80’s Wrestling The Podcast

ISPW - Recap Show

The independent wrestling scene just got biggier and better! ISPW made it's return to the wrestling scene after nearly 20 years! We talk to the man behind the promotion and break down ISPW's return show!

Headshrinker Samu!

Our special guest today is former WWF Tag Team Champion - one half of the iconic Headshrinkers tag team - Samu! We discuss his career and all things pro wrestling - plus we take your calls LIVE! 

The Rowdy One - ”Rowdy” Roddy Piper

He started as one of the most hated villains to ever climb into the squared circle. He finished as one of the most beloved entertainers of all time. Whether it was in the ring or on the mic - nobody did it like the "HotRod." Rowdy Roddy Piper was instrumental in launching the nationwide wrestling craze in the 80's. Tommy and 'Jumpin' Jay' talk bout the career of Rowdy Roddy Piper and what he meant to the world of wrestling they fell in love with. 

The Weasel, The Brain, The Greatest - Bobby Heenan

Wrestling fans can argue for hours about who the greatest pro wrestler of all time is. When it comes to wrestling managers, however, few will argue that anyone did it better than Bobby Heenan. Whether he was ring side for a match involving one of his "family members" - or sitting alongside Gorilla Monsoon, Bobby Heenan was always entertaining. Today we talk about the career of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and what he meant to the Golden Era of Professional Wrestling.

Finish Him! - The Greatest Finishing Moves of the 80’s

Ahhh the finishing move, the one move that rendered you opponent helpless and gauranteed you the victory. Wrestlers would spend all match setting up their finishing move and once they executed it...it was all over. Back in the 80's it was extremely rare that a wrestler kicked out after a finishing move was performed - they were treated as "special." During the golden era of wrestling we had power-moves, submission holds, and high-flying finishers - Tommy & Jay talk about them all!

From bowties to stripes - the saga of the wrestling referee

Being a referee in any competitive sport is not an easy job - but it's a job that needs to be respected. In the wild world of "sports entertainment" the task of the referee is a combination of rule enforcer, time manager, storyline assistant & information distributor. However, at least to the viewing audience, the primary function of a "referee" is to enforce the rules - so what happens when the "rules" are constantly blurred and ignored? Tommy & Jay take a look at the role of the wrestling referee and how it's changed over the years. They discuss some of the most memorable referee moments from the Golden Era of Pro Wrestling.

Battle Royals

There's a few match types that always catch a wrestling fans attention - iron man, cage, and of course - the battle royal! It's an every-man-for-himself, over-the-top-rope battle to be the last man standing. Full of non-stop action, the battle royal is a great "special attraction" match that keeps fans glued to the screen. Tommy & Jay talk about the importance of this match type and some of their memories of past battle royals.

Cage Matches

Two men enter - one man leaves! Cage matches were the ULTIMATE blowoff to a storyline or feud in the 1980's. They were special, unique and they meant something. Tommy & Jay discuss some of their favorite cage matches from the Golden Era of Wrestling.

The Intercontinental Championship!

The World Heavyweight Championship tended to be held by the wrestler who had the biggest "draw" - but the Intercontintental Championship was often reserved for the best in-ring performer at the time. Throughout the 1980's & early 90's the IC Title carried a great deal of prestige and the wrestlers who wore that belt were known for having some of the greatest matches of the era. Today, we talk about our memories of the Intercontinental Championship and the wrestlers who carried the title.

Celebrating the 4th of July with The most patriotic wrestlers of the 1980’s!

We're heading into the 4th of July weekend by discussing the wrestlers that loved their country! The golden era of wrestling was full of wrestlers that defended the honor of their nation against all-comers. Whether they were standing up for the red, white and blue or representing a foreign nation - these performers were patriotic to the core. Tommy and Jay break down some of their favorite "Patriotic Wrestlers" from the 1980's.