Wrestling Life with Ben Veal

Wrestling Life Online
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Wrestling

Real talk from real talent: this is the podcast and YouTube interview series that shines the spotlight firmly - and positively - on the professional wrestling industry. ​ Each and every episode features candid, open, honest and inspiring conversations with special guests, showcasing the talented individuals who defined wrestling's past, influence its present and are shaping its future. ​ Award-winning communicator, journalist and lifelong wrestling fan Ben Veal invites guests worldwide to tell the stories that need telling.

  1. 1d ago

    The Mountie Jacques Rougeau On Bret Hart, Two-Day Intercontinental Title Reign, Dave Meltzer, Kevin Owens, Tony Khan

    He's The Mountie! He's Handsome! He's Brave! He's Strong! Wrestling Life Hall of Famers Jacques Rougeau, best known to WWE fans as The Mountie and one half of The Quebecers and The Fabulous Rougeaus, joins Wrestling Life with Ben Veal to reflect his career, his two-day Intercontinental Championship reign and his views on the wrestling business today. In this no-holds-barred conversation, Jacques responds to claims made by The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer about his backstage behaviour at a recent AEW show, and also speaks frankly about his former trainee, current WWE star Kevin Owens. The conversation also dives into The Mountie’s brief but memorable run as WWF Intercontinental Champion, The Rougeaus' infamous backstage clash with The Dynamite Kid, and Jacques Rougeau's historic pinfall win over Hulk Hogan in Montreal. Subscribe to Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for more in-depth interviews with wrestling legends and stars.

    The Mountie Jacques Rougeau On Bret Hart, Two-Day Intercontinental Title Reign, Dave Meltzer, Kevin Owens, Tony Khan

  2. 5d ago

    Dale Torborg: Becoming The KISS Demon, Gene Simmons, Eric Bischoff & WCW’s Collapse

    How did a lifelong KISS fan become The Demon in World Championship Wrestling, and why did one of WCW’s most ambitious crossover characters never fulfil its full potential? Dale Torborg joins Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for an exclusive interview exploring his journey from professional baseball to WCW, becoming the KISS Demon and the backstage politics surrounding the character inspired by Gene Simmons. After a fastball to the face changed the direction of his baseball career, Torborg found a new path in professional wrestling. From his early days as The MVP to the famously demanding WCW Power Plant, this conversation follows the experiences that brought him beneath The Demon’s iconic face paint. The interview explores WCW’s partnership with KISS, Brian Adams portraying The Demon during the character’s spectacular Nitro introduction, and the wider plans for a Warriors of KISS faction. It also looks at the contractual “main event” against The Wall at SuperBrawl 2000 and how The Demon became caught in the politics surrounding Eric Bischoff and WCW’s final years. Dale also discusses his appearances in TNA and the lasting legacy of The Demon in pro wrestling history. Could The Demon have become a major star if WCW had fully committed to the idea? Subscribe to Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for more interviews exploring the careers, stories and people behind pro wrestling.

    Dale Torborg: Becoming The KISS Demon, Gene Simmons, Eric Bischoff & WCW’s Collapse

  3. Sep 28

    Chyna Syndrome Sarah Page: Joanie Laurer's Legacy, Triple H & Stephanie McMahon, Meeting X-Pac, Bodybuilding Success

    Sarah Page, known to wrestling fans as Chyna Syndrome, has an extraordinary connection to the late WWE icon Chyna. What began as admiration for “The Ninth Wonder of the World” grew into a tribute that has caught the attention of fans and people worldwide, as Sarah Page pays tribute to the remarkable life and legacy of Joanie Laurer.Sarah joins Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for an exclusive interview, sharing all about the journey that led to her transformation into Chyna Syndrome and why Joanie’s story means so much to her. Sarah Page also talks about the positive response that she has received from many in the wrestling community, from Mick Foley to Jacques Rougeau to DX members X-Pac and Billy Gunn, and discusses her remarkable experiences and success in the world of bodybuilding.

    Chyna Syndrome Sarah Page: Joanie Laurer's Legacy, Triple H & Stephanie McMahon, Meeting X-Pac, Bodybuilding Success

  4. Sep 24

    Jaxson Ryker (TNA's Gunner) On WWE Exit, 2020 Twitter Controversy, The Forgotten Sons, Hulk Hogan, Leaving Wrestling

    What happened to The Forgotten Sons after the public backlash to Jaxson Ryker’s 2020 social media post? Where is former WWE and TNA star Chad Lail now? In this exclusive, in-depth Wrestling Life with Ben Veal conversation, Chad Lail opens up about the moments that shaped his career, the opportunities that slipped away and his life after wrestling. Known to TNA fans as Gunner and WWE fans as Jaxson Ryker, Chad spent more than two decades in professional wrestling. In this interview, he looks back on joining TNA’s Immortal faction, working with Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, becoming TNA Television Champion, pinning Sting and winning the TNA World Tag Team Championship alongside James Storm. He also revisits his World Championship match against Magnus (Nick Aldis) which took place before a very vocal crowd in Manchester, UK. Chad discusses his move to WWE, the creation of The Forgotten Sons with Wesley Blake and Steve Cutler, and their call-up from NXT to SmackDown, as well as the reaction inside the WWE locker room to his 2020 Twitter post, the group’s sudden loss of momentum, his eventual return on Raw alongside Elias, and his release from WWE in 2021. Away from the ring, Chad reflects on serving as a Marine in Iraq, retiring from wrestling in 2023 and finding purpose beyond Gunner and Jaxson Ryker. He also shares what inspired his faith-focused Walk Worthy Podcast and what he hopes people will learn about the man behind his wrestling characters. From Phil Shatter to Gunner to Jaxson Ryker, this is a candid conversation about TNA, WWE, faith, setbacks and starting a new chapter.

    Jaxson Ryker (TNA's Gunner) On WWE Exit, 2020 Twitter Controversy, The Forgotten Sons, Hulk Hogan, Leaving Wrestling

  5. Sep 17

    Maria Kanellis: Wrestling Life Hall Of Fame Induction

    Maria Kanellis joins the Wrestling Life Hall of Fame as we celebrate her remarkable 20+ year career in professional wrestling and sports entertainment. From breaking into WWE through the 2004 Raw Diva Search to becoming one of the most recognisable and beloved on-screen personalities of the Ruthless Aggression era, Maria built a strong connection with wrestling fans worldwide through her charisma, humour and natural ability in front of the camera. Her career would eventually take her far beyond WWE, with memorable runs in Ring of Honor, TNA/IMPACT Wrestling, New Japan Pro-Wrestling and AEW. In this special Hall of Fame induction episode, we revisit Maria’s entire wrestling journey, including her WWE debut and the evolution of her on-screen character. We also explore her successful partnership with husband Mike Bennett, their time together as part of The Kingdom and Maria’s reinvention as an accomplished manager, producer, creative mind and fierce advocate for women’s wrestling. The episode celebrates Maria’s championship success, her influence behind the scenes and her determination to create more opportunities for female performers through Women’s Wrestling Army. It also reflects on the challenges she has overcome, the lessons learned throughout her career and the legacy she continues to build across the professional wrestling industry. Congratulations to Maria Kanellis, the newest inductee into the Wrestling Life Hall of Fame!

    Maria Kanellis: Wrestling Life Hall Of Fame Induction

  6. Sep 10

    Butterbean On Knocking Out Bart Gunn, DDP, WWF Brawl For All, Marc Mero, One More Fight?

    Butterbean looked like a brawler, punched like a wrecking ball and became one of the most recognisable fighters of his generation. In this exclusive Wrestling Life with Ben Veal interview, Eric “Butterbean” Esch reflects on his extraordinary journey from toughman contests to becoming a global boxing attraction: knocking opponents out, selling out arenas and building a cult following along the way. But Butterbean’s story didn’t stop at boxing. Butterbean also talks about what it was really like stepping into the unpredictable world of professional wrestling, facing Marvelous Marc Mero at In Your House: D-Generation X and his first round knockout of Bart Gunn at WrestleMania XV following the infamous Brawl For All tournament. Could Butterbean have made it as a full-time wrestler? Eric also speaks honestly about the toughest fight of his life. After years of declining health, chronic pain and limited mobility, he joined forces with WWE Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page. With the help of DDP and DDP Yoga, Butterbean began an incredible physical and emotional transformation that helped him lose weight, regain his mobility and take back control of his life, all chronicled in DDP's series Change or Die. This is more than a boxing or pro wrestling interview. It’s a story of knockout power, wrestling controversy, hard-earned lessons and one truly HEAVYWEIGHT comeback.

    Butterbean On Knocking Out Bart Gunn, DDP, WWF Brawl For All, Marc Mero, One More Fight?

  7. Sep 4

    Mickie James On Trish Stratus, TNA Hall Of Fame Induction, Lita, Nick Aldis' WWE Debut

    Hardcore Country! WWE legend and TNA Hall of Famer Mickie James joins Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for an open, inspiring and honest conversation about her remarkable journey through the world of professional wrestling. From breaking into the business and becoming a multiple-time WWE Women’s Champion to memorable runs in TNA Wrestling, Mickie James reflects on the defining moments of her career, the evolution of women’s wrestling and the challenges she faced along the way, from the highs of beating Trish Stratus at WrestleMania 22 to being released twice by WWE. Mickie also discusses balancing wrestling with motherhood, her passion for country music, the importance of knowing your worth, the legacy she hopes to leave behind, and being ringside at WWE Summerslam 2026 as husband, Smackdown General Manager Nick Aldis, made his in-ring debut against Gunther.

    Mickie James On Trish Stratus, TNA Hall Of Fame Induction, Lita, Nick Aldis' WWE Debut

  8. Aug 14

    Vince Russo On Jeff Jarrett, Triple H's WWE Booking, Sting vs Jeff Hardy Controversy, Eric Bischoff

    The most controversial man in professional wrestling RETURNS to Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for another unfiltered conversation. Vince Russo joins the show to talk more about Total Nonstop Agony: The Rise and Fall of TNA Wrestling. Vince discusses his "complicated relationship" with Jeff Jarrett and explains what REALLY happened with Double J. Vince Russo also talks about the infamous TNA Victory Road 2011 match between Jeff Hardy and Sting, what's wrong with WWE creative and Triple H's booking in 2026, his longstanding issues with Eric Bischoff, and a whole lot more.

    Vince Russo On Jeff Jarrett, Triple H's WWE Booking, Sting vs Jeff Hardy Controversy, Eric Bischoff
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Real talk from real talent: this is the podcast and YouTube interview series that shines the spotlight firmly - and positively - on the professional wrestling industry. ​ Each and every episode features candid, open, honest and inspiring conversations with special guests, showcasing the talented individuals who defined wrestling's past, influence its present and are shaping its future. ​ Award-winning communicator, journalist and lifelong wrestling fan Ben Veal invites guests worldwide to tell the stories that need telling.

Information

  • Creator
    Wrestling Life Online
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    160
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Wrestling Life Online
  • Show Website
    Wrestling Life with Ben Veal

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