113 episodes

For decades, the multi-faceted John Arezzi has enjoyed a career like no other - and his Long Island, New York-based pro wrestling radio show, “The Pro Wrestling Spotlight,” was one of the nation’s most popular sources for hot wrestling news and live guests from April,1989 through January, 1995. Now, the beloved radio show continues the tradition with “John Arezzi’s Pro Wrestling Spotlight” podcast!
The PWS podcast gives listeners the inside scoop about pro wrestling during one of its most controversial eras, reviews those shows in chronological order, with the guests, callers, and even the commercials that made the show what it was. Arezzi often brings on the guests that were featured 30 years ago on the original radio broadcasts, and throws a fresh coat of paint on the format by offering new commentary and expert analysis about classic wrestling that can’t be heard anywhere else.

John Arezzi's Pro Wrestling Spotlight John Arezzi

    • Sports
    • 4.4 • 52 Ratings

For decades, the multi-faceted John Arezzi has enjoyed a career like no other - and his Long Island, New York-based pro wrestling radio show, “The Pro Wrestling Spotlight,” was one of the nation’s most popular sources for hot wrestling news and live guests from April,1989 through January, 1995. Now, the beloved radio show continues the tradition with “John Arezzi’s Pro Wrestling Spotlight” podcast!
The PWS podcast gives listeners the inside scoop about pro wrestling during one of its most controversial eras, reviews those shows in chronological order, with the guests, callers, and even the commercials that made the show what it was. Arezzi often brings on the guests that were featured 30 years ago on the original radio broadcasts, and throws a fresh coat of paint on the format by offering new commentary and expert analysis about classic wrestling that can’t be heard anywhere else.

    Episode 110 - BEST OF PRO WRESTLING SPOTLIGHT March 1990 - 1991

    Episode 110 - BEST OF PRO WRESTLING SPOTLIGHT March 1990 - 1991

    On this Best of Pro Wrestling Spotlight - Marsh and I review three classic shows from March.  The first two aired on 1440 WNYG in West Babylon, NY from March 4th and March 18th, 1990 (shows 48 and 50) and the third from March 3, 1991 (show 99), which originally aired on 1240 AM - WGBB in West Babylon, NY.
    On these shows, guests include the first appearance Diamond Dallas Page, Cactus Jack makes his 3rd ever appearance on the show. Both those appearances come from 1990, and we have a classic interview with Hot Stuff Eddie Gilbert.
    We also listen back to many of the memorable promotional spots that aired in those early days, plus many calls are reviewed including more from "George From Lindenhurst" "Rocco from Lindenhurst" and more!  
    More fun, laughs and memories from those March episodes we treasure to this day!
    Host - John Arezzi
    Co-Host, Producer & Creative Director - Marsh
    Patreon Executive Producers - Anthony Pires and Joseph Holloway
    JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE:
    https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi
    Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here:
    https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight
    Follow John Arezzi Here:
    https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight
    https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories
    Order a copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: https://a.co/d/4TXWVAv
    Copyright 2024
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 44 min
    Episode 109 - BEST OF Pro Wrestling Spotlight February 1991

    Episode 109 - BEST OF Pro Wrestling Spotlight February 1991

    On this Best of Pro Wrestling Spotlight - Marsh and I review two classic shows from February 1991, which originally aired on 1240 AM - WGBB in West Babylon, NY.
    On this episode we focus on some of the legendary callers of that era, including "George from Lindenhurst", "Drew Rhodes", "Joey from North Babylon" and also Dr. Mike Lano joins the frey! Plus a listen back to the controversy of the WWF's Gulf War angle with Iraqi sympathizer Sgt. Slaughter. Wade Keller joins that discussion on the WWF angle.  And - a surprise caller from the Newark Airport - the Honky Tonk Man!   And enjoyable look back and lots of laughs on this one! 
    Host - John Arezzi
    Co-Host, Producer & Creative Director - Marsh
    Patreon Executive Producers - Anthony Pires and Joseph Holloway
    JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE:
    https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi
    Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here:
    https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight
    Follow John Arezzi Here:
    https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight
    https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories
    Order a signed and numbered copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: https://py.pl/1SjMeX
    Copyright 2024
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 2 hr 7 min
    Episode 108 - FINAL Pro Wrestling Spotlight Radio Show reviewed! Cactus Jack

    Episode 108 - FINAL Pro Wrestling Spotlight Radio Show reviewed! Cactus Jack

    Here is episode 108 of the Pro Wrestling Spotlight Podcast - covering what was the final show of its almost 5 year run.  The show was broadcast on 1240 WGBB AM, in West Babylon NY. It was show 263 of the Pro Wrestling Spotlight series which aired on January 22, 1995  
    Marsh and I review this "finale" which featured (fittingly so) Cactus Jack, as our last guest!
    We announce plans to carry on with the all NEW podcast - THE PRO WRESTLING SPOTLIGHT - REWIND, which will kick off in time for the 35th Anniversary which was April, 1989.  We will have 2 specials before we go back to 1989. The first of which will be a show reviewing the ORIGIN of PWS, broadcast between 1975-77 during my years at Grahm Jr. College.  We will then have a 2nd special, reviewing the 1 show I did in the fall of 1985 with George Napolitano at WNYG (we were cancelled after one episode!). Then its back to 35 years ago, covering the April 1989 Pro Wrestling Broadcasts, then May 1989 and each month thereafter.
    SO - MORE TO COME!!!!!
    Host - John Arezzi
    Producer and Creative Director - Marsh
    Patreon Executive Producers - Anthony Pires and Joe Holloway
    JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE:
    https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi
    Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here:
    https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight
    Follow John Arezzi Here:
    https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight
    https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories
    Order a copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: https://a.co/d/4TXWVAv
    Copyright 2024
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 2 hr 25 min
    Episode 107 - from 1994 - Eddie Guerrero plus guests Evan Ginzburg and Mike Memphis - Paul E. Dangerously

    Episode 107 - from 1994 - Eddie Guerrero plus guests Evan Ginzburg and Mike Memphis - Paul E. Dangerously

    Here is episode 107 of John Arezzi's Pro Wrestling Spotlight Podcast, reviewing the original broadcasts of show 262, which aired on 1240 AM WGBB in West Babylon, NY on January 8th, 1995.
    Marsh and I bring on 2 guests for the podcast on this episode, which is probably the most explosive show we've done since beginning it 107 episodes ago. I comment on the recent Vince McMahon lawsuit and horrific scandal - and it's repercussions, and the history of my coverage of McMahon.  
    On the guest front - a reunion between me and Mike Memphis after 30 years is a highlight for me.  I've know Mike since 1972, when he became a member of the Fred Blassie Fan Club.
    Mike went on to become a widely known Elvis Presley impersonator, and we discuss our history and review a call he had with Paul E. Dangerously on WEVD.  
    Our 2nd guest is wrestling historian Evan Ginzburg, who reviews his interview with Marsh and I with Eddie Guerrero, following the death of Art Barr.
    Host - John Arezzi
    Producer and Creative Director - Marsh
    Patreon Executive Producers - Anthony Pires and Joe Holloway
    JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE:
    https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi
    Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here:
    https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight
    Follow John Arezzi Here:
    https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight
    https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories
    Order a copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: https://a.co/d/4TXWVAv
    Copyright 2024

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 2 hr 38 min
    Episode 106 - December 1994 TOMMY DREAMER & MIKEY WHIPWRECK

    Episode 106 - December 1994 TOMMY DREAMER & MIKEY WHIPWRECK

    Here is episode 106 of John Arezzi's Pro Wrestling Spotlight Podcast, reviewing the original broadcasts of shows 260 and 261 which aired on 1240 AM WGBB in West Babylon, NY on December 11th and 18th 1994.  
    Two shows are reviewed by John and Marsh, as show 261 was only 25 minutes in length so we added that show to discuss on this podcast.  John was doing a live "remote" from the Nassau Coliseum at the time which led to the shortened broadcast.
    On the December 11th show, John welcomes special guest co-hosts from ECW, Tommy Dreamer and Mikey Whipwreck! Dave Meltzer also calls in from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Callers include a surprise return of Joey from North Babylon.
    On the December 18th show, John is with Cactus Jack at an autograph show at the Nassau Coliseum.  John and Marsh also review the taped interview with ECW Founder Tod Gordon, who announces that NY fans will now get to see ECW on the Madison Square Garden Network.
    Host - John Arezzi
    Producer and Creative Director - Marsh
    Patreon Executive Producers - Anthony Pires and Joe Holloway
    JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE:
    https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi
    Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here:
    https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight
    Follow John Arezzi Here:
    https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight
    https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories
    Order a copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: https://a.co/d/4TXWVAv
    Copyright 2024

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 2 hr 1 min
    Episode 105 - Missy Hyatt Unfiltered and Cactus Jack's Holiday Poem

    Episode 105 - Missy Hyatt Unfiltered and Cactus Jack's Holiday Poem

    Here is episode 105 of the Pro Wrestling Spotlight Podcast, covering the original broadcast of show #259, which originally aired on 1240 AM WGBB in West Babylon, NY on December 4th, 1993.
    Marsh and I are joined by Patreon Executive Producer Joe Holloway and we review the show from 29 years ago.
    Missy Hyatt was our special guest back then, she takes calls from the listeners of the show. Its Missy UNFILTERED (as always)!
    We also review the Cactus Jack Holiday poem!
    A very entertaining show!
    Host - John Arezzi
    Producer and Creative Director - Marsh
    Patreon Executive Producers - Anthony Pires and Joe Holloway
    JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE:
    https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi
    Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here:
    https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight
    Follow John Arezzi Here:
    https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight
    https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories
    Order a copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: https://a.co/d/4TXWVAv
    Copyright 2024
     
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 46 min

Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5
52 Ratings

52 Ratings

Sugawolfpimp ,

Such a great podcast

First listen to his shows on the PW torch. John is such a cool person and love his old school wrestling knowledge. Glad I can listen to his pod and every time I do I learn something new. Keep up the awesome work my good sir.

Shield24 ,

Must listen

Absolutely give this show your time. John is a walking encyclopedia of wrestling who has literally done it all. Who else can say he broke ground in the wrestling reporting genre AND been in the ring with Dusty Rhodes? One of THE BEST PODCASTS dedicated to pro wrestling

RichNY10 ,

A great trip through history

Each week, a fantastic time capsule trip back to wrestling as it was in the late 80s/early 90s. Never a dull episode, each one extremely interesting. Highly recommended either to fans who experienced this time period, or those who didn’t but are interested in hearing wrestling history as it happened.

Top Podcasts In Sports

New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce
Wave Sports + Entertainment
Pardon My Take
Barstool Sports
Mind the Game with LeBron James and JJ Redick
ThreeFourTwo Productions and UNINTERRUPTED
The Bill Simmons Podcast
The Ringer
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Dan Le Batard, Stugotz
Cheap Heat with Peter Rosenberg
Peter Rosenberg

You Might Also Like

Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden
John Arezzi/Ritchie Garcia/Tim Puttre
Story Time with Dutch Mantell
WSI Network
The Wrestling News
Arcadian Vanguard
The Outdated Wrestling Hour With Bob Smith
Bob Smith
Stories with Brisco and Bradshaw
John Layfield, Gerald Brisco
Jim Cornette Experience
Arcadian Vanguard