Tag Archives: WWF

Episode 114: WWE Employee Roundtable

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #114 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon!

In honor of WrestleMania week, and in light of recent discussions of WWE corporate culture, Brian has put together a roundtable of former WWE employees.

Brian and his guests, former head of security Jimmy Noonan, former creative director Deb Jaswaye, and former WWE.com web editor Lou DiPietro, engage in a frank, nuanced discussion of what it was like to work inside the WWE machine.

It’s a complex, in-depth discussion and an emotional rollercoaster you won’t want to miss.

Shut Up and Wrestle is a production of the Arcadian Vanguard Podcast Network.

Episode 109: Melissa Costabile

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #109 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon!

This week, Brian is joined by his former WWE Publications colleague Melissa Costabile for a trip back to Titan Tower!

Melissa has loads of amusing tales and anecdotes from her days in Stamford, so listen in as she and Brian take a look back at working for the McMahons, popping up on Monday Night Raw, and navigating the strange waters of WWE.

Vince rides his motorcycle, Shane vs. Stephanie, Benoit takes a nap, Stone Cold cracks up, plus much more…

Shut Up and Wrestle is a production of the Arcadian Vanguard Podcast Network.

Episode 105: From the Archives – Bruno Sammartino

“Those people were loyal, they believed. I used to get goosebumps, after all those years, because every time I showed my face in the Garden, the whole building would start chanting, ‘Bruno! Bruno!'”

We go back into the Brian R. Solomon archives this week for a 2007 interview Brian did with “The Living Legend” Bruno Sammartino!

The interview took place on the occasion of the passing of Bruno’s former manager Arnold Skaaland, but Bruno candidly discussed a wide range of topics, including his issues with WWE, the Hall of Fame, the infamous night he lost the title, and much more!

Shut Up and Wrestle is a production of the Arcadian Vanguard Podcast Network.

Episode 102: Jon Finkel

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #102 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon!

This week, Brian is joined by Jon Finkel, author of the upcoming book, Macho Man: The Untamed, Unbelievable Life of Randy Savage!

It’s a deep dive into the life and career of one of wrestling’s most popular figures, as Brian talks to Jon about his work researching and writing about the one and only Macho Man.

Ride the lightning bolt this week with Shut Up and Wrestle, dig it!

Shut Up and Wrestle is a production of the Arcadian Vanguard Podcast Network.

Episode 98: Steve Dworkin

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #98 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon!

This week, Brian is joined by 65-year wrestling fan and former USA Network engineer Steve Dworkin!

From Haystacks Calhoun to Triple H, Steve has encountered countless stars over the years, and shares many of his priceless stories! It’s a unique perspective from a lifelong wrestling aficionado!

Shut Up and Wrestle is a production of the Arcadian Vanguard Podcast Network.

Episode 94: Andrew Wilson

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #94 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon!

This week, Brian is joined by a long-time WWE colleague, former WWF/E Creative Director Andrew Wilson!

It’s a deep dive into the inner workings of the New Generation/Attitude/Ruthless Aggression era WWF/E the likes of which you won’t hear anywhere else, from a creative standpoint from inside Titan Tower at the time.

From the nWo in Stamford, to the importance of Austin 3:16, to lunch with The Rock, it’s all here and a lot more.

Shut Up and Wrestle is a production of the Arcadian Vanguard Podcast Network.

Episode 89: Harry Burkett

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #89 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon!

This week, Brian is joined by Pro Wrestling Illustrated Senior Writer, Harry Burkett!

Join Brian and Harry for a discussion of the nostalgia of wrestling magazines (which may even include a bit about apartment wrestling), as well as the glories of WWF Championship Wrestling, and a whole lot more.

We go back to the newsstand this week on Shut Up and Wrestle!

Shut Up and Wrestle is a production of the Arcadian Vanguard Podcast Network.

Episode 87: Robert Bledsoe

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #87 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon!

This week, Brian is joined by former WWF and Raw Magazine writer Robert Bledsoe!

Robert shares lots of memorable stories, including visiting The Hardys’ North Carolina compound and his encounters with the McMahons, plus learn how he blew up the WWF’s relationship with The Opie & Anthony Show!

Anyway, Robert’s departure from the WWF opened the door for Brian to be a magazine writer, so he owes him.

Shut Up and Wrestle is a production of the Arcadian Vanguard Podcast Network.

Episode 63: Mike Clark

Hello wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #63 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon!

My guest this week is Mike Clark, who went from a fan in the ’80s to working in the Jack Tunney Toronto office during the WWF’s expansion. Mike’s got so many great stories from the glory days of the WWF, plus we give our thoughts on the current state of the mainstream and indie business.

Shut Up and Wrestle goes back to the ’80s this week!

Shut Up and Wrestle is a production of the Arcadian Vanguard Podcast Network.