Podcasts covering professional wrestling are as common as clotheslines and headlocks. For brave explorers seeking to enter the pro wrestling podcast vortex, we at SEScoops want to make your journey as easy as possible.

Each week, we update you on the Top 25 most-listened-to wrestling podcast episodes, focusing on the Top 5 (including embeds). This feature is based on data from Apple Podcasts compiled by Chartable.

Top 5 Wrestling Podcasts – Apple (August 19th, 2024)

1) Jim Cornette Experience | +

If you’ve been a consistent reader of our Podcast Power Rankings (first of all, thank you!), you probably have become accustomed to seeing one name constantly dominate the #1 position of the Top 5. As Brock Lesnar did at WrestleMania 30, someone has shockingly broken The Undertaker’s streak. Although this time, it isn’t The Beast Incarnate; it’s Jim Cornette.

Love or hate him, Jim Cornette doesn’t care what you think. He has been a prominent figure in professional wrestling for decades and is considered one of the pioneers in producing weekly wrestling commentary.

On the latest edition of the Jim Cornette Experience, Cornette dives into and celebrates the life and career of the late great Kevin Sullivan. Plus, the show discusses Roman Reigns’ return on WWE SmackDown, the Young Bucks’ contract structure with AEW, Undertaker’s very real fear of pickles, and more!

Don’t worry, Undertaker fans. The Deadman is not far from the top. The WWE Hall of Famer comes in at #2, a reality that we at SEScoops predict won’t last very long—if history has taught us anything.

The latest editions of Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway were retrospective, as The Undertaker and co-host Matt discuss the highlights of the program’s first 15 episodes.

If you’re a fan of those “100th Episode Celebration” specials that every successful sitcom had in the 90s, then you’ll love this latest episode!

3) Insight with Chris Van Vliet | ~

Chris Van Vliet isn’t just one of the most well-respected interviewers in professional wrestling; he’s an internationally recognized media personality. He’s a four-time Emmy-winning TV Host, YouTuber, and Inc. 500 entrepreneur who’s interviewed everyone from Anne Hathaway to Hornswoggle

The last two editions of Insight with Chris Van Vliet have a little something for everybody! In episode #641, CCV sits down with former WWE Women’s Champion, The Glamazon, Beth Phoenix! In the following episode, the focus shifts as Vilet fields various great questions from the fans. “Oh, how the turntables!” (If you get that reference, we love you.)

4) Perched On The Top Rope | –

Making an appearance in the Top 5 once again is the Perched On The Top Rope podcast!

The program is hosted by Lee, a former writer, avid wrestling collector, and fan for over 30 years. He’s joined by Larry Peace, a former MLW referee, and Justin, the podcast’s correspondent.

Surprisingly, the crew at Perched on The Top Rope hasn’t released a new episode since their Money In The Bank Predictions special in early July. This is according to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and their official X profile. While we’re just as confused as you are about how they got into the Top 5, who are we to judge? Good work, boys!

Check out this episode here and see how well the guys did, and check out the other awesome episodes they’ve put out!

One of the most influential and powerful executives in professional wrestling, Bruce Prichard, rounds out today’s Top 5.

In the latest edition of Something To Wrestle with Bruce Prichard, Prichard dives into one of the most explosive nights in professional wrestling: Monday Night RAW’s August 20th, 2001 episode. Kurt Angle’s famous “MILK-A-MANIA!”, the height of the WCW invasion, and the DDP and Taker feud (that infamous Stalker storyline) are all discussed! All that, plus more.

Top 25 Wrestling Podcasts

via Apple Podcasts (8/19)

The Get to Know Wrestling Podcasts series looks at The Black Announce Table. The podcast is making strides in the wrestling community with its new deal with Seat Geek. The Black Announce Table shares how the brand came together, the growth in wrestling podcasting and what the partnership means for independent content creators.

It can be challenging for independent wrestling content creators to find success, particularly in podcasting. Since it grew in popularity, wrestling podcasting has become a competitive profession, mainly dominated by former wrestlers’ names attached to the project. However, new independent podcasts have emerged in popularity in recent years, like The Black Announce Table.

After years of producing content, the independent wrestling brand announced a partnership with Seat Geek. The deal opens new opportunities for the brand and creates new possibilities for other podcasters.

I recently had the chance to speak with the group. Here’s the video of our discussion, followed by written highlights.

Get To Know The Black Announce Table Podcast

In 2017, Ephraim “SkyHighEph” Lawrence created the Black Announce Table Podcast alongside Codie “Codie Dre” Wilson and Chris Ann “Ms. Sookoo” Sookoo. All three content creators got into podcasting because of their love for wrestling. The group also noted that when they started, there weren’t aware of many well-known black wrestling podcasters, but they did credit Cheap Heat and Wrassle Rap as podcasts that stood out.

Although it took time reach their success, the podcast has flourished with over 200 episodes. When speaking on the growth of the podcast, Lawrence said, “… We’ve never rushed anything, and we’ve taken step by step by step, we’ve taken it at our own pace and our own time. That’s just been the way it worked out for us.” He shared that the brand also has multiple shows on Patreon that fans requested to help their growth. Lawrence continued,”… As far as branding and becoming a brand to go back to my dad again, do it yourself. I can’t sit here and wait on some company or some brand or somebody to come and reach out to me. I might sit here forever to try to get that. Let’s do it ourselves.”

Why is The Seat Geek deal important 

The partnership with Seat Geek is The Black Announce Table for unique because the group is independent and not backed by another brand. Although they don’t rule out potentially working with the likes of Spotify, they are focused on working for themselves and increasing their audience.

The deal also shows the increased interest for independent wrestling content creators. On Feb. 17, The Hollywood Reporter shared that Spotify signed an agreement with Complex Networks for audio programming. Among the new Complex shows was the introduction of their wrestling show led by The Jobber Tears Podcast‘s Sir Wilkins and Church of Joshi’s Alex Queen of the Ring. Other content creators like Public Enemies Podcast, The Black Rasslin’ Podcast, and Bell to Belles also show growth in engagement with fans and wrestlers.

The Black Announce Table believes more opportunities are coming for wrestling content creators. Wilson also believes podcasting overall is experiencing success and noted Pat McAfee’s $120 Million deal with FanDuel. “These deals they are signing for podcast right now is at an all time high. Looking back on it, starting this podcast and everything we didn’t know all of this was in the future, if anything, said Wilson. He continued “We just wanted to get out here and talk, but now seeing the avenues and the plays that can happen from the podcast right now is crazy.”

What’s Next for The Black Announce Table Podcast

The group hopes to continue to increase their audience and compete with other wrestling podcasts. Podbay ranks The Black Announce Table Podcast number 34 on trending wrestling podcasts. However, most podcast ahead of them are either published by a network or associated with an established wrestler. The success of The Black Announce Table shows that independent wrestling content creators can thrive and live their dream of talking about wrestling.

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross and podcast host extraordinaire Conrad Thompson have revealed new details about their podcast, Grilling JR.

Thompson appeared on this week’s Jim Ross Report podcast and revealed the new show will premiere as soon as next week.

“The show’s going to be called Grilling JR, and it’s going to be a fun trip down memory lane,” Thompson says.

Thompson also says that fans of his other podcasts, 83 Weeks, Something To Wrestle, and WHW can expect a similar show format.

“All of my shows sort of double down on nostalgia… So we’re going to get in our wayback machine and talk a little UWF, a little Mid South, a little Crockett, a little WCW, and then all the years with the WWF,” says Thompson.

That is not to say that listeners should expect a retread of topics already covered on Thompson’s other shows.

Rather, says Thompson, JR’s unique wrestling journey will provide for a wealth of new ground to cover.

“It’s sort of the Something To Wrestle format, but nobody’s traveled the road that [JR] did,” Thompson says.

“I think it’ll be a phenomenal show.”

Ross says that he is excited to put a different spin on his podcasts, but to expect the show to continue dropping on Wednesdays, as the Jim Ross Report currently does.

“I think this is going to be a great, refreshing new show,” Ross says.

As to a timeline for Grilling JR’s debut, Ross says to expect it imminently.

“We hope to start next week, but it could be the week after,” says Ross.

You can get a preview of the new show on this week’s Jim Ross Report, which features Thompson as a guest. The full episode can be heard below:

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross and Starrcast founder Conrad Thompson are in talks to embark on a new podcast venture. The news comes via Jim Ross himself on the latest episode of the Jim Ross Report podcast.

“This week I had a couple of really cool conversations with Conrad Thompson,” says Ross. “We have an idea for a podcast program that we are refining and talking about.”

While the project is still in the early stages, Ross sees a strong possibility that the two will end up partnering on a new show.

“It looks like somewhere down the road, there’s a very good chance that Conrad and I will be doing some podcasting together,” Ross says. “I’m very excited about that.”

Ross’s current podcast is produced by the Westwood One Podcast Network. JR did not discuss where the new show might end up, but suggests that it would take the place of The Jim Ross Report.

“It more than likely will take the place of this format,” says JR. “But it certainly will be something we think will be even better, and more informative, and more entertaining.”

“It’s in the discussion stages. I hope I haven’t jinxed it. I don’t think I will.”

This news comes at a time when there is uncertainty regarding the future of Thompson’s popular show, Something To Wrestle With Bruce Prichard.

While Thompson also hosts 83 Weeks with Eric Bischoff, and WHW with Tony Schiavone, his rise to the top of the wrestling podcast mountain came with Something To Wrestle.

Would a Jim Ross and Conrad Thompson podcast enjoy that same level of popularity?

“Stay tuned for that,” JR says. “That could be really exciting for us on the podcast front.”

Listen: The Jim Ross Report Podcast w/Special Guest Mark Henry

Former WCW President Eric Bischoff took part in his first-ever TED Talk over the weekend at the TEDxNaperville event outside Chicago, Illinois.

https://twitter.com/EBischoff/status/1061723295492554758

TED is a nonprofit that holds and organizes events that feature lectures from notable thought leaders, and accomplished professionals in a wide variety of industries and walks of life. A statement on TED’s website states that “Our agenda is to make great ideas accessible and spark conversation.”

Bischoff’s spoke about his TED Talk on this week’s episode of his 83 Weeks podcast.

“I had a great TED Talk… It was a really fun experience,” Bischoff said. “I talked about politics and wrestling, and how much politics and current media is becoming more and more like professional wrestling,” Bischoff said.

Bischoff, an ardent political conservative, did not inject his personal views into his talk. “I didn’t take sides. It was a very bipartisan approach to the topic, so no one would be able to tell which side of the equation I fall on,” he said.

“I am going to post this TED Talk up on Patreon at some point,” Bichoff added. The 83 Weeks Patreon page can be found here.

Listen to this week’s episode of 83 Weeks covering Eric Bischoff’s 2002 WWE Debut:

Sean Waltman discussed the return of D-Generation X and Triple H undergoing surgery this week on the the latest episode of his X-Pac 12360 podcast.

While the return of DX and Shawn Michaels’ return to the ring for the first time in eight years held promise of a nice bit of nostalgia, the match between DX and The Brothers of Destruction at Crown Jewel fell apart when Triple H tore his pectoral muscle, which required surgery. Waltman experienced a similar injury during his career and was impressed that his longtime friend finished the match.

“What a beast,” said Waltman. “I know what that feels like. They still finished the match. None of us could tell if they subtracted or anything,” he said. “It didn’t look like that much changed after the injury.”

Waltman also had high praise for Michaels, who stepped back in the ring at 53 years old.

“Shawn went out there like a boss and held that match together. He looked better than anyone in that match. The guy who hasn’t had a match in the better part of a decade. Not slighting Paul, because Paul always looks great out there, but Shawn was just a pleasure to watch,” Waltman said.

“Shawn Michaels does not go out there, even for that kind of money, and embarrass himself. And he covered some stuff out there. There were some botches.”

Waltman also discusses why wrestlers have long hair, the upcoming Survivor Series card, and interviews Kevin Sullivan, all on this week’s X-Pac 12360.

The full episode can be heard below.

When referencing this transcript, please credit SEScoops.com. This transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Bruce Prichard reveaed the origin of the term “worked himself into a shoot” on the latest episode of his Something To Wrestle podcast. On Episode 125, titled “When Hunter Met Stephanie,” delved into the on and off screen relationship between Stephanie McMahon and Paul “Triple H” Levesque.

During the 2+ hour deep-dive discussion, Bruce’s co-host Conrad Thompson asked when Stephanie and Hunter became a real-life item. While the actual timeline remains fuzzy, Bruce tells all of what he knew and when.

While answering Conrad, Bruce tells the story of when he first heard the term “worked himself into a shoot”, a phrase that has become part of the wrestling lexicon. Whether it be the legendary Bret Hart/Shawn Michaels feud, or a bizarre tweet from Hulk Hogan, wrestling fans are familiar with the term. But where did it start?

https://twitter.com/HulkHogan/status/125437560418865152

“Worked Himself Into A Shoot”

According to Prichard, the term was coined by none other than WWE CEO Vince McMahon.

“Gerry Brisco and I have this thing… We used to see two people hanging out together, and catch them on the road sometimes hanging out together, and you’d go, ‘Oh, boy, that’s going to turn into a couple right there,'” Prichard said.

“We used to have a term for it. Well, actually, it’s Vince’s term. The first time I heard Vince use it was when Hunter and Chyna had gotten together. And Vince said ‘I think he’s worked himself into a shoot’. So we used the same term here. They had to kiss and be husband and wife on screen, and we said ‘If he’s not careful, he’s going to work himself into a shoot here,'” Prichard said.

And there you have it.

For a detailed snapshot of one of the more infamous angles from the Attitude Era, you can check out the full episode below.

When referencing this transcript, please credit SEScoops.com. This transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity.

When did you first hear the phrase, “Worked himself into a shoot”?

On the latest episode of The Jim Ross Report, Good Ol’ JR gave his take on the likelihood of Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks leaving the ROH and NJPW promotions in January.

Ross also discussed Impact’s Bound For Glory, Evolution, and much more.

Jim Ross On Kenny Omega And The Young Bucks

“As I said early on, the card for the Ring of Honor Madison Square Garden Show, with New Japan, will probably look entirely different then, compared to what one would assume it look like if it was booked today,” Ross said. “I think there’s gonna be a lot of movement with some of the biggest stars in the game.”

While not betraying anyone’s confidence, Ross implied that his opinion is informed, and not just speculation. “Just picking up a little bit here, a little bit there, and I’ll keep you apprised,” Ross said.

“I’m talking to a lot of these cats that have opportunities to do other things, casually… I think some people’s motors are running and the wheels are turning,” he said.

JR On Bound For Glory

Ross also gave his take on Impact’s Bound For Glory event. Specifically, he discussed the angle involving Johnny Impact and Austin Aries.

“It was a creatively structured event. Got a lot of people talking. I’m guessing that was the goal, because I’ve never known Austin Aries to be unprofessional in anything,” Ross said. “I love what they did because it got people talking about a show that needed positive verbal reinforcement.”

WWE Evolution

JR also discussed the upcoming WWE Evolution show. He strongly put over Nikki Bella and Ronda Rousey’s segment from Raw this past Monday, and gave his thoughts on a potential match order for the event.

“I would pick Charlotte and Becky to close the show, in spectacular fashion, with death-defying athleticisism and physicality, and I would open the show with the tag match, Lita and Trish against Alexa Bliss and Mickie James. That’s a lot of star power and it gets people emotionally invested early,” he said.

Drew McIntyre

Ross offered some insight into Drew McIntyre’s booking, his potential, and his future. “It’s really clear to me now that the brass in WWE fully realize how great McIntyre can be as their top champion.”

JR posited that McIntyre may be headed for a coronation at the upcoming WrestleMania. “Let’s all keep our eye on Drew McIntyre and how he’s booked between now and WrestleMania,” he said.

“If my intuitions are right, and what seems to be the general direction WWE may be traveling right now, McIntyre is destined for greatness in the most supreme way.”

Other topics Ross covered on the show include the booking of Braun Strowman and what he would do differently, Bobby Lashley as a heel, Smackdown 1000, and the controversy surrounding Crown Jewel. The show also contains the second part of JR’s chat with Matt Hardy.

The full episode can be found below.

When referencing this transcript, please credit SEScoops.com. This transcript has been edited for clarity.

Do you think The Elite are bound for WWE? 

On the latest episode of 83 Weeks with Eric Bischoff, the former WCW President and co-host Conrad Thompson discussed the WCW career of The Giant, best known to WWE fans as the Big Show. Bischoff, who was at the helm when Paul Wight was brought in, took a deep dive on Show’s early run, and the challenges of booking Big Show in WCW.

Bischoff said that the veterans in the WCW locker room, some of whom are legendary for holding down young talent, were very supportive of Show in his early days. “Everyone was impressed with what he could do athletically, and at how fast he was picking things up in the ring.”

Bischoff admitted, though, that from a creative standpoint, he had a difficult time figuring out exactly what to do with Show’s character, especially early on.

“Even in [his] early matches, he’s in the ring with some of the top guys in the business, because we needed the camouflage. We needed to camouflage that not only was he somewhat inexperienced, or very inexperienced. But also, what do you do with a guy that’s over seven foot tall and 400 pounds?”

Challenges Booking Big Show in WCW

Bischoff continued. “As a character, if you’re going to put him out there every week, what do you do with that character? Is the character a babyface? Well if the character is a babyface, you’ve got to be able to get sympathy on him. Otherwise, the formula doesn’t work.”

Likewise, Bischoff said, booking Show as a heel came with its own set of challenges. “Conversely, if you want him to be an effective heel, he’s gotta lie, steal and cheat. Eddie Guerrero. Why does a guy who’s seven foot four and 400 pounds have to lie, steal and cheat?”

Bischoff said that the reason Show never reached the level of stardom of an Undertaker, John Cena, Triple H or Batista, is because of that creative challenge.

“It’s just too hard to put him in a role,” said Bischoff. “It’s hard for him to be a babyface you can get sympathy on, or a heel that you believe.”

Other topics covered include Show and Kevin Nash’s relationship, Hulk Hogan’s role in Show’s career, and why Bischoff was not heartbroken when Show left WCW for WWE in 1999. The full episode can be found below.

When referencing this transcript, please credit SEScoops.com. Some quotes have been edited for clarity.

https://youtu.be/apV4X1jhDA8

Brian Pillman Jr. was the guest on the most recent episode of Talk is Jericho.

Host Chris Jericho and Pillman Jr. covered a wide range of subjects, including Pillman’s memories of his father, who died when the younger Pillman was just four years old.

“Growing up, I knew he was a big deal in wrestling, and I knew that he was a famous person in that business, but I more or less thought that people would forget about him,” Pillman said. “I was so wrong about that.”

Training For Wrestling

Pillman also discussed his decision to get into the wrestling business, and specifically his choice to begin his training in Calgary with Lance Storm. He said that his father’s ties to the city were one reason for his choice, but perhaps not the driving factor.

“I did my research,” Pillman said. “Who’s the best trainer? I want to be in the most professional training environment.”

Pillman also said that Storm presented him with the pros and cons of the wrestling business before he agreed to take him on as a student.

“More or less, I was led to believe by my mother and my family that this would be bad for me, that it was going to do all this harm to me, that it killed my father and all that. But then you meet guys like Lance and you [Jericho] that, it didn’t kill you, you’re still making a good living,” Pillman said. “All these people that say wrestling is terrible are wrong.”

Football

Pillman also spoke to his decision to go to college before entering the business. He said that while he had impukses and ideas of following in his dad’s footsteps right out of high school, ultimately he chose to pursue an education first, so that he would have something to fall back on.

Pillman talked about his high school football career, and how it paralleled his father’s football career as well. Both played defensive line, and in spite of their small stature, both were successful. “I went to the d-line, and at 185 pounds, I was just manhandling dudes,” he said.

Steve Austin

Steve Austin was a pivotal figure in the elder Pillman’s career, and the two were tag partners in WCW.

In the interview with Jericho, Pillman Jr. mentioned that Austin reached out to him via Twitter. Austin would later send the younger Pillman a weightlifting belt that belonged to his father.

Austin also reached out when Pillman Jr. recently suffered a knee injury, and offered some moral support and advice.

Other topics covered in the interview include a very early interaction with Triple H, different training philosophies, choosing a functional hairstyle, and learning moves.

The full interview can be found below.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVr92Bx2-wY]

What did you think of Jericho’s interview with Pillman? Will we see him in WWE one day?

Fresh off her recent Smackdown Women’s Championship win, Becky Lynch appeared as a guest on Chasing Glory With Lilian Garcia to discuss her heel turn. Lynch discussed how the audience hasn’t taken to the turn as it was originally conceived. Garcia said that heel turns typically involve putting down the crowd, and insulting them.

“Well, we tried that,” Lynch said, “And the crowd were like, ‘c’mon now, Becky, you know that we were there with you the whole time.’ And I’m like, yeah, I know, I’m going through some stuff. I’m trying to figure it out, lads.”

“It just doesn’t make sense that I would talk about how bad and how wrong they are, because they’ve obviously made their voices heard and supported me the whole time.”

Lilian asked about the origin of the decision to turn her heel. “That was Creative. And I can’t say I’m mad at them,” Lynch said. “Vince wanted a different side of me.”

She also revealed that she has some input into her promos. “Everything’s said in my own words… The main thing is to make sure that Becky Lynch is real.”

Lynch also discussed her first title run, and how she didn’t feel worthy of holding the belt. Some of that had to do with her own insecurity, she said. But she also mentioned that some of that came from her positioning as a champion who wasn’t even the captain of her Survivor Series team in 2016.

Lynch also said that she entered the company with a desire to be a blank canvas, but that she took that too far. “I got so in my head that I couldn’t even do a schoolboy.”

“I don’t think I’d be here if it wasn’t for Dusty Rhodes,” she continued. She mentioned that Rhodes liked working with unpolished wrestlers, and enjoyed the process of helping to mold people with a bit of brokenness. “And I think, at the time, that I was particularly broken.”

Other show topics included Lynch working with Shawn Michaels on The Marine 6, a bad breakup, and Lynch’s desire to keep her personal and professional lives separate.

You can find the full episode of Chasing Glory here:

On Episode 2 of the SEScoops Podcast, Brad Gilmore welcomes his co-host from Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling, Matt Topolski.

The two of them recap what happened on last nights WrestleMania 33 card. They discuss if this is Undertaker’s last ride, John Cena and Nikki Bella’s engagement, the puzzling booking of the WWE Championship match and decide what was the match of the night!

This week’s edition of “Something to Wrestling With,” Bruce Prichard’s podcast on the MLW network, went up today, and the topic is Prichard’s time in TNA.  Late in the show, at the 2:37:30 mark, there’s a VERY interesting exchange between Prichard and co-host Conrad Thompson (they’re overlapping slightly at times, so I’ve removed any small interjections that didn’t go anywhere):

Conrad: “Do they owe you any money?”

Bruce: “[sighs] You know, they did something that was really bad. I had some financial issues, and they were supposed to pay to the government, and so on and so forth, and they didn’t do it. They garnished things from my check…”

Conrad: “Your withholdings from the federal government…”

Bruce: “Right. ”

Conrad: “That TNA kept, that weren’t included in your checks, but then they didn’t actually pay the government.”

Bruce: “Correct. Then the government came after me for [not] paying them.”

Conrad: “So they stole your money. How much money did they steal from you?”

Bruce: “Oh, that was about…it was only about $10,000.”

Conrad: “Still…”

Bruce: “But still, the arrogance…”

Conrad: “And you never got it.”

Bruce: “Well, it wasn’t coming to me, but the government finally got it. Because it was the government coming after me for the money.”

Conrad: “And you showed them proof…”

Bruce: “I show them proof! ‘Here’s where they took it…'”

Conrad: “‘I did my part.'”

Bruce: “So, I don’t know, ’cause I never heard the end of it, other than the government was satisfied. And…it was just those kind of little petty things that didn’t have to happen, that made you kind of feel dirty at the end.”

With everything that has come out about TNA as of late, it’s a very interesting allegation. Especially since, as we first reported a week ago, the state of Tennessee has a lien on TNA’s assets for unpaid business taxes. We’ve reached out to TNA for comment on Prichard’s allegations, and will update you if we hear back from them.

Thanks to Ben Straughn for the tip on this story.

[Photo: Screen Grab from Title Match Wrestling on YouTube]

The folks at the Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling podcast are back with another interview: Mean Street Posse member Pete Gas (Pete Gasparino). Being that his on-screen persona of being one of Shane McMahon’s childhood friend was no gimmick, he has a unique perspective that you don’t really hear from anyone else. Here are some of the key quotes from the interview:

Did Shane have aspirations to take over for Vince?

Because of our friendship it’s not like we ever sat around at a bar on Greenwich Avenue and he said “I’m going to run this place”. It was never that type of conversation. Shane started from the bottom up, his father was and we all know his father is a genius. Shane started doing summer jobs and working for the company, he would work in the warehouse one summer. Eventually as he got older he started going on the road during summer break and he would set up the rings, he would get involved and do some refereeing.

Shane was groomed to learn every facet of the business and this way the more you know, the better you are and that was the way it is. I believe Stephanie was too. If I remember correctly she was working in the office in the main building at Titan Tower working in different departments there as well. The family is so close and I know that the bond that they all have is that since it’s just such a close family they always wanted to be together and this business is the air they breathe. It’s everything to them.

Will Shane ever return to WWE?

I think it’s one of those things where you don’t want to live in your Dad’s shadow. To be honest with you the only person who can truly answer that is Shane. It will always be in his blood to be in the business, whether or not he ever comes back. I don’t know, I couldn’t tell you. But he’s one of those guys that truly loves the business, he loved everything about it but maybe it was something he had to prove to himself.

How did the Mean Street Posse end up getting trained to wrestle and put into the developmental system?

At the time Dr. Tom [Prichard] was scouting talent and living in Stamford and it was like a toned down version of what they do on Breaking Ground, it wasn’t as intense it was just about the wrestling aspect. When he didn’t have anybody to train he was working just with us and God Bless Him because we gave him a few potatoes and I know we hurt him a couple of times but he was great to us. We learned from him at the studio and we were training every day after work and as time went on the office said we need to get you more matches so we are going to send you to Memphis to do TVs and you are going to fly back to Memphis on Wednesday’s and do shows with the developmental program.

Did he like the pro wrestler lifestyle?

I could honestly tell you that I woke up every single day jumping out of bed and I truly mean that with all my heart. I would jump out of bed and say I cannot wait to find out what I was going to be doing today. It was new, it was exciting and to live that lifestyle and I see how people get worn out and are beaten down because of the job but I guess it is the individual because for me I absolutely loved it, loved the attention, I always loved giving autographs and helping people out. Whether it was charity or going to a hospital whatever the case was I enjoyed it. The wrestlers that are upset, those guys didn’t have it like Rodney and me had it. Rodney and I never got to win a match. We never got the shine in a match we basically just got our asses kicked and I loved every bit of it.

In the full interview, he also talks about Pete his feud with Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco, meeting Shane McMahon, getting cut by WWE, and more.

On the next edition of MSL & Sullivan, the weekly podcast on MLWRadio.com, former WCW booker Kevin Sullivan brought up a previously unknown wrinkle to the complicated relationship that Hulk Hogan had with the company. In a passage sent out in advance (the episode goes up tomorrow, October 23rd), Sullivan is quoted as saying the following about legendary manager Jimmy Hart:

Besides him getting a payday from WCW, he was getting paid by Hulk. So I was inclined to use Jimmy because of the creative control. He wasn’t getting a percentage. He was getting a flat fee. Every January 1st or 2nd he got a check written to him. Six figures.

When co-host Mister Saint Laurent asked why Hogan put so much faith in Hart, Sullivan explained their relationship:

Out of all the people Hulk had, he felt more secure with Jimmy because Jimmy had no vices. I think it happened in Memphis when Hulk first got there. Jimmy probably got him rides and he would ride with Hulk. When you finished Memphis, you had to go to Louisville, which was a brutal ride. 380 or 400 miles. He would get him a ride. He knew the places, this was the deep south, this was Kentucky Fried Chicken, Jimmy would talk the guy into grilling Hulk a dozen chicken breasts. That kind of thing. I think it started from there.

The guys at the Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling podcast have a new interview out, and this time it’s with Matt Anoa’i, best known for his run in WWE as Rosey. In the interview, he discusses a wide range of topics, including his brother, Roman Reigns, and we’ve got some quotes for you to check out:

On the large quantity of big name star pro wrestlers that the Anoa’t family has produced:

The fact my family has grown as big as it has is actually extraordinary in itself. To be honest with you, I really don’t think there is going to be another family that’s going to top the amount of professional wrestlers in WWE that’s associated or tied into the same last name. We’ve produced a lot of family members going into WWE. Moving forward with that, it’s not going to slow down. We’ve got young bucks on the rise as we speak and lookout because they will make it one day. It’s got absolutely nothing to do with the Anoa’i family name, the Fatu family name it’s got everything to do with for some reason we’ve got a killer drive for this business and whoever is on the way up that’s their goal.

Did he expect his brother, Roman Reigns, to have so much success so soon and develop as a performer as quickly as he did?

I knew he was going to do something like that with whatever he did. I’m not trying to say anything that is stereotypical, that’s just his life. That’s just the way he’s been watching him grow up. It was going to happen regardless of whether it was in football or being the superstar at WalMart he’s just got “that” and it’s just the way it’s always been with him. It didn’t surprise me but the quickness of everything did because time does fly by and now that I look at it three or four years ago he was just getting into this business and now he’s sitting on top of the wrestling world.

Career advice from his father, Sika of the Wild Samoans:

He basically said exactly this: “Son, if you want it, go out and get it. Nobody is going to come knocking on your door to give it to you so get your ass out there and get it.” So I listened and I started down in New Orleans. I worked my way around the country. I went down to Puerto Rico and worked my way around there and all the way to actually signing a WWE contract in 96.

Getting trained by his Uncle Afa:

My Dad has a certain way of teaching things and my Uncle has a certain way of teaching things and everyone has a different way of teaching. They might be brothers but they have different styles and I was just lucky enough to grab a bunch of different little things from everybody. Having Samu as a mentor and one of my cousins, he worked pretty close with me and just getting all this information from several of my family members it made a very big impact at a very young age.

His brief runs in WWE and ECW with Samu as The Samoan Gangsta Party in the mid-’90s:

I remember a little bit. I ain’t going to lie to you I was f*cked up pretty good through those days so there was a lot of times where I forgot what happened the night before and was just happy I was waking up in a hotel. I don’t exactly know who’s hotel, but it was somebody’s. At that point in time I did like what ECW was dishing out and it was fun to walk into a locker room and smell blood and see a little bit more of an old school type of thing. It brought me back to when I was between like 8 and 15 years old running the roads with my cousin The Tonga Kid down in the Gulf Coast area.

It kept it un-corporate for a little while. Everyone knew it was all moving to be corporate and business attitudes but ECW was a nice shot of having a lot of fun. With WWE, there were some things that happened that I really didn’t understand since I was still relatively new to the business and specifically with WWE. I let my cousin handle his business with Vince and my cousin just called me up and said we are going to move on from here so I just packed my bag and said alright lets go. I told them that I will be back and they said they know I will and it just pushed it of a little bit longer but it was none of my business at the time on why we didn’t stay very long.

Teaming with Umaga/Jamal/Eddie “Eki” Fatu as 3 Minute Warning:

I was very comfortable with it and I know he was too. It seemed to fit pretty well that we were both around the same size and both had the same understanding of how we wanted to work our matches and how we wanted the wrestling world to view us. We seemed to mesh pretty good but we are family too so that didn’t mean that we didn’t have our fair share of the down part of being around each other for more than we were our own families, but for the most part it was just something that clicked and it turned out that it worked out pretty good and of course when we split we were still pretty much okay on the back end of that. My cousin is very missed and I miss him every day and I’ve got a picture of him on my end table right next to my bed and I talk to him every day. He was a hell of a guy and I love him very much.

Looking back at 3 Minute Warning’s debut:

We didn’t have time to soak it in. We didn’t know we were doing that until the day of the show. Arnie came up to us and gave us some money and said we’ve got to go to the mall and get some clothes and that we were starting that night. We didn’t know what we were going to get and he said “Hip-Hop” clothes. So hell-yeah, we kind of bypassed the mall and found a spot in the worst part of town where we knew we could pick some sh*t up and I think we bought it in an Indian convenience store and I don’t know why but for some reason in the ghetto you can always find 6XL shirts in “Hip-Hop” fashion.

In the full interview, Anoa’I also talks about his team with the Hurricane, being a tag team champion, the controversial {HLA” segment, and more.

– NXT Diva Jasmin Areebi is now going by the name Aaliyah. She appeared in a segment at the NXT live event on Thursday night in Cocoa Beach. Areebi was in the news this summer after some of her old controversial social media posts resurfaced. WWE and Areebi claimed that the posts were made by someone else.

– Legendary Memphis wrestling announcer Lance Russell and Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s Dan Murphy will be the guests on next week’s “Ross Report” podcast, which drops on Tuesday evening at PodcastOne.com.

– Below is this week’s Top 10 SmackDown Moments video.

• Paul Heyman Seems To Think A CM Punk Return To WWE Isn’t Out Of The Question …

Former NXT Champion Kevin Owens recently spoke with talkSPORT’s Gorilla Position podcast about possibly facing Brock Lesnar.

“I think there’s only one answer for me right now, and it is Brock Lesnar. I think a lot of people want to see it,” said Owens.

“I was there the night he made his debut on Raw for WWE,” Owens continued. “I was in the crowd, like the fifth row. I remember being blown away immediately by this guy, I was on board right away. I bought Brock Lesnar T-shirts and Brock Lesnar hats. My parents got a dog that summer, I named him Brock.”

Owens concluded, “Seriously, he was a blonde Lab, he was huge: ‘That’s Brock!’ I used to do the F5 when I was on the indies because of how much I admire him so I’d love to be the one to put an end to him.”

Check out the complete interview at MTV.co.uk.

• CM Punk’s UFC Debut Date, Ronda Rousey/WWE Update + FEDOR Is Returning!

– There has been a lot of talk behind the scenes in WWE over the past couple weeks regarding “Macho Man” Randy Savage being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year.

During an interview with Steve Austin last month on the WWE Network, WWE Chairman and chief executive officer Vince McMahon said that the legendary wrestler will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Although McMahon revealed during the podcast that Savage will receive an induction at some point, he did not say exactly when the former WWE Champion will receive the honor.

– As seen last night on Raw, Natalya rode a distraction from Paige and defeated Nikki Bella in a reverse of last week’s result, Paige then ran to her Total Divas castmate’s aid and saved Natalya from an after-the-bell ambush by the Divas Champion. Tonight on WWE Main Event, Paige will square off with Nikki in a non-title match. Following last night’s events, Nikki offered her thoughts via Instagram.

She wrote, “As I have had time to think.. To get lost in my thoughts.. Last night on RAW was a disgrace. A kick in the face is a lack of respect. It’s a dishonor to your champion, to your Queen. If you don’t have the WWE Network I suggest you get it bc tonight I will destroy PAIGES of what I thought was my next chapter. Main Event just got heated up. It just got FEARLESS! #FearlessNikki #MainEvent #RackAttack @wwe.”

WWE officials concerned with Roman Reigns’ lack of crowd reaction – details

– The official website of the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, is advertising WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar for the Dec. 15, 2014 Raw.

Lesnar is also advertised for the following dates: Dec. 8, 2014 – Greenville, South Carolina; Dec. 29, 2014 – Washington, D.C; Jan. 12, 2015 – New Orleans, Louisiana; Jan. 19, 2015 – Dallas, Texas.

– The WWE Network has incorporated “Continue Watching” and “Watchlist” functions.

With the “Watchlist” function, you can add any episode or series and quickly access it through the “My Account” tab. The “Continue Watching” function allows users to resume watching any Network video they stopped watching.

– Former WWE Diva Melina has launched a podcast on iTunes and her official website, “Getting Real with Melina.” She doesn’t talk about wrestling, but rather, random subjects that amuse her. In the second edition, the former WWE Women’s and Divas Champion talks about skinny dipping, a Craig’s List post called Satan’s Marionette Puppet and actor Dolph Lundren.

See recent photos of Melina

As previously reported, WWE has launched their first PodcastOne.com podcast with host Renee Young interviewing Shawn Michaels about WrestleMania. Company officials are apparently looking at expanding into more podcasts following the success of Steve Austin and Chris Jericho’s podcasts.

Additionally, following the success of Mick Foley’s live comedy touring act, WWE is looking at possibly doing some touring talk shows in comedy clubs.

– The 2014 WWE Payback pay-per-view will take place on June 1st at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois. The Payback pay-per-view in 2013 was held in the same location and was headlined by John Cena vs. Ryback in a “Three Stages of Hell” match for the WWE Championship.

– The new Jim Ross podcast will begin airing in mid-February and will be released on Wednesday’s at PodcastOne.com.

– WWE Diva Natalya recently confirmed that previous episodes of the WWE Total Divas reality show will be available on the WWE Network. New episodes, however, are still currently scheduled to air on the E! cable channel.

– Former WWE Superstar Chris Jericho recently noted that his father, former NHL player Ted Irvine, will be the guest on his next “Talk Is Jericho” podcast.

– WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil recently posted the following tweet on his official Twitter account about the WWE Network:

Just received some AWESOME News about our New @WWENetwork which launches in just 40Days!! More Ways 4Me 2get into the mix..IM DOWN FOR THAT!

— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) January 15, 2014

SESCOOPS.COM reader Mark Kruskol sent along the following:

Austin Aries (@AustinAries) was a guest on Man School, hosted by Caleb Bacon. You can check out the interview online at Soundcloud.com.

– TNA has added the latest edition of the IMPACT podcast to their official YouTube channel. The podcast, which you can check out below, is accompanied by the following description: “Christy and JB are back with their first show of 2014! JB invites Samoa Joe to join him on a road trip in the first podcast done while driving down a freeway in Arkansas! Plus Chrsity gives us the details of her disastrous Hemme Family Holiday, and a preview to Thursday’s Magnus vs AJ Styles match on IMPACT!”

http://youtu.be/VIak1oF9EVQ

VH-1’s “That Metal Show” co-host Eddie Trunk was the guest on the latest edition of Chris Jericho’s new “Talk Is Jericho” podcast. During the interview, the two spoke a lot about the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

“The president of the Hall of Fame came into my radio show to try to, kinda, discuss it with me and calm me down a little bit so I know that for a fact, it resonated,” Trunk said during the interview.

To listen to the complete interview, visit PodcastOne.com/Talk-Is-Jericho.

As noted previously, Jericho’s next guest on “Talk Is Jericho” will be WWE Hall Of Famer Bret “The Hitman” Hart.