers, professors, doctors, and geniuses made the cut? And why? Why on Earth did wrestling promoters keep putting these "go away heat" characters on serviceable wrestlers and let their careers fester and tank? Or were they really smarter than we all thought, because we're still talking about them today? Get smart and find out!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

You read that right: There's another Merz out there who loves professional wrestling! Matthew Merz (no relation) is a historian in the Portland wrestling scene, and he stopped by to talk to Nate Merz (still no relation) and Eric Nelson (never was a relation, as far as we know, dun dun DUNNNN) about his upcoming documentary, "Portland Wrestling: 100 Years of Excellence." They chat about what's really the century-plus history of wrestling in that area, the names that came through the territory, and what legacy the group left behind (and the chances of a resurrection?). Plus, Matthew, who knows more about the area than Nate and Eric combined, offers his Mount Rushmore of Portland Wrestling, both a more modern collection and a historical take. This wraps up the boys' dive into the Pacific Northwest, but follow what Matthew is up to at https://www.facebook.com/PortlandWrestling and https://www.youtube.com/@RingOfFireProWrestlingSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

Folks, it's a bummer when you hear that a wrestler you loved in your formative years (or your rebellious, blood 'n' guts-lovin' years) has passed away, and that was the feeling when we heard that Sabu--the suicidal, homicidal, genocidal, death-defying sultan of hardcore--died on May 11, 2025, at the too-young age of 60. Nate and Eric are here to celebrate the scars, the blood, the flips, the violence, and the passion of Sabu. Not one to be messed with, Sabu did things on his own terms, both in and out of the ring, all the way to the end. Here are the matches that brought the boys plenty of joy--masochists, maybe, but it's what Sabu came to do: kick ass, decimate his own body, and entertain us with his love for the business. #RIPSabuSHOW NOTES AND LINKSSabu & The Sheik vs. Atsushi Onita & Tarzan Goto (FMW): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vi5V6pANJwPost-match promos - Sabu vs. Cactus Jack (ECW Hostile City Showdown 1994): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZpcgnbUR1IRob Van Dam & Sabu vs. Hayabusa vs. Jinsei Shinzaki (ECW Heat Wave 1998): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAhspD5QG5k&pp=ygUYc2FidSBydmQgamluc2VpIGhheWFidXNhSabu vs. 2 Cold Scorpio (ECW Cyberslam 1996): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xo390-n6JQ&pp=ygUVc2FidSB0b28gY29sZCBzY29ycGlvSabu vs. Terry Funk (ECW Born to Be Wired): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qu5sixZ0ApQRaven on Sabu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTDVilFVeEIFor fun... Sabu vs. Scott Taylor, WWF dark match: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RQLNzf3Q2UMore fun... Sabu vs. Mr. JL (Jerry Lynn) (WCW Halloween Havoc 1995): https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xvknuxSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

(Pardon the couple of "warts and all" moments in the audio--they aren't too bad!) Inspired by the recent "Dark Side of the Ring" episode on Billy Jack Haynes, Nate and Eric dug into the history of Pacific Northwest Wrestling to determine the Mount Rushmore of Portland Wrestling. This might be the most underrated territory in pro wrestling history, with a litany--a SLEW, if you will--of stars past and present making their way through the area, all showing off their incredible wrestling, promo, and ticket-selling talent. That's not possible without the vision of highly respected promoter Don Owen, so who leveraged that spotlight the best? Who had the longevity, the impact, the best matches, the hottest feuds, and drew the most money in the Portland territory? Listen in and find out!**SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS BELOW**George Schire talks about Portland promoter Don OwenSavage: PBS documentary Re: '70s Portland Wrestling (Part 1)Dutch Savage: 16 Time Portland Wrestling ChampPlayboy Buddy Rose Heel Turn Portland Wrestling 7/14/84Roddy Piper breaks a beer bottle on his head!!Roddy Piper wants Buddy Rose's hair!!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

Hey folks, Nate is on assignment, and Eric can't stay up until 1 a.m. editing audio for you tractor-based 5-in-the-morning listeners (who we greatly appreciate), so here's a brief rationale on why discussing the Mount Rushmore of Portland Wrestling is worth your time later this week. Inspired by the recent "Dark Side of the Ring" episode on Billy Jack Haynes ("It's Billy Jerk Haynes." "For the record, it is Billy Jack Haynes."), Nate and Eric plan their deep dive into the Portland territory and have some deep cuts to share with you... as soon as Eric gets a good night (fans)'s sleep and Nate returns from his trip to Botswana to find the Apocalypse.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations