The Commentary Booth - Live Via Satellite is an interview podcast series where we peel back the curtain on your favourite wrestlers & their cinematic inspirations!
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How No Country For Old Men influences Pro Wrestler Brick Savage
Season 8 · Episode 24
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 • Duration 32:21
What does one of wrestling’s most intimidating forces have in common with one of cinema’s coldest villains?
In this episode of The Commentary Booth: Live Via Satellite, Jamie Apps is joined by former Metroplex Champion ‘Worldbreaker’ Brick Savage, dialling in from Texas as he prepares for the Metroplex Wrestling Texas Rumble on February 7. The conversation spirals from the brutal deserts of No Country For Old Men into the psychology of modern pro wrestling, and it gets intense fast.
Brick breaks down why the Coen Brothers’ neo-Western classic has stuck with him for years, from Anton Chigurh’s terrifying calm to the film’s obsession with fate, preparation, and consequences. He draws clear parallels between Javier Bardem’s methodical villain and his own in-ring philosophy, staying three steps ahead, never rushing, and letting inevitability do the damage.
Highlights Breakdown:
Why No Country For Old Men feels like a horror film without being one
Anton Chigurh as the blueprint for a great wrestling villain
Proactive vs reactive characters, in film and in the ring
Building moments, not just matches
How Texas, violence, and morality shape Brick Savage’s persona
What fans should expect from Brick at the Metroplex Texas Rumble
Brick’s advice on digging deep within to create an authentic and intimidating character
Athena’s Influence: How the MPX owner and wrestling star is elevating the entire promotion
Along the way, the pair unpack proactive versus reactive storytelling, why violence in film can be honest rather than gratuitous, and how wrestling characters, like movie villains, live or die by the smallest details. With the Texas Rumble looming, Brick also opens up about sacrifice, intimidation, and why being a force of nature still scares people in 2026.
It’s part film analysis, part wrestling masterclass, and quietly one of the most revealing conversations Brick Savage has had on record.
The Prestige Explained Through The eyes of Pro Wrestler JD Griffey
Season 8 · Episode 23
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 • Duration 28:26
Step into the ring where magic meets mayhem! In this captivating episode of The Commentary Booth: Live Via Satellite, host Jamie Apps sits down with five-time Metroplex Wrestling champion 'Shady' JD Griffey to explore how Christopher Nolan's masterpiece The Prestige mirrors the sacrifices, obsessions, and rivalries that define professional wrestling.
As JD prepares for the chaotic Metroplex Wrestling Texas Rumble on February 7, he reveals how the film’s themes of obsession, sacrifice, and bitter rivalry might make it one of the most unintentionally honest films ever made about professional wrestling.
Discover how the magician’s code is eerily similar to wrestling’s kayfabe, and why the greatest performance is the one the audience never fully sees. This is more than a film review; it’s a raw look at the cost of devotion and the art of deception in the world of sports entertainment.
The conversation moves between film analysis and lived experience. The toll of kayfabe. The addiction to reactions. The fine line between dedication and self-destruction. There’s admiration here, but also discomfort. Wrestling, much like Nolan’s film, doesn’t flinch from the consequences of obsession, it just hides them better.
Highlights Breakdown:
- The Three Acts of Wrestling: How JD breaks down matches using the film's pledge, turn, and prestige structure
Wrestling Meets Horror: Taleena Lee’s Australian Wrestling Story
Season 8 · Episode 22
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 • Duration 16:06
Pro wrestling has always lived somewhere between sport, theatre, and obsession. In this Live Via Satellite episode of The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps sits down with writer and filmmaker Taleena Lee to explore that space, and the deeply personal journey behind her wrestling-themed anthology series, Australian Wrestling Story.
What begins as a conversation about discovering wrestling in the most unexpected way slowly opens into something more intimate. Taleena traces her path from teenage fandom, through film school during COVID, to writing a six-part horror-infused TV series designed by a wrestling fan, for wrestling fans. Along the way, she speaks candidly about grief, creativity, and the strange comfort wrestling can offer when life gets heavy.
Highlights Breakdown:
How Taleena discovered wrestling through a storyline she initially hated
The personal loss that shaped her connection to wrestling and storytelling
Turning a film-school idea into a horror-infused wrestling anthology
Why Australian Wrestling Story is being built for fans first
Paying tribute to the Australian wrestling scene and its performers
The challenges of creating independently, from writing to social media
Drawing inspiration from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, , , and the Australian independent wrestling scene, blends split timelines, psychological horror, and wrestling mythology into something that feels familiar but also unsettling in the best way. Taleena describes the show as “ meets American Horror Story”, and once you hear her unpack it, that comparison sticks.
Anime Meets Wrestling: Michael Spencer on Demon Slayer & Influence
Host Jamie Apps peels back the curtain on how anime has become the ultimate inspiration for Michael's in-ring persona and iconic gear. From his Dragon Ball Z roots as a Vegeta-inspired powerhouse to his latest, jaw-dropping Demon Slayer cosplay gear, Michael breaks down how he brings his favourite characters to life.
Michael shares the secrets behind his creative process, the challenge of weaving anime quotes into promos, and why he does it all for the "five people in the room who get it."
- The transition from fan to wrestler and incorporating anime into his persona
- Why Demon Slayer became his favourite gear set yet
- Family life, Crunchyroll binges, and sharing anime with his kids
- Which anime world he’d choose to survive in (hint: Pokémon fans rejoice)
- Upcoming PWA shows, the Beershed & Mounties events
Whether you’re an anime enthusiast, a pro wrestling fan, or both, this is a high-energy, insightful chat you won’t want to miss.
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How Happy Gilmore Inspired Eleaine Hope’s Wrestling Persona
Season 6 · Episode 20
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 • Duration 39:04
This week on The Commentary Booth - Live Via Satellite, Jamie Apps welcomes pro wrestler Eleaine Hope for a hilarious and heartfelt conversation about how Happy Gilmore influenced her wrestling career. As we gear up for the release of Happy Gilmore 2, Eleaine reflects on discovering the original film at a young age, how it connected her with her late father, and how its quirky tone and lovable characters shaped her approach in the ring.
From crafting a character that blends athletic toughness with goofy charm, to navigating the wrestling world as a proudly South Australian performer, Eleaine shares stories filled with passion, humour, and love for the sport. Whether you’re a wrestling fan or an Adam Sandler diehard, this episode offers a perfect blend of pop culture, inspiration, and fun.
Highlights Breakdown:
How Happy Gilmore shaped Eleaine Hope's wrestling identity
The movie’s blend of sports, comedy & personal nostalgia
Embracing authenticity: Advice that changed Eleaine’s approach to wrestling
Parallels between golf mayhem and wrestling chaos
A dream Happy Gilmore-style Australian wrestling golf tournament lineup
Tune in for a hilarious, heartfelt chat about nostalgia, wrestling, and why Happy Gilmore is a timeless classic, just in time for the sequel’s release!
From Superman’s messianic symbolism to the cult-like magnetism of Donald Trump, Russell Brand, and Jim Jones, JAB reveals how narcissism, megalomania, and religion shaped his wrestling character into a self-proclaimed "second coming of Christ."
The eerie parallels between Trump’s rhetoric and cult leadership tactics.
Why Russell Brand’s "Messiah Complex" stand-up special was a blueprint for heel psychology.
The chilling influence of Jim Jones’ cult sermons on JAB’s promos.
Wrestling’s 60/40 rule: Why acting is more important than athleticism.
A masterclass in character-building, JAB’s journey, from actor to wrestler. blurs the line between villainy and artistry. Whether you’re a wrestling fan, pop culture junkie, or student of human psychology, this episode is a must-listen.
This week on The Commentary Booth - Live Via Satellite, host Jamie Apps is joined by Queensland-based wrestler and international sensation Lil Marz, fresh off an unforgettable excursion to the entertainment capital of the world, Hollywood!
In this candid and energetic episode, Lil Marz reflects on her recent US adventure, including training in the heart of Los Angeles, navigating the glitz and chaos of Las Vegas during WrestleMania season, and how the trip reshaped her perspective on character work, identity, and in-ring storytelling.
- How LA influenced her character evolution and blurred the lines between performer and person
- Wrestlemania, West Coast lucha culture & run-ins with celebs (hello Kyle Gass!)
- How Fred & George Weasley (yes, really) inspire her playful, rebellious wrestling persona
- What’s next for Lil Marz, including her exciting return to Japan!
Whether you're a wrestling fan, a dreamer chasing goals abroad, or just love a great origin story, this is an episode packed with fun, insight, and plenty of starry-eyed ambition.
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How Arcane Shaped Freak Nyxx’s Wrestling Persona
Season 5 · Episode 17
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 • Duration 24:25
Step into the ring with Jamie Apps and the enigmatic Freak Nyxx in this electrifying episode of The Commentary Booth - Live Via Satellite. Freak Nyxx, a member of the terrifying faction The Voiceless and a rising star in Australian wrestling, opens up about how the hit Netflix anime series Arcane has shaped her wrestling persona and career.
From Jinx's chaotic energy to the emotional depth of the show’s dystopian world, Freak Nyxx reveals how Arcane has inspired her in-ring movements, promos, and character development.
Highlights Breakdown:
- Freak Nyxx’s Cinematic Inspirations: Discover how movies, TV shows, and even Dungeons & Dragons fuel her creativity both in and out of the ring.
- The Jinx Connection: Learn why Jinx from Arcane became Freak Nyxx’s ultimate muse and how the character’s animated movements and emotional complexity influence her wrestling style.
- Wrestling as Storytelling: Freak Nyxx breaks down how she channels Arcane’s themes of chaos, loyalty, and mental breakdowns into her promos and matches.
- The Voiceless Dynamic: Explore the father-daughter-like relationship between Freak Nyxx and her tag team partner Owen Drake, mirroring Jinx and Silco’s bond in Arcane.
: Get the inside scoop on her upcoming matches and how she plans to continue evolving her character.
How The Simpsons Shaped Yeet Stevens’ Wrestling Career
Yeet Stevens, the self-proclaimed "big buddy" of Australian wrestling, opens up about how The Simpsons has profoundly influenced his life, humour, and wrestling career. From Bart’s rebellious antics to Homer’s carefree adventures, Yeet reveals how the iconic animated series has shaped his personality, promos, and in-ring storytelling.
Highlights Breakdown:
- Yeet’s Love for Movies & TV: Discover how Yeet’s introverted nature led him to fall in love with movies and TV, and how they became a bonding experience with his family.
- The Simpsons’ Influence: Yeet dives deep into why The Simpsons is his all-time favourite show, sharing how its humour, storytelling, and characters have impacted his life and wrestling persona.
- Bart vs. Australia: Yeet’s top Simpsons episode pick and how it reflects his love for Australian culture and humour.
- Wrestling as Storytelling: Learn how Yeet channels The Simpsons’ comedic timing and subversive humour into his promos and matches.
- Future Goals: Yeet shares his ambitions for 2025, including potential international wrestling opportunities and his upcoming matches in Australia.
Whether you’re a wrestling fan, a Simpsons enthusiast, or just love a good laugh, this episode is packed with nostalgia, humour, and heartfelt insights into the world of professional wrestling.
Tarlee Talks Fate, Fear & Final Destination
Season 5 · Episode 15
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 • Duration 32:30
In this spine-chilling episode of The Commentary Booth - Live Via Satellite, host Jamie Apps is joined by the “Queen of Horror in Australian Wrestling,” Tarlee! With Final Destination: Bloodlines on the horizon, Jamie and Tarlee dive into her love for horror, how it’s shaped her wrestling persona, and why gory, over-the-top deaths are her guilty pleasure. From her traumatic childhood encounter with Chucky to her annual Final Destination marathons, Tarlee reveals how horror films have influenced her in-ring storytelling and character development.
Jamie and Tarlee also break down the Final Destination series, ranking the films, discussing their favourite deaths, and speculating on what Final Destination: Bloodlines might bring to the table. Plus, Tarlee shares her wrestling superstitions, her motto “Don’t Be Sh*t,” and how horror movies have taught her to subvert expectations in the ring.
Highlights Breakdown:
Tarlee’s Horror Origins: From being traumatised by Chucky as a kid to becoming a horror superfan after watching It (2017).
Final Destination Deep Dive: Ranking the films, discussing iconic deaths, and why Jason X is Tarlee’s guilty pleasure.
Wrestling Meets Horror: How horror movies have influenced Tarlee’s wrestling career and her love for gory, creative storytelling.
Superstitions & Survival: Tarlee’s pre-match rituals and her wrestling motto: “Don’t Be Sh*t.”
- Living Two Incomplete Lives: The personal cost of maintaining kayfabe and character in the modern wrestling era
- Obsession & Sacrifice: Why the best performers give 100% even when audiences only perceive 30-40%
- The Matthew Palmer Rivalry: How JD's greatest opponent became someone who knew him better than family
- Secrets of the Craft: JD's philosophy on protecting wrestling's magic in the age of social media and shows like WWE's Unreal
Tune in for a conversation that pulls no punches, blending film analysis with the gritty reality of the wrestling business. It’s a testament to the idea that to be the best, you must be willing to disappear and come back, for your art.
Jamie and Taleena also dig into the realities of independent creation, wearing too many creative hats, building a grassroots audience online, and why paying respect to the Australian wrestling community sits at the heart of the project.
It’s a thoughtful, occasionally funny, sometimes emotional conversation about storytelling, fandom, and why wrestling continues to resonate far beyond the ring.
Whether you’re a wrestling fan, an Arcane enthusiast, or just love hearing about the creative process behind larger-than-life personas, this episode is a must-listen!
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