The Retro Wrestling Archive Podcasts

Was It Really That Good? returns for STSPod's ROCKTOBER as BT and Gene Jackson look back at Flex Kavana aka the Rock's brief stay in the USWA in 1996. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com

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 Chris Cruise and usual gang of CWN for this episode. Originally sent out to customers in June, 1990. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com

In this special milestone episode, Gene Jackson sits down with his friend, Co-Author, and Tag Team Legend Wolfie D for a candid, unfiltered conversation about their brand new book, 'A Tale of Two Wolves'. Gene and Wolfie pull back the curtain on how the project came together, the wild summer of co-writing Wolfie's life story, the personal battles and emotional breakthroughs that fueled Wolfie’s story. From memories of Brian Christopher, Ace Frehley, and Road Dogg, the car wreck that eventually spawned the Slash character, the epic rise of the 'Disciples of the New Church in TNA, to the fallout of PG-13 and Wolfie’s fight for redemption this episode provides background on almost every chapter! You’ll hear about: How A Tale of Two Wolves came to life (and blew past 330 pages!) What Wolfie learned digging into his past, addiction, and recovery Inside stories of TNA’s Disciples of the New Church, Brian Lee, Belladonna, and Father James Mitchell How the forwards came together with Jeff Jarrett and James Mitchell along with an afterword from Nick "U-Gene" Dinsmore The lost “Ace Frehley moment” that he shared with his buddy Brian Christopher *** Order the book: tinyurl.com/WolfieDBook *** This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com

This week, Gene Jackson had a conversation with one of the most respected voices of wrestling’s territory wrestling era, Terry Sullivan, the legendary announcer from Big Time Wrestling in Detroit and WWA’s Bruiser Bedlam in Indianapolis! Terry takes us on a journey back to Cobo Hall, recalling what it was like working for The Sheik (Ed Farhat) and witnessing firsthand the blood, chaos, and magic that made Detroit wrestling unlike anything else. From wild riots in Dayton to backstage stories about Bobo Brazil, Pampero Firpo, and even Captain Ed George, this one’s packed with rare insight into one of wrestling’s toughest territories. Topics include: Getting hired by The Sheik, complete with a threat to cut his tongue out! The rise and fall of Big Time Wrestling in Detroit Bobo Brazil’s groundbreaking stardom The infamous “robbery” of the Cobo Arena box office Pampero Firpo’s connection to the Macho Man’s famous “OHHH YEAH!” What really killed the Detroit territory? This episode is a must listen for fans of 60s–70s wrestling history and old school storytelling from someone who lived it all. Look for Terry to return to the show in the coming weeks to discuss working for the WWA and Bruiser Bedlam. If you have questions for Terry that you would like Gene to ask, shoot them over in an email to genejackson95@gmail.comWatch more classic territory content every week on Retro Wrestling with Gene Jackson! Subscribe at youtube.com/@RetroWrestlingArchive FOR TONS OF EXCLUSIVE RETRO WRESTLING CONTENT: Check out our Patreon at www.patreon.com/retrowrestlingarchivee This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com

Episode 10What 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 10 as Jeff sits down to talk to Eddie Gilbert, 1991. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com

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 9 for John & Jeff first doing their regular shtick. Then Jeff sits down to talk to “Nightmare” Danny Davis & Cody Michaels in USWA,1991. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com

Episode 7What 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 with Dutch Mantell from 1994. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com

This week, Gene sits down with the acclaimed wrestling author and historian Brian R. Solomon, the man behind two of the best biographies ever written about professional wrestling:Blood & Fire: The Unbelievable Real Life Story of The Original SheikIrresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla MonsoonIn this deep, candid conversation, Gene and Brian talk about:The creative process of tackling massive subjects like The Sheik and Gorilla MonsoonHow Brian unearthed lost history about Capitol Wrestling Corporation, Toots Mondt, and Vince McMahon Sr.Monsoon’s transformation from a 400-pound “Manchurian Giant” into one of the most beloved commentators in wrestlingThe real story behind Gorilla’s family life, his friendship with Bobby Heenan, and his shocking in-ring moment with Big Van VaderWhy so many great wrestling stories are nearly impossible to tell—and what makes them worth fighting to preserveIt’s one of the most insightful, fascinating, and downright fun interviews we’ve ever done on Retro Wrestling.If you’re a fan of Gorilla Monsoon, The Sheik, or classic wrestling history, this is must-hear stuff!Listen now and check out Brian’s podcast “Shut Up and Wrestle” Get Irresistible Force and Blood & Fire on Amazon. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com

On this week’s episode of The UWF Fury Cast, Gene Jackson dives headfirst into one of the most bizarre and bloody installments of The Fury Hour yet, Episode #19! From Dr. Death Steve Williams bleeding for no reason to identical twins with identical bald spots brawling with the “Beach Boys of Wrestling,” this one is pure 1991 UWF insanity.Episode Highlights:* Dr. Death opens the show by absolutely murdering Carmine Albano (and somehow busting himself open in the process).* The debut of Wet & Wild, a tag team that looks like backup dancers from a Beach Boys video versus the Power Twins, who might actually be feuding with their own bald spots.* Captain Lou Albano’s Captain’s Corner gets completely hijacked by Cactus Jack, who cuts one of the most unhinged promos in UWF history.* Cowboy Bob Orton vs. B. Brian Blair: the feud that just won’t die (even if the crowd already has).* Referees getting knocked out, random DQs, and Herb Abrams screaming at wrestlers for no reason, so you know, the usual.Gene breaks it all down with his trademark sarcasm, southern humor, and genuine disbelief that any of this ever made TV.👇 Subscribe for more retro wrestling madness!📺 YouTube.com/@RetroWrestlingArchive💥 Patreon.com/RetroWrestlingArchive for early access, watchalongs, and the infamous HOT MICS post-shows! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com

Bill Rush joins Brian Tramel for a new episode of the flagship show “Shootin’ The Shiznit”! On this episode, BT sits down with former Memphis wrestling referee and wrestler Bill Rush to reflect on his lifelong passion for the sport and his experiences in the USWA territory. From watching Saturday morning wrestling with his family in the ’70s to working with legends like Jerry Lawler, Bill Dundee, and Eric Embry, Rush shares stories of his early training on outlaw shows, his transition from wrestler to referee, and his unforgettable moments in the ring—including taking a dangerous top-rope piledriver from Embry on live TV. The conversation dives deep into the culture of Memphis wrestling, the camaraderie and chaos behind the scenes, and how one fan’s childhood dream to be part of the business actually came true. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com

It’s time for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit!” STS brings you the 2nd Annual “Memphis In May.” Brian Tramel is joined by Jerry Jarrett for Episode #214. Jerry talks about Blytheville, AR, Fabulous Ones, the new Fabs, getting out of wrestling, Olympus Wrestling Reality Show, Jarrett Parson’s Wrestling TV Roku channel, scaffold match, Bruce Prichard and much more!! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com

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 11: Jerry Lawler “Brian Tramel is a fat piece of shit.” Originally sent out to customers in May, 1990 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com

It’s time for the 100th episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit” and for this episode we have Jeff Jarrett and a WWE HOF Roundtable!Jeff talks about his first meeting with BT, asking a question at the gimmicks table, talks about HOF, who will induct him in the HOF?, is Jeff ready for the last run?, who would you want to work for the final run?, fantasy booking, tagging with Billy Travis vs Paul Diamond & Pat Tanaka and more!The second part of the show, BT is joined by Lance LeVine, Brian Thompson and Jo Jo Feeney to talk WWE HOF. In roundtable format, they each have a pick for “who should be in?” and “who should be out?”Enjoy 33 minutes of a fun episode !! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com

This is the 4th & final episode of our 6th Annual ROCKTOBER! This year we do a music podcast, then a wrestling podcast about The Rock! It’s time for a “special edition” of STS ! “Was It Really THAT Good?” E33, Episode, 998. 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 on YouTube. This episode Brian Tramel is solo and he takes a deep dive into the Rock singing for Can You Smell What The Rock Is Singing? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com

It’s time for a brand new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit!” Brian Tramel sits down with Memphis legend “Superstar” Bill Dundee for Episode 182! Dundee joins BT to talk about backstage, kayfabe, booking for Mid South Wrestling, meeting with the WWE & Undertaker keeping him from going there, pulling a gun on Savage, running a strip club, working as a tag team wrestler, BT/Dundee story, how to book Dundee, and more. A fun 40 mins! Find all the archives at stspod.club. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com

Brian Tramel was joined by Steve Crawford for the flagship show “Shootin’ The Shiznit.” They talk about: Tony Myers, college buddies, Ray Russell, meeting Bobby Eaton, NWA convention, Memphis Wrestling in 1977 and much more! 5.22.25 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com

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. From outlandish storylines to mind-bending maneuvers, THE WTF News Desk is your go-to source for all things unconventional in the fight world. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com

Steve Crawford joins Brian Tramel for a new episode of the flagship show “Shootin’ The Shiznit”! On episode 832, Steve & BT talk about this past weekend’s Wrestling Legends Reunion & Jerry "The King" Lawler Celebration.Originally hit the main feed 5.13.24 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com

It’s time for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit!” STS brings you the last episode in the 2nd Annual “Memphis In May.” Brian Tramel is joined by longtime fan & friend Steve Crawford for Episode 224. In the this interview Steve talks about growing up as as fan of Memphis Wrestling, wrestling angles, Lance Russell, Lawler in Polynesian Wrestling, how did he meet BT, Bobby Eaton and much more !  Originally hit the main feed 5.30.2019. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com