Once Upon A Turnbuckle – Details, episodes & analysis

A lot has happened in the world of Jon Walker and  @SlammastersWrestling  since Chris last chatted to him on the show nearly 4 years ago!

Back in 2021, Jon and his Slammasters co-founder Big D had a few shows under their belts after Covid derailed plans temporarily, and fast-forward a few years and the organisation is thriving, having found a spiritual home in Portland House in Cardiff, and fresh off the back of the latest show in which former WWE US and Cruiserweight champion Kalisto (now known as Samuray del Sol) made his debut!In this episode, Jon discusses attracting and working with international stars like Kalisto, Doug Williams, Danhausen, Rhyno and Eric Young, the quality Slammasters staple stars like Man Like Dereiss and 'The Brilliance' James Ellis and also the meteoric rise of the inaugural Slammasters Women's Champion Mariah May, who has since gone on to great success in AEW and to her recent debut in NXT.For those wrestling fans who love a story of dedication, commitment, the love of the one true sport and seeing the benefits of some good old-fashioned hard work, this one is for you!To keep up-to-date with all of the upcoming news and events from Slammasters Wrestling, be sure to check out their social media pages:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slammasterswrestling/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slammasterswrestlingTo buy tickets for their upcoming show 'Final Fall at the Banking Hall' on Sunday 19th October, go to the official Slammasters website: www.slammasterswrestling.comTo keep up-to-date with latest news and future episodes of the podcast:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnceUponATurnbuckleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/onceuponaturnbuckle#SlammastersWrestling #Cardiff #onceuponaturnbuckle #podcast

In this episode, Chris sits down with Buddy Sotello Esq., who is something of a rarity in today's wrestling world - a heel manager with old school values and a talent for knowing how to create real believable heat with the crowd."The Master of the Contract" discusses his earliest memories of discovering wrestling in his childhood, the in-ring and ringside performers who inspired him, and the influences behind his own persona.

We hear just some of his memories training and working independent promotions including All Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Iron, taking bumps and working the crowd to create what he calls "Buddy's pockets of hate."

As the first wrestling manager to appear thus far on Once Upon A Turnbuckle, this is definitely a perspective that wrestling enthusiasts will want to miss!

Be sure to check out Buddy's podcast 'Wrestling & Everything - Coast to Coast', with co-host Evan Ginzburg:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WrestlingAndEverythingCoasttoCoastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4eRXnG48lo&list=PLZVZEnLbi7l57A_i6ddz-zpxFn_rpHAVH#onceuponaturnbuckle #podcast #BuddySotelloEsq #wrestlingmanager #interview

It's the long-awaited return of Once Upon A Turnbuckle and what a perfect way to kick off the new era!

'The Brilliance' James Ellis, one of the hottest properties on the British indie scene today and newly-crowned New Wave Wrestling champion, returns to the show to catch us up on his career over the last few years.

Highlights include:-

• Being the first-ever and first two-time New Wave Wrestling Champion
• How crowd interactions have shaped his persona
• Wrestling for top British promotions New Wave, Pro Wrestling Chaos, Slammasters, No Mercy Wrestling, RevPro amongst others
• Who The Brilliance would pick to share his WrestleMania moment with

And much more!

To follow James' latest news and upcoming appearances, be sure to follow him on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065881731345Instagram:

www.instagram.com/jamesellispw

August 29th 1992. Wembley Stadium, England.

The date that will live on in the hearts of all wrestling fans as being that which gave us one of the greatest PPV's (SummerSlam '92) and arguably one of the greatest wrestling matches in history, as 'The British Bulldog' Davey Boy Smith realised his dream and defeated his brother-in-law, Bret 'Hitman' Hart, for the WWF Intercontinental Championship in front of over 80,000 of his countrymen.

It was a match in itself which was steeped in drama, intrigue and masterful storytelling in the ring, and is little wonder why we are still talking about it and reliving the magic of that match 30 years later.

For this very special episode of the show, Chris welcomes back Steven Bell (author of the incredible 'Dynamite & Davey: The Explosive Lives of The British Bulldogs) to watch the match in its entirety once more, with Steve using his extensive and knowledge that led him to write his fantastic book to help pad out the backstory of this epic encounter.

'Dynamite & Davey: The Explosive Lives of The British Bulldogs', is available to order from Amazon and all major stockists, as well as from Steve's website below.

To keep up with Steve's latest news, be sure to check out his social media pages too:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dynamite-Davey-The-Explosive-Lives-of-The-British-Bulldogs

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven_bell1985/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BulldogsBook123

Website: https://www.stevenbellwrites.com/

Enjoyed this episode?

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Facebook: @OnceUponATurnbuckle & @DMTPodNet

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Twitter: @DMTPodNet

**Theme song 'Halloween Night' used courtesy of Jayde Garrow.**

Chris welcomes back another returning guest this week, as he catches up with wrestler and owner/promoter of No Mercy Wrestling, Chris Bevan!  

We chat about the growth of No Mercy since our last interview (in summer 2021), which has seen their debut show, the inception of it's own 'Iron Cobra' tournament, the importance of working alongside his fellow promoters and their upcoming show, featuring a certain special guest who will be 'Worm-ing' his way into Pembrokeshire, showing he isn't 'Too Cool' to hang with the No Mercy crew!  

To keep up with the latest news, be sure to follow both the No Mercy Wrestling and Bevan's own social media pages:  

Facebook: @NoMercyWrestle & @bevanandhell   

Instagram: @nomercywrestle & @bevanbastardson_pw  

Twitter: @NoMercyWrestle & @bevanbastardson  

Enjoyed this episode?  

Then please be sure to subscribe/follow and also follow me on my social media for further news of future shows.  

Facebook: @OnceUponATurnbuckle & @DMTPodNet 

Instagram: @onceuponaturnbuckle & @dmtpodnet 

Twitter: @DMTPodNet  

**Theme song 'Halloween Night' used courtesy of Jayde Garrow.**

In this gem of a show, Chris welcomes Brian R. Solomon, writer, author and host of the 'Shut Up & Wrestle Podcast'.  

Brian has made his name as not only a writer and editor for WWE Magazine in the early 2000s but also as an author of renowned wrestling books including 'WWE Legends', 'Pro Wrestling FAQ' and his latest release, 'Blood & Fire: The Unbelievable Real-Life Story of Wrestling's Original Sheik'. 

He is also a contributor to well-respected publications, Pro Wrestling Illustrated and Inside The Ropes.  

Listen in as Brian recalls his time working for WWE, his own experience and take on the doomed WWF/WCW 'Invasion' angle and how and when he found his love for wrestling history.  Brian also talks about the challenges faced in bringing the story of The Sheik, wrestling's most hated and mysterious star, to life.  

To keep up-to-date with Brian's current and upcoming news, be sure to follow him on social media:  

Facebook: @BrianSolomonWriter 

Instagram: @brianrsolomon 

Twitter: @BrianRSolomon  

You can also find his books to order via Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and his podcast 'Shut Up & Wrestle' is available on all major platforms.  #OnceUponATurnbuckle #BrianRSolomon #TheSheik

Enjoyed this episode?

Then please be sure to subscribe/follow and also follow me on my social media for further news of future shows.

Facebook: @OnceUponATurnbuckle

Instagram: @onceuponaturnbuckle

Twitter: @TetreaultBlay

**Theme song 'Halloween Night' used courtesy of Jayde Garrow.**

In a perfect companion to our recent episode with wrestling legend B. Brian Blair, Chris welcomes the other half of the writing team that brought us the fantastic 'Truth Bee Told' - journalist and wrestling biographer, Ian Douglass!  

Ian drops in to discuss his writing work, which includes not only his latest offering with Brian Blair but also previous books created with Dan 'The Beast' Severn, Bugsy McGraw and Hornswoggle.  

We also catch Ian's thoughts on the current and past pro wrestling scene, the star responsible for his love of pro wrestling and the one moment that made him proud to call himself a fan of the 'one true sport'.  

Check out Ian's work on his website www.iandouglass.net, as well as on Twitter (@StreamGlass).  You can also grab your own copy of any of Ian's books so far via Amazon!  

Enjoyed this episode?   

Then please be sure to subscribe/follow and also follow me on my social media for further news of future shows.    

Facebook: @OnceUponATurnbuckle   

Instagram: @onceuponaturnbuckle   

Twitter: @TetreaultBlay    

 **Theme song 'Halloween Night' used courtesy of Jayde Garrow.**

For the milestone 50th episode of Once Upon A Turnbuckle, Chris welcomes artist Tom Fleming back to the show for a return visit!  

In our last meeting, Tom shared many memories from his days as an artist and designer for the WWF/E in the early-90's, where he was responsible for designing the iconic looks for legends such as Razor Ramon, Adam Bomb, 1-2-3 Kid, Papa Shango, amongst many others, and even gave us the unforgettable Thanksgiving-themed artwork for Survivor Series '93.  

Tom returns to the show to talk about his brand-new wrestling-related NFT art project, in partnership with Fight Capital, for which he has produced 23 original paintings of wrestling legends including Andre The Giant, 'Macho Man' Randy Savage, Kurt Angle, Road Warrior Hawk and the British Bulldogs.  

We also delve back into his wrestling past to talk about his memories of creating the very sceptre that was used in the coronation ceremony at King of The Ring '93!  

Another one not to be missed!  

To keep up with all of Tom's latest work and updates, be sure to follow him on social media:  

Facebook: @tflemart (or The Art of Tom Fleming) 

Instagram: @tomflemingart 

Twitter: @FLEM_ART  

To find out more about the NFT art project and how to get involved, head over to: https://www.fightcapital.io/ 

Enjoyed this episode?   

Then please be sure to subscribe/follow and also follow me on my social media for further news of future shows.    

Facebook: @OnceUponATurnbuckle   

Instagram: @onceuponaturnbuckle   

Twitter: @TetreaultBlay    

 **Theme song 'Halloween Night' used courtesy of Jayde Garrow.**

It's time to welcome another member of wrestling royalty to the show, as Chris has the honour of talking to wrestling legend B. Brian Blair! Blair is best known as one-half of the hugely-popular tag team The Killer Bee's, along with 'Jumping' Jim Brunzell, who many still argue should have had a run as the WWF Tag Team Champions in the '80s. But as this interview, and Brian's phenomenal autobiography 'Truth Bee Told', will attest - there is so much more to the man behind the Bee! Brian recalls memories of his territory days, performing with Brunzell at three of the first four WrestleMania's, his role as CEO and President of the famous Cauliflower Alley Club, through to his recent personal tragedies and health battles. Listen as Brian also talks about his book, his upcoming Vice TV series and the new Killer Bee's action figures (courtesy of Chella Toys), in one of the most memorable and inspirational episodes yet! You can order your copy of 'Truth Bee Told' NOW via Amazon and the official Killer Bees website (www.thekillerbees.net). To support the Cauliflower Alley Club, please visit their website: www.caulifloweralleyclub.org Also, be sure to check out Brian on social media to keep updated with all his latest news: Facebook: @bbrianblairofficial Twitter: @KillerbeeB1 Enjoyed this episode? Then please be sure to subscribe/follow and also follow me on my social media for further news of future shows.  Facebook: @OnceUponATurnbuckle  Instagram: @onceuponaturnbuckle  Twitter: @TetreaultBlay   **Theme song 'Halloween Night' used courtesy of Jayde Garrow.**

Once Upon a Turnbuckle is truly back with a bang!  

Keith Elliot Greenberg is not only a New York Times best-selling author and TV producer but is known by millions of wrestling fans worldwide due to his 22 years spent writing for the WWF/E Magazine, starting in 1985. He has also co-authored the autobiographies of wrestling legends such as Ric Flair, 'Superstar' Billy Graham and 'Cassy' Freddie Blassie.  

In this interview, Keith discusses his writing work, how he landed the gig with WWF, a couple of memorable stories written about Bret Hart and Randy Savage, through to his current work with UK-based magazine 'Inside The Ropes' and his upcoming book, 'Follow The Buzzards: Pro Wrestling in the Age of COVID-19'!  

'Follow The Buzzards' is available for pre-order via Amazon and all major stockists, where you can also find Keith's other books available.  

To keep up-to-date with Keith's work and upcoming news, be sure to follow him on social media:  

Twitter: @KeithEGreenberg Instagram: @keithegreenberg

Enjoyed this episode? Then please be sure to subscribe/follow and also follow me on my social media for further news of future shows.  

Facebook: @OnceUponATurnbuckle / @DMTPodNet

Instagram: @onceuponaturnbuckle / @dmtpodnet

Twitter: @TetreaultBlay  

**Theme song 'Halloween Night' used courtesy of Jayde Garrow.**