Episode #16 of Cassette Wrestling News is one of the most volatile, controversial, and infamous installments, capturing the absolute breaking point of early-90s wrestling fandom as the business spirals into scandal, chaos, and internal collapse. The episode is dominated by the aftermath of Ric Flair’s departure from WCW, with hosts John Seaton and Jeff Osborne unleashing sustained fury at Jim Herd and Dusty Rhodes, whom they blame for forcing out the greatest world champion of all time. The show opens with detailed discussion of Flair’s contract dispute, WCW cutting off the “sheets,” and the growing war between wrestling management and independent media. From there, the episode escalates rapidly both in subject matter and on-air tension. Major topics include: Continued fallout from Ric Flair leaving WCW, including speculation on his future and the long-term damage to the NWA WCW creative chaos, endless heel/face turns, gimmick overload, and backlash to The Great American Bash Harsh criticism of Jim Herd, Dusty Rhodes, and WCW’s booking philosophy Coverage of WWF steroid fallout, Vince McMahon’s public statements, and deep skepticism toward WWF’s “clean image” narrative Explosive discussion of rumors involving HIV testing, resignations, and locker-room secrecy (presented as rumor and speculation within the context of the era) Reports from Dr. Mike Lano on Japanese wrestling and growing international tension between WCW and New Japan Extensive coverage of John Arezzi’s infiltration of a WWF press conference, including firsthand audio detailing Titan’s hostility toward wrestling media Promotions, mail-order tapes, newsletters, hotlines, and conventions that formed the early wrestling media ecosystem Most notoriously, Episode #16 features a complete on-air meltdown, culminating in a heated argument between Seaton and Osborne that turns physical, leading to Seaton being fired live on tape, a moment that blurs the line between shoot, work, and pure chaos in a way few modern podcasts would dare attempt. The episode later pivots back to wrestling coverage, including: A full John Arezzi interview breaking down WWF press manipulation A classic Jersey Devil segment from the CWN archives Editorial reactions from listeners and newsletter writers Additional rumors surrounding WCW, WWF, UWF, and the state of the industry Episode #16 stands as a raw, uncomfortable, and historically fascinating snapshot of wrestling fandom before social media, where rumor traveled by cassette, media battles were fought in real time, and unfiltered emotion ruled the airwaves. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com
