Podcast

Episode 241: Jeff Bowdren Talks the Best of the 1980s

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #241 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon!

This week, Brian welcomes back to the show Jeff “The Booker” Bowdren, to discuss his new book, The Best of the ’80s: One Man’s Choices for the Best Matches of a Decade of Change!

It’s a far-reaching conversation about the best matches of that unforgettable decade and what made them great. Plus: The greatness of Jimmy and Gary Hart! The underrated Hulk Hogan! And even some movie talk!

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

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Podcast

Episode 240: Brad Balukjian Returns

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #240 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon!

This week, Brian welcomes back to the show writer and historian Brad Balukjian, author of THE SIX-PACK!

Brian and Brad discuss their latest Patreon project, breaking down the WWF Big Event, 40 years later. Plus, there’s talk of attendance figures in wrestling, including that elusive WrestleMania III number…

Plus– Brian’s take on the Star Wars prequels/sequels, as if you needed that…

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

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Podcast

Episode 239: From the Archives – Bruce Swayze

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #239 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon!

This week, Brian dips back into his audio archive to share a 2020 interview he conducted with Canadian journeyman wrestler “Beautiful” Bruce Swayze, who just passed away last week at the age of 84.

Conducted during the writing of Blood and Fire, the interview includes Bruce’s remembrances of The Sheik, as well as his own experiences working in Ontario, Buffalo, the Carolinas and other places for a variety of promoters over the course of his 25-year career.

It’s a look back at one of the many hard-working wrestlers who made their living in the territorial era, and whose memories must be preserved.

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

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Podcast

Episode 238: The NWA World Champions Series, Part 13 – Ric Flair

The final chapter of Shut Up and Wrestle’s NWA World Champions series is here, as Brian R. Solomon chats with Stick to Wrestling’s John McAdam about the championship career and legacy of the final touring NWA World heavyweight champion in the classic mold, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair.

From Flair’s first NWA title win in September 1981 through his forfeiture of the title in September 1991, he dominated the title picture for a full decade, and from 1981-1986, he fulfilled the traditional role of the touring champ–the last one to do so.

Brian and John talk about why that was, what made Flair so great, plus a variety of other tangents including the murky transition from NWA to WCW, the burdens of being a wrestling magazine collector, and a whole lot more.

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

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Podcast

Episode 237: Jon Langmead Talks Jack Pfefer

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #237 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon!

This week, Brian welcomes back to the show writer and historian Jon Langmead, for a conversation on eccentric mid 20th century wrestling promoter Jack Pfefer.

Brian and Jon compare notes on their visits to the Jack Pfefer Archive at Notre Dame University. Plus, an important conversation on the problem of generative AI in the world of wrestling history writing and research.

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

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Podcast

Episode 236: Greg Klein Returns

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #236 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon!

This week, Brian welcomes back to the show Texas wrestling historian Greg Klein, whose new book The Texas Rasslin’ Wars of the 1950s delves into one of the most contentious battles of the territorial era.

It’s a look back at an often overlooked period of Texas wrestling history. Plus–comparing experiences at the Jack Pfefer Archives, deep dark family secrets, and more!

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

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Podcast

Episode 235: Family Edition

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #235 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon!

This week’s “family edition” of the show brings the return of Brian’s wife, Jaimee! Plus, as a special bonus, the debut of Brian’s son, Peter–the little boy whose voice kicks off the show every week.

Unique insights from the beleaguered family members who have to put with Brian’s obsessions on a regular basis… Plus, the return of Jewish Dusty Rhodes! Brian (and Peter’s) Vince Russo impression! CAC and Pfefer Archive reminiscences! The greatest wrestling promos! And a whole lot more.

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

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Podcast

Episode 234: The NWA World Champions Series, Part 12 – Dusty Rhodes

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #234 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! It’s part twelve of the NWA Word Champions Series, with special guest Howard Baum.

This week, Brian talks about the NWA title legacy of 3-time world champion Dusty Rhodes, with someone who lived through it all as a fan, Howard Baum.

From Dusty’s initial fluke win over Harley Race in 1979, to the “Summer of Dusty” in 1981, to his 1986 win during the JCP days, Brian and Howard dissect it all–including Dusty’s unique appeal and charisma, and how they changed expectations of wrestling babyfaces forever.

And it wouldn’t be a Howard Baum appearance without other random non-sequiturs, including Memphis Lawler vs. WWF Lawler, the kayfabe of Gilbert Gottfried, Jewish Dusty Rhodes and more!

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

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Podcast

Episode 233: Ed Helinski Returns

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #233 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon!

This week, former WWF Magazine editor Ed Helinski returns, with more inside stories from 1980s Titan Sports! There’s some Jim Barnett talk, we get into some of the infamous scandals of the time… Plus, those glorious localized promos, the wonder of squash matches, and a whole lot more!

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

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Podcast

Episode 232: Sean Dulaney Returns

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #232 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon!

This week, historian Sean Dulaney returns to the show!

Sean is best known to wrestling history aficionados for his work on the history of wrestling in Evansville, Indiana. And we get into that as well as wrestling in the greater Tennessee territory. Plus some insight into the modern pro wrestling product, and even some talk on Sean’s other great obsession, the comic book and comic con industries.

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download