The DEADLOCK Podcast is an off-the-rails retrospective look at pro wrestling's highest & lowest points hosted by James Darnell & John Blud. Formerly the present, currently the past, sometimes the future - this podcast has seemed to do it all when it comes to the landscape of professional wrestling. If you enjoy wrestling, you'll like it here. If you don't enjoy wrestling, you'll probably like it here even more. The boys are back in town.
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Revisiting WWE Monday Night RAW 2008 - JBL Is Poopy
Season 1 · Episode 373
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 • Duration 01:52:30
"And if it wasn't for the chili I ate today, I wouldn't have spent 3 hours in the restroom!"
2008 is a special year in wrestling, especially for the WWE, and especially during this time. WWE just completed another Draft Lottery, where Superstars from RAW, SmackDown, and even ECW all made their way to different shows. But, that didn't come without controversy, as Vince McMahon had a whole stage fall on top of him, which has left RAW without a leader. This, of course, has lead to complete chaos on the show. Lighting rigs are falling, fans are running around backstage, and everyone is left to fend for themselves!
On this episode of the DEADLOCK Podcast, we're taking a look back at one of the biggest moments of 2008, where John Cena, with the help of Cryme Tyme, destroy JBL's limo and spray-paint "JBL Is Poopy" on the hood. You remember it, we remember it, and now we all must re-live it.
Last week on RAW, JBL challenged CM Punk for the World Championship, but not before he had John Cena thrown out of the building, which leads to Cena getting his revenge back this week, with the help of Shad & JTG, to destroy & spray-paint his limo. The CTC is here! Maybe. For a couple weeks.
Also on RAW last week, CM Punk cashed in the Money in the Bank briefcase for the first time, on Edge, and became the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Punk now has a lot of targets, and tonight, we'll find out who the #1 contender is for his championship. After an opening segment that lasts forever, we have ourselves a main event; John Cena vs Batista vs JBL vs Kane in a fatal four way match to decide who will face CM Punk at the Great American Bash!
As mentioned, the WWE Draft Lottery took place, and we're going to see some of the newly drafted superstars make their debuts on RAW tonight. Kofi Kingston, who won the Intercontinental Championship from Chris Jericho at Night of Champions, takes on Charlie Haas, who wants to end his career. Rey Mysterio makes his RAW debut by taking on one of the top guys in the company, Santino Marella. Mickie James & the newest RAW Diva, Kelly Kelly, team up to take on Jillian Hall & the second newest RAW Diva, Layla. Snitsky, who is upset that CM Punk is the World Champion, gets a 1 on 1 non-title match against the champ.
All of that, and so much more, on this edition of the DEADLOCK Podcast!
Get More DEADLOCK ⦁ Patreon: https://patreon.com/deadlockpw ⦁ Website: https://deadlockpw.com ⦁ Webstore: https://webstore.deadlockpw.com
Revisiting WWF Sunday Night Heat 2000 - The MTV Debut
Season 1 · Episode 372
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 • Duration 01:42:24
"MTV stands for More Tazz Victims!"
On October 1st, 2000, Sunday Night Heat changed networks, as the WWF moved the show from the USA Network to MTV! You know when you're debuting on a new network, you have to bring it, and...they definitely brought a lot here.
The synergy between WWF & MTV immediately begins here, as we're introduced to two of the hosts of the show: DJ Skribble & Rebecca Buding! Their microphones don't work too great, but thankfully, Michael Cole & Tazz's mics work just fine. This is the first part-time gig for Tazz on commentary, and it seems like he's trying something new. For the entire episode. Non-stop.
We're promised some big matches here, including two title matches & a tables match! Dean Malenko, with the ladies, defends the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship against Taka Michinoku., and Eddie Guerrero defends the WWF Intercontinental Championship against Road Dogg. In our main event, we have a Tag Team Tables match between The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray & D-Von Dudley) and the Right To Censor (The Goodfather & Bull Buchanan).
We're also joined by Stone Cold Steve Austin, who just happened to be in the neighborhood, and he wanted to see Disturbed play some loud music, so they do! Disturbed perform their Top-10 hit "Stupify", before Stone Cold tells them they should also play his theme song! Tazz has a lot to say about Stone Cold being here, on Tazz's show, and Austin confronts him about it by the end of the night.
All of that, and so much more, on this edition of the DEADLOCK Podcast!
Get More DEADLOCK ⦁ Patreon: https://patreon.com/deadlockpw ⦁ Website: https://deadlockpw.com ⦁ Webstore: https://webstore.deadlockpw.com
Revisiting WWF RAW Is War 2001 - Stone Cold's First "What?"
Season 1 · Episode 371
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 • Duration 02:28:03
"Your name is Hugh Morris...What?"
One word, said by one man, on one fateful night in 2001 changed wrestling audiences forever. On this edition of the DEADLOCK Podcast, we take a look back at the episode of WWF RAW Is War from August 13, 2001, where Stone Cold Steve Austin brings three members of the Alliance in, dresses them down, and introduces his new catchphrase..."What?"
We are in the middle of The Invasion, and The Alliance are getting ready to go to war with the WWF once again at Summerslam, which is 6 days away. Stone Cold Steve Austin tries to give The Alliance another pep talk, telling them that if they all want to be as famous as Stone Cold, they have to try a little harder. Especially, guys like Hugh Morris, Raven, & Taz. Austin brow beats the three of them, and physically beats Taz in the process. Taz, who Austin insists takes his shirt off so he can whip him with his belt, stands up for himself, which leads to members of ECW & WCW to jump him, and hold him down for Stone Cold to go to work on him.
In another famous segment in WWF history, Chris Jericho comes out to interrupt Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley & Rhyno, and proceeds to coin the phrase "Let The Boobies Hit The Floor". Jericho isn't alone, though, as the back & forth between Jericho & Stephanie brings out Booker T, as well as The Rock, who can't help himself when it comes to tossing around insults.
A few of the Alliance members take what Stone Cold said to heart earlier, like The Hurricane, who was once Shane Helms, and Shawn Stasiak, who was once known as Meat & Mr. Perfect. Shawn Stasiak promises Austin that he's going to make a statement tonight, but ends up running into a suit of armor in William Regal's office. Hurricane, on the other hand, steps up to Kurt Angle, who insults The Green Lantern. That just ends up with him getting launched across a table.
Speaking of Kurt Angle, The Alliance's Rob Van Dam challenged him to a WWF Hardcore Title match, and Kurt accepts! Also on this show, we have a bunch of matches, including some WWF vs WCW & ECW contests. Tajiri takes on Albert, Spike Dudley takes on Test, and Lance Storm & Justin Credible face Edge & Christian.
We also have two big matches on this one, as Kane & Undertaker team up to face Chuck Palumbo & Sean O'Haire in a Steel Cage Match! Of course, in our main event, we see The Rock & Chris Jericho team up to take on Rhyno & Booker T.All of that, and so much more, on this edition of the DEADLOCK Podcast!Get More DEADLOCK⦁ Patreon: https://patreon.com/deadlockpw⦁ Website: https://deadlockpw.com⦁ Webstore: https://webstore.deadlockpw.comConnect On Socials⦁ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/deadlockpw.com⦁ Twitter: https://twitter.com/deadlockpw⦁ Instagram: https://instagram.com/deadlockwrestling⦁ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@deadlockpw⦁ Reddit: https://reddit.com/r/deadlockpw⦁ Discord: https://discord.gg/E4BvR4W#deadlock #prowrestling
Revisiting WWF SmackDown 2000 - Cactus Jack Is Back!
Season 1 · Episode 370
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 • Duration 02:08:54
"I think you know the guy..."
We're on the road to WWF's Royal Rumble 2000, and we're right in the middle of the McMahon-Helmsley Era. Triple H & Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley are running the show, and have been trying to make everyone's lives miserable in the process. But, there may be one man that can stop his reign of terror as WWF Champion...
On this episode of WWF SmackDown from January 13, 2000, Mankind is officially back in the WWF. He had been fired by Triple H & Stephanie, and thanks to The Rock & the roster threatening to all quit the company, Mick Foley was reinstated. But, he's here tonight to let Triple H know that Mankind just isn't tough enough to face a guy like HHH, especially after what he did to him on RAW (putting him through the announce table with a pedigree). But, he does know a guy that is crazy enough to take his place, and that man...is CACTUS JACK! A legendary moment in WWF history.
D-Generation X also walked out on Triple H on Monday during an 8-Man Tag Team Match, and Triple H has decided that it's up to him to fix the problems within the group, so he books a few matches for tonight. The New Age Outlaws will compete in two separate Handicap, No Disqualification matches. One of them is against Bradshaw, and one of them is against Faarooq. If either of them interfere in the others match, they will lose their shot at the WWF Tag Team Championships at the Royal Rumble.
X-Pac, on the other hand, will team with Triple H tonight in the main event to face The Big Show & The Rock! Speaking of The Rock, he has an interview for the first time ever with the debuting Jonathan Coachman on this episode, in an all-timer segment.
We get a bunch of matches on this show, as well! Kurt Angle & Steve Blackman team up to face Edge & Christian. Too Cool & Rikishi team up to take on Hardcore Holly, Crash Holly & Al Snow. Gangrel goes one-on-one with Test, and The Hardy Boyz (Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy) take on the team of Big Bossman & Prince Albert! Somehow, that's not all. Godfather & D'Lo Brown team up to face The Headbangers, and Chris Jericho takes on Kane!
All of that, and so much more, on this edition of the DEADLOCK Podcast!
Get More DEADLOCK ⦁ Patreon: https://patreon.com/deadlockpw ⦁ Website: https://deadlockpw.com ⦁ Webstore: https://webstore.deadlockpw.comConnect On Socials⦁ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/deadlockpw.com⦁ Twitter: https://twitter.com/deadlockpw⦁ Instagram: https://instagram.com/deadlockwrestling⦁ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@deadlockpw⦁ Reddit: https://reddit.com/r/deadlockpw⦁ Discord: https://discord.gg/E4BvR4W#deadlock #prowrestlingMatch 1 Terry Funk vs Cactus JackMatch 2 Shoji Nakamaki And Hiroshi Ono vs Cactus Jack And Leatherface:Match 3 Cactus & Crypt Keeper vs Shoji Nakamaki & LeatherfaceMatch 4 Cactus Jack vs Terry Funk No Ropes Barbed Wire Scramble Bunkhouse Death
Revisiting WWE SmackDown 2008 - The MyNetworkTV Debut Episode
Season 1 · Episode 369
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 • Duration 02:06:00
"If you rock like me..."
It's a new era for WWE SmackDown, and that era begins tonight! It is the debut episode of SmackDown on MyNetworkTV, and with that comes, of course, a very 2008 episode. We have new graphics, a new intro, a new theme song, and an ALL-STAR lineup. So they say.
50 of the biggest and best stars of the time are scheduled to be on this episode of SmackDown, which is being ran & booked by...The Big Show?! Big Show has taken command of the show, as Vickie Guerrero was hit with a TOMBSTONE by The Undertaker last week.
We get a lot of Champion vs Champion matches on this show, like Intercontinental Champion Santino Marella against United States Champion Shelton Benjamin, and Women's Champion Beth Phoenix takes on Diva's Champion Michelle McCool in a Lumberjack Match. Also, the RAW Tag Team Champions, Cody Rhodes & Ted Dibiase, team up with Manu, to face the Smackdown Tag Team Champions, Carlito & Primo Colon, with CM Punk!
Speaking of the All-Star lineup, the show opens up with a big ALL STAR 8 Man Tag Team Match! Jeff Hardy, Finlay, Batista, & Rey Mysterio take on Kane, The Brian Kendrick, JBL, & MVP.
Big Show, who is in charge, as well were all aware of, makes a big match for this show. Chavo Guerrero has to pay for not helping Vickie Guerrero last week, and Big Show puts him in a special match. Chavo faces both Mark Henry & The Great Khali in a handicap match.
In the main event, all three brands top champions face off in a triple threat match. RAW's Chris Jericho, the World Heavyweight Champion, SmackDown's Triple H, the WWE Champion, & ECW's Matt Hardy, the ECW Champion, will meet in a Champion of Champions match!
All of that, and so much more, on this edition of the DEADLOCK Podcast!
Get More DEADLOCK ⦁ Patreon: https://patreon.com/deadlockpw ⦁ Website: https://deadlockpw.com ⦁ Webstore: https://webstore.deadlockpw.com
Revisiting WWF Sunday Night Heat 1999 - Triple H Becomes The Game
Season 1 · Episode 368
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 • Duration 01:45:57
"You guys talk about being students of The Game..."
Somehow, there are way more major moments in WWF history that went down on Heat than we ever realized! On this episode of the podcast, we're going to take a look back at this episode of WWF Sunday Night HEAT from July 25, 1999. This is the first time we're covering an episode of Heat that takes place on the same night as a PPV!
WWF Sunday Night Heat would often air one hour before a Pay-Per-View, live on television. This is taking place before the Fully Loaded 1999 PPV, which is going to be main-evented by the "End of an Era" First Blood Match between Stone Cold Steve Austin & The Undertaker. If Austin wins, Vince McMahon is gone from the WWF. If Undertaker wins, Austin can never challenge for the WWF Championship again. We hear from the fans throughout the night on who they think will win, and we also hear from Stone Cold. Briefly. Very briefly.
But, the reason we're checking out this show surprisingly is not because of any Stone Cold & Vince McMahon shenanigans. We're watching this to see the infamous interview between Jim Ross & Triple H, where Triple H proclaims himself as "The Game". He's getting prepared for a match against The Rock at Fully Loaded 1999, and he has a lot to get off his chest, and a lot of swear words to go along with it. It's time to shoot, jack.
We also get another look at the feud between both sides of D-Generation X, as Billy Gunn & Chyna have a lot to say about X-Pac & Road Dogg.
Of course, we can't forget about all the action-packed matches that come with this mini episode of RAW that they call Heat! Val Venis takes on Joey Abs of the Mean Street Posse, and Test looks for revenge. Meat just got ran through by Terri Runnels, and she demands that he have a match against The Godfather. In our main event, The Corporate Ministry's Viscera takes on former Ministry member, Christian!
All of that, and so much more, on this edition of the DEADLOCK Podcast!
Get More DEADLOCK ⦁ Patreon: https://patreon.com/deadlockpw ⦁ Website: https://deadlockpw.com ⦁ Webstore: https://webstore.deadlockpw.com
Revisiting TNA iMPACT 2008 - The Formation Of The Main Event Mafia & The First iMPACT In HD
Season 1 · Episode 367
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 • Duration 02:08:16
"Here's to the Main Event Mafia. Born Tonight. Amen."
It's time to CROSS THE LINE...that separates the iMPACT Zone from the rest of the world. That's right, for the first time ever, TNA iMPACT is taking place outside of the iMPACT Zone, as they make their debut at the world famous Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas! Not only is this show live, but this is the first time TNA is broadcasting in HD.
Mick Foley & Jeff Jarrett have been talking about a huge announcement, and Mick Foley is going to make that announcement here tonight. In fact, they talk about this announcement for the entirety of this episode, which means it has to be huge, right? Kurt Angle has gone insane ever since his loss to Jeff Jarrett at Bound For Glory, and he also has an announcement. He says that this announcement is even bigger & better than Mick Foley's, and maybe he's right, because he announces that himself, Booker T, Kevin Nash, & Sting are now the Main Event Mafia.
Speaking of announcements, Booker T has one as well. What a great night for fans of announcements. Booker has been carrying a briefcase around for weeks, and finally, he reveals that inside of it is the TNA Legends Championship, which he is now the holder of. Christian Cage doesn't really like this (or TNA, for that matter), and he has a challenge for Booker at the next PPV, Turning Point.
We can't forget about the tag division, and we get an...interesting tag team match on this. It is the "Hardcore Tag Team Text Gauntlet". The fans can text a number, and that's going to have something to do with this match. We're not sure anyone ever truly understands what is going on with this one, but Team 3D, LAX, Beer Money, and Abyss & Matt Morgan all have to figure this one out for themselves.
There are also TWO championship matches on this show! Sheik Abdul Bashir defends his recently won X-Division Championship against Jay Lethal, and Taylor Wilde defends her newly won TNA Women's Knockout's Championship against former champion, Awesome Kong. These matches get just as much time as you'd expect, since they aren't announcements and matches don't matter as much as those!
Of course, our big main event for the evening is AJ Styles teaming up with Samoa Joe to take on Kevin Nash & Sting.
All of that, and so much more, on this edition of the DEADLOCK Podcast!Get More DEADLOCK⦁ Patreon: https://patreon.com/deadlockpw⦁ Website: https://deadlockpw.com⦁ Webstore: https://webstore.deadlockpw.comConnect On Socials⦁ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/deadlockpw.com⦁ Twitter: https://twitter.com/deadlockpw⦁ Instagram: https://instagram.com/deadlockwrestling⦁ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@deadlockpw⦁ Reddit: https://reddit.com/r/deadlockpw⦁ Discord: https://discord.gg/E4BvR4W#deadlock #prowrestling
Revisiting ECW on TNN 1999 - The Dudley Boyz Leave & Raven Returns!
Season 1 · Episode 366
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 • Duration 01:42:04
"3D just did us all in!"
On September 3rd, 1999, TNN aired the second (2nd) episode of ECW, which is the first episode that had any brand-new matches for the program, as the first episode was a compilation of matches from previously aired pay-per-views and shows. Now, it's time to see what Paul Heyman & ECW actually have to offer!
The timing of the events that unfold on this episode are pretty crazy, and it's all jam-packed into a 45 minute show. The ECW fans already know that The Dudley Boyz are on their way out, and the Dudleyz themselves have confirmed it. They also say that they are going to not only win the ECW World Tag Team Championships for an 8th time, but they're going to take them to the WWF, and throw them down on national television.
The Dudleyz are successful in regaining the Tag Team Titles from Spike Dudley & Balls Mahoney, but they aren't going to get away with those titles that easily. Tommy Dreamer steps up to the challenge, and at first, takes on both Buh Buh (Bubba) Ray & D-Von in a handicap match for the titles. But surprisingly, Dreamer DID have a partner, he just didn't know it. Raven makes his return to ECW, after having just gotten his release from WCW, and picks up the win, and the tag team titles!
We also get an ECW World Heavyweight Title match to start off this show, as current champion Taz, who won't be around for much longer, takes on Yoshihiro Tajiri, who is accompanied by Steve Corino & Jack Victory (in a wheelchair, of course). We're also shown a music video showcasing Lance Storm, which is introduced by Rob Zombie?!
All of that, and so much more, on this edition of the DEADLOCK Podcast!
Get More DEADLOCK ⦁ Patreon: https://patreon.com/deadlockpw ⦁ Website: https://deadlockpw.com ⦁ Webstore: https://webstore.deadlockpw.com
Revisiting WWF RAW Is War 1999 - The Higher Power Is Revealed
Season 1 · Episode 365
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 • Duration 02:07:11
"EVEN MY IMMEDIATE FAMILY BOUGHT IT!"
Somehow, this is an episode we have never covered before, but it is a moment that we have referenced many, many times over the years.
On this episode of the DEADLOCK Podcast, we're taking a look back at the infamous episode of WWF RAW Is War from June 7th, 1999, where Vince McMahon is revealed to be the GREATER POWER! Or, the higher power. It really depends on who you ask.
For 3 months, The Undertaker has been referencing this 'greater power', and last week on RAW, Stone Cold Steve Austin got his first look at who this was, and now tonight, the whole world will find out who it is. Vince McMahon unveils himself to be this Greater Power, leading to one of the most memorable promos of all time. Of course, things don't work out for Vince, as his wife, Linda McMahon, and daughter, Stephanie McMahon, both own just as much of the company as Vince does. Linda & Stephanie decide to give up their percentages of the company, and give them to Stone Cold Steve Austin, who is now the new CEO!
With it being the Attitude Era, there is obviously a ton more going on here. Stone Cold tells The Union (Ken Shamrock, Big Show & Test) that they can all face whoever they want tonight. As mention, Big Show picks The Undertaker. Ken Shamrock, who was supposed to face Jeff Jarrett in a Lion's Den Match, instead picks Vince McMahon to face in that match. Test picks Stephanie...to take on a date!
Stone Cold also puts Triple H in a "Cast" Match against The Rock, and Shane McMahon in a handicap match, against two men that he screwed out of the WWF Tag Team Championships the week before; Kane & X-Pac!
This is also the episode where The Big Show faces The Undertaker in the main event for the WWF Championship, and chokeslams The Undertaker through the ring. An absolutely insane moment to cap off an already ridiculous episode.
All of that, and so much more, on this edition of the DEADLOCK Podcast!
Get More DEADLOCK ⦁ Patreon: https://patreon.com/deadlockpw ⦁ Website: https://deadlockpw.com ⦁ Webstore: https://webstore.deadlockpw.com
Revisiting WWE SmackDown 2005 - Heidenreich & The Big Chocolate Bar
Season 1 · Episode 364
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 • Duration 01:51:09
"I love Hershey's Chocolate so much, I wrote a little poem about it!"
In the history of this podcast, we have reviewed some of the biggest moments in wrestling history, but somehow, this one has not been reviewed by us. On this episode, we talk about one of the most important moments in this sport, and that is the time that Heidenreich came to the ring with a gigantic chocolate bar, with chocolate all over his face. The WWE didn't know what they had, and it is one of the times that the company didn't capitalize on a defining moment.
We're in Hershey, Pennsylvania for this episode of WWE SmackDown on June 16th, 2005, and the WWE Draft is in full swing. Week by week, a new person is being revealed as having switched shows, and Teddy Long is waiting for the whole episode for his pick to show up. In the end, we find out that Randy Orton has been traded to SmackDown from RAW, as he comes in to attack The Undertaker during his main event match with JBL.
Eddie Guerrero recently turned his back on Rey Mysterio, and is going out of his way to let everyone know about it. So much so, that last week, he interrupted a match between Akio & Paul London just to talk about this, leading to him attacking both men. That sets up a match for this episode, where Eddie Guerrero takes on Paul London!
Carlito's Cabana is back, and his guests this week are Booker T & Sharmell, who have been having to deal with "the perverted" Kurt Angle. Kurt has been targeting Booker's wife for weeks, but now that he's been drafted to RAW, the pair no longer have to deal with him. Carlito is here to give his thoughts on this, and that...that is cool.
Also on this show, Chris Benoit, who recently was traded to SmackDown, takes on The Cabinet's Doug Basham (not Danny Basham). Also representing The Cabinet, Orlando Jordan defends the United States Championship against Hershey's favorite son, Hardcore Holly.
Of course, we can't forget the real main event; Heidenreich is here with a huge chocolate bar, and reads a poem for the fans here in Hershey, PA. You'll never guess in a million years how any of this goes.
All of that, and so much more, on this edition of the DEADLOCK Podcast!
Get More DEADLOCK ⦁ Patreon: https://patreon.com/deadlockpw ⦁ Website: https://deadlockpw.com⦁ Webstore: https://webstore.deadlockpw.comConnect On Socials⦁ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/deadlockpw.com⦁ Twitter: https://twitter.com/deadlockpw⦁ Instagram: https://instagram.com/deadlockwrestling⦁ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@deadlockpw⦁ Reddit: https://reddit.com/r/deadlockpw⦁ Discord: https://discord.gg/E4BvR4W#deadlock #prowrestling
