Explore every episode of the podcast Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk

Episode 86: The Christmas Wrestling Stocking

In Episode 86 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Christmas Wrestling Stocking, Greg:

Opens up this year's Christmas presents.

Celebrates the draft of The Texas Rasslin' War(s) of the 1950s. 

Looks at the newest, oldest Houston Wrestling program he owns. 

Finds a Texas Rasslin' program from the middle of the war. 

Discusses the rise of the women mid-war and how Moolah and Mae were on opposite sides. 

Reads the Christmas gifts from Paul Boesch and the gang for Christmas 1974. 

If you are interested in voting for Top 10 Wrestling Cities in North America in the 20th century, email your picks to Greg at JYDBook@gmail.com. 

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 85: The HOF Reaction episode  

In Episode 85 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The HOF Reaction, Greg:

Reacts to another year of disappointing results from the voters in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame elections.

Mentions one inductee he thinks is not like the others. 

Wonders if we are all being trolled by induction by fiat choices.

Laments four lost votes leading to JYD being four votes short. 

Resolves to fight another day. 

Talks about San Antonio as a wrestling city, including looking at an article about promoter Dorathy Livengood.

If you are interested in voting for Top 10 Wrestling Cities in North America in the 20th century, email your picks to Greg at JYDBook@gmail.com. 

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 76: The Television Title Tournament  

In Episode 76 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Television Title Tournament, Greg:

Reviews television from the Mid South Wrestling Association from Feb. 1984. 

Wonders why wrestling promoters could never get tournament brackets formatted correctly. 

Talks about how weird it was for a Mid South fan to read about Hacksaw Duggan being a Kevin Sullivan-aligned heel in Florida. 

Praises Mr. Ito, the debut of the Rock-n-Roll Express and the tag team of Butch Reed and Buddy Landel.

Prepares for the heel turn of Mr. Wrestling II.  

Considers if Terry Taylor is the epitome of the wrestling truism about heels being nice guys in real life but babyfaces really being jerks. 

Adds more context to the Amarillo decision to book its own world champion in the early 1960s. 

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 75: Time Tunnel Crossover 

In Episode 75 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Time Tunnel Crossover, Greg:

Welcomes Tony Richards back to the show. Greg and Tony ...

Discuss the Amarillo territory, touching on the originals and top stars of the west Texas territory. 

Look at Doc Sarpolis and his influences in wrestling, 

Talk about Tony's Dory Funk Sr. project. 

Draw a line from Funk to Ken Lucas to Ricky Morton and the Rock-n-Roll Express.

Revisit the 1973 accident that kept Dory Funk Jr. from dropping the NWA title to Jack Brisco. 

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 74: The Rich Full Life of a Bad Guy

In Episode 74 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Rich Full Life of a Bad Guy, Greg:

Unearths a 1966 Saturday Evening Post article about Cowboy Bill Watts and his heel turn in the WWWF.

Discusses his complicated feelings for Watts, the person, and love for Watts, the wrestling promoter. 

Talks about the May 14, 1982 Houston Wrestling reboot. 

Plays the what Corny got right, what Corny got wrong game with the May 14 show. 

Gives a sneak peak into the creative stuff going on now. 

Updates the Houston Wrestling annuals project.

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 73: Classic Characters

In Episode 73 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Classic Characters, Greg:

Welcomes historian and author Steven Johnson to the show to discuss his new book, "The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: Classic Characters." 

Steve and Greg also ...

Talk about Paul Boesch, Gorilla Monsoon, Bob Orton Sr., Fritz Von Erich and many other stars. 

Celebrate the place in the business of "enhancement" wrestlers. 

Discuss the role of the historian in wrestling.

Explain the work Steven and Tim Hornbaker did and are doing to preserve the archives from the defunct Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame.  

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 72: The 3rd Anniversary Show

In Episode 72 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The 3rd Anniversary Show, Greg:

Celebrates another year of doing the podcast. 

Notes the milestone of TV reviews as well. 

Looks unsuccessfully for episode 226. 

Welcomes Terry Taylor and his perfect debut to MSWA. 

Enjoys the heating up of Mid South after a fall of decline. 

Ends with a story about the time he wrestled Bugsy McGraw. 

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 71: Gino's Edition

In Episode 71 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Gino's Edition, Greg:

Welcomes Lizzy Flanagan to the show for the first time. 

Greg and Lizzy: 

Discuss her upcoming book, "I Am Your Champion, The Life and Death of Wrestler Gino Hernandez. 

Explore how a 20-something who did not grow up allowed to watch wrestling could become a fan of old school rasslin. 

Joke about how Lizzy went looking for the Von Erichs and found Gino fandom instead. 

Talk about Dynamic Duo teams and the various Gino's feuds. 

Play the What If game. 

Confront the conspiracy theories about Gino's death. 

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 70: Tulsa Wrestlefest

In Episode 70 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Tulsa Wrestlefest, Greg:

Welcomes Shawn Sparks aka Sparks3rdCoast to the show for the first time. 

Greg and Shawn: 

Look at the July 28, 1985, Mid South Wrestling Association show at Tulsa's Fair Meadows Raceway. 

Enjoy the Fantastics vs Jerry Grey and Eddie Gilbert match but not as much as the women in the Tulsa crowd. 

Discuss the two year journey of the Fantastics and Jake Roberts to becoming top stars in the region.

Consider Jake's recent comments about how he "stole the show" at Wrestlefest. 

Defend Bill Watts (hoo boy) against Jake's allegations that Watts stole a payday from another worker by putting himself in the "main event" six man tag.  

Talk about the biggest stars in Oklahoma wrestling history and note that the two of them on the card are almost the same age. 

Praise the monster truck entrance of Hacksaw Duggan and Dick Murdock. 

Greg wraps it up by looking at a WWF card three days later in Oklahoma City. 

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 69: Better Dead Than Red 

In Episode 69 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk,  Better Dead Than Red Show, Greg:

Looks at the December 1983 television for the Mid South Wrestling Association. 

Plays some audio from the anti-Russian tirades of Bill Watts.

Discusses, again, how the current mindset about Nicolai Volkoff's pre-WWF run is wrong. 

Notes where MSWA is still slow and where things are beginning to pick up. 

Discusses the wardrobe choices for Watts and Mr. Wrestling II. 

Revisits the discussion about the Terry Taylor intro videos and how he may have a different female fanbase than Magnum T.A. 

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 68: The 43rd Anniversary Show 

In Episode 68 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The 43rd Anniversary Show, Greg:

Talks about the lead up to Morris Sigel and Houston Wrestling's 43 Anniversary show June 5, 1959. 

Looks at three programs from May 1959 that lead up to the big show. 

Praises the decade long feud between Bull Curry and Danny McShane. 

Corrects the timeline on when and how George Wagner becomes Gorgeous George, and what Dizzy Davis had to do with it. 

Reviews the results from the anniversary show. 

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 67: The Golden Era Begins

In Episode 67 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Golden Era Begins, Greg:

Welcomes Winter Place podcast host and IWC friend Mark Coale to the show for the first time. 

Greg and Mark:

Take a broad view of what Greg calls the Golden Era of the Mid South Wrestling Association, from the day Jim Cornette and the Midnight Express arrive until the day Bob Sweeten returns, or Nov. 83 to summer 1985.

Discuss the exit of the Junkyard Dog, the various and amazing take team matches and the star turns of Hacksaw Duggan, Terry Taylor and Jake Roberts. 

Play the "who's your secret favorite awful JYD replacement" game and discuss who might have worked in that spot.

Look at the WWF invasion of Texas in December 1984. 

Take a side trip into Dallas wrestling and politics in 1984/85. 

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 84: Everybody Loves Paul Boesch?  

In Episode 84 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Everybody Loves Paul Boesch?, Greg:

Takes on the wrestling truism that everyone loves Houston Wrestling promoter Paul Boesch. 

Goes through the list of people we know said negative things about Paul. 

Talks about the Jack Pfefer collection and the many letters Paul sent in his early years. 

Finds a 1964 letter from Pfefer where he decides Paul is a punk. 

Traces the fallout, as other people in the office react to Pfefer's offense. 

Talks about Shirley "Lee Sigel" Carringer and her desire to take over Houston Wrestling. 

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 66: Jenny's Episode

In Episode 66 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Jenny's Episode, Greg:

Pays tribute to his late mother, Jennifer Evans. 

Notes how she changed his life for the better by helping him pay for wrestling school, thus sending him to Adrian Street rather than a notorious Gulf Coast outlaw.

Updates the biggest star in Houston Wrestling discussion. 

Finds out where the MSWA and UWF music came from. Hat tip to IWC friend, Sparks Third Coast. 

Looks at a Houston Wrestling program from 1976 with a great main event and a Superstar return.

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 65: Darkest Before the Dawn

In Episode 65 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Darkest Before the Dawn, Greg:

Looks at television for November 1983 in the Mid South Wrestling Association. 

Talks again about the problems with rasslin in the South in the fall and how fall of 1983 is perhaps the rock bottom point in the promotion. 

Coming up next is the tag team of George Weingroff & Tony Torres. 

Picks out two good angles that clearly came from the Watts/Ross roundtable before Bill Dundee arrives as booker. 

Wonders what happen to Nicolai Volkoff when he got to the WWF. (Answer: The WWF happened to him.) 

Witnesses the odd pairing of Magnum TA & Lanny Poffo in suit and ties with Mr. Wrestling II in a sweater and tie. 

Talks about how the Watts/Memphis timeline is backward from what he expected. 

Celebrates as Jim Cornette and the Midnight Express arrive and we get a glimpse into the on-coming Gold Era of MSWA. 

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 64: Two Ring Battle Royal

In Episode 64 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Two Ring Battle Royal, Greg:

Updates the Sylvester Ritter Year One discussion.

Corrects a fact about Houston's use of the two ring battle royal.

Names to top 30 stars of Houston Wrestling, split into the Morris Sigel and Paul Boesch eras.

Talks about the two biggest stars in Houston Wrestling, based on who Sigel and Boesch said were their biggest stars. 

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 63: Vision Quest

In Episode 63 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Vision Quest, Greg:

Looks at the podcast's 2024 in review, including this year's Top 5 cities.

Laughs about a match he attended in 1987 that ties into Episode 21, The Wrath of Khan.

Discovers what Sylvester Ritter was doing Christmas night 1976.

Ponders all the new information Beau James gave us in Episode 61 about the start of Ritter's career.

Welcomes wrestling historian Tony Richards to the show to discuss the 2024 WON HOF campaign and how to approach the revival in 2025.

Tony also fills us in on his research into Dork Funk Sr., and his long-term plans in regard to wrestling.

We look at the Christmas gifts Houston Wrestling gave to its fans in Dec. 1978.

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 62: And Then Things Got Weird 

In Episode 62 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, And Then Things Got Weird, Greg:

Looks at television for the Mid South Wrestling Association for October 1983.

Speculates about the booking situation and reviews what we know about fall in the South.

Tries to make sense of the North American title turmoil.

Laughs about the solid wrestling ability of Max the Missing Link.

Watches probably the best little person mixed match ever wrestled.

Celebrates a Mike Jackson win.

Waits patiently for Jim Cornette and the Midnight Express. 

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

In Episode 61 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Hey, Junior, Where's My Cowboy Movie At?, Greg:

Welcomes Tennessee wrestler and historian Beau James to the show.

Beau talks about how he met Sylvester Ritter, the time Ritter lived with him and what the Junkyard Dog was like as a real person.

Greg and Beau lament the idea of "workrate" being the most important barometer of wrestling success.

Beau talks about Jimmy Valiant's popularity in Tennessee and the Crockett territory.

Beau shocks Greg when he talks about when he thinks Sylvester Ritter had his first match. 

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

In Episode 60 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Southwest Takeover, Greg:

Welcomes Las Vegas resident and rasslin podcast Roman Gomez to the show to talk about Southwest Championship Wrestling.

Greg and Roman review an episode taped Dec. 29, 1982 in the Junction in San Antonio.

They discuss the changes coming in wrestling and the need to let go of studio matches.

Greg, of course, pays tribute to announcer Steve Stack, and carpenter El Santo Negro aka Billy Two Eagles aka Relampago Leon, the lion who moves like lightning.

They look at lineups from Championship Wrestling from the same week, comparing the TV product of SWCW an WWF.

The marvel at the heel incoherence of Adrian Adonis and Roman asks, "is he on something."

And, yes, we close with said Adonis interview, for the goat ropers in the back.

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

In Episode 59 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Seasonal Variances, Greg:

Reveals his newest, earliest Houston Wrestling program, from May 1948.

Talks about the Billy Varga collection he bought and the range of programs from 1948 to 1958.

Marvels at the Houston main event and the storyline for Danny McShane vs Miguel "Black" Guzman.

Talks about Whiskers Savage and the newcomer hyped to the next Whiskers, Farmer Jack.

Revisits the story of how Argentina Rocca came to North American, how he left Texas on bad terms and how Morris Sigel got revenge.

Looks at Billy Varga's family history in wrestling.

Doubles up with the lead story from Fort Worth 10 days later about Rocca's debut and the double main of Guzman vs Bomber Kulky and McShane vs Mike Sharpe.

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

In Episode 58 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Seasonal Variances, Greg:

Takes a look at the Mid South Wrestling Association for Sept. 1983.

Compares five years of MSWA to the TV show The Wire, and discusses how we look for the one we like less.

Says goodbye again to Ted DiBiase.

Laughs at Bill Watts use of the Road Warriors.

Welcomes Jim "the Hammer*" Neidhardt and Nicolai Volkoff, as one of them bid a not-fond farewell to Boris Zurkoff. *Or so Reiser called him.

Hypes his appearances on Stick to Wrestling and Shut Up and Wrestle. 

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

In Episode 57 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Professor Talks JYD, Greg:

Welcomes his first guest to the show, New Orleans native and JYD original fan, the Professor Ricardo Coleman. 

Greg and Ricardo talk about the historic nature of Sylvester Ritter's wrestling career.

They explain how wrestling differed in New Orleans before and after JYD, especially where in town the matches were held and who was in the audience.

They look at the unusual personalities of Bill Watts and Ernie Ladd and how that mixed to create the iconic character and his alter ego, Stagger Lee.

They discuss a Mount Rushmore of JYD villains and how the story of who opposed JYD is like a lesson in Black history.

They discuss JYD's first couple of years in the WWF and how big a star he was there in 1985 and 1986.

They question is the workrate issue is holding back Black wrestlers, who had to work a certain style, from getting into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.

Greg's note: I said Ernie Ladd and Ray Candy were on the 1978 Dome show with Bill Watts and Terry Funk. The Funk-Watts Dome show was 1976. Paul Orndorff vs Bruiser Brody and Dusty Rhodes vs Superstar Graham were underneath Candy vs Ladd. 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Ricardo's French Quarter Tour business Hottest Hell Tours. Go to https://www.hottesthell.com/ to book an incredible tour of New Orleans. 

Episode 83: The Museum of Television Episodes  

In Episode 83 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Museum of Television Episodes, Greg:

Reviews possibly the best month of Mid South Wrestling Association television in its entire history, March 1984, including the countdown  and go home for the Last Stampede. 

Looks at all the action, interviews and angles that set up the biggest box office month and second biggest Superdome show in MSWA history. 

Marvels at how annoying Jim Cornette has become and just how satisfying it is — even for a fan of the Midnight Express — to see Cornette finally get humiliated.

Discusses the knee lift that killed the Dog's Yard and the bicycle mistake that may have kept the Superdome crowd from being the biggest MSWA Dome show ever. 

Notes all the body language, symbolism and interviews that make this angle so good. 

 Enjoys all the tag team action. 

Notices a new JYD discovery posted on social media. 

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

In Episode 56 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Morris Sigel for the WON HOF, 2024 Edition, Greg:

Takes a second look at the Hall of Fame candidacy of Houston promoter and Texas Booking Agency head Morris Sigel. 

Traces his journey from hardware accountant to head of Houston Wrestling and his formation of the Texas wrestling circuit. 

Notes the names of the top wrestlers he either discovered, started or helped find their stride: Verne Gagne, Buddy Rogers, Argentino Rocca and Gorgeous George, among others. 

Discovers the connection between Sigel and the end of the territory war between Lou Thesz and Sam Muchnick, and the bonding of Thesz to the new NWA cartel. 

Revisits the 1950s Texas wrestling war. 

Talks about Sigel's influence on Paul Boesch's Hall of Fame promoting career and notes how all the distinguishing characteristics of the Boesch era come from the Sigel era, which is twice as long.

If you want to see my Morris Sigel for the WON HOF talking points, message me on social media or email me at JYDBook@gmail.com. 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

In Episode 55 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Talks more about the Hall of Fame candidacy of Sylvester Ritter aka the Junkyard Dog. 

Picks up at the beginning of Year One and talks about the timing of when Ritter must have trained. 

Wonders if there are still earlier matches than Ritter's first known match of Nov. 11, 1976 vs Mike Boyette. 

Talks about how Ritter's trainer Sonny King left him behind in Carolina, but Ritter still found a way into the business. 

Follows Ritter around the south as he goes from Carolina to Louisiana/Oklahoma to Memphis to Knoxville to Gulf Coast to Gulas. 

Notes how quickly Ritter goes from indies to a tag title in a major territory (one year) to a solo title in a major territory (two years) to being the historic star of a territory (three years). 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 54: The College Edition

In Episode 54 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Talks about the Junkyard Dog and his candidacy for the Wrestling Observer Newletter's Hall of Fame. 

Looks at Sylvester Ritter's life before wrestling, including his two year trying to break into professional football. 

Finds an ad for the earliest known match for Sylvester Ritter, only to learn someone else had tagged the ad first. 

Learns about and laughs about the wrestling history term, "You got Getz'd." 

Discusses the idea of workrate and stereotypical wrestling styles of yesteryear and how the two are not always compatible. 

Compares the careers of Paul Orndorff and JYD. 

Lobbys for JYD's HOF inclusion and announces a very special guest to explore the matter further next month. 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Power Play Sports Collectables. Thank you for the Houston Wrestling lot! Check them out on eBay or at https://powerplaysportscards.com/.

Episode 53: The Cheese Stands Alone

In Episode 53 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Looks at the August 1983 in the Mid South Wrestling Association. 

Talks about Ted DiBiase's two-year MSWA run, which comes to a close in August.

Wonders if the top heel leaving has anything to do with the slowdown in fall of 1983. 

Discusses the use of more arena footage rather than longer TV tapings. 

Welcomes Barry Darsow and his Daisy Dukes to MSWA. 

Discusses Magnum TA's push and how he comes in above the normal white meat young babyface level. 

Traces the final days of Ted DiBiase in MSWA in 1983. 

Closes out the Silver Era of MSWA. 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 52: 1949, Part Two

In Episode 52 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Looks at two programs from November 1949 Houston Wrestling, which feature Billy Varga challenging for NWA titles.

Lucks into a piece of history as the second program features a preview of the Argentina Rocca vs Lou Thesz grudge match with huge out of the ring implications.

Traces the bad blood between Rocca and Morris Sigel and his Houston office.

Celebrates the second anniversary of the show with an old school story about Larry Santana aka Larry Santo, who passed away recently.  

This episode of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by The Lake House Restaurant & Lodge on Canadarago Lake in Richfield, New York.
https://www.lakehouse1843.com/

Episode 51: 1949

In Episode 51 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Revisits the subject of his earlier Houston Wrestling programs with a look at two issues form 1949.

Talks about the start of TV in Houston and note how close we are to the Texas Wrestling War.

Looks at the debut of Verne Gagne and marvels on the hair young Verne has.

Thanks Young Billy Varga aka the Count for keeping such a great collection.

Praise the book, The Six Pack."

This episode of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by the Christmas in July fundraiser for A Cooperstown Christmas Movie Inc. Go to https://christmasinjulymoviefundraiser.ticketleap.com/christmas-in-july-concert-at-the-lake-house/ to buy tickets for the July 7, 2024, event in Richfield NY. Qualified investors should contact Greg at JYDBook@gmail.com for more information. 

Episode 50: Brick by Brick

In Episode 50 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Looks at July 1983 TV for the Mid South Wrestling Association.

Talks about the building of Magnum T.A. as a babyface and Butch Reed as a main event heel.

Notes the girls in the crowd screaming for TA and Johnny Rich.

Welcomes Doctor Death back to MSWA.

Says a fond farewell to Mr. Olympia.

This episode of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by the Christmas in July fundraiser for A Cooperstown Christmas Movie Inc. Go to https://christmasinjulymoviefundraiser.ticketleap.com/christmas-in-july-concert-at-the-lake-house/ to buy tickets for the July 7, 2024, event in Richfield NY. Qualified investors should contact Greg at JYDBook@gmail.com for more information. 

Episode 49: The fall of Fall

In Episode 49 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Gives his no longer hot take on The Iron Claw.

Compares November attendances figures for the Championship Wrestling Extravaganzas vs the LSU-Tulane football games.

Unearths two 1986 shows that made him pop.

Looks at an article from the national World War II Museum in New Orleans about wrestlers who served. 

This episode of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by the Christmas in July fundraiser for A Cooperstown Christmas Movie Inc. Go to https://christmasinjulymoviefundraiser.ticketleap.com/christmas-in-july-concert-at-the-lake-house/ to buy tickets for the July 7, 2024, event in Richfield NY. Qualified investors should contact Greg at JYDBook@gmail.com for more information. 

Episode 48: The Atomic Drop 

In Episode 48 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Looks at June 1983 in the Mid South Wrestling Association.

Talks about the final turn of early 1983 as Butch Reed has decided he  has had enough of friendship.

Considers what word JYD called Reed before the big split.

Discusses the National Title situation in Georgia as Mr. Wrestling II shows up with a belt he has not won yet.

Finds a new favorite Boyd-ism in, "how big is big, how tough is tough."

Explores the "dive vs jump rule" that MSWA apparently has always had, aka the Harley Race Rule, and uses to welcome Mil Mascaras. 

This episode of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by the Christmas in July fundraiser for A Cooperstown Christmas Movie Inc. Go to https://christmasinjulymoviefundraiser.ticketleap.com/christmas-in-july-concert-at-the-lake-house/ to buy tickets for the July 7, 2024, event in Richfield NY. Qualified investors should contact Greg at JYDBook@gmail.com for more information. 

Episode 47: Double Main Go!

In Episode 47 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Explains his favorite new/old-time wrestling term, the Double Main Go.

Finishes looking at the McGuirk/Watts/Crockett Championship Wrestling Extravaganzas at the New Orleans Superdome.

Reviews the lowest drawing Superdome shows.
Source:  http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/midsouth/cards.html

Runs the numbers of the shows pre-Junkyard Dog, during the Junkyard Dog era and post-JYD. 

Notes the gap in attendance for the fall Dome shows vs spring and summer shows.

Looks at the top feud of 1970 in Houston Wrestling, Wahoo McDaniel vs the Funk family.

This episode of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by the Wrestling Nostalgia podcast with Dave Dynasty. Follow him at @thedavesynasty and listen to his interviews about territory wrestling wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Episode 82: Two Cool Cats, Part Two, Morris 

In Episode 82 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Two Cool Cats, Part Two, Morris, Greg: 

Starts the 2025 campaign for Morris Sigel and the Junkyard Dog Sylvester Ritter to go into the Pro Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame. 

Talks about the start of the Texas wrestling circuit and how Morris Sigel becomes involved in Houston Wrestling. 

Compares Sigel's run in Houston to his protege Paul Boesch. 

Talks about the innovations Sigel and his matchmakers brought to the state.

Lists some of the biggest names in wrestling who got their start, gimmick or big break in the Houston office. 

Talks about the wrestling wars in Texas and the final stats as to who ran the state booking office and for how long. 

Compares Sigel's run with the Texas Wrestling Agency to the Dallas booking office's tenure booking the state. 

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg! Go to https://tinyurl.com/SuperBuds25 to donate to his SuperBuds TV pilot fundraiser. 

Go to https://www.tixtree.com/e/glory-days-grapplecon-3-3c855016bd6a to buy tickets to GrappleCon 3 Glory Days. 

Episode 46: Walkin' Tall

In Episode 46 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Looks at the May 1983 in the Mid South Wrestling Association. 

Remarks how over Hacksaw Duggan is as a new babyface and how hated his counterpart Ted DiBiase still is, a year after turning heel.

Gives a nod to the early success for King Kong Bundy and his five-count gimmick, leading to speculation as to how Bundy "dumbs himself out of position." 

Laments the arrival of Boris Zhukov as it pertains to the Mid South tag team titles. 

Weighs the life cycle of a heel in MSWA. 

Welcomes Terry Allen to Mid South with a bullet. 

Discusses the new oldest Houston Wrestling program in the collection. 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 45: Issue No. 1

In Episode 45 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Looks at the Mid South Wrestling Association's first program.

Talks about the backstory of Cowboy Bill Watts' 1970s pathway to becoming a wrestling promoter and why he split with Leroy McGuirk.

Remarks on how Mr. Wrestling II's popularity in 1982 and 1983, isn't out of nowhere.

Discovers the storytelling behind the North American title and the new tag team titles at the start of MSWA.

Dives in and backs out of the which one is or isn't the racist questions when dealing with Southern (on any) promoters.

Laments (again) the lack of MSWA footage from fall 1979 to November 1981.

Reviews the top drawing MSWA Championship Wrestling Extravaganzas at the New Orleans Superdome. Source:  http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/midsouth/cards.html

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 44: Turn, Turn, Turn 

In Episode 44 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Looks at the Mid South Wrestling Association's TV for April 1983. 

Wonders how MSWA got away with the Duggan hates Akbar angle and then guesses why the lapse in logic did not matter to Duggan's babyface turn. 

Says goodbye to Matt Borne and Tiger Conway Jr. 

Talks about how and why Mr. Wrestling II is getting a lot of the babyface shine that spring. 

Flags an interesting quote from Cowboy Bill Watts that speak volumes about today's political climate. 

Tries to figure out one of the worse finishes in TV wrestling history and comes up with nothing.

Wonders if the wrong wrestler won the North American title match at the Superdome on April 16, 1983, and considers how good Mr. Olympia's supervillain backstory is. 

Special first time guest Lily the cat chimes in, too. 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release is out now, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein" on Amazon. 

Episode 43: The 1950s Texas Wrestling War

In Episode 43 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Pays his respects to Ole Anderson, wrestling's favorite grumpy Uncle. 

Goes deep into the 1950s Texas Wrestling War, with more than 25 newspaper articles gathered from newspapers.com.

Explores what Jim and Brian got right and what they got wrong from their Guess the Program segments on Cornette's show. 

Points out the first attempt by Dallas to gain booking control from Houston and how it led to the second attempt and the Texas war.  

Goes through the clips about the May 1, 1953 fire at the Sportatorium and runs down the suspects who had the motive to burn the building down. 

Looks at the other fronts in the war, including in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, El Paso and Fort Worth. 

Looks at the aftermath of the war in 1954 and 1955 and traces that to 1967 when Dallas finally gets the booking office away from Houston.
 
Pays tribute to Morris Sigel, Ed McLemore and Doc Sarpolis, who often don't get credit for building Houston, Dallas and Amarillo into big wrestling towns. 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release is out now, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein" on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Sunset-Painting-Sun-Plays-Klein/dp/1737863510/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Sunset+Painting+and+the+Sun+two+plays+by+Greg+Klein&qid=1706748251&sr=8-1

You can also buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon. 

Episode 42: To Every Season ...

In Episode 42 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Looks at Mid South Wrestling Association TV for March 1983. 

Talks about the long-term episodic booking going on with a six-month Mr. Wrestling II vs Mr. Olympia build-up and the recent tease of Hacksaw Duggan turning face. 

Laments the missed moves and short MSWA run of Tiger Conway Jr. 

Follows Ted DiBiase's March schedule to figure out what he gets an "unpaid vacation" in the middle or the Rat Pack's run. 

Bids farewell to Tony Atlas in MSWA. 

Revisits the Houston Wrestling Gold Cup with new information about the final day of the three-day celebration. 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release is out now, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein" on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Sunset-Painting-Sun-Plays-Klein/dp/1737863510/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Sunset+Painting+and+the+Sun+two+plays+by+Greg+Klein&qid=1706748251&sr=8-1

You can also buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon. 

Episode 41: The Super Bowl of Wrestling

In Episode 41 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Looks at the Super Bowl of Wrestling, or as many Super Bowl of Wrestling cards as he could find.

The journey apparently begins in 1972 in Cleveland, with a show deemed a dud.

However, over the next decade promoters ran Super Bowl of Wrestling shows in cities large (Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Irving, Texas, Miami) and smaller (Paduca and Bowling Green, Kentucky, El Paso and Abilene, Texas, Knoxville, Waterloo, Iowa).

Verne Gange jumps into the Super Bowl fray in a big way, making it into a film idea and a five-year chase of the AWA title.
 
Pulls two Texas programs out of the 1976 file to look at hype for the June 5, 1976, Super Bowl of Wrestling at Texas Stadium, featuring Terry Funk defending the NWA title against Firtz Von Erich. 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release is out now, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein" on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Sunset-Painting-Sun-Plays-Klein/dp/1737863510/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Sunset+Painting+and+the+Sun+two+plays+by+Greg+Klein&qid=1706748251&sr=8-1

You can also buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon. 

Episode 40: A Giant Slam

In Episode 40 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Goes back to Mid South in 1983, this time Feburary, for one of the final visits to MSWA from Andre the Giant. 

Wonders again about 1983 MSWA booking and the limited wrestling schedule for Ernie Ladd that year. 

Looks at three great tag team matches/angles, as the tag team champs, Ted DiBiase and Matt Borne, take on Mr. Wrestling II & the Junkyard Dog and Tony Atlas & Andre and then JYD & II again. 

Celebrates peak Kamala in MSWA. 

Enjoys the foreshadowing of the springtime Jim Duggan turn.  

Takes a look into the 1983 schedule of Andre the Giant. 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon. 

Episode 39: Christmas Gifts

In Episode 39 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Gives Gene Petit aka Tom Steele his Reunion Arena Star Wars due. 

Researches the Parade of Champions show and traces it back to Buffalo in 1939. 

Looks at the various, sometimes changing, figures for the Buffalo super shows found in a bunch of clips from the Buffalo Evening News. 

Pulls out a Christmas edition out of his Houston Wrestling program collection, from Dec. 22, 1972, with a triple main event, a special give-away drawing and a big show to start the new year!

Reflects on the end of 2023 and the ups and downs of life, wishes you a happy holiday season and looks forward to great 2024, on the podcast and off. 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon. 

Episode 38: Did You See What Boesch Saw?

In Episode 38 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Moves into 1983 with his viewing of his beloved Mid South Wrestling Association.

Explores the odd conversation of Paul Boesch and Boyd Pierce as they discuss Mr. Wrestling II beating Tully Blanchard down to a bloody mess. 

Talks about how Bill Watts is continuing to position the Southwest stars as lesser than the MSWA talent and how this is a crucial time in the brewing war between San Antonio and Houston. 

Says goodbye to Gino Hernandez in MSWA (until 1985).

Wonders who is booking MSWA in 1983 and why there is short crew at the beginning of the year. 

Cringes at Mike Sharp's MSWA farewell. But don't worry, we will see it again.  

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon. 

Episode 37: The Summer of '69, Part Two

In Episode 37 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Looks at a Houston Wrestling program from Sept. 19, 1969. 

Revisits the Wrestling Observer HOF Class of 2023 and outlines a strategy going forward to work for Morris Sigel and Sylvester Ritter to make the HOF.

Follows up on the Tracy Smothers-Adrian Street alleged incident mentioned in Tracy's book, "If You Don't Buy This Book Everybody Dies." 

Talks about the Houston program's two weeks of main events: 9-19-69 with Dory Funk Jr. defending the NWA title vs Johnny Valentine, and the 9-26-69 advertised main of Valentine vs Wahoo McDaniel in a revenge match where the third fall, if needed, is a strap match. 

Tells an R-rated Ernie Ladd story in the last five minutes of the show. You've been warned.  

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon. 

Episode 81: Two Cool Cats, Part One, Sylvester 

In Episode 81 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Two Cool Cats, Part One, Sylvester, Greg: 

Starts the 2025 campaign for Morris Sigel and the Junkyard Dog Sylvester Ritter to go into the Pro Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame. 

Talks about the historic nature of JYD's push in Mid South, his importance in Houston and New Orleans, the downtown neighborhood of Treme and for the WWF expansion plans. 

Looks at JYD's year one in detail again and traces how quickly Ritter goes from not being smart to the business to being a main event wrestler. 

Details some of Ritter's best matches in Nashville and Calgary. 

Talks about the WWF expansion and VKM's other choices for the top Black star. 

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/ 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg! Go to https://tinyurl.com/SuperBuds25 to donate to his SuperBuds TV pilot fundraiser. 

Go to https://www.tixtree.com/e/glory-days-grapplecon-3-3c855016bd6a to buy tickets to GrappleCon 3 Glory Days. 

Episode 36: Snowflakes & Superheroes

In Episode 36 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Looks at a Houston Wrestling program from Oct. 24, 1975. 

Talks about  the upcoming Halloween 1975 show the program advertises. 

Predicts the Wrestling Observer HOF Class of 2023. 

Looks at how WON HOF ballots track differently than MLB HOF ballots.

Explains why he is now confidant Sylvester Ritter will get into the WON HOF and why how and why the Morris Sigel for HOF work will continue.   

Tears into Dave Meltzer for being unable to take criticism and Shane Helms for being a duchy snowflake bro. 

Tells the story about the day he met Nick Offerman because Nick approached him in a men's room. 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon. 

Episode 35: Boyd's No Snitch

In Episode 34 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Looks at December 1982 in the Mid South Wrestling Association, including three tapings in one and a year in review. 

Talks about Boyd Pierce's refusal to testify in the case of DiBiase vs. Lee. 

Picks a MSWA wrestler and match of the year. 

Looks at Mr. Olympia's first MSWA run and his 90 days away. 

Laments how little we got to see of the Legion of Masked Superfriends. 

Comments on a Houston Wrestling match where Mil Mascaras does a "yes yob."

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon. 

Episode 34: Morris P. Sigel for the WON HOF

In Episode 34 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Does some investigating into two questions that have been floating around the podcast lately: 

1) Did Sylvester Ritter work at Wal-Mart at the end of his life?

2) Did Tracy Smothers get the better of Adrian Street during a fight  in Alabama in 1987 or 1988?  

Rants a little more about the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame and its exclusion of the Junkyard Dog. 

Promotes the candidacy of Houston Wrestling promoter Morris P. Sigel, who owned the Texas booking office and promoted the Houston market for more than four decades. 

Examines Iron Mike Sharp's first couple of runs in the WWF in 1983 and 1984 and debunks the idea that Sharp never won matches. 

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon. 

Episode 33: The Ballad of Stagger Lee

In Episode 33 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:

Looks at MSWA TV for November 1982, including the "newcomer" Stagger Lee. 

Explores the cultural and musical background of the character and how it relates to the babyface under a mask gimmick. 

Talks about Tony Atlas in his prime and Hacksaw Duggan's move to headlining singles.

Considers Kamala's new taste for masks and Mr. Wrestling II's suddenly flawed masks. 

Finds the passage from Tracy Smothers' book where he claims he won a fight against Adrian Street and tries to narrow down when the fight allegedly took place.  

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.