The Retro Wrestling Archive Podcasts

Brian Tramel & Gene Jackson bring you the September 2025, WTF News Desk featuring all the weird and "interesting" wrestling news from the month of September.

On this week's episode Gene Jackson welcomes the one and only Jamie Dundee! They talk all about Jamie's time working for the Jerry Springer Show and all his guest appearance that recently led to him being named the "Worst Guest of AllTime".  Plus Jamie answers questions that were sent in by YOU the listeners/viewers of the show.  You don't wanna miss this one because you never know what the "Iceman" is going to say! FOR TONS OFEXCLUSIVE RETRO WRESTLING CONTENT: Check out our Patreon at www.patreon.com/retrowrestlingarchive DangerousConversations w/Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich each week right here at the RetroWrestling Archive! You can also find it on your favorite podcast platform at www.douggilbertpodcast.com  Check out the RetroWrestling Re-View USWA Podcast! @ www.uswapodcast.com Check out our merchstore over at www.tinyurl.com/retrowrestling PRE-ORDER THE NEW"HOT STUFF" EDDIE GILBERT BOOK TODAY @ www.tinyurl.com/EddieGilbertBook

On this week's episode Gene Jackson welcomes Ray Russell, the man behind the Wrestlecopia Podcast Network. They have a fun conversation about Ray's wrestling fandom growing up in Ohio and what led to him eventually launching his first podcast that would evolve into an entire podcast network. Hear how the various Wrestlecopia podcasts came to be and what led to the decisions on which promotions and eras to cover on both the Wrestling Memory Grenade and Regional Rasslin Podcasts. Plus, some teasers for things to come in the future over at wrestlecopia.com! FOR TONS OF EXCLUSIVE RETRO WRESTLING CONTENT: Check out our Patreon at www.patreon.com/retrowrestlingarchive Check out the Retro Wrestling Re-View USWA Podcast! @ www.uswapodcast.com Dangerous Conversations with Doug Gilbert is a new pro wrestling podcast from the Wrestlecopia Podcast Network! For more info check out www.douggilbertpodcast.com For more great pro wrestling fun, explore www.wrestlecopia.com

Roger Smith was a master of disguise in the Memphis wrestling scene—whether he was Assassin No. 2, Dirty Rhodes, The Intern, or The Flame, you could bet he was stirring up heat in every role he played. In this episode, Gene Jackson pulls the mask off one of Memphis’ most versatile villains and tells the story of a true territory journeyman who made everyone he worked with look like a star. From fiery feuds with The Fabulous Ones to championship runs across the South and even a stint in Japan, Roger Smith was the definition of a dependable hand and an old-school worker who lived for the roar (and the wrath) of the crowd.   If you love Memphis wrestling history, hit like, leave a comment, and subscribe for more Memphis Memories—guaranteed in 10 minutes or less! #MemphisWrestling #RogerSmith #DirtyRhodes #FireAndFlame #MemphisInMinutes #GeneJackson #CWA #USWA #WrestlingPodcast

What happens when someone sends you a box of cassettes from the 1990s? You put them out as a podcast ! Sit back and take a trip to the past for Cassette Wrestling News. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin called this the first ever podcast ! These cassettes were mailed every issue to subscribers during the heyday of wrestling fanzines. Jeff Osborne & John Seaton would sit down and put out an episode of zany fun and sometimes some serious stuff. Join us for Episode 6 with Jonnie Stewart, Billy Travis, Kerry Von Erich and tons more ! From May 30, 1992. Chapters (00:00:00) - American Hostile Championship Wrestling(00:03:45) - Cassette Wrestling News(00:05:39) - CASCADE WRESTLING NEWS(00:10:43) - Boskoe on Working For A Crook(00:13:23) - Chris Champion on His NWA Television Tryout(00:15:47) - Professional Wrestler Goes Back to Football(00:19:12) - Turning Down Professional Wrestling Offer(00:21:17) - Johnny Mysterio on Cascette Wrestling News(00:24:55) - Manscape Grooming Package(00:28:25) - CASCADE WRESTLING NEWS(00:34:34) - Wrestling Letters to Jeff Osborne(00:40:39) - Garter Snakes And Heavy Metal(00:46:53) - Bob Meltzer on CWN and The Observer(00:51:43) - Shooting The Shiz It

This week, we’re heading to February 3, 1990, for one of the most infamous and absurd episodes of USWA Championship Wrestling—the day “Dr. Lawler, M.D.” decided to give Jeff Jarrett and Kerry Von Erich live steroid tests on television! From bogus lab results to beeping machines from Osceola, Arkansas, it’s pure Memphis chaos. This Week’s Madness Includes:• Jerry Lawler’s unlicensed medical debut and “steroid head” PSA• Chris Champion vs. Dirty White Boy feud leading to the Snake Box Match• The Southern Rockers’ roller-coaster TV title run — win, defend, and lose all in one hour• Jeff Jarrett & Kerry Von Erich’s fiery babyface promos vs. Lawler & Billy Joe Travis• King Cobra’s revenge vow against Lawler and the Soul Taker (a young Godfather!) From Dr. Lawler’s steroid crusade to snake boxes and loaded boots, this episode has everything that made Memphis Wrestling wonderfully insane in 1990. Chapters (00:00:11) - Jerry Lawler Giving Steroids To Wrestling Stars On Live TV(00:03:45) - Jerry Lawler vs The Dirty White Boy(00:05:22) - Southern Rockers vs USWA World Tag Team Championship(00:09:48) - Jerry Lawler's Drug Test Disaster

What happens when someone sends you a box of cassettes from the 1990s? You put them out as a podcast ! Sit back and take a trip to the past for Cassette Wrestling News. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin called this the first ever podcast ! These cassettes were mailed every issue to subscribers during the heyday of wrestling fanzines. Jeff Osborne & John Seaton would sit down and put out an episode of zany fun and sometimes some serious stuff. Join us for Episode 4 from December, 1990. Chapters (00:00:00) - Memphis Wrestling(00:03:23) - Seeking Help to Prevent Suicide(00:04:29) - What The F--k? Cassette Wrestling News(00:06:01) - Eddie Gilbert Interview(00:09:31) - Eddie Gilbert on Being Hurt in the NWA(00:11:45) - Are there any hard feelings towards Jim Hurd or any of the(00:12:48) - Jerry Lawler on Ric Flair's Criticism(00:16:32) - New Talent Coming In For Evansville(00:17:32) - Booking Committee(00:19:33) - NWA Championship Match(00:22:14) - Terry Funk on Coming to Evansville(00:26:15) - Are There Any Threats In Wrestling?(00:27:28) - Jerry Lawler on His Love of Wrestling(00:31:45) - Ric Flair on His NWA Offer(00:35:19) - Nitro on the Wrestling 'Thins'(00:38:19) - NWA Western States Championship Match(00:44:10) - Is NWA or WWF Getting Stray?(00:45:41) - Jersey Devil Commentating(00:53:34) - Cassette Wrestling News(00:55:30) - USWA World Champion Arrested for Molesting an 11 Year Old(01:03:38) - NWA Superstar on Professional Wrestling(01:05:16) - Eddie Gilbert on Kayfabe Night(01:08:40) - Small Guys in Japan(01:11:31) - Vince McMahon's Future(01:16:14) - Eddie Guerrero on a(01:20:01) - Memphis Wrestling Back on TV(01:23:58) - Eddie Gilbert on Criticizing the USWA Poem(01:29:45) - Eddie's Brother on CATCH Wrestling(01:30:56) - Owen Hart in the NWA(01:35:54) - Cascade Wrestling News(01:41:50) - Shooting The Shiznit

What happens when someone sends you a box of cassettes from the 1990s? You put them out as a podcast ! Sit back and take a trip to the past for Cassette Wrestling News. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin called this the first ever podcast ! These cassettes were mailed every issue to subscribers during the heyday of wrestling fanzines. Jeff Osborne & John Seaton would sit down and put out an episode of zany fun and sometimes some serious stuff. Join us for Episode 3 from USWA, 1990 featuring Jerry Lawler, Terry Garvin, Billy Joe Travis & more ! Chapters (00:00:00) - American Hostile Championship Wrestling on Tour(00:06:46) - Jerry Lawler on Cassette Wrestling News Episode 3(00:12:05) - Terence Garvin on His New WWE Contract(00:15:34) - Jimmy Garvin on His Future Plans(00:16:50) - Jeff Osborne Challenges Buster Douglas to a Boxing Match(00:19:41) - Billy Joe Travis On The Wrestling Hall of Fame(00:21:42) - Jimmy Garvin on Bill Dundee(00:24:51) - American Hostile Championship Wrestling(00:30:29) - What is Secret Headquarters in Evansville, Indiana?(00:31:43) - Billy Joe Travis on Buster Douglas(00:35:32) - Bill Dundee Defends His CWA Heavyweight Title(00:39:55) - Austin Idol on His USWA Match(00:41:52) - Have You Had Any Offer From the NWA or WWF?(00:43:02) - Billy Joe Travis on Cassette Wrestling News(00:47:33) - The Battle of the NWA vs WWF(00:48:31) - NWA Power Hour(00:49:25) - WWE Supercards of the Year(00:52:08) - Promoter of the Year(00:54:17) - Demolition vs The Decay(00:58:38) - The Dynamic Dudes vs The Midnight Express(01:00:40) - Jerry Lawler vs Dutch Mantel(01:04:30) - Wrestling Awards 1989(01:10:28) - American Hostile Championship Wrestling(01:13:26) - Shooting The Shiznet

Two suspended cops become tag team wrestlers called The Boston Bad Guys… and that’s only the second dumbest thing in this movie. Join Gene Jackson as he dives into this forgotten 80s wrestling oddity full of biker brawls, Cold War Russians, Sergeant Slaughter cameos, and patriotic nonsense that could only come from 1986! It’s Police Academy meets Rocky IV meets Body Slam… and it’s gloriously bad. Subscribe for more 10-minute wrestling movie reviews! Chapters (00:00:01) - Bad Guys(00:01:47) - 80s Cops: Turn In Your Badge(00:04:24) - Bad Guys

What happens when someone sends you a box of cassettes from the 1990s? You put them out as a podcast ! Sit back and take a trip to the past for Cassette Wrestling News. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin called this the first ever podcast ! These cassettes were mailed every issue to subscribers during the heyday of wrestling fanzines. Jeff Osborne & John Seaton would sit down and put out an episode of zany fun and sometimes some serious stuff. Join us for Episode 2 with an interview with Dennis Coralluzzo from early 1992. Chapters (00:00:00) - Memphis Wrestling on Tour(00:03:22) - SUICIDE PODCAST(00:04:54) - Jeffrey Osborne on Dennis Carlo(00:08:25) - Dennis Carluzzo(00:09:09) - Joe Cornet on Joel Goodheart's Case(00:17:12) - Former Pro Wrestling Stars on Joel's Rehabilitation(00:23:42) - WWE 7(00:28:47) - WWE A in 1992(00:36:16) - Memphis Wrestling(00:37:07) - Is WCW Under Any Pressure From WWF?(00:42:59) - Caste Wrestling News(00:44:54) - Memphis Wrestling on the Road(00:46:50) - Shooting The Shizit

What happens when someone sends you a box of cassettes from the 1990s? You put them out as a podcast ! Sit back and take a trip to the past for Cassette Wrestling News. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin called this the first ever podcast ! These cassettes were mailed every issue to subscribers during the heyday of wrestling fanzines. Jeff Osborne & John Seaton would sit down and put out an episode of zany fun and sometimes some serious stuff. Join us for Episode 1 with an interview with Owen Hart from September, 1991. Chapters (00:00:00) - Memphis Wrestling Returns with New Lineup(00:01:04) - American Hostile Championship Wrestling(00:05:06) - Interviewing Owen Hart(00:09:56) - Paul Heyman On His Love For His Fans(00:11:35) - Honorary Match(00:13:54) - Wrestling in Germany(00:15:55) - Alex Kingston on Working in Mexico(00:21:07) - Japan Wrestling(00:27:02) - Memphis Wrestling Returns on CBS(00:28:48) - Independents on Wrestling(00:31:40) - Jim Neidhart on Team Up With Brother Brett(00:39:09) - American Hostile Championship Wrestling(00:40:17) - Shooting The Shiznet

This week Gene revisits one of the most infamous episodes of Kick Ass Wrestling—the one-year anniversary show from July 3, 1999. This one’s a wild ride through a bloody, chaotic hour of TV that perfectly captures the vibe of late ’90s Memphis wrestling. Thanks for supporting the show—let me know what Memphis Wrestling shows and personalities that you want to see featured here in the future. Also, if you want to hear more on KAW, check out this Retro Wrestling episode I did with Hellraiser reviewing the 6/5/99 episode. We get into some lengthy discussion about all things Kick Ass Wrestling and about the Memphis Wrestling scene at that time.  https://youtu.be/pJRvN6ePjgI?si=anaEskwAzcJDne-n  

Description from PWTT Host, Tony Richards: On this show I visit with my dear friend and promoter Herb Simmons, who promotes SICW shows around the St. Louis & Southern Illinois area. He started as a promoter & associate of Sam Muchnick in 1974. We discuss the St.l Louis HOF, his Fanfest weekend, the show he promoted in Waterloo for the Tragos-Thesz HOF weekend, his recent honor at the CAC and we flashback to the year of 1975 in St. Louis wrestling. I think you'll enjoy this show as much as I did talking with Herb.

It’s time for a brand new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit!” Brian Tramel sits down with his “Was It Really THAT Good?” co-host Gene Jackson & Brennon Martin for Episode 149. BT & Gene talk about their fun Starrcast/ALL IN weekend. They chat about BT getting lost, how much did they pay for Starrcast, Meet & Greets - good & bad, negativity online about ALL IN, ICP debacle, Booker T at another convention, Brian Cage, and much more! Brennon joins STS in the middle of the episode to talk about leaving Starrcast, the reasons why he left, Jim Cornette and Steve Austin.

Gene Jackson is back with another dive into the madness of Herb Abrams’ UWF Fury Hour! Episode 18 has everything: Steve “The Wild Thing” Ray waves the flag and takes on Captain Lou’s nephew Carmine Albano (who almost breaks his neck). Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff squashes “The Beast” and calls out Dr. Death Steve Williams. Don Muraco and Captain Lou cut a surprisingly serious patriotic promo. Sonny Beach battles Bob Orton with John Tolos stirring up trouble… until Cactus Jack and Steve Ray get involved in a full-scale brawl. And in the main event, Don Morocco vs. Cactus Jack turns into a bloody, garbage-can-flying war that—of course—ends in a time limit draw. It’s wild. It’s chaotic. It’s Herb Abrams’ UWF at its most unpredictable. Gene watches this madness so YOU don’t have to. But if you want to, you can find these shows at: youtube.com/@RetroWrestlingArchive Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more retro wrestling chaos!

It’s time for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit.” Brian Tramel and Gene Jackson bring you “THE WTF News Desk.” Gene and BT bring you an insider's perspective to the bizarre happenings in the squared circle and the octagon. From outlandish storylines to mind-bending maneuvers, THE WTF News Desk is your go-to source for all things unconventional in the fight world.   Check out our LINK OF ALL LINKS to watch the show and listen to our podcasts! linktr.ee/STSPOD

Memphis in Minutes: The Two Lives of Terry Simms In this episode of Memphis in Minutes, Gene Jackson takes us on a fast-paced journey through the unique career of Terry Simms — known to some as flamboyant heel “Terrence Garvin, The Beauty” and later as gritty babyface Terry Simms in the Global Wrestling Federation. We cover his early days teaming with Mark “The Beast” Guleen as Beauty & the Beast, his clashes with Adrian Street and Bill Dundee, and his reinvention in Dallas where he became one of Eddie Gilbert’s top babyfaces. From Broadway matches in the sweltering Sportatorium to his underrated role in the GWF on ESPN, Sims proved himself as one of wrestling’s most versatile performers. Gene also reflects on Terry’s later years, his own World Domination podcast, his personal stories about Kerry Von Erich and Eddie Gilbert, and his passing in 2018 at just 55 years old. This is the story of a man who wasn’t a household name, but left a lasting mark wherever he wrestled — Terry Simms. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more Memphis wrestling memories!

Gene Jackson dives into Episode #17 of Herb Abrams’ UWF Fury Hour—and this one is loaded! From a young Louie Spicoli trying to prove himself against David Sammartino, to Ivan Koloff punishing Ricky Ataki, to the Viking smashing chairs (and opponents), and yes… the chaotic continuation of Dr. Death Steve Williams vs. “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff that leaves the ring soaked in blood and the roster trying—and failing—to separate them. Also on the card: Chief Jay Strongbow (Sorta) vs. Barry O in the main event (yes, in 1991). Iceman King Parsons with Colonel DeBeers lurking at ringside. Captain Lou Albano introduces Sunny (Sandy) Beach in his own wacky way. Bruno answers another fan question on Ask the Wrestlers. It’s bloody, it’s bizarre, it’s Herb Abrams. Welcome to Episode #17 of the UWF Fury Cast! Chapters (00:00:11) - UWF Fury Hour(00:06:10) - Captain Lou's Corner With Sunny Beach(00:12:09) - Fury Hour(00:13:57) - Bruno Sammartino(00:14:43) - Give Me Back My Pro Wrestling(00:18:25) - UWF Fury Episode 17 Review

It’s time for a “special edition” of STSPOD ! “Was It Really THAT Good?” E30, Episode 764. Long time wrestling fans always talk fondly of the old days in professional wrestling, so Gene Jackson and Brian Tramel have joined forces to take a look at wrestling shows in the WWE VAULT or on YouTube. This episode they review Stan Frazier. After the Gene & BT are done - they answer “Was It Really THAT Good?” Chapters (00:00:02) - Back in the Rhythm(00:00:38) - Jerry Lawler on Plowboy Frazier(00:05:34) - Jerry Lawler On Turning A Hillbilly Into A WWE Champion(00:10:00) - Uncle Elmer in the 70s(00:14:13) - Lawler On Why Vince Didn't Want Him To Wrestle Andre(00:18:33) - Ricky Morton Actually Had Sex With A Midget(00:21:37) - Uncle Elmer On Hillbilly Jim's(00:25:06) - Hillbilly Jim on The Frazier Gimmick(00:29:31) - The Worst Tag Team in 1985 Was...(00:33:48) - Jerry Lawler on Kamala's Gimmicks(00:38:15) - Jerry Lawler on His Bad Wrestling

On this episode, we continue to flashback 50 years in Pro Wrestling History and today we go to one of the wildest and craziest territories in wrestling, the Detroit Territory in 1975. The territory, which the Sheik purchased from Jim Barnett in 1964, has been on an incredible run for at least 7 of the 11 years, Ed Farhat has been in charge. Starting in the early 1970s, as we learned from our Toronto Analyst, Wes Maidment, Farhat became the talent booker for Maple Leaf Gardens as well as his own territory through Michigan, Ohio and parts of West Virginia. Today, Detroit Analyst, Terry Sullivan, who did the announcing on the television show and worked in the office, joins Tony to talk about the turbulent year in Detroit of 1975 as the Sheik’s run has peaked and is heading for a downturn. Terry has great stories to share about Sheik and going to work for an outlaw promotion in opposition to Farhat and much more. There is an amazing connection to the Amarillo territory that they discuss in this show as well! Sign up for Tony's Substack and have pro wrestling history at your fingertips each and every day! https://tonyrichards4.substack.com/ Chapters (00:00:02) - Podcast(00:00:36) - Personalities, Territories, Towns and Buildings(00:01:47) - How Did You Get Involved in Pro Wrestling?(00:10:58) - Bob Finnegan, Chuck Le(00:11:44) - Wrestling Announcer Bob Finnegan on Becoming a(00:13:34) - The Sheik(00:17:45) - Terry Jones Can't Remember His First TV Taping(00:18:45) - Bruiser on the Outs(00:26:52) - Jack Kane Was the Booker for The Sheik(00:32:20) - Jack Black on The Sheik's Lifestyle(00:38:58) - The Sheik Should Have Slammed Andre The Giant(00:43:12) - Bobo vs Abdullah the Butcher(00:46:39) - Wild Bull Curry(00:50:40) - Detroit Wrestling on a Weekly Schedule(00:57:34) - Randy Savage on Phil Golden and His PAFOs(01:02:48) - Bob Kane on the Sheik's(01:04:48) - The Sheik's Office(01:11:05) - Terry McGuirk on Detroit Wrestling