Straight Shooters Wrestling Podcast
Philadelphia is a haven for professional wrestling, and we have the very best analysis coming to you from two of the best wrestling minds in the industry. Vaughn Johnson (Inquirer.com) & Nick Piccone (PhillyInfluencer.com, FoxPHLGambler.com, and formerly PhillyVoice.com) talk about the latest in the world of professional wrestling and usually dive deep into an event, movie, documentary, or anything else of the past during wrestling's glory years.Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, Thread, and Bluesky: @ShootersRadioFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/shootersradio
REWIND: WCW Great American Bash '96 Deep Dive
REWIND TIME.In this episode, we head to 1996 WCW, just weeks after Scott Hall appeared for the first time on WCW Monday Nitro. He and Kevin Nash would have a surprise in store for Eric Bischoff at that year's Great American Bash. So would Kevin Greene with his monster promo skills, Steve McMichael making the most shocking turn in WCW in the summer of 1996, and plenty more good stuff!Recorded June 2022. Featured in episode 329.--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone] [@vaughnjohnson]Facebook: [facebook.com/shootersradio]YouTube: [youtube.com/@shootersradio]Exclusive Patreon content: [patreon.com/shootersradio]
REWIND: WWF King of the Ring '01 Deep Dive
REWIND TIME.
After WWF purchased WCW in 2001, it was all downhill from there, we just didn't know it yet. King of the Ring took place in June 2001 and it was the last "WWF-only" PPV until December's Vengeance PPV later that year. Shane McMahon - the "owner" of WCW - took Kurt Angle to the limit (!), Booker T made his WWF debut and injured Stone Cold Steve Austin - hell, there were a ton of injuries on this show - an anticlimactic main event, Vince McMahon nowhere to be found, no celebration for the winner of the King of the...
REWIND: WWF King of the Ring '00 Deep Dive
REWIND TIME.We revisit, cautiously, 2000 WCW. Hulk Hogan vs. Billy Kidman? Sure. Booker T is GI Bro? Why not. Vampiro vs. Sting in a Human Torch match? Vince Russo, baby!Recorded June 2025. Featured in episode 434.--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone] [@vaughnjohnson]Facebook: [facebook.com/shootersradio]YouTube: [youtube.com/@shootersradio]Exclusive Patreon content: [patreon.com/shootersradio]
467: WCW Beach Blast '92 Deep Dive
In this episode, Vaughn and Nick dive deep into WCW's Beach Blast 1992. It's the Bill Watts era and a lot of things don't make sense. Sting is the WCW World Heavyweight Champion and facing Cactus Jack in a Falls Count ANYWHERE ON THE GULF COAST but the title isn't on the line. Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat and "Ravishing" Rick Rude face off in a 30-minute Iron Man Challenge, but Rude's U.S. Heavyweight Championship isn't on the line. The Steiner Brothers defend their World Tag Team Championships in the main event against "Dr. Death" Steve Williams and Terry "Bam Bam"...
REWIND: WWF King of the Ring '98 Deep Dive
REWIND TIME.28 years ago, we saw one of the most memorable moments in wrestling history. The Undertaker threw Mankind off the top of the Hell in a Cell and created one of the most significant moments not only in the Monday Night War era, but in the history of wrestling, period. Oh, yeah, there was also a King of the Ring tournament that night and Stone Cold Steve Austin lost the WWF Championship. It was a busy night! Recorded June 2023. Featured in episode 368.--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone] [@vaughnjohnson]Facebook: [
REWIND: WWF King of the Ring '97 Deep Dive
REWIND TIME. Nick and Vaughn dive deep into the 1997 WWF King of the Ring. Recorded June 2021. Featured in episode 288.--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone] [@vaughnjohnson]Facebook: [facebook.com/shootersradio]Exclusive Patreon content: [patreon.com/shootersradio]
REWIND: WWF King of the Ring '96 Deep Dive
REWIND TIME.On June 23, 1996, the World Wrestling Federation invaded the MECCA Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for their annual King of the Ring pay-per-view. This would be the first year where only semifinals and the finals took place on the actual pay-per-view, with more stacked matches than ever before. It certainly was, to date, the greatest WWF King of the Ring card ever. There certainly were seeds planted well before the Federation would head into the Attitude Era more than a year later, and many of them were seen during this show. So join us and dive deep into the 1996 King...
REWIND: ECW One Night Stand '06 Deep Dive
REWIND TIME.Join Vaughn Johnson and Nick Piccone as they dive deep into ECW's One Night Stand 2006. This was the beginning of the new ECW brand that would be headed by Paul Heyman as GM and Rob Van Dam as the ECW Champion... only for it to fall apart literally weeks later. Recorded June 2022. Featured in episode 328.--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [
REWIND: "Kayfabe: A Love Story" with Dave Rueter
REWIND TIME. Nick and Vaughn are joined by author Dave Rueter, who wrote Kayfabe: A Love Story, a fantastic look at the insane world of professional wrestling as if it were real life. Because kayfabe is alive and well, brother. Dave takes us through his journey, some behind-the-scenes stories of how the book came to be, some of his favorite stories, and much more. If you have a taste for the 80s and early 90s nostalgia of professional wrestling, press play! Get your copy of Kayfabe: A Love Story here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1735637041/ref=tmm_pap...
REWIND: ECW One Night Stand '05 Deep Dive
REWIND TIME.Join Vaugh Johnson and Nick Piccone as they dive deep into ECW's very first One Night Stand PPV from 2005. Recorded in June 2022. Featured in episode 327.--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone
466: NWA/WCW Capital Combat '90: Return of RoboCop Deep Dive
In this episode, Vaughn Johnson and Nick Piccone dive deep into NWA/WCW's Capital Combat 1990: Return of RoboCop! It was a show of all time. With Sting unable to wrestle due to injury, they tried something. We've also got some guys on the card that would soon make their way to the WWF. In fact, there were A LOT of guys that fit that bill.BUT FIRST, the guys discuss their thoughts on the AJ Brown trade to the Patriots, Love Island USA, WWE once again stifling hot talent, and more. Join us!--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [
465: AEW Dynamite/Collision Tapings in Philly Recap, WWE Clash in Italy Thoughts
Nick Piccone, Vaughn Johnson, and THE THIRD MAN Brian Isley discuss AEW's Dynamite and Collision shows in Philly, WWE Clash in Italy, and more.--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone] [
464: WWF Judgment Day '00 Deep Dive
This week, Nick and Vaughn dive deep into WWF's Judgment Day 2000, where The Rock defended the WWF Championship against Triple H in a 60-minute Iron Man Match. BUT FIRST, they discuss the passing of Ted Turner, the John Cena Classic, and more.--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone
463: WWF Backlash '99 Deep Dive; New Day Walks Away
This week, the guys dive deep into the latest Patreon request - WWF Backlash 1999. It's a rematch from WrestleMania XV as Stone Cold Steve Austin defends the WWF Championship against The Rock in a No Holds Barred match with Shane McMahon as the special referee!BUT FIRST, they discuss the latest round of WWE releases and what it could mean for the future, asking talent to take pay cuts, NEW DAY WALKING AWAY, Darby Allin becoming AEW World Champion, and MORE!--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio
462: WWE WrestleMania 42 Reaction
Nick Piccone, Vaughn Johnson, Roy Burton, and Mark Henry Jr. convene to discuss their reaction to WrestleMania 42.--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone] [
461: WWE WrestleMania 42 Roundtable
This week, the Wrestling Roundtable convenes to preview WrestleMania 42 this weekend! Nick Piccone, Vaughn Johnson, Jason Fanelli, and Jon Jansen discuss went wrong with the build, what they're looking forward to, make predictions, and more!--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone] [
460: WWF WrestleMania 14 Deep Dive; AEW Dynasty; Pat McAfee and WWE Still Don't Get It
This week, Nick and Vaughn dive deep into WWF WrestleMania 14. The tide was shifting and it was time for WWF to officially reign in the Attitude Era for good.BUT FIRST, we talk the latest nonsense surrounding WrestleMania and Pat McAfee, AEW Dynasty, and more.--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone] [
459: The Roadblock to WrestleMania; Cody/Orton Now Featuring McAfee, Punk/Roman, Oba Femi, AEW, and More
This week, Nick and Vaughn talk all things current day wrasslin', including: - What the hell is WWE doing on the Road to WrestleMania?- Cody Rhodes/Randy Orton, now featuring Pat McAfee!- CM Punk tells TKO to lower ticket prices- Oba Femi must beat Brock at Mania- AEW updates: Jericho is back, Dynasty PPV this weekend, and more!--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone
458: WWF WrestleMania 13 Deep Dive, Love Is Blind S10 Reunion, Ricochet, Oba Femi, and More
This week, Nick and Vaughn dive deep into WrestleMania 13 from 1997 as the card saw a ton of changes thanks to Shawn Michaels' knee injury that cost him his smile. BUT FIRST, they discuss Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar (and how Oba needs to squash Brock at Mania this year), Randy Orton's heel turn on Cody Rhodes, whether Cody-Randy or Punk-Reigns has more juice right now, AEW Revolution, Ricochet's latest social media controversy, and the Love Is Blind Season 10 reunion! --Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [
457: WWF WrestleMania XII Deep Dive, Cody Rhodes WWE Champion Again, Love Is Blind S10 Finale, and More!
This week, Nick and Vaughn dive deep into WrestleMania XII - headlined by Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart for the WWF Championship in an 60-minute Iron Man Match. BUT FIRST, they discuss Cody Rhodes becoming WWE Champion again and heading to WrestleMania 42 to defend against Randy Orton, Jade Cargill facing off against Rhea Ripley after the online messiness, CM Punk's controversial parting words for Roman Reigns, Danhausen's fitting into WWE just fine now, and the Love Is Blind Season 10 finale!--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [
456: Elimination Chamber Fallout, Love Is Blind Season 10, Trash Bars, and oh yeah, a WCW SuperBrawl VIII Deep Dive
The Third Man Brian Isley joins Vaugh Johnson and Nick Piccone this week to dive deep into WCW SuperBrawl VIII from 1998. It's the Hogan-Sting Rematch of the Century, Scott Steiner's heel turn to join the nWo, Juventud Guerrera unmasking, and more!BUT FIRST, the guys discuss the current day nonsense, including: Elimination Chamber fallout, Season 10 of Love Is Blind, Brian Isley's #TrashBars, and more!--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone
455: NXT TakeOver: Portland (Feb. 2020) Deep Dive
This week, Nick Piccone and Vaughn Johnson dive deep into another Patreon request - this time, it's NXT TakeOver: Portland from February 2020. It was the last TakeOver before the COVID-19 shutdown, so a lot was happening. They dive deep into it all on this episode.BUT FIRST, the guys discuss the current day nonsense in the world of wrestling, including: WHAT'S IN THE BOX!?, Bianca Belair undergoing finger surgery, WrestleMania's low ticket sales and new local blackout restrictions, AEW's Double or Nothing, and more.--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [
454: 2026 WWE Royal Rumble Reaction Roundtable and Looking Ahead to WrestleMania 42
This week, Nick Piccone and Vaughn Johnson are joined by Roy Burton and Mark Henry Jr. for another roundtable - this time discussing the outcomes of the 2026 Royal Rumble. With Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk and Liv Morgan vs. Stephanie Vaquer set, they discuss what else they're looking forward to on the Road to WrestleMania.--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone] [
453: 2026 WWE Royal Rumble Roundtable
The roundtable is back as Vaughn Johnson, Nick Piccone, Jason Fanelli, and Jon Jansen talk all things 2026 WWE Royal Rumble.--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone] [@vaughnjohnson]Facebook: [
452: NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia (01-27-18) Deep Dive
This week, the guys head back to January 2018, when NXT was the hottest wrestling product out there as it brought TakeOver to the Wells Fargo Center the night before the Royal Rumble.--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone] [@vaughnjohnson]Facebook: [
451: WWF Royal Rumble '96 Deep Dive
This week, Nick and Vaughn dive deep into the 1996 WWF Royal Rumble. What a time in the World Wrestling Federation.--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone] [@vaughnjohnson]Facebook: [
450: Looking Ahead to 2026
This week, Nick and Vaughn look ahead to what 2026 could have in store for the world of professional wrestling.--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone] [@vaughnjohnson]Facebook: [
449: John Cena's WWE Debut - SmackDown 06-27-02 Deep Dive
This week, we dive deep into the June 27, 2002 edition of WWE SmackDown, famously known for Batista's first in-ring match in WWE! Oh, and also John Cena's WWE debut. Against Kurt Angle!BUT FIRST, we discuss our reaction to John Cena tapping out in his final match, MJF's return to AEW, TNA's new TV deal with AMC, and more!--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone] [@vaughnjohnson
448: WWE Survivor Series '02 Deep Dive
This week, the guys dive deep into the 2002 WWE Survivor Series! It's the first-ever Elimination Chamber match! In fact, a lot of the matches had the ELIMINATION element to them except there were NO traditional Survivor Series matches. Hmm. Also, a ridiculous turn leads to a ridiculous champion, ridiculous ring attire for a new ridiculous champion, and more!BUT FIRST, we discuss all the WWE content soon to be ELIMINATED from Peacock entirely, where they might wind up, Netflix buying Warner Bros. Discovery and what that means for AEW, John Cena's last match at Saturday Night's Main Event against Gunther...
447: WWF Survivor Series '92 Deep Dive
This week, the guys dive deep into WWF Survivor Series 1992! The PERFECT Tag Team? WHO is in the main event? AND MORE!BUT FIRST, we discuss AEW Full Gear, Nick's wrestling tapes, AI used for bad again, and more.--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone] [@vaughnjohnson]Facebook: [
446: WWF Survivor Series '91 Deep Dive
This week, the guys dive deep into WWF Survivor Series 1991! The very first time the WWF Championship would be defended at the event as Hulk Hogan puts the WWF Championship on the line against The Undertaker! Ric Flair's first WWF PPV! And more.BUT FIRST, we discuss AEW's Blood & Guts matches, WWE's ice cold spell, John Cena's Intercontinental Championship win and The Last Time Is Now Tournament, Ridge Holland's latest update, and more.--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone] [
445: Reel Graps: 'They Live' Deep Dive
The great Jon Jansen joins us this week as we bring you another episode of our Reel Graps series, this time diving deep into the satirical science fiction film, They Live.--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone] [@vaughnjohnson]Facebook: [
REWIND: WCW Halloween Havoc '98 Deep Dive
HALLOWEEN HAVOC REWIND!WCW's Halloween Havoc 1998 took place on October 25, 1998 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Despite being red hot in 1997, WCW had its best fiscal year in 1998 and was setting records. Unfortunately, by October 1998, much of that money starting going down the drain as creative got worse and worse. This pay-per-view is the epitome of what laid ahead for WCW in the coming years. We got the Hogan vs. Warrior rematch. We wish we didn't. The undercard was brutal. The event wasn't even salvaged by a fantastic main event that featured Goldberg and Diamond Dallas Page...
REWIND: WCW Halloween Havoc '97 Deep Dive
HALLOWEEN HAVOC REWIND!WCW's Halloween Havoc 1997 took place on October 26, 1997 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. It garnered a 1.10 pay-per-view buyrate, and Nick Piccone was among those. WCW in 1997 was red hot and the road to Starrcade was no different. With a couple of bumps along the way, however, Halloween Havoc that year was a microcosm of what was to come for WCW. Pretty good start - lame finish. We dive deep into all the matches and happening of this time frame in our latest deep dive!
444: Reel Graps: 'See No Evil' Deep Dive
This week, we continue our Reel Graps series and take a deep dive into See No Evil! With Halloween around the corner, we dive into our very first horror movie on the pod!--Twitter/X: [@_piccone] [@VaughnMJohnson] [@ShootersRadio]Instagram: [@shootersradio]Threads: [@shootersradio] [@picconenick] [@vaughnjohnson166]Bluesky: [@shootersradio] [@piccone] [@vaughnjohnson]Facebook: [
REWIND: WWF In Your House: Badd Blood '97 Deep Dive
WWF IN YOUR HOUSE: BADD BLOOD REWIND!This week, the guys dive deep into the show that featured the very first Hell in a Cell match: WWF Badd Blood: In Your House. Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker gave us a match to remember, which none of the other matches on this show can say.
REWIND: WCW Halloween Havoc '96 Deep Dive
HALLOWEEN HAVOC REWIND!We're heading back to 1996 again - this time taking a deep dive into Slim Jim's Halloween Havoc 1996! The nWo was just born and "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan would defend the WCW World Heavyweight Championship against the "Macho Man" Randy Savage... and after the match, Hogan is in for a "ROWDY" SURPRISE!!!
REWIND: WWF In Your House: Buried Alive '96 Deep Dive
WWF IN YOUR HOUSE: BURIED ALIVE REWIND!WWF In Your House: Buried Alive was the 11th In Your House pay-per-view offering from the revolutionary force in sports entertainment, and it took place on October 20, 1996 at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1996, the World Wrestling Federation was trying some new things, especially with the nWo angle in World Championship Wrestling beginning to take off in popularity. This Buried Alive Match was one of those things, and simply put, the winner would have to bury his opponent alive. We take a deep dive, no pun intended, into the pay-per-view, where...
REWIND: WCW Halloween Havoc '95 Deep Dive
HALLOWEEN HAVOC REWIND!Hulk Hogan and The Giant would square off not once... but twice! The Sumo Monster Truck Match and the WCW World Heavyweight Championship match would feature the two... all the while the Giant would fall off the roof in the building in between those events. It's really a hoot.
REWIND: WCW Halloween Havoc '94 Deep Dive
HALLOWEEN HAVOC REWIND!It was Hulk Hogan vs. Ric Flair in a Steel Cage Retirement match... ALREADY. Hogan had debuted for WCW in June that prior year and they're already blowing it off. Oh, WCW.
