The Pro Wrestling Wire

Pro wrestling referee Matty Bombay joins the show and chats growing up in Connecticut, sports as a kid, discovering professional wrestling in his youth, how he decided to become a referee as well as talking the promotions he’s worked for such as Alley Fights, PAPW, BST, Pure Vanguard Wrestling and talks some of the competitors he’s had the opportunity to be in the ring with such as ECW legend Little Guido, Donovan Dijak, Jeremy LaCroix, Corey Duke and so much more!

Hayden Backlund joins the Pro Wrestling Wire Podcast to discuss his rise through the professional wrestling ranks, training at the renowned Nightmare Factory, and developing into one of the sport’s fastest-rising young stars. Hayden talks about his technical wrestling style, competing in the National Wrestling Alliance, preparing for the NWA’s 78th Anniversary event, and the goals he has set for his career.Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode, and visit ProWrestlingWire.net for the latest wrestling news, interviews, results, and exclusive coverage. Follow Pro Wrestling Wire on social media so you never miss an update.

The Independent St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame joins us to discuss the 2026 induction class, the Hall’s mission to preserve the rich legacy of St. Louis wrestling, and this year’s induction ceremony. We also spotlight the careers and contributions of Steve Montana, Big Bad Ben, Butch Fletcher, Marcus Mansfield, The Beast, Tom Simon, Keon Option, and Johnny Ramirez.

Sat down and chatted with Ding Dongs and talk him starting out in Deep South Wrestling, training under the Assassin Jody Hamilton, how him and Richard Sartain came together as the Rock n Roll Rebels, going to WCW, what he though when the Ding Dongs was presented to him, plus Terry Funk, Muta, Bill Irwin and so much more!

Sitting down with friend of the show Hakim Ali. This time a solo appearance. We talk about his singles run he’s currently on, his tag team partner Nick Payne, his recent trip to the NWA tapings in Florida and his experience there, Alley Fights and someone who’s been a real menace to Hakim in Carson Chris.

Stanley Karr joins the show for the third time! This time to now talk about his brand new book Champions For A Cause! Stanley hosts a podcast “Wrestling With Heart” which dives into the subject of the good causes pro wrestlers do through charity and fund raising. He has interviewed many of the sports biggest names.

We recently lost long time wrestling referee of 32 years, Dave Dwinell after a long illness. In 2021 Dave released his autobiography “Ringman”. I had the chance to interview him and discuss his wrestling career and his book at that time. There’s a lot of great stories in the book. A member New England Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame, a member of the Northeast Wrestling Hall of Fame. Dave created many memories. Thank you Dave for this interview. Rest In Peace.

My interview with Tommy Lane of the RocknRoll RPM’s. We go over his entires career from being mentored by the Mongolian Stomper Archie Goulide, to Stampede Wrestling, Kansas City and teaming up with Dusty Wolfe and Marty Jannetty, Memphis, the Fullers, World Class, Super Clash III and so much more!!!

Talking with Gene Jackson! Host of several wrestling podcasts, the man behind Retro Wrestling Archive, coauthor in the “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert book and more! We talk his fandom, involvement in pro wrestling, podcasting and so much more!

Roxy Astor, former GLOW girl joins the show to talk her history in how she joined the show on the second season, being placed in a team with Tiffany Melon, her options on former GLOW girls, Dave McClane, independent wrestling, animal rescue and so much more!

Sitting down with Roger Sartain and talking his pro wrestling career including working for Deep South Wrestling and Jody Hamilton, his cousins Richard Sartain, Southern Championship Wrestling and Joe Pedicino and Jerry Blackwell, Ken Hawk, Tommy Rich, Scotty Levy/Raven, Jack Lord, Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson of the Rock n Roll Express plus much more!

From the January 11th edition of Pro Wrestling Wire Radio, Rick Del Santo and Uncle Oatis talk with Sylvan Moreland on his upcoming match on January 24th at New Years Wrestleution for Paradise Alley Pro Wrestling as he battles Josh Guzman. Also talk his social media presence and what advice he offers to others in the field to boost up their game.

Pro Wrestling Wire Radio is back as “The Professor” Rick Del Santo and Uncle Oatis join forces once again to bring you the best talk show on professional wrestling in New England. Topics | - Alley Fights January 2nd review and upcoming show. - Preview for PAPW New Years Wrestleution - Guest Sylvan Moreland talks his upcoming title defense against Josh GuzmanA new AIWF World Champion was crowned as well as Mid -America champion - Memphis Wrestling Grind City Rumble results- UWN Gotham Wrestling - Pure Vanguard Wrestling “No Love Lost” match announcements - TFCrew announcements- BST “Northeast Summit” card announcements- Rocky Mountain Pro “Charged” review by OatisCheck out more independent wrestling news and podcasts on ProWrestlingWire.Net

Sat down with former WCW wrestler Motor City Madman. We talk his relationship with Paul Heyman early on and him bringing him in to WCW and well as other territories, his time in Puerto Rico, working for the Savoldis and being one of the Mad Russians, his time in AWA, time with Lutte International and Rick Martel and Dino Bravo. Plus so much more!!!

Sat down with Chris Whaley, Pastor, former professional wrestler and author and film maker of the Masked Saint. We talk about his time wrestling in Florida and training under the Great Malenko, going to Texas and working for World Class and Ken Mantell’s Wild West Wrestling. We get his opinions on working with a young Undertaker and the Ultimate Warrior while in Texas. Plus much more!

American GI Richie Scruggs talks his career including being trained under “The Raging Bull” Manny Fernandez, working South Atlantic Pro Wrestling, debuting against Ivan Koloff, working Vladimir Koloff, after South Atlantic closed going to PWF and working under George South and Italian Stallion, working Jimmy Snuka, Men On A Mission , working USWA, forming his own company Wrestling For Christ, going to the Philippines on mission and bringing wrestling there, and then we dive deep into both of us being Christian.

Maxx Payne joins the show and talks his wrestling career including starting in New Japan and then working Memphis, Germany, WCW, WWF, Brad Armstrong, Brian Armstrong , starting in the movie Takedown early on, his amateur wrestling career, Bob Backlund, and so much more!!!

Vladimir Koloff talks his career including working South Atlantic Pro Wrestling, Ivan Koloff, Bobby Fulton, Jackie Fulton, the Headhunters, working ECW, Smoky Mountain, challenging Tito Santana for the EVW title, trying out for both WWF and WCW, Herb Abrams and the UWF plus so much more!!!

Princess Victoria talks her days in wrestling training under Sandy Barr, working under Don Owen in the Portland territory, Fabulous Moolah, being part of the inaugural WWF women’s tag team champions with Velvet McIntyre, how she broker her neck and how it ultimately lead to her retirement at a young aged thoughts on the evolution of women’s wrestling and Rhea Ripley and wrestling today!

Calypso Jim joins the show to talk Jim’s career including Dick The Bruiser, teaming with a young Scott Steiner, Chris Carter, Dr. Jerry Graham Jr, being mentored by Bobo Brazil and inheriting the name, working with a young Dave McClane, Sinister Minister of Fear, Bob Luce plus so much more!!!

A special Veterans Day edition with Sargent Antonio Andolini! We talk him deciding to get into wrestling and initially training under “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe at the original Monster Factory, what caused a hiatus in wrestling and going into the Army. Then returning years later and training further under Randy Shawn at Team 3D Academy, thoughts on the evolution of professional wrestling and so much more!

#wcw #prowrestling #wweThis week on the show, we sit down for a rare and honest conversation with one-half of one of wrestling’s most talked-about teams from the late 1980s The Ding Dongs. From humble beginnings to the bright lights of WCW, our guest, Richard Sartain opens up about his journey through the world of professional wrestling forming the tag team Rock n Roll Rebels with Greg Evans in Deep South Wrestling.We discuss how WCW discovered the duo, the moment they learned about the now-infamous Ding Dongs gimmick, and whether they knew they were facing an uphill battle with southern wrestling crowds. You’ll hear stories about Jim Herd’s involvement, working with Tony Schiavone, and what it felt like to debut on national TV at Clash of the Champions against George South and Cougar Jay.The conversation dives deep into the backstage atmosphere from facing teams like The State Patrol, Rip Morgan & Jack Victory, and The Skyscrapers, to teaming with stars like Scott Hall, Trent Knight, and The Italian Stallion, We also explore what came next: the eventual end of the Ding Dongs, possible plans for a post-mask push, and what led to both men’s exit from WCW.Now, decades later, we reflect on how the Ding Dongs’ short-lived run became one of wrestling’s most enduring talking points. Our guest shares his thoughts on the modern wrestling scene, his memories of working with names like Mike Rotunda, Brian Pillman, and The Great Muta, and his message to fans who still remember the team that dared to be different

Tag team the Faculty join Rick to talk some pro wrestling including Andrew’s amateur career, competing against each other, the upcoming battle with the Anthony Express for Pro Wrestling Mid-South, Elite Pro Wrestling, Heath Slater & Rhyno, Ricky Morton, Virginia Championship Wrestling, training early on and becoming a team, Jakob opening up his own wrestling school and so much more!

“Golden Boy” Greg Anthony returns to the show and tell us what he’s been up to. Including making his Connecticut/ New England debut, teaming with his son Xavier I. The Anthony Express and winning the Pro Wrestling Mid-South tag team titles, current thoughts on the NWA and Billy Corgan bringing back the territory system and much much more! Also check out the Golden Boy Project at the link below:https://youtu.be/Fwf4UK8vi2s?si=uLhPmHeq3unkrkT5

WARNING: there was an audio issue for this episode. I tried to fix the audio and raise Scott up as best I can. I was able to fix it to the best of my ability but still very low. Please bear with me. Rick sits down with Scott McGhee to talk his professional wrestling career including his father, amateur career, his friendship with Dynamite Kid, teaming with Barry Windham and winning the Florida tag team titles, his time in Mid Atlantic/Jim Crockett Promotions plus so much more! I plan on having Scott back in the near future as there is still a ton more to cover.

Jay Cal of the Alliance Guys podcast joins Rick to talk the debut of NWA Powerrr on Roku!

Sam and the crew discuss this past weekends loaded events !

Previewing this weekend wrestling events.

Memphis Wrestling Internet Champion “The Genetic Nightmare” Mike Anthony joins Rick and talks Memphis Wrestling, Tim Bosby, K Toomer and much more!You can follow Rick Del Santo on X at @TheRickDelSanto or on Facebook at The Prof Rick Del Santo

Rick is joined once again Jon Peck to discuss wrestling magazines and their influence in the 1980s, tape trading and always searching for more content as a kid. ProWrestlingWire.Net

Sam and the gang talk WWE’s Night of Champions.

Rick Del Santo & pop culture historian and pro wrestling fan Jon Peck discuss the AWA & NWA’s answer to WrestleMania. Superclash ‘85. Web:ProWrestlingWire.NetShop:teepublic.com/user/theprof🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6022935632805888

Johnny Faith joins the show and talks his wrestling career, his grandfather and finding out he was professional wrestler Boston Bad Boy Jim Allen, XWE, Heartland Championship Wrestling, training under Bill Simmons, Glen Jacobs, Dr. Tom Pritchard, his time in the service, returning from a heart attack and much more! Web:ProWrestlingWire.NetShop:teepublic.com/user/theprof🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6022935632805888

Sean Cruise returns to the show to talk what’s been going on over the last year since his last appearance. Titles he’s won, new adventures and promotions he’s working,, accomplishing goals and big matches, his upcoming debut In Pennsylvania, how a match recently turned into a Bull Rope match, his upcoming match against Chase Emeryband much more! Web:ProWrestlingWire.NetShop:teepublic.com/user/theprof🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6022935632805888

Former USWA announcer Michael St John joins Rick to talk his career in wrestling including working for Gulas/Welch, Ole Anderson in Georgia, his opinions on modern wrestling and much more! Web:prowrestlingwire.net Store:teepublic.com/user/theprof🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6022935632805888

This week Rick interviews Bubba White. Better known in the wrestling world as Moondog Splat/Goliath! Talking Memphis CWA/USWA, Japan, teaming with Fred Ottman (then known as Big Bubba), Downtown Bruno, Shawn Michaels and Marty Janetty, Jerry Lawler plus so much more! Coming June 17th! https://linktr.ee/theprofrickdelsanto

I sit down this week with former AWA, Memphis amongst other territories talent “Illustrious” Jonnie Stewart. We’re talking his career in Memphis, AWA, WWA, training under Buddy Wayne, experiences with Eric Bischoff, Verne Gagne, Jim Crockett Jr, Paul Heyman and much more!

Had a great conversation with Stanley Karr from Wrestling with Heart with Stanley Karr as we talked some pro wrestling, radio experience, podcasting, transition into roles within the business and much more!!!

Former WWWF tag team champion Tony Garea joins Rick to talk his wrestling career including coming to the United States, working for Jim Barnett, working for Eddie Graham, teaming with Pat Patterson in San Francisco and winning the NWA World Tag Team Championships (San Francisco versions), working Mid Atlantic, his short stint in Georgia, teaming with Haystacks Calhoun, Dean Ho, Larry Zbyszko, Rick Martel, the WWF’s national expansion, Moondogs, Valiant Brothers, transitioning into an office position, plus so much more!!!Facebook: ⁠The Prof Rick Del Santo⁠Instagram: ⁠therickdelsanto⁠X: ⁠@TheRickDelSanto⁠Bluesky: ⁠@therickdelsanto.bsky.social⁠Web:⁠ProWrestlingWire.net⁠YouTube:⁠@TheRickDelSanto⁠Email:[email protected]

Former Pro Wrestling Illustrated managing editor, WCW magazine, Wrestling’s Main Event and host of the Outdated Wrestling Hour, Bob Smith returns to the show to the show to talk with Rick including the current state of WWE and the marketing, merchandise as well as talking podcasting technicalities. Facebook: ⁠The Prof Rick Del Santo⁠Instagram: ⁠therickdelsanto⁠X: ⁠@TheRickDelSanto⁠Bluesky: ⁠@therickdelsanto.bsky.social⁠Web:⁠ProWrestlingWire.net⁠YouTube:⁠@TheRickDelSanto⁠Email:[email protected]

Chuck Coates joins the show to talk his wrestling career. Including training under Nelson Royal, starting in the WWF against the Twin Towers (Akeem and Big Boss Man), teaming with Paul Roma against Andre The Giant and Haku, working the NAWA, South Atlantic Pro Wrestling, NWA/WCW. working with TNT (Tommy Angel and Tommy Seabolt), becoming one of the German Stormtroopers with Helmut Hesler (Chuck Smith), The Fantastics (Bobby and Jackie Fulton), WCW in the early 1990's, Owen Hart, Ricky Morton, Matt Borne, wrestling Kurt Angle in a dark match in the WWF before he made it to TV plus so much more!Facebook: ⁠The Prof Rick Del Santo⁠Instagram: ⁠therickdelsanto⁠X: ⁠@TheRickDelSanto⁠Bluesky: ⁠@therickdelsanto.bsky.social⁠Web:⁠ProWrestlingWire.net⁠YouTube:⁠@TheRickDelSanto⁠Email:[email protected]

Sam and the crew return to talk some pro wrestling.

Author and podcaster Brian Ferguson joins Rick to talk about growing up in Wisconsin and being a fan of the AWA and Verne Gagne and his new book "Verne: Inside And Outside The Ropes". We also talk the Monday Night Wars, what wrestling we currently watch and his podcast Bumps and Thumps plus much more!Follow:Facebook:⁠The Prof Rick Del Santo⁠Instagram:⁠therickdelsanto⁠X:⁠TheRickDelSanto⁠Bluesky:⁠therickdelsanto.bsky.social⁠Web:⁠ProWrestlingWire.net

WARNING: THERE IS SOUND AND CONNECTION ISSUES DURING THIS INTERVIEW. I TRIED TO FIX IT THE BEST I COULD. STEPS WILL BE TAKEN FOR THE NEXT INTERVIEW TO PREVENT THESE ISSUES. Sat down and had a great conversation with Sunny Beach last night. We talked him being being cast in No Holds Barred, how he got in to WWF, teaming with guys like Mike Sharpe, Boris Zukhov, working guys like Scott Casey, Paul Roma, his friendship with Stan Hansen, going to Japan and of course teaming with Steve "Wild Thing" Ray as Wet and Wild and going to the UWF and Herb Abrams. Unfortunately we had to cut it short however we agreed to shoot a part two very soon.

Rick Del Santo along with Harry Davila speak about the MLW Never Say Never ppv, Game Changers Clean Up Man, BLITZKRIEG as well as all the great pro wrestling from the NORTHEAST!!!

"Playboy" Vince aka Phil Apollo joins Rick & Anthony to talk his wrestling career including first meeting Chris Adams, training with Killer Kowalski, working the Savoldis, Tom Brandi, "Playboy" Gary Hart, Al Perez, John Tatum, World Class, Jack Victory, going to WCW, going to WWF, Percy Pringle, Pat Patterson plus so much more!!! Show your love for PWZ by donating to help with production costs https://anchor.fm/rick252 Check out the PWZ store: https://www.teepublic.com/user/pwz-podcast Check out our sponsor Dubby! For an energy drink without the jitters. use coupon code PWZPOD for 10% off your order. https://www.dubby.gg/collections/all?gclid=CjwKCAiA_vKeBhAdEiwAFb_nrR9wGoqmDgvlrpbNjbBrB2naGHBYklmTwiphHn91arMfW9MkysVSnxoCqoUQAvD_BwE Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/73T7lf8zNALB7bV5PsD3 Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcaspwz/id1493073729 Youtube https://youtube.com/@PWZNETWORK #prowrestling #podcast #podcastersofinstagram #youtuber #youtube #wrestling #contentcreator #content #wrestlingpodcast #wwe #wwf #allelitewrestling #aew #indiewrestling #indywrestling #independentwrestling #supportindependentwrestling #wrestletok #wrestlingtiktok

Women's wrestling legend Brittany Brown joins the show to talk her career including training with the Fabulous Moolah, Killer Kowalski, Misty Blue Simmes, LPWA, ICW, NWA, breaking her neck and what made her choose retirement. Plus so much more!!! Show your love for PWZ by donating to help with production costs https://anchor.fm/rick252 Check out the PWZ store: https://www.teepublic.com/user/pwz-podcast Check out our sponsor Dubby! For an energy drink without the jitters. use coupon code PWZPOD for 10% off your order. https://www.dubby.gg/collections/all?gclid=CjwKCAiA_vKeBhAdEiwAFb_nrR9wGoqmDgvlrpbNjbBrB2naGHBYklmTwiphHn91arMfW9MkysVSnxoCqoUQAvD_BwE

Rick is joined by Jon Peck of Shocking Things podcast for the first half of the show to talk this weeks NWA SUPER POWERRR. The second half Rick is joined by Mike Falvo , ambassador for the International Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame to talk the August 27-28th events and the inaugural induction. We also pay tribute to the late Chris Youngblood. Check out www.prowrestlinghall.org Show your love for PWZ by grabbing yourself a shirt, hoodie, mug or something for this kids http://tee.pub/lic/d73rVFX4ZNo Questions, comments, inquiries or submissions [email protected] or [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pwzpodcast/ Twitter:@pwzpodcast & @TheRickDelSanto Looking for rare wrestling DVDs, autographs and more? Check out our Mercari store. Items added daily. https://www.mercari.com/u/485071091

#wrestlemania #wwe #prowrestling Rick and the GOC talk WrestleMania T-SHIRTS:http://tee.pub/lic/d73rVFX4ZNo Social Media:@pwzpodcast

Rick, THEDVDFREAK & JJ reunite to talk night one of Wrestlemania!