Explore every episode of the podcast 80’s Wrestling The Podcast

The Mount Rushmore of Golden Era Heels!

Who is Mr. Summerslam?

Today we talk about the iconic moments that took place on talk show segments

He could make your back crack & your liver quiver - the son of a plumber he was the American Dream. Dusty Rhodes was a once-in-a-lifetime superstar that came along at exactly the right time. He was gifted on the microphone, knew how to tell a story and could draw emotion from the crowd like few others. He is among the most iconic professional wrestlers of all time. 

It's time for the rumble...the ROYAL RUMBLE! The 1990 Royal Rumble was the third annual Royal Rumble pay-per-view event produced by the World Wrestling Federation. It took place on January 21, 1990, at the Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida. It is remembered for a number of incredible moments but none top the one-on-one interaction between the then Intercontinental Champion The Ultimate Warrior and World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan! Royal Rumble 1990 was used to plant seeds, further storylines and entertain the fans!

The colors were often bold, the designs intimidating & the cool-factor was undeniable! Today's episode is all about the Face Paint of the 80's! We talk about who wore it, what it added to their character & what we remember about the colors that didn't run! It's The Face Paint of the 80's!

This past Saturday over 1,100 people attended 80's Wrestling Con LIVE in Morristown New Jersey! It was packed with over 3 dozen superstars, vending tables, meet & greets and over a thousand fans! We talk about what happened, how it went and what's next for con promoter Tommy Fierro!

The clock is ticking, we are just HOURS away from 80’s Wrestling Con Live & ISPW'S Rock N’ Wrestling! On todays episode we visit with Sal Sincere as look ahead to what is sure to be an EPIC weekend!

80s Wrestling Con RETURNS - LIVE AND IN PERSON! Saturday, May 7th -at the Mennen Sports Arena in Morristown New Jersey over 30 Legends of the RIng will gather together for an epic celebration of the Golden Era of Professional Wrestling! Legends like Jesse "The Body" Ventura, Demolition Ax & Smash, "Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase, Tito Santana & Greg "The Hammer" Valentine will be in attendance LIVE! Today we check in with Con promoter Tommy Fierro and talk all things 80's Wrestling Con LIVE!

One of the reasons we love professional wrestling is that it's FULL of things we didn't see coming! The Twists and Turns! Whether it be a twist in a storyline that came out of nowhere - or a superstar turning face/heel at a key moment in their career - the twists and turns keep us on the edge of our seats. Today we share our favorite moments that we didn't expect!

It's time to continue the conversation that we started over a year ago! You know them, you love them & you still sing them in the shower! The theme songs in the 80's were catchy and unforgettable! A Wrestler's Theme Music was an extention of their character. A good theme song would get a reaction from the crowd before a wrestler even came through the curtain. Today, we continue the discussion about the theme songs that left an impression on us and the ones that can still get us pumped!

Being a great talker, having the gift of gab, being able to cut an effective promo has always been a part of what makes pro wrestlers stand out among their peers. We all remember the wrestlers who could get us pumped up for an upcoming match just by what they spewed into the microphone. Some did it soflty, some did it loudly - the technique may have changed, the message may have been different - but the result was always the same. Today we share some memories and moments from the best talkers in the business - the ones who could be counted on to cut the best promos!

It's WrestleMania week! For pro wrestling fans; this week just feels different then the other 51 weeks of the year. We could debate that WrestleMania meant more when we were kids - but what we can't debate is that WrestleMania is still the biggest show in the world when it comes to professional wrestling! Today we share our what we feel are the greatest moments in the history of WrestleMania!

Sometimes in Wrestling, like in life, you have no choice but to stick-it to "the man." But who exactly is "the man"? Well, it's changed over time and some portrayed the authority figure in wrestling better than others. Today we break down who the best and worst authority figures in wrestling are.

The Headbangers were Mosh and Thrasher, whose most notable matches were in the World Wrestling Federation. As the name of the team implied, their gimmick was that they were a pair of metalheads, complete with heavy metal related T-shirts, piercings, shaved heads, and black face paint. Today we get to talk with Mosh and share our favorite matches and moments from the career of the Headbangers!

We are joined by Former WWF Tag Team Champion - one half of the Natural Disasters - Typhoon! In the world of professional wrestling, wrestlers are lucky if they can portray one character that sticks in the minds of fans - today we talk to a man who has portrayed multiple characters that made a lasting impression on fans. We visit with Typhoon and share some of our favorite memories and moments from his career!

Connor’s Cure, established at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation in 2014, was created to honor the irrepressible spirit of a special little boy Connor Michalek. Battling medulloblastoma, a rare tumor that affects the brain and spinal cord, 8-year-old Connor left quite the impression on those he encountered. 80's Wrestling Con LIVE is proud to partner with Connor's Cure for our upcoming event in May. Today we have a conversation with Connor's Cure about who they are, what they do, and how we can help make an impact.

From the memorable Gobbledy Gooker, to the debut of the Deadman - Survivor Series 1990 was a BIG pay-per-view that left a lasting impression on fans and on the wrestling scene. The decade was new and the wrestling landscape was set to usher in a new era. Today, we break down the teams and the matches as we discuss our favorite moments and matches from Survivor Series 1990.

Remembered for wearing a hand-print on his back and giving himself a "pat on the back," Barry Horowitz was a successful enhancement talent for the World Wrestling Federation,  and was able to make a lasting impression on wrestling fans. Horowitz had a lengthy in-ring career that spanded more than 30 years. He wrestled for numerous companies across the world and won multiple championships along the way. He was named PWI's 'Most Inspirational Wrestler' in 1995 and was on their list for top 500 wrestlers in 1992. Horowitz joins us LIVE as we share our favorite memories and moments from his career.

Jacques Rougeau had an incredible pro wrestling career as 1 half of the Fabulous Rougeaus, the Mountie and as a member of The Quebeccers. He was a 3-time WWF Tag Team Champion and captured the Intercontinental Championship by defeating Bret "The Hitman" Hart. Today we visit with Jacques Rougeau LIVE and share our favorite memories and moments from his career.

On today's episode, we were planning to talk with a member of the legendary Anoa'i family - the Tonga Kid is our very special guest! Billed as the cousin of Superfly Jimmy Snuka, The Tonga Kid stormed onto the scene with by entering a major feud with Snuka's rival Rowdy Roddy Piper. He would later team up with Haku and form the team The Islanders. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we call it "In the Ring."

Bobby “The Brain” Heenan introduced The  Brooklyn Brawler to wrestling fans back in 1989.  He was a rough & tough wrestler from the streets of Brooklyn - his ring gear was nothing more than dirty jeans and a stained New York Yankees shirt. He looked different, he talked different, and he wrestled different. He was the kind on unique character the fans of the Golden Era loved! Today we talk to the man himself - The Brooklyn Brawler - as we share our favorite moments & memories of his career.

Demolition were THE dominate tag team inside the World Wrestling Federation during the Golden Era of Professional Wrestling. They captured the World Tag Team Championships on 3 different occasions and were the longest reigning champions of that era. Ax & Smash are celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Demolition and they join us to talk about their favorite memories and moments from their amazing career.

The Saturday morning "squash" match was a staple in the world of 'old school' professional wrestling. Sitting in front of your TV screen watching the Superstars that you knew and loved take on guys that you've never heard of before. It was wrestlings way of showcasing their stars to the world - while saving big matches for pay-per-view events. Who were these "no name" wrestlers that just appeared in the ring after commercial breaks? No theme music, no entrance, no real chance at winning....they were the unsung heroes of the Golden Age of Wrestling...they were the enhancement talent.

On todays episode, Tommy Fierro and Guest Host 'BabyFace' Brian talk about the Greatest Masked Wrestlers of All Time!

We look ahead to the first ISPW show taking place in 2022 - New Year's Revenge! On January 14th the Superstars of ISPW Invade Totowa NJ. The event will feature Bull James looking to take his revenge on his former friend, the current ISPW Champion, "Superstar" Danny Morrison! Nikos Rikos battles Matt Sydal, ISPW Women's Champion Vicious Vicki defends her title against Notorious Mimi and a Special appearance by "The Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart!

Broadway Producer / Performer  Jeremiah James teams up with '80's Wrestling The Podcast' host Tommy Fierro to bring us a Pro-Wrestling Rock Musical entitled “The Last Match”. We talk to Tommy & Jeremiah to discuss how this idea came about and find out what we can expect from this 'Rock N' Wrestling' type performance.

As we head into another new year - we take a look back on one of the greatest years during the Golden Era of Professional Wrestling. The year was 1988 - the WWF Heavyweight Title scene was up-in-the-air, the "greatest" intercontinental champion of all time would have his run come to an end, and Demolition would capture their first WWF tag team championships. Let's revisit 1988!

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas! It's the Christmas Episode of 80's Wrestling the Podcast! We relive the excitement of being an 80's Wrestling Fan on Christmas morning! We discuss our favorite memories, moments, gifts & toys from the World of 80s Wrestling!

“What I’d like to have right now, is for all you fat, ugly, inner-city sweathogs to keep the noise down while I take my robe off and show the ladies what a real sexy man looks like…”  One of the most entertaining heels to come out of the Golden Era of Wrestling was Ravishing Rick Rude. From his tights, to his promos, to his finishing move - the Hall of Fame career of Ravishing Rick Rude left an impression on wrestling fans. Today, we talk about our favorite memories and moments from the Career of Rick Rude.

Tis' the season as ISPW prepares to deliver the gift of Christmas Chaos! Tomorrow night ISPW invades the St. Anthony of Padua Gym in Butler, New Jersey for it's much anticipated LIVE Christmas Event! We are joined by ISPW Founder Tommy Fierro and his new business partner - Bushwhacker Luke! We'll look ahead to tomorrow night's event and get the inside scoop on the future of ISPW. 

The Doctor of Style, Slick was one of the most entertaining managers during the Golden Era of Professional Wresting. He stood alongside some of the biggest heels in the business including: Nikolai Volkoff, The Iron Sheik, Akeem, The Big Boss Man, Power and Glory and The Warlord. Today we talk to the man himself as we relive some of our favorite memories and moments from the career of Slick!

The Independent Superstars of Pro Wrestling rumbled their way thru Totowa, New Jersey and we have the results! Champions were crowned, titles were defended, HUGE suprise appearances, and an ending NOBODY saw coming! Today we break down the latest ISPW show and look ahead to Christmas Chaos taking place December 10th at St. Anthony's Church Gym in Butler, NJ!

On today's episode, we take a look back at the career of the "Excellence of Execution", Bret "The Hitman" Hart. Bret was an amazing technical wrestler who's ability to tell stories inside the squared circle helped him transition from a tagteam wrestler to an accomplished singles superstar. He was unquestionable the leader of the "New Generation" and helped usher the World Wrestling Federation into the 90's. Today, we share our favorite memories and moments from the career of Bret "The Hitman" Hart. 

Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum Andre! Known as the Eighth Wonder of the World - Andre the Giant was the living embodiment of a wrestler being "Larger than Life." Throughout the ’70s and well into the ’80s, Andre was the industry's leading attraction, towering over the competition at seven feet, four inches and tipping the scales at a gargantuan 500-plus pounds. Whether he was playing the part of a face "Gentle Giant" or as a heel - his appearances were always something special. Today, we share our memories and favorite moments from the career of Andre the Giant.

The 5th Annual 80's Wrestling Con EXPLODES into the Mennen Sports Arena this coming Saturday, May 4th in Morristown New Jersey! Appearing Live: The Four Horsemen (Tully Blanchard, Arn Anderson, Barry Windham, JJ Dillon, and Baby Doll), Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Sgt. Slaughter, Kurt Fuller (No Holds Barred/Ghostbusters), Stan "The Lariat" Hansen, Demolition, Powers of Pain, Boris Zhukov, Dr. Tom Prichard, Bushwhacker Luke, Slick, Dan Spivey, The Young Stallions, Dean Malenko, Tony Atlas, Scott McGhee, Mario Mancini, Rita Chatterton, Itsuki Yamazaki from The Jumping Bomb Angels, Sunny Beach, and Tony Garea.

Who would you have LOVED to see square off against eachother? Two fan favorites? Two heels? We're dreaming with our eyes wide open as we talk about the matches we would have loved to see! Call it 'Fantasy Booking', call it 'Dream Matches' - whatever you want to name it, we're talking about it LIVE on today's episode of 80's Wrestling - The Podcast!

Not only did we grow up during the Golden Era of Professional Wrestling...we also grew up during the Golden Era of Toys! Throughout the 80's and into the 90's toy makers were looking for anything from ' pop culture' that they could turn into a toy.  From AWA, NWA / WCW to the WWF - wrestling figures were THE toy leading the charge! We talk about the hits, the misses and our favortite action figures from various lines.

“Ricky Steamboat had everything — charisma, work rate, intensity and one of the best bodies in our business," WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair once said of his greatest rival. "He was just amazing."  Often referred to as "a wrestler's wrestler" Steamboat was a gifted performer who could have an outstanding match with anybody. His in-ring abilities and personality outside of the ring made him a favorite among his peers and a lifelong babyface in the eyes of the fans. He cemented his place in wrestling history with his iconic matches against 'The Nature Boy' over the NWA World Championship and his WrestleMania III classic against “Macho Man” Randy Savage. On today's episode we talk about our memories and favorite moments from the career of Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat

Known as one of the greatest technical wrestlers of the era, Mr. Perfect was a heel character that was, well....perfect. He could have a great match with anybody and often had the best technical match on the card. His antics outside the ring are just as fondly remembered as his action inside the ring. On today's episode we talk about our memories and favorite moments from the career of Mr. Perfect. 

Broadcasting LIVE from 'Parts Unkown' - Jumpin' Jay & Tommy Fierro share their favorite memories from the career of the Ultimate Warrior! One of the most colorful and intriguing characters in the history of professional wrestling- The Ultimate Warrior stormed onto the wrestling scene and will forever be remembered by fans of this Golden Era. We talk about what made this character so impactful and take your calls LIVE!

WWE Hall of Famer - Former Women's Champion, Former Cruiserweight Champion, Former 24/7 Champion -  the trailblazer herself,  Madusa is our special guest! She was ahead of her time, she sparked the Monday Night Wars and she's here! - Talking about her career and taking fans calls LIVE! 

It's our 'cup of coffe in the big time' as we reminisce about the Macho Man Randy Savage. From his heel run, to his face turn, and back and forth again - what were our favorite moments, matches and opponents of one of the greatest of all time! Tommy & Jumpin' Jay talk all things 'Macho Madness' and take calls LIVE from our listeners.

The independent wrestling scene just got biggier and better! ISPW made it's return to the wrestling scene after nearly 20 years! We talk to the man behind the promotion and break down ISPW's return show!

Our special guest today is former WWF Tag Team Champion - one half of the iconic Headshrinkers tag team - Samu! We discuss his career and all things pro wrestling - plus we take your calls LIVE! 

He started as one of the most hated villains to ever climb into the squared circle. He finished as one of the most beloved entertainers of all time. Whether it was in the ring or on the mic - nobody did it like the "HotRod." Rowdy Roddy Piper was instrumental in launching the nationwide wrestling craze in the 80's. Tommy and 'Jumpin' Jay' talk bout the career of Rowdy Roddy Piper and what he meant to the world of wrestling they fell in love with. 

With Jumpin' Jay out of town for the week, Babyface Brian climbs into the ringside seat and takes control of the Podcast alongside the ConFather Tommy Fierro!

Wrestling fans can argue for hours about who the greatest pro wrestler of all time is. When it comes to wrestling managers, however, few will argue that anyone did it better than Bobby Heenan. Whether he was ring side for a match involving one of his "family members" - or sitting alongside Gorilla Monsoon, Bobby Heenan was always entertaining. Today we talk about the career of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and what he meant to the Golden Era of Professional Wrestling.

Ahhh the finishing move, the one move that rendered you opponent helpless and gauranteed you the victory. Wrestlers would spend all match setting up their finishing move and once they executed it...it was all over. Back in the 80's it was extremely rare that a wrestler kicked out after a finishing move was performed - they were treated as "special." During the golden era of wrestling we had power-moves, submission holds, and high-flying finishers - Tommy & Jay talk about them all!

Being a referee in any competitive sport is not an easy job - but it's a job that needs to be respected. In the wild world of "sports entertainment" the task of the referee is a combination of rule enforcer, time manager, storyline assistant & information distributor. However, at least to the viewing audience, the primary function of a "referee" is to enforce the rules - so what happens when the "rules" are constantly blurred and ignored? Tommy & Jay take a look at the role of the wrestling referee and how it's changed over the years. They discuss some of the most memorable referee moments from the Golden Era of Pro Wrestling.