Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam

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Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam

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Episode 438: Jake Roberts Was Wasted
Yesterday at 11:47 PM

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we discuss the following:

— Was WrestleMania III the beginning of the end for the territories?
— Was JCP / the NWA doomed, or could better decisions have saved the promotion?
— Was Randy Savage the most complete performer of the 1980s? —Ric Flair versus Hulk Hogan: who was really the bigger star?
— The career we never got to see: Magnum T.A.
— The Fabulous Freebirds: the most influential faction of the decade?
— Ricky Steamboat: why wasn’t he the face of a major promotion?
— The Ultimate Warrior experiment: Was Warrior a legi...


Episode 437: Pro Wrestling And Insurance Policies
10/30/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we talk Rick Rude, The Black Scorpion, Southeast Championship Wrestling, Wahoo McDaniel, Mil Mascaras, Adrian Adonis, The 1994 Super J-Cup Tournament, Sting, Billy Jack Haynes, Starrcade ’89, Lex Luger, Paul Orndorff, Road Warriors, and more!

What are you waiting for? Download it, fire it up, and join us for another wicked good episode of STICK TO WRESTLING.

STICK TO WRESTLING: give us sixty minutes, and perhaps indeed we’ll give you a rawboned weekly classic pro wrestling podcast.

Produced by Lou Kipilman

Stick To Wrestling with John McAd...


Episode 436: If Not For Dad…
10/24/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we ask the big question – how would certain wrestlers fared had their Dad not been a promoter and / or a booker?

We talk Greg Gagne, Mike Graham, George Gulas, Tully Blanchard, The Von Erichs, Jeff Jarrett, Dustin Rhodes, Brian Christopher, Erik Watts, Shane & Stephanie McMahon and more!

What are you waiting for? Download it, fire it up, and join us for another wicked good episode of STICK TO WRESTLING.

STICK TO WRESTLING: give us sixty minutes, and perhaps indeed we’ll give you a rawboned weekly classic pro wres...


Episode 435: Rubbed The Wrong Way
10/16/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we review the NWA during the month of 1986! Has a major promotion ever had a more eventful month?

We talk Magnum T.A., Ric Flair, Nikita Koloff, Dusty Rhodes, Rock & Roll Express, Rick Rude, Tully Blanchard, The Road Warriors, Manny Fernandez, Dick Murdoch, Ole & Arn Anderson, Jim Cornette, Buddy Landell, Ivan Koloff, Jimmy Valiant, Brad Armstrong, Shaska Whatley, Baby Doll, Dutch Mantel, Baron Von Raschke, Bill Dundee, Paul Jones, Tim Horner, The Barbarian, Jimmy Garvin, Krusher Khruschev, Wahoo McDaniel, Ron Garvin, Big Bubba Rogers, Bobby Jaggers, and more! Also on the...


Episode 434: One Town Per Fan
10/09/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we review championship Wrestling From Florida during the year of 1976. Barry Rose is our guest, and he watched all of the television and attended the house shows during this time!

We talk Dusty Rhodes, Eddie Graham, Jack Brisco, Terry Funk, Gordon Solie, Superstar Billy Graham, Steve Keirn, The Assassin, Ox Baker, Bob Backlund, Bob Orton Jr, Billy Robinson, Thunderbolt Patterson, Mike Graham, Bob Roop, and much more! Also on the discussion table:

— This is the year Dusty Rhodes broke out as THE star in Florida, much like Bruno Sammartino wa...


Episode 433: Nothing Happened Today
10/02/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we review the WWF from October, 1986!

Bobby Heenan, Roddy Piper, Randy Savage, Jake Roberts, Hulk Hogan, Honkytonk Man, Ricky Steamboat, Big John Studd, Jesse Ventura, Dino Bravo, Paul Orndorff, Danny Davis, Butch Reed, Don Muraco, British Bulldogs, Andre The Giant, Adrian Adonis, Kamala, Harley Race, The Wizard, Bob Orton Jr, Hart Foundation, Vince McMahon, Blackjack Mulligan, Slick, Pedro Morales, Nikolai Volkoff, Greg Valentine, Sika, The Islanders, Jimmy Jack Funk, Fred Blassie, George Steele, The Machines, Jimmy Hart, King Kong Bundy, Tito Santana, Kamala, Killer Bees, Gene Okerlund, Johnny V, Koko B...


Episode 432: Buddy Rose Is Immature
09/25/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we review Pacific Northwest Wrestling (or “Portland Wrestling”) from the year of 1976!

We talk Playboy Buddy Rose, Terry Funk, Jesse Ventura, Jimmy Snuka, Apache Bull Ramos, Dutch Savage, Andre The Giant, The Samoans, Jay Youngblood, The Royal Kangaroos, Stan Stasiak, Dale Lewis, and more!

Plus we discuss the legacy of Bouncy Bruce Smith, so are you waiting for? Download it, fire it up, and join us for another wicked good episode of STICK TO WRESTLING.

STICK TO WRESTLING: give us sixty minutes, and perhaps indeed we’ll give yo...


Episode 431: My Pure Strength
09/18/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we review the NWA from the month of September 1986!

We talk Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, Tully Blanchard, Road Warriors, Magnum TA, Arn Anderson, Nikita Koloff, Jim Cornette, Ole Anderson, Baby Doll, Rock & Roll Express, Manny Fernandez, J.J. Dillon, Dick Murdoch, Buddy Landell, Midnight Express, Paul Jones, Krusher Krushev, Jimmy Garvin, Dutch Mantell, Rick Rude, Brad Armstrong, Bill Dundee, Jimmy Valiant, Ivan Koloff, Ron Garvin, Pez Whatley, The Warlord, Black Bart, Tim Horner, Baron Von Rashke, Bobby Jaggers, Steve Regal, Sam Houston, Big Bubba Rogers, Hector Guerrero, and more!

...


Episode 430: Seinfeld’s Nutshell
09/11/2026

This week the STICK TO WRESTLING Universe welcomes Lou Kipilman as it’s guest, and we take questions from our listeners!

— Did Bobby Heenan spoil the surprise when Hogan came out and he asked “Whose side is he on”?
— What might the old Mid-Atlantic territory looked like had it not been for the 1975 plane crash?
— If the WWF wanted to keep the tag titles on the British Bulldogs while Dynamite Kid recovered from his injuries, who would have been the third member?
— What if, in 1987 when he was basically a free agent, Ted Dibiase moved to the N...


Episode 429: Egotistical Hambone
09/04/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING, we’re hopping in the time machine and looking back at the WWF in September 1986!

— A New Era Begins: Championship Wrestling and All-Star Wrestling are out, replaced by Superstars of Wrestling and Wrestling Challenge—game-changing flagship shows that made the WWF look like the pro wrestling equivalent of the NBA.
— Returns & Reveals: “Superstar” Billy Graham returns (and we have some thoughts on his… unique ring gear), plus Hillbilly Jim makes his comeback with a great story behind it.
— Major Angle: The heels finally lay a beatdown on Roddy Piper, cementing his hi...


Episode 428: Who Do You Complain To?
08/28/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we talk the UWF, formerly known as Mid-South Wrestling, during the months of July and August 1986. We talk Bill Watts, Michael Hayes, Missy Hyatt, Ted Dibiase, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Terry Gordy, Jim Ross, Eddie Gilbert, “Dr. Death” Steve Williams, Dark Journey, Sting, One Man Gang, Terry Taylor, Buddy … Continue reading Episode 428: Who Do You Complain To? →

The post Episode 428: Who Do You Complain To? appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 427: Hand Grenades
08/21/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we present Part Two of our revisited 1976 Year-End Awards! Part One is here, where we discuss 1976 Wrestler of the Year: https://mcadampod.com/index.php/2026/05/22/episode-414-the-top-ten-wrestlers-of-1976/ This week John McAdam, Bob Smith, and Steve Generelli talk Bruno Sammartino, Terry Funk, Nick Bockwinkel, The Andersons, Stan Hansen, Superstar Billy Graham, Dusty Rhodes, The … Continue reading Episode 427: Hand Grenades →

The post Episode 427: Hand Grenades appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 426: This Will Not Work
08/14/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we review the NWA, also known as Jim Crockett Promotions, covering the entire month of August 1986! We talk Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, Baby Doll, Magnum T.A., Jim Cornette, Dick Murdoch, Tully Blanchard, Buddy Landell, Nikita Koloff, Rock & Roll Express, Arn Anderson, Ron Garvin, Road Warriors, Dutch Mantell, … Continue reading Episode 426: This Will Not Work →

The post Episode 426: This Will Not Work appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 425: The WWF meets The Vines
08/07/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING, we’re stepping back into July 1986, one of the most eventful months of the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling era. Alliances crumble, new stars emerge, old rivalries get even hotter, and the WWF continues its rapid transformation into the hottest promotion in North America. We cover Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, Bobby … Continue reading Episode 425: The WWF meets The Vines →

The post Episode 425: The WWF meets The Vines appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 424: Moolah’s House
07/31/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we take questions from our listeners! Including but not limited to: –Why didn’t the WWF and other territories have more Babyface vs Babyface matches? — Could an old school type promotion work in 2026? — What were our best and worst live pro wrestling experiences? — Who should NOT … Continue reading Episode 424: Moolah’s House →

The post Episode 424: Moolah’s House appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 423: Life Insurance? We’ll Live Forever.
07/24/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we review the UWF, formerly known as Mid-South Wrestling, through May and June of 1986! We talk Bill Watts, The Freebirds, Ted Dibiase, Dusty Rhodes, Eddie Gilbert, Steve Williams, Sting, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Nikita Koloff, One Man Gang, Rick Steiner, The Fantastics, Dark Journey, Road Warriors, Terry Taylor, Buzz … Continue reading Episode 423: Life Insurance? We’ll Live Forever. →

The post Episode 423: Life Insurance? We’ll Live Forever. appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 422: A Promotion’s Pinnacle
07/17/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we review the NWA / Jim Crockett Promotions during the month of July 1986! We talk Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, The Road Warriors, Magnum TA, Tully Blanchard, Jim Cornette, Ole Anderson, Baby Doll, Rock & Roll Express, Big Bubba Rogers, Nikita Koloff, J.J. Dillon., Midnight Express, Jimmy Valiant, Ron … Continue reading Episode 422: A Promotion’s Pinnacle →

The post Episode 422: A Promotion’s Pinnacle appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 421: As The Years Go Passing By
07/10/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING, we rank and discuss the greatest years in WWWF/WWF history, from 1976 through 1995! Johnny Mac and Steve lived through every one of those trips around the Sun, and they have plenty of information, and even more opinions, to share. On the discussion table: — The year the WWF … Continue reading Episode 421: As The Years Go Passing By →

The post Episode 421: As The Years Go Passing By appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 420: Machine Delivery
07/03/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING, we review the WWF during the month of July 1986! — Paul Orndorff finally turns on Hulk Hogan, who somehow never saw it coming. Then again, neither did TV commentator Bruno Sammartino. — The Machines make their television debut through a series of vignettes, and Bobby Heenan takes a … Continue reading Episode 420: Machine Delivery →

The post Episode 420: Machine Delivery appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 419: Catcalls, Rumors, Sad Memories, and more.
06/26/2026

Johnny Mac is joined by frequent co-cost Steve Generelli, and we have a casual discussion about old school wrestling! We talk bad main events at small shows in upstate New York, people we hope are alive and not in prison, ditching Junior High Spring dances to see attend pro wrestling events, how many live events … Continue reading Episode 419: Catcalls, Rumors, Sad Memories, and more. →

The post Episode 419: Catcalls, Rumors, Sad Memories, and more. appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 418: Saturday Morning Comedies
06/19/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we review the NWA during the month of June 1986 with popular returning host Jammie Ward! We talk Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, Jim Cornette, Magnum T.A., Road Warriors, Ole Anderson, Jimmy Garvin, Nikita Koloff, Big Bubba Rogers, Rock & Roll Express, Tully Blanchard, Krusher Kruschev, Baby Doll, Jimmy Valiant, … Continue reading Episode 418: Saturday Morning Comedies →

The post Episode 418: Saturday Morning Comedies appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 417: I Would Have Been Brutus
06/12/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING Johnny Mac and Steve Generelli take questions from the STICK TO WRESTLING Universe on the WWF during the year of 1986! On the discussion table: — What would have happened if the wrestlers went on strike the night before Wrestlemania 2? — Did Jimmy Hart surprisingly win the trade … Continue reading Episode 417: I Would Have Been Brutus →

The post Episode 417: I Would Have Been Brutus appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 416: Hulk Junior
06/05/2026

This week STICK TO WRESTLING is joined by Richard Land from thehistoryofwwe.com! We review the WWF during the month of 1986 and we discuss: — Billy Jack Haynes is back in the WWF after a legendary bridge burning with Don Owen and the Portland territory. We tell you what happened and why it wasn’t always … Continue reading Episode 416: Hulk Junior →

The post Episode 416: Hulk Junior appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 415: The Four Horsemen Are Born
05/29/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we take a deep dive into the NWA during the month of May 1986! — Ole Anderson makes a shocking return, leading directly to the formation of the Four Horsemen. — Two masked men seek vigilante justice against Jim Cornette following his assault on Baby Doll. — Tully Blanchard … Continue reading Episode 415: The Four Horsemen Are Born →

The post Episode 415: The Four Horsemen Are Born appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 414: The Top Ten Wrestlers of 1976!
05/22/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we are joined by not only Steve Generelli, but former PWI Managing Editor Bob Smith and we have an awesome discussion about the Top Ten Wrestlers of 1976! — Not everyone agrees on Number One. — Bruno Sammartino’s injury had a huge impact on the wrestling industry. — Bruno … Continue reading Episode 414: The Top Ten Wrestlers of 1976! →

The post Episode 414: The Top Ten Wrestlers of 1976! appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 413: What’s Old Is New Again
05/15/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING it’s Part Two of our review the WWF during the month of April 1986! We talk Hulk Hogan, Bobby Heenan, Bruno Sammartino, Terry Funk, Randy Savage, Jimmy Hart, Ricky Steamboat, the Hart Foundation, Jesse Ventura, Jake Roberts, Harley Race, Andre The Giant, Adrian Adonis, King Bong Bundy, British Bulldogs, … Continue reading Episode 413: What’s Old Is New Again →

The post Episode 413: What’s Old Is New Again appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 412: Back By Noon Tomorrow
05/08/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we review the WWF during the month of April 1986! We talk Hulk Hogan, Bobby Heenan, Bruno Sammartino, Terry Funk, Randy Savage, Jimmy Hart, Ricky Steamboat, the Hart Foundation, Jesse Ventura, Jake Roberts, Harley Race, Andre The Giant, Adrian Adonis, King Bong Bundy, British Bulldogs, Fred Blassie, Greg Valentine, … Continue reading Episode 412: Back By Noon Tomorrow →

The post Episode 412: Back By Noon Tomorrow appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 411: That Means You Work For Me
05/01/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we discuss the 1986 World Class Championship Wrestling’s Texas Stadium show, what led up to it, and what came after it! — March 26, 2001 was the end of WCW. For practical purposes, May 4, 1986 was the end of WCCW. It just took us a while to figure … Continue reading Episode 411: That Means You Work For Me →

The post Episode 411: That Means You Work For Me appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 410: Vicious Horse Analogies
04/24/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we review the NWA during the month of April 1986! —Jim Cornette and the Midnight Express deliver a brutal assault on Baby Doll in an angle that’s both great and genuinely uncomfortable. The real-life heat between Cornette and Baby Doll was obvious, and we jump into all of it. … Continue reading Episode 410: Vicious Horse Analogies →

The post Episode 410: Vicious Horse Analogies appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 409: You Shouldn’t Feel Ashamed! Maybe.
04/17/2026

This week, Stick to Wrestling is joined by Matt O’Donnell as we dive into a wide range of great topics: — In 1993, Tony Schiavone was widely expected to become WCW’s Executive Producer, but Eric Bischoff got the job instead. How different would WCW have looked with Tony in charge? — What classic pro wrestling … Continue reading Episode 409: You Shouldn’t Feel Ashamed! Maybe. →

The post Episode 409: You Shouldn’t Feel Ashamed! Maybe. appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 408: Getting Dangerous On Twitter
04/10/2026

This week STICK TO WRESTLING is joined by Rich Richardson, and we discuss an assortment of topics: –Who would have been the next best guy for Mr. Wrestling II to mentor in Mid-South, rather than Magnum TA? — How can the “Celebrity” Wing of the Hall of Fame be worth anything if Cyndi Lauper isn’t … Continue reading Episode 408: Getting Dangerous On Twitter →

The post Episode 408: Getting Dangerous On Twitter appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 407: Just Say “Uh-Oh”
04/03/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we review the WWF during the month of April 1986, including a close look at Wrestlemania 2! We talk Hulk Hogan, Andre The Giant, King Kong Bundy, Randy Savage, Bobby Heenan, Terry Funk, Jake Roberts, Jesse Ventura, Roddy Piper, Ricky Steamboat, Big John Studd, George Steele, British Bulldogs, Miss … Continue reading Episode 407: Just Say “Uh-Oh” →

The post Episode 407: Just Say “Uh-Oh” appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 406: Lou Does A Run In
03/27/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we take questions from the podcast’s listeners! On the discussion table: — What were the least memorable world championship runs? —Could the WWF have had better booking plans for Bob Backlund on the 1980 Shea Stadium spectacular? — What were the best long-term storylines in wrestling history? —What if … Continue reading Episode 406: Lou Does A Run In →

The post Episode 406: Lou Does A Run In appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 405: Training Undergarments
03/20/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we are joined by popular returning guest Todd Godd, and we review the NWA during the month of March 1986! On the discussion table: — Ric Flair and Ricky Morton spend the month sniping at one another, and at the end there’s an explosion. — Pez Whatley completes the … Continue reading Episode 405: Training Undergarments →

The post Episode 405: Training Undergarments appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 404: They Did Stinky Stuff To Me
03/13/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we continue our review of the WWF from the month of March 1986! We talk Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Jake Roberts, Bobby Heenan, Mr. T, Jesse Ventura, Terry Funk, Paul Orndorff, Greg Valentine, Roddy Piper, Jimmy Hart, Ricky Steamboat, Adrian Adonis, Captain Lou Albano, Tito Santana, Hillbilly Jim, Iron … Continue reading Episode 404: They Did Stinky Stuff To Me →

The post Episode 404: They Did Stinky Stuff To Me appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 403: That’s Too Many Nicknames
03/06/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we review the WWF from the month of March 1986! We talk Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Jake Roberts, Bobby Heenan, Mr. T, Jesse Ventura, Terry Funk, Paul Orndorff, Greg Valentine, Roddy Piper, Jimmy Hart, Ricky Steamboat, Adrian Adonis, Captain Lou Albano, Tito Santana, Hillbilly Jim, Iron Sheik, The Hart … Continue reading Episode 403: That’s Too Many Nicknames →

The post Episode 403: That’s Too Many Nicknames appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 402: A Morbid Fear Of Heights
02/27/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we discuss the what happened in the NWA / Jim Crockett promotions during the month of February 1986! On the discussion table: — Dusty Rhodes is great, but he’s becoming a bit overexposed. Perhaps he should speak with the booker about that. — We have new NWA tag team … Continue reading Episode 402: A Morbid Fear Of Heights →

The post Episode 402: A Morbid Fear Of Heights appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 401: Stan Lane Has Grown Weary
02/20/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we review Mid-South Wrestling from February, 1986 with popular returning guest host Mike Mills! –Mid-South is in a tough spot. Jake Roberts and Dick Slater are feuding over the North American title, but Jake is leaving for the WWF. Then a Houston columnist publicly blows off the idea of … Continue reading Episode 401: Stan Lane Has Grown Weary →

The post Episode 401: Stan Lane Has Grown Weary appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 400: Fun in Fresno!
02/13/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we continue our review the WWF from the month of February 1986! We talk Bobby Heenan, Hulk Hogan, Bruno Sammartino, Randy Savage, Mr. T, Fred Blassie, Jesse Ventura, Terry Funk, Ricky Steamboat, Junkyard Dog, Paul Orndorff, Greg Valentine, Roddy Piper, Jimmy Hart, Adrian Adonis, Captain Lou Albano, Tito Santana, … Continue reading Episode 400: Fun in Fresno! →

The post Episode 400: Fun in Fresno! appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.


Episode 399: Respect Me And Love Me
02/06/2026

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we review the WWF from the month of February 1986! We talk Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Bruno Sammartino, Bobby Heenan, Mr. T, Jesse Ventura, Terry Funk, Paul Orndorff, Greg Valentine, Roddy Piper, Jimmy Hart, Ricky Steamboat, Adrian Adonis, Captain Lou Albano, Tito Santana, Hillbilly Jim, Iron Sheik, The Hart … Continue reading Episode 399: Respect Me And Love Me →

The post Episode 399: Respect Me And Love Me appeared first on Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam.