The Retro Wrestling Archive Podcasts

It’s time for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit.” Brian Tramel brings you “THE WTF News Desk.”

BT brings 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.

Episode 50 of Retro Wrestling with Gene Jackson is a milestone and it delivers in a big way.

In Part One of this special two part interview, Gene sits down with Kurt Beyer, the son of legendary masked icon "The Intelligent, Sensational Destroyer" aka Dick Beyer, for one of the most fascinating and personal conversations in the history of the show.

This isn’t just another wrestling interview… this is a firsthand look at what it was like to grow up inside the business and literally travel the world during one of its most prot...

This week's "special edition" of Shootin' The Shiznit is dedicated to Bobby Eaton. Brian Tramel sits down with Brian Thompson to talk about Bobby along with audio from the memorial service, clip with Bobby talking with Tramel and P3 RADIO appearance of Bobby. 

Continental Championship Wrestling from August 10, 1985 brings family warfare, steel cage tension, and some of the most underrated in-ring work of the territory era.

This week:

• Robert Fuller shocks everyone by aligning with Bullet Bob Armstrong against his family!
 • A steel cage “Loser Leaves Town” showdown is signed against Ron Fuller & Jimmy Golden
 • Adrian Street delivers a technical showcase
 • Bill Ash and Jimmy Backlund (Del Ray) go hold for hold in a snug battle
 • The Nightmares clash with The Rat Patrol in high energy tag action
 • Tommy Rich pushes toward a showdown wit...

This week on Dangerous Conversations, Doug Gilbert and Tommy “Wildfire” Rich open the floor to the fans and you know that means NOTHING is off limits!

In this episode:

Brad Skimahorn joined Brian Tramel for a new episode of "Shootin' The Shiznit" for Episode 460! BT & Brad talk about growing up as a fan, "Lethal Injection," why drop the Mercury name?, Uncle Mikey, when did tag team psychology click?, tag teams that are studied, Roscoe Eats Lisa and much more ! 

What(or who) really killed Memphis Wrestling?

In this special bonus episode of Retro Wrestling, Gene Jackson tells the story of "Larry Burton", the businessman who walked into the USWA in the mid-1990s with a plan to “modernize” the territory… and instead became forever tied to its collapse.

Gene breaks down:

And ul...

Long time fan Mike Gunter joins Brian Tramel for a new episode of "Shootin' The Shiznit" for Episode 436! Mike & BT talk about growing up as a fan, going to the live shows, tag teams, meeting wrestling at retail stereo store job, kayfabe sheets, VCRs, Dave Meltzer, Cornette's surprise birthday party and much more! 

 Episode #19 of Cassette Wrestling News continues the series' real-time documentation of professional wrestling's most volatile transition period, as the shockwaves from Ric Flair's jump to the WWF and the post-SummerSlam fallout continue to ripple through every major promotion.

With the dust now settling from the chaos of the previous issues, Jeff Osborne and John Seaton settle into a more reflective — yet still highly opinionated — examination of where the wrestling business is heading. The episode captures a fanbase caught between disbelief and reluctant acceptance as the WWF tightens its grip on the industry and WCW continues to flounder under...

(90s All Japan Women’s Wrestling Watchalong w/ Guest Bob Anderson)

This week on Retro Wrestling with Gene Jackson, we step WAY outside the comfort zone and into something that might completely change how you look at wrestling.

Joining Gene is returning guest (and Retro WCW podcast co-host) “Broadcast” Bob Anderson, and together they dive into a 1993 All Japan Women’s Wrestling classic that is widely considered one of the greatest matches of all time.

And let’s just say… if you think you’ve seen everything wrestling has...

The Posse joined Brian Tramel for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit” for Episode 447! Simon & Lil’Chris talked about growing up being a fan, how they met,being on Memphis TV, Hits, Misses, MVP and much more !

“The Gun Show” Brett Michaels joins Brian Tramel for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit” for Episode 406 ! Brett & BT talk about growing up as a fan, wanting to be a pro wrestler, wrestling in Mississippi, EPW, wrestling for me in CCW, Memphis Wrestling is back, Memphis Legends and much more ! 

The boots are off. The crowds are gone. And for the first time… the conversation ISN'T about wrestling.

Welcome to the debut episode of Beyond Wrestling w/Robb, where host Robb Helt pulls back the curtain and steps into the Neutral Corner Lounge, a place where the gimmicks fade, the stories get real, and you finally meet the person behind the persona.

And for the very first episode, Robb sits down with a man who’s lived it all…
“Wildfire” Tommy Rich.

But this isn’t the Tommy Rich you’ve heard...

Rylee Rockett joins Brian Tramel for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit” for Episode 382! This is an episode in ROCKTOBER the “Month of Morton” series that features episodes about Ricky Morton ! Rylee & BT talk about becoming a fan, favorite wrestlers, when did you find out it was a work?, heel or babyface?, training at “School of Morton,” Crazy Steve, working with the guys, Flawless, TessaBlancard, Kylie Rae and much more ! 

This week on Retro Wrestling with Gene Jackson, we dive deep into one of the most fascinating and under documented territories in wrestling history, the Mississippi promotion run by the Culkin family.

Gene is joined by Gil Culkin, author of The Mississippi Wrestling Territory: The Untold Story, for a revealing conversation about:

Gene Jackson and Bob Anderson are back as the Retro Wrestling Re-View WCW journey through 1989 continues and just two weeks after Halloween Havoc, WCW is already back on TBS with Clash of the Champions IX: New York Knockout!

Broadcast live from Troy, New York, this Clash features one of the most emotionally charged main events of the year, an I Quit Match between Ric Flair and Terry Funk but that’s just the beginning of the chaos.

On this episode, Gene and Bob break down:

🔥 Flair vs. Funk in a bru...

Gene Jackson and Robb Helt are back for another deep dive into the wild world of Continental Championship Wrestling, and this episode from July 20, 1985 is a perfect snapshot of why CCW was one of the most entertaining and unpredictable territories of the 1980s.

This week delivers peak Continental energy:

Chris Van Vliet joins Brian Tramel for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit” for Episode 368 !!! Chris & BT talk about starting as a fan, fandom, training to be a wrestler,YouTube channel, AEW, interviewing stars, the Rock, interviewing Enzo, and much more!

Beau James joins Brian Tramel for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit.” On Episode 327, Beau joins BT for the the 3rd annual “Memphis in May” series by talking about carny, growing up as a fan, getting into the business, Power Pro, payoff heat, Buddy Wayne, Jimmy Valiant, Tony Williams, Alan Steel, Derrick King, Brandon Baxter and more!

Royce Isaacs joins Brian Tramel for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit.” On Episode 319, Royce & BT talk about quarantine, being off the road, working with the NWA, watching wrestling as a kid, PCO, BT has heat with Latimer, Paragon Pro Wrestling, Championship Wrestling from Hollywood, blood in wrestling, Tiger King, murder shows and much more!!

From his early days growing up in Boston during the WWWF era… to surviving brutal tryouts under Gene Anderson and Nelson Royal… to training in the infamous Hart Dungeon… Bob Blackburn’s journey into professional wrestling was anything but ordinary 

We dive deep into:

Episode #17 of Cassette Wrestling News marks a dramatic turning point for the series, as Jeff Osborne hosts the show solo in the immediate aftermath of John Seaton’s on-air meltdown and departure. What follows is a sprawling, information heavy, and emotionally charged episode that captures the wrestling world in absolute upheaval during the summer of 1991.

The episode is dominated by the Ric Flair contract saga, with mounting evidence that Flair is WWE bound. Osborne covers WCW’s failed attempts to bring Flair back as head booker, speculation that Titan will recognize Flair as a world champ...

P3 Radio’s Josh Briley joins Brian Tramel for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit” for Episode 364 !!! Josh & BT talk about growing up as a wrestling fan, his uncle “Nightmare” Danny Davis, his grandma, Bullet Bob story, Nightmares history, going to Louisville, Fred the wrestling dummy, why podcast? and much more !!

OVW Heavyweight Champion Tony Gunn joins Brian Tramel for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit.” On Episode 340, Tony & BT talk about growing up as a fan, building a wrestling ring, training with Derrick King, an angle with BT, moving to Louisville, KY, working OVW, Al Snow, “The Gunn Show,” Sami Calihan, being offered a job at IMPACT, No Ropes Match and much more !

It’s time for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit!” Kayfabe Flicks: Ep 3! Brian Tramel is joined by P3 Radio’s Richard Mullikin & Josh Briley for Episode 304. In this episode they review the movie “Hell Comes To Frogtown” with Roddy Piper. Fun show !!

JP Zarka of Pro Wrestling Stories .com joins Brian Tramel for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit.” On Episode 297, JP & BT sit down to talk about being a fan, Coliseum videos, wrestling books, starting the website, stories on website, Bret Hart, Titanes en el Ring and more!

This week on Retro Wrestling with Gene Jackson, we sit down with one of the most unique and misunderstood characters of the 1990s wrestling boom.....Maxx Payne.

From the New Japan Pro Wrestling dojo system to Memphis, WCW, and the WWF, Maxx opens up about a career that was anything but conventional. He talks about training in Japan alongside Chris Benoit, the culture shock of Memphis wrestling, the politics of the mid-90s locker rooms, and what it was like trying to break new ground with a rock & roll wrestling persona before the business was...

It’s time for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit.” Brian Tramel sits down with “Pro Wrestling Between the Sheets” Bob Magee for Episode 285. They talk about “Toys for Tots,” Mauro Ranallo controversy, Wednesday Night Wars, Starrcade and more!

Step back into the Boutwell Auditorium for another wild week of Continental Championship Wrestling as Gene and Robb continue their deep dive series through the summer of 1985. This week delivers everything that made CCW must-see territory TV, chaotic angles, masked mayhem, stiff title matches, baffling production choices, and a main event finish designed to make you buy a ticket next week, brother.

Gene and Robb break it all down in their signature style: history, humor, insightful commentary, and plenty of “wait… what the hell was THAT?” moments.

This episode includes:

It’s time for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit.” Brian Tramel sits down with for Episode 274 with Adam Parsons of the Jarrett Parsons Wrestling TV ROKU channel. Adam & talk about tape trading, the libraries of old wrestling, growing up as a fan, deal with Amazon Prime, meeting up with Jerry Jarrett, process of making a ROKU channel, Best of Bruiser Brody release, Billy Jack Haynes, Corny story, new reel of stuff and much more !

Live from 304 Studios in Jonesboro, Arkansas, BT welcomes longtime wrestling fan, smart mark extraordinaire, and Retro Wrestling Re-View Continental Podcast co-host Robb Helt for a wide ranging, often hilarious, and surprisingly revealing conversation.

In this episode, Robb traces his journey from a six year old kid accidentally discovering wrestling on WTBS… to following the territory system across the country thanks to his dad’s Walmart career… to sitting in the legendary Dallas Sportatorium… to going to Nashville for a very EYE OPENING Saturday night at the Fairgrounds… and eventually working the workers himself in one of the most unbel...

Inside EPW returns with a brand new episode as we build toward Fury in the Fifth 2 and take a look back at some of the biggest moments from last year’s event.

This episode features:

• A flashback to K-Swiss’ heated confrontation with Scott Steiner
• K-Swiss vs. "Big Trouble" Ben Bishop
• Dorian Vain challenging Thom Latimer for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship
• Exclusive interviews from Roman McPeake with several rising EPW stars
• Behind-the-scenes conversations with members of The Order, The Vybe Check, Los Desafios, The Black List, and more!

Plus, we preview the...

Gene Jackson joins us with 'Locals to Legends: E149”. “Kung Fu” Donnie Janela for Episode 260 of “Shootin’ The Shiznit.” Donnie talks about his new discovery, One Fall Power Factory, QT Marshall, martial arts, Chris Crunk, Cabana Man Dan, Alabama wrestling, Ernest Miller, landscape of indie wrestling and much more !

Special Guest Host: Robb Helt

This week on Retro Wrestling with Gene Jackson, we go BIG… literally.

Gene is joined by special guest co-host Robb Helt, and together they sit down with the man behind one of the most intimidating masked gimmicks of the 1980s, “Lord Humongous” Jeff Van Camp.

From a 6’9", 300 pound defensive tackle at the University of Louisville to becoming one of the most feared monsters in Memphis, Southeastern, Continental, Mid-South, and beyond , Jeff’s journey into wrestling is unlike any other you’ve heard before. Afte...

Episode #17 of Cassette Wrestling News marks a dramatic turning point for the series, as Jeff Osborne hosts the show solo in the immediate aftermath of John Seaton’s on-air meltdown and departure. What follows is a sprawling, information heavy, and emotionally charged episode that captures the wrestling world in absolute upheaval during the summer of 1991.

The episode is dominated by the Ric Flair contract saga, with mounting evidence that Flair is WWE bound. Osborne covers WCW’s failed attempts to bring Flair back as head booker, speculation that Titan will recognize Flair as a world champion, and grow...

It’s time for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit.” Brian Tramel sits down with for Episode 256 with Carmela Panfil. Carmela talks about being a fan, feeding the wrestlers, their store, cutting Tommy Rich’s hair, Rasslin Radio, Joel Goodhart, Buddy Rogers, Dominic DeNuccI, Jay Strongbow, Andre The Giant, working for the WWF, Jimmy Hart and much more!

The debut episode of In The Studio with BT kicks off in a big way as BT sits down face-to-face at 304 Studios in Jonesboro, Arkansas with one of the most authentic voices in modern Memphis wrestling: Mike Anthony

From growing up in Chicago watching WWF Superstars and Saturday Night’s Main Event… to discovering wrestling through magazines like Pro Wrestling Illustrated… to thinking you could just “apply at WWE like McDonald’s”… Mike walks us through the real journey that turned a lifelong fan into a seasoned professional.

In this candid, no-script, call-it-in-the...

On Episode #9 of the Retro Wrestling Re-View WCW Podcast, Gene Jackson and Bob Anderson fire up Halloween Havoc ’89: Settling the Score from the Philadelphia Civic Center, a show that’s equal parts “WCW at its most ambitious” and “WCW at its most… WCW.”

This is the night of the infamous Thunder Cage, where the company tries to sell you on an “electrified” super-structure while the undercard does its best to either build momentum… or test your patience. Gene and Bob break down the entire card, the production quirks, the commentary insanity, and the classic late-’80s WCW vibe where every match...

Live from the 304 Studios in Jonesboro (and Gene’s undisclosed bunker in Gadsden, Alabama), BT & Gene are back with another chaotic, unfiltered episode of WTF News Desk and this one covers EVERYTHING.

It’s time for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit.” Brian Tramel sits down with Joel Goodhart for Episode 251. Joel talks about Rasslin Radio, TWA, bus trips, Blue Meanie, Dennis Coralluzzo,, Todd Gordon, Paul Heyman and much more!