Viewer discretion is advised—because this week, Dr. Sleep is in the building. We’re joined by Anthony Gangone, one of the most versatile and compelling performers on the independent wrestling scene. Whether you know him from House of Glory, CZW, The Mecca, Respect Wrestling, his no ropes matches, his championship runs, or his current evolution as Dr. Sleep, Anthony has built a career on refusing to be put in one box. In this conversation, Anthony talks about staying connected to wrestling from childhood, building a career through persistence, and why the current Dr. Sleep version of himself feels like the most complete version yet. We get into his horror influences, the psychology behind making an audience uncomfortable, the mandible claw, submissions, brawling, and why sometimes putting someone to sleep can be a peaceful experience. Naturally, Kelsey handles this information in the most Kelsey way possible. We also talk about Anthony’s ability to adapt to different promotions and audiences, his time as a cornerstone for multiple independent companies, his relationship with Amazing Red, the importance of no ropes matches, intergender wrestling, and what it means to become a veteran presence in locker rooms without necessarily setting out to be one. Plus, Anthony previews his upcoming Respect Wrestling main event against Austin Aries, a match he describes as one of the only true dream matches he has ever wanted. We discuss Aries’ influence, what makes Ray Sanchez such a strong voice in wrestling, and why Respect has become such an exciting new space in the independent scene. In this episode: Anthony Gangone explains how the Dr. Sleep character came togetherWe talk horror movies, unsettling characters, and finding inspiration outside of wrestlingAnthony breaks down what it means to be a true hybrid wrestlerKelsey asks about the mandible claw and immediately regrets understanding how it worksWe discuss brawling, submissions, and why discomfort is such a powerful tool in wrestlingAnthony reflects on being a reliable veteran presence across multiple independent promotionsWe talk House of Glory, CZW, The Mecca, Respect Wrestling, and the changing indie landscapeAnthony looks back on his no ropes matches and his history with Amazing RedWe discuss intergender wrestling, realism, and the “final girl” energy of Dr. SleepAnthony previews his Respect Wrestling title defense against Austin AriesWe get into support systems, confidence, V for Vendetta, They Live, and why Dr. Sleep probably cannot be killedThis is a conversation about longevity, reinvention, horror, professionalism, and the strange peace that comes after someone puts you to sleep. Anthony Gangone is not interested in doing the same thing twice. And Dr. Sleep is only getting started. The New To Wrestling Podcast follows two friends who enjoy wrestling but are in different stages of their fandom. Xavier Cruz serves as your guide through generations of professional wrestling while Kelsey Silva experiences these matches for the first time. Climb into the ring weekly to relive the famous matches beginning with the Attitude Era!
