Dangerous Conversations Episode #48: The Memphis Mafia Invade Power Pro Wrestling (Part 1)

Get ready for a wild ride back to 1999 as "Dangerous" Doug Gilbert and “Wildfire” Tommy Rich tell the story of the Memphis Mafia’s arrival in Randy Hales’ Power Pro Wrestling! In this first part of the story, the guys cover the behind-the-scenes moments leading up to their Power Pro debut—plus a few fun road stories from their prior territory days. They also circle back and clarify a couple of points from last week's "End of the USWA" episode.Hear how Doug’s mom, Peggy Gilbert, became part of one of Memphis TV’s most shocking angles, the surprising way Tommy Rich came out of “the box” to swerve the fans, and how WWF developmental talents like JR Smooth (Rikishi), Rosey, and Glenn Kulka factored into the mix. The boys share how they kept the “shock factor” alive, the real-life ribbing that spilled into TV storylines, and the art of making good Southern wrestling television that kept heat on the heels and kept the babyfaces strong.It’s classic Memphis chaos with laughs, history, and first-hand stories you won’t hear anywhere else. This is the build-up to the Memphis Mafia invading Power Pro Wrestling—Part 1 sets the stage for what’s to come!Chapters(00:00:00) - Doug Gilbert and Tommy Wildfire Rich(00:02:50) - Wildfire Championship Wrestling(00:06:30) - Wrestle 14(00:10:00) - Jerry Lawler on Doug Baldwin's(00:13:29) - Tommy Lawler on His 50th Anniversary at the Coliseum(00:17:38) - Tommy Kingston on His Friendship With Gene Simmons(00:22:21) - Jerry Lawler on His Refinch(00:26:09) - Good Times in Jonesboro(00:30:37) - Lou Thes vs Wayne Ferris(00:33:48) - Doug and Tommy on Randy Hales Bringing TV5 Wrestling Back(00:40:43) - Gene Hill on Randy's First TV Show(00:45:06) - Tommy Thomas on Randy's Leaving(00:45:36) - WWE developmental guys(00:49:33) - Doug Gilbert Was Part of the Memphis Mafia(00:52:39) - Tommy Rich Back in Power Pro 100(00:58:17) - Wolfie on Tommy Campbell(00:58:59) - Tommy vs Gene Jones(01:04:56) - Tommy vs Doug Gilbert on Power Pro 11(01:09:55) - Memphis Legends This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★