Dangerous Conversations w/Doug Gilbert and Tommy Rich

Retro Wrestling Archive Podcasts
  • 4.6 (10)
  • WRESTLING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join Memphis Wrestling Hall of Famers "Dangerous" Doug Gilbert & Tommy "Wildfire" Rich as each week they sit down with host Gene Jackson and share stories from the ring and the road, and they may even invite along a guest or two from time to time! retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com

  1. Dangerous Conversations Ep. 64: CARD SUBJECT TO CHANGE

    5D AGO

    Dangerous Conversations Ep. 64: CARD SUBJECT TO CHANGE

    This week on Dangerous Conversations, Doug Gilbert and Tommy “Wildfire” Rich kick things off a bit differently rather than going into one longform topic, they kick off with a wide ranging, free flowing conversation that perfectly captures what makes this podcast special. We get: A full rundown of upcoming appearances, fan fests, and where you can catch The Memphis Mafia back together againStories from the road, including airport chaos, travel headaches, and how things have changed for wrestlers on the moveBehind the scenes insight into upcoming conventions featuring some of the biggest names in wrestling historyBut where this episode really shines is when the guys start digging into the past… Doug and Tommy break down: A classic 1970s Louisville Gardens card, including a wild six-man featuring Lawler, Dundee, Tojo, and moreThe art of building angles back in the territory days and how one feud could stretch for weeks with different stipulationsWhy gimmick matches actually meant something back then—and how they drew moneyAll that and much, much more on another can't episode of "Dangerous Conversations"! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    1h 6m
  2. Dangerous Conversations Ep. 63: Hall of Fame Honors, Losing Legends, & Acquired Tastes

    MAR 27

    Dangerous Conversations Ep. 63: Hall of Fame Honors, Losing Legends, & Acquired Tastes

    The episode opens with some updates as Tommy discusses his impressive weight loss journey and how much better he’s feeling physically thanks to it.  The guys take some time at the beginning of the show to pay their respects to Dennis Condrey who recently passed away. They share personal memories of Condrey’s toughness, smooth in-ring style, and professionalism, while also discussing how aging and loss have become increasingly common realities within the pro wrestling community.  A major talking point centers on Sid Vicious (Eudy) being announced this week for the WWE Hall of Fame. Doug and Tommy both agree the honor is well deserved, recalling Sid’s freakish athleticism, imposing presence, and the unique ability to remain a top attraction in multiple major promotions. They also address how rumors and misunderstandings often shaped public perception of wrestlers’ reputations, especially in the pre-internet era when false advertising or missed bookings could easily damage a performer’s image without them ever knowing they were advertised for a show.  Fan questions drive much of the episode’s second half. Highlights include:  A humorous exchange about Doug’s legendary use of electrical tape throughout his career.  Memories of working with enhancement talent and how many future stars began their careers “putting guys over” on television before getting their break in another territory.  A serious discussion about wrestler safety prompted by a recent OVW incident involving a referee suffering a seizure mid match. Reflections on the funniest personalities in wrestling, with Brad Armstrong and Roddy Piper earning special mentions for their humor behind the scenes.Blending heartfelt tributes, territory storytelling, industry insight, and the trademark humor that defines the show, Episode #63 delivers another entertaining hour of old school wrestling conversation that longtime fans will appreciate. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    1h 5m
  3. Dangerous Conversations Ep. 62: Top 20 Tag Teams in Memphis Wrestling History

    MAR 20

    Dangerous Conversations Ep. 62: Top 20 Tag Teams in Memphis Wrestling History

    This week on Dangerous Conversations, a listener sent Gene Jackson a list of the Top 20 Memphis Tag Teams of All Time from a recent poll, so “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert and “Wildfire” Tommy Rich sit down and go through the list sharing memories and opinions on all the teams listed. You may be surprised at whose on the list and where they ranked. You may be even more surprised by who DIDN'T make the list.  Expect: Behind-the-scenes stories you’ve never heardHonest (sometimes brutal) opinionsMemphis locker room historyAnd at least one pick that will absolutely shock fansIf you think you know Memphis tag team wrestling….give the show a listen and share your thoughts with us! We may do a show in the future based on the feedback. You can post your lists in the comments or email them to douggilbertpodcast@outlook.com ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    1h 9m
  4. Dangerous Conversations w/Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich Ep. 61: Riots, Real Heat & Wrestling Psychology They Don’t Teach Anymore

    MAR 13

    Dangerous Conversations w/Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich Ep. 61: Riots, Real Heat & Wrestling Psychology They Don’t Teach Anymore

    This week on Dangerous Conversations, Doug Gilbert is flying solo (Tommy Rich is battling a bad cell signal while traveling), and the stories get WILD. Doug shares firsthand stories about: • Near riots in Memphis & Nashville• Having to escape buildings in trunks of cars• A parking lot incident involving a butcher knife• Puerto Rico crowds where you weren’t sure you’d make it out alive This isn’t “internet heat.”This was territory heat (in person....REAL) We also dive deep into: Eddie Gilbert’s original plans for the Dynamic Dudes — and how a heel turn could’ve changed everythingWhy today’s wrestlers miss the psychology that made Tommy Rich, Terry Funk & Jerry Lawler legendsThe lost art of selling, sympathy & drawing real moneyThe greatest masked wrestlers of all time (Masked Superstar? Mr. Olympia? The Bullet?)Bam Bam Bigelow, Barry Windham, Austin Idol & moreWho doesn’t get the respect they deserve in wrestling? Plus hilarious road stories about Buddy Landel, Brad Armstrong, and what REALLY made the territory days different from today’s business. If you love Memphis wrestling, old-school psychology, and unfiltered territory stories — this episode is for you. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    1h 3m
  5. Dangerous Conversations Ep. 60: Bruiser Brody, Barbed Wire, and Bon Jovi!

    MAR 6

    Dangerous Conversations Ep. 60: Bruiser Brody, Barbed Wire, and Bon Jovi!

    On Episode #60 of Dangerous Conversations with “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert & “Wildfire” Tommy Rich, the guys take you on a wild ride from Tennessee to Tokyo and everywhere in between! Before diving into the stories, Doug and Tommy talk about their upcoming appearances, including Tommy’s Menifee Street Fight in Kentucky and upcoming stops in Jackson, Henderson, Jonesboro, St. Louis, and beyond. Wildfire’s back in shape at 240 pounds and ready for anything, no holds barred.Then things shift overseas.This week’s main topic? Japan. Doug and Tommy break down: - The culture shock of first arriving in Japan- Life on the tour buses and tiny hotel rooms- Learning how to order food (and how to say “restroom”) in Japanese- The brutal physical style and the “young boy” training system- Bruiser Brody & Stan Hansen clearing crowds like the Red Sea The guys also talk about Brian Christopher in Japan, Memphis hardcore inspiring Onita to create FMW in Japan, and the differences between American and Japanese crowds. This episode is packed with travel stories, cultural differences, inside the business perspective, and laugh out loud moments that only Doug & Tommy can deliver each and every week on Dangerous Conversations! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    1h 7m
  6. Dangerous Conversations with “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert & Tommy “Wildfire” Rich Episode #59: "Breaking In and Breaking Out!"

    FEB 27

    Dangerous Conversations with “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert & Tommy “Wildfire” Rich Episode #59: "Breaking In and Breaking Out!"

    Doug Gilbert and Tommy Rich are back for another episode of Dangerous Conversations and this week they discuss the topic of breaking into the wrestling business. It's a lot different now than it was "fifty and a half" years ago when Tommy broke into pro wrestling and the guys breakdown and discuss those differences with some fun "sidebars" along the way.  If you want the truth, the real truth from two men who lived it, this episode pulls no punches. Plus: Gene Jackson says there's a "huge announcement" coming soon about a big "Dangerous Conversations" related project coming up that you DO NOT want to miss! Subscribe for new episodes every week! For all things related to Dangerous Conversations w/Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich, go to www.douggilbertpodcast.comFor all things related to Gene Jackson and the Retro Wrestling Archive Podcasts, go to www.retrowrestlingarchive.club ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    1h 16m
  7. Dangerous Conversations w/Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich Episode #58: Road Stories, Promoters & Territory Tales!

    FEB 13

    Dangerous Conversations w/Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich Episode #58: Road Stories, Promoters & Territory Tales!

    On Episode #58 of Dangerous Conversations, “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert and Tommy “Wildfire” Rich settle in for another wild ride through wrestling history with road stories and the reality of life inside the territory era with plenty of the unpredictable tangents that make this show what it is. This episode blends classic road story storytelling with deeper discussion about the wrestling business itself, including promoter reputation, territory economics, and how relationships in wrestling were often built on trust, handshake deals, and personal reputation. The conversation moves between hilarious travel stories, territory promotion memories, and serious reflection on how the business has changed, especially when it comes to media, storytelling, and how wrestling history is presented today. The episode also dives into a bigger philosophical theme:How wrestling history gets told…Who gets to tell it…And why personal experience often differs from the “documentary version” fans see years later. As always, the episode wraps with upcoming appearance talk, fan interaction appreciation, and reflections on how surreal it is to still be talking wrestling 40–50 years after first breaking into the business. 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 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    1h 9m

  8. FEB 6

    Dangerous Conversations w/Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich Ep. 57 | Fake Banks/Fake Checks: The MECW Debacle

    On this episode of Dangerous Conversations with “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert & Tommy “Wildfire” Rich, the conversation turns into a cautionary tale straight out of wrestling’s wildest independent era. Prompted by a listener question, Doug and Tommy peel back the curtain on John Collins and the infamous Main Event Championship Wrestling promotion, a short lived, money fueled disaster that brought together major names, wild promises, bad checks, and one of the most unbelievable promoter stories you’ll ever hear that ends with a prison sentence. Topics covered include: * How Doug and Tommy first met John Collins * The early warning signs that things weren’t what they seemed * Fake checks, fake banks, and nonexistent accounts * Collins’ obsession with rubbing shoulders with wrestlers * Why having “money” doesn’t make you a promoter (or businessman) * Why this promotion was doomed from the start The episode also spins off into classic territory talk, including: * Promoter scams of the past (including the legendary Ronnie P. Gossett story) * Nick Gulas, territory politics, and survival economics * How wrestlers really navigated shady promoters * Why common sense mattered more than contracts This is one of those episodes that feels unbelievable, until you realize every word comes from guys who were actually there and experienced it firsthand. 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 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    1h 10m
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4.6
out of 5
10 Ratings

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Join Memphis Wrestling Hall of Famers "Dangerous" Doug Gilbert & Tommy "Wildfire" Rich as each week they sit down with host Gene Jackson and share stories from the ring and the road, and they may even invite along a guest or two from time to time! retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com

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