DEADLOCK: A Pro Wrestling Podcast
The DEADLOCK Podcast is an off-the-rails retrospective look at pro wrestling's highest & lowest points hosted by James Darnell & John Blud. Formerly the present, currently the past, sometimes the future - this podcast has seemed to do it all when it comes to the landscape of professional wrestling. If you enjoy wrestling, you'll like it here. If you don't enjoy wrestling, you'll probably like it here even more. The boys are back in town.
Revisiting WWE SmackDown 2008 - The MyNetworkTV Debut Episode
"If you rock like me..."
It's a new era for WWE SmackDown, and that era begins tonight! It is the debut episode of SmackDown on MyNetworkTV, and with that comes, of course, a very 2008 episode. We have new graphics, a new intro, a new theme song, and an ALL-STAR lineup. So they say.
50 of the biggest and best stars of the time are scheduled to be on this episode of SmackDown, which is being ran & booked by...The Big Show?! Big Show has taken command of the show, as Vickie Guerrero was hit with a TOMBSTONE...
Revisiting WWF Sunday Night Heat 1999 - Triple H Becomes The Game
"You guys talk about being students of The Game..."
Somehow, there are way more major moments in WWF history that went down on Heat than we ever realized! On this episode of the podcast, we're going to take a look back at this episode of WWF Sunday Night HEAT from July 25, 1999. This is the first time we're covering an episode of Heat that takes place on the same night as a PPV!
WWF Sunday Night Heat would often air one hour before a Pay-Per-View, live on television. This is taking place before the Fully Loaded 1999 PPV...
Revisiting TNA iMPACT 2008 - The Formation Of The Main Event Mafia & The First iMPACT In HD
"Here's to the Main Event Mafia. Born Tonight. Amen."
It's time to CROSS THE LINE...that separates the iMPACT Zone from the rest of the world. That's right, for the first time ever, TNA iMPACT is taking place outside of the iMPACT Zone, as they make their debut at the world famous Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas! Not only is this show live, but this is the first time TNA is broadcasting in HD.
Mick Foley & Jeff Jarrett have been talking about a huge announcement, and Mick Foley is going to make that announcement...
Revisiting ECW on TNN 1999 - The Dudley Boyz Leave & Raven Returns!
"3D just did us all in!"
On September 3rd, 1999, TNN aired the second (2nd) episode of ECW, which is the first episode that had any brand-new matches for the program, as the first episode was a compilation of matches from previously aired pay-per-views and shows. Now, it's time to see what Paul Heyman & ECW actually have to offer!
The timing of the events that unfold on this episode are pretty crazy, and it's all jam-packed into a 45 minute show. The ECW fans already know that The Dudley Boyz are on their way out, and the Dudleyz...
Revisiting WWF RAW Is War 1999 - The Higher Power Is Revealed
"EVEN MY IMMEDIATE FAMILY BOUGHT IT!"
Somehow, this is an episode we have never covered before, but it is a moment that we have referenced many, many times over the years.
On this episode of the DEADLOCK Podcast, we're taking a look back at the infamous episode of WWF RAW Is War from June 7th, 1999, where Vince McMahon is revealed to be the GREATER POWER! Or, the higher power. It really depends on who you ask.
For 3 months, The Undertaker has been referencing this 'greater power', and last week on RAW, Stone Cold Steve...
Revisiting WWE SmackDown 2005 - Heidenreich & The Big Chocolate Bar
"I love Hershey's Chocolate so much, I wrote a little poem about it!"
In the history of this podcast, we have reviewed some of the biggest moments in wrestling history, but somehow, this one has not been reviewed by us. On this episode, we talk about one of the most important moments in this sport, and that is the time that Heidenreich came to the ring with a gigantic chocolate bar, with chocolate all over his face. The WWE didn't know what they had, and it is one of the times that the company didn't capitalize on a...
Revisiting WCW Monday Nitro 1995 - The Dungeon Of Doom Shave Hulk Hogan's Mustache
"If 10,000 little Hulksters couldn't stop me, you sure can't!"
Hulk Hogan is known for a lot of things, with one of them being his iconic mustache. On this episode of WCW Monday Nitro from October 2nd, 1995, we see the beginning of the end of Hulkamania. At least, that's what The Taskmaster & The Dungeon of Doom thought.
The Giant has set out to destroy Hulkamania, with instructions from The Taskmaster, The Dungeon Master, and the rest of the Dungeon of Doom. The Giant has already injured Hulk Hogan's neck, and Jimmy Hart has already warned The Hulkster...
Revisiting TNA iMPACT 2006 - Jeff Jarrett's Lie Detector Test
"The polygraph says... YOU'RE A DAMN LIAR!"
The 60 Minute Adrenaline Rush is back, as are the boys! We're back to 2006 TNA, where things are looking up for the six-sided brand. Kurt Angle has just left the WWE and is on his way in, but before we can figure out what the plans are for him, TNA looks ahead to it's next PPV, No Surrender, as well as their biggest event of the year, Bound For Glory.
Jeff Jarrett, once again, has been a controversial figure here in TNA, especially as the reigning NWA World Heavyweight Champion...
Revisiting WWF Heat 1999 - The Rock's Infamous Promo On Billy Gunn
"But my name's Billy..."
After having such a good time reviewing WWF Heat recently, we decided to jump back in for one of the more infamous moments in the history of this show. A moment that we didn't even realize took place on Heat! On July 11th, 1999, The Rock showed up on Heat to deliver a promo that would change the course of Billy Gunn's career, and is still talked about to this day.
"Mr. Ass" Billy Gunn has been attacking The Rock over the past few weeks, and The Rock finally has something to say...
Revisiting WWE RAW 2005 - The Night Before The Release Of The Xbox 360
"Jump in!"
We have made it to Episode 360 of the DEADLOCK Podcast, and we thought we'd combine our love for wrestling with our love for the Xbox 360 for this review. We decided to go back to the night before the release of the Xbox 360, and see what the WWE was doing with their flagship show, Monday Night RAW, at the time. The Xbox 360 released on November 22, 2005, and this episode of RAW is from November 21, 2005!
We're on the road to Survivor Series 2005, and this is RAW's go-home show before the "big" PPV. RAW & Smackdown are fighting for...
Revisiting WCW Nitro 1996 - The Nitro After Hollywood Hogan Won The WCW Title At Hog Wild
"We got any birthday cake left?"
We are two (2) days removed from one of WCW's most unique PPV events, Hog Wild 1996, and history was changed forever. "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan defeated The Giant to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, before spray-painting the title with 'NWO', one of the most iconic looks for a championship ever.
This episode of WCW Monday Nitro took place on August 12th, 1996, and we're looking at the fall-out from that very PPV. The WCW management & wrestlers are all trying to figure out how to combat the trio of Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash...
Revisiting WWF Heat 1999 - The Night Before The Highest Rated RAW Ever
"Bossman...take the keys."
We're in uncharted territory here on this episode of the DEADLOCK Podcast, as for only the 2nd time ever, we take a look back at an episode of WWF Sunday Night HEAT! This episode of Heat is from May 9th, 1999, which just so happens to be the night before the highest rated episode of WWF RAW is WAR ever. Surely, all of the people that tuned in for RAW were just so fired up from this episode of Heat, so what could have possibly been going on?!
Tonight, we're going to hear...
Revisiting WWE SmackDown 2007 - The Great Khali Wins The World Title
"Whether you like it or not, ladies & gentlemen, the monster's reign has begun!"
When a top guy gets injured, you have to call an audible, and on this episode of WWE SmackDown from July 20, 2007, WWE had a big decision to make. The current World Heavyweight Champion, Edge, has gone down with an injury, and we are only 2 days away from the Great American Bash 2007 PPV. What do they do?! Well, the only thing they can do; have a 20 man over the top rope BATTLE ROYAL to decide the new World Heavyweight Champion.
Of course, all the...
Revisiting WWE ECW 2006 - The 2nd Episode, John Cena Confronts The ECW Roster
"Let The Bodies Hit The Floor!"
Just over 20 years ago, on June 20th, 2006, WWE brought us the 2nd episode of ECW on Sci-Fi. The first episode of WWE ECW has taken place to much criticism, but also a fantastic rating of over 3 million viewers. With the debut of talent like Kurt Angle & Big Show, as well as characters like The ECW Zombie, no one really knew what to expect from this show. Seemingly, that 'no one' included the people in charge. By the way, you can check out our review of the 1st episode of WWE ECW right...
Revisiting WWE RAW 2005 - Matt Hardy Invades, Attacks Edge & Shouts Out Ring Of Honor
"RING OF HONOR!! R-O-H!!"
On this episode of the DEADLOCK Podcast, we're headed back to July 11th, 2005 to re-visit this much talked about moment in wrestling history. The Edge/Matt Hardy/Lita drama is still unfolding at this time, with Matt Hardy having been released due to it all. But, on this episode of RAW, Matt Hardy is back for revenge! Matt shows up, attacks Edge during his match with Kane, and shouts "COME SEE ME AT RING OF HONOR! ROH!" into the microphone.
John Cena recently joined the brand, and is already at odds with...
Revisiting WWE NXT 2010 - The Season 2 Finale!
"We are wild...and young!"
A moment in time so incredible that it has both been remembered & forgotten, and then remembered again, over the course of the last 16 years. It's time for us to head back to the world of NXT, during an era where the WWE just really wanted to make some people look really dumb on television.
NXT Season 2 comes to an end here on this episode, and we get to find out who is the NEXT BREAKOUT WWE SUPERSTAR! They can only be so lucky. Not Lucky Cannon, though. Who in the end...
Revisiting WCW Thunder 2000 - Scott Steiner Attacks A Duck
"I HATE DUCKS!"
A moment in wrestling that everyone has seen, but very few understand the context, which brings us to watching this episode...where we get even less context. Of course, this episode has the infamous scene where Scott Steiner attacks...a duck!
It's WCW Thunder from September 27th, 2000, and we are in quite an "interesting" time in WCW. Vince Russo has just won the WCW World Championship, and everyone has absolutely lost their minds. Literally everyone. From the talent, to the staff, to the announce team, especially on this episode. Most of the top...
Revisiting WWF RAW 2001 - Kurt Angle Kidnaps Stone Cold Steve Austin
"Look at that! 200 feet!"
It's time to talk about the INVASION era once again! Stone Cold Steve Austin is the WWF Champion, and last week on SmackDown, he made possibly the biggest mistake of his career; he threw Kurt Angle's Olympic Gold Medals over a bridge, into the river. Stone Cold seems to be involved in a lot of these bridge angles, now that we think about it. But, now it's RAW is WAR, and Kurt Angle is out for revenge. So much so, that Kurt Angle KIDNAPS Stone Cold, and takes him to a bridge in an...
Revisiting WWE RAW 2006 - Fake Kane Confronts Real Kane
"This Will NEVER Be Over!"
We're coming up on Memorial Day, so what better way to celebrate America than by watching a Memorial Day episode of WWE Monday Night RAW?! Hooray! Of course, we are only a few weeks removed from the last episode of RAW from 2006 we watched, which means we are right in the middle of Kane's "May 19th" situation. Except this time, we finally get to find out who is behind all of the mystery & shenanigans that have been haunting Kane for weeks now. It's...himself! Masked Kane interrupts Kane's match with Shelton Benjamin, which...
Revisiting WWE RAW 2006 - Joey Styles QUITS, Fallout From WWE Backlash
"I'm not good enough to call BACKLASH?!"
The May 1st, 2006 episode of WWE Monday Night RAW brings us the fallout from the PPV that took place the night before, Backlash! Of course, to capitalize on the momentum of this PPV, Vince McMahon opens the show & lets everyone know that he doesn't really feel like working tonight, and he is going to let all of the members of the Spirit Squad run the show. Yes, all of them. Kenny. Johnny. Mitch. Nicky. Mikey. All of them.
Of course, that comes with a lot of "interesting" matches, including...
Revisiting WWF RAW 1996 - Jim Ross Brings Razor Ramon & Diesel Back To The WWF!
"Far as I know, that's Razor Ramon!"
On this edition of the DEADLOCK Podcast, we take a look back at this episode of WWF Monday Night RAW from September 30th, 1996. Everyone has been glued to their screens, waiting for the returns of Razor Ramon & Diesel to the WWF. Everyone thought they were long gone, taking over WCW as Scott Hall & Kevin Nash, but Good Ol' Jim Ross has come up with an unbelievable plan which involves bringing the very real Razor Ramon & Diesel back home. We've seen glimpses of them, and last week on RAW, JR re-introduced The...
Revisiting WWE RAW 2007 - Kevin Federline Faces John Cena
"I'd like to formally introduce myself.."
It's a new year for the WWE. In fact, it's New Year's Day! It's January 1st, 2007, and the big match going into this one is the first time encounter between John Cena, and "A-List Celebrity" Kevin Federline. Federline cost Cena a match at the Cyber Sunday PPV a couple months back, and then challenged him to this match here on the first RAW of the year. Yes, Kevin Federline made the challenge to the current WWE Champion, and he accepted.
Kevin Federline isn't the only person John Cena has to...
Revisiting WWF Superstars of Wrestling 1991 - Jake Roberts' Snake Bites Macho Man!
"GET RANDY SAVAGE OUTTA' THERE!"
One of the most insane moments to take place in pro-wrestling history not only happened on television, but it was long before the WWF had an 'attitude'!
On this episode of the DEADLOCK Podcast, we take a look back at this episode of WWF Superstars of Wrestling from November 23, 1991, where Jake "The Snake" Roberts unleashes his deadliest attack on "Macho Man" Randy Savage. With Macho Man trapped in the ropes, Jake Roberts brought a King Cobra over to him just so it could take a big bite out of Macho Man's a...
Revisiting WWF RAW Is WAR 1999 - The Rock, The British Bulldog, & The Dog Poop
"INTO THE DOG POOP! THE DOG POOP!"
Some moments just last the tests of time, and somehow, this is one of them for us. On this edition of the DEADLOCK Podcast, we take a look back at this episode of WWF RAW is WAR from October 11, 1999. We're less than a week away from WWF No Mercy, which means we have to cram as much as possible into this show, as well as SmackDown!, before the PPV. We're also in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia, so the WWF is ready to take as many shots at WCW as...
Revisiting TNA iMPACT 2007 - Kurt Angle Interrogates The Roster To Find Sting's Mystery Partner!
The constantly paranoid Kurt Angle is back at it again, only slightly removed from the episode where he went to Sting's son's baseball game, and then attacked him in the parking lot. This time, Kurt is trying to figure out who is going to team up with Sting at TNA Genesis 2007, as he's been placed in a tag team match for his World Heavyweight Championship.
Yes, that's right. The TNA World Championship is on the line in a tag team match on PPV. Kurt is teaming up with his now-rival, Kevin Nash, to take on Sting & a partner...
Revisiting Lucha Underground Season 1, Episode 4 - The Debut of King Cuerno
"You're the first prey...of KING CUERNO!"
The boys are back in the Temple, as we continue on our Lucha Underground series! On this episode of Lucha Underground, we are introduced to King Cuerno, as he takes on Drago. Dario Cueto wasn't impressed with Drago last week in the three-way main event, and tonight, he has a chance to prove himself against the debuting savage.
Speaking of that three-way main event from episode 3, the other two men that were in that match, Pentagon Jr. and Fenix, will also have a match tonight! How can they possibly t...
Revisiting WCW Monday Nitro 1995 - Madusa Throws The WWF Women's Title In The Trash!
"Now, THIS is where the Big Girls play..."
On December 18, 1995, WCW continued to ride the wave of momentum they had been creating over the past few months with their flagship show, WCW Monday Nitro. On this episode of Nitro, in the very first segment of the show, we are introduced to the newest member of the WCW roster. Not only the newest member of the roster, but the current WWF Women's Champion?!
Alundra Blayze, now known as Madusa, made her debut in a big way. Something that we rarely seen on national pro-wrestling television. Madusa took...
Revisiting WWF RAW is WAR 1997 - Go-Home To WrestleMania 13, Bret Hart SNAPS!
"THIS IS BULL.."
We're on the road to WWF WrestleMania 13, but before we get there, we have to set into the WAR ZONE. That's right, it's WWF Monday Night RAW is WAR, which is a really long name that eventually is just WWF RAW is WAR! There's a lot of big matches coming up on this PPV, and we get a little piece of all of them on this very show.
Of course, this is the episode of RAW where Bret Hart, after a main event cage match for the WWF Championship against Sycho Sid, loses...
Revisiting ECW Hardcore TV 1996 - Beulah Is Pregnant! Plus, The 7th Annual DEADIES!
"IT'S TOMMY'S?!"
On this edition of the DEADLOCK Podcast, we take a look back at this episode of ECW Hardcore TV from January 16, 1996. ECW only continues to get bigger, and the bigger they get, the crazier the show gets. This is a prime example of ECW at it's most "ECW".
In one of the more infamous moments in company history, Beulah McGillicutty, Raven's "girlfriend", has a confession on this episode, and it's that she's pregnant. Raven immediately thinks it's Stevie Richards, and attacks him, only for Beulah to finally admit that the baby's father is Tommy...
Revisiting Lucha Underground Season 1, Episode 3 - The Debut of Pentagon Jr, Fenix, & Drago!
THIS...IS A TEMPLE!
The boys are back in town for the 2nd time this week, with DOUBLE DEADLOCK, to continue on the first season of LUCHA UNDERGROUND! We're at the third episode now, and business is really starting to pick up for Dario Cueto. We have a big main event, consisting of three luchadors that will become mainstays here in Lucha Underground for years to come.
Konnan has told Dario Cueto that he can't say that his Temple has the best luchadores in the world, if he doesn't have these three talents from Mexico; Pentagon J...
Revisiting WCW Saturday Night 1992 - The First Episode!
After over twenty years of wrestling running on Saturday's on TBS, WCW decided to re-brand their show to "WCW Saturday Night"!
On this episode of the DEADLOCK Podcast, we take a look back at the re-launching of WCW's Saturday Night show, which is now being called, of course, WCW Saturday Night! This "new" show debuted it's new branding on April 4th, 1992.
Hosted by Jim Ross & Jesse Ventura (for this week), we get a look at WCW's new idea for this show, which involves more of a talk-show feeling to it, as Jim Ross & Jesse Ventura take u...
Revisiting WWF SmackDown! 2001 - Rhyno Gores Jericho Through The Set & The Invasion Continues!
The final time you'll see the SmackDown "Oval-Tron" in action.
On this episode of the DEADLOCK Podcast, we take a look back at this episode of WWF SmackDown! from August 9, 2001. The Invasion is in full effect, and Stone Cold Steve Austin, the current WWF Champion, looks to continue to lead his team of WCW & ECW wrestlers into SummerSlam. At Summerslam, Austin is set to defend his title against Kurt Angle. But tonight, Austin steps in the ring with The Dudley Boyz, Bubba Ray Dudley & D-Von Dudley, to take on Kurt Angle & The Hardy Boyz, Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy.<...
Revisiting TNA iMPACT 2008 - The Debut of Mick Foley!
BANG BANG! A signing that Jeff Jarrett calls the 'greatest acquisition in TNA history' (because he hates Kurt Angle) has finally arrived to the iMPACT Zone! Mick Foley is here for the first time in-person on a TNA show!
On this episode of the DEADLOCK Podcast, we take a look back at this episode of TNA iMPACT from October 2nd, 2008. Bound For Glory, the biggest event of the year for TNA, is right around the corner, and a lot of things need to be settled. Samoa Joe & Sting are battling over not only the World Championship, but r...
Revisiting WWE SmackDown 2004 - The Daniel Puder/Kurt Angle Incident
It's November 4th, 2004, and for Kurt Angle, it was supposed to be a regular day in the ring, but what nearly happens could have changed the careers of him & his "opponent" forever!
On this episode of the DEADLOCK Podcast, we're going to take a look at the infamous incident between Kurt Angle & Tough Enough Season 4's Daniel Puder. Puder, who is definitely from the UFC, has become a fan favorite as of late on the SmackDown-exclusive "Million Dollar Tough Enough". Al Snow has brought Kurt Angle out to teach these guys a lesson in what it takes...
Revisiting WCW Monday Nitro 1996 - 1st World Title Change On Nitro, Macho Man vs Ric Flair, Hogan Wants A Title Shot
WCW emanates from Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas for this edition of WCW Monday Nitro on January 22nd, 1996, where there are not one, but TWO big title matches on hand.
The WCW World Heavyweight Championship is currently held by Ric Flair, and on this edition of WCW Nitro, he defends it against "The Macho Man" Randy Savage. But, this isn't the main event! The second title match, which sees Harlem Heat defending the WCW World Tag Team Championships against Sting & Lex Luger...is also not the main event!
The main event of this show sees Hulk Hogan taking...
Revisiting Lucha Underground S1 Episode 2 - Mil Muertes Debuts, Chavo Guerrero Turns Heel
The boys are back in The Temple!
Last week, we took our first look at Lucha Underground. We had such a good time with it, that we decided for the first time to do a BACK-TO-BACK review, following up on the last episode. This week, we're taking a look at the 2nd episode of Lucha Underground!
Big Ryck, as well as his henchmen Cortez Castro & Cisco are here to run their mouths some more after the damage they dealt out to Johnny Mundo & Prince Puma after last episode's main event. But, Mundo & Puma don't take the trash talk...
Revisiting Lucha Underground Season 1 - The Debut Episode, Prince Puma vs Johnny Mundo, $100,000 Up For Grabs
Welcome to LUCHA UNDERGROUND! The year is 2014, and a brand new wrestling company has popped up on a network that hasn't had wrestling before, the El Rey Network. Lucha Underground gave us a different look at how television wrestling can be produced, and this first episodes gives us an early idea on the direction they were looking to go. Dario Cueto is the man in charge, a promoter that has opened up his 'Temple' to luchadores from all around the world. In this first episode, he has $100,000 on the line to the best fighter of the night. Little did we...
Revisiting WWF RAW 1996 - Go-Home Show for IYH: Buried Alive, Mankind & Undertaker Speak, Stone Cold vs HBK, and Fake Diesel & Razor Ramon!
We're on the road to WWF In Your House: Buried Alive, where The Undertaker & Mankind will do battle in the first ever Buried Alive match! To get you ready for that match, Mankind & Undertaker have some things to say from, of course, a graveyard. In the main event of this episode of WWF Monday Night RAW, Stone Cold Steve Austin will take on Shawn Michaels in their first one-on-one match in RAW history. Steve Austin is getting ready for his match against Savio Vega at the PPV, and Shawn Michaels...is not doing anything at the PPV because his schedule...
Revisiting WCW Monday Nitro 1996 – The Debut of Crow Sting, WCW/NWO Rivalry Grows, & Hollywood Hogan's New Movie!
It's WCW Nitro from October 21, 1996! We're on the road to Halloween Havoc 1996, and the New World Order are on a tear, taking out anyone and everyone in their path. WCW are still putting up a fight, but they need someone to step up to the plate and lead them to victory! There's only one man that can get the job done, and he makes his return to WCW after a month long absence; it's STING! Sting is back, and for the first time, he makes an appearance with the beginning stages of the "Crow Sting" look. But, whose side is...
Revisiting WWF Superstars of Wrestling 1987 – Piper's Pit with Hulk Hogan & Andre The Giant, Outback Jack, and New Tag Team Champions!
The biggest WrestleMania of all time (there have only been two so far) is upon is, and with no matches announced, and a venue that is only just getting announced on this show, the WWF is going to have to pull out all the stops to have record-breaking attendance numbers for this one. Thankfully for them, life as a pro wrestling fan is a lot different in 1987, and a match like Hulk Hogan vs Andre The Giant is enough to sell NINETY-THOUSAND TICKETS (or maybe not, dude). The date is February 7, 1987 for this episode of WWF Superstars of Wrestling. Roddy...
