The Retro Wrestling Archive Podcast Network

Retro Wrestling Archive Podcasts
  • 4.7 (10)
  • Wrestling

The Retro Wrestling Archive Podcast Network is a home for nostalgia pro wrestling podcasts featuring interviews, reviews, recaps, and deep dives into the people, promotions, and moments that shaped wrestling history. Our network includes original in-house shows like The Retro Wrestling Re-View Podcasts, Beyond Wrestling, Dangerous Conversations w/Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich, and LIVE from the Archive!, along with affiliate podcasts such as STSPod, The Hang, Talkin' off the Top Rope, and Get Your Bell Rung, among others. Presented in association with Jackson Media Creations, the Retro Wrestling Archive Podcast Network is dedicated to one mission: preserving pro wrestling history.

  1. 32m ago

    Get Your Bell Rung presents The Man Behind the Monster: The Untold Story of Vladimir Koloff

    On this episode of Get Your Bell Rung Pro Wrestling Podcast, host K.G. Landry sits down with Vladimir Koloff, or perhaps more notably the man behind the monster, Carl Richard Brantley for a wide ranging interview about wrestling, legacy, travel, toughness, and the life behind one of professional wrestling’s most believable Russian heel personas. This is not just a conversation about a wrestling gimmick. It is a conversation about the weight of carrying the Koloff name. Carl talks about being the second man entrusted with that legacy by Ivan Koloff, following in the shadow of Ivan and Nikita while still building his own chapter in wrestling history. K.G. opens the show by putting that honor into perspective, describing Vladimir as a man who has spent more than 35 years in the wrestling business, traveled through 153 countries, and crossed paths with some of the biggest names the industry has ever produced. The heart of the interview is the contrast between Carl and Vladimir. Carl describes himself today as a man who lives a simple life, takes care of his 88 year old mother, enjoys calm over chaos, and loves taking care of his livestock, dogs, chickens, and property. But once he steps into the world as Vladimir Koloff, the presence, the history, and the weight of the name are still there. One of the best parts of the interview is hearing how committed they were to protecting that illusion. Carl talks about people coming up to him and Nikita at conventions saying they thought they were really Russian, and even fans who met them back in the day remembered them staying in character at gas stations, airports, hotels, and restaurants. The interview closes with Carl reflecting on legends he knew and respected, including the Road Warriors, Kerry Von Erich, Jake Roberts, Ric Flair, Ivan Koloff, Nikita Koloff, Stan Lane, and Andre the Giant. He speaks with the kind of perspective that only comes from someone who lived inside the business, saw the roads, the locker rooms, the conventions, the politics, the friendships, and the sacrifices firsthand. This is the story of Vladimir Koloff. But more than that, it is the story of Carl Richard Brantley, the man who carried a monster’s name, protected a wrestling legacy, and lived a life that sounds almost impossible until you hear him tell it himself. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Get Your Bell Rung presents The Man Behind the Monster: The Untold Story of Vladimir Koloff

  2. 1d ago

    RWR Power Pro Wrestling Podcast Ep. 22 (9/12/98) Father Knows Best

    On Episode #22 of the RWR Power Pro Wrestling Podcast, Gene Jackson, Robb Helt, and Brian Tramel are back live on Saturday morning for another edition of TV5 Power Pro Wrestling, and this one has a lot going on before the first bell even rings. Gene is still under the weather, the crew takes a few minutes to remember “Superstar” Bill Dundee, and then they jump into a Power Pro episode built around one of the most interesting matchups Randy Hales has presented yet: Jerry “The King” Lawler vs. Brian Christopher. The episode opens with a thoughtful discussion about watching 1998 Power Pro through modern eyes. Robb brings up the idea that some of what looks hokey now may have played differently at the time, because fans didn’t have the same constant internet, social media, and endless media overload that exists today. That leads into the bigger point of the week: sometimes the Power Pro chaos feels ridiculous, but when it works, it works. Once the Power Pro episode begins, Randy Hales makes the big announcement: Brian Christopher vs. Jerry Lawler in the main event. Lawler immediately tries to shut it down, making it clear he is not going to wrestle Brian just because Randy wants him to. That’s the hook of the show. Randy is no longer just trying to embarrass Lawler; now he is trying to use Brian Christopher, Stacy, Brandon Baxter, and anybody else he can drag into the mess. The best talking segment of the show comes when Randy calls out Brian Christopher and tries to “smarten him up” about Jerry Lawler and Stacy. This is the kind of Power Pro angle that feels like old school Memphis when it clicks. It has jealousy, family tension, outside manipulation, Stacy drama, Randy Hales clearly trying to manipulate the Lawler family, and a match nobody really needed to see for a title, they needed to see it because of the relationship.  There is still plenty of Power Pro weirdness, too. Billy Joe Travis smashes Lance Jade with what looks like a tiny guitar, the “new Rock and Roll Express” arrives with Jason Gibson joining his Uncle Robert, Kid Wikkid mouths off to Bill Dundee before ducking him, Derrick King steps in, and Randy Hales spends so much television time talking that even when the angle is good, the crew still agrees: it’s too much Randy. All and all, this show feels like Power Pro is getting back up onto the tracks compared to the previous few weeks with some intriguing storylines starting to developed. The King doesn’t want the match. Brian Christopher wants respect. Randy Hales wants chaos. And on TV5 Power Pro Wrestling, that usually means everybody gets punched before the credits roll. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    RWR Power Pro Wrestling Podcast Ep. 22 (9/12/98) Father Knows Best

  3. 2d ago

    Rollin’ Into Mempho Episode #42: 12/11/21

    It’s time for a special edition “Shootin’ The Shiznit” with “Rollin’ Into Mempho.” Brian Tramel is joined by RynoJB to review Championship Wrestling from Memphis for Episode 42 in their quick RT format ! They answer the following questions about the show: -Hits? -Misses? -MVP?? -What do they want to see on next week’s show? -THUMBS UP or THUMBS DOWN? They reviewed this episode ! https://youtu.be/Ms-HlA_E-zo?si=nyDYimEIm0ZTdkGW ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Rollin’ Into Mempho Episode #42: 12/11/21

  4. 3d ago

    RWR WCCW Podcast Ep. 11: Who Is The Boss? | World Class 1/29/83 Review

    ***CLICK THE LINK TO WATCHALONG WITH ROBB & SCOTTIE***https://rumble.com/v7fczao-rwr-wccw-podcast-ep.-11-who-is-the-boss-world-class-12983-review.html On Episode #11 of the Retro Wrestling Re-View WCCW Podcast, Robb Helt and Scottie Wince, the Texas Bunch are back with another trip into World Class Championship Wrestling, this time covering the January 29, 1983 episode from the Sportatorium in Dallas. After last week’s Christmas Star Wars fallout show helped reset the table, this episode keeps the slow burn going toward the inevitable Von Erichs vs. Fabulous Freebirds explosion. This week’s World Class TV features the arrival of Yoshiaki Yatsu, David Von Erich making it clear he wants those six man titles back from the Freebirds, Michael Hayes battling Jose Lothario, and King Kong Bundy continuing to build the new version of Devastation Incorporated with The Great Kabuki all while everybody keeps asking one question: who is “The Boss?” By the end, Robb and Scottie are ready for two things: for the Von Erichs and Freebirds to finally start getting physical, and for World Class to reveal who “The Boss” actually is (Bruce Springsteen? Tony Danza??). The pieces are moving, the Freebirds have real heat, Devastation Incorporated is being rebuilt, and World Class is doing that territory thing where they make you wait just long enough to want the next episode. The war is coming. But first, apparently, we need clearance from The Boss. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    RWR WCCW Podcast Ep. 11: Who Is The Boss? | World Class 1/29/83 Review

  5. 4d ago

    LIVE from the Archive: Retro Wrestling Archive Bill “Superstar” Dundee Tribute

    On this special edition of LIVE from the Archive, Gene Jackson is joined by Robb Helt, Scottie Wince, Jimmy Street of Give Me Back My Pro Wrestling, Brian Tramel, and Brandon Wheeler for a heartfelt tribute to the late, great “Superstar” Bill Dundee, one of the defining names in Memphis wrestling history and one of the most believable, versatile, entertaining performers to ever step into a wrestling ring. The panel watches and discusses classic Dundee clips that highlight who he was: a world class talker, a snug and believable worker, a master heel, a natural babyface, and a man who could make fans believe every word and every punch. The heart of the show is the panel explaining why Dundee mattered so much in Memphis. Scottie puts it plainly: if you do a Mount Rushmore of Memphis Wrestling, Jerry Lawler and Bill Dundee are number one and number two for a whole generation of fans. BT adds that Dundee, Lawler, and Handsome Jimmy Valiant were the guys fans pretended to be on playgrounds because those were the stars they grew up watching every week. The Lawler/Dundee discussion is one of the strongest parts of the tribute. Gene points out that both men were just as good on the microphone as they were in the ring, and that their feud drew money across multiple decades. Even when Memphis was struggling, putting Lawler and Dundee back together could heat the territory right back up. There’s also a lot of appreciation for Dundee’s realism. Whether he was cutting a fired-up promo, throwing punches with Lawler, screaming about being wronged in Mid-South, or standing beside Beverly Dundee with everything on the line, Bill made fans believe him. The panel keeps coming back to that word: believability. That was the gift. The famous Bill and Buddy Show segment gets the big spotlight late in the episode. Dundee and Buddy Landel take over Memphis TV, put on suits, bring out their own desk, call the match themselves, insult everybody in sight, and somehow create a segment that fans still talk about like it was a six month angle even though the actual “show” was one unforgettable TV segment. For fans of Bill Dundee, Memphis Wrestling, Jerry Lawler, Lance Russell, Dave Brown, Buddy Landell, Dutch Mantell, Joe LeDuc, Mid-South Wrestling, and the kind of old school wrestling that felt real because the people doing it made it real, this tribute is required viewing. Thank you, Bill Dundee, for all the years of entertainment. There will never be another “Superstar.” ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    LIVE from the Archive: Retro Wrestling Archive Bill “Superstar” Dundee Tribute

  6. 4d ago

    Rollin’ Into Mempho Episode #41: 12/4/21

    It’s time for a special edition “Shootin’ The Shiznit” with “Rollin’ Into Mempho.” Brian Tramel is joined by RynoJB to review Championship Wrestling from Memphis for Episode 42 in their quick RT format ! They answer the following questions about the show: -Hits? -Misses? -MVP?? -What do they want to see on next week’s show? -THUMBS UP or THUMBS DOWN? They reviewed this episode ! https://youtu.be/NI3GlxDEa1Y?si=Si1QrHgbWR9NuYF- ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Rollin’ Into Mempho Episode #41: 12/4/21

  7. 5d ago

    Talkin’ Off The Top Rope Episode #8: Joe Sousa

    On Episode #8 of Talkin’ Off The Top Rope, “The Grizzled Vet” Michael McCurdy welcomes longtime friend, promoter, booker, wrestling historian, commentator, and all around wrestling lifer Joe Sousa for a very personal conversation about growing up through the West Coast territory era, discovering wrestling through his father, preserving memories, finding his voice behind the microphone, and eventually helping build Rumble in the Redwoods into something special. This one is different because Joe isn’t just another guest. Mike explains right up front that Joe is part of his own story, one of the people who helped him along the path that eventually led to this show and the Retro Wrestling Archive Podcast Network. Their friendship goes back more than 30 years, and that history gives the episode a warm, familiar, “road story” feel from the very beginning. By the end, this episode is really about connection: fathers and sons, friends who become family, fans who become historians, commentators who become voices of a scene, and small town wrestling shows that become memories people carry with them. Joe Sousa’s story runs through San Francisco, Portland, Humboldt County, APW, WCWC, Cauliflower Alley, and Rumble in the Redwoods, but the throughline is simple: he loves wrestling, he respects the fans, and he wants the stories to be told right. For fans of Portland Wrestling, San Francisco wrestling, Pat Patterson, Ray Stevens, Roddy Piper, Don Owen, Roy Shire, Rumble in the Redwoods, West Coast independent wrestling, old school commentary, and the people who keep regional wrestling history alive, this episode is a must listen. Joe Sousa’s story is the real deal. And that’s why on Talkin’ Off The Top Rope, the stories never die. Follow the Grizzled Vet Michael McCurdy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581684591623 Follow him on "X" at @vetgrizzled You contact him at grizzledvet1972@gmail.com ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    Talkin’ Off The Top Rope Episode #8: Joe Sousa

  8. 5d ago

    RWR USWA Podcast Ep. 118 (1/18/92) Richard Lee, “Ain’t No Rassler!”

    On Episode #118 of the Retro Wrestling Re-View USWA Podcast, Gene Jackson, Josh Briley, and BT Brian Tramel return to review the January 18, 1992 edition of USWA Championship Wrestling but before the boys get into the episode, the show opens on a somber note with the news of “Superstar” Bill Dundee’s passing. Gene, Josh, and BT take a few minutes to talk about what Dundee meant to Memphis wrestling, to their childhood fandom, and to this podcast in particular, where Dundee has been such a major recurring part of the journey. Once the review begins, this episode turns into one of the most important early 1992 USWA shows so far. The Moondogs, Richard Lee, Jeff Jarrett, Robert Fuller, and Jerry Lawler collide in a wild brawl from Kennett, Missouri, and by the time it’s over, Lawler has stepped directly into the tag team war against the Moondogs. What started as Jarrett and Fuller versus Richard Lee’s chaos suddenly becomes Jerry Lawler and Jeff Jarrett versus the Moondogs, and the boys immediately recognize that this was the start of something huge for the USWA in 1992. This is one of those episodes where the USWA starts to feel like it has found its next big story. The Moondogs are destroying people. Richard Lee is losing his mind. And Jerry Lawler just smelled money! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    RWR USWA Podcast Ep. 118 (1/18/92) Richard Lee, “Ain’t No Rassler!”
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4.7
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About

The Retro Wrestling Archive Podcast Network is a home for nostalgia pro wrestling podcasts featuring interviews, reviews, recaps, and deep dives into the people, promotions, and moments that shaped wrestling history. Our network includes original in-house shows like The Retro Wrestling Re-View Podcasts, Beyond Wrestling, Dangerous Conversations w/Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich, and LIVE from the Archive!, along with affiliate podcasts such as STSPod, The Hang, Talkin' off the Top Rope, and Get Your Bell Rung, among others. Presented in association with Jackson Media Creations, the Retro Wrestling Archive Podcast Network is dedicated to one mission: preserving pro wrestling history.

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