Tag Archives: WWE

Podcast

Episode 204: Mailbag Episode!

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #204 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon!

This week, Shut Up and Wrestle is doing its first-ever mailbag episode, as Brian answers questions submitted by podcast listeners on the SUAW Facebook page.

Brian talks about his time at WWE, his writing, his opinions on wrestling history and more. From Ric Flair putting him over, to his future book projects, to the time he saw a Bret/Owen Iron match, to Santa Blassie and a whole lot of other stuff.

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

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Episode 203: The NWA World Champions Series, Part 6 – Buddy Rogers

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #203 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! It’s part six of the NWA Word Champions Series, with special guest George Schire.

“To a nicer guy, it couldn’t happen!” So said the flamboyant Buddy Rogers when he captured the NWA title from Pat O’Connor in 1961. This week, we look at the original Nature Boy and his massive influence on the future of the business.

The Bruno/Buddy beef! Attacked by Karl Gotch! The record Comiskey crowd! All that and more!

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

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Episode 202: Joe Marotta Talks Ric Flair in the WWF

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #202 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon!

This week, Joe Marotta joins Brian for a record-setting fourth time, this time to discuss the early 1990s run of Ric Flair in the WWF.

Brian and Joe discuss all the what-ifs, as well as all the highs and lows of this important, if relatively short phase of the Nature Boy’ legendary career.

From the Piper feud to facing Hogan at MSG to the Royal Rumble, WrestleMania VII and the war for Miss Elizabeth, to dropping the title to Bret Hart and more, it’s all here.

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

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The Best of Shut Up and Wrestle, Vol. 4

Hello, wrestling fans! Join Brian R. Solomon this week for the Best of Shut Up and Wrestle, Vol. 4!

During this special holiday week, Brian has dipped into the archives of Shut Up and Wrestle once again to bring you some of his favorite show moments!

* Buff Bagwell on his infamous backstage brawl with Shane Helms!
* Les Thatcher talks the art of pro wrestling!
* Vandal Drummond on the legacy of Strangler Lewis!
* Baby Doll on growing up in the business!
* Justin Race remembers his legendary dad!
* Mrs. Solomon gives her unique perspective on Mid-South!
* Sam Adonis on what today’s wrestlers can learn from the territory days!
* Dave LaGreca’s letter to Ricky Steamboat!

It’s another trip down memory lane this week on Shut Up and Wrestle! Stay tuned for a new episode next week in 2026!

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

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Episode 201: From the Archives – Hulk Hogan

“I wanted to become the Babe Ruth of the WWF. I wanted to go down as the guy that was responsible for the foundation of what we’ve laid out.”

As a Christmas gift to listeners, Brian R. Solomon has dug into his audio archives for this 2002 interview with Hulk Hogan.

Recorded at Hogan’s home in Clearwater, Florida, shortly after Hogan’s historic match with The Rock at WrestleMania X8, it’s a snapshot of a moment in time, with Hulkamania breaking loose in WWE one last time.

The Hulkster discussed his comeback, his falling out with the comeback, his legacy and so much more, including a look back at his most iconic in-ring rivals.

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

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Episode 200: John “Bradshaw” Layfield

He’s the Wrestling God. He’s a WWE Hall of Famer. He was the longest-reigning world champion in SmackDown history. And this week, John “Bradshaw” Layfield is the special guest for the 200th episode of Shut Up and Wrestle with Brian R. Solomon!

Listen in as Brian and JBL talk wrestling history, including the Von Erichs, Memphis, New York and more! John talks about his memorable interview of Bruno Sammartino, his years as a young fan in Texas and his memories of Gorilla Monsoon, among many other things.

Celebrate Episode 200 with the one and only JBL.

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

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Episode 192: From the Archives – Maureen Marella

“My husband used to say to me, the only ones you got to worry about is me and you. So don’t ask me anything about the business. And I never did. I said OK. When the phone rang, and he was in his office, I closed the door. I didn’t wanna know nothing.”

In July 2023, Brian R. Solomon interviewed Maureen Marella, the widow of Gorilla Monsoon, for his book, Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon. It was the only interview she would ever give.

Although Mrs. Marella was never able to officially be a guest on the podcast due to her passing last February, this week Brian is dipping into his archives to share that 2023 book interview. It provides unique insights and memories from a woman who was true wrestling royalty.

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

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Episode 191: The NWA World Champions Series, Part 4 – Dick Hutton

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #191 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon! It’s part four of the NWA Word Champions Series, with special guest Mike Chapman.

Despite being the hand-picked successor to Lou Thesz and NWA World champion from 1957-1959, Dick Hutton is the least discussed titleholder from the classic NWA World title era. This week, we do him justice with a look into his life, career and accomplishments.

Plus, more on Thesz, some talk about Danny Hodge, and even a little boxing talk!

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

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Episode 190: James Dixon

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #190 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon!

This week, Brian welcomes author James Dixon to the show to talk about his new book on wrestling in 1992, Titan Shrinking: How Wrestling’s Muscle Lost Its Power.

It’s a deep dive into the WWF (and a little WCW) in that tumultuous year. If you’re a fan of that era, or looking to learn more, this is the show for you.

Bret vs. Davey! Irwin R. Schyster! Nailz attacks Vince! Sid gets suspended! Papa Shango! All that and more this week on Shut Up and Wrestle.

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

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Episode 189: Valerie Marella-Jankowski

Hello, wrestling fans! It’s time for Episode #189 of Shut Up and Wrestle, with Brian R. Solomon!

Brian’s guest this week, for the first time ever on any podcast, is Valerie Marella-Jankowski, the daughter of Gorilla Monsoon!

IRRESISTIBLE FORCE: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF GORILLA MONSOON has finally arrived, and it would not be what it is without Valerie’s participation and support. This week, she’s here to talk about her memories of her dad, and everything he meant to the business.

Plus, Valerie dishes the dirt about the time Ivan Putski killed her hamster. It’s gonna be a happening!

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

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