The Retro Wrestling Archive Podcast Network

Retro Wrestling Archive Podcasts
  • 4.5 (6)
  • 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. WTF News Desk - May 2026

    4h ago

    WTF News Desk - May 2026

    It’s time for a new episode of “Shootin’ The Shiznit.” Brian Tramel brings you “THE WTF News Desk.” BT brings you an insider's perspective to the bizarre happenings in the squared circle and the octagon. From outlandish storylines to mind-bending maneuvers, THE WTF News Desk is your go-to source for all things unconventional in the fight world. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    53 min
  2. The Hang: Episode 5: One More Hit with Dr Bud Ganja

    10h ago

    The Hang: Episode 5: One More Hit with Dr Bud Ganja

    They’re back again with another episode of The Hang, and this week Uncle Frank is in the host chair bringing the energy for “One More Hit with Dr. Bud Ganja.” This episode features his longtime partner and friend Dr. Bud, and even though we ran into a few technical difficulties along the way, we still managed to keep the hang rolling. There are some audio issues throughout this one, and Dr. Bud wasn’t able to make it through the whole episode, but this definitely won’t be the last time you hear from him. Sometimes the best hangs are a little messy anyway, and this one still has plenty of good vibes, laughs, and classic Hang chaos. To find Dr. Bud... find him in person and say what upppp. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    1h 5m
  3. Huge Pop Entertainment presents...A Conversation with "Living Legend" Larry Zbyszko

    19h ago

    Huge Pop Entertainment presents...A Conversation with "Living Legend" Larry Zbyszko

    On this episode of Huge Pop Entertainment Presents… the Huge Pop crew welcomes “The Living Legend” Larry Zbyszko for a wide ranging conversation covering his legendary career, his old school wrestling philosophy, his time with Bruno Sammartino, the AWA, the birth of the nWo, WCW commentary, TNA, Golf, and the unexpected return of his hit single, “Boo on Me.” Larry talks about growing up in Chicago before moving to Pittsburgh, where he first discovered professional wrestling and became fascinated by Bruno Sammartino. He shares the incredible story of finding out where Bruno lived, sneaking through the bushes as a teenage fan, and eventually becoming close enough to train with his hero, a journey that came full circle when Bruno inducted him into the WWE Hall of Fame. The conversation digs deep into Larry’s famous feud with Bruno, including the betrayal that changed his career forever and helped make him one of the most hated heels in wrestling. Larry explains how he went from being known as “Bruno’s protégé” to becoming Larry Zbyszko, selling out Madison Square Garden and Shea Stadium in the process. Larry also breaks down his heel psychology and pushes back on the idea that he was simply “stalling.” To him, it was about reading the room, letting the crowd’s hatred build, and keeping them emotionally invested before ever needing to lock up. Whether fans were chanting “Larry Sucks!,” throwing heat his way, or waiting to see him finally get what was coming to him, Larry knew how to make the people believe. What makes this interview so much fun is that Larry is still Larry. He is opinionated, funny, reflective, blunt, and completely comfortable talking about what worked, what didn’t, and why old school wrestling got over when it was done right. He talks about heat, psychology, drawing money, protecting your character, and why the bad guys were often the real engine of the show. From Bruno to the New World Order, from “Larry Sucks!” chants to “Boo on Me!,” this episode is a must listen for fans of classic wrestling, WCW, AWA, WWF, old school heel work, and one of wrestling’s most unforgettable personalities. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    1h 11m
  4. Retro Wrestling Re-View ECW Podcast - BONUS EPISODE: Bay Ragni Interview

    20h ago ·  Bonus

    Retro Wrestling Re-View ECW Podcast - BONUS EPISODE: Bay Ragni Interview

    **WATCH THE SHOW AT THE LINK BELOW**https://rumble.com/v7az03g-retro-wrestling-re-view-ecw-podcast-bonus-episode-bay-ragni-interview.html Before the Retro Wrestling Re-View ECW Podcast fully dives into the early episodes of ECW Hardcore TV, Gene Jackson sits down with someone who was there when the whole thing was still being built: Bay Ragni, better known to ECW fans as Chubby Dudley, and to early Eastern Championship Wrestling fans as EZ Rider. This special bonus episode is a deep dive into the roots of ECW, the shadow of Joel Goodhart’s Tri-State Wrestling Alliance, and what it was like to be around Philadelphia wrestling as it shifted from TWA into the early days of Eastern Championship Wrestling. Bay talks about last year’s ‘One and Done’ Tri-State Wrestling Alliance Reunion Show, what it meant to bring so many people from that era back together, and the emotional weight of honoring a promotion that helped lay the groundwork for what ECW would eventually become. He opens up about working with Joel Goodhart on the event, the stress behind the scenes, the importance of giving Tri-State its due, and why that promotion deserves a much bigger place in the history of independent wrestling. From there, the conversation goes back to the beginning of ECW, including the meeting after TWA shut down, Todd Gordon taking over, the creation of Eastern Championship Wrestling, and the early struggle to turn the promotion into something that could survive. Bay discusses the first TV tapings, the infamous snowstorm around the Cabrini College show, helping promote the early events, and what changed when “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert came in as booker. This episode also covers: The legacy of Tri-State Wrestling AllianceJoel Goodhart’s influence on independent wrestlingThe One and Done reunion show and the upcoming TWA documentaryBay’s memories of the ECW Arena and Philadelphia wrestling fansThe early ECW meeting after TWA closedTodd Gordon’s first steps running Eastern Championship WrestlingThe difference between TWA and early ECWBay and HD Rider working the first match in ECW TV historyTerry Funk calling that first ECW television matchEddie Gilbert arriving and changing the direction of the companyWhy early ECW TV exposed how green some of the crew still wasJay Sulli, Stevie Wonderful, Hunter Q. Robbins, and the early ECW announce crewThe Cosmic Commander and the wild personalities around early ECWJimmy Snuka, Don Muraco, Ivan Koloff, Sal Bellomo, and the veteran names used in the beginningThe importance of television in making ECW feel bigger than a local indieAnd why the road from TWA to ECW is more complicated than most quick histories make it soundThis is not just a bonus interview. It is a bridge between the end of Tri-State and the birth of ECW, told by someone who was actually in the room, in the locker room, and in the ring when the first pieces were coming together. If you’re following the Retro Wrestling Re-View ECW Podcast, this episode is essential listening. Before ECW became extreme, before the revolution, before the legends were made, there was a small group of people in Philadelphia trying to figure out what came next. Bay Ragni was one of them, and this conversation helps set the table for everything that follows. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    1h 32m
  5. Retro Wrestling Re-View WCCW Podcast Ep. 2 - August 15, 1982 | The Birth of Fubuki!

    1d ago

    Retro Wrestling Re-View WCCW Podcast Ep. 2 - August 15, 1982 | The Birth of Fubuki!

    ***Watch the Video version of this episode at the link below***https://rumble.com/v7b4cme-retro-wrestling-re-view-wccw-podcast-ep.-2-august-15-1982-the-birth-of-fubu.html Episode #2 of the Retro Wrestling Re-View WCCW Podcast takes Robb Helt and Scottie Wince back to August 15, 1982, for another look at early World Class Championship Wrestling from the Dallas Sportatorium and this week proves real quick that not every trip through the territory glory days is going to be wall to wall Von Erich magic. The episode features Frank Dusek vs. Mike Bond, as Dusek works over dependable enhancement talent Mike Bond before things fall apart a little at the finish. From there, The Magic Dragon takes on Ken Mantell, leading to the birth of a new show nickname: Fubuki. The guys also dig into Magic Dragon’s background, his connection to Kabuki, and the tragic end of his life years later. This is not the strongest World Class episode on paper, but it gives Robb and Scottie plenty to work with as they continue building the foundation for the series. It’s a snapshot of early WCCW before the promotion fully explodes, it’s rough around the edges, weird in places, occasionally boring, but still loaded with little details, history, and that unmistakable Sportatorium flavor.  If you’re following the Retro Wrestling Re-View WCCW Podcast from the beginning, Episode #2 is the kind of show that reminds you: sometimes the journey through wrestling history means sitting through Frank Dusek DDTs, Magic Dragon nerve holds, Arman Hussein whistles, and King Kong Bundy with a full head of hair before the Von Erich fireworks really kick in. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    1h 7m
  6. Rollin' Into Mempho Ep. 4: 3/20/21

    1d ago

    Rollin' Into Mempho Ep. 4: 3/20/21

    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 Episode 4 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/UcGYGlsUSyE?si=r3Au-xLrrQe3HYId ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    27 min
  7. Retro Wrestling Re-View USWA Podcast Ep. 107: (11/9/91) Meet Billy Joe's SUPER TEAM

    2d ago

    Retro Wrestling Re-View USWA Podcast Ep. 107: (11/9/91) Meet Billy Joe's SUPER TEAM

    Episode #107 of the Retro Wrestling Re-View USWA Podcast takes Gene Jackson, Josh Briley, and Brian Tramel back to the November 9, 1991 episode of USWA Championship Wrestling, featuring a Dr. Tom Prichard vs. Eric Embry title match live in the studio, along with Billy Joe Travis committing his worst atrocity yet unleashing the “SUPER TEAM” on everyone. At the center of the episode is Dr. Tom Prichard vs. Eric Embry, a match that looks great on paper because both guys can absolutely work, but also comes with all the baggage of where Embry is in the promotion at this point and how the USWA is trying to position everybody heading into the next phase of the story. This is one of those episodes where the talent list is stronger than the actual direction of the show. There are plenty of names worth watching, but the bigger fun comes from the podcast gang trying to figure out what the promotion is building toward, what still works, what already feels tired, and what somehow remains entertaining in spite of itself. If you’re following the 1991 USWA journey, Episode #107 is another important stop in the march through late year Memphis madness with Prichard, Embry, Gaylord, Travis, Dirty White Boy, Jarrett, Masters, and Sawyer all part of the mix as the territory keeps pushing forward one chaotic Saturday morning at a time. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    1h 47m
  8. Rick Del Santo's Classic Wrestling Talk w/Joe Malenko

    2d ago

    Rick Del Santo's Classic Wrestling Talk w/Joe Malenko

    On this episode of Rick Del Santo’s Classic Pro Wrestling Talk, Rick sits down with Joe Malenko, born Jody Simon, for a wide-ranging conversation about growing up inside the wrestling business, learning under some of the greatest technical minds in the world, and building a career that took him from the territories to Mexico, Japan, ECW, and beyond. Joe talks openly about life as the son of the legendary Boris Malenko, explaining that before he fully understood his father’s reputation, Boris was simply “Pop.” He shares what it was like being around the territory system as a kid, traveling with his family, seeing fans react to his father in public, and slowly realizing just how important his dad was to different wrestling markets around the country. The conversation also digs into Joe’s own path into wrestling. Unlike his brother Dean Malenko, who knew from early on that he wanted to chase professional wrestling full-time, Joe explains that he always had multiple interests and never wanted wrestling to be the only thing in his life. Still, he trained seriously, learned from his father, worked with Carl Gotch, and eventually found his best fit in Japan, where the respect for combat sports and the boys made it the perfect place for him to work. One of the strongest parts of this interview is Joe’s perspective on wrestling psychology. He is honest about being old-school in what he enjoys, but he does not dismiss modern wrestlers just because the style has changed. Instead, he talks about the difference between preference and quality, while making the case that intensity, believability, timing, and doing the right thing at the right moment can still make an audience believe. Joe also shares a great story about working Randy Savage and taking a bump so convincingly that even Boris Malenko briefly thought he might have really been hurt. For Joe, that proves the point: if you can make someone like Boris Malenko believe for even a second, then kayfabe is not dead. This is a thoughtful, funny, and deeply insightful conversation with a man who has lived wrestling from several different angles as son of a legend, trained shooter, junior heavyweight, Japan regular, pharmacist, musician, and someone who still cares deeply about the craft. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
6 Ratings

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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